THANKSGIVING

I am thankful for:

• salvation
• family
• friends
• shelter
• food on my table
• clothes on my back
• education
• clean water
• the air I breathe
• each breathe I take
• Love (ability to give and receive)
• Pastors (past and present)
• books
• music
• laughter
• smiles
• for each new day
• the smell of rain on pavement
• having a job
• being called to work with children
• being a Hospice volunteer (puts a lot in perspective)
• chocolate

The list can go on and on but most of all, I am thankful, that I still have a heart that is filled with an attitude of gratitude.

THE GARMENT--MARK 10:46-52

This was written by one of my besties! (Hey Kira, girl) I thought It was so awesome, I had to share.

And there Jesus was leaving the city of Jericho
People were following Him-for they hated to see Him go.
Blind Bartimeus was there on the road and heard Jesus was passing by
He was overwhelmed,he wanted healing so with a loud voice he began to cry-
"Oh Jesus,Son of David,have mercy upon me"
"I am a blind man and my desire is to see!"
The people there said "Hush up! He doesn't have time for you!
"Just sit there and be quiet Jesus has much better things to do!"
But Blind Bartimeus cried even louder "Son of David,have mercy upon me
I am a blind man and my desire is to see!"
Right there in that moment Jesus stopped-yes He stood still
For He had heard a voice of faith calling out to Him at will.
Jesus said to the people "Tell him,tell him to come here!"
And they did just that saying "Bartimeus,be of good cheer!"
"For Jesus has called you,so get up,get up,arise!
"He may have compassion upon you, yes He may heal your eyes!"
So Bartimeus got up and cast His garment away
His garment of doubt and pain and fear-those things could no longer stay!
And Jesus said to him "What is it? What shall I do for you?
Your voice was louder than the rest-above them all I heard you!"
"Lord," Bartimeus said "I want to receive my sight today."
"I know if I want to see,then You are the only Way!"
Jesus said "Your faith,your faith has made you whole."
"So go on you way Bartimeus,now onto other people you won't have to hold!"
Immediately he received his sight,yes Bartimeus was no longer blind!
He was made whole. He was set free-soul,body and mind.
The garment he layed down,he did not return to get it
For He was a free man now....so what could he do with it?
I know that man Jesus Who can do the same for you!
He heals every affliction and every pain He'll carry you through.
So ARISE! I say-put down that garment and cry out-
"Jesus,I am afflicted,I come in faith and not in doubt!"
"Hear my cry,my Lord- Have mercy upon me."
For I am blind as Bartimeus once was and my desire is to see."

Now unto Him Who is able to keep me from falling-the Lover of my Soul-Jesus Christ
kirag

I REMEMBER WHEN YOU USED TO LOVE ME!

This young lady's name is Blair Wingo. She is a part of the Passion 4 Christ movement. I was sent a link to one of her videos a while back and every time I see another, I am in awe of how she is allowing Christ to use her. I pray for such boldness and passion. Enjoy and be blessed.

JESUS WEPT

This morning I was led to read the account of Lazarus' death and resurrection in John 11. My spirit was focused on "Jesus wept." As I began to pray something was revealed to me. Jesus knew his assignment. He knew that his friend Lazarus was to die. He knew that he would go back only after 3 days. He knew that he would bring Lazarus back from death and he also knew why God had ordered these things so. It was to give those who believed in Jesus, a deeper, stronger belief. To take them to another level of worship and devotion so to speak. As Jesus returns to Bethany, he is questioned 1st by Martha, then by Mary as to why he did not come earlier to save his friend. Jesus begins to become disquieted in his spirit, perhaps a little angry. He asks them where they laid Lazarus and then Jesus weeps. I have heard many explanations as to why he wept, the main one being that he loved Lazarus so. As I prayed, I was given something else though. What if Jesus wept because all of those who said with their mouth that they believed that he was the Messiah...The Christ... in the same instance openly questioned his abilities and his motives. Which ultimately was a questioning of their faith in who Jesus was. How many times has Jesus had to weep in our lives. How many times have we looked at a situation and said, Yes, Jesus I believe that you are the Son of God, I believe that you have all power.....BUT. I think it is our "buts" that make Jesus weep. In the natural, I do not like to see those around me cry from hurt, disappointment or pain. I decided this morning to never make Jesus weep because of my disbelief again. I will trust in him and rest in the fact that all things are working for my good!