Category Archives: Miracles On Earth

12/5/12

T.D. Jakes, Joyce Meyer, Leslie Parrott, Creflo Dollar, and Cindy Trimm Sermons

“Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb; you taught me wisdom in that secret place.” Psalm 51:6 NIV

I have been Blessed by GOD through the teaching and preaching of these evangelists. I Pray that you will be Blessed also.   Rev. Charlene

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Charlene’s Source: youtube

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12/4/12

The Birth Of Jesus Luke 2: 1–21

Revised December 4th, 2012

 

 

 

     The Birth of Christ is a scriptural truth known by most but not embraced by many. The Christmas Holiday has degraded over time into a pursuit of  new technologies or toys. Many do not know that Christmas means “Christ’s Mass”– a covenant between Jesus and ourselves. He is “The Gift”. The world’s traditional gifts such as scarves, sweaters, and mittens still hang in there but have taken a back seat to tablets and smartphones. A desirable gift to me is still a book filled with treasures and truths. The ultimate book is The Holy Bible. Within its pages rests the history and spirit of a people and their GOD. Let us give praise for the birth of our Savior who came to repair the breach forged in the Garden of Eden–to bring GOD’s people back to Himself.

Let us rededicate ourselves to the fight for souls, and the filling of spirits. We know not the day nor the hour when Jesus the Christ will come back to earth to gather His Bride the Church unto Himself–but this we do know beyond earthly knowledge, for God’s Spirit dwells in us, that Jesus is coming back for those of us who have put ourselves in His ever loving care.  This church lives in the hearts of men, women, and children all over the world, and is not exclusive to traditional four walled buildings.

There are some truths that speak for themselves. Mankind is trying to forget the birth of the baby Jesus in the manger, but truth will always exert over falsehood.  This Christmas season should be a time for giving of ourselves and our Blessings. It is not about the commercialism, it is about the sacrifice. 

Have A Wonderful Holiday Season.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Charlene

 

Luke 2

The Birth of Jesus

1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.
4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

21 On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.

Jesus Presented in the Temple
22 When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”[b]), 24 and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.”[c]
25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:

29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you may now dismiss[d] your servant in peace.
30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,
31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and the glory of your people Israel.”

33 The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

36 There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and then was a widow until she was eighty-four.[e] She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. 38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

39 When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. 40 And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.

The Boy Jesus at the Temple
41 Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover. 42 When he was twelve years old, they went up to the festival, according to the custom. 43 After the festival was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. 44 Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. 45 When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.”
49 “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?”[f] 50 But they did not understand what he was saying to them.

51 Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.

Footnotes:
a.Luke 2:2 Or This census took place before
b.Luke 2:23 Exodus 13:2,12
c.Luke 2:24 Lev. 12:8
d.Luke 2:29 Or promised, / now dismiss
e.Luke 2:37 Or then had been a widow for eighty-four years.
f.Luke 2:49 Or be about my Father’s business
<<>>Show Commentary
New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica

11/12/12

November 11th, 2012 In Honor of Veterans Day

In Honor of  Veterans Day

 

It is so easy to overlook and forget yet another government holiday. If you are not a veteran, Veterans Day may come and go with the only reminder being no mail delivery. Veterans are a special people, and there are many activities to honor their sacrifice at home and abroad.  Cemeteries and memorials abound with the remains of those who have ensured your and my way of life for many centuries. Not only do veterans deserve our thanks and respect–they also deserve more recognition from us. Some are still actively engaging in warfare all over the world on repeated tours of duty.

 

 

I cannot imagine how it must feel to have hopes and dreams with no guarantees of ever achieving them.Those who are Blessed to return to home and family must treasure this miraculous gift.  For those who have no home or family to embrace–our special prayers go out to them today.

 

 

A sincere Thank You to all of our Veterans everywhere. May you stay safe under the shadow of His wings.

 

 

Picture credits:  roysrantswordpress.com

Charlene

 

Digiprove sealCopyright secured by Digiprove © 2012 Charlene Kirst

10/14/12

Bishop Morton w/ Aretha Franklin – Seasons Change

 

I am able to fully identify with this song. I am at a changing season of my life–I will come out stronger in Christ after this season changes.

“Seasons Change”  Bishop Morton

 

[duet with Aretha Franklin]

 

SEASONS CHANGE

 

[Verse 1:]

In the snowy, cold of winter, underneath the cloudy sky,

In the middle of December, you share the thinking why;

Why do the leaves fall, why does the sky fill up with gray,

Where do the birds go, think about it seasons change.

 

[Verse 2:]

 

Sometimes life is gray like winter, and the tears fall from your eyes

Your heart is cold like December, you start to wonder why;

Where did my faith go, why don’t things ever go my way,

Why don’t my friends call, be encouraged ’cause seasons change.

 

[Bridge:]

 

Just like a bell has got to ring, just like a bird has got to sing.

Just like the sun has gotta shine, just like a poem has gotta rhyme.

Just like a river has to flow, just like the wind has gotta blow;

After the rain, after your pain,

(You won’t be the same), ’cause seasons change.

 

[Chorus:]

 

Jesus calmed the raging sea,

Jesus set the captives free,

Jesus gave sight to the blind,

Jesus turned water into wine.

Jesus broke the grip of sin,

Jesus died and He rose again,

He’ll do it for you, He’ll carry you through,

He’ll make you brand new ’cause seasons change.

 

[Bridge]

 

[Vamp:]

 

It’s good to know that You’re with me

In the passing of my seasons change.

 

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Charlene’s Source: youtube

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09/4/12

Quote from Perry Stone’s “How to Interpret Dreams & Visions”

 

 “Once when I was ministering, a man cynical of spiritual manifestations said, “So what is the difference between a psychic telling someone correct information about himself and some preacher telling someone GOD”s future plans?’

 

I replied, “The difference is that an alleged psychic will tell you what’s on your [italics mine] mind, but a man [or woman] of GOD will tell you what is on GOD’s mind!”

 

Charlene’s Source: How To Intepret Dreams and Visions: Understanding GOD’s Warnings & Guidance pages 84 & 85.  Perry Stone 2011, Charisma House, Publishers.

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07/10/12

Susan Boyle – Hallelujah

Susan Boyle was blessed with a glorious voice. May GOD be praised. This song speaks of the plight of man and the many broken Hallelujahs…

Now I’ve heard there was a secret chord
That David played, and it pleased the Lord
But you don’t really care for music, do you?
It goes like this
The fourth, the fifth
The minor fall, the major lift
The baffled king composing Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah

Your faith was strong but you needed proof
You saw her bathing on the roof
Her beauty and the moonlight overthrew you
She tied you
To a kitchen chair
She broke your throne, and she cut your hair
And from your lips she drew the Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Baby I have been here before
I know this room, I’ve walked this floor
I used to live alone before I knew you.
I’ve seen your flag on the marble arch
Love is not a victory march
It’s a cold and it’s a broken Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah

I couldn’t feel, so I tried to touch
I’ve told the truth, I didn’t come to fool you
And even though
It all went wrong
I’ll stand before the Lord of Song
With nothing on my tongue but Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah

 

Credit: TheMsCath

Charlene’s Source: youtube

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06/22/12

The Joy and Pain of Gardening…By Chaelwest

 The Joy and Pain of Gardening
There is this crazy urge that I get each Spring when the first crocuses peek out of bed, and the daffodils put on their bonnets–it is called, in my vernacular, time to dig. Whether it is digging into the black dirt with my toes, or grabbing a shovel and digging holes, or using a tiller to turn the soil over for planting–It truly doesn’t matter because the urge is simply to dig-dig-dig.

Along with this urge comes a need to plant baby flowers and vegetables in the hope of watching them grow into fruit producers and bloomers of the garden variety. Before this can be accomplished, however, there are many steps toward this luxurious goal. No pain no gain.

As I am no longer in the ‘bloom’ of youth, each year it becomes harder and harder to perform the gardening tasks necessary to say that I have had a wonderful, productive season.  I used to be able to kneel and pat those little suckers right into place with no aching aftereffects, but now Mr. Arthur shows up almost immediately after I have patted the last little plant and put them to bed. Ibuprofen to the rescue!!! I guess if I weren”t so driven I would simply let the garden do the natural thing. It would overgrow itself quickly and what a tangled mess I would have.

Since it is human to want to control everything and everybody around you, lest there be any surprises, I struggle year after year to reach the same gardening goals of  twenty years ago. I want little pansies to smile at me while giant sunflowers tower over the fence and protect the borders. I long to see Jack command his pulpit while begonias beguile me with their constant beauty and variety. The shrubs and bushes offer summer glamour while fruit trees, maples, and oak offer bountiful shade.

I am a sensory person. I enjoy textures and myriad colors around me. Nothing is more sensory than touching the fleshy petal of a Day Lily or an Iris. The beauty that is the rose family is absolutely breathtaking–domestic or wild. The variety of colors  is mind-boggling–giving me a glimpse into the rainbows of Heaven. Will there be gardens there to plant and explore?

There is great joy in watching the tomatoes grow and ripen on the vine. Cucumber’s yellow flowers team with the golden orange of the melon flowers. Such a lovely scene. The greens of the foliage form a wonderful contrast to the bursts of color that speak of fruit to come.

My garden always makes me think of the responsibility of parenting. The little seeds that we are given to water and nourish grow quickly. If we give them good food then we will yield a plenteous harvest with strong seed toward the next generation. Will it be easy? No. Just as the garden in my yard takes careful tending in order to grow–so do my children. My difficulty is that I am like ‘The Old Lady Who lived In A Shoe’– I have so many children in my heart that I don’t know what to do. At home and abroad, they take careful tending each day. An earnest prayer here and some encouragement there–a shake of the head when I see them making some of the same mistakes that I made in my own youth; panic when I see that they are going to follow their own chosen path making wise or unwise choices along the journey and disregarding my loving advice. 

I will continue to tend my gardens and the mixed bed of joy and sorrow will be mine to lie upon. Prayerfully, hopefully, the flowers of my heart will someday bloom with beauty and wisdom. I will then hold them close and kiss the dew from their faces.

credit: charlene @charlenesattic.com

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05/24/12

Romans 9 We Are Called To Be His Children

We Are All Called To Be His Children

 
 

In a time when we all struggle to maintain our faith in a doubting world–we read in Romans 9 of the adoption of Gentiles and Jews alike. This adoption is based on faith, not works, therefore it is for everyone who believes on The Son of GOD as their Savior and Redeemer. Paul speaks of his grief at the plight of the Jews–brought about by their stubbornness and disobedience. Their guaranteed inheritance was forfeited by their unbelief, so only those who believed in the promise of the Savior entered into adoption in Christ. It is not by birth or inheritance only that we become children of the Living GOD-it is through the Cross and the path of redemption that we can enter into the Kingdom. GOD showed His plan of Grace and Mercy through the adoption of the harlot Rahab, and the adoption of the Moabitess Ruth into His Son’s earthly bloodline. When Christ shed blood on the Cross this blood was spilled for the redemption of all and purified through the essence of who Jesus is. I Am made a way for all to eat and partake of the inheritance.Let us all rejoice and be glad that we have a right to become Sons and Daughters of the Most High GOD.

 

Romans 9 NIV

 

Paul’s Anguish Over Israel

 

9 I speak the truth in Christ—I am not lying, my conscience confirms it through the Holy Spirit— 2 I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my people, those of my own race, 4 the people of Israel. Theirs is the adoption to sonship; theirs the divine glory, the covenants, the receiving of the law, the temple worship and the promises. 5 Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of the Messiah, who is God over all, forever praised![a]Amen.

 

God’s Sovereign Choice

 

6 It is not as though God’s word had failed. For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel. 7 Nor because they are his descendants are they all Abraham’s children. On the contrary, “It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.”[b] 8 In other words, it is not the children by physical descent who are God’s children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as Abraham’s offspring. 9 For this was how the promise was stated: “At the appointed time I will return, and Sarah will have a son.”[c]

10 Not only that, but Rebekah’s children were conceived at the same time by our father Isaac. 11 Yet, before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad —in order that God’s purpose in election might stand: 12 not by works but by him who calls—she was told, “The older will serve the younger.”[d] 13 Just as it is written: “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.”[e]

14 What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Not at all! 15 For he says to Moses,

“I will have mercy on whom I have mercy,
    and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.”[f]

16 It does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God’s mercy. 17 For Scripture says to Pharaoh: “I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.”[g] 18 Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden.

19 One of you will say to me: “Then why does God still blame us? For who is able to resist his will?” 20 But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God? “Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, ‘Why did you make me like this?’”[h] 21 Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for special purposes and some for common use?

22 What if God, although choosing to show his wrath and make his power known, bore with great patience the objects of his wrath—prepared for destruction? 23 What if he did this to make the riches of his glory known to the objects of his mercy, whom he prepared in advance for glory — 24 even us, whom he also called, not only from the Jews but also from the Gentiles? 25 As he says in Hosea:

“I will call them ‘my people’ who are not my people;
    and I will call her ‘my loved one’ who is not my loved one,”[i]

26 and,

“In the very place where it was said to them,
    ‘You are not my people,’
    there they will be called ‘children of the living God.’”[j]

27 Isaiah cries out concerning Israel:

“Though the number of the Israelites be like the sand by the sea,
    only the remnant will be saved.
28 For the Lord will carry out
    his sentence on earth with speed and finality.”[k]

29 It is just as Isaiah said previously:

“Unless the Lord Almighty
    had left us descendants,
we would have become like Sodom,
    we would have been like Gomorrah.”[l]

 

Israel’s Unbelief

 

30 What then shall we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith; 31 but the people of Israel, who pursued the law as the way of righteousness, have not attained their goal. 32 Why not? Because they pursued it not by faith but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone. 33 As it is written:

“See, I lay in Zion a stone that causes people to stumble
    and a rock that makes them fall,
    and the one who believes in him will never be put to shame.”[m]

 

Footnotes:

 

  1. Romans 9:5 Or Messiah, who is over all. God be forever praised! Or Messiah. God who is over all be forever praised!

  2. Romans 9:7 Gen. 21:12

  3. Romans 9:9 Gen. 18:10,14

  4. Romans 9:12 Gen. 25:23

  5. Romans 9:13 Mal. 1:2,3

  6. Romans 9:15 Exodus 33:19

  7. Romans 9:17 Exodus 9:16

  8. Romans 9:20 Isaiah 29:16; 45:9

  9. Romans 9:25 Hosea 2:23

  10. Romans 9:26 Hosea 1:10

  11. Romans 9:28 Isaiah 10:22,23 (see Septuagint)

  12. Romans 9:29 Isaiah 1:9

  13. Romans 9:33 Isaiah 8:14; 28:16

 

Cross References:

 

  1. Romans 9:1 : Ps 15:2; 2Co 11:10; Gal 1:20; 1Ti 2:7

  2. Romans 9:1 : S Ro 1:9

  3. Romans 9:3 : Ex 32:32

  4. Romans 9:3 : 1Co 12:3; 16:22

  5. Romans 9:3 : S Ac 22:5

  6. Romans 9:3 : Ro 11:14

  7. Romans 9:4 : ver 6

  8. Romans 9:4 : Ex 4:22; 6:7; Dt 7:6

  9. Romans 9:4 : Heb 9:5

  10. Romans 9:4 : Ge 17:2; Dt 4:13; Ac 3:25; Eph 2:12

  11. Romans 9:4 : Ps 147:19

  12. Romans 9:4 : Heb 9:1

  13. Romans 9:4 : S Ac 13:32; S Gal 3:16

  14. Romans 9:5 : Ro 11:28

  15. Romans 9:5 : Mt 1:1-16; Ro 1:3

  16. Romans 9:5 : Jn 1:1; Col 2:9

  17. Romans 9:5 : Ro 1:25; 2Co 11:31

  18. Romans 9:6 : S Heb 4:12

  19. Romans 9:6 : Ro 2:28, 29; Gal 6:16

  20. Romans 9:7 : Ge 21:12; Heb 11:18

  21. Romans 9:8 : S Ro 8:14

  22. Romans 9:8 : S Gal 3:16

  23. Romans 9:9 : Ge 18:10, 14

  24. Romans 9:10 : Ge 25:21

  25. Romans 9:11 : ver 16

  26. Romans 9:11 : Ro 8:28

  27. Romans 9:12 : Ge 25:23

  28. Romans 9:13 : Mal 1:2, 3

  29. Romans 9:14 : S Ro 8:31

  30. Romans 9:14 : 2Ch 19:7

  31. Romans 9:15 : Ex 33:19

  32. Romans 9:16 : Eph 2:8; Tit 3:5

  33. Romans 9:17 : Ex 9:16; 14:4; Ps 76:10

  34. Romans 9:18 : Ex 4:21; 7:3; 14:4, 17; Dt 2:30; Jos 11:20; Ro 11:25

  35. Romans 9:19 : Ro 11:19; 1Co 15:35; Jas 2:18

  36. Romans 9:19 : Ro 3:7

  37. Romans 9:19 : 2Sa 16:10; 2Ch 20:6; Da 4:35

  38. Romans 9:20 : Job 1:22; 9:12; 40:2

  39. Romans 9:20 : Isa 64:8; Jer 18:6

  40. Romans 9:20 : Isa 29:16; 45:9; 10:15

  41. Romans 9:21 : 2Ti 2:20

  42. Romans 9:22 : S Ro 2:4

  43. Romans 9:22 : Pr 16:4

  44. Romans 9:23 : S Ro 2:4

  45. Romans 9:23 : Ro 8:30

  46. Romans 9:24 : S Ro 8:28

  47. Romans 9:24 : S Ro 3:29

  48. Romans 9:25 : Hos 2:23; 1Pe 2:10

  49. Romans 9:26 : Hos 1:10; S Mt 16:16; S Ro 8:14

  50. Romans 9:27 : Ge 22:17; Hos 1:10

  51. Romans 9:27 : 2Ki 19:4; Jer 44:14; 50:20; Joel 2:32; Ro 11:5

  52. Romans 9:28 : Isa 10:22, 23

  53. Romans 9:29 : Jas 5:4

  54. Romans 9:29 : Isa 1:9; Ge 19:24-29; Dt 29:23; Isa 13:19; Jer 50:40

  55. Romans 9:30 : S Ro 8:31

  56. Romans 9:30 : Ro 1:17; 3:22; 4:5, 13; 10:6; Gal 2:16; Php 3:9; Heb 11:7

  57. Romans 9:31 : Dt 6:25; Isa 51:1; Ro 10:2, 3; 11:7

  58. Romans 9:31 : Gal 5:4

  59. Romans 9:32 : 1Pe 2:8

  60. Romans 9:33 : Isa 8:14; 28:16; Ro 10:11; 1Pe 2:6, 8

 

 

New International Version (NIV)

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®

Charlene’s Source: biblegateway.com

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05/8/12

Man Walks All Day to Create Spectacular Snow Patterns

 I love to occasionally post something that appeals to my artistic senses. This is a beautiful example of what the human mind inspired by natural bounty can do. Momma Cha

Artist Simon Beck must really love the cold weather! Along the frozen lakes of Savoie, France, he spends days plodding through the snow in raquettes (snowshoes), creating these sensational patterns of snow art. Working for 5-9 hours a day, each final piece is typically the size of three soccer fields! The geometric forms range in mathematical patterns and shapes that create stunning, sometimes 3D, designs when viewed from higher levels.

How long these magnificent geometric forms survive is completely dependent on the weather. Beck designs and redesigns the patterns as new snow falls, sometimes unable to finish a piece due to significant overnight accumulations. Interestingly enough, he said, ‘The main reason for making them was because I can no longer run properly due to problems with my feet, so plodding about on level snow is the least painful way of getting exercise. Gradually, the reason has become photographing them, and I am considering buying a better camera. Spectacular art for the sake of exercise!

 

 

Picture credits/artist: Simon Beck

 Momma’s Source: mymodernmet.com

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08/12/10

The Third Person of The Triune GOD Revisited

Scripture testifies of the person of GOD’s Holy Spirit.

Genesis 1:2 GNB  “The raging ocean that covered everything was engulfed in total darkness, and the power of GOD was moving over the water”.

Isaiah 61:1-4 GNB “The Sovereign LORD has filled me with His Spirit. He has chosen me and sent me to bring good news to the poor, to heal the broken-hearted, to announce release to captives and freedom to those in prison. He has sent me to proclaim that the time has come when the LORD will save His people and defeat their enemies. He has sent me to comfort all who mourn; to give to those who mourn in Zion. Joy and gladness instead of grief; a song of praise instead of sorrow. They will be like trees that The LORD Himself has planted. They will all do what is right, and GOD will be praised for what He has done…”.

Psalm 51:10-13 GNB  “Create a pure heart in me O GOD, and put a new and loyal Spirit in me. Do not banish me from your presence; do not take your Holy Spirit away from me. Give me again the joy that comes from your salvation, and make me willing to obey you. Then I will teach sinners your commands, and they will turn back to you.”

The Great Commission is the work of GOD’s Holy Spirit. Jesus sent the Comforter to us to guide us in the work of salvation. Therefore, there has been an unction put upon my heart to teach the concepts of the work of God’s Spirit. 

I sometimes forget that there was once a time when I did not understand the Holy Spirit’s work for myself. It is the responsibility of  God’s saints to impart teaching and wisdom to those who have not yet tasted of His Spirit. Therefore, GOD provided an opportunity for me through His servants to learn of Him.

I can remember the first time that I was exposed to the gifts of The Spirit. I was 24 years old and finally learning how to drive. My high school did not offer a full Drivers Ed program, so my Dad had tried to teach me and had failed. I had wrapped the fender of his car around a pole and that was the end of lessons. When it became imperative for me to learn to drive,  I sought the help of a driving school.  The instructor was Dan, a born-again charismatic Christian.

From the moment that we met Dan took it upon himself to educate me in the ways of God’s Spirit. I was a Christian, saved at five-years-old, but I did not understand the work of The Spirit. I did not even understand that Holy Ghost and Holy Spirit were the same person. As we drove here and there, in the midst of teaching me how to corner, etc, etc; Dan talked to me about the Scriptures. I could hold my own here because, after all, my Daddy was a preacher. There wasn’t much that this guy could teach me, right?

I was almost finished with my driving lessons. All that was left to do was night driving.  Late in the evening  Dan picked me up and had me drive to his friend’s house for Bible Study. This was his concept of training for night driving. I thought this was a bit unusual, but did what he asked. Upon arrival I was introduced to several nice Christians who proceeded to welcome me to study with them. I saw no problem here–so I joined them in a very interesting Bible Study in  First Corinthians.

After the study they started to pray, and this is where things began to get weird. At least to me they were weird. Someone was speaking in an entirely different  language, and not only was it unfamiliar to me but there seemed to be a change in the atmosphere of the room. It made my hairs stand up on the back of my neck. I was sitting in the back of the living room and could not escape so I was subjected to an hour of several people praying in what I now know to be tongues, and others giving interpretations.

After what seemed like an interminable time, Dan told me that we could go. Once in the car all was silence until he said, “Was that frightening to you”? My Protestant guns were ready to fire. Suffice it to say that he got both barrels. Dan suffered my fearful utterings, then said, ” I thought it time that you learned about the gifts of the Spirit. I have been listening to you talk about Jesus and God for two weeks–but you never mentioned The Holy Spirit. He went on to tell me about the Third Person of the Holy Trinity and about His work with mankind. I was totally blown away. It would not be until three years later that fruit would grow in such a heavenly, sovereign way that I could not deny the truth of God’s Spirit.

My older sister had invited me to another Bible Study. This time it was being held at a small, local church not far from home. I was reluctant to go because I had heard of the type of meetings they had. People were reportedly slain in the Spirit at every meeting, and lives were being changed. I did not want to be convicted because I knew that I was not living by God’s Word.  I did not want my life overturned. My sister convinced me to attend.

The Bible Study was good, holy, and convicting. At the end of the evening there was an altar call and many people went forward for prayer. I did not want to be among them but something ( I now know someone) urged me forward. The line was long and I shook as I watched person after person hit the floor. I tried to turn back but the crowd was too thick behind me.

The Pastor was smiling at me as I arrived at the front of the altar. He asked me for my name and reached towards me, and that is all I can remember. When I came to myself, I was lying in the floor, and I could feel a Presence so strong that I was unable to rise to my feet.

I have never been the same. Nothing changed overnight except my understanding of the Holy Spirit’s work and a growing awareness of His presence inside of me. As time progressed, everything in my world fell apart and then GOD mended it. It took several years for me to fully understand and to receive the gift of tongues, with other subsequent gifts from God’s Spirit. Everything that has happened in my life since that time has been walked through, prayed through, and resolved through The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. They have been my Comforters through two difficult pregnancies, breast cancer, removal of my gallbladder, debilitating back pain, and my husband experiencing a near-fatal heart attack. Miraculously, my husband and myself are in full recovery. God has been my deliverer and provider through all of these things. Now I face life changing events that promise a renewed future and dedication to The Trinity’s work and Persons, and I can only say ‘ “Thank You, Holy Spirit”.

All scripture retrieved from Good News Bible: Todays English Version.  Thomas Nelson Publishers, Inc under license from the American Bible Society 1976.

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