Merry Mary

IT'S SPRING TIME

2006-03-29T11:24:00.000-05:00

Just as rain and snow falls from the skies and don't go back until they've watered the earth, Doing their work of making things grow and blossom, producing seed for the sower and food for the hungry, So will the words that come out of my mouth not come back empty--handed. They'll do the work I sent them to do, they'll complete the assignment I gave them.

Isaiah 55:10-11

There is power in the words that we speak! Did you realize that everytime you speak you give those words a job? Each and every word that you say, once it leaves your mouth it is at work to accomplish its meaning. So here is some sound advice - carefully consider what you are about to say... do you really want it to come true?! Plant words of truth and encouragement and you will reap a harvest that you can truely enjoy!

Oh, For The Love Of Money

2006-02-22T09:39:00.000-05:00

For the love of money is the root of all sorts of evil, and because of longing and craving for it - have you been seduced into wandered away from faith and now find yourself in the mental pangs of grief? But you are men and women of God, run from these things, turn your focus to the pursuit of righteousness , godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, patience, and gentleness of heart. Instead of fretting about money, fight the good fight of faith, grab ahold of your eternal life, grab ahold of who you are in Christ, grab ahold of the promises of God over you and your household.
You have so boldly confessed your faith, in faith before many witnesses, so I charge you now to continue in that boldness looking straight ahead and seeing the plans that He has set out before you - plans to prosper you and give you a future. Do not set your hopes upon the uncertainty of worldly riches and provisions, they will always fail you and lead you further and further away from the path He has set before you - But set you hope upon God! He is the one who richly and endlessly provides us with everything that we need for our ENJOYMENT! He wants you to enjoy life! So find enjoyment in God and in doing good - with a generous heart share with others and He will generously pour back to you. In doing this you are laying up riches that will endure forever, building a sure foundation for your future, and truely grasping what life is really all about.
So, with great caution and alertness, guard your heart and keep the deposit that God has entrusted to you, allowing it to grow with interst. Do not get lost in the irreverent babbling and negative chattering caused by fear - it will only grow an empty void within you, sucking the life out of you. Today is the day to draw the sword of the Word that lives within you and strike down the lies that are cloaking you, trying to blind you from the brilliance of truth. God is the source that will never run dry, His love for you is beyond anything you could ever dare dream. Look to Him - 'cause money aint no thing!
1 Timothy 6:10-12,17b-20 AMP with a twist clc

DO YOU BELIEVE?

2006-02-10T06:51:00.000-05:00

Ok girl, you asked for it - so here it is!
We are living in the day of God's Power --- An Anointed and Holy Spirit filled people. We have been given the right, the authority and the power "to do greater things" (John 14:12).

So why do we live like sacred little kittens with a gun to our heads? Yes, the devil is a thief that comes to steal and destroy... he roams like a lion seeking to devour... that is what he does sneaking and seeking ways to wreak havoc. But by no means do we just put our hands up and surrender! (Attack kitty! Attack!)

It is time to ask ourselves what do we believe... not what do we know, but what do we believe. When we believe something we trust that it is truth, we rely on it to get us from point A to point B, and we firmly attatch ourselves to it, to the point of defending it and preserving it. A way to test what we believe is to assess they way that we live day to day. An example would be to ask yourself who do you believe is bigger - God or the devil? Of course you will quickly answer that God is bigger, but take a moment and assess how you have handled the last week.

Have you had a near-constant struggle with fear and/or anxiety over situations?
Have you been in a semi-constant state of dissatisfacton and unhappiness with the quality of your life?
Have you had an under lying anger because things aren't going the way that they should?
Have you thought that the world is going to hell in a handbasket?

I have found that if I answer yes to any of the above, I need to realign my beliefs with the what God says in His Word. The Bible says:

I serve a BIG God and that a defeated devil is under my feet!
I can have a sweet and satisfying relationship with the Lord and He wants me to bring all my requests to Him!
I will find ever increasing joy in the Lord because He pours His favor out to me!
God delights and desires me - He is enthralled with me!
Everyday has a new reason to praise and bless the Lord!
God has a plan and what He has started, He will bring to compleation! And It will be good!
God is wanting to tell me His secrets and reveal mysteries to me!
Jesus has already defeated the enemy, and will return in all glory and spendor!

and that is just barely scratching the serface of what the Bible has to say about us!
We were born for such a time as this - We were born for today! And God is going to accomplish through us what He has willed to do when we are believing Him, living out of the positive perspective of the Word of Truth, willing and ready to be used by Him!
-cls

2006-01-26T16:04:00.000-05:00

I'm So Glad That God Made Me - Me!

2006-01-20T02:16:00.000-05:00

If I were a butterfly, you could see me fly high in the sky.
And if I were a fish in the sea, you would want to spish and splash with me.
And if I were a rubber duck, well being plastic - that would suck!
And if I were a rolly polly bear, I'd keep warm with all that hair.
But I'm so glad that I can be just way God chose to make me!
cls

Its Time To Mix It Up!

2006-01-18T18:35:00.000-05:00

I am getting to that age that when you set your mind to do something, you want to actually get something accomplished. Otherwise, why bother?! Well, I found the secret recipe to get that done.
James 2:22 is where I found it, "You see that his faith was cooperating with his works/actions, his faith was completed and reached its supreme espression when he implemented it by his good works/actions."
Like Abraham, we must believe, rely on and trust God as we conform to God's will in our thoughts and deeds/actions. As I look at this picture I'm thinking that as we continue to mix our faith with our actions we will see an overflow of incredable blessings that will permeate the lives of those around us!
cls

It's Time To Laugh With Friends!

2006-01-10T01:15:00.000-05:00

Is your soul downcast? Well, if so you need to ask it why. We were created to give praise, honor and glory to our Sovereign Lord. Psalm 42:11 says to quit singing the blues and hope in God, wait with an expectancy for Him. If you have given up hope I must ask who you have been talking to and what report have you been reading? Pick up the phone and talk to one of your brothers or sisters in Christ - read the Word of God to each other. Let your eyes see the promises of God, let your mouth speak of His wonders and let your ears ring with truth as you encourage one another. It's time to laugh and even giggle because God is good and He has given us each other to enjoy His goodness with!
cls

Where Does Your Loyalty Lie?

2005-12-06T17:25:00.000-05:00

Don't forget all that you have been taught,
take heart at My commands.
They will help you live a long, long time,
a long life lived full and well.
Do not loose your grip in Love and Loyalty.
Tie them around your neck
carve their initials on your heart.
Earn a reputation for living well
in the God's eyes and the eyes of the people.
Proverbs 3:1-4

You know the old saying " As loyal as an old dog" it really does not take much imagination to understand it. I have a dog, and the little guy never seems to leave my side. He loves me no matter what I say or do to him - and of course I am the best of masters! There are some dogs that are the exception to the rule, and they do as they please, ignore their masters and may even be harmful without provocation. This train of thought brought me to the question, "Where does your Loyalty lie?" Do you faithfully lie at the Fathers feet, following His every footstep? Or do you have a comfy little corner that you prefer to wander off to?
As I read through Proverbs 3:1-12 the blessed life of the loyal began to unfold before me but it involves a bit of effor from our part:
*Trusting God from the bottom of my heart
*Not trying to figure out everything on my own
*Listening for God's voice in everything I do and everywhere I go
*He keeps track of me at all times
*Not to asume that I know it all
*Run to God - and run from evil
*Honor God with everything I own giving Him the first and the best
Living a life of loyalty ensures:
*A long life well lived!
*A body glowing with health, bones vibrating with life!
*A life bursting and overflowing!
cls

2005-11-25T17:51:00.000-05:00

Are you hurting? Pray

Do you feel great? Sing
Are you sick? Call the church leaders to pray
and anoint you with oil in the name of Jesus
Believing, faith filled prayer will heal you,
Jesus will put you back on your feet.
If you have sinned, repent, ask God to forgive you
and you'll be forgiven -- healed inside and out.
Make this your common practice:
confess you sins to each other and pray for each other
so that you can live together whole and healed.
The prayer of a person living right with God
is something powerful to be reckoned with!

PROCLAIM SIGHT!

2005-11-11T12:35:00.000-05:00

AS I WAS WORKING ON MEMORIZING LUKE 4:18-19 THE LINE "HE HAS SENT ME TO PROCLAIM... THE RECOVERY OF SIGHT TO THE BLIND" JUMPED OUT AT ME.
WE CAN PROCLAIM SIGHT TO THOSE WHO ARE BLIND TO THE LIGHT OF JESUS.
As we speak truth to them the scales will fall from their eyes - theres power in our words!
JUST LIKE THE LINES OF THE SONG "OPEN THE EYES OF MY HEAT LORD, I WANT TO SEE YOU, HIGH AND LIFTED UP - SHINING IN THE LIGHT OF YOUR GLORY!" WE CAN CRY OUT AND PROCLAIM SIGHT TO THE BLIND AREAS OF OUR OWN LIVES. That same power to speak truth to others and break them out of captiveity, bondagae and oppression applies to ourselves. We have been anointed and qualified by the Spirit of the Lord to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord to ourselves and to others.

Beautiful Feet Bring Good News

2005-10-26T16:05:00.000-04:00

Have you ever realized how many scriptures that there are about feet? Of all the body parts, why feet?
They symbolise humility - falling at the feet, and washing others feet; discipleship - sitting at the feet; conquest - to put under the feet; express worship, to revere - to remove the sandals from one's feet.
Through out the Word it talks about how God cares for our feet. He set my feet in a spacious place (Psalm 31:8);He set my feet upon a rock giving me a firm place to stand (Psalm 40:2); He guards the feet of His people (1 Sam. 2:9); He makes my feet strong and enables me to stand on the heights (2 Sam 22:34); He gives me and my descendants the land that my feet have walked upon (Deut 1:36; Josh. 14:9); He lights the path for my feet to walk upon by His Word (Psalm 119:105); By His Spirit He raises me up to my feet (Ezek. 3:24); and He sees my feet as beautiful when I proclaim good news, peace, salvation and cry out "Our God Reigns!" (Isaiah 52:2).
There is the Power of God in every ounce of our being! Especially in our feet - they carry us everywhere that we go! It is time for us to consider carefully the call upon our lives and Make level the paths for our feet, taking only ways that are firmly founded in the truth of God's Word (Prov. 4:26) We have the ability to make pathes level, so if you are on rocky groung start filling in the holes! The time has come for us to stop looking at the ground beneath our feet (current circustances) and standing still. We were created to LIVE and MOVE our beautiful feet!

THIS IS THE HOUR TO MOVE IN GOD'S POWER

2005-10-03T09:15:00.000-04:00

HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY!!!!
JOY JOY JOY!!!
THAT IS LIFE WITH JESUS!!!
EXPECT NOTHING LESS AND SETTLE FOR NOTHING LESS!
YOU WERE CREATED FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS - THAT MEANS TODAY, RIGHT HERE AND RIGHT NOW!!
IF YOU ARE BEING ROBBED IT IS TIME FOR YOU TO PULL OUT YOUR BIG GUNS - THE HOLY SPIRIT!
PRAY IN TONGUES!!
SING IN TONGUES!!!
SHOUT IN TONGUES!!!
THIS IS THE TIME, THIS IS THE HOUR FOR YOU TO MOVE IN GOD'S POWER!!!!
Like a race horse - you have been well fed and groomed, you have been properly trained and exersized.
This is not the time to graze lazily in the meadow, this is not the time to be resting in the stall... you have been led into the race track and placed in the racing box.
Can you hear it?!!
The alarm has sounded!!
The shot has been fired!!
The gates have been flung wide open!!!
You have been set loose...NOW RUN!!!

THE JOY OF THE LORD IS MY STRENGTH!!

2005-09-29T16:26:00.000-04:00

God Almighty is my treasure,

I have more wealth than I can imagine.

I take delight in God, the Mighty One, and
look to Him joyfully and boldly.
Job 22:25-26

God lets me laugh again and again so
I'll raise the roof with shouts of joy!
Job 8:21

Why should I be hungry for more?
I have God's more-than-enough,
I have more joy in one ordinary day
than I could ever get in a hundred shopping sprees.
At the end of the day I'm ready to sleep soundly in complete peace,
For you, GOD, have put my life back together.
Psalm 4:6-8

I'm thanking you, GOD, from a full heart,
I'm writing a book on all your wonders.
I'm whistling, laughing, and jumping for joy;
I'm singing your song, Oh Lord.
Psalm 9:1-2

The revelation of GOD is whole and complete
and pulls my life together.
The signposts of GOD are clear
and point out the right road to travel on.
The life--maps of GOD are right,
showing the way to joy.
The directions of GOD are plain
and easy on the eyes.
GOD's reputation is twenty-four-carat gold,
with a lifetime guarantee.
The decisions of GOD are accurate
down to the nth degree.
Psalm 19:7-9

TODAY!!

2005-09-26T10:29:00.000-04:00

The Holy Spirit cries out and says,
"TODAY!
Today, hear my voice!
Don't turn a deaf ear, don't grow stubborn in times of testing!"

Let us watch our step, friends.
Making sure there's no evil unbelief lying around
that will trip us up and throw us off course,
diverting us from our hope in the living God.
While the word 'TODAY' still rings in our ears,
encourage one another daily,
keeping each other on our toes so sin doesn't slow down our reflexes.
Keeping our grip firm on the sure thing we started out with,
we're in this with Christ for the long haul.
Hebrews 3:7-14

I'm Gonna' See Through The Eyes of Faith!!

2005-09-22T10:11:00.000-04:00

Be cheerful no matter what;

Cheerful: giving hope and courage, to encourage; marked by being at ease in mind and spirit; full of brightness that radiates to others.
If we are told to be cheerful than it must be something that we have control over, a choice.
I believe that being at ease in mind and spirit is the key to being cheerful - casting our burdens, worries and cares at the feet of Jesus. If this is a difficult thing to do (the casting) examine your motivation for holding on... I found that it was a pride thing in my life. I really thought very highly of myself - things will only get done right if I do them or are somehow involve. Always thinking and scheming of how to make life (mine and everyone elses) better. What I was really doing was trying to be God -- ooops! That job is already taken! All that we are called to do is to listen,trust, and obey ~ He will provide and show the way.

Pray all the time;

Prayer is a conversation with God. If you are in the room with someone, do you just sit in silence all the time? God wants a people that love to converse sharing the depth of heart.

Thanking God no matter what happens.

This is the way God wants you who belong
to Christ Jesus to live.

Don't suppress the Spirit,

Suppress: to bring one's emotions under control, to put an end to by use of authority; to keep the truth from being known; to bring an end to by destroying or defeating; forcefully holding one back from seeking an outlet, hindering the normal growth and development.
If you don't feel the Spirit isn't moving in your life examine where you tied Him down. If you are filled the the Holy Spirit the natural thing is for Him to move and breath in your life. But each of us has the ability to hold Him back, tie Him down, or put Him in a box to control where He is and is not allowed to move, hindering our growth and development.

Keep only what's good. Throw out anything tainted with evil.

Tainted: to undergo destructive changes; having a trace of decay or corruption; made impure or unclean, contaminated.

God Himself, the God who makes everything Holy and Whole,
MADE YOU HOLY AND WHOLE,

Holy: pure; blessed; sanctified, upright in character.
Whole: being in a healthy and sound condition; having all parts and elements needed, lacking nothing that properly belongs; free from damage, defect, or flaw.
See your self as God made you-- you have been rebirthed and made whole! You do not lack anything, Put thoses sunglasses on and see what is real and what is the lie of the enemy!

HE PUT YOU TOGETHER
--spirit, soul, and body--
AND KEEPS YOU FIT
for the coming of Jesus Christ.

The One who called you is completely dependable.

If He said it, HE WILL DO IT!
I Thes. 5:16-24

Pain!

2005-09-19T20:08:00.000-04:00

Not sure how to write this so here it goes from the heart. I have been struggling with constant pain now for about 2 years. It is getting worse and worse, and I am holding onto hope, and painting wellness on the canvas of my heart. I have what's called TMD, which is a condition of the jaw joint. I could not ever empathize with people who said that they were in chronic pain. I only imagined how it was for them, but never really knew, until now. I find myself limiting my activities because of the pain, not spending time with my family and friends like I used to because of the pain, it feels like my life as I knew it is slipping away. Now, I do believe in the healing power of God, and know without a doubt that it is His will that we are well. I have prayed over and over again for healing, have been anointed and prayed for many times. I know that my only true hope for wellness is by the supernatural healing power of God. However, for reasons only God knows, at this time, I remain in pain.

One thing that the Lord has shown me over the years is the verse from 2 Corinthians 1:3-7, which talks about suffering, so that we can comfort those who suffer, with the same measure with which we have been comforted. I love that verse because it puts a sort of logic for me on the suffering of believers. I love God and know that no suffering, pain, or tear goes unnoticed or unused. God is so good and I am trusting Him to use the suffering, and also to heal the pain.

Take a good look at yourself

2005-09-15T10:14:00.000-04:00

Take a good look at yourself - God is backing you to the hilt! He has choosen you and couldn't be more pleased with you. He has bathed you with His Spirit and Life. He will use you in setting everything right among the nations. Not calling attention to yourself with loud speaches or gaudy parades, but by caring for the bruised and hurt, by taking note of the small and seemingly insignificant, by steadily and firmly setting things right, never tiring or quiting until you have finished your work. God has called you to live right and well. He has taken responsibility for you and kept you safe. He has set you among people to bind them to Him and has provided you to be a lighthouse to bring people into the open, into the light. You have been quiet long enough! Now is the time to let loose and go forth! Isaiah 42:1-4,6,14

Mmmmmmaaa

2005-09-14T09:27:00.000-04:00

SENDING OUT A BIG KISS TO YOU ALL!!! LOVE YA!!!!

Trust and Obey!

2005-09-10T19:07:00.000-04:00

When I was in Sunday School (many years ago) we used to sing this song called Trust and Obey. The chorus of the song went; Trust and Obey, for there's no other way, to be happy in Jesus, but to Trust and Obey. That song has been running through my head lately, and I think it's because God is dealing with me right now in the area of trust. Because of mistrusts of the past I find it difficult to trust God. He has shown me lately that my health is even starting to suffer, because I am striving so hard to make things happen in my own power, to the neglect of my well-being.

So I have made a decision to trust God at all costs. He led me to this amazing verse in Isaiah that I believe sums up what God is trying to say to me and to others as well. The verse is Isaiah 54:11"O afflicted city lashed by storms and not comforted, I will build you with stones of turquoise, your foundations with sapphires." Notice it says I will build you, not Mary will build Mary.

It can feel scary to me at times to give up my precious control, and let God take over. But His word says that His ways are not our ways, and His thoughts are not our thoughts. God has so much more for me than I could ever hope for or imagine. Trusting God, and therefore walking in obedience is the only way to be truly happy; so Trust and Obey, for there's no other way, to be happy in Jesus, but to Trust and Obey.

2005-09-02T02:47:00.000-04:00

And You all wondered
how Kip lost his hair?!!!

Wow, what a weekend!

2005-08-28T19:28:00.000-04:00

This weekend was absolutely amazing. It started out for me on Friday morning, when I went to Linda Vinkemeiers new home for a haircut, and coffee. Her new home is Tammy Sullivans previous home and it is absolutely beautiful. A fulfillment of God's promise in Linda's and Roger's life. Bethany, and I got our haircut (lovin' my new do), Bethany got to swim, and I got to chat with Cher, Sharend Smith, Linda, and Ashley. It was Kip's birthday so we made a special dinner for him, and celebrated his 43rd year on this earth.

Saturday was the big event at Heidi, and Jon's. It was an ice cream party for the neighborhood and our house group had been planning for this all summer. It went absolutely fantastic, and I believe many connections were made for the Kingdom. There was a word spoken to Heidi by Lynnsy, that one of the women at the outreach was going to have a vision of a woman who was going to be at the outreach. Annie had several visions of a woman and saw that woman at the outreach. Wow I am amazed at what God is doing and excited to join in on His plans.

Sunday's worship was amazing, the presence of God was there and the joy of worshipping Him was very contagious. I get so stirred by watching others worshipping and seeing the joy on their faces. God bless you all and I will type to you all soon.

I got me a Frog Blog!!

2005-08-25T19:02:00.000-04:00

More to come soon - just had to get started with something!