Lord, I Need You

Lord I need You, when the sea of life is calm

O Lord I need you when the wind is blowing strong

Whether trials come or cease, keep me always on my knees

Lord I need You, Lord I need You

Sometimes when life seems gentle and blessings flood my way,

I turn my gaze away from you, and soon forget to pray

But when the sky grows darker and courage turns to fear

My anxious voice cries upward with words You long to hear

Lord I need You, when the sea of life is calm

O Lord I need you when the wind is blowing strong

Whether trials come or cease, keep me always on my knees

Lord I need You, Lord I need You

Lord help me to remember, I’m weak but You are strong

I cannot sing apart from You, for Lord You are my song

Although I’m prone to wander and boast in all I do

Lord keep my eyes turned upward, so I depend on You
(Ron Hamilton)

Singing this song many times over in the past 6 months has spoke to me. I realized my constant need for the Lord in my daily life. Not one days goes by that I do not need Him. Recognizing my weakness without Him has drawn to my knees to ask Him to come by side, because I need Him!

Blessings! 

A New Day Dawning

Having recently started working third shift, I soon found there was something that I longed for during each shift. No matter how tough the shift was or how easy it was, there was a moment in the shift that seems to fill me with peace and revive my weary human body. 

"What" you might wonder?

It is the promise of a new day. 

The beauty of each morning as the sun began to top the mountains or peek through the clouds. And you might say that not every day is the sun visible. How true that is, but even though it is hidden from eye, it is still there. As dawn breaks across the horizon, just the promise of a new day fills one with peace and revives deep down. 

So it is with our Christian life. New days dawn in our walk with Christ; some bright and cheery, others damp and dreary. And it is always easy to rejoice when the sun is bright, life is full of joys and blessings. But so often it is even harder to be happy when the skies are filled with clouds of disappointments, trials, hardships. As children of the King, we are reminded of the mercies that are new every day, whether they be something as little as a beautiful sunrise or  something as big as physical healing in the life of a loved one. Even when the day is drear, it is filled with the mercies of the Lord. Just by being alive is indication of His mercy extended toward you or me.

It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23

So whether your day is bright or drear, the Lord has bestowed His mercies upon you. When the way is bright, thank Him for what He has done. And when the way is drear and hard, look for the small things that He has blessed you with.

Look for that new day! Wait patiently for it and dwell in the beauty that the Lord has bestowed in the bright and the drear.

Remember that there is a NEW DAY for all those that seek Him! It could happen any day!

PS. A "new" day has dawned in my life. I am now officially registered for the clinical aspect of Nursing. This has been a long awaited moment of mine, having studied 2.5 years of part-time gen ed studies in preparation for this moment. I am looking forward to seeing where God leads from here.

The Beauty of Whitespace

Whitespace - a term I had heard only a few times before. What was it? 

This week I began a journey in learning of Spiritual Whitespace as I started reading a book by Bonnie Gray - the author of Faith Barista. 

So what is whitespace? Untouched, unmarked space, but not blank. It has beauty! A canvas longing for quiet, beauty, rest. We have been instructed to rest.

[Earnestly] remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy (withdrawn from common employment and dedicated to God). Six days you shall labor and do all your work, But the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God; in it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, your daughter, your manservant, your maidservant, your domestic animals, or the sojourner within your gates. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. That is why the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it [set it apart for His purposes]. Exodus 20:8-11 AMP

Even God in all His holiness rested after He created the earth. He, who was all-knowing, all-powerful, Supreme, needed to rest. How much more do we as fallen creatures saved by grace need to rest? We even find Jesus, amidst His calling here on earth, stepping away from His task at hand and retreating to the mountains for some time alone. He, who came to earth as an individual to die for our sins when He himself was sinless, recognized the need to step back and find that spiritual whitespace - that place of beautiful rest.

And He said to them, [[a]As for you] come away by yourselves to a deserted place, and rest a while—for many were [continually] coming and going, and they had not even leisure enough to eat. Mark 6:31 AMP.

I encourage you to find your place of rest - your spiritual whitespace. A place where you can lay aside the daily weight and find God, as He waits for you. As He desires for you to rest in Him.

I have just began my journey through this book. Join us as we take this journey of finding Spiritual Whitespace.


The beauty of whitespace!

Here Am I, Send Me

Today on Jewels of Jesus, the emphasis is placed on the call that we have as Christians. I am sharing some of my personal story and the call that I recieved to serve in Nicaragua.

Read more...

But the Greatest of These is Love!

1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 

2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 

3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned , and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. 

4 Charity suffereth long , and is kind ; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself , is not puffed up , 

5 Doth not behave itself unseemly , seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked , thinketh no evil; 

6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 

7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. 

8 Charity never faileth : but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail ; whether there be tongues, they shall cease ; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away . 

9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 

10 But when that which is perfect is come , then that which is in part shall be done away . 

11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 

12 For now we see through a glass, darkly ; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known . 

13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. 

1 Corinthians 13:1-13 KJV



Blessings to you as you love as Jesus does!

Would We Truly Long for Heaven?

Would We Truly Long for Heaven?

(click for a sound clip)

Would we truly long for heaven 

If this life was perfect here,
If we had no pain or heartache,
If we never shed a tear? 

If we had no disappointments,
And our dreams would all come true,
Could we keep that heav'nly vision
And that deep eternal view?

Would we truly long for Heaven
If we never gave a sigh,
If the old were always taken,
And the young would never die?

If we had no cherished loved ones
Waiting at the eastern gate,
Would we truly long for Heaven
And reunion that awaits?

Would we truly long for Heaven
At the ending of the road,
If our backs were never bleeding
From the burden of the load?

If the sun was always shining,
If we never felt a gale,
Would we long for Heaven’s Harbour
To be safe within the veil?

Would we truly long for Heaven
And the bliss of yonder shore,
If we had no loved ones tugging
On the line at Heaven’s door?

If our precious family circle
Never was broken here below,
Would we truly long for Heaven
Where our loved ones we shall know?

Yes, dear Savior, we are longing
To be safe on Heaven’s shore,
And these trials only make us
Long for Heaven more and more.

And we see that Thou art using
Every trial of each day
As a tug from Heaven’s anchor
Just to pull us Heaven’s way. 
--Elizabeth Drudge

This song really struck a chord this weekend as I listen to the Buffalo Valley Men's Octet at Wilkes-Barre Mennonite Church Sunday morning. If my life was perfect, what would I have to look forward too? If no one ever died, who would I miss? 

Then I thought, do I truly long for heaven with each passing day? Does each day find me longing for the day when I will see my Savior's face? Scriptures reveal the day is fast approaching - 

"18 Little children, it is the last time: and as ye 

have heard that antichrist shall come, even 

now are there many antichrists; whereby we 

know that it is the last time.(1 John 2:18)

Many false teachers are in our presence, attempting to teach "new" doctrine and doing away with "old" doctrine. But God's Word is unchanging! He is the same yesterday, today and forever.

My challenge to you is to truly long for heaven. Stay strong in the True faith of God as we are in the last days. Heaven awaits for those who have remained faithful to the calling of God on their lives. some final Scripture for you -

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary

 the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, 

seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8)

5And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. 6And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. 7He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. (Revelations 21:5-7)

The joy that awaits us truly outweighs the pleasure and luxury of this world!

Truly longing for heaven!

Thank You for Being Kind

Thank you for being kind!

Five simple words, but how they stopped me in my tracks. Made me think, reflect back on my actions and wonder what had been the reason behind those words. And I was reminded of the words of my Saviour in Matthew 25:

"Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." Matt 25:34-40(KJV)

I was convicted as I thought of my actions from day to day. Did I truly strive to make a difference in the life of an individual who I may never see again? Did I stop to listen to the person who was lonely and just needed someone to talk to? Did I give a glass of water to a little one? Stop and see the little house the little girl had made?

Or did I turn my back on the lonely individual? Frown at the little girl who just wanted someone to look at her little house? Hurry on my path, even though it would have taken a scarce minute to hand the individual a glass of water?

Have I taken time today to place myself in another's shoes? Feel what they may be feeling? Loneliness because their family is far away? Sadness because a loved one has passed on? Joy at the birth of a new soul? Rejoice at the small steps their little child is taking?

Do I truly care about the individuals that I see each and every day? 

The challenge I leave for you and for me is to take time to listen. Listen to the heart cry. Listen to the heart rejoice. "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of the my brethren, ye have done it unto me." Let the love of Christ in your life, reflect who you are. A new being, a caring soul. Be willing to listen and place them in the care of the Father. Not only will you be rewarded with simple words as "thank you for being kind," but also the eternal reward is one that I can't even begin to imagine. Do as Jesus did and take them "on your knees." 

Blessings to you as you "listen" to others.

My Plans Towards You

Today on Jewels of Jesus, I am talking about the purpose we all have in life. So often I struggle with worry, doubt and many other things. Read more here....

The Brink of a New Year!

 A new year is upon us!

And I wonder where 2013 has gone....

2013 brought many changes, trials, blessings, times of crying and of laughter.

Looking back I have seen the hand of God in more than one situation and I am blessed....

But still in my humanness, standing on the brink of 2014; I will admit that I am somewhat scared...maybe confused or afraid of the possible changes that may come.

Change is hard, I will be the first to admit. But change can often make us stronger. Maybe it painfully breaks us first, and then molds us into a new being...or just provides stability to what we already are.

But however we feel does not change the obvious of an unknown future...

With that I am glad of the promise that I can cling to:

I don't know about tomorrow...

BUT I KNOW WHO HOLDS TOMORROW 

&

I KNOW WHO HOLDS MY HAND!

"Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows." (Matt 10:29-31 KJV)

"So do not worry or be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will have worries and anxieties of its own. Sufficient for each day is its own trouble." (Matt 6:34 AMP)

And though I struggle with worrying about the unknown, I remind myself of the God that I serve. He knows tomorrow and He is there to walk me through! And for that, I am truly thankful. I can't imagine how life would be without a loving God by my side.

With that I leave a final verse:

"Casting all your care upon him, for he careth for you" (1 Peter 5:7 KJV)

This World Is Not My Home! (Video Post)

This world is not my home! 

Reminded this morning of the need to "be holy, for I am holy" (Lev 11:44-45). We are in this world, but not of this world. We are citizens of a heavenly place and we anticipate that which awaits. I can't wait to go home...

but until then...

and what a day that will be!

May the Lord bless you with a wonderful day!

Andrea

Wednesday Window

Time flies by, moments captured by camera, and memories inscribed in my mind and heart.

Summer finds me buried in the textbook of Anatomy & Physiology, studying the intricate creation that our bodies reveal.  

Taking time to enjoy the small beauties of nature.

Refreshing my brain and taking time off to swim with my siblings.

Take time to enjoy the simple pleasures that surround you! They may be gone tomorrow!

Blessings, Andrea

How Great Thou Art!

How Great Thou Art...those words have been running through my mind continuously. I just completed my 2nd week of Anatomy & Physiology class. Studying the body in-depth leaves me awe-struck. How intricately all our body parts work together, upon command and behind-the scenes, should be proof alone of a Creator. How great He truly is! 

I've taken to coloring...hey whatever helps with making vital information stick in my brain.

Lab Homework - I might not be an artist, but it helps to remember the important parts.

Have a great week!

Andrea

I Will Never Leave You...

• Sitting in the pizza shop, waiting for my order and thinking over the evening that passed...
• Time spent with dear friends, discussing memories and pastimes...
• Partaking of a Nicaraguan supper-memories of the little stand in Malpaisillo...
• Laughing and playing with my dear little ones-children who hold special places in my heart...
• Thinking over the many changes that have taken place in my life over the past several years...
• Realizing that had it not been for the grace of God and His strength, I wouldn't be where I am today...

So often I tend to go through days, never stopping to realize why I am here or why I was there...and I may never know the reason, but I know the Person behind each moment. The One that has promised to never leave you, never leave me. He has brought me to this place. He will be by my side through it all!

"For he hath said, I will never leave thee nor forsake thee." Heb 13.5b

What a promise!

Christian blessings! Andrea

(in)courage: There's Power in Your Story -

I was blessed as I read what Kaitlyn had to share today at (in)courage.

Shared from (in)courage...  

You don’t know me from Adam. Oddly enough, I don’t know you either.

But this I do know:

You need encouragement.

You have a Story to tell.

You are community.

If we had the chance to sit down across from each other over a frappechino and something chocolate-y {a warm brownie, preferably}, I bet we would be fast friends.

There’s nothing that binds friends so fast as the power of Story. It’s in the sharing of Story that we find community in one another. When I share a piece of myself, you can relate to the real me, raw and exposed. When you speak of your triumphs and struggles, I’m right there with you, celebrating as you cross the finish line and holding your hand when the tears fall... Read more...

Of a Single Heart: No Good Apart from Him

Sharing a post from one of my friends. It was what I needed to hear.

Of a Single Heart: No Good Apart from Him: I say to the   Lord , "You are my Lord;      I have no good apart from you.” —Psalm 16:2 That moment, I was struggling. Worn out. Weary. Read more....

Brave...5-Minute Friday

Brave...

But I am not brave. I am scared. The future looks so dark. I can't see where I am going. And you call me brave? What is even brave about me.? I may not know what is brave about me, but I know what brave is for the Christian. Brave is "faith." Tomorrow may be obscured from sight, but the act of placing one foot in front of the other is being brave. Brave sees the path disappear into the forest, but one step at a time, they follow the path to the destination. Brave says "With God's power, I can face tomorrow." Brave says "yes" when God says "GO." Brave is the farmer putting his hand to the plow and not looking back, but focusing on the end of the field. Without faith, brave cannot live. Neither can faith live without brave. The two are inseparable, and both are powerful tools to the life of victory for the Christian.

So go forth full of faith and be brave in the face of tomorrow!

Consider Him...

"For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds." Hebrews 12:3 (KJV)

Consider Him...

He who was betrayed by one of the twelve

He who was denied by his disciple

He whom they spat upon

He whom was scourged and smote

He whom they mocked

He whose clothes they parted by lots

He who endured public shame

HE WHO WAS CRUCIFIED FOR MY SINS!

"...by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities...because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors  and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors." Isaiah 53:11b, 12b (KJV)

Commemorating the sacrifice that Christ has paid for you, for me. 

Recognizing that far too often, I take for granted the price that has been paid.

Thank you Jesus...Hallelujah, thank you Lord for what you done for me!

Blessings to all,

Andrea

Friends...5-Minute Friday

FRIEND: what is a friend? 

There are so many types of friends, and the ones that are dearest, are the ones who stop to listen when the day is rough, when tomorrow seems to never come, or when the water rushing over you seems to drown you. Friends take the time out of their day to just let you know they care, maybe a text, an email, a visit with a cup of coffee from the local coffee shop. Best friends are those who take time to listen to the rough moments, rejoice in the blessings of life, but most of all when you need them the most, they are right there waiting for you.

Among all the best friends that a person could ever have there is only one Friend that will never leave, never gossip about, never laugh when you are crying. 

Jesus, the Friend of all friends, stands by your side, listening waiting and loving you.

"What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer! O what peace we often forfeit,O what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer." Joseph M. Scriven

Friend of friends, He is waiting for you and loves you as only the "Bestest" best friend can.

Thursday Thoughts

A friend sent me a message this evening, asking me to watch the video below:

I will be the first to admit that God spoke to me, asking me to evaluate my life in regards to modesty. Modesty is one of the traits that identifies a Proverbs 31 woman. To me, modesty is not just about how I dress, but about so much more. 

Modesty:

(Brothers refers to Brothers in the faith, our Christian brothers)

In dress - We are created as beautiful ladies. We have been intricately designed by the Creator of the universe. However, we are responsible to cloth our physical being appropriately. Tight-fitting clothes, short skirts, low bodices are used by Satan to tempt our brothers in their thoughts. Modestly attired is not about wearing baggy, extra-large clothing, but about be covered appropriately, allowing a brother to focus on your conversation without being tempted lustful thoughts.

In spirit: What is it to be modest in spirit? No, it does not mean to be backwards or withdrawn, but rather it is having the love of Jesus radiating on your face. I personally know some sisters who are modest in spirit and bubbling over, willing to talk to anyone, and then there are some that are quiet, but one look at their face will reveal the love of God that fills them. So sisters, you can be outgoing or quiet, and still be modest in spirit. Be who God has created you to be!

In speech/actions: Are you one who checks your reflection in the mirror numerous times before going out with friends? Or bat your eyelashes when a cute fellow come into the room? We all desire to be loved and be a vital part of a man's life, but too often the way we go about it is wrong. So what is modest in speech and actions? Yes, we do need to care about our physical looks, but what is really is important is what is inside. Being modest in speech and actions is being friendly with our brothers and talking to them when they approach, but avoiding flirtatious speech, continuous batting of eyelashes, and such things. How we act when we are with them at a youth function is often our good behavior, thus being who we really are is what God desires. Being who we truly are is the key to modesty in speech and actions.

To close, I bring this challenge to you: 

He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes. I John 2:10-11 KJV

In hearing this brother share what is on the heart of many of our brothers, as well as is the desire of our Eternal Father, I took a step back and looked at modesty in my life. I was convicted of several of these areas in my life and I was burdened to share what God laid on my heart. There is so much to learn about being modest, that I barely have skimmed the surface. 

Feel free to ask questions!

Blessings, Andrea

The Guidance of God

Oft times the mist covers the path before us and we wonder where to turn. The path looks uncertain and at times, disappears in the fog of the day. God has promised to be beside us all the way.  He hath said 

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 3:16

These words lodged in my heart this week, as once again I saw God's hand in my life. Some of you know that I have been seeking God's will for direction in relation to a job in health care as a Nurse Aide. I had applied several times prior and each time God shut the door. I must admit several times that I wondered "why" and was guilty of knocking on the closed door. But as all Christians know, God always has the bigger picture in mind. 

I applied at Ephrata Community Hospital in February with hopes that just maybe this time would work out. Much time was spent in prayer, asking God for guidance as I searched His will. This time the door opened and I was called in for an interview. Almost three weeks after the interview, I spoke with the hospital once again - this time being asked if I am truly interested in the position they have available for me. And yes, I accepted their offer of a full-time position. Looking back, I have been challenged as I have seen God's hands in each step. I was reminded of the song below - "God Leads Us Along"

No matter what He calls us to do, His grace is sufficient for us. He might open some doors, just to close them later to teach us to truly rely on Him for each moment.

Where is He leading you today? Does your path seem uncertain or hidden from view? He will lead us along, but He is waiting for us to ask. May I, may you learn to lean on Him in the good times and the bad times. He is all-sufficient!

Blessings!

Andrea