How Do You Look at Him? Card Winner Announced!

Hi Friends~

This is Wednesday, and someone will be winning the "Card of the Week!"  Also, there is a wonderful piece to meditate on from the Quiet Moments in the Presence of God.  It is published by Bethany House.  And, there is a new card posted on the side for someone to win next week!

First, let's take a look at that piece from Quiet Moments in the Presence of God.  This is a direct quote except for the Scriptures that I inserted.

How You Look At It

"The closer you get to God, the more your perspective about God changes.  Through the eyes of reverence, God comes across in a different way.  Who He is becomes clearer.  It was said of an early-twentieth-century photographer that he had the "ability to see beyond the lens."  So, also can you.

God is like a prism.  What you see depends on how you turn the glass.  Turn it in faith and see the greatness of God.  Turn it in love and see the warmth of God.  Turn it in hope and see the promises of God.  Turn it in anticipation and see the guidance of God.  Turn it in assurance and see the eternity of God.

The closer you get to God, the more of Him you see."

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Turn it in faith and see the greatness of God...

           "For whatever is born of God overcomes the world.  And this

 is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith."  1 John 5:4 

Turn it in love and see the warmth of God...

     "For the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me,

  and have believed that I came forth from God."   John 16:27

Turn it in hope and see the promises of God...

              "And all things, whatever you ask in prayer; 

                  believing, you will receive."  Matthew 21:22

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"Ask and it will be given to you;

seek, and you will find;

  knock, and it will be opened to you.

For everyone who asks receives,

and he who seeks finds,

and to him who knocks it will be opened.

If you then, being evil, know how much more will your Father who is in Heaven give good things to those who ask Him!"

Matthew 7:7-8,11

Turn it in anticipation and see the guidance of God...

"The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord,

and He delights in his way."  Psalm 37:23 

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There are so many different Scriptures that fall under these categories.  Take

the time to look in the Bible, look into His Word to find more!

Now the "Card of the Week!"  The comment that was randomly chosen from the past week belonged to the amazing, Grace of "Th-ink-ing of You!"
Congratulations, Grace!  Here is your comment:

Grace said...

Oh my.... so much to take in Traci! Your pansy card with the toled pansies is just gorgeous! I love the card Dave gave you! How special that he took the time to make you one knowing that hand made is special to us cardmakers! I'm glad you had a great mothers day and are feeling the joy of motherhood in having so much to be proud and grateful for in your son!!! May 14, 2011 9:41 AM

Thank you, Grace for the very sweet comments.  Grace you won the beautiful card made by Janaria, who just recently started her blog!  Here is the link for Re-Creations, a wonderful blog!  I hope you will visit Janaria's blog and tell her you found out about it here at the He IS Able blog!

And, now any one of you who leaves a comment or prayer request will be eligible to win this week's "Card of the Week!"  Please be sure it is posted by Tuesday 8pm Eastern Time. 

Also, we have a poll on the top of the right side of the blog. Will you please take a quick second and choose one of the answers?  It would really be helpful in providing information that is of interest to you.  Thank you all for being here, and joining in for next week's "Card of the Week!"

"Precious Women of God--This Includes You!"  will be shared again this Friday!  Get excited...this is a good one!  Let's learn even more about Sarah together.  Michele wrote a wonderful piece to share with us.  Thank you, Michele!

He IS Able,
Traci S.

Re-Learning to Talk to God! And a Challenge for you!

Hi Friends~

I hope you all had a fabulous God filled weekend!  Sorry we weren't posted on Friday, Blogger- the system we use to post our blogs on, wasn't working all day, and into the beginning of the evening.  I do have something special to share with you today.  But, first, would everyone please take a second to answer the poll on the top right corner?  It is about a possible future short study, here on the blog.  Please answer only once...but please answer it soon, it ends June 1st.  I would hate to do a short study on something that none of you are interested in.  That doesn't sound good for either of us! 

OK--I have some wisdom to share today from  "Discipleship Journal" dated,
November, 2003.  (I think I may be a certifiable pack rat!) And, this particular issue is full of golden nuggets of wisdom.  Most of this copy is about the individual Beatitudes. Today however, we'll be learning from an article by Lee Brase.  Lee is an international prayer minister for The Navigators.  This article is wonderful and is titled, "Learning to Talk to God--How to Use Scriptures to Launch a Young Believer into Prayer."  I think it is a great tool for any Believer, young or older-ish.  lol  Also, I am quoting a few sections of this. I was sure to use quotation marks...as always, so please know, that I did not come up with those particular thoughts...they are Lee Brase's. Let credit fall where it is due. Of course, Our God blesses us by sharing His Words and giving us thoughts, especially through answered prayer, and reading His Word, and through other people...like each of you!

OK---"Every growing baby needs to learn to talk in order to navigate his new world.  Likewise, learning to pray--that is, talking to God--is a foundational building block in every believer's relationship with God."

Prayer is learned in the same steps that children learn to talk.  They mimic or imitate the sounds they hear.  They learn better this way, than with formal instruction.

"Jesus knew that the Disciples would need words to mimic as they learned to pray. Jesus gave them Luke 11:2:

 "He said to them, “When you pray, say:

   Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come." 

A man names Samuel Chadwick said, "The only way to learn to pray is to pray."  And, that includes taking the person to the prayers in the Bible.

"God has recorded prayers in Scripture for every occasion: for praise, thanks, grief, pain, frustration, warfare, joy, and more.  Just as Jesus offered His disciples a model prayer, so the Scriptures are full of prayers we can use to help a believer learn to talk to the Father."

**Burdened by stress?  Take a look at Psalm 57 or 63.  They were written     while David was running from Saul.
**Have a wayward child?  Look at Exodus 32 to see how Moses prayed as he led the rebellious people out of Egypt and through the desert.
**Want to pray for the spiritual needs for others?  Take a look at Jesus' prayer in John 17, or the Apostle Paul's intercession in Ephesians 1.  And, then let me know that you are considering joining the He IS Able Prayer Team that is growing!  :)

"Keeping in mind that prayer is a language, I try to help people imiate the words of Moses or David, Paul or Jesus.  Next, we work on putting these prayers into their own words, for their specific situation."

"For example, when David was fleeing from Saul, he prayed,
"I cry out to God Most High...I am in the midst of lions I lie among ravenous beasts--men whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords."  Psalm 57:2,4

"These words perfectly describe what David was facing.  But the person I'm discipling faces his own unique struggles and battles.  I would encourage him to pray something like this: "Father, I am in the midst of a lot of uncertainty and stress.  I feel as if my life is being drained out of me."  It's important that people who are learning to pray be very specific with God about what they are experiencing."

I know that it is also appropriate to include Scripture in our prayers as we go before Our Lord.  It is doing just what is stated above, and go one step further, when their prayer lives are maturing.  For instance, if you are feeling lonely, you may include something like this in your prayer:

"Dear Lord Jesus, I am feeling all alone, as if there is no one on this planet that cares about me.  I feel empty.

STOP!  That is what the author has shown us to do. Now comes the additional part of including the awareness of who Jesus is and what He is capable of or has promised us in the prayer.  This comes as they memorize Scripture, which you can start very young, or as soon as you are a Believer, it is never too late to start!  Here is the second part:

I know you have told me about feeling like this.  So, I am casting all my cares upon You, for You care for me. (1 Peter 5:7)  And, I know that You are the One who goes with me.  You will not leave nor forsake me."  (Deuteronomy 31:6)  Thank you, Lord Jesus for reminding me of who You are, and that You will always be with me, even when I feel alone...You will be there, and I can share my worries with You, You care for me, and I can always count on You! Thank You! You aren't going any where!  In Jesus' Holy Name, Amen!"

It is important to be aware of our Lords capabilities and promises in general, so that we can count on them.  He will not fall back from them. He doesn't break promises! He will be there!  Let's take a look at what that more mature prayer may look like in whole:

"Dear Lord Jesus, I am feeling all alone, as if there is no one on this planet that cares about me. I feel empty. I know You have told me about feeling like this. So, I am casting all my cares upon You, for You care for me. (1 Peter 5:7) And, I know that You are the One who goes with me. You will not leave nor forsake me." (Deuteronomy 31:6) Thank You, Lord Jesus for reminding me of who You are, and that You will always be with me, even when I feel alone...You will be there, and I can share my worries with You, You care for me, and I can always count on You! Thank You!  You aren't going any where! In Jesus' Holy Name, Amen!"

This is just an example of remembering Scripture, storing them in our heart, so that when we or a friend is in need, we can share it back to Him in prayer.  We can count on it!  We can believe it to be true! It is also a way of praising Him!  We are taking His Word to be important enough to remember!  And we want to praise Him for He is Worthy!  Hallelujah! 

Please, if you don't have the Scripture completely memorized, don't let that keep you or your children from using it in prayer.  He knows Everything!  He knows you don't have the whole Bible memorized yet.  Just share that with Him.  And, share what you remember about the Scripture in the prayer.  I hope that came across clearly.  There are many Scriptures that I can tell you about...but can't remember word for word yet, or maybe I don't remember where it is located in the Bible yet.  Still, share with Him, as much as you do remember.  He knows the rest.  And, it honors Him to show Him you are doing what He would like...studying and reading the Bible, to get to know who He is and what He has done in the past, so we can count on Him in the present and future! 

The author sums things up so beautifully.  "Discipling others in prayer goes well beyond helping them learn to pray for a given situation.  The goal is to help them become attentive to God and to grow into people who long to communicate openly and to live in utter dependence upon Him.  When these things happen, prayer becomes the rich, organic language it's meant to be."

Ready?  This is a challenge for this week!  To grow in Christ, we should set goals on walking closer with Him, in my opinion.  So, to go along with this article...I am challenging all of us to this:  When you pray this week...even if you usually have a rote prayer over a meal...include a Scripture in your prayer.  If you don't know any...share what you remember about Him and the subject, or about the Scripture, even if not verbatim.  Please let us know if you will give this a try for this week?  I will be doing my best...and believe me, I have a long way to go as far as memorization goes.  The prize? Pleasing Him!  Up to you!

It will also get you entered to win this week's "Card of the Week!" drawing! Anyone can play, and all you need to do is leave any comment, prayer request, or prayer, or question...you name it, in the comment section before 8pm (Eastern) to be eligible to be randomly chosen to win the "Card of the Week!"  The winnner will be annnounced on Wednesday! 

And, please be sure to keep stopping by the next few weeks...we have some very fun, very exciting news to share....but I am not saying when.  It will be on a regular post day...Monday, Wednesday or Friday!  What fun this will be!  You will surely like it!

Have a blessed day!

He IS Able!
Traci S.

Who is going to participate in this week's challenge?  Are you?  Let us know!

Build Your Faith Today...and Tomorrow, too!

Hi Friends~

I hope you enjoyed yesterday's post with a couple of cards.  I am so excited about getting into my art room again. I plan to be sharing much more art  here on the blog. I hope you will like it. I hope that you checked out Patter's ABC Scriptural Study. Are you going to join in? It's never too late.

I decided that I want to introduce you to different Christian Paper Craft Challenges around the net, now and then. Doing this can only help grow our faith and help us memorize Scripture. We always have room for to store more Scriptures in our hearts!

"Faith is being sure of what hope for and certain of what we do not see.  This is what the ancients were commanded for.  By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible...

Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that he exists and the He rewards those who earnestly seek Him."  Hebrews 11:1-3; 6 

(Daily Inspiration from the NIV-by Zondervan)

 This one is a challenge over at Christian Paper Crafts (CPC).  It is called Bible Verse Thursday.  I bet you can guess what day it is held on!  My dear friend Abby is hosting it.  This is what said when posting last week, "Your challenge is to make a project that reflects this scripture, using sheet music, hymns, musical instruments, birds, flowers or other ideas that you may have that show praise to God. Don’t forget, I challenge you to memorize the scripture as well. With the card I made for this challenge, I chose to add an old time hymn Sunshine in the Soul. I thought this fit the theme of my card and scripture perfectly."  Each Thursday she chooses a Scripture, we all make a paper project like a card, bookmark, scrapbook page etc... with the Scripture she chose. There is not a deadline...and it is a wonderful place to meet other Christian women.  And, we memorize the Scripture.  She also gives ideas of things you may want to use to embellish your card or other item...if you want!  You post it on the thread, and they have a gallery! 

Abby has visited this blog many times and her own blog is called "Little Birdie Blessings."  She said that her blog is:

"An area for me to share a few blessings ~ free vintage images ~ papercrafts ~ sewing ~ scripture ~ and my faith." 

And, it is beautiful!  And, she makes the most beautiful art out of Scriptures, and gives away out of this world Digital Vintage art for free.  It is a great blog.  Please visit it.  Leave her some love, and tell her you read about it on the He IS Able blog.

Announcing the "Winner of the Card of the Week!"

Congratulations go out to SeaMom! 

 You were randomly chosen to receive the first ever

"Mystery Card of the Week!"

Do you know that our "Card of the Week" drawing is a tool to share your

faith with others?  We hope that you will use the card to "Share His Love, His Word, His Gift of Salvation through this Give-Away!"  Share with your friends what God is doing in your life! Tell them what He can do in their lives. Write a prayer in the card for them, and see how it touches their heart...and be sure to lift them up in prayer. 

That the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love.  Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith-- the Salvation of your souls.  1 Peter 1:7-9  (Precious Bible Moments) 

Mary, please send me your mailing address, and I will get this card right out to you!  All you need to do to be eligible to win, is leave a comment before Tuesday at 8pm--Eastern time.  It can be a comment, a question, a prayer request...you decide! And, now, you can live anywhere in the world and you will win a special card, too!

I hope you will check out these challenges I have shared with you...and build your faith along the way!  What a wonderful way to spend your Thursday! Thank you for joining us once again!  We appreciate you!

He IS Able!

Traci S.

Cards by Traci--Mother's Day 2011

Hi Friends,

Good news!  Dave fixed my camera and it is working with my computer again! I am so relieved.  It is hard to post the "Card of the Week" when your camera and computer won't let it happen!  That is why this week we are having a wonderful "Mystery Card of the Week!"  You will be very pleased with the Mystery Card, I assure you.  Please make sure you have a comment posted before Tuesday 8pm Eastern Time to be eligible.  One of the comments will be randomly chosen, and the writer of it will win the card, extra envelope and postage...Anyone-- anywhere can enter for this random drawing!

Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth.

Serve the Lord with gladness;

Come before Him with joyful singing.

Psalm 100:1-2

So, today, after quite a while, I have some cards I would like to share with you. Do you make cards?  Scrapbook? Do any other paper crafting?  We'd love to know.  I have decided not to work on Josh's scrapbook until he leaves for boot camp.  I may be able to finish it in the 4 years he will be with the Air Force.  It will let me cherish our time we had together while he is away. It will occupy my mind.  I hope I can get it done in 4 years...I am very behind in doing it.  I think I have 17 years to catch up on!  LOL

I am also going to get caught up on the wonderful ABC Scripture Study
 (Challenge)  that Patter Cross is leading.  (You don't need to make a scrapbook, that was my choice.  You can make cards, bookmarks, any form you would like to make it in.)  So, any of you who are behind in scrapbooking, don't fret...how about doing it with me?  Or how about joining this amazing journey that Patter is taking us on?  It is an Alphabetical Scriptural Study.  She gives a word for each letter of the alphabet.  She gives us so much to think about, she is a wonderful writer, who is so devoted to our Lord, Jesus the Christ!  She gives us several Scriptures to think about with that word...but we can choose any Scripture to do with the word that she shared with us.  It is great...trust me. I get joy with each Scripture I choose for my page.  It will be a wonderful book for one of my grand-children to learn from. Come on, join in the fun!  At least check it out!

Behold, children are a gift of the Lord,

The fruit of the womb is a reward.

Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,

So are the children of ones youth.

How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them;

They will not be ashamed

When they speak with their enemies in the gate.

Psalm 127: 3-5

OK, I would like to share a couple of cards that I made for Mother's Day.  I always make my parents two cards, a funny one, and a more serious one. The first card I made for my Mom goes under the first category. She likes to collect frogs.  I saw this stamp, and knew the image was wonderful for her.
Here it is:
The background paper on this card is from Hot Off The Press (HOTP) from the Earth's Palette paper. I used my Loew-Cornell and Reeves colored pencils to color this cute little frog.  I used the signa-uniball white pen around his eyes.  This is a great pen!  The green crystals are from Mark Richards "Elements Elements" from Paper Wishes...where I ordered my HOTP papers, too!

Here is a close up of "froggy."  I think this may be my best coloring I have done to date.  I know I am happy with the outcome...except I

don't think I will ever get an image straight on

a paper!  Here is the close up of the "froggy."  Any advice?  I would love to hear it!

The other Mother's Day card I made used the stamp from
Clear Dollar Stamps.  It is called Pansy and it is great!  It comes with a beautiful sentiment, that I didn't use on this particular card.  I used a page of Hot Off The Press paper for the background.  The paper was from the series called Cardmakers Ultimate Creative Pack. I used Premier PrismaColor yellow marker and the purples were from different Copics sketch markers.  On this one card there are 18 different pansies! And yes, they were all completely colored. I had colored the pansies while watching TV a couple of months ago...not knowing how I would use them.  Well, on this card, I used a raised double stick tape by Scotch...it is about 1/4" thick.  Well, I stacked the pansies in different numbers for each flower that shows.  I put the thick tape between the layers.  So, each flower inside the card and out, is a different height. I put a bit of the Stencil Collection's Royal Hologram Glitter on the center of each pansy.

Here is a shot from the side of the card.  I hope you can see some of the layers to make-up the pansies.

One more card.  I just love this card!  Dave made it for me, without me even knowing.  He knows that things are better if he doesn't use my art materials...since so many of them need to be used in certain ways.  He did sneak one piece of DCWV paper out.  He cut some dead vines off a bush that Josh gave us as a potted plant for our first or second anniversary.  When I quickly asked him which adhesive he used...he said, "Plain Elmer's Glue...from the junk drawer! It dries clear!" Good job, Honey! He used an old calligraphy pen he had and tried his hand at writing with it.  He did a better job than I have done with my pens!  I love that he took the time to make this special card for me. I love him so.

My parents, Josh, Dave and I, my 2 sisters, and a brother-in-law all met for a nice dinner at a local restaurant.  Josh gave me 2 magnets to use on the refrigerator..."Proud Mom of an Air Man"...and a yellow ribbon with "Proud Parent of an Air Man "along with a "Proud Mom of an Air Man" hat. And, my sister gave me a matching Tshirt with a bunch of pins that you can win that say "Proud Mom of an Air Man."  And, an Air Force water bottle.  I am so proud of Josh, and these presents were a wonderful surprise.  I feel so supportive and close to Josh.  He is maturing before my eyes.  And, when he read the Air Man's Creed to me...I saw a change in him...he didn't joke around, he stood up taller, he meant what he said.  It was such a blessing to know that he really believes in this big change he is taking.  I am so blessed.  Like the Scripture said, "...the fruit of the womb is a reward..." Indeed!  Praise God!

Make a joyful noise to the Lord,

all the earth;

break forth into joyous song and sing praises!

Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre,

with the lyre and the sound of melody!

Psalm 94:4-5

I hope you can think of many reasons to break into joyous song--singing praises to the One who is worthy!  Sing your thanks to Him! It doesn't matter if you have a singing voice or not. I certainly don't.  He wants us to go before Him and sing His praises...as we will do one day in Heaven! Thank you for being here with us.  Please remember to leave a comment before 8pm...you may win the "Mystery Card of the Week!"  Winner to be announced on Wednesday!

He IS Able!

Traci S.

Thank you to all the Moms out there!

Hi Friends~

Happy Friday!  I hope that everyone has a fabulous weekend.  And that all of the moms have a wonderful Mother's Day!  I looked up "mothers" in the index of one of my Bibles (NIV).  I found Proverbs 23 to be just full of things that we want to teach our children.  It covers such a variety of topics.  Take a look at it, if you would like.  I would post it here, but it is a little more than a page long.  Well worth the read!  Especially for when you have older children.

"And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart:  you shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down and when you rise up."  Deuteronomy 6:6-7

I have kept this Ann Landers column on the side of my refrigerator since May 13, 2001.  The paper is gold colored, and wrinkled...and full of wisdom.  I have read this when I have felt that I haven't done enough as a Mom, and I have read this when I felt like I may have been the best Mom around.  It is surely worth the space on the side of my refrigerator!  How about yours? 

___________________________________________

Here it is, exactly as it appears:

"Dear Ann Landers:  A child sent this to me for Mother's Day.  I hope you will share this with the women who try to be good mothers, often with no help from the significant other.--Proud in Houston

Dear Houston:  Parenthood is the hardest work there is, but the rewards are enormous.  This was written by Cindy Lange-Kubick and reprinted with permission of the Lincoln (Neb.) Journal Star.  Here is is--on Mother's Day.

This is for all the mothers who didn't win Mother of the Year.  The mothers too tired to enter, too busy to bother.

This is for all the mothers who froze on metal bleachers at soccer games instead of watching from cars, so that when their kids asked, "Did you see my goal?" they could say, "Of course", and mean it.

This is for all of the mothers who run carpools and make cookies and sew Halloween costumes.  And all the mothers who don't.

This is for all the mothers who mess up.  Who yell at their kids int he grocery store.  This is for all the mothers who taught their daughters to tie their shoes before they started pre-school.  And for all the mothers who chose Velcro instead.

This is for all the mothers who show up at work with stains on their blouses and diapers in their purse.  This is for all the mothers who teach their sons to cook and their daughters to sink a jump shot.  For all the mothers who bite their lips when their 14-year-olds dye their hair green.

This is for all the mothers who gave birth to babies they'll never see.  And the mothers who took those babies and gave them homes.

What makes a good mother anyway?  Is it patience?  Compassion?  The ability to fry a chicken and sew a button at the same time?  Or is it the ache you feel when you watch your child walking to school alone for the first time?  The need to hug your child every time you hear news of a school shooting, a fire, a car accident?

This is for young mothers stumbling through diaper changes, and sleep deprivation.  And mature mothers learning to let go.  For working mothers and stay-at-home mothers.  Single mothers and married mothers.  Mothers with money, mothers without.  This is for you all.  So hang in there.  I'll be rooting for you."

___________________________________________

If you wrote the above...what would your contributing paragraph be..."This is to all of the mothers who...." or "This is to all of the mothers who didn't..."  Please share your answer in the comment section...or send in an email...if you email it to me, I will post it on Monday!  Thank you so much! We love to know your thoughts!

______________________________________________

What plans do you have for Mother's Day?  Usually, well, since Joshua was about 7, Dave and Josh make me blueberry pancakes with whipped cream and scrambled eggs for breakfast.  "No mix will do!" says my husband...and out come the bowls, and measuring spoons and such. Such a labor of love!  And, delicious pancakes!   And, then later in the day we usually get together with my siblings (minus my brother and his family....they live in SC) and my Mom and Dad...and we all celebrate!  One of my sisters is going to be a Foster Mom to two children, hopefully starting next month.  We are all so excited! This is her first Mother's Day. 

 I am excited that we are having another family event.  We have had more than ever since Josh enlisted.  I am trying to share his time with everyone.  I am blessed to be his mom.  He is a great son.  He always has been...never any trouble. I was surely blessed with this gift from Him. I thank Him all of the time. But, part of me is sad for this Mother's Day. I know I have had it well...I have seen him almost every day of his life...he moved out at 18 1/2.  I went through some serious "empty nest" feelings...and then turned his room into my art room!  lol And, made peace with his moving out. He is close by. Now, that he is going to start his military life, I feel as if I am going through the "Empty Nest II!"  I hope that I can remember this special day with a thankful heart...and no tears.

Do you have any plans or traditions that you are willing to share?  Or perhaps a favorite Scripture or Poem about Motherhood you would like to share?  Thank you for sharing it in the comment section...or if you email it to me (side bar), it will be shared on the next post!  Thank you so much!

As a mother comforts her child,

so will I comfort you;

and you will be comforted over Jerusalem.”

Isaiah 66:13 (NIV)

I will pray that you all will have a delightful weekend whether you are a mom or not. Sorry, there are no cards to show.  Dave did say he would work with my computer and camera and see if they would communicate together again...or if this is a permanent situation.  He is very good at getting sides to see the "big picture" so maybe there will be cards to share on Monday!  I hope so!  God bless!

He IS Able!
Traci S.

Cast Your Burdens on the One Who Loves You!

Hi Friends~

Well, did you have a good laugh since Monday?  Maybe a few?  How did it feel?  Was it contagious?  Did others join in the laughter without even meaning to do so?  Did you feel stress leave you?  Did you feel a glow on your face?  Did you accept the challenge to laugh?  Let us know how it went for you.  We'd love to know!

Today I read a couple pages of Daily Encouragement for Women:  Whispers of Promise.  It is published by Barbour. I hope that they will mean something special to you, as they did to me.  I was really quite moved by this first one..and I didn't even remember it being in the Bible. 

How Much You Mean to Him

"I am God, your personal God,

The Holy of Israel, your Savior,

I paid a huge price for you...

That's how much you mean to me!

That's how much I love you!  I'd

sell off the whole world to get you

back, trade the creation just for

you.  So don't be afraid:

I'm with you."

Isaiah 43:3-5 MSG

The beginning of this just gave me chills.  He DID pay a HUGE price for us!

We just celebrated His victory over death!  But to celebrate that victory, we need to remember everything He went through for us on Good Friday.  The mocking, the spit on Him, the tearing of His clothes, a wreath painfully pushed into His head, the whip slashing His back...The Cross.  What more would we make Him go through to be His?  I love the end..."So don't be afraid:  I'm with you."  How simply said.  How beautifully said.  "So don't be afraid:  I'm with you." 

What are you afraid of right now?  What are you concerned may happen?  Tell Him.  Run to Him.  Share with Him.  That is what He wants from us.  A relationship.  Is yours a mutually beneficial relationship?  Do you ask, ask, ask?  Or do you tell Him why you love and honor Him?  Do you thank Him through out the day for every BIG thing and every little thing?  Do you thank Him for His Word, His having Saved you?!  Share with Him.  Don't be afraid.  Confess your sins.  He knows anyway.  He wants you to confess for your own benefit.  How is your relationship with Him...in good shape?  Or does it need a little bit of effort on your part?

Warning:  This next writing makes a STRONG point!  You may be caught off guard! Here it is:

God Bears Our Burdens

God will share our burdens, but

if we don't want to give them to

Him, He will let us struggle along

on our own for a while. He won't

insist we do things His way but will

let us learn how heavy the burdens

really are. When our backs are

tired and we can't take another

step, He'll remind us that He was

always willing to carry them for

us.  Is He reminding you of that

today?

STOP!  Don't read for a full minute or two if you can...and answer that question to yourself...and then to Him!

Welcome back. What thoughts went through your mind?  Do you have any anxieties?  Any worries?  Is your house up for foreclosure and you don't know where you will stay?  Is your son or daughter joining the military, and you are scared to death?  That's how I feel.  I've shared how Josh has joined the Air Force. This writing really yelled "Wake Up!" to me.  It made me stop and catch my breath. A friend pointed out that I worry a lot.  (I've been aware of that for my entire life, and have actually improved! lol)  I worry because Joshua doesn't know the Lord. I worry because he will be around dangerous items...and situations.  I pray.  I pray a lot.  I thought that was enough to turn it over.  However, I think if I still carry anxiety or worry, I really haven't completely turned it over to Him. I am doing a pretty good job...I worry only during the night time now... I'm getting there.  Tired, but I am getting there.

Matthew 6:31-34 reads:  So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.

So, use your thoughts as your barometer as to what things you haven't asked Him to take over for you.  You can trust Him.  Do you know that?  Have you trusted your life to Him?  Do you know Jesus the Christ as your Lord and your Savior?  Do you believe that He died on that cross for your sins?  He paid the wages for sin...and that wage is death!  He has Saved you. He died and He rose on the third day--just as He told them. We all sin.  We do our best not to..but we do.  Fortunately, we can go to Him, and ask for forgiveness. You will live eternally in Heaven with Him when your time on earth is done. 

"This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood." Romans 3:22-25 NIV

Contact me via email with a way to reach you, and I will pray with you...and you will be able to trust completely in Jesus your Messiah!  You will be a child of the King of Kings. You will be able to give Him your burdens...and you will learn and become aware of how much He loves you.  It is an amazing thing!  Email me.  Call a Christian friend, and ask them to pray for you.  Go to a church and ask them to pray with you.  It is a great thing!  It is a life-freeing decision!

I hope we will all search our thoughts and see if there are any burdens we haven't given to Jesus.  And then, give it to Him right away!  I am sure we will feel so much better!  And, think about the first writing from Isaiah.  Do you know He loves you that much?  How about telling Him how much you love Him?  Do you do that?  Don't all mothers and fathers want to hear that from their children?  He is your Heavenly Father.  Tell Him how special He is to you!  It will deepen your relationship with Him...that is for certain.  Praise God!

The Winner of the "Card of the Week" is...

For the second week in a row...Congratulations,
 peggy applSEEDS!

So, Peggy, just send me that address, and I will make sure both cards are sent out to you!  (I need an address here in the continental US to mail them.)  You will enjoy Joan's Eagle card.  It is wonderful! I love it!  Here is your comment that was randomly chosen:

peggy aplSEEDS said...

hi, Traci, that eagle link is amazing. thanks for sharing it. you can find out more about it here - http://www.ustream.tv/decoraheagles
thank you also for the card of the week!
May 2, 2011 8:05 PM

So, everyone, please leave a comment before 8pm on Tuesday, and you will be entered in our random drawing for a "Mystery Card of the Week!"  I will ask Dave to please try to get my camera to talk to my computer and then talk to my blog.  I can't post any photos anywhere!  Please be patient with me.  I apologize for this problem.  Have a blessed week!
 
He IS Able!
Traci S.

Joy! Joy! Joy! And, Some Laughter, too!

"Now the God of hope will fill you with all joy and peace in believing." Romans 15:13 KJV

Dear Friends~

I hope that everyone enjoyed a bit of silence in your prayer time with our Lord, Jesus Christ this weekend.  I can not thank you enough for your comments.  Your comments not only encourage us, but they often give me something to think on.  Something to look at a bit deeper.  And, I hope you all had a joyful weekend!  Did you sing to the Lord?  Did you laugh at all over the weekend?

I am certain that this is the topic He wants us to discuss today...JOY!  I woke up and read a bit, and JOY was the topic....then I watched a Pastor on TV tell us how important laughter and JOY are in a Christian's life.  How it pleases Him! How it keeps us healthier, takes some of the stress out of our lives...things like that.  He also said that it is a great way to help people be receptive to you.  Now, this would not work for me.  I am the worst joke teller in the world... I must be!  But, I have over the last 15 years re-learned to enjoy laughing...making a bit of noise even. (I used to just close my mouth and keep the laughter inside.)  He talked about how it came naturally to us as children...and somewhere along the line...some of us become more self-conscious, we tone down our laugh...and sometimes, like with me, it just disappears. Well, I have found my JOY in the Lord!  And, it fills me more than anything else could! Hallelujah!

"Behold, God is my Salvation,

I will trust and not be afraid;

 For the Lord God is my strength and song,

And He has become my Salvation." 

Therefore you will joyously draw

water from the springs of Salvation." 

 Isaiah 12:2-3 NASB  



I think that will be my Scripture to memorize this week.  It is perfect for me.  Imagine joyously drawing water from the springs of Salvation...Wow.  I challenge you to find something to laugh about today...you may see children playing in a sprinkler and have a giggle, maybe you will hear a good joke, maybe you will just force a laugh out to meet this challenge, and while doing this "forced" laugh...you realize it becomes real!  Try it!  You may like it!

"Sarah said, God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me."  Genesis 21:6 NIV

"He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy."

 Job 8:20-22

Next, I came to the computer to write the post for today, and I always check my email first to make sure there aren't any urgent prayer requests...well, in my inbox is this wonderful column by Dr. Jack Graham. I am a bit behind in my email...it is from April, what a joyful blessing it was that I didn't read it until today.  Guess what it is about?  JOY!

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Oh, and by the way, Happy National Scrapbooking Month!  I hope you will all make at least one scrapbook page this month.  It doesn't have to go into an album...frame it.  I know they have a scrapbook challenge over at Our Daily Bread Designs every month...with a prize! This month's challenge should start this week.  Today they are having a HUGE Blog Hop with lots and lots of prizes! Please check it out, and tell them you heard about it on the He IS Able blog!

"We need to recapture the power of imagination;  we shall find that life can be full of wonder, mystery, beauty, and joy."  Sir Harold Spencer Jones

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Back to Dr. Jack Graham's column.  I have been given permission to use the column in it's entirety by crosswalk.com.  Thank you, Dr. Graham!

Letting the Joy of the Lord Shine Through You      April 29, 2011

"Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines,                the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food,                              the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls,               yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will take joy in the God of my salvation."

Habakkuk 3:17-18

I remember back when my friend, John Bisagno, went to be the pastor of the First Baptist Church of Houston. He was talking about one Wednesday night around Christmas time when a few members of the church had gathered in the dark sanctuary and were singing a hymn called “Day is Dying in the West.”
“That wasn’t all that was dying.” he said. “Most of the people in the congregation looked half-dead already!”

So after the service was over, he left the church building and went outside. As he walked the streets of Houston, he saw people on the corners ringing bells along with tinsel and lights everywhere. So he popped into a jewelry store to buy a gift, and he saw people talking, singing, laughing, and having a wonderful time.

As Bisagno reflected on that, he said, “You know, neither the church nor the jewelry store gave an invitation that night. But had they given an invitation, I would have joined the jewelry store!”

When the world looks at you, do they see the joy of the Lord? I’m not talking about a joy you have because things are going well, but the kind of joy that transcends life’s circumstances. That’s the kind of joy God wants for you!

DESPITE LIFE’S CIRCUMSTANCES, THE JOY OF THE LORD SHOULD ALWAYS BE IN YOUR HEART. SO LET GOD’S JOY SHINE THROUGH YOU EVEN IN THE BUSYNESS AND STRESSES OF LIFE!

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There are so many Scriptures about JOY.  I have one more I would like to share with you today.  I hope you will try to catch yourself laughing.  If you want, tell us how it went for you in the comment section!  Was it unusual, easy, a real challenge, did others join in...did it seem to be contagious?  I hope that your laughter will be a result of His filling you with JOY...a joy that runs so deep!  Thank you so much for continuing to join us here at the He IS Able blog.  We appreciate you.  Please remember, leave a comment about anything before Tuesday 8pm EST, to be eligible to win a fabulous "Card of the Week" made and donated by Joan, our Prayer Team Leader,...winner to be announced Wednesday! I apologize that I could not get your wonderful card onto the blog, Joan.  It is amazing.  There is something not working between the camera, the computer and the blog.  Trust me, whoever receives this card will be blessed!

"The Lord your God is with you,

He is mighty to Save.

He will take great delight in you,

He will quiet you with His love,

He will rejoice over you with singing."

Zephaniah 3:17

Have a blessed, joyful and laughter filled day!

He IS Able!

Traci S.