A modern day Zacchaeus story

…  for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. (Matthew 6:8)

I had to have been crazy. Why would anyone go thrift store shopping on a rainy day? But out we went, my niece and I, looking for "treasures" and enjoying each others company.

Often times there is nothing much worth buying. But this day I found six skeins of yarn. For $2.50! A real bargain. I hesitated though. It was navy blue. Extremely difficult to work with. Dark colors just are. The wrapper was gone from all of them so I didn't know for sure the weight or how much was really there. And the yarn felt stiff as if kind of old. Maybe not such a bargain after all. Still, the price taunted me and I decided it would be worth the risk.

Once home, I rifled through all my old patterns I had saved for who knows how long. Without knowing the yardage, how would I know if I had enough? I finally decided on something. A pattern I'd never done before. And being unsure about the yarn, it would be a leap of faith as to what size it would end up being. Closing my eyes. Taking a chance.

Well, the pattern was fairly easy and progress was quick. Looked like something useable would come out of it after all.

I was three-quarters of the way through when someone posted on social media that hospice was in need of lap robes. Hmmm. I wonder what size a lap robe needs to be?

You guessed it. My little "spontaneous" project turned out to be the exact measurement for a lap robe that would accommodate someone in a wheelchair. 

Was all this coincidence?

• someone donated some old yarn
• we went shopping in the rain
• the yarn was at such a bargain price for the quantity
• an appealing pattern was saved months ago
• a post was made on social media
• the project came out just the right size

Or was all this of God? Aligning circumstances to meet someone's need before the individual even asked? 

What do you believe happened?

Long before Zaccheaus couldn’t see Jesus, 

the tree was already planted to meet his need.

Prayer… for you

 

Prayer. It’s for you, you know. Because God is already on the move. God is right in front of you…

You hem me in behind and before, You lay Your hand upon me. Psalm 139:5

God is already in motion. God already has a plan. And it is going to end in a good way.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him… Romans 8:28

Prayer is opening our eyes to all the opportunities that God will show Himself. I think we miss sensing God’s love, care, and devoted attention when we don’t pray about every kind of thing. So bring all your requests to God.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

Number one He will give you peace of mind and number two we will see the living God in present time.

Prayer isn’t asking God to wake up and do something. What we’re really saying/asking/praying is: awaken me to Your presence, Lord. Because He is already taking care of business. And we don’t want to miss a thing.

Jesus said to them, “My Father is always at His work to this very day, and I too am working.” John 5:17

So wait and watch…

The Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore He will rise up to show you compassion. Blessed are all who wait for Him! Isaiah 30:18

My heart says of you, “Seek His face!” Your face, Lord, I will seek. Psalm 27:8

Reading it; praying it

Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name  (1 Chronicles 16:8-10)... (pause)

Truly, God, with all my heart, thank You for every thing. Thank You for never leaving me; You never stop loving me, helping me, caring about me. Thank You for calling out my name. Yes, thank You. I'm thankful I can approach Your holy throne with confidence and acceptance. And am welcomed in great love.

Make known among the nations what He has done ... (pause)

I surely will, Lord God, as You lead and direct and guide my thoughts and words. May my testimony of You and Your greatness be heard, seen, felt in and through my thoughts, words and deeds. In my attitude, in my heart and mind and all that overflows from them, God. Be glorified. Be glorified.

Sing to Him. Sing praise to Him ... (pause)

Lord, You are above all and beyond all. Unfathomable greatness. Awesomeness, goodness beyond belief. Ultimate perfect love and acceptance, tenderness, compassionate too. Merciful. Great are You, Lord. Great in all You've done for me over the years. All the helps, all the rescues, all the joys. Your amazing grace through it all. Through unbelievable traumas. Through huge mistakes. Yet You do not harbor any anger or disappointment. You still send beautiful blessings into every day. Great is Your faithfulness. Great is Your unchanging, unfailing character of love and grace, Lord... unto me.

Tell of all His wonderful acts... (pause)

Thank You for seeing me through my rebellious times and desert times. Wandering off times, drifted away times both from long ago and even just yesterday. You love me still, care for me still - through the times I've been on fire for You, Lord and for the times I've run after worldly passions as well. You have loved me. Cared about me. Scooped me up after every fall, after... every... fall.

Glory in His holy name ... (pause)

Great are You, Lord. Great is Your love, Your profound love. All praise, honor, glory, thanks, blessing, reverence, awe due Your name. Worthy is the Lamb. Worthy is the Lamb. Worthy is the Lamb ... Amen.

Some encouragement

 

Okay, God, now what?

We have a weekly chalkboard calendar hanging on the wall. It gets updated every Sunday evening. Our week in review. But things get added during the week. And things get erased or moved - juggling other things to a different spot. But it is a good resource for my husband and I. This piece of organizing our life has a calming effect as we prepare for the week.

God views your life in a similar way. But it goes way beyond just one week. Your entire life is layed out before Him. He is not anxious. He is calm. He is prepared for all that is in view.

For God is not a God of disorder but of peace— 1 Corinthians 14:33

I often feel rushed to get things done, or through things, so I am ready and available for any unplanned surprises. But we have a God Who is ever present. And our first response should be:

“Okay, God, how are we going to do this? How are we going to handle this… respond to this unexpected event? Lord, talk me through it.”

Our good and loving and capable God holds all future moments already in His hands. He is never surprised or caught off guard. He sees how the future plays out - this day, this week and beyond.

So we can live reassured because God is living reassured - in all He sees and does and has planned. He, too, has it all written down. Because of this, we can have peace.

Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. - Psalm 139:16

Your days are written out. He sees your whole life. He is ever present and involved in good, loving, and caring ways. And always in wisdom, power, and grace.

So rest in the knowledge of His wisdom, power, love, care and grace today, this week, and forevermore.

God’s got you…

Princess Mandy

This is Mandy. I named her Mandy. She named herself Princess. As many cat owners know, they like to be treated well. Very well. In fact, they expect nothing less. She wants to be petted on her terms. And not necessarily when you want to or feel like it. Fed when she wants it. Fresh water often. Even to be followed to her food dish and water dish and patted on the back while she nourishes her body - and I guess her soul. Comfort on every level. She wants out onto the screened in porch when she wants out. And back in when she wants in. Yes, she practically demands things as she wants them. And we abide her wishes as often as possible - because we love her and want her to have a blessed life. A pleasing life. To know she is loved and cared about.

And I have to wonder if I am that receptive to the commands of God on my heart. Am I as willing to please and bless when He calls? Do I love Him like that? What does the Lord expect of me? Am I willing to meet Him, follow Him wherever He goes and to do what He is “crying” out for me to do? Or wait until I feel like it… Will I abide by His wishes? Because I love Him and want Him to be blessed by an obedient servant heart? Will I live to please the Lord? Are His calls interruptions to my life or opportunities to express love to Him?

 My Christian friends, God has been very kind to us. Because of that, I really want you to serve God with your whole life. Offer your bodies to him like a sacrifice that continues to live. Serve him with everything that you have and that will please him. That is the true way to worship God.  Do not become like the people who belong to this world. But let God completely change the way that you think, so that you live differently. Then you will understand what God wants you to do. You will know what is good. You will know what pleases God. You will know what is completely right. - Romans 12:2 EASY

Not as hard as I thought

 I had an idea for a blog post the other day. It came to mind as I was praying for people and using only their first name. We often do that. I’ve seen it in some churches as well. We just say the name and maybe a pause before moving on to the next name. And I wondered if that had the same power and effectiveness as a more lengthy and informative prayer. You know the ones - agonizing, heartbreaking pleas for God to act. Is a mere mention of their name - enough? Can my one word whispered into the ear of God move mountains too?

And then something happened that made me question it even more. While at the gym, an ambulance pulled up. Now I was praying and I didn’t even have a name! All I could think of was: Jesus!

Believe me: I am in My Father and My Father is in Me. If you can’t believe that, believe what you see - these works. The person who trusts Me will not only do what I’m doing but even greater things, because I, on My way to the Father, am giving you the same work to do that I’ve been doing. You can count on it. From now on, whatever you request along the lines of Who I am and what I am doing, I’ll do it. That’s how the Father will be seen for Who He is in the Son. I mean it. Whatever you request in this way, I’ll do. (John 14:11-13 MSG)

Whatever you request. I’ll do it. I’ll do it. Looking at this passage, the real power, the real certain hope - is in God the Hearer and Responder. And not the number of words. Or their eloquence.

He Who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. (1 John 4:4)

When you pray, don’t talk on and on as people do who don’t know God. They think God likes to hear long prayers. (Matthew 6:7 CEV)

So, even one word from you or me in prayer, makes anything possible because Christ and His power lives in and through us. 

So let us pray in the name, that one word name, above all names -

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Freedom to Worship

 Whether in a Pentecostal spirit or an introverted spirit; hands clasped before you or held up high in the air; rocking back and forth in time to the music or full out liturgical dance…

As an introvert, when I saw people raise their hands during praise songs, I always felt like I wasn’t honoring God good enough. Then I started jokingly saying I keep my hands down so other introverts can be comfortable.

Jesus says “Come.” All are welcome into His arms. Both the expressive and the meek. Both are bursting with joy in different ways - but make no mistake - fully praising just the same. 

The chef and the baker both provide wonderful foods to eat.

The knitter and the quilter both provide comfort and warmth.

The public speaker and the prayer closet warrior both provide hope, support, and encouragement.

Music and paintings both touch and move hearts.

Praise comes in so many forms as well. God created us all differently. So there are also different ways to praise. Do not compare. Be true to yourself and how God wired you personally to be the praise person He desires of you. How you do it doesn’t matter near as much as just keep doing it.

So let us praise the Lord! In every kind of way. Come and worship. Come and praise! Just as you are. And all glory, honor, focus and adoration to God!

“Come, follow Me…” Matthew 4:19

“Let the little children come to Me…” Matthew 19:14

“Zacchaeus, come down immediately…” Luke 19:5

“ I AM the Bread of Life. Whoever comes to Me…” John 6:35

The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life. Revelation 22:17

Christmas blessings

 November is just a few short days away. It’s time to place your Christmas card orders! This is a small sampling of the variety of designs offered… come and take a look!

https://intermissionsforhope.blogspot.com/p/christmas-card-shop.html

Looking for the perfect gift for the notecard writer on your list? Don’t miss these creative, heartwarming, “something different than the box-store variety” cards that are always available. Every order comes with a list of suggested messages to write inside.

https://intermissionsforhope.blogspot.com/p/new-card-catalog-1123.html

And in case you missed it, a delightful devotional book with God-inspired messages of His love and care, complimented by my own illustrations - happiness on every page! Order an autographed copy through my email (juliecrane.57@att,net) or find it on Amazon.

https://a.co/d/eIw52zA

MY BOOKS HAVE FINALLY ARRIVED!

 

BOOKS HAVE ARRIVED! Here’s how you get your autographed copy:

 MCCORMICK AREA -

 “open house”  Sunday, October 5

between 12:30 and 2:00

and then again at 5:00 and 7:00.

$20.00 Cash, credit card or check.

121 Popular Circle. 

(I will schedule another date in the next week or so)

DIMONDALE -

PLEASE COMMENT BELOW (before Tuesday, October 7) TO RESERVE A COPY.

I won’t be able to leave extras. 

Delivering to Beth E. 

Meet her after the church service Sunday, October 12 

or at the knitting group Monday, October 13 from 3:00 - 4:30. 

Please make plans to pick up your book during one of these two times. 

Please mail all payments to me. $20.00

PILGRIMAGE -

I will bring a supply with me to MP#75. IF YOU AREN’T ON TEAM BUT know someone on team and want to make arrangements with them, please comment below to reserve a copy, payment method ($20.00), and who is collecting a book for you. 

If none of these options work for you, you can order through Amazon. https://a.co/d/eIw52zA

If you want me to send you an autographed copy, it will cost an additional $5.00 to cover shipping. 

Thank you and I look forward to nurturing your souls through this - my first real published book!

CHRISTMAS CARD SHOP IS NOW OPEN!

JUST CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW - IT WILL TAKE YOU STRAIGHT TO THE CHRISTMAS CARD SHOP. 

 https://intermissionsforhope.blogspot.com/p/christmas-card-shop.html

I want some peace - some good days

 

 Embrace peace—don’t let it get away! - Psalm 34:14 MSG

I can think of lots of things that make me crabby. Stiff, sore muscles every morning. A to-do list that should be called the never-ending list. It’s getting cold outside. Stresses. Pressures. Money. Traffic. Relationships. A sense of constantly rushing. Preparing for the upcoming holidays. I could work myself up into quite a sour mood … is that really how I want to spend my days? Continually all worked up - waiting for everything, everything, to calm down and be perfect so that I can finally relax and enjoy God’s blessings? There is an old hymn that says if you wait, if you tarry, you will never come at all…

For every complaint I can dream up, there is a blessing from God that I am overlooking when I do. Juicy peaches. Crisp apples. Colorful leaves. Clean, fresh air. Savory soups and stews. Favorite sweaters. Football games. One more campfire. Snuggly quilts. Seasonal teas and coffees. A pumpkin or two on the front step. Brand new episodes of your favorite shows. A good book to read. Chatting leisurely on the phone. Flannel pajamas.  There is beauty and times to relish no matter what else is going on in your life. 

Above all else, guard your hearts, for everything you do flows from it. - Proverbs 4:23

Are you willing to have your eyes opened to the glory of the Lord all around you? Right now? When you seek God - you will find it – peace and good days.

What would you add to this Fall blessings list?

A time to store up

 Are you watching, are you seeing all those squirrels - storing up for the winter months? They know, somehow, with God-given instinct, that what they need will at some point become scarce. And so they prepare now while there is time. While the food can be seen, found, and stored for the future. I’m not sure there is a squirrel not preparing for winter. I bet they all do it without even thinking of any other option. We know the Lord always provides.

 All creatures look to you to give them their food at the proper time. When you give it to them, they gather it up; when you open your hand, they are satisfied with good things. - Psalm 104:2 NIV

What a miraculous thing to consider! 

The Lord offers us “a spiritual food”, His Word to guide and provide and fill our every need. We should not wait until the “winter months” of our life, when hope and faith may feel scarce. But we should gather up all the truths the Lord has for us, keep His promises buried deep in our hearts and minds. Stored up and prepared. Then the “winter” will not be so harsh. All we have needed, the Lord indeeds provides - offers - and we just need to take time to receive it.

Don’t wait for the winter storms, the blizzard, that may come into your life. Don’t let it catch you unprepared. Make God’s Word a steady intake of nourishment for your soul. It will provide peace and comfort when the storms of life come. There will be no need to panic because the Lord is faithful in offering all you need prior to you even needing it.

Come. Take. Eat.

 Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare. - Isaiah 55:2 NIV

 But Mary treasured [kept; preserved] these things and continued to think about them [pondered/considered them in her heart]. - Luke 2:19 EXB

Direct link to my new book on Amazon:

https://a.co/d/eIw52zA

Direct link to my card shop:

https://intermissionsforhope.blogspot.com/p/new-card-catalog-1123.html

MY BOOK - ON AMAZON!

 Here I am - on Amazon! I’ve placed my order for several copies (delivery date October 2-5) and I still plan on hand delivering copies to those in Michigan. From impossible dream to reality! Take a look at the READ SAMPLE option when you click on the book in Amazon. It will take your breath away! It turned out so awesome! Thanks be to God first and foremost. Thanks to the Well Publishers for pulling it all together! Excited!

Below is the direct link to my book on Amazon:

https://a.co/d/eIw52zA

Direct link to the card shop:

https://intermissionsforhope.blogspot.com/p/new-card-catalog-1123.html

Who wants one of my books?

 

Just take a look! Look at all the color! It took my breath away - just holding it in my hands! It is so awesome in real life! I have already showed it to a few people and they love it too! My first real book! 

I will be ordering some to sell real soon. Looks like it will be $20.00 plus $5.00 if I need to ship it. I will be in Michigan the end of September so reach out to make arrangements for pick up or delivery. It will also be available on Amazon soon as well. I am new to marketing a book so help me get the word out. As you can see from the video, it would make a great gift for a variety of people. Not only the heartwarming pictures, but some great messages of the love and care God has for you. Email me to place an order and make delivery arrangements.

juliecrane.57@att.net

Thank you for all your love and support!

 

In case you missed it…(and book update!)

 

Pausing in His Presence … A proof copy of my devotional book is on its way to me and should arrive in my mailbox this Saturday! I am beyond excited! I get to hold the real thing in my hands! Once I approve of the final copy, it can be published and available for purchase. I will be getting a supply for myself - and autograph some copies - for sale. But it will also be available on Amazon. SOON!

Enjoy some other messages God has placed on my heart to share:

God bless you one and all!

Julie

 

It bears repeating

 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. - Philippians 4:13 - NKJV

Today's post is meant to be read aloud, or at least a whisper ...

I can do all this through him who gives me strength. - NIV

I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me (I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency). - AMPC

I can endure all these things through the power of the one who gives me strength. - CEB

I can do all things through him who gives me power. - CJB

Christ gives me the strength to face anything. - CEV

I can do all things by means of the One strengthening me. - DLNT

Christ is the one who gives me the strength I need to do whatever I must do. - ERV

... for I can do everything God asks me to with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and power. - TLB

Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am. - MSG

I have strength for everything through him who empowers me. - NABRE

And I find that the strength of Christ's explosive power infuses me to conquer every difficulty. - TPT

Feel free to share this post. You wouldn't believe how many of your friends are really battling with something right now and need an encouraging word ... battles you know nothing about.

2016 and again today

 This is an article I found on a free website called archive.org where you can find publications no longer in print. One of my favorites was a magazine called Weavings. This morning’s reading hit me hard because it is still so relevant today. Just reading the first page… look and see if it doesn’t relate to you in some deep and meaningful way as well.

https://archive.org/details/weavingsjournalo0314unse

(Click on each picture for better viewing)

Fall temptations

 

Oh wow! Just look at all the offerings for the fall season! Are you excited? I sure am! I bet you can find several you would like to have on hand. Visit the card shop and place your order today. 

https://intermissionsforhope.blogspot.com/p/new-card-catalog-1123.html

NOTE: New pricing for those orders that need to be shipped:

10 cards for $12.00

Orders that can be delivered or picked up remain the same: 12 cards for $10.00

BUT GUESS WHAT? I WILL BE IN MICHIGAN LATE SEPTEMBER AND AGAIN IN EARLY OCTOBER- so maybe we can make delivery/pick up arrangements and you can get more bang for your buck. 😊

I’m here to meet your stay-in-touch with loving supportive note needs. 

(Click on photos to enlarge for better viewing)

Are you okay?

 

Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)

They all looked so normal. Holding coffee cups, reading books. Someone on their phone. Others heads together chatting softly. Normal people stuff. Sure looked like regular people having a regular day. Right? Are you picturing a coffee shop perhaps?

The fact is, this is taking place in a hospital waiting room.Waiting for lab work to be done. Waiting for radiology. Which means all these normal, average looking people have some real issues they are contenting with.

It sure is hard to tell just by looks who is dealing with pain.Worries. Strife. Anxious over the possible outcomes. They sure looked okay - just by looking. But this scene could very easily be found in a coffee shop, grocery store line, worship center, at the bank, at work, any group gathering really. 

It made me pause and think - so many of us, carrying burdens, yet carrying on with regular normal routines of daily life.

Looks don't tell the whole story. Stuff is going on the the life of the one with the smile. Stuff they are trying to grin-and-bear through. More people than you realize.

So let's be gentle. And kind. You don't need to know the whole background story. Just like we all have sinned, we all have trials and tribulations too. 

Let us pray for the known - and the unknown - burdens of each other.
Let's just be a little more gracious and forgiving.
Let's draw everybody a little closer to God.
The God Who carries us through it all.

And you know that the Lord has taken care of us the whole time we've been in the desert, just as you might carry one of your children. (Deuteronomy 1:31 CEB)

Whose turn is it?

I think I need a rest from all the pursuing and striving; the trying; and being so focused on being a good servant every minute. It is draining and daunting. God doesn’t refer to us solely as servants. But also Beloved. Child. Friend. I think we are meant to enjoy life as it comes. Trusting the Lord to lead us into good service - in His timing - His place - His ideas - His energy.

You will hear His voice. He knows how to reach you. He knows how to lay things on your heart. You must believe that you won’t miss a thing. In the meantime, enjoy His blessings until He summons you. And when He calls, may your spirit respond. “I get to serve the Lord! With His wisdom and His power infused in me!” You can’t miss! And gladness will fill your soul. Be grateful for this thin-space, this bonding time with the Lord.

Yes. When He calls on you, when it’s your turn - serve the Lord with gladness. Share in His smile. Walk cheerfully into the commission. You don’t need to run and chase after opportunities to serve God. God already has it proportioned out. Which one of us does this or that. When and where. He won’t let you miss your turn to share in the joy of working closely alongside Him.

And in between - rest and play and enjoy living in His love and care. It is to His good pleasure to see us enjoying Him and all the benefits of being His servant, beloved, child, and friend. 

 Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands!

Serve the Lord with gladness; come before His presence with singing!

Know ye that the Lord, He is God; it is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves. We are His people, and the sheep of His pasture. 

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise!

Be thankful unto Him, and bless His name!

For the Lord is good, His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endureth to all generations.

- Psalm 100

 

Growing in comfort and ease

 

Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence … (Hebrews 4:16)

We rescued our two cats from the shelter several years ago. One of them had been left alone a lot in her previous home, so she hid under the couch and behind the bed all the time when we first got her. Of course we worried. We wanted to love her and feed her and let her know she was safe with us.

Do your fears sometimes keep you from spending time with God?

Eventually she dared to come out in the open. She was cautious and she wasn’t crazy about being picked up; didn’t want to be held.

Are you sometimes cautious about how you allow God to approach you and what you allow Him to do with your life? How you let Him love and care for you? 

After some time, she felt safer and more secure and moved more freely about the house. On occasion, she even jumped into my lap for a back rub. But it was on her terms.

Do you also need to be in control of when and how you meet with God?

And now she’s grown to the point of letting us pick her up and hold her.

Are you comfortable living in front of God? Are you able to enjoy His presence – get up in His lap?

We didn’t get to the comfort and ease part with her right away. We had to keep connecting with her, seeking her out. A safe and comfortable – approachable - relationship developed with constant nurturing.

Are you growing into a confident relationship with Christ?

May the peace and love and care of the Lord be yours…

Instead of…

Many of you have flower gardens and I know you spend a lot of time pulling ugly weeds to make more room for your beautiful flowers; in hopes that the flowering plants will overrun the weeds and take over the space.

Grow, flowers, grow! Reach down deep and suck up all the nutrients from the ground. Leave nothing for those weeds. Reach up high for the sunlight and all it offers as well. Keep the weeds hidden beneath your leaves so they die in the darkness. Yes, speak softly and gently to those flowers and prune a little back for more growth. Right?

As one grows; the other will surely die for lack of attention.

And so it is, or can be, in the world around us. So much attention to the weeds and thorns of life. When the Bible says to overcome evil with good - isn’t that just like tending to your garden? Drown out the hurtful; crowd it out, with more lovingkindness.

Can you see it; envision it? Dream. Imagine. And now begin replacing. Displacing.

And let it begin with me. In my heart. My motives. My outlook. My impact.

 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17

Starve the old out of its energy and strength and power. And the old, bitter, hurtful will be outnumbered. Spend less energy on trying not to be sinful and more focus on being more of what God wants you to be. Let the better take root. Let the better take over. 

Grow, dear child of God, grow! Reach down deep and suck up all the nutrients from the ground (the firm foundation of Christ). Leave nothing for those weeds. Reach up high for the sunlight and all it offers as well.  Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”  John 8:12 Keep the weeds hidden beneath your leaves of trust and belief so they die in the darkness. Yes, speak softly and gently to those flowers of faith and prune back any doubts for more growth. 

Let the earth be full of His glory. 

From 1 Peter 3:8-12 MSG

 Summing up: Be agreeable, be sympathetic, be loving, be compassionate, be humble. That goes for all of you, no exceptions. No retaliation. No sharp-tongued sarcasm. Instead, bless—that’s your job, to bless. You’ll be a blessing and also get a blessing. Whoever wants to embrace life and see the day fill up with good, Here’s what you do: Say nothing evil or hurtful; Snub evil and cultivate good; run after peace for all you’re worth. God looks on all this with approval, listening and responding well to what he’s asked; But he turns his back on those who do evil things.

Orders to be shipped

 Effective August 1, 2025 - there will be a price change for those orders that need to be shipped versus picked up or delivered locally. THIS IS FOR ORDERS THAT NEED TO BE SHIPPED ONLY.

10 cards for $12.00

to help absorb some of the cost of postage

All other orders will remain -

12 cards for $10.00

Thank you for your continued support of this ministry!

Julie