And The Awards Go To...

Dear Friends~

I am so happy to finally have finished this blog post.  I apologize it has taken me so long to get it out. I had a lot of information to confirm and have been in extreme pain with swelling in all of my extremeties.  I am finally up to typing and sharing some wonderful news.

Karen Conner is the woman behind the blog titled, "KRC Masterpiece!"  It is a beautiful blog.  It's  full of interesting, beautiful art.  Karen uses this blog to share about God's Word in her art. Be sure to visit her blog here:
KRC Masterpiece   Well, Karen has been a regular guest of the He IS Able blog.  And, she is honoring this blog with a special award!  Karen, I thank you so much on behalf of everyone who: has submitted things to write on the blog, gave items to use for give-aways, prayed for others, card makers and donators, prays for the blog, put our blog button on their blog, or ever told anyone about this blog...basically everyone who is a part of the He IS Able blog.  Especially to anyone who felt encouraged by this blog, and spoke with someone about accepting Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior!  Thank you on behalf of all of us.  I hope I didn't lead anyone out.

This honor is called the "Liebster Award."  Liebster is a German word, it means favorite or dearest. No one seems to be taking credit for how this award was started.  Here, it is to showcase blogs with fewer than 200 Followers.  We have never reached the 200 number for people who have signed up to be a Follower of this blog.  Part of accepting this Award is passing it on to 5 other blogs with less than 200 Followers.


I  have chosen the people and their blogs.  I know from visiting them, that some of the blogs I chose have started over.  They have redesigned their blog page, and the count starts over.  Personally, I wanted to honor blogs that specifically honor God.  And, I love that each of these blogs also have amazing art to share.  Sadly, I could not get the Liebster Award Button to post on the blog yet...but I will contact a friend and ask for some help.  (That is just one of my personal areas for growth.)  So, if you are listed below, please stop back by and get your button to add to your blog as you pass this award on to 5 other bloggers with under 200 Followers.

And, the Liebster Award goes to...

Deb Saaranen-Dream in Color

http://deborahlynnesdreamincolor.blogspot.com

Realize your papercraft dreams in color daily, Deb has a special talent in a variety of areas to inspire you!  And, she often uses her art to inspire others about the Lord, Christ Jesus.

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Jan Marie Ennenga-

*Re~Creations* God alone creates.  We can only re-create.  To Him Be The Glory…*

http://re-creations4him.blogspot.com

Such an amazing blessing!  Jan shares about her love of God through art and through her words.  She is a wonderful artist and writer. 

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Jonia Smith-Stampin For Me

http://stampinjonia.blogspot.com/

Jonia shares inspirational cards and scrapbook pages.  She is a Stampin’ Up

Demonstrator and is very talented.  Of course, she gives thanks to God for her

Ability to share about Him through His art.

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Susan Farrell-Jones-Stampin’ Good Deeds

http://stampingooddeeds.blogspot.com

 

Susan’s writes about how we can be more Godly in our lives.  She shares about the opportunities she has had in her very unique life.  And, through her blog she shares daily reminders of God’s great promises and love for us from devotionals, beautiful crafts and home décor.

Congratulations, Ladies!

Please be sure to visit these blogs and leave them some love along with telling them you are from the He IS Able blog and saw their award!   I will not be back this week... I will be getting the house and everything ready for Dave's son and wife and family to visit for Easter weekend!  3 grand-sons!  I pray that everyone finds a way to commemorate the importance of Good Friday...and enjoys a way to celebrate Easter.  Even if it is you, your Bible, and God.  Sometimes it can be very nice to be in a crowd, and other times, it can be lovely and so meaningful to be with the Lord on such special times.

 

He IS Risen!

Traci Starkweather

I apologize that this post has changed sizes, color and fonts.  I have not changed any buttons whole posting this...so, I will just go with the flow...and try not to fight it anymore. God bless!

"Fully Loaded and Totally Equipped"

Hi Friends~


Sadly, we do not have a He IS Able Card Set Give Away Winner this week.  In order to win, someone needs to leave a comment before midnight on Tuesday evening.  (Eastern)  Then I would have a comment randomly chosen, as well as a number 1-5.  The person who wrote the comment would win that number of cards!  It is announced on Thursday.  Only Joan, our Prayer Team Leader and I left a comment, so there is no winner.  You can win as many times as you can, and if your name is chosen consecutively you can win that way also.  So, think of something to say--ask for prayer needs, comment on what you read, share your personal thoughts, you can always share your favorite Scripture, Bible Story, Christian Musician...anything.

I receive a daily post from several Pastor's.  This particular post, which we have permission to share here, really struck me.  It made me pause and reconsider all of the horrible things I have said about my body, my brain at times, and other things.  I know that God has a plan for everyone.  And, I take that to believe that includes every aspect of me.  So, I try to remember to look at my disabilities, or my recovery over anorexia as part of His path.  Perhaps someone reads what I write and it gives her/him a different outlook on why they may be going through that aspect of their life.  I believe that I had suffered through anorexia and bulimia so that I could help so many other people through it.  That was clearly shown to me to be the reason.  So, take a look at this column by Joel and Victoria Osteen and think about what parts of yourself you may not care for...and why there may be a reason that the Lord created you that way.  He does have a plan after all.  Enjoy!

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Fully Loaded and Totally Equipped TODAY’S SCRIPTURE “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well”  (Psalm 139:14, NIV) TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria Did you know that when you compare yourself to others or wish you were like someone else, it’s like saying He just didn’t do a good job? It’s actually saying, “God, why did You make me subpar? Why did You make me less than?” Realize today, God didn’t make anyone inferior. He didn’t make any person second class. No, you are a masterpiece! You are fully loaded and totally equipped for the race that’s been designed for you! Today, let your attitude be, “I may not look like someone else or have the job that someone else has. That’s okay. Nobody will ever be a better me. I’m anointed to be me. I’m equipped to be me!” Remember, it’s easy to do what you are equipped to do. Don’t fall into the trap of trying to be like someone else. Accept who God made you to be and embrace the good things He has prepared for you! A PRAYER FOR TODAY Father, thank You for making me. Thank You for equipping me to fulfill my destiny. Today I choose to focus on what You’ve placed in my hand knowing that as I am faithful to You, You will direct my steps. I bless You and praise You for who You are in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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And, now a prayer for Salvation from my church, Northland Community Church.  Their website is located on the right hand side of the blog.  It has everything...including live on-line services, where you can ask the on-line Pastor questions if you'd like.  They also have taped services available, reading literature, prayers, and so much more. Please take a look at it, I am sure you will be blessed.


Please, if you do not yet know Jesus as your Savior and Lord, recite this prayer with love and honesty in your heart.  If you need questions answered before saying it...ask.  If I know the answer, I will let you know.  If I don't, I will ask someone who does.  If you let Jesus in your heart today, we would love to celebrate with you.  Please email me at tracistarkweather@gmail.com

Jesus, I know I need a Savior. You are the only one who can save me. Come into my life and cleanse my heart. I am trusting you to forgive my past, redeem my present, and write my future. I want to follow You every day of my life.  Amen.

I would love to read about how you may see yourself in a different light after reading this article.  It could help many other guests who read it, as well! Have a wonderful weekend!  God bless!


He IS Able!
Traci Starkweather

"A Very Special Person--A Very Special Post!"

Hi Friends~


I hope everyone has had a great week!  And, now most of you have the week-end to look forward to...time to get in your craft areas and make Easter or Passover cards, or spend time with family, and spend time preparing your hearts for Easter.  Asking for forgiveness from the people we may have hurt.  Asking the Lord for forgiveness, so that we can be even closer to Him...be ready to take part in communion.

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."  (1 John 1:9)

You know, I was mentioning work in the beginning of the first paragraph.  It really reminded me of something I tried to do every day when I worked, before I became disabled almost 15 years ago.  I would have a ride of about 12 or 13 miles to work, but because of traffic, it would take nearly an hour! My temper would rise as other cars would cut me off, people would blow their horns when it was just not possible to go faster or move over...it was bumper to bumper, and I would find a vocabulary coming to my mind, and yes, sometimes to my lips that I truly know did not please God.  I am sure we have all had times when we did not act in our best ways at work or elsewhere.  We could have been rude or rushed with a customer, maybe we took something we thought we were entitled to have, maybe we cheated on a contest at work. Only you and the Lord know what behaviors you may have had creep up on you.

 Let me mention something a little off topic here.  When you have a bumper sticker that announces to the world that you are a Christian, please remember that you are a light in a dark world.  When my Atheist husband, sees someone driving in a hazardous way and sees that sticker...he will say something to me like..."Is that a REAL Christian who just cut me off and made that gesture?"  Just something to think about...and maybe mention in your Women's Group,

Anyway, one day it occurred to me that if He is with us all of the time...and He is!  I could imagine/picture Him with me all of the time...as a reminder!  For instance, I would see Him in the passenger seat while I drove.  You can bet that my mind was focused on driving and on Him, and not on other people and what I thought of them!  I would "see" Him in the store, watching to see if I was as polite as I could be to the customers, giving the very best service I could...even if they were rude to me, or looked down on me.  I tried to keep Him in mind all day, and at home.  It changed my behavior and my mind-set quickly.  I started praying for the people who weaved through the bumper-to-bumper traffic, my more focused customer service...focusing on service...had customers leaving in a happy mood...and the store's sales went up.  This is just a little thing that I did...and it came to mind to share it with you.  It really made my day so much more pleasant. I felt blessed.   I knew He was with me...but visualizing Him sitting beside me, or watching my attitude while I worked changed so many little things in my life, I wanted to share the idea with you.  I began driving peacefully.  I hope this brings you more happiness in your days...and more peace...and of course, more time with our Lord, Christ Jesus.

"Yet I will rejoice in the Lord. I will joy in the God of my Salvation."

(Habakkuk 3:18)

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Announcing the Winner..."A Very Special Person..."

Thursdays are generally days when a person who left a comment by Midnight the Tuesday before is randomly chosen to receive a set of cards.  The number of cards changes weekly from 1 to 5.  The number of cards is randomly chosen also.  This is a special week.  This person did leave a comment this past week, so she is eligible to win.   She is someone who gives so much of herself to this blog.  I want to do something a bit different for her. I am asking for your help!

She is our beloved Joan!!!!!!!

Joan, I am so grateful for your being our Prayer Team Leader.  I know how many hours you spend praying for this blog, for each guest, for others who request it, and for those who may not even know the Lord yet.  I know you are one of the most honest and trustworthy people I know. And, I am so grateful for the friendship which has grown through our time in the prayer thread and here.  You are such a wonderful friend.   I would like to send you a surprise package!  Not cards...She donates so many of our cards!  I know you as a Prayer Warrior.  Seriously, she has shared with me that she prays whenever she is doing dishes, taking walks, or relaxing...which is rare with her busy schedule!  :)   You have been a constant encouragement to me, and I thank you for praying for my health, and the energy to write the blog with the Lord leading it.  If you would like to pray for a person's needs or something else on Joan's list...please let us know via a comment or email me at tracistarkweather@gmail.com   Even if you can give only 10 minutes a day...that is significant in the needs of prayer.  Teens are welcome also.

 

 "The Lord is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous."

(Proverbs 15:29)

I would also like to ask each of you to step up and participate.  If you have ever asked for prayer from our Prayer Team, or if you know the important value of prayer, how going before the Lord can bring healing, how it can bring protection, how it can lead to us having our needs and even our desires met...then I ask you to please consider sending a card to my address for Joan, and I will forward them all to her?  I would like to send them all to her on April 1st.  Please write a note in it about prayer or how she serves the community with her constant prayer, or leave it blank and include a blank envelope for her to use as she sees fit.  Knowing Joan, she will say this is not necessary.  And, it isn't necessary to send a card...it is necessary to show appreciation to others, and that is my goal.  So, I ask your help, please.

 

"Then those who feared the Lord spoke to one another, and the Lord listened and heard them; so a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the Lord and who meditate on His name."(Malachi 3:16)

 

Please send your card for Joan to:

Traci Starkweather

116 Colyer Drive

Longwood, FL 32779

USA

And, please write "JOAN" on the left bottom corner, so I do not open it.  If I should open it, don't write her name on the envelope...OK?!  Thank you all for showing your gratitude for the time Joan has spent on your behalf with the Lord.  You may not even know how many times she has prayed for you.

 I thank each of you for visiting this blog.  It is so encouraging to read your comments or emails.  It is wonderful to learn from each other, and for the encouragement we get from each other.  This blog is a way that I serve the Lord.  And, if you are here...I am sure you are serving Him with the cards you receive and share with others, or by sharing in the comment section, or praying for a reader or the blog.  Perhaps you are praying for the unsaved to visit and learn, or for the many, many people around the world who do not yet know about our Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus!  I am so glad you are here.  May God bless you!

 

"Let each of us please his neighbor for his good , leading to edification.  May the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus." 

(Romans 15;2,5)

He IS Able!

Traci Starkweather

"My All in All"

Hi Friends~


I really want to share a Devotion with you today.  It is from the book titled:
Daily Assurance of God's Grace--My All in All by Robert Morgan.  It is put out by B&H Publishing Group.  It was copyright in 2008.  This book is so unique.  It's purpose is to show the "deep purpose and powerful use of the word all in the Bible."  Did you know the word "all" appears more than 5,000 times in God's Word?  It is used to amplify His greatest truths, commands and promises.  I hope you will enjoy this reading. 


Please remember to leave a comment on any subject, a prayer request, question, anything before Tuesday at midnight.  If you do this you will be eligible to receive 1-5 cards/envies via random drawing!  The winner will be announced on Thursday's post!  The He IS Able Blog's Card Set Give-Away is a Weekly opportunity for anyone living in the United States.  We are very glad to have guests from any where in the world.  I am sorry to say that I can not afford postage to other countries, as the packages often get quite heavy.  I hope you understand that you are still in our prayers, and we are so glad you are here.  I can send it to a relative or friend who may send you packages if that helps!


And now, the Devotion word for word from February 3rd:

"You will search for the Lord your God, and you will find Him when you seek Him with all your heart and all your soul."  (Deuteronomy 4:29)

The Bible no where allows partial devotion to the Lord.  Instead it says:

Seek Him with all your heart and all your soul...Love the Lord our God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength...What does the Lord your God ask of you except to fear the Lord your God by walking in all His ways...and to worship the Lord your God with all your heart and all   your soul?...

Return to the Lord your God and obey Him with all your heart...Obey the Lord your God by keeping His commands and statutes that are written in this book of the law and return to Him with all your heart and all your soul...Remain faithful to Him, and serve Him with all your heart and all your soul...You know with all your heart and all your soul that none of the good promises the Lord your God made to you has failed...

If you are returning to the Lord with all your heart, get rid of the foreign gods and the Ashtoreths* that are among you, dedicate yourselves to the Lord, and worship only Him...Above all, fear the Lord and worship Him faithfully with all your heart, considering the great things He has done for you...

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,...Think about Him in all your ways...

Believe with all your heart.

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I looked up the word Ashtoreths since I didn't know what it meant.  Here is the definition provided by Google:  "Ashtoreth was the primary Goddess of the Canaanite people and the female counterpart to Baal. Ashtoreth, according to the Canaanites, was the goddess of the moon. While previous empires worshiped Ashtoreth, most titled her as the goddess of war. However, there is no reason to believe the Canaanites ascribe such qualities to Ashtoreth."

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Which Scripture really touched my heart today?  I can tell you that "Love the Lord our God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength" is especially special to me.  Born a practicing Jew, this is one of the few Scriptures that we memorized. In my up-bringing (which may vary from others), we did not really concentrate on the Words of the Torah.  (Torah is the first 5 books of the Bible, the part the Jews believe.  We seem to have concentrated more on the people and stories of the Torah.  The Torah is sacred.  It is hand-written in Hebrew from right to left on parchment or sheep's skin. If the writer makes one mistake he must start all over...it can take 2 people's consecutive lives to fulfill the writing of the Torah...each stroke the same.   It can not be touched by human hand.  The scroll is wound around two heavy wooded rods.)  Anyway, this is one of the Scriptures we learned.  So, this Scripture really reminded me of my heritage.

 "What does the Lord your God ask of you except to fear the Lord your God by walking in all His ways..." This Verse struck me as I read this Devotion.  It reminded me of what He wants from me...it is not asking the world of me.  In fact, it is my belief that since I am Saved, and have the Holy Spirit working within me...walking in the Lord's way is something I desire to do.  It is as if it started to happen on it's own...and now it is an act of obedience and love.  It is something I strive to do daily...decision by decision...action by action.  I want to walk closely with Him. I want to have a close relationship like Adam and Eve had with God in the Garden of Eden.  I want to respect Him.  Who else could possibly deserve the depth of respect we should have for Him?  And, His ways are the high ways.  He has instructed us on how to live the best life we can, and how to be with Him for eternity.  THAT is why I want to do everything I can to walk in His ways...to serve Him, and show Him I love Him, and that I want to be with Him forever.  (I do not know if that is what this Verse literally, scholarly means.  It is what comes to mind when I read it today...well, in February and today.

Which of the Verses really spoke to you?  Would you be willing to share in the comment section?  If you are willing to explain your thoughts in detail, I would love to share it as a post...with your permission only of course! If you are willing to share it as a blog post please email it to me as opposed to leaving it in the comment section.  tracistarkweather@gmail.com Please remember that we would love to receive your comments no matter how long. One of the goals I first had for this blog was for us to encourage and teach each other...to have fellowship...even if through comments.  To pray for each other, when someone leaves a need in the comment section. These things serve the Lord! When we share we encourage other Christians.  And, we may just say something that touches the heart of the unSaved.  I often leave replies in the comment section where you left your comment, so please take a look at the last post when you visit.  We are so glad you are here, and we love to hear from you, learn your opinions and thoughts, and  have fellowship with you.  Thank you so much for being here today.  I hope this Devotion was as uplifting to you...as it is for me! I can't wait to read your thoughts!  May God bless each of you!

He IS Able!

Traci Starkweather

Super Surprise! And, Wisdom and Encouragement from You!

Hi Friends~


Yes, I am back.  I really am sorry that I haven't been here in about a week.  I am having new problems with how my body is functioning.  For instance, I couldn't get my right hand to open or hold anything.  I dropped a glass of Ginger Ale...not a good way to find out that your hand has lost all strength.  There are other problems, but I don't want to go on and on each post explaining about my personal problems.  I do hope you understand, that I post as often as I can.  My goal is to post on Tuesdays and Thursdays and when the Holy Spirit blesses me with a message to share. I want to serve God through this blog, and have it as an area that we can learn from each other and encourage each other.

There is a way that you can know when there is a post without needing to actually come to the blog.  Just put your email in the top right section of the blog where it says you can subscribe to the blog.  That way when there is a post, you will receive it in your email.  You can click on the title of that email, and it will bring you to the blog, where you can see the art work, His Word, and samples of the He IS Able Card Sets of the Week! Your email will be safe.  I do not even think that I can see it that way, and if I ever found out I could, I would never share it, sell it or anything like that!  I promise!

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Winner of the He IS Able Blog Card Set of the Week Announcement...

As a way to make up for my being absent so often this month...EVERYONE who has left a comment since the last drawing deadline...will receive a
beautiful card/envelope!  I will share the comments in this blog. Recipients listed below...please email me your name and complete mailing address if you live in the United States.*  tracistarkweather@gmail.com  For next week's random drawing, simply leave a comment by Tuesday, March 14th at midnight!  If it is randomly chosen, you will receive between 1and 5 cards/envelopes...the number is also randomly chosen!  The winner will be announced on Thursday.


*Unfortunately, I can not mail cards outside the United States.  We love your visiting here...it is just a matter of finances.  I am sorry.  I am trying to find someone who knows how to make a digital card, so that I can send that to our friends around the world! If you are someone who can help out, please email me!  tracistarkweather@gmail.com  It would be a great way to serve the Lord and your fellow Christians around the world.

HERE WE GO...
"Hi Traci! First-I love your music! Sharing God's love on blogs is such an amazing way to tell others about Jesus & I love it. Great question. I'm trying to keep my answer simple & short! Jesus was sent to be a sacrifice for everyone. By being born in a manger-opened the door for the oppressed as well as the rich & powerful. I'm sure God had multiple reasons for choosing the stable/manger. I'm just glad he did! Praise the Lord for such an amazing gift!! By Karen Conner on Child--Praying the Names of Jesus! on 2/28/12
If you would like to see the post to which Karen is referring click on the title in blue or find it in red on the right hand side of the blog post!
My reply where she left the comment: "Hi Karen~ Thank you for your gracious comments about the blog's purpose and the music! I can not take credit for this selection, however. Grace from "Th-ink-ing of You" had this playing when I started this blog, and I asked if I may use the same music...she said "Yes!" I added a few songs that are extra special to me. I enjoy Christian music, also. I love the answer you shared as to why the baby Jesus was born in the manger. I have never heard that answer...it makes perfect sense to me. And, I'm sure there are many reasons why God chose to have His Son born in the manger and that of a virgin teenager. I know that there are many things that we will not fully know until we are in Heaven with Him. I for one can not wait to find out! But patience is important.  It's all in His time. Thank you so much for sharing from the heart and for being a guest of the blog. We sure appreciate you! He IS Able! Traci Starkweather" By Traci S. on Child--Praying the Names of Jesus! on 2/29/12
"Another wonderful and thought provoking post, Traci! I am familiar with all 3 of the OT references to a child, but never considered them as the author has, that "a child was always at the heart of the Biblical Covenant". A child is among "the least of these" in humanity. I think Jesus had to be born in that stable for us to understand that the least became the greatest, yet humbled Himself to die on that cross for all of us." By seamom on Child--Praying the Names of Jesus! on 3/1/12 "Great lesson again today GF, Blessings" By Gerrie Johnnic on Child--Praying the Names of Jesus! on 3/1/12"     And lastly, "A great inspirational and thought provoking post Traci!! When I think of Christ's birth, I think of how God had His one and only Son born in a lowly manger in the stable. It was not riches or fame that made Him our Savior but His death on the cross for us. Hope all is well!!! hugs, Chris" By Chris Olsen, Glowbug on Child--Praying the Names of Jesus! on 3/7/12      _________________________________________     I thank each of you for leaving such thought provoking comments.  And, what a way to encourage each other!  You have each been chosen to receive a He IS Able card/envelope!  Please be sure to email me your mailing address.  tracistarkweather@gmail.com  Even if you think I have it...by sending it to me in an email again...it tells me you are interested in receiving the card.  Next week we will go back to the He IS Able Card Sets  Give Aways--of cards between 1 and 5 being given away to one winner!     On Tuesday, I have an amazing Devotion to share with you.  It will fill your heart with His love, share how you may be more devoted to Him, It is based on the Scripture (Deuteronomy 4:29):  "You will search for the Lord your God, and you will find Him when you seek Him with all your heart and all your soul."  I am certain you will be blessed by it!      I hope you will be here on Tuesday...and please remember to leave your comment to be eligible to win up to 5 cards and envelopes...and you may want to subscribe to receive this blog by email.  I am so very glad that you have been here with me.  I am grateful that you haven't left the blog because of my disabilities that keep me from sharing some times.  Thank you to each of you.     One last thing...I woke up in the night with a Scripture repeating over and over in my mind...so I think I should share it.  "If God is with us, who can be against us?"  (Romans 8:28)  I am certain what it means to me...I thought it may be of special importance to you at this time, also. I would love to hear about it, if you would like to share in the comment section.  I saw it visually and heard it at the same time.  So, I feel it is important to share at this time.     God Bless each of you!     He IS Able! Traci Starkweather

Child--Praying the Names of Jesus!

Hello Friends~


Happy Tuesday!  I hope that each of you enjoyed some quiet time listening for His quiet voice during your prayer time over the weekend...and each day of the week, too!  I am feeling some-what better, and I thank you for praying for me.


I promised that I would share about one of Jesus' many names today.  I found most of the information from the amazing book by Ann Spangler.  The title of the book is Praying the Names of Jesus.  The Hebrew name is "Yeled", which means "child" or if my Hebrew school lessons serve me right it means "boy."  I would like to share two of Ms. Spangler's paragraphs with you.

"A child was always as the heart of the Biblical Covenant.  Already in the garden of Eden, God promised that Eve's offspring would crush the head of the serpent, who beguiled her.  Later God made a covenant with Abraham, promising that Sarah would bear him a child who would be the first of countless descendants.  Then Isaiah spoke of a child who would be born of a virgin and be given the name "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."  The New Testament tells of fulfillment of that promise, and Jesus presents children as the model for His followers to emulate.  The only way to enter the Kingdom is with the humility and trust of little children.

Though the Israelites considered children a great blessing, they occupied the bottom rung of the social ladder.  Entrusted with the solemn responsibility of teaching and disciplining them, parents were accorded nearly absolute authority over their children.  To be a child was to be powerless, dependent, subservient.  Yet even little children and young infants could receive wisdom from God and their lips could praise Him.  The prophet Isaiah spoke of a child, or Yeled, who would one day be born of a virgin and sit on David's throne.  Luke's Gospel tells us that Mary, while she was yet betrothed, was expecting a child, and that she gave birth to Him in Bethlehem."

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In a loud voice she [Elizabeth] exclaimed: "Blesssed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!"   (Luke 1:42)

 

I was really moved by both of these paragraphs.  The first paragraph really reminded me of the way that children held such a special place in God's heart...and still do.  They were in some of the most important aspects of the Bible...certainly Jesus' birth is the most important.  Agree? 

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given.  (Isaiah 9:6)

 

Have you ever watched those older movies of the Bible stories?  Like the one where Charlton Heston played Moses?  They often show the plight of the slaves and of women carrying huge, heavy urns full of water.  Not a fun life, I would imagine.  But, besides the named children of the Bible stories...did you ever think about the life of the every day child?  Did they weed gardens?  Go to school?  Do laundry?  Did they get to play?  Have friends?  What comes to mind when you think of the child Jesus?  Why do you think that God would allow His Son to be born in a place as dirty, smelly and public as a manger?  Any ideas?  How about sharing in the comment section...the drawing for our He IS Able Card Set Give-Away is Thursday, and there are no comments left yet.

Jesus puts it to His disciples like this:  "Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven.  Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven."  (Matthew 18:3-4)

 

Please read this exciting section of Praying the Names of Jesus:

"Like everything else He demanded of His disciples, Jesus lived the pattern before He asked it of them.  But what does it mean to become like little children?

Most children don't have much money.  They don't have a lot of power.  They often lack wisdom.  And, they aren't afraid to ask for help.  Hasn't Jesus already made it plain?  If you want to be big in God's Kingdom, become small in the world.  If you want to save your life, be willing to lose it.

Keep this in mind if you would:  "Even as a child, Jesus created turbulence in the world.  His mere existence demanded a response.  Either love Him or hate Him, accept his message or try to squash it.  Why then should we be surprised when we encounter opposition because of our faith?  It we bear the image of Christ within us, we will certainly cause offense to some.  but many others will welcome the Jesus they see in us.

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 Please join me this week as I pray that Christ Jesus will shine more brightly in our hearts-- and in every heart that belongs to Him because God wants to reveal His Son to a world that is dying to know Him.  If you have any prayer requests or needs...simply leave them in the comment section and Joan and I will pray over them.  Or, if you need confidentiality you could email me, and I will send it to Joan to pray over also.  tracistarkweather@gmail.com

I hope to see you on Thursday.  Please let your friends know...it's the only way we advertise except when one of you put the He IS Able badge on your blog by copying and pasting it there.  We want to encourage as many as we can reach, and we certainly want to share the love and mercy of Jesus Christ with people around the world.  God Bless!

He IS Able!

Traci Starkweather

Sit in Silence and a He IS Able Blog Card Set Give Away Winner!

Hi Friends~


I hope everyone is having a wonderful week, and is looking forward to a God-filled, enjoyable weekend.  I hope you take the time to get quiet and spend time just between yourself and the Almighty One.

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I have a beautiful writing to share from Quiet Moments in the Presence of God.  This book is published by Bethany House.  It is called:

Sit in Silence

                                                    

"For God alone my soul waits in silence, from Him comes my Salvation.  He alone is my Rock and my Salvation, my Fortress; I shall never be shaken."

(Psalm 62:1-2)

"Silence is golden when you desire God's presence.  It closes down the racket made by urgent schedule and full agendas.  With those noises dismissed, you have a clear channel.  Silence enables you to hear with your heart as God speaks from His.


Sitting in silence in a quiet place gives God a chance to bless you.  In the only one of Phillips Brook's hymns to survive the test of time, "O Little Town of Bethlehem," a line in the third stanza reads, "How silently, how silently, the wondrous gift is given!"  As you wait and watch in silence, God touches you with the blessing of His presence.


Silence beckons you into intimacy with God.  God's best gift, the gift of Himself, is often given in silence."

 

"When the lamb broke open the seventh seal, there was silence in Heaven for about half an hour.  Then I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and they were given seven trumpets."  (Revelations 8:1-2)

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May you, in your silence, hear the wisdom of our blessed Lord.

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And, now let's find out who is to receive the He IS Able Blog Card Set Give-Away!  The number of cards and envelopes to be given away, was decided by random drawing.  The number of cards is 2 (two).   And, the person who left the only comment--besides those of us who work on the blog, and are not eligible--is not going to believe she was chosen again!  Here is her comment:

"Well... I am a bit behind in my blog reading! I am quite taken by the first part of the devotional which says that "so many people are confused about what love is. We love pizza...." and so on. I use the word "love" so casually, just like is stated - "I love pizza, rubber stamping, singing, etc.". My goal is to replace the word "LOVE" with enjoy where it is more appropriate, and save "LOVE" for God and the people in my life."

By seamom on Happy Valentine's Day--The Way Our Father Sees It on 2/17/12"

Congratulations to Seamom!  If you would like to receive your 2 cards and envelopes...and I hope you will.  Simply email me at tracistarkweather@gmail.com  by Thursday at midnight--this will let me know that you would like the cards.  Sadly, if I don't receive your mailing address in this email, I will not be able to send the cards/envelopes...and they will go back into the He IS Able card stash.  It is our hope that these cards will be used to share the love of Jesus Christ with family, friends, or even people you don't know!

Now, if you would like to be a possible recipient next week, simply leave any comment by Tuesday, the 28th at midnight.  I hope you will be here on Tuesday.  I have some very interesting information on one of the rare names associated with Jesus.  God bless!

He IS Able!
Traci Starkweather