Therefore, Do Not Worry

Hi Friends~

A post will be shared on Tuesday now that our computer router is working.  I will announce the winner of last week's He IS Able blog's Card Set Give-Away.  Please remember to leave a comment before Midnight on Wednesday to be eligible for this Thursday's announcement of a new winner!

 And, a quick reminder that there will be a BIG HE IS ABLE GIVE AWAY very soon...and you never know when the details will be announced.  I'm talking stamp sets, papers, embellishments...you name it!

"So we may boldly say:  The Lord is my helper; I will not fear.  What can man do to me?"  (Hebrews 13:6)

I would ask everyone to please pray for everyone to have His protection and safety from Hurricane Sandy.  May His arms reach around those who are frightened and comfort them.  May there be no homes lost, or worst of all...may people not lose their faith in the storm.  This is a time to gather in person (if safe to travel), on the net, by phone, skype, however you can to read Scripture and pray together.  He hears every prayer, and sometimes He answers them the way we want, and sometimes He has a different plan for us, but He always hears, because He never leaves us nor forsakes us.  If you have a prayer need, or are in the path of any storm in life...please leave a comment and our Prayer Team will pray for you.  Please read comments and lift up others to the Lord.  You don't have to leave your real name.

"Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'  For after all these things the Gentiles seek, For your Heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.  But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, an all these things shall be added to you." (Matthew 6:31-33)


I will be praying for you.  May God bless you!

He IS Able!
Traci Starkweather

The Power of Prayer and a Surprise Announcement

Hi Friends~


I hope you are all well and seeing God's glory all around you.  I think that is one of the special blessings He has given us. We can look at a flower and see that it is the work of His hands. That the smell of the flower was created in just a special way to represent this one type of flower. I am feeling overwhelmed with all of the beauty He has created,  I can't even imagine what Eden must have been like...can you?


Thank you for leaving such warm comments these past few weeks.  I am feeling relieved from my cold.  I am humbled how you took your personal time to remind me (and others) that we do not grieve like others. That my dear Father-in-Law is in a much  more magnificent place with the One we praise. You told me again and again, which I needed to hear again and again, that my son would be safe and healthy and living an adventure at his Air Force base in England.  (His 23rd birthday was yesterday.) That you told me to hang in there. You are such great friends.  Thank you for being in my life through this blog and emails in some cases.

_____________________________

 

Today I have a beautiful piece to share from the book Quiet Moments in the Presence of God which is published by Bethany House.  This is taken exactly from this wonderful book:

Prayer Power

 

 

"The Lord is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayers of the righteous."  (Proverbs 15:29)

 

 

Prayer changes things.  Prayer has power.  When John Knox got on his knees to pray, the queen feared his prayers more than she did all the armies of Scotland.  When John Wesley prayed, life-changing renewal came to England.  When Jonathan Edwards said his fervent prayers, a great revival spread through-out the American colonies.  Over and over, history records the power of prayer.

 

 

Your prayers have power.  God works through praying people.  He makes His way known to those who submit themselves prayerfully to Him.  He accomplished His purposes through those who offer their urgent and sincere prayers to Him.  God sends your prayers out with power to affect, change, and bless.

 

 

"Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you will be healed.  The prayer of a good person has a powerful effect." 

(James 5:16)

 

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I would like to once again invite you to join our Prayer Team.  I feel so blessed to be a part of something bigger than myself.  Praying for others needs and requests, praying that the government will bend to God's will, praying for others that live where they could be imprisoned or killed for praying or having a Bible.  All that we ask is that you tell us how much time you would be willing to pray for people per week or day.  It could be 10 minutes.  And, we will match you up with a prayer need or needs to fit your time. Just leave a comment or email Traci and I or Joan, our Prayer Team Leader, will send you some info to consider.

 

 

Also, on the top of the right hand column there is a place where you can subscribe to the blog.  All you need to do is put your email in the place provided, and whenever I write a blog post, you will receive an email about it. That way you don't miss out no matter what day it is posted.  Just so you know, I do not ever see the email this way either. And, you won't want to miss out on any posts because a SPECIAL HE IS ABLE GIVE-AWAY is coming on an unannounced day!

 

 

One last thing to share with you...Thanksgiving is a holiday here in the United States.  It is celebrated during November, and has many reasons for different people.  Gladly we can give thanks any day, several times a day, even!  But, I would like to ask everyone, from every country that visits this blog...to leave 1 thing that they are thankful for- for each day in November.  Let's really praise the Lord!  Let's think of every thing in our life for which we are thankful.  This will start on November 1st!  Please join us! 

 

 

He IS Able!

Traci Starkweather

Three Winners and Lessons Learned by You

Hi Friends~


It's odd that they call Florida the "Sunshine State."  It has been pouring here every day!  That means no computer. Whenever it rains here, it means we have lightning.  And, when we have lightning, our computers go "BOOM!" if they are on!  Fortunately, I have chose the perfect time to be ill...I don't want to have a cold when it is perfect weather, and I could be searching all of the awesome websites!  I'm starting to get better.  It was some congestion in my chest.  Scary!  But, I can breathe without pain...and life is getting more back to usual for myself and Dave.


We have skyped with Joshua a couple of times.  It is a life-saver.  Getting to see that he is well...still himself...healthy...laughing...means everything!  I miss him so much!  I am working on making him a Scripture book for Christmas.  He told me that the Chaplain during Basic Military Training showed Josh the Psalms and Proverbs, and told him that they are part of his heritage.  He told me he found courage and strength in the Psalms and Proverbs...so a little decorated, masculine book will be one of his gifts for Christmas/Chanukah.


I keep reading your comments.  They are so uplifting and comforting, and I thank you with all of my heart for your reminding me of God's place in my life.  And, what I should be doing while grieving.  Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

                ________________________

 

Winners of the He IS Able Blogs Card Sets of the Week!

(By the way, "Winners" means more than one!)

 

Please email me (on the right side of the blog) before next Wednesday at midnight and let me know if you would like to receive your 2 beautiful cards.  If I don't receive that email, the cards will be put back in the He IS Able card stash!  To be entered into the next drawing please leave a comment about anything:  a prayer request, a request for something to write about, what you do to have time alone with the Lord, how you serve the Lord...anything!  Just have it in by Midnight on Wednesday, Eastern time.

 

 

Congratulations:

 

Leanne:  "Traci, My sincerest condolences to you and your family for your DFL.  I pray that your son will remain safe and the good Lord will continue to bless you all.  Hugs."

 

 

Grace:  "Dear Traci...I'm sorry for your loss...but so thankful that he knew and loved the Savior and is now basking in His glory...celebrating and singing like he's never sung before!  You will miss him, but as Christians...we don't grieve as those who have no hope!  May God comfort you and Dave, and I'll be praying for you all as you travel...and as you come back to send off Josh!  So much to deal with in such a short time...praying for your health as well...I know this will tax you to your limits, but may He give you the strength you need!! hugs, Grace"

 

 

Jan Marie:  Oh Traci, Lifting you in prayer that the Lord would continue to bring comfort to  you through His promises...all of which are yes and amen! in the Lord Jesus Christ!  Praying that you feel the closeness of His Spirit as He ministers through His Word and by His people!  Thinking of you during this difficult time as you mourn the loss of one so dear, all while celebrating, knowing that he has is now home!!  Hugs!

 

  

Yes, you have been randomly chosen to receive 2 cards.  Please send your complete address, even if you think I have it, and please keep in mind that I can only mail them to US addresses.  I just can't afford overseas rates.  I am looking for someone (still) who would be willing to serve the Lord, by making a digital card that we could share with people that are randomly chosen that live out of the United States. If you have this special talent and can help out, PLEASE contact me.  This is something that I have felt led to add to the blog for over a year. 

 

 

God Bless each of you!  Have a wonderful week!  Do a random act of kindness to someone!

 

He IS Able!

Traci Starkweather 

In Times of Comfort

My Dear Friends~

I thank you for hanging in here, when I was away, when I came home and asked "why?", and you left comforting messages for us while we went through the motions...and Kleenex. Thank you so much for sharing so much love--your love and His love in your comments. And, thank you for continuing to visit the blog to see if it was started again.

I wanted to share some beautiful reminders that I received from a gift I was given years ago. It is called Precious Bible Promises. If you are going through times of loneliness, sadness or grieving, I would love for you to read the following Scriptures to lighten your days:

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

"Casting all your care upon Him. for He cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7)

"And those who know Your name will put their trust in You: for You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You." (Psalm 9:9-10)

"Fear not, for I am with you: be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous hand." (Isaiah 41:10)

"Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all." 2 Thessalonians 3:16

The Scripture that helped me the most when dealing with my dear Father-in-Law's passing is this:

"And, God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying, there shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away." (Revelation 21:4)

That Scripture especially brought peace to my heart--though my eyes still cry for the times we will miss in the future. I know I will see him again one day...I pray that my Atheist husband will know the Lord and Savior soon, too. But, to know that my Father-in-Law is not in pain, not sad, not missing his wife. Instead he is with the Lord, and his wife, and so many others who have passed before him. Praise the Lord!

I am feeling depressed, even though I know the Truth is in those Scriptures. I know that our Lord, Christ Jesus is faithful and loves us. I am really missing my son. He is stationed at an Air Force Base in England for another 100 weeks. We are texting. But, I just miss him so. His birthday is in two weeks, and we usually celebrate both of ours together with a family dinner out.. It will be odd not celebrating this year. I am glad Josh is in a safe area. I just feel like it is two (different types) of loss in our lives within a week. Trying to write this blog post today is my first step into putting some norm back in my life.

I will announce 2 winners of the He IS Able Blog's Card Set Give Away! They will each receive 1-5 cards. The number will be randomly drawn....just like the people's names! It will be announced on Thursday. You can win next week...just leave any type of comment or prayer request in the comment section or email me...do this before Midnight on Wednesday of next week. That will make you eligible for NEXT week's drawing! If your name is chosen, please email me your mailing address, within a week, and I will get your cards out to you!

By the way, I don't make all of these cards. Most of them have been made by people who want to serve the Lord in this way. If you can put a Scripture on the front of the card, and leave the inside of your A2 (only)card/envelope, it will be perfect for our recipients to share with their friends. It is a way to easily share His Word, His Love and His Gift of Free Salvation with others. I am always praying for more cards. If you don't put a Scripture on the outside of the card, I will put one on the back, or on an empty spot inside. But, we want to leave room for people to share the card, and be able to write in it. Just email me, and I will send you may address if you would like to share some cards. Please think of serving in this way.

Thank you again, My Dear Friends, for helping my heart to heal. May God bless each of you with such loving people in your life.

He IS Able!
Traci Starkweather

From the Heart--Dad S

Dear Friends~


I know God loves me.  I know He won't give me more than I can handle with Him.  I know God is faithful.  I know that storms in life strengthen us.I know every prayer is heard, and that He answers every prayer.  He may not answer how we want...but how He wants.  I know God loves me.


I found out late yesterday afternoon that my amazing, very loving Father-in-Law passed away.  He had Alzheimer's and some physical difficulty, but it was a shock.  This man is with Jesus and with my dear Mother-in-Law now, I have no doubt about that.  When we would visit, we would have church in his apartment just before bed time.  I'd read a section of the Bible, and we'd sing, and we'd talk about what we learned from the Bible.  It was incredible times.  The three of us, Dad, Jesus and myself.  Now, he is no longer here for us to go see, to hug, to share with, to watch the Cardinals.  I know he is in a much better place.  I know that we are all very sad that this veteran, this Dad, Grand-Dad, and Great-Grand-Dad will not be able to laugh his contagious laugh, or share that sparkly white smile of his again.  We are sad. I am sad.


I am sharing this because I do not know if I will be able to blog this week.
I will bring my computer with me, but I don't know how much time alone I will have to blog.  If you want a blog...reread the first paragraph of this letter again.  It tells you so much about our Lord, Christ Jesus.   And, even though I know Dad is so much happier, it is OK for us to be sad. 


My son, Joshua, leaves next Sunday.  I will miss out on spending time with him most of this week.  He needs to report in England at the USAF base on Sunday...hopefully, we will have Saturday with him.  I will miss him so much...my heart feels like it is grieving for him.  I will sure need some support when he leaves.  2 years is a long time...even if we can fit in a visit or two.  This is the hardest thing I have gone through.  Fortunately, I pray for him every day and thank the Father for keeping him safe, healthy, happy, and to bring him closer to knowing Him every day. 


If you have a family member who is not yet Saved...don't give up. I urge you to continue praying.  Have others pray.  Lead by example...not by shoving it down their throat.  Be patient.  As patient as you can.  Never give up.


Praying you have a wonderful, God-filled week!  Please leave a comment before Wednesday at midnight to be eligible in the He IS Able Card Set Give Away!  Your name may be randomly drawn.  And, if you sign up to receive the reminder that this blog has a new post...on the top right corner of the blog...it is confidential...I don't know who is signed up, any of the emails, anything...but, you will know when a post is written no matter what  day.  It's free of course, just like God's gift of Salvation--you can't earn your way to Heaven!  Think about both of these things...if you don't know Jesus as your Lord and Savior and want to, leave a comment...someone will pray with you...or go to a church and tell them you want to pray to receive Christ.  They will guide you.  God bless all of you!


He IS Able!
Traci Starkweather


p.s.If Gemiel is reading, or if you know her.  Please let her know I need her to email her mailing address to me, so I can send the cards she claimed.  My email is on the side bar.

He IS Able Blog Card Set of the Week Recipient!

Hi Friends~

I have been so busy with life that I have not announced the Winner of the He IS Able Blog's Card Set of the Week!  Did you leave a comment during the week of Tuesday, August 21 and before the following Wednesday the 29th at Midnight?  That is how you become eligible to receive a He IS Able Blog Card Set if you live in the United States.  (I am sorry, I can't afford postage out of the country, and I don't make digital images.  I have tried to find someone to make a digital card with 1 of 2 Scriptures on it, so I could have everyone from every country participate for a a beautiful give-away...no one has stepped up.  If you have the time and the talent...PLEASE let me know. God laid this on my heart over a year ago, and I haven't found anyone yet.) About the give away your comment can be about anything.  And, the deadline for the next give-away is August 31-September 8th at Midnight...just leave a comment and you are entered in a random drawing.  Check back Thursday to win...or sign up for an email copy of the blog...in case I run late....and email me your mailing address if you are the winner!

The person who won the He IS Able  Blog's Card Set this week wrote this comment:

	Asking, trusting and believing the Lord to surround this sweet precious child with His powerful protective haling care as He abundantly showers down His love, grace, mercy, goodness, kindness, encouragement and peace on the family. Love, Caterina

Caterina, Congratulations, and thank you for this beautiful prayer for the child I wrote about who was born with Down Syndrome.  It was a post before the latest Beatitude sharing.  Please, read it, and take it to heart.  Someone emailed that exact request to me. It brought tears to my eyes, and prayers to my lips.  There are people hurting and worried, and we should, I believe, carry each other's burdens.  Praying is the most effective thing we can do.  He hears EVERY prayer.  Please join us with a prayerful heart.  If someone takes the time to email me with a prayer request...you'd better believe they need it.  It's not something to be tossed away. It takes an effort to write and some courage, too. Right?  Right!

Caterina, I have your address, and will send you your cards!  Thank you again for such a beautiful comment.  You have an amazing heart...full of so much love!  I pray for you daily, My Friend.

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Did any of you read the post about the Beatitude:  "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven?"  (Matthew 5:10)  It is the post right below this one.  It answered so many questions for me!  This seemed as if it was the scariest Beatitude for me...that it was all about being persecuted...well, there is a lot more to it.  I encourage you to read it.  On Tuesday, hopefully, I will have a worksheet for your use about the Beatitudes.  If I can figure out how to put it on the limited width of space the blog allows us.

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 As for me?  Life has been so exciting for me lately. My pain is very painful because I have been very active...but worth it.  It is so nice trying to give Joshua an alternative memory of me.  He hasn't stayed in this house for 4 years!When he was young and I was newly disabled, I couldn't attend many of his event.  I slept a LOT! I was awkward and at that time, I was on medicine that made me groggy and miserable.   I was a good Mom...I just didn't live up to my expectations.  Well, I have made sure that I was up before him in the morning, and made his breakfast if he wanted, we went to Sea World today...it was a scorcher out.  But, what a wonderful time Dave, Josh and I had. I am not perfect...but I am just doing my best. We have enjoyed fun and interesting conversation over meals...and he has spent a lot of time out with friends.  Luckily, it was late in the night, and I was sound asleep anyway.  Thank you for your blessings over him.  I appreciate it with all of my heart.  He leaves on the 16th for 2 years...I am asking for strength and support for then now.  I never realized how big a part of my life he is. I know, but this brings it all to my ming. I will miss him as he starts his new adventure...but 5 years and 2 months...and he will be done with his contract with the Air Force.  I asked him to please speak with me before considering signing another.  They are already wagging the proverbial carrot in front of him. 

May you have a lovely and very safe Labor Day!  (Do all countries celebrate a type of Labor Day?)  I would love to know, and it would be an entry for the He IS Able Blog's  Card Set of the Week!  God Bless!


He IS Able!
Traci Starkweather
 

Blessed are Those who are Persecuted Because of Righteousness, for Theirs Is the Kingdom of Heaven

Hi Friends~


Well, the hurricane has passed over Florida.  At our home we had minimal damage...but we are fine.  The ability to use my computer during the storm has been cut down to nothing the last few days, and it isn't exactly sunny out right now.  I'll see if I can get this posted before today's storm hits.


Please join us as we pray for the people and property that are in, and will be in the path of Hurricane Isaac.  Even when they turn to Tropical Storms PLEASE take them seriously.  About 1/4 of our garage ceiling was put in a vacuum with the roof, and then the ceiling was smashed through to the ground.  No one was hurt.  And, we can get it taken care of...so we are very fortunate.  Others may not be as fortunate.  Thank you for praying with us for others.

"Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.  Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.  Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in Heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." 

(Matthew 5:10-12)

 

 

Today I am sharing from the writing of Pastor Janey L. Demeo. She wrote an article on this Beatitude that was published in 2003 in the November/December edition of Discipleship Journal. Here are some of her thoughts:

 

 

"How can persecution equal blessing?  I remember wondering.  How can someone anticipate future rewards when experiencing unjust pain now?"  I was too young in my Christian walk to know how to grapple with these Verses, so I simply tucked them away in a corner of my mind.

 

 

I moved to France with my husband, where we founded the Nimes Theological Institute.  In recent years (remember this was written in 2003), the French culture has grown increasingly hostile to the Gospel, and we have suffered persecution.

 

 

One of the most dramatic attacks resulted in four cars on our campus being fire bombed.  Other forms of persecution have been more subtle, but no less demoralizing.  In spite of our affiliation with many well-known, mainstream theologians, our school was erroneously cited as a cult by the French government.  Consequently, students and church members have been ostracized, maligned, and denied jobs.  In this context I've had the unlooked-for opportunity to revisit Jesus' teaching and to ponder more deeply the connection between persecution and blessing.

 

 

Sometimes I still wonder:  Where's the blessing in this?  Other times, I remember that my friend's love for Christ Jesus had been tested and purified through torture.  He was blessed by a deep awareness of his Savior's victorious, indwelling presence--a foretaste of the kingdom to come.  There- in, I believe, lies the secret of the blessing Jesus promised.

 

 

The word blessing signifies an inner well-being that's independent of our circumstances.  We may not feel blessed when we're under attack.  But, if we can focus on the joy set before us--as Jesus did--remembering that unmerited suffering reaps an eternal weight of glory, we'll be empowered to persevere.  (Heb. 12:12)

 

 

As I have found myself thrust into fierce Spiritual opposition, I have begun to experience the unlikely blessing that accompanies persecution.  Slowly my eyes have been opened to see how this Beatitude embodies our hope.

 

 

If we are growing in Christ, unjust affliction will eventually come our way:  "If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also" (Jn.  15:20)  The more we manifest Christ, the more we become candidates for persecution "because of righteousness."  If is, after all, the righteousness of Christ in us that is being attacked.

 

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When Pastor Demeo shared about not understanding how persecution could equal a blessing at the beginning of this excerpt, I was reminded of something I would like to share with you:

 

 

That is that the more I read the Bible...over and over each year...the more He reveals to me.  Sometimes He shows me an example that makes it more clear to me.  Sometimes it is as if I never read that section at all.  The biggest occasion was when I was Jewish and He unsealed my eyes, and made everything so true...THE TRUTH.  No doubt about it. (I was dared to read the Bible, so I was...to prove him wrong.  Boy, was I surprised!)  I had never thought of Jesus as anymore than a teacher, a wise man who existed.  That is what most, if not all Jews believe.  Well, when I was Saved...I believed everything He said, everything He told about!  It was as if He had taken the cement off my eyes.  Or like in the Bible where He gives the man sight again.  My eyes were opened THAT much! 

 

 

So, the more you read, the more you pray and listen for a response...the more He will make clear to you.  And, yes, you can even pray to have a better understanding of a part of the Bible or a closer relationship with Him.  You can talk with Jesus about anything!  I almost always start my reading time with a quick prayer asking for clear understanding of what He wants me to get out of what I will be reading that day.  Try it.  And, we will be happy to pray for you also, if you put your request in the comment section.  If you would like to be a part of the He IS Able Prayer Team, please leave a comment or email Traci.  My email is on the side bar.

 

 

Please also, pray for those who are severely punished for reading the Bible, having one, gathering with Christians, or praying.  For the persecution we read about is still in existence in a horrible way around the world.  We have readers from all over the world...many from countries where they would be thrown in jail for reading Scriptures.  Please pray for their safety, and for their desire to take in His Word  to grow and grow.

 

 

I am so glad you are here...and I hope you learned as much about the Beatitudes in the past weeks, as I have in the past few months studying them.  May God bless you.

 

He IS Able!

Traci Starkweather