Pray for our Miliatry Members and Wear Red on Fridays!

Hi Everyone~

I just received something in my email.  I do not know who wrote it, but it is
very moving!  I have something to say about it before it is shared. I don't care what your party affiliation is when it comes to this.  It's not about that.  Also, I hate war.  All war.  I can't believe that people have not come up with a way to solve disputes without killing or harming each other! 

On the other hand, I am very grateful for the men and women who serve our  country.  In fact, on our last trip to Maryland, we found out that one of our nephews has enlisted with the Navy. This really surprised me.  That is not why I share this now...but it makes things much more close to home, if you will.  I believe that our members of the military do not get the honor that our former soldiers, from previous wars received.  Where are the ticker tape parades?  Where are people lined up to volunteer?  Why are so many homeless upon return?  Why  do they not get the treatment they need?  After what they see, and go through in war...I think it should be mandatory that they all receive some therapy to vent in a safe environment.  I see that as a sign of strength...not weakness.  I do know that there is a way for card makers to send cards for the soldiers to use to send to their loved ones.  If you are interested in that, please let me know, and I will get the info out to you.  Or you could look on the home page at SplitCoastStampers and it is there, also.

The spouses and children of soldiers are having a difficult time of things because their loved ones are serving several times in a row in Afghanistan, and previously in Iraq.  All I ask is that we pray for all concerned...the other people on the other side of the war, also.  They are people. God's creatures. They may be God's children.  And, that when possible, buy the groceries or a cup of coffee for the spouse of a soldier or the soldier.  Maybe make a cake and coffee, invite them over for a BBQ and let them do most of the talking.

Here is the story that is being passed around the country:  Grab a tissue.

Will You give this to my Daddy?
Support Red Fridays!
"Last week I was in Atlanta , Georgia attending a conference. While I was in
the airport, returning home, I heard several people behind me beginning to clap and cheer. I immediately turned around and witnessed One of the greatest acts of patriotism I have ever seen.

Moving thru the terminal was a group of soldiers in their camos. As they
began heading to their gate, everyone (well almost everyone) was abruptly to their feet with their hands waving and cheering.

When I saw the soldiers, probably 30-40 of them, being applauded and Cheered for, it hit me. I'm not alone. I'm not the only red-blooded American who still loves this country and supports our troops and their families.

Of course I immediately stopped and began clapping for these young unsung
heroes who are putting their lives on the line everyday for us so we can go to school, work and home without fear or reprisal.

Just when I thought I could not be more proud of my country or of our Service men and women, a young girl, not more than 6 or 7 years old ran up to one of the male soldiers. He kneeled down and said 'hi...'

The little girl then asked him if he would give something to her daddy for her...
The young soldier, who didn't look any older than maybe 22 himself, said he
would try and what did she want to give to her daddy. Then suddenly the little girl grabbed the neck of this soldier, gave him the biggest hug she could muster and then kissed him on the cheek.

The mother of the little girl, who said her daughter's name was Courtney, told the young soldier that her husband was a Marine and had been in Iraq for 11 months now. As the mom was explaining how much her daughter Courtney missed her father, the young soldier began to tear up.

When this temporarily single mom was done explaining her situation, all of
the soldiers huddled together for a brief second... Then one of the other servicemen pulled out a military-looking walkie-talkie. They started playing with the device and talking back and forth on it...

After about 10-15 seconds of this, the young soldier walked back over to
Courtney, bent down and said this to her, 'I spoke to your daddy and he told me to give this to you.' He then hugged this little girl that he had just met and gave her a kiss on the cheek. He finished by saying 'your daddy told me to tell you that he loves you more than anything and he is coming home very soon.'

The mom at this point was crying almost uncontrollably and as the young
soldier stood to his feet, he saluted Courtney and her mom. I was standing no more than 6 feet away from this entire event.

As the soldiers began to leave, heading towards their gate, people resumed
their applause. As I stood there applauding and looked around, there were very few dry eyes, including my own. That young soldier in one last act of selflessness turned around and blew a kiss to Courtney with a tear rolling down his cheek.

We need to remember everyday all of our soldiers and their families and
thank God for them and their sacrifices. At the end of the day, it's good to be an American.

RED FRIDAYS ----- Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing red every Friday. The reason? Americans who support our troops used to be called the 'silent majority'. We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for God, country and home in record breaking numbers.

Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and
respect starts this Friday - and continues each and every Friday until the troops all come home, sending a deafening message that.. Every red-blooded American who supports our men and women afar will wear something red.  (This is Traci-- You may not like what they need to do...but we can support them as people anyway.  There can be a difference!)

By word of mouth, press, TV -- let's make the United States on every Friday
a sea of red much like a homecoming football game in the bleachers.  If every one of us who loves this country will share this with acquaintances, co-workers, friends, and family. It will not be long before the USA is covered in RED.

The first thing a soldier says when asked 'What can we do to make things better for you?' is.....We need your support and your prayers.  Let's get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by example."

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If you have a service person in your family or a friend, and you would like for us to pray for them, please leave their initials, or just their first name and branch. God knows who they are.  We would be honored to pray for them...and their families.  Please...do not post their hometown.  Or last name.  It is to protect their privacy. 

In addition, we would be happy to pray for any other prayer requests.  Again, please do not give out too much information...the person may not want a bunch of people knowing their business.  (Especially if they are not yet Christian.)

Remember please...
He IS Able,
Traci S.

Close the Door Devotion and a Card Request!

Happy Wednesday Everyone!

 Praying that you are all having a blessed week, where you have had quality time with our Lord through prayer and His Word, and quiet time to listen to what He may be telling you personally.  And, of course, praise time!  He is worthy of all praise!  In the last post we talked about growing spiritually.  Changing our thinking, (if this applies to you), from asking "How much am I enjoying life?" to "How much pleasure is God getting from my life?"  Have any of you made this decision?  I'd love to hear of a way you are going to make a change in your life. 

We started off by talking about prayer time, and reading His Word and having quiet quality time with Jesus the Christ, our Lord.  The book Quiet Moments in the Presence of God published by Bethany House, has a devotion that shares about a special place to build on this relationship with Jesus.  It is great and I would like to share it with you today:

"When you pray, you should go into your room and close the door and pray to your Father who cannot be seen.  Your Father can see what is done in secret, and He will reward you."  Matthew 6:6 NCV

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Close the Door

"In the time of Jesus, every Jewish house had a place for private devotion.  It was a location where the door could be closed on distractions and interruptions.  Such a place was often a small room built on a flat roof, and people went there to draw close to God.  Sometimes it was a modest space raised a story above the rest of the house where people retired to nourish their souls in the reality and certainty of God.

You have such a place.  It is wherever you can go to be with God in a way you are unable to do anywhere else.

As you go to that place, you are excited about what will happen.  You know your time there with God will be rich and fruitful."

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"Call to me and I will answer you.  I'll tell you marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own."  Jeremiah 33:3 The Message

Do you have a place where you can draw closer to Him than any other?  A place where you are not distracted by children, telephones or TV or anything else?  A place where you can share with Him, and then listen in the quiet for His gentle whisper?  Are you willing to look around your home, and see if there is a corner, or part of a closet that you could transform into your prayer room?  Your personal prayer place?  Maybe once you have one...your children would want one.  And, they could learn at a young age about sharing and listening.  Any good basis for good communication.

"Be still, and know that I am God."  Psalm 46:10 21st Century KJV

For me the beach is my special place.  I live 42 miles from the beach.  It was such a short drive for me before I became disabled.  Now, I can not even walk a few steps on the sand.  I loved to just listen to the waves and watch the water.  And, I would feel so close to Him.  I felt that I wouldn't feel closer until I was in Heaven with Him.

To be honest, I do not have a prayer area in my home used only for prayer.  However, I am home alone all day long 5 days a week, and half a day on Saturdays.  I can pray without distractions, simply by shutting off my phone.  I find that I pray in bed (can't get up off of being on my knees on my own) before I even sit up.  I thank Him for this day that He has made, and begin petitioning for people's requests...after praising Him.  I take several little prayer breaks during the day. And, then read His Word and pray again before going to bed. Sometimes,  I turn the music on softly to this blog, and pray while it is on. So, I have many places where I can pray...and listen for Him.  For me, the quiet place is inside of me, where ever I go. I do like the idea of a prayer room.  I think I may try it out.  I may take a section of my art room, and put some pillows, and use the tables (with table cloths) to section it off.  I need to think about re-arranging things.  Some traditions are good ideas. I like the idea.  I will get back to you on this!  Where do you pray?  Do you have a special place to pray?  I am really curious if any of you have a seperate area just for prayer and quality time with the Lord?  Please just let me know. 

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Also, if any of you have tried to leave a comment in the comment section, and for some reason it hasn't worked, would you please email me a quick note and let me know? Thank you. To give everyone a chance to leave a comment...with it working properly, we will have the random drawing for the "Card of the Week" announced next Wednesday.  So, please leave a comment by Tuesday 8pm Eastern Time to be entered in the drawing!  And, if we have a minimum of 10 comments....including prayer requests...we will have 2 cards given away to 2 people!
 
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I'd like to thank those of you who sent in cards for the Card Drive for the American Cancer Society Fundraiser this week.  I will be counting them up and subtracting them from the sidebar announcement on Friday! 
 
Also, if anyone would like to volunteer to send a few cards for the He IS Able blog, they would be appreciated and used for the "Card of the Week," sometimes as a prize, or used to share the blog with other places.  We would love for the cards to have room for the recipient to share about the Lord inside---and have a decorative outside, hopefully with a Scripture...but that is not needed. Use any style...and even if you are new to cards...Your cards will shine with the Lord's love shared in it! They are all being used for His Glory!  Please also send 2 envelopes, if possible, for each card. (One envelope is used or me to mail the card to the winner, and the other card is sent to that person to send the card to the person that they would like to send it to!)  If you can not send 2 envelopes per card, please don't let that stop you from sharing your art.  Please let me know if your cards are for the Card Drive or for the He IS Able blog.
 
We would love to have some Easter cards, would you please consider making  it a Christ centered card?  (Rather than making it about candy or a commerical symbol of that day.)  Thank you so much!  Of course, we will be happy to use any of your precious cards, rabbits included.  And, we would love cards of all types.
 
Have a blessed week... Thank you for being here.  I hope you will let us know you have been here by leaving a comment or email! (side bar)  You are appreciated very much.  God bless!
 
He IS Able,
Traci S.
 
p.s.  I guess you want my address to send cards! lol  Here you go:
 
Traci Starkweather
116 Colyer Drive
Longwood, Florida 32779
USA

When God Loves You

Hi Everyone~

Did you enjoy the weekend? We had fabulous weather! What about you? Did you visit with family, or spend time making cards or scrap-booking?  I did not make one item in my art room!  But, is it organized!  I am ready for the next bunch of birthday and anniversary cards.  And, I did color in 25 little images while resting on the couch.  This week I need to cut them up, and make them into cards! (Perhaps you will see them soon.) That will get me caught up for January and February at SplitCoastStamper's Christmas Card Challenge 2011.  And, it will give me 5 cards to give away to charity.  Anyone have any  especially interesting sermon topics at church that I would love to know about?  I would--you know!

Today's post is the last post I will be sharing from this book for a while.  I am jumping ahead to another study book for the time being.  I am enjoying The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren a lot, however.  I am going to be sharing directly from that book whenever you see "quotation marks." My thoughts-- writing is in italics.  I just wanted to be clear about what are his words, and not accidentally take credit. I did, however, capitalize the word He, Him...any word that refers to our Lord.   But, this post is so meaningful to me today. I hope it will be for you also. I hope you will read it, and think about where it fits in your life.  I am certain that something in this post will ring true with you...because there are Scriptures included, and they are THE Truth.  It's His Word.  It has to be the truth.  Scriptures are always in red ..BOLD! Here we go...

Do you believe that God only loves you, or is happy with you when you are doing "Christian" things?  That is not true.  First of all, He loves us all of the time.  No matter what.  Secondly, He does love you when you are attending church, reading the Bible, spending time in prayer, tithing, or sharing the Good News about Him with others.  Of course He loves us when we do these things. But, did you know that "God enjoys watching "every" detail of your life?"  He  enjoys watching you whether you are at work, riding a bike, sleeping, or having a picnic! 

"The steps of the godly are directed by the Lord.  He delights in every detail of their lives."  Psalm 37:23

"Like a proud parent, God especially enjoys watching you use the talents and abilities He has given you.  God intentionally gifted us differently for His enjoyment.  He has made some to be athletic and some to be analytical.  You may be gifted at mechanics or mathematics or music or a thousand other skills.  All these abilities can bring a smile to God's face."

"He has shaped each person in turn; now He watches everything we do." 
 Psalm 33:15

This part really pinched a little.  And, I am going to quote Mr. Warren again...he wrote it perfectly, in my opinion. 

"You don't bring glory or pleasure to God by hiding your abilities or by trying to be someone else.  You only bring Him enjoyment by being you.  Anytime you reject any part of yourself, you are rejecting God's wisdom and sovereignty in creating you." 

OUCH!  That smarts!  So, every time, I look for my missing waist line, and curse my body, I am not being grateful. I am not helping my self esteem any.  And, worst of all, I am not pleasing Him.  Just the opposite.  Maybe you aren't the fastest runner in the group.  Or you don't make the prettiest snacks in your Bible Study group.  It doesn't matter what it is...it's the result that is important.  And, on my computer table are the words...

"I praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made." Psalm 139:14 

I have those words here, because I probably spend most of my time here.  And, when I get tired of this disabled body...that was fitted for a brace today...a difficult step for me... My husband...the Atheist...tells me the previous Scripture.  He memorized it to remind me.  I just wanted to share how deeply this part of the book impacted me.  I hope that you see some wisdom in here, also.

"You have no right to argue with your Creator.  You are merely a clay pot shaped by a Potter.  The clay doesn't ask, "Why did you make me this way?"  Isaiah 45:9 (Contemporary English Version)

I wanted to mention this--I think the lesson above...would be a wonderful way to talk with a child/teen that didn't make the football team, or studied really hard and only got a "D."  I think it is perfect for the young girl who was picked on because some children who were acting out made fun of her nose, or perhaps a young man who isn't as muscular as the "other kids." 

 I believe using God's Word, at the child's level is a great way to teach. Have a child's Bible with actual Scriptures on hand...and show them where it is in the Bible...where God said to put it.  I also believe using examples of people from the Bible helps make it more real to them. Perhaps something like: " Did you know that Noah had no idea to build that ark?  God told Him exactly how to do it. How would you know how to handle that situation?  You were never in it before~"  They may think that Noah knew absolutely everything.  But we as humans make mistakes...all of the time.  In judgement, and by doing things that do not please God.  These things are sin.  I hope I didn't go on too much.  I just felt it was really important to share this.  I do have a background with children in a church setting, and in preschools and public schools...even though I don't have a degree.  I am just wonderful me!  ;) 

"God also enjoys pleasure in watching you enjoy His creation. He gave you eyes to enjoy beauty, ears to enjoy sounds, your nose and taste buds to enjoy smells and tastes. Every act of enjoyment becomes an act of worship when you thank God for it."


"God...generously gives us everything for our enjoyment." 1 Timothy 6:17                                                                                                   
Joshua, my now grown son, didn't have to do anything big for me to enjoy him.  I was happy when he made the cutest little yawns when he was a baby!  How silly does that seem!  I would crawl under his crib some nights, and just peek out far enough to watch him sleep.  Sometimes, I would cry from the great amount of joy that I felt from being his Mom.  I didn't know Jesus then.  But, I felt that I knew God when I was Jewish...and I felt that He had given me the care of the greatest gift possible. 

"When you are sleeping, God gazes at you with love, because you were His idea.  He loves you as if you were the only person on earth.  Parents do not require their children to be perfect, or even mature to enjoy them.  They enjoy them at every stage of development.  In the same way, God doesn't wait for you to reach maturity before He starts liking you.  He loves you and enjoys you at every stage of your spiritual development."

"What God looks at is the attitude of your heart.  Is pleasing Him your deepest desire?  When we are growing spiritually, we go from asking "How much am I enjoying life?" to "How much pleasure is God getting from my life?" God is looking for people like Noah in the 21st century---people willing to live for the pleasure of God."

"The Lord looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who are wise, who want to please God."  Will you make pleasing God the goal of your life?" 

Where will you begin?  What might you change?  How will you know if you are accomplishing your goal?  These are things I think we would all like to learn from each other.  How about encouraging your Sister-in-Christ by  sharing your thoughts comment section.  

He IS Able,
Traci S. 

We really would like to pray for you!  If you would like more information, please read this past Friday's post.  If you have a comment that our guests may pray over also, please write them in the comment section.  If it is something that you want only the prayer team to pray over...please email it to me, and I will share it with our Prayer Team Leader--Joan.

Please remember we have a few members of our prayer team, and are looking for more.  If you are interested, please email me, and I will send you the information on our volunteer Prayer Team.  The only requirement is that you love and have asked our Lord, Jesus Christ to be your Lord and Savior.  The time commitment that you would spend in prayer is what you tell us it will be...we will fit the requests you receive to pray over based on that!

"Precious Women of God--This Includes You!"

Hi Friends~

Happy Friday!  I hope all of you have some wonderful plans for this weekend!  I believe I will be able to get my 3 pages done to get caught up with the ABC Scriptural Study led by Patter Cross.  I really want to do this project.  I also would like to complete at least 2 sets of cards to donate to the Card Drive for the American Cancer Society Fundraiser (info on the side) before the end of the weekend.  And, of course my time with the Lord comes first ...and sometimes additionally while I work on cards or scrapbook!  Do you ever do that?  Praise Him while you are playing in your art room?  Sing to Him? 

Today please read about:

• Scriptures: Genesis 2:18, Genesis 2:23
• "Precious Women of God--This Includes You!" 
• How our Prayer Team is ready to serve your needs and requests.

Today is a special post.  It is the second post from Michele G.  She writes our Bible Study portion every 3rd Friday of the month.  It is a study on Biblical Women as they relate to us!  It is named "Precious Women of God--This Includes You!"  I read Michele's post, and I found it very interesting!  She thought of different aspects of Eve that I never even gave a thought!  I encourage you to read this and possibly send it on to a friend!

Here it is:

When thinking about women in the Bible, Eve can jump into my mind so quickly and when I think of her I often think “if she only didn’t eat the fruit I could be sitting in Eden right now.” But the truth of it is we would have all done what Eve had done in The Garden. We have all disobeyed God, we are all sinners. Only Christ led a sinless life.



Eve was the first woman on earth, the first wife, and the first mother. She is known as the "Mother of All the Living." I am sure she worked hard on making a good life for her children and her family. Telling them about Eden and teaching them right from wrong just like we do today. Also, just like today, there was some difficulty in the family. She saw her boys fight and watched and I am sure tried to discourage the hatred that grew between them. One son murdered and the other sent away from their home. None of this could have been easy for Eve, but through it all she relied on God.


Eve was Adam’s companion, his helper, the one who would complete him and share equally in his responsibility over creation. She too was made in God's image, displaying a portion of the characteristics of God. Only together could Adam and Eve fulfill God's purpose in the continuation of creation. With Eve, God brought human relationship, friendship and marriage into the world. Together she and Adam would fulfill God’s purpose of populating the earth.


Genesis 2:18--"Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.”


Genesis 2:23--“At last!” the man exclaimed. “This one is bone from my bone, and flesh from my flesh! She will be called ‘woman,’ because she was taken from ‘man.’



Eve was tempted by Satan when he got her to doubt God's goodness, by focusing on the one thing she couldn't have. She put in the back of her mind all of the good things God had blessed her with in The Garden. I think this happens to all of us at one time or another.


She didn't have another woman that she could confide in and talk things over with. How did she do it? Undoubtedly she relied on her relationship with God to sustain her through difficult times. She had a direct relationship with her creator.


God wants us to freely choose to follow and obey Him out of love. Nothing we do is hidden from God. Our God who loves us so perfectly sent His only Son to show us how to love and how to live and sent Him to pay for our sins on the cross.


Referenced in the Bible:
Genesis 2:18-4:26; 2 Corinthians 11:3; 1 Timothy 2:13
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Wow, Michele! Thank you for the time and effort you put into today's post. You really looked at Eve in a creative way. I can't wait to see what you come up with for the 3rd Friday of next month! Thanks again for everything!
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"The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." James 5:16

How Our Prayer Team Can Serve You!
Yesterday we announced the beginning of the He IS Able Prayer Team. This blog is here to Glorify God, share with each other and encourage each other with our walk with Christ...and to bring non-Believers to Him. We could not do this without prayer! I have been blessed to have friends who have been praying for the blog, and many of you have prayed for my health and we have been praying that we would have discernment as to what our Lord, Jesus Christ would like for us to share, as well as what direction the blog would go in. Thank you for all of your prayers.

One of those changes is when I asked Joan to become our Prayer Team Leader. (I wrote a bit about Joan on Wednesday's post if you would like to get to know more about her.) What is the goal of this Prayer Team? We will be taking prayer requests and needs from you and praying over them until prayer is answered. (And remember, sometimes He tells us "no" because He has something better in life for us.) Please let us know if the situation has changed, and the request should change or be removed.

If you have a prayer request/need that is not confidential, and that you would like some of our other guests to pray over...please put your request in the comment section. Please remember, anyone coming to this blog can see this section.

If you have a prayer request/need that must remain confidential with only the He IS Able Prayer Team knowing about it...please email me your information, and I will send it via email to the other Prayer Team members to pray over. I will only give your email address to Joan. If you do not want your name to be known, or contacted via email about your request...Please tell me in your email.

If you would like to be considered to join our volunteer Prayer Team, please email me or leave a comment including your email addie. We are looking for up to 10 people to join, and it is only as big of a time investment as you want to give! The Prayer Team will lift up the people of this blog, including our guests and their requests, as well as praying for behind the scenes needs. We will pray that we follow our Mission Statement: "Sharing His Love, His Word, and His Gift of Salvation through Cards!" And, they will pray that this outreach will touch people's hearts, and they will pray that Jesus the Christ will be their Lord and Savior. The Prayer Team will not have personal contact with the person requesting prayer...except possibly Joan or myself. (unless you state not to do this with your request.) This is a wonderful way to serve the Lord as well as your Sisters and Brothers in Christ!

Whether you are emailing me to join the Prayer Team, or send a prayer request, or if you would share your Testimony or Why you love the Lord, or if you want to know about donating cards for the "Card of the Week" or anything else concerning this blog please type "He IS Able" on the subject line of the email. I read these first because of their importance.  God Bless!

He IS Able,
Traci Starkweather
(Traci S. on your blog, at SCS or at Christian Paper Crafts!)

BIG News Announced and Winner of the "Card of the Week" is Announced!

Hi Friends~

I am happy to say I am home recuperating from a busy trip. It takes me a while, due to my physical condition.  It was so nice spending time with family.  We saw Dave's dad, sister, brother-in-law, niece (you may have seen her art on this blog before!) and a nephew in Maryland.  It seems that we could never spend enough time with them, and the rest of our family.  I have held you in my thoughts and prayers.  Church was amazing, and I learned so much. I will be sharing that with you another time.  And, after a partial day of sleep, I come to you with some exciting news!  Please be sure to read today's entire blog post...as it involves you.

Today you will find:

• Scriptures:  Matthew 18:20, 1 John 3:22, James 5:15-16, 1 Thessalonians 5: 17-18
• BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!
• Winner of the "Card of the Week" Announced! 

"For where two or three are gathered together in My name. I am there in the midst of them." Matthew 18:20

It has been a month since the He IS Able blog invited Michele G. to lead our Bible Study on Biblical Women.  The second segment of "Precious Women of God--This Includes You!" will be posted on Friday!  This is a very unique look at Eve!

Today I have the honor to tell you about another addition to this blog.  Starting today, we will be taking Prayer Requests from you!  This blog is here to learn and share and encourage each other with our walk with Christ...and to bring non-Believers to Him.  How could we do this without prayer? 

I have asked Joan to be our Prayer Team Leader and she was happy to accept.  I know her from SplitCoastStampers.  We are on the same prayer thread there. I have known her for about a year, and she is a faithful servant of our Lord, Jesus Christ.   I know that she is a prayer warrior.  She will lead the Team by passing on your requests and needs to other members and they will pray over them, they will also pray for those of us associated with the blog, that we will discern what the Lord wants us to share,  they will encourage each other and pray for each other, pray over the card recipients of the Card of the Week random drawing and many other behind the scenes needs.

"And whatever we ask, we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight."
 1 John 3:22

How do you share your prayer requests?  Simply leave them in the comment section...or if it is more private, please email your need or request to me, and I will pass it on to the Prayer Team.  (Emailed messages do not qualify you for the "Card of the Week" drawing, any message prayer requests included will enter you in the drawing.)  Joan knows the importance of confidentiality, and she will be sure that the Team does also.  Please be sure to let us know if your request is confidential, and don't leave confidential requests in the comment section. Please let us know as prayers are answered or if needs change. As guests share their requests it will also offer you the chance to lift them up!

Currently, I am looking for others that would want to serve in this very important way.  If you are interested, please let me know, and we will share a few email conversations together.

This is an important area of this blog.  Please welcome Joan,a Christian, prayer warrior, mother, wife, grand-mother, friend, confidant to the He IS Able Blog Team.  Welcome Joan!

"And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up.  And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.  Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed.  The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much."  James 5:15-16

Winner of the "Card of the Week" Announced!

Congratulations to Susan M.!  Susan you have won the card on the side bar this week!  You were randomly chosen to receive this card, and you were entered when you left a comment before Tuesday 8pm.  Please email me before Tuesday 8pm with your mailing address.  If you live in the U.S.  I will be happy to mail it to you.  If per chance, you live out of the country, I have several other ways for you to get your card or still utilize it!  If I don't hear from you before Tuesday 8pm, I will need to put the card back in the He IS Able blog's card stash.

Here is Susan's comment:

Your husband will be sooo pleased with his card it is beautiful!
February 13, 2011 10:41 AM

Thank you so much for your very encouraging comment, Susan.  Dave did like it.  Not much bling on it...and he is happy! lol

"Pray without ceasing, in everything giving thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."  1 Thessalonians 5:17-18

Have a blessed week.  Remember--Friday is "Precious Women of God--This Includes You!" Day!  We hope you will join us!

He IS Able,
Traci S.

God IS Love--- Happy Valentine's Day!

Hi Friends~

     Happy Valentine's Day! I am currently visiting family in Baltimore.  It is wonderful!  I will be returning home tomorrow.  I can't believe it has been 3 days already. We aren't quite ready to leave everyone yet.  But, we will be fine, and I will be praying for them.

     Valentine's Day.  Did you get a card and perhaps some flowers from your spouse or boyfriend or girlfriend?  Did you get a card, extra big hug, or a school project from your child?  Did you send a couple of Valentine's out to dear friends?  Did you take time today, to tell our Lord why you love Him so much?  Do you know why He loves you so much?  He sent you a Valentine's of sorts...the Bible...His Word.  Some say it is the greatest love letter of all!  I pray that you all have a wonderful day sharing about the Lord's amazing love with everyone you love and maybe a stranger or two!

"...And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him. We love Him because He first loved us." 1 John 4:10,16,19

     This Scripture is so complete.  (Aren't they all?)  I think this is the perfect Verse to share on this day that we draw special attention to our love for each other. This Scripture shares about God's love.  And, it talks about the complete love we have in Him.  And, that if we love Him...and ask Him to be our Savior and Lord, He will abide in us. The Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit does come to live in us.  And, God is love, and wants our love.  He doesn't need our love...He wants it.  It's like a father...or mother...they want the love of their children.  I love this Scripture. Would you like to add any thoughts?  Feel welcome to share in the comment section. I would love to hear your thoughts.

     I went to church with my Father-in-Law yesterday.  They sang, "This is the day that the Lord hath made!"  I have been singing that or humming it since.  However, the words keep coming out differently.  "This is the day that the Lord hath made; Let us rejoice, let us rejoice and tell Him how much we love Him."
It's true.  Are you singing it to yourself now?  It is a great hymn to have on your mind.  It is great for restoring grumpy moods!  (I know!)

Please join me in this short prayer.  Feel free to use your own words.

Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for this day.  It is wonderful because You have made it!  Lord, it is easy to remember to concentrate on the one's we love on Valentine's Day, yet I am concerned that we don't always take the time to tell you how much we love You.  Or why we love You.  And, You love us so completely.  You love us unconditionally.  Lord, I love You for ________.  I love you for opening my eyes so that I could see the Truth.  That I could see You in this world, Lord.  I love you, Lord for letting me learn that being obedient to you brings Joy. I love you for the Gift of Salvation and Your Word to teach me.  I love You for wanting the best for me.  I love You, Lord
for _____.  Lord Jesus, I love You for all of these reasons and so many more.  Thank You for loving me before I was even born.  In Your Loving and Protective and Forgiving name, the name of Jesus the Christ, I pray.  Amen.

     If you are willing to remind some of us of other reasons to love Jesus, please leave a line in the comment section.  I always like to think of new reasons to love Him.  I'd appreciate your input!

     A big thank you to the anonymous guest who shared one of her thoughts of LOVE with us. Thank you for taking the time to write your thought, and your willingness and courage to share it with us.  You are very much appreciated and loved!  This is what she shared:

"Love is a word we learn very early on in our lives. We have a general understanding as to what "love" is, and learn to both speak and hear it offered a lot. BUT, for me, it wasn't until I knew the depths of the "love" of God that the word itself became real in its fullness."-- An Anonymous Guest

     I say "Amen" to that thought!  I thought I really understood what love was, also...but it is so different when you allow yourself to let the Lord into your life...and you really feel the magnitude of His love.  Thank you for sharing!  There is still half a month to share YOUR thoughts of love with us.  Please email it to me, or leave it in the comment section.

"Therefore know that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy to a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments." Deuteronomy 7:9

          I want you to know that each of you are very much appreciated.  Your comments are so wonderful to read.  If you have a blog, would you please copy and paste the badge on the side bar and place it on your blog?  It may help bring others to know His Love, Forgiveness, Mercy, Strength, Protection and His Gift of Salvation--To live forever with Him in Heaven.  You could be a part of bringing someone to Jesus just by posting this badge on your blog.  (It doesn't have a link...that is why the URL is listed on it!)  Thanks for spreading His love!

I almost forgot to tell you all some exciting news.  There will be a Major Announcement on Wednesday's post.  And, on Friday, Michele will be hosting another segment of "Precious Women of God--This Includes You!"  I am so excited about this week's Study.  She is writing about Eve in ways that you may never have even thought of!  I know it surprised me when she told me!  It is sure to be exciting and informative!  So, please join us for the Major Announcement and "Card of the Week" Winner Announcement on Wednesday, and here for Michele's Bible Study of Women on Friday! 

I pray that you all have a blessed day today and each day. I hope that you all take the time to tell the One who IS love, how much you love Him.


He IS Able,
Traci S.

"And to love Him with all the heart, with all the understanding, with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love one's neighbor as oneself, is more than all the whole burnt offerings and sacrifices."  Mark 12:30-33

Scriptures about Love! Cards about Love!

Hi Everyone~

First of all, please be sure to visit my friend Chris' blog today!

Happy Mid-week...and that means a "Card of the Week" Winner will be  announced today.  I also made a couple of cards I wanted to share with you today.  One is a Valentine's Day card for my Dave, and one is a card for this blog.

Today you will find:

• 2 Valentine's Cards
• James 1:7, Psalm 145:20, Romans 8:28,  and 1 Corinthians 8:3
• Card of the Week Winner
• Join us February 18th, for Michele's: "Precious Women of God--This Includes You!"

Here is the card that I made to serve as a "Card of the Week" here on this blog.  I used James 1:17 as the focus.  "Every good and perfect gift is from above."  It reminds me how much He loves us...and how much He is willing to bless us with...music, nature, each other...you name it...it is... because He created it first. 

I used a stamp from an unknown company, it is called "Ribbons and Rose."  An appropriate name!  I have  used this stamp once or twice.   With the condition of my art room right now, I can not find the heart stamp to find it's name.  I am sure it is on my desk buried under paper and books.  I used Glossy Accents on it after I colored it with my SU! Markers.  I am pretty unfamiliar with this product...and I did not know how to get the lines out of the goo at the time.  I think I just need to go slower and not let the tip touch the paper, right?  If you know the answer...please let me know.  When dry, I covered the shaded area first with pink Stickles...and didn't like it...so I framed the whole heart in it.  Glue Dots under the heart...and white "faux" sewing around the edges finished the outside of this card.  I do hope you will leave comments...and possibly win this card this week! 

"He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me.  And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him."  Psalm 145:20

 Announcing the Winner of the Card of the Week!

Congratulations go to Keri Lee!  Welcome to the He IS Able blog, Keri Lee!  And, thank you for leaving your comment.  By leaving a comment, you became eligible for our Card of the Week drawing.  All you need to do is email me (side bar) with your mailing address here in the United States.  And, I will get this card out to you.  We hope you will use this card to share the Love of Jesus with someone in your life...or perhaps a total stranger!  Please be sure to send me your address by next Tuesday 8pm or the card will go into the He IS Able blog card stash.  And, it will wait for another time.  This would be a great time for any of you to leave a comment to be eligible for next week's random drawing!

Thank you so much to everyone who visits this blog.  You can not imagine what a blessing that is to me!  I am so grateful that you spend your time here. Sadly, I can not afford to post a card out of the country at this time.  I am so sorry.  If you have a friend that lives here that you would like to bless, I would be happy to write whatever you email to me in the card, and send it to them, or perhaps, they could send it to you with their next post.  Or, I could donate your card to one of several charities that I work with.  Please let me know if this is of interest to you, and I will give you the details then.

Here is Keri Lee's comment regarding a card I made for Grace:

"It's beautiful and I am sure she will LOVE it!" 

 February 2, 2011 2:49 AM

 

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."  Romans 8:28
(I underlined a portion, because I hear so many people only read the first section...and forget about the importance of working toward His purpose...to be on His path...it is as important as the beginning of the Scripture!)

This is Dave's Valentine's Day card.  We don't usually do anything to celebrate Valentine's Day because EVERY day is a day full of love between us. I love him very much.  I continue to pray for His Salvation, and the Salvation of our children, and my family.  I thank all of you who join me in praying for this wondrous miracle that He performs daily for many.

This is an unusual card for me. Dave does not like the glitter and shine that most of us like.  Nor does he care for ribbon or any extra embellishments.  I love to use embellishments of all sorts...so this is a bit different.  I made a card that he would like...since it is for him.  lol  I used some Hot off the Press cs for the background.  It is full of words in different fonts that describe a loving relationship.  "Best Friends," "Laugh," "Together," "Honest," "Love"  words like that.  I then took a couple of thin strips of black and white cs from SU! that I had put them through my Cuttle Bug machine (I love that machine!) in the Swiss Dots Embossing Folder.  I took a heart shaped doily and put it over it.  The center of the doily is actually a stamped image from Clear Dollar Stamps. I love this company! This heart of roses is part of a wonderful set called "Sweet Rose".  Please take a look at the complete set...Beautiful!  I put Dave's name in the center.  I added a few red, heart-shaped rhinestones on the bottom...but I seem to have cut them off in the photo.  There you have the outside of my husband's Valentine's Day Card. The inside is decorated, lightly...as I do with most of my cards.   His birthday is the day after...I am not done making cards this week!

Let me just mention Clear Dollar Stamps for a second.  They are a wonderful company!  Their stamps are beautiful...and they have a large supply of Christian themed stamps and sentiments, as well as other stamps.  And, they are very reasonable!  I can spend hours looking through their stamps...and then I start in on their blog.  I hope you will visit them and take a look.  They are lovely stamps, and Lori is a lovely person.  Please tell her you heard about them from the He IS Able blog.

"But if anyone loves God, this one is known by Him."  1 Corinthians 8:3

The He IS Able blog has always been EVERYONE's blog.  You can email me your thoughts, and I will post them on the blog.  You can do this any time, anonymously or In Some One's Honor, or In Memory of Some One.  This is YOUR blog. This month we are sharing about Love.  Please consider emailing me:

A Scripture of Love--Your favorite Love Story from the Bible--How you show the Lord you love Him--How does the Lord show you He loves you--Quotes about Love--Why you love a certain Scripture--Your thoughts on love-- A Poem--Your Testimony--Anything about Love... just share from the Heart...

Thank you to those who have already sent in an idea. You are not limited to one entry. I know it is difficult for me to choose one Scripture on love or a quote about love. This is your chance to serve the Lord by sharing on the He IS Able blog.   I love you for taking the time to send in your thoughts.  It is a great way to share with other Believers and Non-Believers the same.  Everyone needs love.  Not Everyone knows Jesus Yet!  I look forward to hearing from you!  Thanks so much!  Have a blessed week!

He IS Able,
Traci S.

p.s. There will not be a post on Friday.  I will be very busy getting ready for our trip, since I haven't done a thing for it yet!  There will be a post on Monday.  I hope you will be stopping by. 

Loving Him through Prayer and Pleasing Him in the Process!

Dear Friends~

I hope you are having a marvelous Monday...and that you are spending time with Jesus all day long.  That's one way to please Him, and a way to show Him just how much you love Him.  Our 2 topics for today...Loving Him through Prayer and Pleasing Him.

"I will bless the LORD at all times;

His praise shall continually be in my mouth."

Psalm 34:1

Do you remember the song "Rise and Shine?"  I think that is the name of it.  You may have learned it in preschool or 1st grade Sunday School.  It is something like this:

##Oh, Rise and Shine and give God the Glory...Glory

Rise...and Shine...and give God the Glory...Glory...##

I woke up with this song on my lips.  And, I laughed, because it has been a very long time since I sang it.  Then I heard what I was singing.  I listened to those few words that I know of the song. It was then, that I knew what today's post was to be about.  And, before I came here...I spent some quality time with Him.  I hope you had time to spend with Him this morning...but if not...you still have the rest of the day and night to "catch up" with Him.

"The Lord spoke to Moses face to face

as a man speaks with his friend."  Exodus 33:11

There was this wonderful short writing in Quiet Moments in the Presence of God, which is published by Bethany House.  We know that our lives are the best type of worship to the Lord.  And, He really wants to be invited into our daily activities, conversations, and He really is pleased when we spend time sharing with Him through prayer, and then by listening to what He may want to share.

This writing is called, "Speak With Your Friend." 

"Prayer is relational.  It is talking to someone you know.  There are no strangers in the prayer room.  When speaking to God in prayer, you can have the same kind of experience with God that Moses had---face to face.  You can be friend with friend.

With God as your friend in prayer, you are never too hurt to look back, and you are never too scared to look ahead.  With God as your friend in prayer, you can look within yourself and celebrate who you are, and who you are becoming.  You can feel close enough to God to open yourself up and let Him come in.

When you go to God in prayer, you are in the presence of one you know and one who knows you."

Isn't that wonderful?  Have you thought of  Him as your friend?  I just loved the way they wrote this. It made me think that He should/could/would like to be my best friend.  One that I can share anything with.  One that I can tell my dreams, and still in reverence, go to for forgiveness, and be obedient to Him.  What an amazing relationship we can have with Jesus in our lives!  Do you have this type of relationship with Him?  Contact me if you would like to ask Jesus to be your Lord and Friend.  I will pray with you.  Or contact a local church.

"Servants don't know what their Master is doing, and so I don't speak to you as my servants.  I speak to you as my friends, and I have told you everything that my Father has told me."  John 15:15

I hope you will join us on Wednesday to see who will receive the "Card of the Week"...which you can see on the sidebar.  Just leave a comment...and if your name is randomly selected, and you have an address here in the U.S. I will mail it to you.  If you live out of the country, we still have several options for you!

Leave your comment by 8pm Tuesday!

Have a blessed day! 

He IS Able!

Traci S.

Love Poems

Hi Friends~

Happy Friday!  I hope you all have some fun and wonderful plans for the weekend, even if it is snowing where you live.  (As long as you are safe, of course.)

This is Friday, and I have not been well enough to make any cards or projects...besides imagining them in my head!  So, I thought I would share two poems with you that clearly show His love.  Love is our theme this month.

The first one is by Ralph Waldo Emerson.  I found it in my book titled
Whispers of Promise by Barbour Publishing.  Even if you have read the poems before, I suggest you try to look at it as if it is brand new. Read them slowly. New thoughts to consider.  Think about how you could have written these poems.  When would that have been?  How did you feel?  How much of His love did you feel once you read what "you" wrote?  Enjoy the experience! I did!

Never Lose an Opportunity

Never lose an opportunity

of seeing anything that is

beautiful for beauty is God's

handwriting-- a wayside

sacrament.  Welcome it in every

fair face, in every fair sky, in every

fair flower, and thank God for it as

a cup of blessing.

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

The next poem is a well-known poem.  The author remains anonymous.  Please read each section, and imagine yourself in the poem. If you were in the poem, what sensations would you feel?  What emotions would be right under your skin?  What would the scene look like?  How would you feel at the end?  Does this poem illustrate some of the love that our Dear Lord, Jesus the Christ has for us?  Can you imagine how much more love He has for each of us?  Can you think of any other circumstances where He shows His love for you? 

How about sharing your thoughts?  Just email it to me.  We just want to know...How do you know Jesus loves you?  Or, How do you show your love for Him?

Footprints in the Sand

One night I had a dream.

I dreamed I was walking along the beach

with the Lord...

Across the sky flashed scenes from my life..

For each scene, I noticed two sets of

footprints in the sand,

one belonging to me, and the other to the Lord...

When the last scene of my life flashed before me,

I looked back at the footprints in the sand.

I noticed that many times along the path of my life

there was only one set of footprints.

I also noticed that it happened at the very lowest

and saddest times in my life.

This really bothered me

and I questioned the Lord about it:

"Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you,

you'd walk with me all the way.

But I have noticed that during the most

troublesome times in my life

there is only one set of footprints.

I don't understand why

when I need you most you would leave me."

The Lord replied:

"My precious child, I love you and would

never leave you.

During your times of trial and suffering,

when you see only one set of footprints, it was then

that I carried you."

How did the 2 segments that I underlined make you feel?  Whenever I hear about Him referring to me as "His" or especially "His precious child", I feel so wonderful!  I feel special.  I feel that if the Lord of All feels this way about me, I must be okay.

"I praise You for I am fearfully and wonderfully made."  Psalm 139:14

 When I read the lines "once I decided to follow you," it made me happy and sad for a moment.  It made me think of how I hope and pray that this blog encourages others to share the Love of Jesus to their friends and family, and to ask them to pray about the gift of Salvation that only comes through giving our life to Christ Jesus.  It also reminded me of my own family full of Atheists and Jews.  And, how that makes me sad, that they don't know His love as I do.  Their eyes are still sealed.

"The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble.  He cares for those

 who trust in Him."  Nahum 1:7

Have a fabulous weekend!  Remember, you can always leave a comment about anything.  However, the question for today is, "How do you know Jesus loves you", or  "How do you show your love for Him?" Thanks for stopping by! I look forward to reading your thoughts!  Thanks so much for sharing! God Bless!

He IS Able,

Traci S.

Head Over Heels In Love!

Hi Friends~

I am so glad you are here today!   I am so grateful to be able to share  some more of the Lord's love with you.  And, I am so happy that some of you have started to send in your stories of Jesus' love, your favorite Scripture about love, perhaps you have shared why you love Him, or what you or your family do to share your love with others.  Please continue to send in your ideas...whether they are a one sentence Scripture, or a whole story about when you were Saved.  Keep your emails coming please!

I know there are so many of you praying for my health to improve...Dave's also.  Dave is doing quite a bit better, although his congestion is still terrible and he is still exhausted.  I am still the same.  I am so grateful for all of your prayers.  I am sure they are helping me from being worse even.  I am just so exhausted of being exhausted and ill.   Have you ever felt like that?  I know, I need to get on my knees even more, and ask for healing.  We have such a loving Lord.  It is so easy to go before Him.  Why be afraid to ask?  I guess I have a bit of trepidation.  I asked Him to heal me when I injured my back and neck and legs almost 13 years ago.  And, He does not think that is what should be done yet.  I hope that is not what He will say about healing me from this illness.  I know He has plans about my disabilities.  I have already been helpful to people in the same boat.  I just really want to breathe easily, and have enough energy to make more cards for the blog and for the American Cancer Society Card Drive, and well, for fun.  My card making has been limited to the cards you have seen here on this past Friday and Wednesday.  I am sorry if I am complaining.  I am not trying to do that. Do we need to ask forgiveness for complaining when we have been sick so long?  What do you think?  I really don't know. I really would appreciate your opinions.  I know sometimes, even though He loves us, He says no, and has good reasons...but sometimes I am tired, and want something else.  Not very grateful at the moment.  I apologize.  I just realized that!  As I was sitting here writing!  If He wants me to be ill and disabled to help someone else or for some other reason, I should be glad that He will allow me to be used.  Please forgive me for my attitude.

That is one reason I would like for us to share different aspects of Christian Love.  To encourage each other, possibly to add ideas of how to spread love as a Christian, to concentrate on Verses that are all about Love.  Our lives could only be more full of love if we thought about it daily.

Today we are going to:

•  Read a passage from the Quiet Moments in the Presence of God.  This book is published by Bethany House.  Today's Devotion is named, "Head Over Heels in Love"
• Scriptures:  Matthew 22:37-38; 1 Corinthians 2:9
• Winner of the Card of the Week Announced!

Matthew 22:37-38 states:
"Jesus answered:  Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind.  This is the first and most important commandment." 

Quiet Moments in the Presence of God shares this: 
 "You love God because of his infinite goodness in your life.  You love God because He is your Father and you are His child.  You love Him because He created you and has a meaningful plan for your life.  You love God because He first loved you.

    Legend has it that a wealthy merchant heard a great deal about Paul.  The merchant went to Rome to visit Paul in prison. Timothy arranged it, and the man spent several hours with Paul.  Outside the cell, as he was leaving, the man asked Timothy, "What's the secret of this man's power?"  Timothy smiled and said, "Paul is in love."
   When you know how much you mean to God, you fall head over heels in love with God." (Quiet Moments in the Presence of God, Published by Bethany House.)

"No eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the human heart conceived, what God has prepared for those who love Him." 1 Corinthians 2:9

Are you head over heels in love with the Lord? How wonderful!  Do your friends and family members know the Lord?  Your co-workers? Are they head over heels in love with Him? Isn't that Scripture amazing?  We can not even imagine everything that our God has in mind for us!  Incredible!  He loves us so very much!  Why don't you share with us about it?  It may open the door to wonderful conversations with eternal differences.

A simple prayer from today's Devotional is:
"Dear God, you mean everything in the world to me.  I love you more than I can say."  Amen.  Do you say Amen, also?

This Week's Winner of the Card of the Week Announced...

Each week all of the comments are gathered and a name is randomly drawn.  THAT person will receive the fabulous card that is shown on the side bar, an extra envelope and postage.  All you need to do to be eligible is leave a comment some time between now and 8pm Tuesday evening!  If you are chosen to receive this card, please be sure to send me your mailing address before Tuesday 8pm or the card will go back into the He IS Able card stash.  We hope you will use it to share the love of Christ, or His Word with others.  If for some reason you do not wish to receive the card, simply do not email me your mailing address, or let me know you would rather include it in one of the three places I send cards out to.  (We could put it right back in the He IS Able blog's card stash.  One is the American Cancer Society's Card Drive Fundraiser (details on side bar), the other is for children and teens who are terminally ill.) 

Remember, anyone with a mailing address in the U.S. who leaves a comment is eligible to win...and this week's winner will be so surprised...as this week's winner is...Michele G.!!!!  Michele, thank you for your comment!  And, Congratulations!



"Traci loved the whole post and so very true, praying for you and Dave for more healing!" Michele G. February 1, 2011 11:53 AM

Speaking of Michele, I would just like to remind you that on February 18th, and every 3rd Friday of the month, Michele will be sharing  another segment of her Bible study called "Precious Women of God--This Includes You!" I hope you will share your words of encouragement and prayer as she prepares this months segment.

I hope you are still joining me in being especially aware of being obedient to God this week.  I learn so much when I am obedient...and it makes Him smile.

He IS Able,
Traci S.

p.s.  Please put "LOVE" or "He IS Able" in the subject line when you send your thoughts on Love.  I will post them all this month! Please join in.  It will only take you a moment, to write a Favorite Verse and why, or why you love the Lord so much.

I am so excited about today's post...but did you see Fridays?!!

Dear Friends,

I hope that you are reading this in great health and are eager to read what will be shared here today. I am so excited about this post!  I thank all of you for your prayers. I really appreciate them very much.   Dave is still a bit ill, mostly at night, but has returned to work.  I still have it this in my bronchial tubes and sinuses, and I tell you what...this has just exhausted me at least as much as when Joshua was a newborn, and was nursed every hour for twenty minutes the first year!  That was pretty exhausting! This weekend one or both of us had been resting on the recliner sofa watching something on TV just about every hour of the weekend.  We didn't have energy for anything else.  We couldn't even see clearly to read.  If you were to visit, you would love the smell of our home.  Some people light candles...we just wore a lot of VICKS!!  lol 

You may not know this about me, I always have at least 10 pages of stamped images ready to be colored!  I take with me when I go to the doctor and have a wait, or if we go to see any of our family, I color in the car, or if I am watching a movie, here at home.  It occurred to me, that I didn't even think of coloring over this entire weekend.  Now, THAT worried me about my condition!

For those of you who were not here on Friday...I hope you will take a look at Friday's blog!  There was a SURPRISE ANNOUNCEMENT on the post.  And, I shared a couple of cards that I made last Saturday.

Below, you will see a card that I had made for my friend Grace's birthday.  I wanted to make something beautiful...for she is such a beautiful woman!  She has a beautiful heart for the Lord and for people...so beautiful!

This card was made using a sheet of paper I have had about 20 years!  I have been waiting for a special occasion, and this was it!  I put it on a pearlescent sheet of paper by Crafter's Companion.  It is gorgeous and has a luster to match the top sheet.  The Calla Lilies I found at a store near Washington, DC, and they had a matte finish.  I wanted them to have the same finish as the papers, so I painted them with Creative Inspiration Paints that were gifted to me by a dear friend. (THANK YOU!)  I LOVE this paint!  I had a piece of sheer ribbon with a swirl from Paper Wishes left over, and wrapped it around the flowers, and attempted to make a bow.  I am the only person with a Bow Easy who can make nice bows...but not attach them nicely at all!  I would love any suggestions on this!  Please.  I wish I had a light cream embossing powder and a more elegant stamp for the sentiment...but you use what you have, right?  The other ingredient added was a lot of love.  I hope you and she can see that in the card!

Last week we were reading about Pleasing God by Trusting Him.  I am getting many of my thoughts and information from the book, The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. And, from the Bible and prayer and thinking of course! 

"He takes pleasure in those that honor Him; in those who

 trust in His constant love."  Psalm 147:11

"Without faith it is impossible to please God." Hebrews 11:6

Pleasing God is knowing that you can trust Him wholeheartedly. Mr. Warren wrote this:  "If God asked you to build a giant boat, don't you think you might have a few questions, objections, or reservations?  Noah didn't.  He obeyed wholeheartedly.  That means doing whatever God asks without reservation or hesitation.  You do it without delay.  Every parent knows that delayed obedience is really disobedience. "  God doesn't owe us an explanation or reason for things He asks us to do.  Instant obedience will teach us more about God than a lifetime of discussions about the Bible.  Mr. Warren states "In fact, you will never understand some commands until you obey them first.   Obedience unlocks understanding."

Obedience unlocks understanding.  I said it again, because I think it is such a wise concept.  As an adolescent and young adult, I hated to follow rules.  I hated to be obedient.  I wasn't a bad kid.  I just liked to have my way. 

I have had a person that I really disliked immensely in my life. Basically, I felt he deserved my "hatred." ( I really dislike that word, and have only used it in this case.  I am sorry I could not find another word to use.  I apologize.)  He had caused me much distress and pain.   I had been learning about forgiveness from the Bible, from other reputable author's books, and from conversations/emails with my friends. 

Well, I woke up one morning with a heavy weight on my heart.  I actually felt like there was a stack of books or something upon my chest.  I immediately realized...I don't know why or how...The Holy Spirit is what I think moved me.  All of a sudden, I knew I had to forgive this person.  Not because I was okay with what had happened, but because He commands us to Forgive.

If we are to be obedient to the Lord, we can't pick and choose which commandments we want to follow.  Which commandments we will obey.  Right then, I chose to forgive this person, through prayer.  I told the Lord that I didn't forgive what had occurred, but that I was forgiving him to be obedient, because I loved Him that much to put away my feelings of  hatred, and get on with things.  Because He said so.  I hated that answer when I was growing up.  "Because I said so," an adult would answer me.  I'm sure some of you heard it too.  Well, I am learning to love that answer when the Lord tells me, "Because I said so!"  It gives me an opportunity to show Him how much I love Him.  How I want to be be obedient to Him.  To show Him that I know He knows whats best for me. To follow Him blindly. To trust Him completely.  I feel closer to the Lord than ever before.  I am sure it is because I am actually looking for ways to be more obedient to Him.  Not as a contest, or a challenge.  I almost didn't want to share this here, because I didn't want my reason for doing it from this point, to be because you may be looking to see if I am being obedient.  However, I know my intentions.  I know why I am doing this. I have forgiven this person many times now.  One day, I will mean it because I mean it, rather than wanting to be obedient as the main reason.  (Make sense?)

Is this an area you may want to work on--being more obedient to God?  It will please Him, and He will smile.

In the Bible, David said, "Just tell me what to do and I will do it, Lord.  As long as I live I'll wholeheartedly obey."  Psalm 119:33
 

Psalm 100:2 reads, "Obey Him gladly."

Will you join me this week in being consciously aware of being obedient to Him?  In ALL things?  Joyfully?  I would love to know if you are working on this along with me this week.  How about letting me know in the comment section?

Thank you to those of you who have started sending your favorite Scriptures about LOVE.  I challenge every person to please email me with what LOVE means as a Christian, or your favorite Scripture about Love, or how He shows you He LOVEs you, or how you show Him that you LOVE Him, or how your family shows LOVE to others.  It could be a poem, a quote, or anything about LOVE in the Bible, or in your actions...I would LOVE to have a post to share from everyone...if you want, send more than one.  It can be anonymous. (I will assume it is ok to use your username unless you state so otherwise.) It could be one sentence or 6 paragraphs.  It could be in Honor or Memory of someone you LOVE. 

This blog exists to Glorify God.  What a great way to do that!  There is another goal of this blog, and that is to encourage each other as Christians to know more about the LOVE of the Lord, and in our Lives.  To help each of us get excited or re-energized in our walk with the Lord.  So, please take a moment and share.  I am excited about this!  I will post them throughout the month of February....which starts tomorrow!  My email is TraciStarkweather@gmail.com  Don't worry.  Don't think too much.  Just share from the heart.  If I need something clarified, we will do that afterwards.  We are here for each other.  We are all-- together, the body of Christ.  And, maybe it will encourage a non-Believer to give their life completely to the Lord, Jesus the Christ.  Thank you for serving Him in this wonderful way!

Have a blessed and obedient week!  You may be surprised at the joy that will enter your life! 

He IS Able,

Traci S.

p.s. Please put either LOVE or He IS Able in the subject area when you send your LOVE-ly message! Thank you so much!