tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37455047010106996152024-03-17T23:01:15.712-04:00Sofa Chats Devotional & EncouragementA Conversational &
Poetic Sound-Off On Life
Valerie E. Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02693675623566733792noreply@blogger.comBlogger1222125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3745504701010699615.post-91985644815006642872024-03-17T08:51:00.002-04:002024-03-17T09:00:25.644-04:00Wealth Transfer<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>What I do have I give you. Acts 3:6 NIV</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">A generous heart loves to give. It does not hold back. It is a heart posture that says, "Whatever I have been given, I am willing to share...my money, my home, my time, my talents..."</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">But giving in the Kingdom of God stretches beyond just giving the dollars in our wallets and the food on our table. It includes spiritual things, too. Peter and John understood this. They understood that they had been given something to share -- a wealth that could never be measured in coins. A wealth they could never earn, but still had complete access to because of the grand generosity of God the Father. They knew it was theirs to not just tap into for themselves, but also to make withdrawals from for others. They understood the open heaven they lived under and could easily share what they had access to in the spirit realm.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>And it is no different for us today. </i>If Jesus lives in us, we have access to this <i>same</i> heavenly wealth! And so our generosity can stretch far beyond the money in our pockets (or the lack thereof.) We have access to a treasure that never runs out and never loses its power! It's a treasure we can tap into so God can show His goodness through us! We are actually <i>supposed</i> to give it away! haha! God <i>intended</i> for us to share it! Share it to those who are spiritually hungry, naked and poor. To those who lack. To those who have nothing. To those who may appear to have everything, but inside are as lost as a kitten on a stormy night. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Do you see? What we have to give is of far greater worth than any amount of worldly wealth, possessions, status or fame. We have access to <i>eternal things.</i> And oh how beautiful when we recognize that it's not just for <i>our </i>enjoyment and benefit. It's for us to give away! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">***</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><div>Peter and John went to the Temple one afternoon to take part in the three o’clock prayer service. As they approached the Temple, a man lame from birth was being carried in. Each day he was put beside the Temple gate, the one called the Beautiful Gate, so he could beg from the people going into the Temple. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for some money. </div><div><br /></div><div>Peter and John looked at him intently, and Peter said, “Look at us!” The lame man looked at them eagerly, expecting some money. But Peter said, “I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!” </div><div><br /></div><div>Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did, the man’s feet and ankles were instantly healed and strengthened. He jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk! Then, walking, leaping, and praising God, he went into the Temple with them. </div><div><br /></div><div>All the people saw him walking and heard him praising God. When they realized he was the lame beggar they had seen so often at the Beautiful Gate, they were absolutely astounded! They all rushed out in amazement to Solomon’s Colonnade, where the man was holding tightly to Peter and John.</div><div><br /></div><div>Acts of the Apostles 3:1-11 NLT</div><div>https://bible.com/bible/116/act.3.1-11.NLT</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfnq5qVtYlnkjsWcQ5p_akR534asYed1Rn9C83vE8OzhqaWF_pbJC9WvIskmhO9vZICCUKmf_87ARELXz4jvc3wFCvvO5-aJ5j1XsYTRUfY7JCrykWjqZxmHCScAYTHn8T1PsVeYmA1W0973LnNVeQH2k4UIF8v_EJHSejfFS5PIQLFOx6hVqHbdTkAJHF/s380/giving.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="380" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfnq5qVtYlnkjsWcQ5p_akR534asYed1Rn9C83vE8OzhqaWF_pbJC9WvIskmhO9vZICCUKmf_87ARELXz4jvc3wFCvvO5-aJ5j1XsYTRUfY7JCrykWjqZxmHCScAYTHn8T1PsVeYmA1W0973LnNVeQH2k4UIF8v_EJHSejfFS5PIQLFOx6hVqHbdTkAJHF/s320/giving.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div></span></div>Valerie E. Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02693675623566733792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3745504701010699615.post-29084215219974089842024-03-16T08:24:00.009-04:002024-03-16T08:27:43.882-04:00Hold Tight. I've Got Something Good Planned.<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Good morning!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Today is a beautiful day! So take this riddle, this poem of fun and hold it close, so close to your bosom...</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span>Open up your eyes </span>to see a great surprise <span>coming down from heaven </span>in great glory!</span></i></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>It's like a gift dropped from the heights. It's like a gift on Christmas night!</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><span>And though you see in part now </span>and understand not fully,</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><span>there will absolutely be no denying </span>what unfolds in this story!</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><span>For ALL will see what I am doing -- </span>it will not be hidden, no! </i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><span>It will be out in the open, </span>on full display,</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>like a man who "takes his show on the road."</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><span>So, don't be discouraged! </span>It's darkest before dawn!</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>I will come in the hour that is right.</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><span>And I WILL NOT FAIL YOU. </span>I WILL NOT LEAVE YOU.</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>Resist all fear and hold tight!</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> I l</span>ove you, </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Abba, Daddy</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>Valerie E. Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02693675623566733792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3745504701010699615.post-5947466745082510692024-03-13T07:54:00.002-04:002024-03-13T08:12:44.376-04:00Stay Loose in My Hands<div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Here is a raw entry from this morning...</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Why assume? Assuming is about leaning on your own understanding -- not considering beyond your own thoughts that maybe <i>just maybe</i> I might have something else planned. A child might assume that he will do this or that in his day, but he knows the parent is in position to spring a change of plans at a moment's notice. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Consider your student yesterday, Lydia, who came for a make up lesson that was not arranged until just hours before she arrived. When she woke up yesterday, she did not know that later in the day she would be sitting in your studio. But her mom has the right to flip plans and inform later. Lydia's day was changed for her before she even got home from school. She might have assumed her day would go on as usual, but she had to be flexible when a new plan was established.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">So don't say today, "I will do this or that." Yes, you might. But always keep your heart open to a change of plans, a sudden change of direction. Move with My Spirit, who is like the wind and can shift and change suddenly. Never lock in so tightly to your own plans and thinking that you limit surprising and wonderful things I'd love to inject into your day! Stay loose and flexible in My hand. Be agreeable to My Spirit and never stop listening to Him. Our plans are beautiful for you! And We will never let you down!</span></div></div>Valerie E. Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02693675623566733792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3745504701010699615.post-70512536382494678272024-03-12T07:14:00.002-04:002024-03-12T07:17:04.367-04:00Go Low<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">The door to the wide open is smaller than you think.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">It's narrow. It's down, close the ground</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">where the humble find it, the lowly, the meek.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Me4QO5F1dABTxGlLIYixR1VeoUYMlc396V0uPmVnkXgs95ZvLQFbmT8uk-N7cirZFiHh6By7apWHOGdhXB3ZOIpqO2oJ-TPWDuG7yIborSDDN0XPCTNoEP-413I5pfYzgRx3WXJy26ip9SNlN02XMI0U6n081JHUERgwL58oYooRQuiD-BuJ831ldhFF/s384/door%20with%20vines.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img border="0" data-original-height="384" data-original-width="384" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Me4QO5F1dABTxGlLIYixR1VeoUYMlc396V0uPmVnkXgs95ZvLQFbmT8uk-N7cirZFiHh6By7apWHOGdhXB3ZOIpqO2oJ-TPWDuG7yIborSDDN0XPCTNoEP-413I5pfYzgRx3WXJy26ip9SNlN02XMI0U6n081JHUERgwL58oYooRQuiD-BuJ831ldhFF/s320/door%20with%20vines.webp" width="320" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;">The door isn't made to fit those who are proud.</div></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">No, the puffed up, the haughty must first bow down.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">For when they come low,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">then they will see. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Then they can enter just as easy as can be!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>Valerie E. Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02693675623566733792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3745504701010699615.post-55333931778417962982024-03-07T08:44:00.001-05:002024-03-07T08:55:45.904-05:00The Glory at the Door<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">I looked and saw a door. It was not yet opened. It was yet to be in motion. But I knew it soon would be. I stared at it for several minutes, waiting to see what would take place.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Then, without warning, the door began to crack open. Slowly. Steadily. As it began to swing, I could see the brightest light that could ever be imagined peak into the room. The light was brighter than the sun itself. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Then I saw hidden within this blinding light a hand slowly emerge. It grasped the side of the door and pushed it forward slowly so that the whole room was eventually flooded with this ethereal light. Not one corner, not one place in the room was left untouched by its powerful brilliance and warmth. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">My eyes opened wide to process what I was seeing. As I watch</span><span style="font-family: georgia;">ed, I could feel the rays of light fill my whole body, lighting me up like a Christmas bulb. Every part of me tingled with its majestic radiance. I felt as if I was either going to burst or fly, its energy pulling me practically out of my shoes.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">I looked again at the door and this time an image of a man appeared fully in the doorway. I gasped as I took in His beauty.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Without thinking, I cried, "Lord, You're <i>here!</i>" M</span><span style="font-family: georgia;">y own words echoed in my head.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Suddenly, there was a great shaking beneath my feet and then a loud rumbling like a large earthquake. I knew that His arrival had been the one to cause it.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">"Lord, the earth shakes when You come near!" I cried, suddenly feeling like I was going to lose my balance. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Just then His hand caught my arm. It was gentle yet strong. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">"Do not be afraid," He said. "Darling, My glory shall fill the earth, just as it is written. And I will do for the world, what you have seen here today. My light will fill the earth! My glory, My very essence will saturate your world! And all will see and all will hear and all will KNOW. Yes, those who have eyes to see and ears to hear will grasp this great visitation and follow Me. Wait for it, darling. Be looking for Me and wait!"</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1f5bx18NLCpMAbDA1neeQGlCDQIUsEEZ6Hgh_VRjaOhZWwpuUysSN44IRn6hRUJ60nU7RUXuzo04I2Npv3sYLnR9RRVA22Ytp9V7Gl7Ras_iI4svXQPDj6Dkg81Bu4IIQAkl6jecXoGTtxVf4OD6M8-C6ZDHyBr2UxcV-Kwy2uRd53Sl0YeruMx5uHaA5/s548/door%20with%20light.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="548" data-original-width="360" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1f5bx18NLCpMAbDA1neeQGlCDQIUsEEZ6Hgh_VRjaOhZWwpuUysSN44IRn6hRUJ60nU7RUXuzo04I2Npv3sYLnR9RRVA22Ytp9V7Gl7Ras_iI4svXQPDj6Dkg81Bu4IIQAkl6jecXoGTtxVf4OD6M8-C6ZDHyBr2UxcV-Kwy2uRd53Sl0YeruMx5uHaA5/s320/door%20with%20light.jpg" width="210" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div></div>Valerie E. Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02693675623566733792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3745504701010699615.post-13500640051629059802024-03-06T07:04:00.000-05:002024-03-06T07:04:35.163-05:00The Breakthrough<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Open up to see a world full of Me!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Taking back.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Taking ground.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">There's a new Sheriff now </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">runnin' the town.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The ones at the helm</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">now booted -- removed!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">We're starting things over,</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">now watch how I groove!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">I wipe out the toxins.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Wash away all the grime.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">I'm making things better--</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">better than all time!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">At first, it will look like a zone of construction</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">as I dismantle, pull down those who cause great oppression.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">But then like a new day,</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">the sun will shine bright.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">And like a woman who gives birth,</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">the pain was just for the night.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">So, don't overreact when you see the house of cards fall.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Just know that it's ME who is blowing on them all!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Take heart, My child!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">For, this is an hour that history will continue to recall!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>Valerie E. Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02693675623566733792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3745504701010699615.post-55245292187803333452024-03-02T08:09:00.010-05:002024-03-02T11:17:52.162-05:00The Trust Key<div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">What surprises await </span></i></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>when you seek Me today - o</i><i>h Yes, the joy that will flow </i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>for </i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>when you trust -- THEN you will know!</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>See, knowing comes when you FIRST trust in Me.</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>Then you know that you know </i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>because you heard Me speak!</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>Your heart will jump and leap </i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>when you know it's My voice.</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>And so you know that you know </i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>when trust is your choice.</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>See, trust is a key that accesses Me.</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>So, come My child, and bring </i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>your heart and your trust key!</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_r8rLxYhvrmPwsfWULh8NljLx27H8hhm46usUPK6RAH6CTlRtn5o2YOB9zVRA1bH0oEmkoPC58FLVh829FSQRm-h8-ZxTq-I5GhvIm3YeO_biksBXyHenbFEGP1PehvPK_vPw6CGCPB_dfbQViu-4DpBiUNLqmAcoEF07BboVUVXEApYn1U_J_hMoC4cU/s740/key.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="740" data-original-width="740" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_r8rLxYhvrmPwsfWULh8NljLx27H8hhm46usUPK6RAH6CTlRtn5o2YOB9zVRA1bH0oEmkoPC58FLVh829FSQRm-h8-ZxTq-I5GhvIm3YeO_biksBXyHenbFEGP1PehvPK_vPw6CGCPB_dfbQViu-4DpBiUNLqmAcoEF07BboVUVXEApYn1U_J_hMoC4cU/s320/key.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><div>Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track. Don’t assume that you know it all. Run to God! Run from evil! Your body will glow with health, your very bones will vibrate with life!</div><div><br /></div><div>Proverbs 3:5-8MSG</div><div>https://bible.com/bible/97/pro.3.5-12.MSG</div><div><br /></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil. Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Proverbs 3:5-8 NLT</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.3.5-8.NLT</span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><div>”…We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”</div><div><br /></div><div>2 Chronicles 20:12 NIV</div><div>https://bible.com/bible/111/2ch.20.12.NIV</div></span></div>Valerie E. Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02693675623566733792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3745504701010699615.post-1847109548284810202024-02-26T07:03:00.003-05:002024-02-26T07:45:49.022-05:00The Garden<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Poppins; font-size: medium;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Poppins; font-size: medium;">Come into your holy garden</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Poppins; font-size: medium;">the space, the place prepared for us.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Poppins; font-size: medium;">It is dripping with honey, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Poppins; font-size: medium;">flowing with vines.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Poppins; font-size: medium;">It is not an illusion --</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Poppins; font-size: medium;">there really is new wine!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Poppins; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Poppins; font-size: medium;">It takes all your weakness</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Poppins; font-size: medium;">and trades it for strength.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Poppins; font-size: medium;">It swallows insecurities,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Poppins; font-size: medium;">you know you are safe.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Poppins; font-size: medium;">It gives not takes!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Poppins; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Poppins; font-size: medium;">It washes you,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Poppins; font-size: medium;">frees you</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Poppins; font-size: medium;">so you're vibrant and free!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Poppins; font-size: medium;">Oh, the joy when you come</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Poppins; font-size: medium;">into the garden with Me!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Poppins; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Poppins; font-size: medium;">The fruit from the trees</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Poppins; font-size: medium;">sings a song your heart hears.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Poppins; font-size: medium;">You listen as if for the first time</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Poppins; font-size: medium;">though it's been sung for a thousand years!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Poppins; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Poppins; font-size: medium;">The flowers tell stories</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Poppins; font-size: medium;">as you pick them and smell.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Poppins; font-size: medium;">Their fragrance speaks goodness</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Poppins; font-size: medium;">and reassures all is well.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Poppins; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Poppins; font-size: medium;">The water that flows </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Poppins; font-size: medium;">is clearer than glass,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Poppins; font-size: medium;">and lets you see clearly </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Poppins; font-size: medium;">who you are without masks.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Poppins; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Poppins; font-size: medium;">And in the same way,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Poppins; font-size: medium;">You see Me without blinders.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Poppins; font-size: medium;">I let you come close </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Poppins; font-size: medium;">and learn all there is to find here.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Poppins; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Poppins; font-size: medium;">The garden is for us to enjoy in this world.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Poppins; font-size: medium;">So, come to our garden.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Poppins; font-size: medium;">You will find Me here.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Poppins; font-size: medium;">My child, never fear.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Poppins; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqOqRAhsYv0nh1GJ8hF-MWZdQZTCrIjFZAXOM9nR7HU4Fm8K20HH1CA7SZKC44E7PJvm8Q-voQjoSSgvwQWUDng-HsY3wMmL-8nlXCRTR5rZf1rDfQsv2HoOee2QSQ1xvWSMWHHwJKcqQa1meWmWDRIz9YqRPiOGCOZv04V6nXwpIibtpfVmOLFTVzIcmZ/s1024/garden.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqOqRAhsYv0nh1GJ8hF-MWZdQZTCrIjFZAXOM9nR7HU4Fm8K20HH1CA7SZKC44E7PJvm8Q-voQjoSSgvwQWUDng-HsY3wMmL-8nlXCRTR5rZf1rDfQsv2HoOee2QSQ1xvWSMWHHwJKcqQa1meWmWDRIz9YqRPiOGCOZv04V6nXwpIibtpfVmOLFTVzIcmZ/s320/garden.png" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">photo credit: </span><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">https://clipart-library.com/</span></span></span></div>Valerie E. Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02693675623566733792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3745504701010699615.post-39668131248577429882024-02-24T07:23:00.003-05:002024-02-24T07:26:32.025-05:00Hand-Crafted, Custom-Made.<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">I open up again to You on this 2-24-24. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Today is the day that the Lord has made, </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">can I say much more? </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The plans today </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">You wove in eternity. </span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">You smiled and nodded </span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">as you stitched it together </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">the timing, the people --</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Your ways to be applauded! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">We can never figure out just how You do it, Lord!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Every detail to the T!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">ONLY a God who is GOOD and PERFECT</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">could work it all out for me!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">You match your people,</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">You bring us together!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span>You put us in families </span>so we might fully discover</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">that we <i>all </i>are Your children</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">and we are all loved by the <i>same Father.</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Today is a day that YOU have made.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">May we fully embrace You</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">in this hand-crafted day -- </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">wonderfully, whimsically </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">and completely custom-made.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Psalms 118:24 NLT</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS75IL1GdimgaWYGuwfn2Cx901VXnp3FBNzvzSRIhuTwpnsBQsmt-2utN0QpdJjwY2SaHP86GOMaWkTd8BWNAe0-iBeAmo9_MH0F6HbgdrpCyzV13-3SS5qwyXGZruB5FX2DKjoacq7ghSxAOBDKVdubcdfNYlwSQrON1QPFSbhqw-kUBcpoVHPms8MklS/s1025/hand%20made.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1025" data-original-width="860" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS75IL1GdimgaWYGuwfn2Cx901VXnp3FBNzvzSRIhuTwpnsBQsmt-2utN0QpdJjwY2SaHP86GOMaWkTd8BWNAe0-iBeAmo9_MH0F6HbgdrpCyzV13-3SS5qwyXGZruB5FX2DKjoacq7ghSxAOBDKVdubcdfNYlwSQrON1QPFSbhqw-kUBcpoVHPms8MklS/s320/hand%20made.png" width="268" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">(A little side note that tickled me today... </span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">when I started to write this out, I had NO IDEA that the Psalm was verse 24! And today is 2-24-24. hahaha! God is so clever! He never ceases to amaze me.)</span></i></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">https://clipart-library.com/clipart/handmade-cliparts-3.htm</span></i></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span></div>Valerie E. Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02693675623566733792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3745504701010699615.post-2019527052086743652024-02-23T07:18:00.002-05:002024-02-23T07:38:26.089-05:00I Can See Clearly Now<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOte0OMxhinuHAWFyseirdS2XtBOuJtgT7U8G4JgMte8-htmQA9mh0aqrnTzJFGj82bNwfbydsBHIpIA_m1d86_0gZFBka56QndocGlP3X-dnAw_UfC1nxyOeBZ165IVaAGs89XRnVy-C2lGBkVp_mmkgbvbRJYZCSnbezMpGXFkMPCvkqtMMkMdjnxuw1/s1920/sunrise%20field.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1920" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOte0OMxhinuHAWFyseirdS2XtBOuJtgT7U8G4JgMte8-htmQA9mh0aqrnTzJFGj82bNwfbydsBHIpIA_m1d86_0gZFBka56QndocGlP3X-dnAw_UfC1nxyOeBZ165IVaAGs89XRnVy-C2lGBkVp_mmkgbvbRJYZCSnbezMpGXFkMPCvkqtMMkMdjnxuw1/s320/sunrise%20field.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">On the horizon, </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">as the sun breaks through,</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">I hear the Shepherd calling, </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">with hope and life and truth.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">He has lifted the veil so we can see clearly.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">He didn't leave us in </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">this wandering query. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">He has made Himself known.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">He's available to ALL.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">He shows Himself plainly </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">to the big and the small.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">He makes grown men hush,</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">those who 'have all the answers.'</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">They are simply in awe </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">of His majesty and wonder.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">He clears our eyes </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">that we all may see</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">the <i>beauty</i>, the <i>brilliance</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">of His <i>presence</i> and <i>glory.</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>***</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><div><i>And [I pray] that the <b>eyes of your heart</b> [the very center and core of your being] may be enlightened [<b>flooded with light by the Holy Spirit</b>],</i> <i>so that you will know and cherish the hope [the divine guarantee, the confident expectation] to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints (God’s people)</i> Ephesians 1:18 AMP</div><div><br /></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>Valerie E. Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02693675623566733792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3745504701010699615.post-380728502882962342024-02-22T08:27:00.006-05:002024-02-24T06:07:45.260-05:00You & Your House<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Just outside the door lies beauty and the spendor, like Dorothy who opened to a world full of color! Yes, she started out bland, just a black and white picture. But after spinning and commotion, she opened to a world of great wonder!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_PLZvV7sjWEQ2ayG_YiSOiuPvf1hqx2ms4RuiU3aObKewT4R-vpzGRmuNWuX8H6tXmS41wTdcH3RVim2b_RRjlj1s8htwGhJBmZ3hcUC5v59VpwATckLHk0wopiGPmxDsnALBLSzZXHldwtbsIzUW3wyVQ9anKwD88knQDwQdizb-kN-x9bfMUDNSk4P2/s543/door.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="543" data-original-width="360" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_PLZvV7sjWEQ2ayG_YiSOiuPvf1hqx2ms4RuiU3aObKewT4R-vpzGRmuNWuX8H6tXmS41wTdcH3RVim2b_RRjlj1s8htwGhJBmZ3hcUC5v59VpwATckLHk0wopiGPmxDsnALBLSzZXHldwtbsIzUW3wyVQ9anKwD88knQDwQdizb-kN-x9bfMUDNSk4P2/s320/door.jpg" width="212" /></span></a></div></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">So don't be concerned if your house starts to spin and is lifted up high and then put down again. Your house is My home and so I will move when it's time -- like the ark of the covenant or like the pillar and cloud -- yes all these things were Mine. And in the same way, I inhabit you and your family. And so when I move so you will move, darling. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><a href="https://youtu.be/YWFHeDcVNiw?si=_2paTglwa_DFzK6z">https://youtu.be/YWFHeDcVNiw?si=_2paTglwa_DFzK6z</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-small;">Photo credit: https://www.freepik.com/</span></div>Valerie E. Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02693675623566733792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3745504701010699615.post-81666533725276510342024-02-20T08:36:00.010-05:002024-02-20T08:53:01.235-05:00On The Tip of My Tongue<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The tongue is a fiery dagger </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">that can stab at a moment's notice.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">We pull it out and strike with force.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">With precision, </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">these knives can injure.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">But words, like knives, </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">can also be for helping.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">In the hands of a healing servant,</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">they are like the knife of a surgeon,</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">breaking into sores and lesions.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Words, too, like knives </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">can be great tools --</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">when used at the proper time.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">They can be a soothing agent</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">or bring great JOY -- </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">like one who just found a gold mine!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>Words are alive</i> </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">so be ever aware of their power.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">For with them we build our houses</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">and with them </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">our lives fall like crumbling towers.</span></div><div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">And remember...</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The overflow of the heart </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">is what comes out of the mouth.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">So be careful what you consume!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">For when your heart is full of darkness</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">your mouth will surely tell on you!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">***</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><div>…For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. Matthew 12:34 NKJV</div><div><br /></div><div><div>…Words are powerful; take them seriously. Words can be your salvation. Words can also be your damnation. Matthew 12:34-37 MSG</div></div><div><br /></div></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><div>The wise woman builds her house, But the foolish pulls it down with her hands. Proverbs 14:1 NKJV</div></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i><div><span style="font-size: large;">The right word at the right time is like a custom-made piece of jewelry, And a wise friend’s timely reprimand is like a gold ring slipped on your finger. Proverbs 25:11-12 MSG</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 18:21 NKJV</span></div><div style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr6r0blCXaM_R4Hk8Oiof_PzDpAG1Tjrefunst6ff_bAaRjXp_RkIjK1Mc84iuGHU0vqGSBnJsSey0sEGH-TXtnqySG3rzV6Y7_vIimvolHCvWoEgqOW6H1fnm9aqe_zXMxrQ6D8Zewfk4W3Oyqwa7l2pUoMHDNVFQPAVj_Iu4k5zO43aWIjbuWlTN8FS_/s740/mouth.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="493" data-original-width="740" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr6r0blCXaM_R4Hk8Oiof_PzDpAG1Tjrefunst6ff_bAaRjXp_RkIjK1Mc84iuGHU0vqGSBnJsSey0sEGH-TXtnqySG3rzV6Y7_vIimvolHCvWoEgqOW6H1fnm9aqe_zXMxrQ6D8Zewfk4W3Oyqwa7l2pUoMHDNVFQPAVj_Iu4k5zO43aWIjbuWlTN8FS_/s320/mouth.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">photo credit: <span style="text-align: left;">https://www.freepik.com/</span></span></div></i></span></div></div>Valerie E. Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02693675623566733792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3745504701010699615.post-83598242981726111482024-02-17T08:51:00.001-05:002024-02-17T09:52:42.266-05:00Clean My Palate<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Clean my palate.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Take away the taste,</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">the taste that lingers</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">from yesterday --</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">for it gets in the way!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Everything I eat </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">is affected, </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">right up to even today!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">I can't move on </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">because the flavor remains.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">This 'bad taste in my mouth'</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">continues to change</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">my perceptions, my attitude, </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">the way I engage.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">It keeps me, stops me, </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">though I <i>want</i> to move on.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">What I need is a flush </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">and a clean slate to work from!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;">A new replacing the old,</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">new memories to unfold.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Let the old flavors fade</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">and new songs start today!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Oh, clean my palate!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Clear the slate and fill my plate! </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">That I might fully,</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">and without reservation,</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">partake!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>Valerie E. Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02693675623566733792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3745504701010699615.post-13309292239764523162024-02-16T07:59:00.001-05:002024-02-16T07:59:43.708-05:00Beware & Be Aware<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Favor belongs to the Lord. True favor. Only a King can bless. Counterfeits can not. True blessings come from God, for God has OUR BEST in mind. He gives us what we need. His blessings suit us perfectly. His heart is full of selfless love. He does not give to get, He gives to give. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The enemy, the devil, only knows how to steal. So his 'blessings' are never for our good. His 'blessings' are just another way he steals from us! He promises the world, but takes our soul. He distracts us with dangling jewels as he picks our pockets. He is a robber, a thief! Rotten to the core!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">So don't run after his empty promises! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">He's a hoodwinker, trickster. He's cunning and conniving. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">He's not just after your earthly days, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">he wants to lure you and eternally steal you away. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Though he is <i>nothing</i> in the light of God's presence, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">he will take what he can get when we allow him entrance. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">So <i>shut the doors! </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>Close the windows! </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>Seal the cracks and crevices </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>and never let him into your chambers! </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>He will devour your children, </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>he will leave you homeless. </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>He will take what he can get </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>when we give him entrance!</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>***</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: left;">Next the devil took him to the peak of a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. “I will give it all to you,” he said, “if you will kneel down and worship me.” </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">“Get out of here, Satan,” Jesus told him. “For the Scriptures say, </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.’ ”</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Then the devil went away, and angels came and took care of Jesus.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Matthew 4:8-11 NLT</div><div style="text-align: left;">https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.4.8-11.NLT</div></span></div>Valerie E. Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02693675623566733792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3745504701010699615.post-19207936415318286102024-02-11T08:58:00.002-05:002024-02-11T09:01:20.265-05:00Never Giving Up On You <div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span>A gush! A flush! </span><span>A BURST!</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">You come in like a flood </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">when we need it the most! You put things in reverse!</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Your heart is all for us.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">You're fully committed!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">You don't hold back -- </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">No! </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The sky is the limit!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><i>But You're looking to see...</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">who will take You up on Your offer.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">You're seeing who is watching the door --</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">just waiting for You to enter!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">You're looking to see if we are</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">expectantly waiting.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Or have we given up, </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">gotten drowsy?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Fallen into our own naval-gazing?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Are we like the 5 virgins with oil in their lamps?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Looking, watching</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">for the moment You 'pop out.' </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Or have we left our posts? </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Have we given up easily?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Have we grown bitter and sour</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">as if You haven't given us everything??</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Are we angry at the Father?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Are we bitter at Your Son?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Do we blame You and accuse You </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">and now refuse to accept that You'll even come?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">But those whose hearts that stay fixed on You,</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">will NOT be disappointed. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">For they can see the truth -- </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">that You are kind and merciful </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">and Your ways are perfect, indeed.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">And even though we question You're actions,</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">You never stop loving us faithfully.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">You give us what we need!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">No, we don't always understand Your ways</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">but that's because Your ways are higher.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">So, bring us up to where You are, Lord, </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">so we can see and hear the Father!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Oh! Help our faith and don't let our hearts falter!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">We look for you, Lord!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">We wait on Your timing!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">We anticipate and will participate</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">in this hour that is shining!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">You're coming, Lord! Oh Faithful and True!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Don't ever let us give up!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><i>Never ever</i> give up on You!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">***</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><div>“…But when the Son of Man returns, how many will he find on the earth who have faith?” Luke 18:8 NLT</div><div><br /></div><div>https://bible.com/bible/116/luk.18.8.NLT</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div>”Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. </div><div><br /></div><div>“And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’ Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise answered, saying, ‘No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’ And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut. </div><div><br /></div><div>“Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ </div><div><br /></div><div>“Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming. Matthew 25:1-13 NKJV</div><div><br /></div><div>https://bible.com/bible/114/mat.25.1-13.NKJV</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></span></div>Valerie E. Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02693675623566733792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3745504701010699615.post-32885063470280123032024-02-09T09:07:00.001-05:002024-02-09T09:08:46.501-05:00True Confessions of a Hopeless Romantic<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">You're dressed to the nines!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Dressed, polished </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">and ready to shine.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Dressed with lace and a robe of splendor.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Darling, you certainly are a beauty and a wonder!! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">My mind is all gaga.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">My knees feel weak.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">I'm like a man who can't handle</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">an intoxicating drink!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">You make Me feel gushy, </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">these feelings inside.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">You think I am kidding </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">but I am not lyin'!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">You make My heart race.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">I'm fainting with love!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">I'm certain that this </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">is more than just puppy love.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">I can't feel my feet.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">My tongue is all twisted.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">How many phrases do you need, my love</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">to fully convince ya!?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">And now what can I do </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">but simply embrace you completely?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Oh to be <i>near</i> you, My love</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">is My pleasure, not duty! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">I<i> want</i> to be close -- </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">much closer than you think!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">So don't be surprised </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">if you suddenly blink</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">and there I am with you,</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">all there dressed in white!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">I've come to enrapture,</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">enrapture you in plain sight!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEXs8sNaBKEWfr5l7DJ0BNdGDtzP65YB-IPgZ58v6qYyY6QV7JeE2Ubq7Pv89P9WkwFpXLUVkgp13tg_42RuJclsib4wX8-CEMiEDW6sEIFpGe6tP2ArWwrYPSSvVPd6dNQgYKnhV7rGIssUq2C6aBU85mJcZM6UHxOtA9XENCt4XlisDby3ss7EZi6zqj/s2288/couple%20in%20love.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2288" data-original-width="1874" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEXs8sNaBKEWfr5l7DJ0BNdGDtzP65YB-IPgZ58v6qYyY6QV7JeE2Ubq7Pv89P9WkwFpXLUVkgp13tg_42RuJclsib4wX8-CEMiEDW6sEIFpGe6tP2ArWwrYPSSvVPd6dNQgYKnhV7rGIssUq2C6aBU85mJcZM6UHxOtA9XENCt4XlisDby3ss7EZi6zqj/s320/couple%20in%20love.png" width="262" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>Valerie E. Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02693675623566733792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3745504701010699615.post-43114067842469971442024-02-08T05:21:00.002-05:002024-02-08T05:28:26.830-05:00Follow, Not Wallow<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Follow Me. Follow. Don't wallow. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>(Wallow: to turn oneself over and over, writhe about.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>Merriam-Webster Dictionary)</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">There is no wallowing in following. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>(Follow: to go, proceed, come after. </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>Merriam-Webster Dictionary)</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Following is not stationary and inward focused. Following means watching My moves and moving when I move. Like a dance class, a choreography -- the student follows the instructor. Or a painting class -- your brush strokes imitate Mine.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidBlAUUddlEhpwME4bhVRjw7FBLWpnQuBuFchmptZQdAInaG6BeH8qUK75h3tACCNCGIUMEFsz4s0zJDOu8T3tchLVHMAIIs7ZBQRKmLuKlXvj6qHRtRZsiatm-7hGcGzhvJFzS0GWwKUWt1JeffpN4pEtswU0L7F0wkpSK5qkITuTAM6_xtnOHxgGI-ga/s700/follow%20directions.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidBlAUUddlEhpwME4bhVRjw7FBLWpnQuBuFchmptZQdAInaG6BeH8qUK75h3tACCNCGIUMEFsz4s0zJDOu8T3tchLVHMAIIs7ZBQRKmLuKlXvj6qHRtRZsiatm-7hGcGzhvJFzS0GWwKUWt1JeffpN4pEtswU0L7F0wkpSK5qkITuTAM6_xtnOHxgGI-ga/s320/follow%20directions.png" width="274" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">I will lead you. I will take you by the hand and lead you. You will feel the urge to move. You will feel My nudge and have a knowing. You will just know. You will hear Me say, "This is the way, walk ye in it."(Isaiah 30:21 KJV) And when you do, move. Move forward. Move and know that I am with You, <i>every single step of the way.</i> I don't send you on your own. I send you and go with you! I send My Spirit with you. I assign My angels to slash down the things in your way -- My mighty mighty warring angels! haha! They know how to fight!! And they will clear your path so well that you will feel like you are gliding, not walking, for the surface will be as smooth as glass! You will <i>glide</i> your way into the land! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Follow Me!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">photo: https://clipart-library.com/</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>Valerie E. Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02693675623566733792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3745504701010699615.post-36468167129935527242024-02-07T05:46:00.003-05:002024-02-07T06:35:42.572-05:00The Sparrow<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">You care for the sparrows though they offer so little.</span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">Just a song, a tune </span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><span>their lives like a riddle, </span>a picture for us</span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">so we can see plainly </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIkUWfXobUTn_eV_22bsNfAPKqmwceLfGSUS2XsrRGC8zwFFdRnkrtr6TYlhE5RnImIq-LN4QWi-reqxQ175L7TsAoNf4mWLu5HJVT2a1r2oNPafdjKpo_XhB6MXFwqB5aRMb9tdkUYIdBcDvDkGJrVvvPZ7-ipM06wegsZLT1mO9gWKRpy4p6-HLPAmVD/s320/sparrow.jpg" width="320" /></span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">that You care for everything.</span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">You’re right there in the middle.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIkUWfXobUTn_eV_22bsNfAPKqmwceLfGSUS2XsrRGC8zwFFdRnkrtr6TYlhE5RnImIq-LN4QWi-reqxQ175L7TsAoNf4mWLu5HJVT2a1r2oNPafdjKpo_XhB6MXFwqB5aRMb9tdkUYIdBcDvDkGJrVvvPZ7-ipM06wegsZLT1mO9gWKRpy4p6-HLPAmVD/s1920/sparrow.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Song_Sparrow/sounds" style="background-color: white; font-family: trebuchet;">https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Song_Sparrow/sounds</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: trebuchet;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: trebuchet;"><i><div>”What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.”</div><div>Matthew 10:29-31 NLT</div><div>https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.10.29-31.NLT</div></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: trebuchet;">Interestingly, the above passage is found in the context of Jesus sending out His disciples. He warned them, encouraged them, instructed them and He didn't mince words. But He left a solid reassurance to all of them, in essence saying: "I’ve got you. My Father and I completely have your backs. We don't send you out alone. <i>We are with you. Don't be afraid.</i>"</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: trebuchet;">photo: </span><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">https://clipart-library.com/</span></span></div>Valerie E. Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02693675623566733792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3745504701010699615.post-26578149956797663002024-02-06T08:59:00.002-05:002024-02-06T09:03:33.778-05:00Ask For the Moon<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">
OK. I'm kind of ashamed to say it, but if I was absolutely honest about it, I'd admit to you that I would've ordered what I really wanted that night. I wouldn't of held back. But I did. Instead of looking to see what I really wanted to eat from the menu, I looked for the cheapest thing I could find. If only I knew in advance that My father would be announcing at the end of the meal that he was completely picking up the tab! He was happy to pay for whatever we had chosen from the menu. Ugh! What regret! Dad would have covered it. I should have gone BIG!<br />
<br />That night has become an illustration for me. If we think we are going on our dime with God, we'll always aim small. But if we go on God’s dime, we won't hold back because we know that our Dad is picking up the tab! We’ll go BIG because it's no expense to us. </span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Some might worry, though, that they are taking advantage of God if they ask big. If that's the case, the Bible would say that. It would tell us to think in limited terms. But it doesn't. Never once does God ask us to think small and limited. Instead He says, come on! "Ask! Seek! Knock!” (Matthew 7:7) Did the blind man hold back in asking for his sight when Jesus walked by? He could have. But he didn't. He asked big and he asked boldly! Even shamelessly! Which makes me wonder...do we sometimes hold back because we are too prideful to ask? This blind man had no pride. Only a desperate need with a bold request. A big request. And what did Jesus do? He answered! </span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">My simple question today is this: Do we make our prayers small because we're not remembering that our Heavenly Dad is picking up the bill?</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj4VDdOkmhrBrbnazdVWSeJnJhzli3NFph6aqUhG6upc67Fttxj_uCRi6Lu5CpKcsbKVP0jMkYyQiAZVtDu9KvGFvrcm9T7UUhIgEpMUxnoqPuJQdCipXtRZxurRxBy62069CYSH1r703Re8tf8tHh8OHkt2edHYMkqHrjVZBZOy4KqGuUG7Wi5kmGFWkb/s500/IMG_6188.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="372" data-original-width="500" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj4VDdOkmhrBrbnazdVWSeJnJhzli3NFph6aqUhG6upc67Fttxj_uCRi6Lu5CpKcsbKVP0jMkYyQiAZVtDu9KvGFvrcm9T7UUhIgEpMUxnoqPuJQdCipXtRZxurRxBy62069CYSH1r703Re8tf8tHh8OHkt2edHYMkqHrjVZBZOy4KqGuUG7Wi5kmGFWkb/s320/IMG_6188.jpeg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><a href="https://youtu.be/ZRL2I_JSWbM?si=MoTZAp0dg-kiChyD">https://youtu.be/ZRL2I_JSWbM?si=MoTZAp0dg-kiChyD</a></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><i><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind beggar was sitting beside the road. When he heard the noise of a crowd going past, he asked what was happening. They told him that Jesus the Nazarene was going by. So he began shouting, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” </span></i></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><i><br /></i></div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><i>“Be quiet!” the people in front yelled at him. </i></div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><i><br /></i></div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><i>But he only shouted louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” </i></div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><i><br /></i></div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><i>When Jesus heard him, he stopped and ordered that the man be brought to him. As the man came near, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” </i></div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><i><br /></i></div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><i>“Lord,” he said, “I want to see!” </i></div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><i><br /></i></div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><i>And Jesus said, “All right, receive your sight! Your faith has healed you.” Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus, praising God. And all who saw it praised God, too.</i></div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><i><br /></i></div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><i>Luke 18:35-43 NLT</i></div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><i>https://bible.com/bible/116/luk.18.35-43.NLT</i></div>
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<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>photo credit: Mary McKevitt, Pinterest</div>
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Valerie E. Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02693675623566733792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3745504701010699615.post-39834633297217257892024-02-04T06:35:00.003-05:002024-02-04T07:37:49.645-05:00Four Doors, One Gate<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>"What do you see?" He asked.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>I replied, "I see four doors positioned in a circle, their sides touching, each facing different directions. One door facing north. One door facing south. One door facing east. One door facing west."</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>(I'm thinking of Ezekiel's vision of the temple with a gate for each direction... north gate, south gate, east gate, west gate. Ezekiel chapter 40.)</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">***</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Four doors that all lead to one space, one place. No matter the direction you're coming from, north, south, east, west... it is all the same gate. So I will call them from the north and the south. I will call them from the east and the west. And MANY will come and enter in. They will find the door and be wonderfully welcomed into My Presence!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">See? I've made a way for ALL to come in. So, no one can say there was no doorknob for them. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">I lead them in and lead them on. I take them by the hand. I bring them through this door of promise and straight into the land! See?? I lead them in and lead them on. I take them by the hand. I bring them through this door of promise <i>and straight into the land!!</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>Valerie E. Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02693675623566733792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3745504701010699615.post-21437417202675462582024-02-03T09:03:00.009-05:002024-02-04T05:50:41.825-05:00Be Gone With You, Wolves!<div style="text-align: left;"><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I am the Good Shepherd. </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">And I care for MY sheep, e</span><span style="font-family: georgia;">ven when they are surrounded by wolves -- blood-thirsty, drooling, </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">menacing. Even when the wolves are close, I am yet closer! </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">And just who are these wolves who come to harm? Who are they that come to trample, even as they trip over themselves! Their teeth are but a show -- fake! They are frauds even in the very 'get-up' they wear. They deceive themselves to think that they can harm you! For they can not touch the ones I protect. They can not devour the ones I embrace! I hover and cover and shelter my sheep. And NO ONE can snatch them out of My hands!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">So, be gone with you wolves! Be gone with you showman!! Be gone with all your 'tricks of the trade' and costumes you wear! BE GONE! For the Shepherd comes not to steal, kill and destroy like you do. The Shepherd comes to heal. And they will ALL be rescued and ALL be well cared for. I, the Lord, have spoken!</span></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix-x5Oz3hQKk3-knibS2CDyujJpGDMZk2hWlq_o_IiOR6yOTZlY8U2LhRN6dLNMb8wwzQeZ50xRuzMwG81mGdfUGFPwkm5RMKtTpWJ4Z-Zp_a6n7sN9woqidkUI7cZAnxoPv3hbE0ZdgA_Mf8QJ5XBwM8YgbXFItCapTaOyEB4MsulTASM-Ky44RvgH01w/s321/wolf.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="157" data-original-width="321" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix-x5Oz3hQKk3-knibS2CDyujJpGDMZk2hWlq_o_IiOR6yOTZlY8U2LhRN6dLNMb8wwzQeZ50xRuzMwG81mGdfUGFPwkm5RMKtTpWJ4Z-Zp_a6n7sN9woqidkUI7cZAnxoPv3hbE0ZdgA_Mf8QJ5XBwM8YgbXFItCapTaOyEB4MsulTASM-Ky44RvgH01w/s320/wolf.jpg" width="320" /></i></span></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>Psalms 23:1-6 NLT</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.23.1-6.NLT</i></span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>“I tell you the truth, anyone who sneaks over the wall of a sheepfold, rather than going through the gate, must surely be a thief and a robber! But the one who enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep recognize his voice and come to him. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice. </i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep. A hired hand will run when he sees a wolf coming. He will abandon the sheep because they don’t belong to him and he isn’t their shepherd. And so the wolf attacks them and scatters the flock. The hired hand runs away because he’s working only for the money and doesn’t really care about the sheep. “I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice my life for the sheep.</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>John 10:1-4, 11-15 NLT</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.10.1-14.NLT</i></span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><div>”My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.”</div><div><br /></div><div>John 10:27-30 NLT</div><div>https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.10.27-30.NLT</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><div><i>What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us?</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><div><i>No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.</i></div><div><i></i></div><div><i>Romans 8:31 & 37-39 NLT</i></div><div><i>https://bible.com/bible/116/rom.8.37-39.NLT</i></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></span></div></div>Valerie E. Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02693675623566733792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3745504701010699615.post-31062359800388173392024-02-02T09:23:00.002-05:002024-02-02T14:20:44.594-05:00A Song in the Night<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span><span>Hope. Hope says, "Wait for it. For in due season it will COME!" So wait for it, darling. Like one who waits for the </span></span>sunrise over the ocean in the early morning hours. Wait with anticipation. For the time will come and ALL will see the SALVATION of the Lord! </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcaYQJRft_jxKhFFg7tG4Bv1rQ9C59UGv65JB76s7tKoxCHkbmi-440altQM6kREaJSw3ZoNIClzXBhOc7zKAkIXdT162FnG4dRzqxsfMTgFlGFbVnnWGfiDMetYL5MHl67oqBGxqqmalFSOoaO2-Vtc1W8FEgtssDpLN2onj1zVTbciX7thCJFFIy0ohK/s689/IMG_6175.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="689" data-original-width="689" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcaYQJRft_jxKhFFg7tG4Bv1rQ9C59UGv65JB76s7tKoxCHkbmi-440altQM6kREaJSw3ZoNIClzXBhOc7zKAkIXdT162FnG4dRzqxsfMTgFlGFbVnnWGfiDMetYL5MHl67oqBGxqqmalFSOoaO2-Vtc1W8FEgtssDpLN2onj1zVTbciX7thCJFFIy0ohK/s320/IMG_6175.jpeg" width="320" /></a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span>And then many will say, "Where oh death is your sting?" For they will rise up even among the ashes. They will arise and rub their eyes, their sleepy eyes, and see for </span><i>themselves</i><span> the salvation of the Lord! </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">And for this I send you out! For you fight the darkness, even as the world sleeps. You FIGHT the dark in the 'wee hours' just before twilight. You fight for the world with Me, even as they are unaware of the battle, that they are even in danger. I send you to fight the unseen so that they may SEE when dawn does break! You fight 'in the night' and the morning proclaims its victory! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">So do not worry about numbers and the appearance of victory. Soldiers don't always see the spoils until the dawn comes and the sun rises upon it for all to see. Just keep your eyes on Me and fight with Me. Your intercession and your sound goes deep into the enemy's camp and foils them! You are breaking ground for the Kingdom of God! You are helping to turn the soil over!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">I say it again: HOPE! Wait for Me <i>expectantly! </i>And sing into the night, rejoicing that the dawn is about to break!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">photo credit: Alane Haynes Facebook page</div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span></div></span></div></span></div></span></div></span></div></span></span></div>Valerie E. Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02693675623566733792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3745504701010699615.post-14768271734569204542024-01-30T09:35:00.002-05:002024-01-30T09:35:30.808-05:00The Trail of a Snail<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The snail. The small, slimy snail</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">that leave trails</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">of guck </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">and yuck</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">and what is unpleasant.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">We don't like it.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Nope, not at all,</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">not for one single second.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">But the slime to the snail</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">is a friend, not a foe.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">It needs it to get to the places it goes.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">It glides on its slime </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">and then it becomes like a compass</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">so he knows his way back.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">See! It's all for a purpose!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">So don't be so quick to judge at first sight.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">A snail leaves a trail for its good in his life.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">And what is unpleasant to us </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">is just normal to him.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">He's unique and so wonderful</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">if we just understand him.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkGeKMByH2KU7ZyhlV68MakdMfG3NcKVGdrjoi7f5NA971vuZt6CpjWTzw9s3lu5D-TdcdLo0gJDAbi4jg4_j1Pcrw5EVm0UYTAtWz9Lc1HG-fXyFgrgg7HmzO9U5dC9T1vNdAKtrXLjCpSK27cxHtV3pe-gTc-ZZvfHt3yLzLjCmTMGDZ77vzeAGOLDZp/s2000/snail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1498" data-original-width="2000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkGeKMByH2KU7ZyhlV68MakdMfG3NcKVGdrjoi7f5NA971vuZt6CpjWTzw9s3lu5D-TdcdLo0gJDAbi4jg4_j1Pcrw5EVm0UYTAtWz9Lc1HG-fXyFgrgg7HmzO9U5dC9T1vNdAKtrXLjCpSK27cxHtV3pe-gTc-ZZvfHt3yLzLjCmTMGDZ77vzeAGOLDZp/s320/snail.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">https://clipart-library.com/</div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>Valerie E. Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02693675623566733792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3745504701010699615.post-27309799767858092712024-01-23T06:27:00.003-05:002024-01-23T07:26:20.083-05:00The Rescuer's Decree<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Open your eyes to see a great surprise</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">coming down from heaven in splendor!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">It's wonderful, it's neat!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">It's holy and complete!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">It's more than just a good time,</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">it's My favor!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">And favor there shall be </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">as light hits sea to sea!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">I will light the nation up</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">and watch it burn for Me!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">I will drive out ugly horses</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">that stomp upon the nation.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">I will chase them out and</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">they will trample those who steer them.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">I will set this nation free</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">like the Israelites who crossed the sea!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">I will SHOW MYSELF</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">for this is who I am and who I am for all of thee!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Oh America, the Beautiful,</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">my heart beats for you, for you indeed!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">So, lift your eyes to the hills!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Where cometh your help?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">It's from the Lord of heaven!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The Lord of earth!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Don't give up on Me,</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">not in this hour where you need Me,</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">need Me so desperately!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">For I will come and awaken your children.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">I will do this for My Name's sake.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">For they have not known Me nor have feared Me.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">But I will show Myself to even the least of them,</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">so they might know Me!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">They will blink and rub their eyes!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">They will not understand what they see</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">nor understand this surprise.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">They will be stunned and speechless</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">and seek to know the One behind the secrets!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">I will be kind to them for they are sheep without a shepherd.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">They have been lead down paths</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">and I have not been the One to lead them!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">They have been tricked by goats! By men who wear other faces!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Men who trick and deceive and swallow them whole</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">without conscience, with no remorse for their actions!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">So this is why I am coming!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">To save the children of your nation!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">So hold on to Me and watch as I come </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">and swoop down and rescue each and every one!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>Valerie E. Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02693675623566733792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3745504701010699615.post-86605989826019332622024-01-22T06:59:00.002-05:002024-01-25T08:23:57.886-05:00Endurance<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Have hope for things unfinished. Things still unresolved. Things still to be completed. Have hope. For things are not yet finished! Things are not yet resolved! Thinks are still to be completed! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Why give up on something simply because it is half done? Does a chef shut off his stove half way through cooking a meal, throw up his arms and walk away? How ridiculous! His meal is still in process! His meal is on its way! If he walks away now he will never know what it will become! He understands the time it will take. He understands there is a process. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">And so don't walk away. Don't give up on plans that are half done, things that are half-baked. Don't say to yourself, "I am not seeing the finish line, so I'm walking away." Darling! Give it the time it needs! Even as mothers must wait for their children to grow in their bellies. They endure the process until the baby is ready for delivery. So don't give up! Don't walk away. Your meal will soon be served. Your baby will soon be delivered!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhXk3uAxeHZCTb5N6DtHGwkPwl5jU_pOUZbgP4cC8CsyABUTJ9H9eFQeG8nNNuNIxGyVEOXNvARwTmWleW3TKz-nK3e90TYFED-zCDvWHcIVkoTLJNv7-3zeZQzFN-TlJAmNOZUd1p0gJjssCDdlKo9A-BFLjJ84XGMuy_oyfqwBeDWPAV-A3v4El5dhd8/s700/IMG_6137.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhXk3uAxeHZCTb5N6DtHGwkPwl5jU_pOUZbgP4cC8CsyABUTJ9H9eFQeG8nNNuNIxGyVEOXNvARwTmWleW3TKz-nK3e90TYFED-zCDvWHcIVkoTLJNv7-3zeZQzFN-TlJAmNOZUd1p0gJjssCDdlKo9A-BFLjJ84XGMuy_oyfqwBeDWPAV-A3v4El5dhd8/s320/IMG_6137.png" width="274" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>Valerie E. Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02693675623566733792noreply@blogger.com0