Jesus Saves!

Hi Friends~


 I saw this in the gotquestions.org email they send out.  They have a "Question of the Week" and this was SO important I felt I needed to share it with you.  Even if you know the answer to the question, this shares Scripture that make it even easier to share with current non-Believers. I am so glad that they gave me permission to share this with you! I hope you enjoy it!


Question: "What does it mean that Jesus saves?"Answer: “Jesus saves” is a popular slogan on bumper stickers, signs at athletic events, and even banners being pulled across the sky by small airplanes. Sadly, few who see the phrase “Jesus saves” truly and fully understand what it means. There is a tremendous amount of power and truth packed into those two words.

Jesus saves, but who is Jesus?Most people understand that Jesus was a man who lived in Israel approximately 2000 years ago. Virtually every religion in the world views Jesus as a good teacher and/or a prophet. And while those things are most definitely true of Jesus, they do not capture who Jesus truly is, nor do they explain how or why Jesus saves. Jesus is God in human form (John 1:1, 14). Jesus is God, come to Earth, as a true human being (1 John 4:2). God became a human being in the person of Jesus in order to save us. That brings up the next question: why do we need to be saved?

Jesus saves, but why do we need to be saved?The Bible declares that every human being who has ever lived has sinned (Ecclesiastes 7:20; Romans 3:23). To sin is to do something, whether in thought, word, or deed, that contradicts God’s perfect and holy character. Because of our sin, we all deserve judgment from God (John 3:18, 36). God is perfectly just, so He cannot allow sin and evil to go unpunished. Since God is infinite and eternal, and since all sin is ultimately against God (Psalm 51:4), only an infinite and eternal punishment is sufficient. Eternal death is the only just punishment for sin. That is why we need to be saved.

Jesus saves, but how does He save?Because we have sinned against an infinite God, either a finite person (us) must pay for our sins for an infinite amount of time, or an infinite Person (Jesus) must pay for our sins one time. There is no other option. Jesus saves us by dying in our place. In the person of Jesus Christ, God sacrificed Himself on our behalf, paying the infinite and eternal penalty only He could pay (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 John 2:2). Jesus took the punishment that we deserve in order to save us from a horrible eternal destiny, the just consequence of our sin. Because of His great love for us, Jesus laid down His life (John 15:13), paying the penalty that we had earned, but could not pay. Jesus was then resurrected, demonstrating that His death was indeed sufficient to pay the penalty for our sins (1 Corinthians 15).

Jesus saves, but who does He save?
Jesus saves all who will receive His gift of salvation. Jesus saves all those who fully trust in His sacrifice alone as the payment for sin (John 3:16; Acts 16:31). While Jesus’ sacrifice was perfectly sufficient to pay for the sins of all humanity, Jesus only saves those who personally receive His most precious of gifts (John 1:12).

If you now understand what it means that Jesus saves, and you want to trust in Him as your personal Savior, make sure you understand and believe the following, and as an act of faith, communicate the following to God. “God, I know that I am a sinner, and I know that because of my sin I deserve to be eternally separated from you. Even though I do not deserve it, thank you for loving me and providing the sacrifice for my sins through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. I believe that Jesus died for my sins and I trust in Him alone to save me. From this point forward, help me to live my life for you instead of for sin. Help me to live the rest of my life in gratitude for the wonderful salvation you have provided. Thank you, Jesus, for saving me!”  Amen. 

Have you made a decision for Christ because of what you have read here? If so, please go to: http://www.gotquestions.org/questweek.htm and click on the "I have accepted Christ today" button near the bottom of the page. And, please let us know in the He IS Able comment section!  We will be happy to celebrate with you!  If you are in need of a Bible, I will do my best to get one for you...everyone should have a Bible.

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Recipient of the He IS Able Set of Cards of the Week!

Congratulations Becky!

Here is her comment:

"That is a beautiful quilted card Traci. Joan did a fabulous job."

By Becky on The Winners Are... on 11/29/11

Becky, I agree! Joan's card is so beautiful.  I can't imagine the work that went into it.  Thank you for leaving a sweet comment...and enjoy Joan's card, as well as another surprise card.

How can you receive a Set of Free Cards?  Leave any comment, question, prayer or prayer need, anything you want to share in the comment section before 8pm on Tuesday evening.  If your name is randomly chosen you will receive the He IS Able Set of Cards of the Week!

Most importantly, if you have read the above article, and understood it, and prayed it with sincerity in your heart...well, then my friend, you have received the Greatest Gift of All!  The Gift of Jesus' love, His Word, and His gift of Eternal Life!  We are SO glad you are here!

God Bless!

He IS Able!

Traci Starkweather

The Winners Are...

Hi Friends~


Take a look at that beautiful card on the side bar!  Joan our Prayer Team Leader, made that gorgeous card!  She stitched each square of the quilt.  I just fell in love with this card!  It, and another card from someone else, will go to someone who leaves a comment before Tuesday night at 8pm. Thank you for making and donating this card, Joan!  It is incredible!   I know I would want to win it if I could, but Michele, Joan and I are not eligible to win these lovely cards.  Just leave any type of comment or question or prayer need that you would like, and, you will be entered in the random drawing!


I hope that everyone enjoyed Thanksgiving last week...and hopefully every day!  Did you do anything special to celebrate this special day? Any new traditions? Any age-old traditions?  Any special ways of giving thanks to the Lord for everything He has given us?  We would love to hear about it. 


I was thrilled when our son, Joshua, called us!  He was allowed off base to have a Thanksgiving Dinner at the home of a very lovely couple who lets recruits who are far from home on the holiday join them.  I was so happy that he was given a partial day off on his 27th day of being in Military Basic Training.  We were able to speak for a few minutes.  It was a wonderful surprise.  I almost missed the call...I was just about to walk out the door to get to the festivities at my parent's home.  He sounds well.


I was so excited about Thanksgiving Day last week, that I forgot to announce the winner of this week's He IS Able Card Sets Give-Away!  Well, there were two people who found time out of their busy schedules this week to leave a comment to make them eligible to win 2 autumn cards.  So BOTH of them will win a Set of Cards from the He IS Able blog!  Please email me your address before next Tuesday at 8pm.  My email is:
tracistarkweather@gmail.com 

The Two Winners to Receive a Set of Beautiful Cards Are...

Andrea K.Van Ye  and Sea Mom

Congratulations, Ladies!

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"Say Thank You"

from:  Quiet Moments in the Presence of God

 

"Bless the Lord,  O my soul;  and all that is within me, bless His Holy name!  Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits."

( Psalm 103:1-2 NKJV)

 

When you were young and someone gave you something, your dad or mom would remind you, "Now, what do you say?"  They wanted you to express gratitude for what you had received.  Think of how generous God is to you and how grateful you are to Him.  Take out a pencil and paper and write down a list of your blessings.  The psalmist tells you not to forget any of them.

 

Gratitude comes when you take time to count up your past and present gifts and benefits.  It is a fundamental response to God's Grace.  Prayer reaches its highest level as gratitude.

 

Gratitude is the heart's memory of what God has done for you.  The most complete prayer is a grateful thought toward Heaven.

 

"They must thank the Lord for His constant love, for the wonderful things He did for them."    (Psalm  107:8)

 

A prayer offered:

"Dear God, when I think of what You do for me, my heart is lifted in gratitude and my voice in praise."  Amen.  Amen!

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Please think of all of the many things God has done for you...given you...showed you.  And, thank Him for it... The Scriptures tell us to thank Him at all times!  Make every day Thanksgiving!

 

He IS Able!

Traci Starkweather

Happy Day of Giving Thanks to Everyone--Everywhere! Faith Says Thank You!

Hi Friends,

We are wishing everyone a Happy Day of Giving Thanks to Everyone--Everywhere! A Happy Day of Giving Thanks!  Thanksgiving here in America.  And a Blessed Day to Everyone!  Today I am sharing a post from Pastor Joel and Victoria Osteen.  It was shared with permission.  They have a daily post called "Today's Word: With Joel and Victoria"

Faith Says Thank You

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever!”
(1 Chronicles 16:34, AMP)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

No matter what is going on in life, you can find a reason to thank God. What you dwell on is what you will draw into your life. You can either focus on your problems, or you can focus on your blessings. The question is: do you want more problems, or do you want more blessings?

One thing I’ve noticed is that when you live with an attitude of constant gratitude, not only do you thank God for what He’s done in your life, you start thanking Him for what He will do in your life. You thank Him for opening doors for you. You thank Him for increasing you. You thank Him for bringing the right people into your life. When you say “thank you” to God for the things that are coming, it’s really a declaration of your faith in Him. You are saying in essence, “God, I’m so sure of Your goodness, I’m so sure that You’re working in my life that I’m going to thank You right now for what You are going to do tomorrow!”

Friend, that’s the kind of faith that pleases God. When we trust in His goodness and believe that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him, that pleases His heart so much. So today, have an attitude of gratitude. Let your faith say thank you. Praise Him throughout the day with a humble heart and watch what He will do on your behalf!

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I highlighted that area that Pastor Joel Osteen wrote in green because it struck me so clearly.  That is what we are doing.  And, we learned earlier this year...that it does please God!  Let's continue adding to our list of Praise in the comment section...through tomorrow!  (Thursday)  Go ahead back to the highlighted green area...and really think about it. I think it is an amazing realization!

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This is from their post also...let's pray along:

A PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Father in Heaven, thank You for another day to praise You. Thank You for all You have done in my life. Help me see Your hand of blessing as I continually acknowledge and praise Your name in Jesus’ name. Amen."  Amen!

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We are very thankful to have you here today.  We have had several new people from  around the world join us this week.  THAT is such a blessing!  They are hearing God's Word right along with you...and I know I feel that by helping with this blog...I am serving the Lord.  If you would like to share a Christmas Story, or share a Favorite Scripture, or your Testimony, or about how God was there during a storm in your life...Please email me at: tracistarkweather@gmail.com

We would love to share the post with our other guests. That is what I envisioned this blog to be meant for, most of the time.  For everyone to share about Jesus Christ, their life knowing Him compared to before, and how we serve the Lord, and anything else that shares the Good News or encourages another!  I hope to hear from you.  Just let me know that you will be writing so I can post it on my calendar.  Don't wait until you have it all written.  Don't worry, we are flexible with deadlines!

We pray that everyone has a very wonderful, blessed day on Thanksgiving, and every day...and that you are all safe, and mindful of who gives us these things for which we are thankful!  Thank you for being here.  How about listing something you are thankful for in the comment section now?

He IS Able!                                                                                          Traci Starkweather

Cards by Traci and Let's Give Thanks!

Dear Friends,


I hope that you had a fantastic weekend!  Please remember that everyone is invited to participate in our challenge this week.  It is a challenge to Praise the Lord for the entire week...through Thanksgiving!  I first shared it at the end of Michele's powerful post on Friday.  (I hope you read her post...it was wonderful!)


I thought it would be fun to share some cards with you today.  I usually put the sentiment (words) on the inside of the card...that is a bit different from most of the cards you see on blogs.  I do this, so that I can use a card for many different reasons.  If I put the sentiment on there in advance, I would be forced to use it for that occasion.  And, we all know what it is like when you need a card for a certain reason, and all of your previously made cards are marked "Happy Birthday!" 


The first card I made has a background from Hot Off The Press called Floral Backgrounds.  I just love this book of design papers!  I do not know where the stamp was from, but it could work for Birthdays or Sympathy cards...or many other uses.   I colored it in with Marvy Markers, Sakura Gel Pens, and a few SU! Markers.  It is a fun stamp to color...but a bear to cut out...there are spaces that are so fine and thin!  I added some flowers from the Our Daily Bread Collection called "Sing for Joy."  I added pink Stickles to the centers of the flowers. 

Sadly, I needed to make a Sympathy card yet again this year.  I made this for Dear Joan's family, as they went through the passing of her Father-in-Law.  I used Stampin' Up! white card stock as the base for this card.  I put it through my Cuttle Bug machine in a Texture Folder by Tim Holtz named "Sun Rays."  I really like how deeply the sun is embossed on this card.  I took yellow ink from "Judiths" and applied it ink to paper. That is when you just rub the ink across the paper.  Just like it sounds!  In an embossed case, the ink really only hits the raised areas.  I love this cross.  It is from an ink-a-dink-a-doo set called "Spiritual Sketches."  A friend of mine gave me this set, and I LOVE it. (Thank you!) It comes with a stamp of a Bible, a candle wrapped in a plant, and some words like "Rejoice."  (One of my very favorite words!)  Some people believe flowers should only be on Easter crosses.  I wanted to use this one for THIS card...the combination of the cross and flowers.  I thought it was perfect for a Sympathy card.  I colored it with SU! Markers.  And, I cut it out and used dimensionals to attach it to the card base.

You know, one of the reasons I love  our "Praise Days" is because there are so many people that are so down.  They don't see many, if any, reasons to be thankful.  When we share what we are thankful for...we are encouraging others.  We aren't bragging...that isn't the heart that I feel we should be sharing with.  Perhaps one of these people will see something on your list, and realize they have things to be grateful for.  So, let's all praise the Lord.  In fact, I have challenged you not to do it once...but each day or as often as you want through the American celebration of Thanksgiving.  (This Thursday)

This was a card I made back in October.  My very special, very wonderful MIL passed away 2 days before her birthday, in October three years ago.  It is a hard time for all of us, as we miss her so very much.  I know, however, that she is with our Lord Jesus and with her parents.  Mom collected elephants for years and years.  She has a couple hundred of them in Dad's home now.  They are from all over the world, some realistic, some not, made of just about every substance you can think of.  We all think of her whenever we see an elephant somewhere.  Anyway, October came around, and I wanted to make a card for my husband, Dave, reminding him that he is loved very much.  And remind him that his Mother loved him so much when she was here on earth.  This is the card.  And, he has kept it because it is special to him. 

I never wrote down what this card used...but I think I remember most of it.  I used an SU! grey card stock paper for the base.  Then, a square of SU! black.

The next layer was a scrap of a pink marbled paper that I have been saving for about a year.  And, the next layer didn't photograph very well, but I  should have known it! It was from a book of papers that were glossy and this one was made of pink and white and light grey colors.  I stamped this image (All of the images you see) with black Versa Mark ink.  And, I colored Mom and son elephant with colored pencils.  I used some grey and black on the bodies and a bit of pink in the ears.  I went over the crease lines in the elephants with a black glaze marker from Sakura. The glaze markers leave a raised line.  By the way, this super cute stamp was made by Rubber Stampede and it is called "elephants." This card has nothing on the bottom of the front. It had the look I really loved for this card.  It had the impact on Dave that I wanted.  (I think he knew anyway. *wink*)

I wanted to remind you of some of the Scriptures that Michele listed on last Friday's post.  They are beautiful, and worthy of being memorized.  I also challenged everyone to list their favorite of the Scriptures listed in the comment section, and to try to memorize it.  I am only listing a few of them here:

1 Chronicles 16:8 - Oh give thanks to the LORD, call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples.

1 Chronicles 16:34 -O give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; For His loving kindness is everlasting.


Psalm 28:7 -The LORD is my strength and my shield; My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart exults, And with my song I shall thank Him.

Psalm 34:1- I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.


Psalm 69:30- I will praise the name of God with song, And shall magnify Him with thanksgiving.

Thank you so much for being here today!  It is always a pleasure knowing you have visited.  Please feel free to join us in the comment section to read each other's list of things for which they give thanks to the Lord, and to add something of your own, if you wish. 

If you leave any comment, you will of course be eligible to win this week's set of cards!  Remember, they are made by our Michele!  Thank you, Michele!

He IS Able!

Traci Starkweather

A Challenge of "Thanksgiving and Giving Thanks!"

Hi Friends~

We have a treat Today!  Michele has written the post...and she has made and donated the two He IS Able Cards of the Week to be given away!
As I stated on Wednesday, Michele had emailed me a photo of them, and I have still not been able to get them from my email to this blog!  However, know that they are wonderful seasonal cards.  The person who receives these cards will surely be blessed, and we hope you will use them to bless others by telling others of Jesus the Christ.  I added a section after her post, so it is rather lengthy...but I do believe it is worth it...so please read along.  Take a break if you need to after you read Michele's section.


By the way, MARILYN and ANONYMOUS...you have won card sets.  (Your comments were posted on recent blogs, if you want to know that Anonymous is your "anonymous!"  Please email me before 8pm Tuesday with your mailing address, of they will go back into our stash of cards!

Here is my email:   tracistarkweather@gmail.com

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Here is Michele's post for today:

Hello all,

This month I have had some struggles and my friend Traci gave me a great idea and I hope you all find this post relevant and of use to you.  I am skipping a month from the Women of the Bible (Women of God--This Includes You!) and am posting on “Thanksgiving and Giving Thanks.”  This time of year really seems to motivate people to think of others and to also give thanks for all of the blessings that God has bestowed upon us. 


Giving thanks is something I strive for throughout the year, and I hope you do as well.  When we take the time to give thanks or to say thank you for blessings large and small it is a great reminder to us for what God has given to us and most importantly the gift of Salvation that He has given to us.  This is truly something to be thankful for – so in those lines of thinking I pulled some Bible Verses on thankfulness!


1 Chronicles 16:8 - Oh give thanks to the LORD, call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples.


1 Chronicles 16:34 -O give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; For His loving kindness is everlasting.


Psalm 28:7 -The LORD is my strength and my shield; My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart exults, And with my song I shall thank Him.

Psalm 34:1- I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.


Psalm 69:30- I will praise the name of God with song, And shall magnify Him with thanksgiving.


Psalm 95:1-6 – O Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our Salvation. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him with Psalms. For the LORD is a great God, And a great King above all gods, In whose hand are the depths of the earth; The peaks of the mountains are His also. The sea is His, for it was He who made it; And His hands formed the dry land. Come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker.

Psalm 100:4- Enter His gates with thanksgiving, And His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him; bless His name.


Psalm 107:29-32 - He caused the storm to be still, So that the waves of the sea were hushed. Then they were glad because they were quiet; So He guided them to their desired haven. Let them give thanks to the LORD for His loving kindness, And for His wonders to the sons of men! Let them extol Him also in the congregation of the people,  And praise Him at the seat of the elders.


Jonah 2:9- But I will sacrifice to You With the voice of thanksgiving  That which I have vowed I will pay Salvation is from the LORD.


Ephesians 5:3-4- But immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints; and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.


Colossians 2:6-7- Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude.


Colossians 3:15- And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.


1 Thessalonians 5:18 -in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.


1 Timothy 4:4-5 - For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected, if it is received with gratitude; for it is sanctified by means of the Word of God and prayer.


Hebrews 12:28-29 Therefore, since we receive a Kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire.


As you can see there are many times that giving thanks to God is mentioned in His precious Word. (There are other references as well, these are not all of them.  Please take a look in your own Bible.)  I will be challenging the youth that I work with to write down what they are thankful for and to process all of what is given.  They will reflect on God’s Word and see what He states in His Word, because that is where we find the answers and more promises and the more things we learn of God, the closer relationship we will have with Him!  What an honor and blessing for each of us!

I am thankful for all the things God has given to me, I am thankful for all of you who have found this blog and take time to read the posts, read Bible Verses, say prayers for others and yourselves and thankful that Christians have come together as God’s Word states to spread The Good News! 

Have a blessed day!

Love in Christ.
Michele G.

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(Break Time if You Need It)

Thank you so much, Michele, for writing such a Scripture filled post!  I loved reading them over. They are beautiful.  You know that I love when we have "Praise Days" here on the blog, right?  When those who want, write anything they are thankful to Him for, in the comment section.  I am always encouraged when I see all of His love at work! 

 

I have 2 ideas for today.  First of all, you know you can write any thoughts you would like in the comment section, at any time, right?  It could be  about the post, a prayer, a question, about something you would like for us to study and write about, a prayer request, an experience you would like to share...and some times I share ideas for the comments.  Something to encourage you to share...which in turn encourages us! 

 

 I was thinking why don't we list those things in our life that we are thankful for, or choose one of the above Scriptures about thanksgiving as your favorite and post it in the comment section, and try to memorize it?!  Remember, anyone who leaves any comment before Tuesday at 8pm will be eligible to win Michele's set of really great cards! 

 

I'd like for us to do this...share the things we are thankful for...and favorite Scriptures through Thanksgiving Day!  (For our International Guests, that is through next Thursday.)  Pop in and share any time you think of something.  You can post more than once.  Our comment section will be such an item of Praise to the Lord!  Please join me...why not choose a Scripture now? Copy and paste it in the comment section!  May God bless you, and thank you for being here and for encouraging others through the comment section!

 

He IS Able!

Traci Starkweather 

I Appreciate You Because...

Hi Friends~


It is hard for me to believe that today is Wednesday already!  I pray you are having a wonderful week, and that you all found a quiet place to get still, and listen for the quiet voice of God.


Our winner for the He IS Able Card Set of the Week  has done just that.  I don't have a clue who she is, where she lives, or if she has a blog to tell her that she has won the set of cards for this week! We do thank you for taking the time to leave a wonderful comment.  This is what she shared:

My Quiet Place I am retired as is DH. He is not a believer, and has accepted that I am, and - finally - keeps his distance and holds back on conversation when he sees that I am reading my devotions. Prayer time is mostly as I fall asleep or during the day when I know I need to pray specifically for someone or something. Sometimes I pray silently, knowing that God hears even my thoughts. My quiet place is at my desk. God has given me the ability to close out all other sounds and goin'ons. I have 2 daily devotional booklets that I read daily. They both feature a passage of scripture and comment on that reading. They challenge me personally in my faith walk and relationally to others in my life. anonymous

Congratulations, "Anonymous!"  You were randomly selected to win the cards that were shown in the last post!  They are wonderful for this time of year!  All you need to do is confidentially email me with your name and address before next Tuesday at 8pm.  My email is:

tracistarkweather@gmail.com

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This Friday we have a special post written by Michele.  Precious Women of God--This Includes YOU! is the title of her usual post.  She tells of different women of the Bible and asks interesting, thought provoking questions for you to decide if you are like this woman of the Bible, or if you are very different.  And, for you to decide if that is the way you want it to be!  This Friday, Michele shares something completely different with us.  We hope you will join us.  The Card Set for this next week's He IS Able Card Set of the Week Give Away are hand-made from Michele, and will go to a randomly chosen person who comments before 8pm Eastern Time on Tuesday. 

Michele emailed her cards to me...and she will mail them to the winner next week.  I have tried getting her cards out of email and on to this blog...and from Word to this blog...several different ways...to no avail!  I am so sorry.  They are so nice!  Let me just say, the person who is to receive these cards next week is in for a treat!  And, Michele, I am sorry that I could not figure out how to post your cards...I wanted everyone to see your beautiful work.  Thank you, Michele for both your post for Friday, and your cards which are just right for this time of year!

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"The Lord bless you and keep you.  The LORD make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you."   (Numbers 6:24-25)

I have one Discipleship Journal to my name and it is from 2003!  I just love this magazine, and I hope to order it some time in the near future for it is packed with wisdom.  I was recently looking it over again when I found such a lovely idea that I wanted to share with each of you.  This idea was shared by Marie E. DisBrow in the November/December issue.  I am going to share it with you verbatim.

I Appreciate You Because...

One week, our Bible study leader, Phyllis, gave each of us several half sheets of paper.  Each sheet was headed with the name of a group member, followed by "In you I see..." and "I appreciate you because..."  At the bottom was the date and "Written in Christ's love by ___________."  Phyllis explained that these would become pages in booklets of encouragement.

During the following week, we completed the statements for each woman.  Some filed the pages with small, tightly packed writing; others focused on the person's character in a few words.  Some messages were personal ("you are a faithful friend"), while others stressed talents or spiritual characteristics.  One of the group members said, "Since Phyllis worded the second portion, 'I appreciate you because...' I had to move beyond the superficial.  I felt as if I was looking at each woman's heart with my heart.  In some cases, I realized I was appreciating the potential I saw in the person, rather than the actual."


At our next session, Phyllis gathered and collated the pages and added a cover page:

Thoughts of Encouragement for ___________

Written by the Women of Her Bible Study

"I thank my God every time I remember you, ... being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."  Phil. 1:3,6


We were touched as we read of the love and appreciation of our friends.  Some were surprised, not realizing they possessed the talents or characteristics others saw in them.  This project not only helped us to see the qualities ofothers, but also made us aware of our own abilities and gifts.

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"I always thank God for you."  (1 Corinthians 1:4)

Thank you so much for being here today!  We really appreciate it, and it makes us smile when you leave a comment or prayer request.  Speaking of which, just a reminder that Joan's Father-in-Law passed away recently.  I know she would appreciate the family being lifted up before the Lord.  Joan is our Prayer Team Leader, and is always here to welcome someone to the Prayer Team or pray for anyone's needs.   Thank you for praying for them.  God bless you.

He IS Able!

Traci Starkweather

Card Winner Announced! "Find a Place" it Will Change Your Life!

Hi Friends~


Well, today is the day!  We are giving 3 cards to one winner!  I was supposed to give 2 cards to someone on last Wednesday.  And, I just wasn't up to being here.  I have had a terrible migraine, and was still adjusting to Josh having left for boot camp.  (It is better today... Thank you Lord Jesus!)  Why are we giving away 3 cards?  Well, I figured you showed up here on Wednesday, and there was no announcement.  So, as a make-up, I am adding another card to the give-away.


We usually give away 1 card a week.  We have so many beautiful cards on hand...donated by some big-hearted card makers, it was decided that we will give 2 cards to a randomly chosen recipient each week...until further notice.  Just leave a comment, prayer request or prayer...anything in the comment section before Tuesday at 8pm. Winners are announced on Wednesdays.

God has surely blessed this blog.  We have such wonderful guests---each of you.  I first started this blog after receiving several dreams of how it should be laid out and what it should be about.  It was going to be a blog for beginning card-makers.  And, I wanted to have a small section devoted to sharing about the Lord.  My dreams made it very clear to me that I had my priorities backwards.  The blog was to be mostly about Jesus Christ, and encourage Christians in their walk with Him, and sharing about Him through cards, and to hopefully answer some questions for the people who are still non-Believers, and a small amount of time spent on card-making. (You can read more about my Jewish background and this blog by clicking on June 2010 on the sidebar.)


 Michele and Joan were such a blessing to myself and the blog.  Michele writes our "Precious Women of God--This Includes YOU!" posts.  Which are shared every 3rd Friday of the month. (Mark your calendar!) We have a special post from Michele this Friday.  And, Joan has such a heart for prayer.  She prays all through her day.  Joan prays for each of you, whether you have a request or not, she prays for the unSaved, she prays for each of us.  That we always work to Glorify God with every post.  And, that I do not get self-centered in the posts or otherwise.  We encourage each other...and have become great friends.  I am so grateful to both of them. 


I have wanted this blog to be a part of each of you since the beginning. It was one of the goals that came to me early on. You don't want to hear about me all the time...BORING!  It is much more interesting to hear about each of you, and how God has been a part of your life.  Or tell us about one of your favorite Verses and why.  Or perhaps tell us about a special Christmas tradition.  Or write about a time when you knew God was right there with you to guide you through a storm.  I consider this blog to be a tool for the Lord...for us to share with others.  I consider this blog to be a way for us to learn from each other.  To pray for each other, and to encourage each other.  So, please consider sharing with us.  Email your piece in honor or memory of someone, if you wish, to my email.  tracistarkweather@gmail.com   Please be sure to let me know if I may share your user name or real name, or if you prefer to be anonymous.  I thank God for the honor of writing this blog.  I am so glad that He has allowed us to serve Him in this way!  I hope you will servein this way also!  It could be by writing and emailing me a whole post.  Or by sharing in the comment section!  Because of this blog, I have learned so much more than I would have.  I have studied, and He is on my mind so often.  I love praying...and have made some amazing friends through this and other Christian blogs.  I am grateful to be a part of the He IS Able blog!  I am very grateful for each of you, and the friends and family that you bring.

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The Winner of Last Week's He IS Able Card of the Week Give-Away is...     MARILYN!!!

Congratulations  Marilyn!  Thank you for leaving a comment on this blog, and welcome to the He IS Able blog!  You will win the beautiful card on the side bar, plus 2 additional mystery cards.  Please EMAIL me your address.  If you live in the US, I will get the cards right out to you!  (Sadly, I can not mail packages out of the country.  The postage gets to be quite a bit! ) Please email me either way.  We will work something out.  You will love these cards!  Thank you for your comment.  We hope you will visit on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. 


 You could put your email in the upper right box, and receive the posts in your email in box.  (No one can see your email address.  Just follow the directions.  This is for anyone!)


Here is Marilyn's comment:
 Hi Ladies, What a beautiful website you've got. I am going to subscribe but in the meantime I'll let you know that I found your site when I was looking for Christian Creative women. Keep up the good work.  Marilyn

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Be quick to write something in the comment section, as THIS week's 2 Card He IS Able Give-Away will be made of comments left before 8pm on Tuesday (tomorrow) night. 


We would love to have you share any of your favorite Scriptures of any theme, in the comment section!


Of course, you can write or ask about anything!  Here you see the two cards to be given away on Wednesday! (I can only show one on the side bar, but I wanted you to see both of the donated hand-made cards for this week.)

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Before you go today, I'd like to share a quick Devotion from the book,    Quiet Moments in the Presence of God.  It is published by Bethany House.  At least here in the United States we are entering a time of desired chaos-- if you will.  Thanksgiving, while a wonderful family holiday--includes many hours of preparation and cooking.  It includes family getting together which may include dealing with airports, company at home, hotels and other logistics.  We want to remember the most important aspect.  A Day of Thanksgiving.  As Christians we are to Praise Him at all times.  On this day even non-Christians, sometimes state what they are thankful for as they go around the table sharing their thoughts.  It is great if you can have a few moments of quiet before the hustle and bustle begins.   I hope you will enjoy this short Devotion titled, "Find a Place."

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"Find a Place"

"You lead me to streams of peaceful water, and you refresh my life."

(Psalm 23:2-3)

When you find a place where you can be alone with God, God will pour out His blessings upon you.  Locate a place where interruptions can be discouraged, distractions avoided, and potential disruptions prevented.  Find a space where you and God can be together, just the two of you.  Put a DO NOT DISTURB sign on the door of that place.  Choose a setting that encourages meditation, prayer, and reflection.


You can hear God speak to you in such a quiet, private place.  There you can experience the Holy presence of God.


Early in His life, Jesus formed the habit of frequently going away into the hills for quiet prayer to His Father.  He went somewhere still and private.  He had a place.

"Before they call I will answer;  while they are still speaking I will hear."

(Isaiah 65:24)

"Dear God, I look forward to meeting you, with all Your love and wisdom in our place.  Amen."

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I believe the author is reminding us that between making Christmas cards, planning dinners, going to church, helping children with homework, writing letters to our grown children in the military, and going to company dinners with our spouses...we need to spend some quiet time with Him.  Daily. Quiet so we can hear His whisper of blessings, guidance and love to us.  Many of the wonderful gifts that come from God come during times of silence.  Silence is a condition in which God makes Himself known to us. Have you found your quiet space for you and God to spend some time?  Have you used it lately?  How about telling about it in the comment section. Let's encourage each other! We would love to hear about this, and it makes you eligible for the random drawing to win those 2 great cards which you could use to encourage others!  God bless!

 

"He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;"  (Psalm 46:10)

 

He IS Able!

Traci Starkweather

God is SO Good! And, He is SO Faithful!

My Dear Friends~


Thank you so much for standing together in prayer for our Prayer Team Leader, Joan and her family. Her Father-in-Law went to be with the Lord while I was "on vacation" from the blog, spending much needed time with my son.

"A friend loveth at all times." (Proverbs 17:17)

 

Joan, Sweetie, please know that we are praying for you all.  We love you, and we know that He wants the very best for this family.  And, that love is number one with our Lord.  He will mend fences of the past, if that is His plan.  I am sorry I didn't know about His passing.  I am so sorry. I have had my head in the sand.  May God comfort all of you, and pull you all together as an even closer family to get through this and afterwards.


I was supposed to write yesterday, and give away 2 cards to one winner!  I just couldn't get settled to the computer.  And, today, I have one of the very worst migraines I have ever had...and I get bad migraines often!  So, I pray you will be patient with me.  I will be here on Monday...God willing...and I will give 3 cards to one randomly selected person, instead of the 2.  Consider it a make-up!  The randomly selected person will have had to leave a comment before this past Tuesday at 8pm to be eligible.  If you wrote a comment after that...be sure to check in on Monday for some art, and Wednesday to see if you won the 2 Card He IS Able Give-Away!


I just can't even see the screen very well right now.  And, it hurts to move my head.  I know, it could be stress.  But, I also took a tumble a while ago, and re-injured my neck.  I went to the doctor yesterday.  Thank you for your patience...as I adjust to life with my son in the Air Force.  It is so difficult to not pick up the phone and give him a call.  We haven't even been given a mailing address yet! So we can't write yet!  We will all get through Basic Military Training, I am sure.  God is SO good, and He is SO faithful!  He has taken away all of my tears.  I only cried once, after the bus was well on it's way.  It's as if I can't cry.  I praise Him for this.  I was afraid I would cry myself to death! I cry at every little thing usually.   He has given me a sense of peace.  I know He is watching over Josh, and that He is protecting Him, and has the best known path for Him.  Josh also told me that he is planning on going to church services on Sundays...because if you don't...you have cleaning duty! That is great with me!  He is not yet a Christian, although I pray constantly, and have many friends who join me.  This is a great reason to rejoice!  His Word never is void!

"You have made known to me the path of life;

in Your presence there is fullness of joy;

at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore."

(Psalm 16:11)

I am thrilled to see so many new guests here.  And, so very grateful to have such Godly friends.  I will be in touch with you soon if possible!  In the meantime, how about starting a "Gratitude List?"  Let's praise Him until Friday evening!  If you'd like to participate...just join us in the comment section...and share whatever you would like.  If you share before 8pm Tuesday...you will also be entered in the drawing for two cards next week, just from leaving a comment! 


If anyone would like to email me their thoughts about Gratitude, or Thanksgiving.  I would love to share it with our other guests.  You can write about why you are grateful for the Lord.  Or why you like a certain Verse about giving thanks. You could write about a special tradition.  This is each of your blogs.  So, if you would like to write...or share a poem, email me.  My email is on the right side bar near the bottom. I look forward to hearing from you.  And, yes, it can still be done in some one's memory or honor.  And, you can have your name included or not.  It's up to you...it's your blog.  As long as we Glorify God in every post...we are on the right track!  May God bless each of you! 

He IS Able!
Traci Starkweather

p.s.  I just want to ask everyone, if you did not read the last post...please do.  I asked you to please pray about possibly donating some US postage stamps to the blog.  The details are in the post under this one.

Taking Some Time for Mom and Son Time! And, New Things About This Blog!

Dear Friends~


As you know we are scheduled to give away 2 cards this week in our
"He IS Able Card of the Week Give-Away."  However, we didn't have any eligible comments!  They were either written by Joan, Michele or myself...all a part of our blog, and ineligible.  Or by people who truly are staying anonymous...(I wish she/he would email me and let me know who she/he was!) Or, from people of foreign countries.  We love ALL of our guests, but sadly, we aren't in a position to  mail cards around the world...yet!  So, sadly we don't have a winner for this week.  Don't forget to leave a comment for next week!  As we will be giving away 2 cards!  Just write your comment on anything you would like before 8pm on Tuesday to be eligible.


As you know, my son Josh, leaves for Basic Military Training (Boot Camp) for the Air Force on Monday morning.  I have many things that I want to get done for him before he goes.  Including a breakfast going away party with family and friends.  Since I do not have any Design Team obligations, I am taking a week off from the blog.  I will be back on Wednesday, unless I am really led by the Lord to write before then.   I hope that you will all understand...A Mom needs some son time.


Also, on the tippity-top of the right column,  there is a section for you to put your email address in it.  After that you will be asked to follow the simple...2 second directions.  If you do this...the posts from this blog will come to you!  You won't have to remember which days we post and then find us on the Internet...It will show up in a letter form, in your email.  If you want to see the frills...the Label Section-which are all written in red ink, and is a Table of Contents of all of the blog posts we have shared. (Perhaps you would like to go and catch up on some posts you didn't read, or want to read more in depth over the next week.) Or, if you want to add to the comment section, or look at the "His Word" section, or see the "Card of the Week," you will want to click on the heading of that letter and that will bring you directly to the blog.  But, if you are in a hurry...put your email in that box, and follow the next directions...it is there for your convenience.  You can always unsubscribe by clicking on a word.  Otherwise, each post will continue coming to you!


Also, we are not a tax free organization.  But, if you care to help out the He IS Able blog, we are in need of US Postage stamps in the standard amount...and the postage stamps for square envelopes. My husband and I have been happy to provide the stamps for the past year and a half.  However, going into this season, things are tighter than usual.

 I hate to ask for help like this...but we are here to encourage each other, so I thought there was no harm in asking.  I will, of course, only use these postage stamps for  He IS Able card give-aways and other official He IS Able blog mail.  Don't worry. I feel that the cards we receive and materials are for the Lord's work.  For this blog...which is a gift from Him, for Him!    I know He will provide for our needs, if this is the track He wants us to continue with.   If no one can help out, we will continue...

We do have some special ideas for the holidays...and will need quite a bit of extra postage to carry it off.  This will happen if the extra postage is provided.  Thanks for praying about it, and possibly helping us out.  Thank you so very much!  And, I understand if you can not help out at this time...times are tough...that is why I am asking in the first place!  I understand. No pressure!


The postage stamps can be sent to:

Traci Starkweather

116 Colyer Drive

Longwood, FL 32779

USA

 

I hope you all enjoy your week!  Make something crafty!  Enjoy the autumn leaves if you live near them!  And, Praise God for all things!  Thanks for being here today!

 

He IS Able!

Traci Starkweather