...For They Will Be Comforted Amen!

Hi Friends~

I know I said I would take a few days to recover from our big trip to my FIL's 90th Birthday,  Wow, did I need it, plus it has been pouring and tornado warnings just about every day. That really takes it's toll on my body.  While up north Dave and I walked around a bit of Washington D.C.  We took the metro (a train that goes underground)  And, we really were focused on seeing the rather new Martin Luther King, Jr. Monument.  It was amazingly huge.  It had quotes of his, around him on walls, and the statue of the man looked as if he was saying "Don't mess with me." It was wonderful to see people of all colors sitting and standing and just remembering and being hopeful.

We also saw, by accident, the WWII monument.  It was majestic, and beautiful, it had large fountains in the center, and a huge piece of marble cut in a rectangle around the fountain, to represent each state in a circle around it.  It had the engraved name of each state on it, as well as a beautiful metal wreath attached to it.  At the entrance, you walk through this entrance and there are 3 enormous, metal eagles with ribbon above us.  It was such a grand monument.  So beautiful...so sad, and so happy that we are past that.  I want to take a trip into the city to see a different monument every time we go up to see Dad...about every 3 months.

This past weekend, Dave and I drove 3 hours each way to visit our 3 grand-sons and their parents, of course.  It was such a wonderful visit, and the children were so well behaved, even after being cooped up in the house for what must have seemed like forever to them.  I started writing this at 3:30am this morning to try to avoid the stormy lightning which means "lights out" here in Central Florida. 

Speaking of Central Florida, are any of you going to the "STAMPfest" in Orlando this weekend? I am so excited to go with my mother.  I would really like to meet any of you.  :)  My email is on the side bar...let me know if you will be there. Perhaps we could meet.

I hope you have read the last post.  It was written by Pastor Larry Libby for the Discipleship Journal from November/December 2003.  As you may know, we have been reading and sharing about the Beatitudes.  He had some fabulous insights for the first half of the Scripture: "Blessed are those who MOURN."  Well, today we will be finishing up Matthew 5:4 (at least for now.)  We will be focusing on the second half of this Verse...God's promises..."For They Will Be COMFORTED."  Again, I will be sharing excerpts of the article that deal with this section.  (If you have any thoughts or anything that you have learned about this Verse, please share it in the comment section.  It is a place to exchange knowledge...I'm sure we would all want to read what you say...we are here to encourage each other also, so if you have a prayer need, please don't hesitate to let us know.)  I suggest everyone read the comments from the last post, there were wonderful truths to read about dealing with grief.  A winner of the He IS Able Blog Card Set will be chosen on Thursday...maybe even more than one!  So, please be sure to leave a comment, before midnight on Tuesday next week.

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This is what Pastor Libby finished the first part with:

"I am in distress, my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and my body with grief.  My life is consumed by anguish and my years by groaning;  my strength fails because of my affliction, and my bones grow weak."

(Psalm 31-9-10 Written by David.)

For now, there are other days.  Days when the storm parts, when the clouds become sheer, and I glimpse another time, another land, another place.  Through tears, I see comfort. On up ahead.  It will come.

For now, there is mourning.  I am sad for the loss of my companion and best friend.  I grieve for the years we might have shared had God spared her.  I grieve for my children, who must navigate the rest of life without their mother who loved them.  I struggle with the loneliness, the heaviness, and the days when the bottom seems to drop out of life altogether.

BUT, it will not always be so.  COMFORT WAITS AHEAD.  I have seen it through the clouds.  I have glimpsed it on the edge of the storm.

A mountain of white.

A sky of blue.

A land golden with morning light.

I am heading in that direction.  One day I will leave this climate zone for that one.  I will see Jesus, and I will see Laura.

Is my comfort, then, all future?  IS there nothing today?

There is and it is this:  Through the worst year of my life, the darkest 12 months I can imagine. I have found the best of friends.  At one time, friends were a pleasant accessory to life, a nice diversion.  Now, I need them desperately, and my brothers and sisters in Jesus have walked steadfastly by my side.

And I have found my Savior as never before.  I used to pray politely, using all the right phrases.  Now I cry out like a lost and lonely child.  I have prayed on my face.  I have reached for the hem of His garment.  I have held my arms aloft in the darkness of the night, needing the firm grasp of His hand.

I never used to pray that way.  I never used to to hope that way.  Now I do.

In the middle of the storm, I have found those who walk with me.  When the storm parts, if only for a moment, I have seen comfort shimmering on the horizon...Not so far away."

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I hope everyone learned at least one thing about grief.  I learned quite a bit.  And, I really like this Pastor's writing style.  This was all taken directly from the magazine, Discipleship Journal.  I just love how much information they squeeze into one issue.  Next week, we will fine some very interesting information on the Beatitude "Blessed are the MEEK, for they will INHERIT the earth."  (Matthew 5:5)

I am kind of grieving in the future right now.  My son will be going to an Air Force base in England very soon...for 2 years...and then 3 years minimum to go somewhere after that.  That is a very long time for this Mom to go with only 2 visits. He'll come home once, and hopefully, we will go up there once.  I am grieving what we will be missing out on.  He's getting sad about it, also. He won't even share his new current mailing address.  He told me he'd better get used to not getting birthday or Hanukkah or Christmas or Thanksgiving cards...I told him the mail will reach him.  He just doesn't want to think of what he is missing out on.  But, he will have so much to do there.  The 22 year old (past) Traci is envious of the opportunities he will have there.

I can't wait to read your comments about grieving and being comforted. If you are grieving about ANYTHING, please...open your heart, share your pain with us...you don't have to use names. We would love to help carry your burden. Most of us think of grieving as a death. It could be a divorce, a job lost, a child going off to college...leaving you with an empty nest...even a pet passing causes grief. We are here for you! And, believe me, we get so much encouragement and ideas from you...it is a two-way street.

So sorry this post rambled on.  I had a lot to share.  I will be here Thursday, and hope you will be here also!

He IS Able!

Traci Starkweather

"Blessed are Those Who MOURN...

Hi Friends~

I hope you all had a fabulous weekend, and are beginning your week off with some quiet time with the Lord, and fun activities...maybe making some cards? This is a HUGE card making week for me.  My Mom's birthday, my FIL's birthday, one of my step-son's birthday, 3 Father's Day Cards (Dad, FIL, and my husband).  Whew!  Let's hope I can get them all made!  We are going up north to visit Dave's family.  It is his father's 90th birthday on Saturday!  And, then Father's Day will be wonderful with all of the Dads there.  Anyhoo...I will be taking a few days off. 

I wish that you would all subscribe to this blog.  It is on the top of the right side column.  You put your email in...and whenever I am able to post...you get a notice in your email.  I can't see your email. Since I am disabled, and hurt so much so often, it is a good idea, because that way if I miss a post, and decide to write it when I am feeling good...on a day that isn't my usual post day--Tuesday and Thursday.  You would be notified when I do write.  Please think about it.  It really is innocent.  No awards. It just keeps you from missing cards and posts.

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Today I wanted to share a writing from Pastor Larry Libby.  He wrote it in the series on the Beatitudes in the November/December 2003 issue. of Discipleship Journal. 

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted."  (Matthew 5:4)

He wrote about how his wife had gone to be with the Lord only a year before writing this piece.  He remembered those words in the Beatitudes and seemed angry.  He asked, "Yet where is the blessedness of mourning?  Where is the comfort?"  He continued in the following excerpts:

What I hear in Jesus' words these days is ssomething like this:  "If you are filled with grief today, don't give in to black despair.  Cling to My promise:  It will be better.  The worst is here now, having its day.  But the better is coming.  Comfort is coming.  I tell you it is almost here."

As temporary residents of a fallen world, we mourn for many reasons.  We grieve over missed opportunities, broken dreams, unfulfilled desires, personal failures, dashed expectations, and difficult curcumstances.  We weep over lost health, lost innocence, annd lost security.  Disappointment and sorow are as much a part of our planet's atmosphere as nitrogen and oxygen.

But Jesus, who is in a position to know, says it won't always be so.  He says comfort is coming.  I can hold on to that assurance.  And, I do, as best I can.  I may not be able to explain it, but I cling to His Words and wait on Him.

Sometimes in his car on this one area he can see so clearly.  He can see the tiniest details on the mountain tops.  Other times there will be terrible storms where he can't even see the mountains.  He continues:  Some days that has been the way with my sorrow, too.  The storm closes in, obscuring all.  I can't see more than a few feet.  I mourn.

With David, I whipser my pain into gathering darkness:

"I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and my body with grief.  My life is consumed by anguish and my years by groaning;  my strength fails because of my affliction, and my bones grow weak."

(Psalm 31:9-10)

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I think we will stop here...on the first part of this Scripture...

"Blessed are those who mourn... We will continue with... for they will be comforted." (Matthew 5:4) next week.

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How do you deal with the death of a loved one?  What if they were not Saved at the time?  Had you tried to witness to them?  This is my hardest subject to deal with in life.  When my Jewish Grand-Father died, I was in such deep grief.  I asked several of my Christian friends (from the internet) what to do.  They all told me that He is just; He is fair, Trust in Him, Pull closer to Him.  I found myself a bit angry with God, and I could not face the number of relatives who would die and not go to Heaven.  It was just too big for me to deal with.  It still is, even though I have a much closer relationship with the Lord now.  So, I am asking you...How do you get through these times---especially if they were not yet Saved?  I would love to read your reply in the comment section.  Write as much as you want.  I promise you--it will comfort more people than just myself.  Oh, that was another answer my Christian friends reminded me of--talk with, pray with, cry with, laugh with other Christian friends.  Thank you so much for being here.  I appreciate you so very much.  God bless!

He IS Able!

Traci Starkweather

Two He IS Able Card Set Winners!

Hi Friends,

I apologize for taking so long to write.  We have had so much going on.  It was great to see Josh just last weekend.  Wow, it seems like it was so long.  I miss him so much.

I was supposed to post on Thursday...but spent a couple of days in the hospital instead.  No, not for me.  Dave went to the hospital with chest pains, and it took two days for them to be sure he didn't have or wasn't having a heart attack.  Dave is home now...doing fine.  Even went on a short hike on Sunday.  They aren't sure what is causing the "twinges" as he now calls them.  I wish we had a definite answer of what was happening and what to do.  The cardiologist told him he has a heart that is in such great shape he should be able to "leap tall buildings in a single bound."  I have been recovering.  It took a lot out of me emotionally...and I stayed in the chair in the room all night and days...so it caused me quite a bit of physical pain.  We both feel he had very good, thorough doctors, nurses and techs looking out for him.  So, life goes on.  And, I am so thankful that the Lord spared Dave.  I don't know how I would go on without him.  OK-----

I have a couple of He IS Able Card Sets to give away.  These cards are donated by other card-makers.  We try to have A2 size cards that are mostly blank inside---so the person can leave a message telling about their love for the Lord, or appreciation for how He has acted in his or her life.  The outside of the cards can be decorated in any way, using any materials or techniques.  We prefer to have Scripture on the cover, or Christian symbols.  This helps to further the Great Commission.  Share His Word. 

One of the recipients of the Card Set with 3 cards wrote:
"Hi, your blog really touches me, have been reading it for a while... Just wanted you to know about a website i started ReadYourBiblesChurch.com... It's a place for Bible study guides.. I also put a forum in that can be viewed from a mobile device.. I couldn't find where to contact you privately so I'm commenting, hope that is okay. :) God Bless!"

Please email me with your mailing address!  I will be stopping by your website soon.  You may leave comments of any type here...including prayer requests.  Please be sure to contact me before next Tuesday at Midnight, or you will lose your cards.  I can only afford to mail these packages within the United States, if you don't live here, please still contact me-there are other ways to get the cards.

The other recipient of the Card Set wrote this:

"Great introduction. I'm really looking forward to the excerpts you will be sharing on each of the Beatitudes! Thank God that Jesus Christ is not only our Teacher but also our Savior - transforming us into what we should be (like Him)! I so appreciate the time you take to research and share such wonderful teachings with us! Have a wonderfully blessed day!"

Congratulations Charlotte Ann!  What a beautiful comment!  We will continue our walk through the Beatitudes on Tuesday.  We will be talking about the Beatitude that reads, "Blessed are those who MOURN, for they will be COMFORTED."  Please send me your address via email again.  This lets me know you are interested in more cards. My email is located on the right side bar. Please join me on Tuesday so that we can all share our thoughts after reading some of Pastor Larry Libby's thoughts on the Beatitude,  "Blessed are those who MOURN, for they will be COMFORTED."  I am sure there will be many different opinions and stories shared after reading the post.  I look forward to reading your opinion.  Please leave a comment so that you will be eligible for next week's He IS Able Card Set Give Away!  God Bless! He IS Able! Traci S.

p.s.  I have no idea why Blogger is posting part of the writing as a column.  Has anyone run into this problem on your own blog or someone elses?  Thanks for any input.

...For Theirs Is the Kingdom of Heaven

Hi Friends~

Thank you for your well wishes on Joshua's recent visit home.  I hope each of you had a special weekend full of prayer time with the Lord.  I tell you what--since Josh has joined the Air Force, my prayer time has at least quadrupled!

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven."

(Matthew 5:3)

Last week I was sharing an article from the Discipleship Journal, Nov./Dec. 2003.  This article was written by David W. Henderson.  I shared the part of the article that spoke about being "poor in spirit." I thought it was very insightful, and if you haven't had a chance to read it, I hope you will skip down to the post that is 2 spots down and read it. Today we will read about the second part of that Scripture, which is, "for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven."


We ended the first section with 2 Corinthians 3:5:  "It is not that we think we can do anything of lasting value by ourselves.  Our only power and success come from God."  Do I hear an "Amen" out there?  I will be quoting excerpts from this article.  We left off with...

"Coming up short and knowing it: that is what it means to be poor.  And that's what God wants us to see.  I have, I am nothing."

 OK--that is where we left off, and some of you left some very interesting comments to get us thinking about our own state of heart.  Thank you for that.

Today we are moving on to talk about:

The Super-Abundance of God

"A second recognition must join the first:  God has, God IS, everything.  We must see our poverty against His plenty.  God delights to bring us to the end of ourselves, to expose our deficiency, that His sufficiency might show forth.  For instance, when half a country ambled hungrily about the hillside, the disciples brought the problem to Jesus.  (Luke 9:12-13)

Jesus:  You feed them.

Disciples:  Impossible.  We have only five loaves and two fish.

Jesus:  Now you're talking.

Not until the disciples saw their limited resources for what they really were did Jesus go into the fast-food business, taking their little and multiplying it such that "all ate and were satisfied."  (Luke 9:17)

Scripture is replete with promises of the superabundance of God:  His grace sufficient for our every frailty.  (2 Corinthians 12:9);  His wisdom adequate for our every perplexity (Jas. 1:5); His peace ample for our every anxiety (Phil. 4:6-7); His forgiveness equal to our every iniquity (1 Jn. 1:9).  God IS enough!  (Praise His Holy Name for that, shall we?  He is enough for all of our circumstances.  He is MORE than enough for all of our circumstances!  Amen?  Amen!)

We begin to comprehend what Jesus meant when He promised His followers, "All I have is yours." (Jn. 17:10) 

 There's just one catch.  Only one occupation exists in the Kingdom of God: beggar.  The white clothes with which Jesus dresses us are beggar's robes.  To the beggar alone the cupboards, the pantries, the warehouses of God are thrown open wide.

For theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven."

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Wow!  That gave me a lot to think about.  What about you?  If you want to share more than a comment's worth about any of the Beatitudes, feel free to let me know.  You just send me an email with what you know about one of them, and I will share it...if it is Biblically correct of course!


Next week we will be reading a section by Larry Libby.  He has written many articles in this Journal, and I love what he has to say.  He will be sharing about this Beatitude:  "Blessed are those who MOURN, for they will be COMFORTED." (Matthew 5:4)  A very difficult topic for this formerly Jewish--- now Christian woman.

I look forward to reading your comments on today's piece.  I can't wait to continue through these Beatitudes.  There is so much good information here.  I will see you on Thursday, when 2 winners will win He IS Able Card Sets of the Week.  Just leave your comment before midnight on Tuesday to be eligible.  I can not afford international postage...so this is for people with an address in the United States.  Perhaps a friend or relative who live here would be willing to mail them to you?  We are SO very glad you are here.  Anyone can leave their comment on any thought. 

If you enjoy this blog.  Please consider signing up as a Google "Blog Follower."  The more people signed up...the more who will learn about the Bible, Jesus, and our lives with Him as our Lord and Savior.  Thank you for taking this step to show others you like this blog.  (Yes, use a user name or a "fake name."  God Bless!


He IS Able!
Traci Starkweather

Memorial Day Weekend

Hi Friends~

I only have a few minutes to write.  My son came home from Shepperd Air Force Base yesterday and we are pulling together a party for 15 people today.  It's mostly family but my siblings, ex-husband, and Josh's friends have either never been here, or it has been a very long time.  He just told me he is going to be stationed somewhere in the UK for 2 years.  Sounds fun--from what I have read in my friends blogs...but 2 years!  A long time for a Mum. 

Anyway, even though we are having a party today, I wanted to ask each of you to please take time over this weekend to pray for the families that had have their family members and friends give their life for their country.  It is a very tough rode, as I have learned from a friend who went through it.  Please pray that no matter how many years have passed...that the Lord will comfort them every day, but especially on this day (Monday in the US) as they see cars filled with fun-seeking beach going people on the day that their most precious are supposed to be honored...especially this day. 

Have a Safe, Prayerful, and Loving Memorial Day Weekend!

He IS Able!
Traci Starkweather

Starting off with the Beatitudes--"The Poor in Spirit"

Hi Friends~

As I stated in the last post, we are going to look at the Beatitudes from the writings of different Pastors who shared their thoughts in the Disciple Journal in November/December, 2003.  I will be sharing excerpts from their writing to keep this to a one cup of tea or coffee size reading!

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."  (Matthew 5:3)

The Pastor who wrote for the Disciple Journal on this topic is David W. Henderson.  This Pastor went away on a weekend retreat to spend some quiet time with God.  He met up with other Pastors before hand, and heard about some quality time they had at previous outings.  He felt bad because he had been swimming, paddling hiking, napping and very little time, according to him seeking His face.  So, the last night, he climbed up on top of the bunk house's roof, and stared at the stars.  He thought of a Scripture he had tucked into his mind years before.

"You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.  But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked.  I counsel you to buy from me my gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and a white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see."

(Rev. 3:17-18)

It was there that he slipped from his disappointment to praise!  Yes!  I thought! It is here that I derive my ability to lead.  I serve because God Saved me from myself---and Saves me still--not because I merit the office.  He had renewed in me a heart of gratitude.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:3)

Besides calling the Disciples to stop whatever job they were doing and  follow Him instead...the first real words Jesus said to them was the above Verse. Pastor Henderson concluded that accepting Jesus' teaching requires at least two things of us: acknowledging our impoverished condition and depending upon God's plentiful provision.  Yet, all that we have is a gift.

In ourselves, we are incapable of doing anything that will endure.

"It is not that we think we can do anything of lasting value by ourselves.  Our only power and success come from God."  (2 Cor. 3:5)

Coming up short and knowing it:  that is what it means to be poor.  And that's what God wants us to see.  I have, I am nothing.

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Well, I think we will stop here as for reading about the first part of the Scripture:  “Blessed are the poor in spirit, "  Soon we will learn a bit more about the second half of this Beatitude.  "...for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:3)

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On Thursday we will announce the Winner of the He IS Able  Card Set of the Week!  Please leave your comments or prayer requests in the comment section.  This will make you eligible to win 1-5 Cards if you are randomly chosen!  We do need an address in the US to mail packages to you.  I am so sorry about that.  Especially since we have more readers from outside the United States than we do in the US!  We are glad you are here!  God bless!

He IS Able!

Traci S.

Let's Introduce Ourselves to the Beatitudes! Winners!

Hi Friends~ 

Great news!  We did have a person leave a Scripture from a mother in the Bible over Mother's Day.  She has an extra card coming to her.  Congratulations Charlotte Ann. And, I am so glad you had such a special day! Here is her comment:

Beautiful! I'm sorry your son wasn't able to be with you this weekend. I understand. Having lived on the mission field, I've experienced many holidays (including Mother's Day) separated from my children. And, even though we are now pastoring here in the States, it's still difficult to see them on the holidays. But, I'm extremely thankful that we're on the same continent and I can talk to them daily. {And, I was blessed today, as my two sons surprised me by traveling up to spend the afternoon with me! What a joy to see them!} You asked for a quote from a mother. Oh, there are so many wonderful examples of mothers in the Bible, but today I thought of Hagar. After she became pregnant, Sarah mistreated her, so she fled. But the angel of the Lord found her near a spring in the desert, and told her to go back to her mistress and submit to her. At that point, she gave a name to the Lord who spoke to her: "You are the God who sees me, for she said, 'I have now seen the God who sees me."  _______________________________ Let's Introduce Ourselves to the Beatitudes! I found a wonderful series about the Beatitudes in the Discipleship Journal from November/December 2003!  I will be sharing excerpts about each of the Beatitudes in the next few posts.  Don't worry...I will still be announcing winners of the He IS Able Card Set Give-Away each week.  Today's portion is from Sue Kline, Editor of Discipleship Journal. Miss Kline writes the introduction telling us that besides when Jesus called  the Disciples to follow Him, He led them to a mountainside where they were hungry to learn from Him.  "Ah, now the teaching would begin!  But I doubt they imagined that the first words from His mouth--and all the words that came after--would turn everything they knew upside down. It wouldn't surprise me if their first response was despair.  For the heartwarming "blessed are" statements are easily drowned out by words such as poor, mournful, hungry, persecuted.  This is the lot of a disciple!  Can I un-enlist? Essential to comprehending the blessing of the Beatitudes is understanding the teacher who speaks them to us.  For this is no ordinary teacher.  This teacher is also the Savior.  As a teacher, He tells us what we should be --and it is frightfully distant from what we sense we are in our hearts.  Hence the despair.  But as Savior--the only Savior--He transforms us into what He says we should be.  Hence the blessing. "Everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher," Jesus tells us in Luke 6:40.  The teacher we follow is poor in spirit, pure in heart, meek, merciful, a peacemaker.  He is the embodiment of the Beatitudes.  And, so are His disciples.  We may not always feel meek or pure in heart; we may fail at times to demonstrate mercy and peaceableness.  That does not cancel the reality.  We have, by God's grace and mercy, become like our teacher. We are, by the power and persistence of the Holy Spirit, becoming like our teacher. This issue's special section is filled with stories from disciples like you and me--the people of the Beatitudes.  They live with poverty and spirit, they mourn, they are persecuted, they hunger, they embrace purity of heart, and they make peace.  They have discovered that while being a disciple may not always be easy, it is blessed.  May you, too, embrace and enjoy the blessings of Beatitude living."  ______________________ OK-- The Winner of this week's He IS Able Card Set Give-Away is... Tammy!    Congratulations, Tammy!  Please email me your mailing address if it is here in the United States.  You have won 3 wonderful, hand-made, donated cards and envelopes.  I will mail the cards out to you.  How did you win?  Not by what you wrote...which was very sweet and kind of you...thank you.  Your comment was randomly drawn...and then we drew a number 1-5 to decide how many cards you would receive!  You have until Tuesday at midnight to email me with your address or the cards go back into the stash of cards we have. The rest of you also have until Midnight Tuesday to leave your thoughts, prayer requests, anything in the comment section to be eligible to win the give-away next week!  Maybe you want to share your favorite Beatitude or your Testimony...perhaps your favorite woman of the Bible!  It would be very exciting to read about any of the things on your mind!  God bless! He IS Able! Traci Starkweather tracistarkweather@gmail.com p.s.  I do not know why the post went into a skinny little column in parts.  If any of you have a blog, or dont, and know what I have done to cause this, PLEASE let me know, so I can fix it!  Please, my email is just above. Thank you so very much!