"My All in All" (Part 2).

Hi Friends~

If you weren't here on Monday you may not know that I am in Texas celebrating with my son who is graduating from the Air Force Basic Military Training!  So, Monday started the 1st part of this series... "My All in All" by Robert J. Morgan.  Please go back to Monday's post and read the set up for this beautiful book.  It will continue for a couple of days at least.  I also explained about the He IS Able Card Sets Give-Away on Monday--please read it.

OK—Here is the Introduction.  It is all typed in direct quotes.

"He is all in all to me,

And my song of songs shall be,

Hallelujah, O My Savior,

I am trusting only Thee."

~Fanny Crosby

“Daily Assurance of God’s Grace…My All in All”

INTRODUCTION

One evening several years ago when troubled about a particular matter, I sat at the dining room table and picked up my Bible. I turned to a little book near the back and read through 1 Peter, thinking the old fisherman might have an encouraging word for me. When I got to the last chapter, I came across Verse 7: “casting all your care upon Him, because He cares about you.” It was a Verse I knew well, indeed had memorized it; but now I saw something I’d never seen before. It said: “casting ALL your care upon Him.”

The Divine Author could easily have omitted the word allwithout hindering the flow or force of the text: casting your care upon Him. But the Lord deliberately dropped that little all into the sentence like a pearl in the pathway, and I had overlooked it for years.

But what a word! The “all” indicated this was anall-inclusive promise. Nothing is excluded from the invitation. No problem is too small for His notice, none to large for His power. He’s concerned about each and every problem I have or would ever have, public or personal, large or little. He can handle them, and I should give them all to Him in total trust.

Then a thought came to me. I wondered if there were other “alls” in the Bible that I’d missed. Continuing my reading, I noticed three Verses later that God is the “God of all grace.” Four Verses later: “Peace to allof you.” Three Verses down the column, in 2 Peter 1:3, I read, “His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through knowledge of Him who called us.” (NKJV)

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I'm going to stop quoting the book for today.  I have a challenge for you.  The next post will start off with many Scripture containing the word "all" in it.  So, I am challenging you to write your favorite Verse that contains the word "All" in it in the comment section.  Have a great day!  God Bless!

He IS Able!

Traci Starkweather

"My All in All" (Part 1)

Hi Friends~

Happy New Year!  I pray that you have all enjoyed this holiday weekend, and if you have made any resolutions, that they include getting to know Him as  closely as possible. You could spend as much time in prayer as possible.  Read His Word every day…even a paragraph!  And, encourage others in daily life…and to know the Lord, Jesus the Christ!

I am leaving for my son Joshua’s graduation from the Basic Military Training from the Air Force this week.  I doubt I will have the time or energy to post while I am gone.  You will all be in my prayers, as usual.  I will be spending some quality time with  my son that I haven’t seen for almost 3 months, and will not be able to see for almost a year! It is difficult for me to travel, we are heading to San Antonio, Texas. My back, legs and migraines are usually pretty bad when I travel. I am praying that my disabilities will not keep me from attending any of Josh’s events!

So, I will draw 2 names next week for our He IS Able Card Set Give-Away!  I’m not sure what day it will be, so please stop by Monday, Wednesday and Friday.  I will be recuperating from the trip so as soon as able, I will announce the winners.  It is difficult for me to travel, we are heading to San Antonio, Texas.  My back, legs and migraines are usually pretty bad when I travel.  I am praying that my disabilities will not keep me from attending any of Josh’s events!  Be sure to leave a comment before Tuesday at 8pm to be eligible to receive a set of beautiful hand made cards.

I have started a new book of Devotions.  I have been waiting a while to start it on the 1^st .  And, I read the introduction the day before.  It may seem odd, but I want to share the introduction with you.  It is amazing…and so inspiring!  The book has a long name…

“Daily Assurance of God’s Grace…My All in All”   It is written by Robert J. Morgan and B and H Publishing Group put it out.  And, I love the feel of this paperback. The pages feel worn, the outside edge is "texturized" somehow…some pages stick out more than others, over and over it has ridges!  And it just feels like it has been read by many before me…this exact book--even though that was not the case.  The cover is an antiqued gold and brown, and the edges look as if they were distressed with Tim Holtz’s Distress Inks.  It is cozy.  If I am being clear about what I mean.

I hope you will enjoy these few days as I split this wonderful Introduction to this book and the 1st Devotion into a few parts.  You know how God provides?  Well, I pray for Him to please provide the material that is shared on this blog.  Well, when you get to the 1st Devotion...you will KNOW that it was made to be shared on the He IS Able blog!

I am setting the next post to automatically show up on Wednesday morning.  Have a great week!  God Bless!

He IS Able!
Traci Starkweather

How Are You Feeling? Happy 2012?!

Hi Friends~


 I do wish each of you a wonderful and safe New Year's Celebration.  When you are thinking about the coming year...2012...(YIKES!) think of how you can spend more time with the Lord, or how to understand Him better, how to serve Him, do more good deeds, or how to reach others for Him and spread the Gospel. And, make it your top priority! 


Because our "Card Sets of the Week" have brought out so many new guests to the He IS Able blog, we are going to continue giving away sets of up to 5 cards a week until further notice.  These cards are for all different occasions, and are stunning!  I know you will want to leave a comment before Tuesday, 8pm (Eastern Time USA) to be eligible for the random drawing.  After the person is randomly chosen, a number from 1-5 is chosen.  That number is how many cards and envelopes you will receive!  Just stop by on Wednesdays to see who won, and if it is you, email me your mailing address.  (My email is on the bottom of the right column.)  I will not be leaving messages for winners to come check out the site...so if you see your friend's name...let them know!  (Also, I can only afford to send these cards in the USA.  We love every one of you who visits...I just can not afford it.  I do apologize.)

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I wrote this post last year on December 27th.   I think it is such an important message to share that I would like to repeat it.  You are all so important to me.  So please take this message to heart.  I am not going to change the words...they are written to apply to Christmas time, but New Year's is the same.  I have deleted some material that no longer applied.  PLEASE contact me, if I can share any information or answer any questions. We would like for you to please leave all  prayer requests in the comment section.  Joan and I will pray sincerely and without ceasing.  YOU are important!

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I have something weighing heavily on my heart. I want to share it with you. You may know about it...perhaps it is a completely unique thought that has never crossed your mind. I feel a responsibility to share it. I hope you understand, it is not a typical Christmas time post. Here goes:

"Merry Christmas!" "Happy Holiday!" "Isn't Christmas the best time of the year?" "Happy New Year!" "Feliz Navidad!" It goes on and on...all of these merry or joyous greetings. People say them to the cashiers that they don't even usually greet. They say them to the person a few cubicles down..."Have a Merry Christmas!" "Oh, I do hope you enjoy playing with those new Grand-babies of yours! Christmas is surely for children!"

I want to remind everyone...that even though Christmas is a day of the ultimate Joy, there are many who have feelings of sadness, depression, even suicide during the holidays.


Now, I pray that you all had an incredible Christmas with family and friends, and closeness, and that you celebrated the Miraculous birth of our Savior, Jesus. If you had a day like this...you are fortunate...blessed. I am very happy for you!

However, many people are not feeling joy this time of year. The AA rooms are usually busting out of the seams this time of year. People choosing not to drink again. That is not what this is about...unless it should be for you, or someone you love. (Email me if you would like info on AA or Al-anon.) It was in the AA rooms that I learned a lot of what I want to share.

This information is something I learned long ago. Both of my grandmothers passed away in December one year after each other. It brings great sadness to me. One of them was still Jewish, which adds tremendous sadness and guilt to me. I was also assaulted in December, and re-live that every year. Many people have loved ones who may have passed away this year, and they don't know how to "do" Christmas without them. Perhaps, a loved one passed away even 25 years ago and they still grieve this time of year. Some people may have gone or be going through divorce. Another type of loss...even if it was their idea! It is difficult...it is new. There are people that really don't have the resources for the most minimal of things...let alone to buy gifts or cookies. There are Veterans who sadly, still live in "the" war in their minds. So, if you are one who is feeling like any of these people, or many other people with other trials and sadness. Or if you are just so overwhelmed with "how" Christmas is supposed to look like and feel...you are not alone.

 It is a time of Joy that Jesus came here as a little babe, to Save us and Love us. And, you can still have great sadness over other issues. So, please do not feel "alone." You can feel a combination of feelings, too.

Deuteronomy 33:27:
"The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. He will drive out your enemies before you, saying, ‘Destroy them!"

If you fall into this category, instead of the over flowing with bubbly talk and song! You are where you should be...especially if you are in the arms of Jesus. Please know, He will help you...just ask Him.

You need not stay in this category forever. Even if it is a mental illness, there is hope. There is always HOPE. Always a way out! Especially with our Loving Lord, Jesus the Christ. But, please, be yourself. Happy or not. Just be honest with your emotions...share if you want...or just be honest with yourself about being sad, but promise to keep others and yourself safe...not matter what! If it becomes dangerous...call 911 and tell them...do not wait. They will help you. Think of all of the people who care for you, though you may be incapable of feeling it right now. Suicide is NEVER the answer. NEVER! And, for those of you who may be grieving over someone who did take their own life. Jesus can help you with your suffering, also. He is a BIG and MIGHTY Lord, and capable of ALL things. I am so sorry for your loss.

"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." Psalm 147:3

I hope I have had clarity to write. There is no "Correct" way to feel right now is my point. Every step you take...to step out of it...is wonderful. And, if you have Jesus Christ in your life as Lord and Savior...He can change anything! Even if you feel that your sadness is too big for anyone to change it.

If you do not know Jesus in your heart as your Lord, your Messiah, then simply type that in the comment box or email me. I will be honored to help lead you to a life full of HOPE and love and joy...as well as some sadness, and grief...but you will have Jesus on your side. Jesus is Victorious in His Battles. He will fight for you! He loves you already!

I care. I pray for each of you...the joyous, the sad, the happy, the homeless, the grief stricken, those with problems in their lives that seem so big. I pray for those of you who know Jesus Christ, and for those of you who don't. I pray that you will seek help if you need it. I pray that you will be honest with yourself, especially, about how you are truly feeling. I will be happy to help carry some of your burden. He-- Jesus the Christ, can carry your burden for you. He already has. I pray that any of you who find yourself in one of the above situations will seek help, or at least let me know, so I can pray. I have some friends who I pray with daily, with your permission--ONLY, I would have them join in praying for you. Otherwise, it is between you, me and Lord Jesus.

If you are feeling like you want to help somehow. Pray. Read the Bible. Watch for signs. Don't "make someone feel "jolly," try to accept their feelings however they may be. Volunteer...go read the Christmas Story to someone in a Nursing Home, or in the hospital. That is such a wonderful thing to do. Just go to the nurses station and ask if there is anyone who hasn't had a visitor, and ask if you can spend a bit of time with you. Introduce yourself, and ask if they would like to listen to the Christmas Story, or a different section of the Bible, or just talk. And, then just listen...don't offer any advice unless you are a professional...and then be careful!! And, you will not only be blessing them. You will be amazed...by the time you are back in your car...you will feel blessed yourself.

I pray that everyone have a Happy New Year with Jesus being the focus of the year! Thank you for letting me share that.

He IS Able,
Traci Starkweather

"Get Your Faith Lifted" and Winner Announced...

Hi Friends~


I found this beautiful piece this morning that I think you will enjoy...and then we will see who won this week's "Card Set of the Week!"  and how many cards will be given!


First, this wonderful Devotion from "Quiet Moments in the Presence of God."  Their Devotions are published by Bethany House.

Get Your Faith Lifted

"When Jesus heard this, he was astonished and said to those following him, "I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such faith."  (Matthew 8:10)

When Jesus commended the soldier for his great trust, he was making a faith comparison.  By applauding the military commander for believing his servant could be healed, Jesus was saying some people have more faith than others.  To increase your faith, spend time with God and draw close to Him.

The important thing in faith development is not to compare where you are to others but to compare it where you are to others but to compare it with yourself.  Where are you now in comparison to where you were before?  Is your faith being lifted to a higher level?  In your faith, be superior to your previous self.  In your Christian life, have a faith that regularly increases and steadily rises.

Your faith increases as you focus more and more on who God is to you.

"You have accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord.  Now keep on following Him.  Plant your roots in Christ and let him be the foundation for your life.  Be strong in your faith, just as you were taught.  And be grateful." (Colossians 2:6-7)

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OK, let's see who will win 9 Cards from the He IS Able Blog!

Why 9?  Because we randomly chose the comment from the past week through Tuesday evening at 8pm like every week.  And, we have randomly chosen the number of cards to be given away...and the number was to be chosen between 1-10 cards!  This week's cards will be for all different occasions...

This Week's Winner is Becky Dunham when she left her comment on December 26th!  Congratulations, Becky!  We are so glad you are here, and we hope you will continue to visit us on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays...you could receive the post of the blog via email in the top rectangle on the right hand side of the blog!  Becky, please email me by next Tuesday at 8pm with your snail mail address, and I will be happy to send you the 9 cards/envelopes.  tracistarkweather@gmail.com

We love and appreciate all of our guests, but sadly, we can only send items to people living in the USA, due to the costs of postage.  We hope you will all continue to visit the He IS Able blog, as we encourage each other to grow closer to Him, and to share the Gospel with people we may or may not know.  After all, that is how our Card Give-Away started!  We hope that you will use your cards to share about "His Love, His Word, and His Gift of Salvation through Card Give-Aways!"

See you on Friday!  God Bless!

He IS Able!

Traci Starkweather

Who Would You Be?

Dear Friends~

I pray that everyone has had a wonderful, God-filled Christmas!  What an exciting time of year.  I keep thinking of what it would have been like to be a shepherd in the field...and to receive the message from God's angel. The message of our Savior's birth!  It must have been the most terrifying and exciting and wonderful thing to ever happen int heir life!  I wonder if the shepherds just left their sheep where they were, the sheep that they cared for so carefully day after day, or if they took off to find this babe in swaddling clothes in a manger?  Or did they take the sheep with them on this long trek?  I don't know, it just makes me think about them and their lives so much. 

If you could be anyone in the Christmas Story who would it be...and it you would, how about telling us why?  This could be so much fun to share about in the comment section!

I wish I had the faith and righteous nature of Joseph.  It must have been so horrible for him to be faced by the other men in the Village, when his wife to be was pregnant by someone else.  Well, that's what they thought, I think.  They all must have thought that his wife-to-be was cheating on him, and that Joseph must not have been much of a husband-to-be.  Joseph did everything he was told...no questions asked, no argueing his side of things.  He did what he was told...and he was rewarded by being the father of the Savior of the World.

I have a bit of news to share.  Michele will be unable to continue writing the "Precious Women of God--This Includes You!" in the future.  At least for a few months. She is fine...just extremely busy, and has been working with us for a long while now.  I would love it if one of you would like to join our team and pick up with Michele's posts. Even temporarily. I have material that would be informative to help, and I could point you in the direction of some very helpful websites.  You would type it up...I will help as much as you want...and you would email it to me a week before the 3rd Friday (when it is posted), and I will post it on the blog for you!  The purpose of the post is to share about the woman of your choice from the Bible, and to get us to think about whether: We would have done what that woman did or not? Would we want to be like her?  What qualities did she have that were admirable?  Was there anything you would change about her if you were her?  These are a few of the questions that you could pose to your readers.  Please take a look at some of Michele's posts...you can find them on the right side in red...look for "Precious Women of God--This Includes You!" and click to read her post of the month.  Go ahead and read a couple and see if this is something you would like to do---once a month, as a way to serve the Lord.  If you find yourself interested, email me at:
tracistarkweather@gmail.com and I will answer any questions you may have, and offer any help! This would really be a great way to serve the Lord, and help me out, too.

Well, I am keeping this short today.  Share about who you would want to be in the Christmas story or about your Christmas if you are willing.  That way we can start to get to know each other...a major goal of the blog this year.  Then perhaps we will find it easier to pray for each other, or encourage each other in our walk with the Lord, or to know about the Lord through the cards we give away...or verbally!  I look forward to hearing your answers to my question in the orange! 

He IS Able!
Traci Starkweather

The Winner of the "Very Merry Christmas Blog Candy" Announced!

Dear He IS Able Blog Friends~(Who I am grateful for and appreciate and hold dear to my heart.)

“And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.” Luke 2:16-20 KJV

MERRY CHRISTMAS! Last night Dave and I went to Christmas Eve Services at Northland Church. It is listed on the right side of the blog under favorite blogs...you can watch the hour long service by clicking on it. I tell you it was an amazing service! First of all, Dave went with me...just to be my escort, but it made me so happy...and I prayed even more fervently for his and Josh's Salvation. I was so glad he went, and of course hearing God's Word does not go void...it impacts everyone's hearts. Anyway...the music was phenomenal!

I must tell you that I wrote tomorrow's (Monday's) post on Friday. Well, when you read what I am about to share...and then read tomorrow's post...you will be as shocked as I was! The sermon was the first time I have ever heard one like this...it was the Christmas Story from Luke Chapter 2, from the Shepherds in the field point of view.  It was inspiring.  It was beautiful.  The church I have attended is huge...it seats about 10,000 people I think, but you still get that close-knit feeling. It's the people.  When they shared about the Heavenly Host, they used the church lights to make little circles of very bright white circles all over the dark room...they shut off all other lights. They represented the Heavenly Host. It was beautiful.  It kept me speechless and excited at the same time.  I was so glad that I went. And, now that they don't use pews, I may be able to attend on a weekly basis, because with my disabilities, it is so hard to sit in a pew. These are much more comfortable and all pivoted toward the center slightly...so we can all see everything happening on the...I don't know the proper word for this...the stage or the pulpit?  Is a pulpit the item that a Pastor may stand behind when lecturing that holds his notes?  Or is it the area that the whole team stands on, like a stage? In Hebrew and in synagogues the Bimah (Bee-ma) is the whole stage area...and the pulpit is the item that holds the microphone and the Torah (The first 5 books of the Bible). I would love to know, if you know, please let me know. Thank you!

Oh, there was a candle light portion of the service. But, they used battery operated candles for everyone. Apparently, there was a  mis-hap a few years ago…someone injured herself with her candle!  It just wasn't the same. I loved seeing all of the white lights shining every where you looked in the past. It reminded me of white for purity, and the Light that shines within myself and others. Now, they use orange colored candle flames...it just wasn’t the same to me.

I'd love to know what you did on Christmas Eve! How about sharing if you have some time?

 

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I know, you are here to see who won the:

 

"Very Merry Christmas Blog Candy!"

The prizes include:

**An awesome Ash2Ash CD (Click on the words "Rise Up" and turn up your volume on your computer! Get ready to Praise the Lord! I love this song and the whole CD!)

**Rubber stamps:    1. "Jesus is the reason for the Season"

                                 2. Stampington Company-"Large Donner"

                                 3. and 4. A set of Acrylic Studio G stamps on

                                               friendship and thanks

                                 5. A Hampton Art-Studio G"Thinking of you in Prayer."

                                 6. A stamp of a noise maker...one you may find at a birthday party

**A beautiful murano glass cross

**Silver Craft Cord

**A Christmas music CD

**One glazed Nativity Scene Ornament with Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus

**Spool of Town and Country Ribbon- red with green hearts for all year use

**A Sizzix Impressions Embossing Folder.

**I will include some extra goodies also!

We will be continuing the "Weekly He IS Able Card Set Give-Away" until further notice! So, please get a new comment in by Tuesday evening at 8pm (Eastern time-USA) to be eligible! The person's comment  and the number of cards/envelopes given (1-10) will be announced on Wednesday! The winner has until the next Tuesday evening at 8 O'clock to email me with your mailing address.

The Winner of the "Very Merry Christmas Blog Candy" is...

 

Shelly Schmidt!

Congratulations, Shelly! I hope you will really enjoy this arrangement of goodies! Please email me your snail-mailing address, (Even though I may have it) to show that you would like to receive these exciting items! I need to receive that email by Saturday, December 31st at Midnight, or you may forfeit it! My email is tracistarkweather@gmail.com

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Praying you all experience the love of Jesus Christ today and always, and that you will share that with others who may not yet know Him. Please be safe travelling.  I am so glad you have all been here. I pray you will continue to visit us on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays!

Merry Christmas!
 

He IS Able!

Traci Starkweather

Merry Christmas!

Dear Friends,


Tonight is Christmas Eve.  The most wonderous evening of the year.  I am only going to share a short reminder that you have until 12:00pm (Midnight) on Saturday (Eastern Time-US) to leave a comment to be eligible for the "Very Merry Christmas Blog Candy!"  The winner will be announced on Christmas Day!  You need to contact me by email before Saturday the 31st. (My email is on the right side--far down on the list.)


I pray you all have a God-filled evening and day tomorrow.  That you have friends or family to celebrate our Savior's birth with, and that you all are kept safe.  This is my first holiday season without Josh being here.  He will be graduating from the Air Force's Basic Military Training soon after the New Year.  I am praying that he will go to the service they have on base, and that he will make the most important decision in his life...to give his life to Jesus, and ask Him to be his Lord and Savior.  Have a wonderful holiday.

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This is my favorite Christmas Story Scriptures:


Luke 2:1-21 (KJV)

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.


And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.


And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.


And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."


And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into Heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.


And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

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Merry Christmas and May God bless each of you!

He IS Able!
Traci Starkweather