Stop being Angry!

Commit everything you do to God, Trust Him and He will help you!

Be still in the presence of God, and wait patiently for Him to act.

Do not worry about evil people who prosper, or fret about their wicked schemes.

Stop being angry - turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper, it only leads to harm.

For the wicked will be destroyed, but God's people will possess the earth made new.

The above lines are from Psalm 37:5,7-9

Be still, and know that I Am God. Psalm 46:10

God Rescues Every Time

God hears His people when they call to Him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles.

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted, He rescues those whose spirits are crushed.

The righteous face many troubles, but God rescues them every time.

Psalm 34:17-19

Those who hate the Righteous...

Calamity will surely overtake the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be punished.

But the Lord will redeem those who serve Him - Everyone who takes refuge in God will be saved.

Psalm 34:21-22

Who will Go to Heaven?

Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord? Who may enter your presence on your Holy Hill?

Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts.

  Those who refuse to gossip or harm their neighbors or speak evil of their friends

 Those who despise flagrant sinners, and honor the faithful followers of the Lord

 those who keep their promises even when it is inconvenient.

 Those who lend money without interest, and who cannot be bribed to lie about the innocent.

Such people will go to Heaven!

Psalms chapter 15, verses 1-5

Spirits of Devils

Quotes from the Ellen G. White book, Early Writings, p 262

I saw that the saints must have a thorough understanding of present truth, which they will be obliged to maintain from the Scriptures. They must understand the state of the dead; for the spirits of devils will yet appear to them, professing to be loved relatives or friends who will declare to them unscriptural doctrines.

The spirits of devils will do all in their power to excite sympathy and will work miracles before them to confirm what they declare. The people of God must be prepared to withstand these spirits [demons] with the Bible truth that the dead know not anything, and that they who thus appear are the spirits of devils.

We must examine well the foundation of our hope: for we shall have to give a reason for it from the Scriptures.

For the living know that they will die but the dead know not anything. Ecclesiastes 9:5

Washed-out Bridge

While traveling on a dirt county road Andy noticed, too late, that the bridge was washed out!

Traveling at 30 miles per hour he had no time to stop and the next thing he knew the washed out bridge was behind him!


Andy was so excited that he drove 60 miles back home and brought me to see this amazing sight, and to measure the wash-out and to take photos.

The hole measured seven feet long, twelve feet wide, and ten feet deep. Tire tracks could be plainly seen in the soft dirt road going right to the edge on one side and continuing on the other side - the car had not jumped the hole! Andy felt no bumps or jolts as is common when his little car goes over even the smallest pothole.

Andy explains, "I drove over on God’s hand, there is no other explanation why the car did not fall in the hole. God saved me!

 ‘For He shall give His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.’ Psalm 91:11.”

Terrible Intensity

The great controversy between good and evil will increase in intensity to the very close of time. ..

.As the church approaches her final deliverance, Satan is to work with greater power.

For six thousand years that mastermind (Lucifer - Satan), that once was highest among the angels of God, has been wholly bent to the work of deception and ruin.

And all the depths of satanic skill and subtlety acquired, all the cruelty developed, during these struggles of the ages, will be brought against God's people in the final conflict. And in this time of peril the followers of Christ are to bear to the world the warning of the Lord's second advent....

In the great final conflict, Satan will employ the same policy, manifest the same spirit, and work for the same end as in all preceding ages.

That which has been, will be, except that the coming struggle will be marked with a terrible intensity such as the world has ever witnessed. Satan's deceptions will be more subtle, his assaults more determined.   If it were possible, he would lead stray the elect.

Selections from The Great Controversy, Introduction, ix, x, xi by E G White

WATCH !!

Before the Flood .

... for seven days the people, knowing not that their doom was fixed, continued their careless, pleasure-loving life and mocked the warnings of impending judgment. "So," says the Savior, "shall also the coming of the Son of Man be." Matthew 24:39.

"Watch...lest coming suddenly He find you sleeping." Mark 13:35, 36.

Perilous is the condition of those who, growing weary of their watch, turn to the attractions of the world.

While the man of business is absorbed in the pursuit of [money];
while the pleasure lover is seeking indulgence;
while the daughter of fashion is arranging her adornments
- it may be in that hour the Judge of all the earth will pronounce the sentence:
 "You are weighed in the balances, and are found wanting." Daniel 5:27

Selections from The Great Controversy, p 491, E G White

Facing Life's Record

All who would have their names retained in the Book of Life should now, in the few remaining days of their probation, afflict their souls before God by sorrow and true repentance.

The purity and devotion of one will not offset the [lack] of these qualities in another.

[God] will examine the case of each individual with as close and searching scrutiny as if there were not another being upon the earth.

The Judgment is now passing in the sanctuary above. ...Soon - none know how soon - it will pass to the cases of the living...

"Watch and pray, for you know not when the time is." Mark 13:33

Selections from The Great Controversy, p 490, E G White

Valentine's Day

In high school and college I was very particular as to who I dated. The guy had to show respect for himself; if he had no respect for himself how could he have respect for me?

 Respect was very important, as was morality, which included no smoking, drinking, drugs or lewd behavior. (I did not date much, but married a gem of a husband!)

 I did not start dating until I was almost seventeen.

 And am proud to say I kept my promise made at a young age and was a chaste virgin for my future husband.

We have been married over 40 (forty) consecutive years!

When We Receive our Heavenly Reward

"When the redeemed stand before God, precious souls will respond to their names who are there because of our faithful, patient and earnest persuasions to flee to the Stronghold.

 Thus, those who in this world have been laborers together with God will receive their reward.”

Testimonies to the Church, Volume 8, pp. 196, 197, E G White 

The Truth About Grandma!

"Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are of God..." 1 John 4:1 [RSV]

As a Christian I fully believe in the Trinity of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The Hebrew word for “Trinity” is Elohim, and in Genesis 1:26 is translated "Us." God is interested in everything that affects us, for the Trinity deeply loves each one of us.

When Adam and Eve believed Satan’s first lie, "you will never die," (Genesis 3:4, 5), the world was cast into sin and confusion that grows worse every year. Satan lied in direct opposition to God's truth - "if you eat it [a sin] you will die" (Genesis 2:17). Since that first lie almost everyone believes that when you die you keep on living.

It was this teaching and the popular 1960's television comedy, Bewitched, that almost caused my spiritual ruin. Bewitched piqued interest in other schoolgirls, and at slumber parties we would attempt levitation and seances.

We did not know the Bible truth that would protect us from danger. “The living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing.” (See: Ecclesiastes 9:5-6 and 10; Psalm 115:17; Psalm 146:4; Job 7:9-10; Job 14:21; and Isaiah 8:19-20.)

On May 21, 1963 at 10:15 p.m. I sensed something "bad" in the house. Trying to alert my parents to danger by shaking their bed; I was confused when they did not respond. Crawling back into bed, I was startled when Grandma, who lived three hours away, walked through my bedroom door. She was filmy-white. Slowly she glided towards me.

"Grandma, why are you here?" I asked innocently. Never speaking she came to me, her face changing into a demonic glare while gesturing to choke me. "Jesus help me!" I screamed, while throwing the covers over my head. Moments later the ghost was gone. The clock read 10:25 p.m. I cried out to Mom in the next room, she came immediately.

The next morning the nursing home called with the news that this same grandmother had died the night before at 10:20 p.m.

"Grandma was in my room last night,” I told the family, “she was see-through white." Mom was unnerved, but said, “Such things are impossible. Grandma is in Heaven. When people die they go to Heaven."

For years I wondered what Grandma had wanted from me. Was she really trying to kill me, or just wanted me to follow her to heaven? These thoughts haunted me for years.

In 1975 SDA pastor Dr. Charles Felton explained to me, "the living know that they will die, but the dead do not know anything," Ecclesiastes 9:5,6,10. He explained it was the devil whom I had seen - the devil had been confusing me and wanting me to follow him (the devil.)

I was so happy to finally know the truth about "Grandma!"

The Story of the Good Samaritan according to me

There once was a young woman who was walking in a rough neighborhood (sin). Suddenly she was mugged by a gang (Satan and his demons). They hurt her physically and emotionally, and left her for dead in the gutter.

After awhile a church member walked by. The young woman called out for help, but the church member cursed her and continued walking.

Then the head elder walked by. The young woman pleaded with him to please help her, but he stuck his nose in the air and pretended not to see her.

Then the pastor walked by and was disgusted to see her lying in the gutter. He too passed her by.

Finally, Jesus Himself walked by and when the young woman weakly called out for help Jesus immediately stopped and helped her. He didn’t call her a “stupid idiot” for walking in such a rough neighborhood, but He did dress her physical and emotional wounds and carried her to the nearest Inn and continued to care for her.

The next day, before He left, Jesus told the innkeeper to feed the young woman and wash her wounds, saying He would repay the innkeeper when He returned.

“Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.” - Jesus

Purchased by the Blood of God

God is a judge. He is passionately concerned with justice. But He alone is our Intercessor. He presents His own perfect life and shed blood as our Substitute. He satisfies His own demand for justice - at great cost to Himself. That is the foundation of His righteous empire.

We are guilty. There is nothing we can do to cover our shameful acts. We deserve to die. But God looks through all that and sees Jesus' sacrifice. Mercy and justice come together in that great act of Love.

We have been purchased and saved by the shed blood of God Himself.


Selections from Empires in Collision, p 70, George E Vandeman

Faith & Works

What good is it, if a man claims to have faith but has no works? Can such faith save him?

Someone will say, "You have faith; and I have works.
Show me your faith without works, and I will show you my faith by what I do. "

You believe there is one God? Good! But even the demons believe that and shudder.

Foolish man! Do you want evidence that faith without works is useless? Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did! Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness; and he was called God's friend.

You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone.

As the body without breath is dead, so faith without works is dead.

From the book of James 2:14, 18-24, 26.

Complaints? - Really?!

The children of Israel were led into difficult circumstances, like at Marah, where they were practically dying of thirst and found that the water was bitter. Angrily they reproached Moses for leading them into such a terrible spot, forgetting that the Lord Himself had led them there.


"Many look back to the Israelites, and marvel at their unbelief and murmuring, feeling that they themselves would not have been so ungrateful; but when their faith is tested, even by little trials, they manifest no more faith and patience than did ancient Israel. When brought into [tight] places, they murmur at the process by which God has chosen to purify them."
Patriarchs and Prophets, p 293 by E G White

TEN YEARS - CANCER FREE!

On February 7th, 2005 I felt large lumps in both breasts. My physician confirmed the lumps and found smaller ones on each side. A February 16th appointment was made at the hospital for a mammogram and ultrasound, with a surgeon standing by for biopsy. I had known women who died from breast cancer. Was I to be another statistic?

The week prior to mammogram I put my life in order by phoning or writing family and friends to put everything “right” between us. Then I rededicated my life to God, asking forgiveness of all my sins. I told God if it was His will for me to die, it was okay as long as I was “right” with Him. I asked for God’s healing in my life, I read the Bible, I prayed earnestly, I did all these things, but the lumps were still there.

February 16, 2005 - mammogram day. I awoke at 5:30 am and watched the sun rise. “What would this day bring,” I pondered.

 I prayed to God to be near, really near.

 At the hospital I changed into the gown and felt my breasts, and, yes, the lumps were still there.

The mammogram was over and so was the ultrasound. I now awaited the surgeon’s decision whether or not to do a biopsy. I could hear him talking fast and loud about my case. He was scaring me! What was he saying? “Why was she brought in? She has no lumps of any size in her breasts! They are completely clear!”

God worked a miracle! I have been cancer free-lump free for Over 12 years!

However Feeble

Never a prayer is offered, however faltering;
never a tear is shed, however secret;
 never a sincere desire after God is cherished, however feeble,
but the Spirit of God goes forth to meet it.

Christ's Object Lessons, p 208-209, E G White

Satan is Not Permitted...

Satan is not permitted to read our thoughts; but he is a keen observer, and he marks the words and actions, and skillfully adapts his temptations to meet the cases of those who place themselves in his power.

If we would work to repress sinful thoughts and feelings, giving them no expression in words or actions, Satan would be defeated, for he could not prepare his temptations to meet our case.


True Revival, p 10, E G White

BFF - Best Friend Forever

Jesus is eager to be your BFF. He has not changed with the years. His love is as strong, His understanding as perfect, His sympathy as deep, as He was in Bible days.

 Jesus is just as helpful today as at any time past.

Sometimes we are called to pass through periods of trial and hardship. Our future seems hedged with difficulties. Our faith and loyalty are tested to the limit. But God never deserts us. He waits for just the right moment to come to our rescue.

Jesus is "our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble" Psalm 46:1.

Take Jesus at His word and go boldly, with confidence, and tell Him all that is on your heart.

A Reward

You should not look upon present appearances, but keep the eye [focused] to your duty, single on God's glory, and follow in God's opening providence, and the path shall brighten before you.

Every self-denial, every sacrifice, is faithfully recorded, and will bring its reward.

Christian Experience & Teachings, p 134, E G White

Healing Miracle

Tonight I was draining spaghetti in boiling water - part of the boiling water drained over my left hand! The pain kept increasing- I asked Andy for a cold, wet cloth - that helped a little but my poor hand was still painful and red. Five minutes later, while praying for healing, the pain was totally gone, the redness was gone and neither symptoms have returned! Praise to God for answering prayer!

A similar miracle happened a few years ago. I had received a present of a beautiful ivory lace blouse. Before going out to dinner I accidentally spilled red cough syrup all over the front - it was ruined! I prayed earnestly and when I opened my eyes the large red stain was completely gone!

Our Reaction to Trials

Trials are for our own good. It isn't the trial that counts - its our reaction to it.

Believe it or Not...

Dear People, whether we believe it or not - God Loves Us All. !!!

Mysteries Explained

All that has perplexed us in the providences of God will in the world to come be made plain. The things hard to be understood will then find explanation.

The mysteries of grace will unfold before us. Where our finite minds discovered only confusion and broken promises, we shall see the most perfect and beautiful harmony. We shall know that Infinite Love ordered the experiences that seemed most trying.

As we realize the tender care of God who makes all things work together for our good, (Romans 8:28), we shall rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.

Pain cannot exist in the atmosphere of Heaven. In the Home of the redeemed, there will be no tears, no funerals...no mourning. ...One rich tide of happiness will flow and deepen as eternity rolls on.

Christian Experiences and Teachings, p 235, E G White (See Revelation 21:3-4)

I've had too many mysteries in my life, this quote gives me assurance that someday they will be explained. Deb M

Communion with Heaven

Those whose hearts are open to receive the support and blessing of God will walk in a holier atmosphere than that of earth and will have constant communion with Heaven.

Steps to Christ, p 99, E G White

No Haste and No Delay

Like the stars in the vast circuit of their appointed path, God's purposes know no haste and no delay....

The Desire of Ages, p 32, E G White

Parents Need

Without human effort Divine effort is in vain. God will work with power when in trustful dependence upon Him parents will awake to the sacred responsibility resting upon them and seek to train their children aright.
Adventist Home, p 206, Ellen G White

The harder the battle, the greater their [parents] need of help from their heavenly Father, and the more marked will be the victory gained.
Adventist Home, p 208, Ellen G White

Mothers

How often will [the mother/also wives] feel her burden's weight heavier than she can bear;
and then how precious the privilege of taking it all to her sympathizing Saviour in prayer!

 She may lay her burden at His feet and find in His presence a strength that will sustain her and give her cheerfulness, hope, courage, and wisdom in the most trying hours. 

 How sweet to the careworn mother (or wife) is the consciousness of such a Friend in all her difficulties!

If mothers (or wives) would go to Christ more frequently and trust Him more fully, their burdens would be easier, and they would find rest to their souls.

Adventist Home, chapter 33, p 204, E G White

A Mother's Best Friend

Your compassionate Redeemer is watching you with love and sympathy, ready to hear your prayers and to render you the assistance which you need.

Jesus knows the burdens of every mother's heart and is her best Friend in every emergency.
He sympathizes with every mother in her cares and anxieties.


Adventist Home, p 204, E G White

Woman's Best Friend Today

The Savior [Jesus Christ] is woman's best Friend today and is ready to aid her in all the relations of life.

Adventist Home, p 204, E G White

Stupendous Crisis Coming

The present is a time of overwhelming interest to all living.
Rulers and statesmen, (those) who occupy positions of trust and authority, thinking men and women of all classes, have their attention fixed upon the events taking place about us.

They are watching the relations that exist among the nations. They observe the intensity that is taking possession of every earthly element, and they recognize that something great and decisive is about to take place...that the world is on the verge of a stupendous crisis.

Prophets & Kings, page 537 chapter 43, Ellen G White, also read p 536
Please Read in Holy Scripture:  Matthew chapter 24, Mark 13, Luke 17 and Luke 21
See blogs June 13, 2015 No Mimic Battle and Before Our Eyes

Faint Mirrors Jesus' Love

The love - which in faithful care and proper training - the parent manifests for the child faintly mirrors the love of Jesus for His faithful people.

  Adventist Home p 199, E G White

Child & Parent - Sacred Circle

Parents should not forget their childhood years, how much they yearned for sympathy and love, and how unhappy they felt when censured and fretfully chided.

Parents! give your children love: love in babyhood, love in childhood, love in youth (teen years).

Children, between babyhood and (adult), do not generally receive the attention that they should have.

When the children are tired and really need [a parent's] care, they are neglected or given something to eat... What they did need was the mother's soothing embrace.

Every mother should have time to give her children little endearments which are so essential during infancy and childhood. ...She is to them what God is to us.

The more unlovely [the children] are, the greater pains you should take to reveal your love for them. When the child has confidence that you want to make him/her happy, love will break every barrier down.

It is by beholding love in their parents that children are led to obey the fifth commandment... "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right."

Selections from Adventist Home chapter 31, E G White

Security - Love or Money?

From a worldly viewpoint, money is power; but from the Christian standpoint, love is power.

Wealth is often an influence to corrupt and destroy; force is strong to do hurt; but truth and goodness are the properties of pure love.

That which Satan plants in the heart - envy, jealousy, evil [thoughts], evil speaking, impatience, prejudice, selfishness, covetousness, and vanity - must be uprooted.

Selections from Adventist Home, chapter 31, Ellen G White

Family Life - Sacred Circle

There is a sacred circle around every family which should be preserved. No other one has the right in that sacred circle. The husband and wife should be all to each other. ...Never should either party indulge in a joke at the expense of the other's feelings.

Friends and acquaintances we may have, but in the home life they are not to meddle.

Let the husband and wife remember that they have burdens enough to carry without making their lives wretched by allowing differences to come in.

 Those who give place to little differences invite Satan into their homes.

Adventist Home, excerpts from chapter 27, E G White

No Need to Repeat

When God gives a law or a statement - He does not need to repeat Himself - He is God.

Genesis chapter 1, verse 1

IN THE BEGINNING GOD created the heavens and the earth.

Genesis 1:1 from the first book of the Holy Scriptures

The Glory I had with You

Father, I want those You have given Me to be with me where I am, and to see My glory
 - the glory I had with You before the creation of the world.

from the Gospel of John chapter 17, verse 24 from the New Testament of the Holy Scriptures

Don't be Worried

DON'T BE WORRIED! Trust in God and Me  [Jesus Christ].

In My Father's kingdom are many mansions; if it were not so I would have told you!
I am going there to prepare a place for you.
And if I go to prepare a place for you, I will return for you and take you back to live with Me
in Heaven.

Gospel of John chapter 14, verses 1-3 found in the New Testament of Holy Scriptures

A Prayer

Dear Father, thank You for all the lovely people who are reading this blog. Please bless them mightily. Amen!

Neglect of Truth

IN THE TRUTH OF HIS WORD, God has given to humanity a revelation of Himself; and to all who accept them they are a shield against the deceptions of Satan.

 It is a neglect of these truths that has opened the door to the evils which are now becoming so widespread in the religious world.

 The nature and the importance of the law of God have been, to a great extent, lost sight of.

 A wrong conception...of the divine law...has resulted in lowering the standard of piety in the church.

  The Great Controversy p 465 E G White

The Christian Life

While the Christian's life will be characterized by humility, it should not be marked with sadness and self-depreciation.

...It is not the will of our heavenly Father that we should be ever under condemnation and darkness.

There is no evidence in true humility in going with the head bowed down and the heart filled with thoughts of self.

 We may go to Jesus and be cleansed, and stand before the law without shame and remorse.

"There is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit." Romans 8:1

From The Great Controversy p 477, E G White

Bright Stars

As the stars tell us that there is a great light in heaven with whose glory they are made bright, so Christians are to make it manifest that there is a God on the throne on the universe whose character is worthy of praise and imitation.

  The Great Controversy p 476, E G White

Self-indulgence

Professed Christians yearly expend an immense sum for useless and harmful self-indulgences, while souls are perishing for the word of life.

If all who profess to be followers of Christ were truly sanctified, their money, instead of being spent for needless and even hurtful self-indulgences, would be turned into the Lord's treasury.

Based on The Great Controversy, p 475, E G White

Why Satan gets a Headache

When you carry a Bible – Satan gets a headache
When you open the Bible – Satan collapses
When you read the Bible – Satan faints
When you live by the Bible – Satan runs away and hides
When you are about to share the Bible – Satan tries to discourage you.

First Timothy Thoughts

Now the Spirit explicitly states that in the last days some will depart from the faith by listening to corrupt spirits and demonic doctrines. 1 Timothy 4:1


If any one … does not believe the words of Jesus Christ … that person is conceited, and understands nothing. They are doting on controversies and semantics, resulting in envy, strife, and evil thoughts. They think godliness is only a path to monetary gain - for the love of money is the cause of all evil. 1 Timothy 6:3-5, 10

But you, O child of God, run away from evil and follow righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience and humbleness. 1 Timothy 6:11

First Timothy is found in the New Testament of the Holy Scriptures

A Child is Born

A Star will come out of Jacob, and a Scepter will rise out of Israel. But you, Bethlehem, though you are small among the tribes of Judah, out of you will come One who will be Ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times. Therefore, the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold a virgin will conceive and bear a Son and will name Him "Immanuel" [which means: God with us].

For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. These will be His royal titles: Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of His government and peace.

He will judge your people with righteousness, your afflicted ones with justice. He will defend the afflicted and save the children of the poor and needy. He will crush the oppressor. He will deliver the needy who cry out, the afflicted who have no one to help. He will take pity on the weak, the poor, and the needy, and save them from death. His Name will endure forever - may it continue as long as the sun. All nations will be blessed through Him, and they will call Him blessed.


The above quotes are taken from these Bible texts: Numbers 24:17/ Micah 5:2/ Isaiah 7:14; 9:6-7/ Psalm 72:2,4,6,7,12,13,17

BAPTISM

Then Jesus went from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. After He was baptized Jesus immediately came up out of the water and the heavens opened and he saw the Holy Spirit descending as a dove. A Voice from Heaven declared, "this is My Beloved Son in Whom I am well pleased."

As Philip and the eunuch traveled they came to a body of water. The eunuch said, "Look! Here is much water. What keeps me from being baptized?" And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. [Greek: "Baptizmos" - to completely immerse].

In baptism we show that we have been saved from death by Christ's death and resurrection. Our sins are not washed clean by the water, but in being baptized we are turning to God and asking Him to cleanse us from sin. In baptism we are buried with Christ and raised with Him through our faith in the power of God, who raised Jesus from the dead.

Don't you know that all who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?! We were buried with Him through the water of baptism, that as Christ was resurrected from the dead by the glory of His Father, so we too may walk with Him in a new life.

For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. In Christ there are no social classes: neither Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female. All are equal in Christ Jesus.

Jesus said, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nationalities. Baptizing them in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Teaching them to observe all My Commandments. And I will be with you always, even to the end of the world. Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved, but those who disbelieve will not be saved.

Now what are your intentions? Arise and be baptized and wash away your sins calling on the name of Jesus. To Him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by His shed blood. To Him be the glory and power forever and ever. Amen!


The above quotes are from these Bible texts: Matthew 3:13,16,17 / Acts 8:36,38 / 1 Peter 3:21 / Colossians 2:12 / Romans 6:35 / Galatians 3:27,28 / Matthew 28:19 / Mark 16:16 / Acts 22:16 / Revelation 1:5

Demon Harrassment

Before Andy left on a business trip I mentioned two problems: 1) my clothes hangars would fall off the rod by themselves hitting me on the head; and 2) no matter how many times I straightened my dining chair it was always at a 45 degree angle. Andy made a joke about it, saying not to worry. Still, I was concerned; it seemed unnatural. While Andy was gone the bizarre episodes continued.

One night, while Andy was gone, our cat began howling and crawling in counter clock-wise circles. Being unable to comfort her I turned out the light and prayed and prayed, then I went to sleep.

At about ten minutes after midnight I was awakened by a loud commotion in the kitchen, it sounded like someone rummaging through the silverware! Sitting up in bed, and thinking the cat was into mischief, I was surprised to find her lying by my side shaking. Being terrified of a possible prowler I prayed, and walked towards the kitchen constantly praying.

While passing the study, where I wrote out Bible tracts, my blood ran cold and my heart almost stopped. Standing transfixed, I noticed a very tall man gazing out the window. He was no ordinary man, his size indicated that - who was he? His presence and appearance was chilling. Praying that I would not see its face, I shakily walked to the kitchen turning on more lights and praying only to find the silverware in perfect order. In the dining room my chair was again at a 45-degree angle from the table.

Going through my home and constantly praying I made note that the windows and doors were all locked and found no prowler. In passing the study the second time the man was gone and the windows were all locked from the inside. In the bedroom the cat was still shaking so I knew she sensed evil too, then I prayed some more and read Scripture and fell into a troubled sleep.

Telling an Adventist doctor about this experience she had me repeat the experience several times then called the Adventist pastor who was familiar with such things. In retelling the experience, and answering their numerous questions, both the Pastor and doctor were convinced I was not fabricating the story. The pastor assured me that demon harassment and demon possession were two different things.

The pastor believed that Satan was harassing me because of the Bible tracts I was writing and my witnessing program.

All praise to the Lord for protecting me!

When Guilt Oppresses

...When guilt oppresses the soul and burdens the conscience...remember that Christ’s grace is sufficient to subdue sin and banish the darkness.

  Ministry of Healing page 250, E G White

How We Should be Treated

Christ was treated as we deserve, that we might be treated as He deserves.

  Desire of Ages 25, E G White

Man is Only Mortal

Man is only mortal, and while he feels himself too wise to accept Jesus, he will remain only mortal.

  The Faith I Live By 174, E G White

Trials Patiently Borne

Trials patiently borne, blessings gratefully received, meekness, kindness, mercy, and love, habitually exhibited, are the lights that shine forth in the character before the world, revealing the contrast with the darkness that comes of the selfishness of the natural heart.

  Patriarchs & Prophets 134, E G White




My right wrist was sprained this week, will not go into circumstances, please pray - I am in bad pain. DM

The Christmas Tree Song

In first grade, before Christmas break, we were taught the German song, "O, Tannenbaum" (Oh, Christmas Tree).

 That same week Dad flocked our Christmas tree snow-white, he did this in the garage.

Deciding to be helpful I rode my tricycle around and around Dad and the tree, shouting and singing at the top of my lungs, "O, Tannenbaum."

 Unfortunately, I never could get the German words right. My version was: “O Ton in Bomb, O Ton in Bomb, may Gooch in Diner Bladder Split!”

What we put our parents through!!

Too Important

If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important. (verse 3)

Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to others. For we are each responsible for our own actions. (verses 4-5)

Don’t be misled – you cannot mock God’s justice. You will always harvest what you plant…. So let’s not get tired of doing good. At just the right time we will reap blessings if we don’t give up. Therefore, whenever you have the opportunity, you should do good to everyone. (verses 7-10)

May I never boast about anything except the cross of Jesus. Because of that cross, my interest in this world has been crucified. ...May God’s peace and mercy be upon all who live by this principle; they are the new people of God. (verses 14, 16).


The above are from verses in Galatians chapter 6.
Galatians is found in the New Testament of Holy Scripture

Cost of Our Salvation

Sorrow filled Heaven when Adam and Eve broke God’s law and sinned. All realized that humanity was lost, and that they were doomed to misery, sickness and death. There was no way of escape – the entire human family must die eternally.

Then I saw the lovely Jesus and saw his expression of sympathy and sorrow. Soon I saw Jesus approach the exceeding bright light that enshrouded God the Father. Jesus was in close converse with Him. The anxiety of the angels was intense. Leaving the Father, Jesus' face was calm, free from all perplexity and doubt, and shone with benevolence and loveliness, such as words cannot express.

Jesus then told the holy angels that a way of escape had been made for lost humanity. Jesus said He had been pleading with His Father, and had offered to give His life a ransom, to take the death penalty upon Himself. Through Jesus - humanity might find pardon by the merits of His blood so they could have God’s favor and be saved, and live for eternity in total peace and joy.

Said the angel, “Do you think the Father yielded up His dearly beloved Son without a struggle? No! It was even a struggle with the God of Heaven, whether to let sinful humanity die, or to give His beloved Son to die for them.”

But nearly all would hate and reject Jesus, only a few would receive Him as the Son of God.

Throughout His life on earth, and also on the cross, Jesus would endure almost every cruelty and suffering that Satan could inspire wicked men to inflict. Jesus would die the cruelest of deaths; not merely agony of body, but also mental agony – that which bodily pain could not compare. The weight of the entire world’s sins would be upon Him.

It was impossible for God to alter or change His law to save lost humanity; therefore, God allowed His beloved Son to die for humanity’s sins. Nothing but the death, resurrection and intercessions of God’s Son, Jesus, would pay the debt and save lost humanity.

Then, at the end of the world, Jesus will come the second time to take to Heaven all those who love and trust Him.

based on Early Writings, pp 149-152, E G White

Temptation

In going to Heaven Jesus did not take Himself totally away from humanity and all its problems. On the contrary, Jesus is better able to help us now than ever.

 Because Jesus suffered so much we may be sure He understands when we suffer. Because He was tempted so fiercely we may know for certain that He can help us when we are tempted.

“For we don’t have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weakness, but One [Jesus Christ] who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sinning. Let us then, with confidence, come near God’s throne of grace that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:15-16.

A Long, Cold Winter?

The Christian’s sojourn in this world may be fitly compared to the long, cold winter. Here we experience trials, sorrows, and disappointments, but we should not permit our minds to dwell upon these.

 Let us rather look forward with hope and faith to the coming summer when we shall be welcomed to our Eden home [Heaven and the Earth made New], where all is light and joy, where all is peace and love.

 Our High Calling, 158, E G White

Fascination with Angels

Angels from the worlds of light are near to those who in humility seek for Divine guidance. P 141


Angels from the courts above will attend the steps of those who come and go at God’s command. P 48


Those who decide to do nothing in any line that will displease God, will know, after presenting their case before Him, just what course to pursue. P 668


The above quotes are from The Desire of Ages by Ellen G White

Our Dear Father

In order to strengthen our confidence in God, Christ teaches us to address Him by a new name, a name entwined with the dearest associations of the human heart. He gives us the privilege of calling the infinite God - our Father.

  Christ’s Object Lessons, 141, E G White

Don't Worry

If you have given yourself to God you have no need to be anxious for tomorrow. God knows the end from the beginning. The events of tomorrow, which are hidden from your view, are open to the eyes of God.

When you try to manage your life, and depend only on your own wisdom for success, you are taking a burden which God has not given you. You may well have anxiety and anticipate danger and loss. But when you really believe God loves you, you will stop worrying about the future. When you trust God – then your troubles and torments will disappear, for your will is swallowed up in the will of God.

Only one day at a time is yours, and during the day you are to live for God. Cast all your cares, purposes and plans upon Christ, for He cares for you.

 “I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11.

Based on Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, pp 100-101, E G White

Moral Freedom

"God valued humanity's moral freedom of so great worth that He gave His life to restore it to all who choose to accept it. As soon as there was a human sinner there was a promise of a divine Savior, and a star of hope illumined humanity's future."

  by Hulda Crooks in Conquering Life's Mountains page 100

Angels are Ever Present

Angels are ever present where they are most needed, with those who have the hardest battle with self to fight, and whose surroundings are the most discouraging.

  Desire of Ages 440, E G White

His Heart of Love

Keep your wants, your joys, your sorrows, your cares, and your fears before God. You cannot burden Him, you cannot weary Him. He who numbers the hairs of your head is not indifferent to the wants of His children.

“The Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.” James 5:11. His heart of love is touched by our sorrows and even by our utterances of them.

Take to Him everything that perplexes the mind. Nothing is too great for Him to bear, He holds up worlds, He rules over all the affairs of the universe. Nothing that in any way concerns our peace is too small for Him to notice.

  Steps to Christ, 100, Ellen G White


(He is silently planning for thee in love, for it matters to Him about you.)

Self-Respect

Many struggle with feelings of self-worth and value in God’s sight.

The Lord has given each one of us a sense of self-respect, and this must not be opposed…. God wants us to respect ourselves.

It is not the will of your heavenly Father that you should ever be under condemnation and darkness. It is not pleasing to God that you should demerit yourself. …

While we should not think of ourselves more highly than we ought, Holy Scripture does not condemn a proper self-respect. …child of God, we should have a conscious dignity of character, in which pride and self-importance have no part.”

  Daughters of God p 141-142, Ellen G White

Jealousy & Envy

“Jealousy is as cruel as the grave.” Song of Solomon 8:6


“Let us walk properly...not in strife and envy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 13:13


“Love is patient and is kind, love does not envy.” 1 Corinthians 13:4


“For we ourselves were once foolish...living in malice and envy.” Titus 3:3


“For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing will be there.” James 3:16


“But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts… this is not from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic.” James 13:14-15

“Thereby lay aside all...envy and all evil speaking... desire the pure truth of the Word, that you may grow thereby.” 1 Peter 2:1

COMFORT for the Sorrowing

Not now, but in the coming years,
It will be in the better land,
We’ll read the meaning of our tears,
And there we will understand.

We’ll catch the broken thread again,
And finish what here we began;
Heaven will the mysteries explain,
And then, ah then, we will understand.

Then trust in God through all thy days;
Fear not, for God does hold thy hand;
Though dark thy way, still sing and praise,
For in Heaven we will understand.
By Julius L. Tucker, in Comfort for the Sorrowing


We are on the verge of entering the Home that the Master referred to when He said, “Let not your heart be troubled, you believe in God believe also in Me. In My Father’s kingdom are many mansions; if it were not so I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you…. I will come again and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there you may be also."  John 14:1-3.

COUNTRY LIFE

Awhile back we were farm sitting near Aurora, Nebraska. As we were riding the horses down the country road some people drove by and did a lot of waving, pointing and hooting. Andy turned around to see what was behind us. What a sight! All the farm animals: a goat, dogs, cats, and chickens were following us! We turned the horses around and the farm animals followed us back to the barnyard.

After securing the farm animals we rode our horses on and came by an irrigated field. Andy said underground irrigation water was very cold and refreshing that came from deep wells, and he was serious because he grew up on a farm and knew such things. Being thirsty, Debra got off her horse and tasted the water as it came out of the pipes. The water was warm and tasted awful! After riding another 50 yards we learned why the water tasted so bad! - it was being pumped out of a green, murky, scummy pond! Luckily Debra did not get sick!

The Elevator

Jeremy, an eight year old friend of ours, came to visit for a weekend. He is fond of fossils so we took him to the University museum to see their collection.

Jeremy had never been to a museum before and was very excited and kept us on the go for about two hours. When it was time to go up to the second level Debra suggested we take the freight elevator as her bad leg was aching. Jeremy seemed frightened by the elevator, let alone ride on it.

He asked, "Don't you know what this is, Debbie?" She assured him she knew what an elevator was. "Don't you know what kind of an elevator it is, Debbie?" "Yes, Jeremy, it is an Otis elevator. Now please get on," Debra replied.

Jeremy entered cautiously. The elevator slowly ascended. Unexpectedly its rear door opened and closed. Jeremy squealed and began bouncing around.

"Jeremy! Do you have to go to the bathroom?," Debra exclaimed.

"No!," he cried, obviously frightened by the elevator. "But when is it going to happen?"

"When is what going to happen, Jeremy?," Debra answered.

"You know, it!," he screamed.

"Jeremy," Debra said trying to remain calm, "I don't know what you are talking about. The main door will open any moment."

When we reached the second level the main door opened and Jeremy rushed out, skidded on the freshly waxed floor, and fell down panting.

"Jeremy!," she called, obviously concerned for his physical and mental state of being. "What is wrong?"

"Debbie! Don't you know? Can't you read the signs? It says fright elevator!"

Muffling her laughter she explained, "Jeremy, the sign says freight elevator."

"Oh," he replied, "let's go see some more fossils."

He Left All This for Me

I saw the beauty of Heaven. I heard the angels sing their rapturous songs, ascribing praise, honor, and glory to Jesus.

 I could then realize something of the wondrous love of the Son of God. He left all the glory, all the honor which He had in Heaven, and was so interested for our salvation that He patiently and meekly bore every indignity and slight which man could heap upon Him.

Heaven page 17, E G White

Early Childhood Training

Respect for God, the Bible, our elders, the United States and the U.S. flag were paramount in my training.

 I was taught proper respect and handling of the Bible and the Church Hymnal. No literature could be placed on top of the Holy Bible; and only the Bible could be placed on top of religious literature.

The Ten Commandments were taught early and my parents required me to be quiet and respectful in church, and to keep my feet off the church pew.

 All this seemed to be the norm for the families of my childhood Lutheran church congregation.

The Cost of our REDEMPTION

Never can the cost of our redemption be realized until the redeemed shall stand with the Redeemer before the throne of God. Then as the glories of the eternal home burst upon our enraptured senses we shall remember that Jesus left all this for us…. 

Heaven, 17, Ellen G White

Vacation Bible School

In the 1960's my church had Vacation Bible School during two weeks in June, from nine a.m. until noon. All the children would enter the sanctuary by two's singing “Onward Christian Soldiers” while following the Christian and American flags. In the sanctuary we would sing, pray and listen to a sermonette and a mission story. Then in our classrooms we would work on crafts and listen to Bible stories.

Psalm 91 - Thoughts - Safety

Those who live in the shelter of God's power will say, "God is my fortress and refuge, in God we trust."

God will protect you from the terrorists' snare, and from deadly disease. You will not fear the terror by night, nor the arrow that flies by day; nor for the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the plague. A thousand will fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you!

If you make God your refuge then no harm will happen to you. For God will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.

God says, "Because they love Me, I will rescue them and protect them, for they acknowledge Me. I will be with them in trouble, and deliver them and honor them."

Based on Psalm 91- Found in the Old Testament of the Holy Scriptures

In the Beginning

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God, and all things were created through Him and nothing was made without Him. For in Him all things were created, in Heaven and earth, visible and invisible; whether thrones, dominions, principalities or authorities - all things were created through Him and by Him.

By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.

Scoffers deliberately ignore this fact: that by the Word of God the heavens existed long ago. Since earliest times men have seen God's creation and have known of His existence and great eternal power. So they will have no excuse for saying, "there is no God".

See these Bible texts: John 1:1-3/ Colossians 1:16/ Hebrews 11:3/ Psalms 33:6-9/ Acts 17:30-31/ Hebrews 1:2

Making You Wise

So ever since we first heard about you we have kept on praying asking God to help you understand what He wants you to do; asking Him to make you wise about spiritual things.

 Colossians chapter 1, verse 9 [Living Bible translation)
found in the New Testament of Holy Scripture

Special Message

Trust Jesus. Believe that He forgives your sins, as He promised to do. Be thankful and happy that He has received you as His child. By E G White

Perfect Peace

God will keep you in perfect peace, when your mind is focused on God, because you trust in God.” Isaiah 26:3

Father of Mercy

“Blessed be God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; who comforts us in our trials.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (New Testament)


“Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not worry, for I am your God. I will strengthen you - yes! I will help you - yes! I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.”
  Isaiah 41:10 (Old Testament)

Never a prayer is offered...

Never a prayer is offered, however faltering;
never a tear is shed, however secret;
never a sincere desire after God is cherished, however feeble,
but the Spirit of God goes forth to meet it. 

  Christ’s Object Lessons 208-209, Ellen G White

God's Ten Commandments

God's Ten Commandments in the Old Testament of Holy Scripture

1. You will have no other gods before Me. Exodus 20:3

2. You will not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or in the earth, or that is in the water under the earth. You will not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate Me; and showing mercy unto thousands that love Me and keep My Commandments. Exodus 20:4-6

3. You will not take the Name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that takes His name in vain. Exodus 20:7

4. Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy. Six days you may work, and do all your work; but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God. In it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, daughter, manservant, maidservant, thy animals, nor the stranger that is within thy gates. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy. Exodus 20:8-11

5. Honor your father and mother, that your days be long upon the land which the Lord thy God gives to you. Exodus 20:12

6. You will not murder. Exodus 20:13

7. You will not commit adultery. Exodus 20:14

8. You will not steal. Exodus 20:15

9. You will not lie about a neighbor. Exodus 20:16

10. You will not covet your neighbor’s house, wife, servants, animals, or anything that is your neighbor’s. Exodus 20:17


God's Ten Commandments in the New Testament of Holy Scripture

1. You will worship the Lord your God. and Him only will you serve. Matthew 4:10

2. Little children, keep yourselves from idols... 1 John 5:21
...abstain from idols... Acts 15:20
Do not be idolaters... 1 Cor. 10:7

3. That the Name of God and His doctrine be not blasphemed. 1 Timothy 6:1

4. For He spoke in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all His works. There remains therefore a rest [‘keeping of a Sabbath’ margin] to the people of God. For he that is entered into His rest, he also hath ceased from his own works as God did from His. Hebrews 4:4, 9, 10

5. Honor thy father and thy mother. Matthew 19:19

6. Thou shalt not murder. Matt 19:18

7. Thou shalt not commit adultery. Matthew 19:18

8. Thou shalt not steal. Romans 13:9

9. Thou shalt not bear false witness. Romans 13:9

10.Thou shalt not covet. Romans 7:7

Never Abandoned

Christ will never abandon those for whom He has died [He died for everyone].

 We may leave Him and be overwhelmed with temptation, but Christ can never turn from one for whom He has paid the ransom of His own life.

  Prophets & Kings, page 176, Ellen G White

Are the Deceased Dead or Alive?

Here is the question: Do the dead come back to give us counsel?

God's Word says: "As the cloud is consumed and vanishes away: so he that goes down to the grave shall come up no more. He will return no more to his house, neither will his place know him anymore." Job 7:9-10. After studying this subject with a certain woman, she exclaimed: "Then who is it that appears in my bedroom and talks to me, if it is not my dead husband?"

Here is the dilemma. If what we have read from the Bible is true, and it is, then who gives the messages in the darkened room? Who is masquerading in the disguise of those loved and lost? Who is so perfectly impersonating the voice and appearance of a loved one taken by death?

God tells us who these powers are! The Bible identifies these powers or beings, that parade as the dead, as fallen angels who were cast out of Heaven with Satan. See Revelation 12:9-10. Keep in mind that angels are not the spirits of the dead. Angels existed long before this world was created and before a person ever died. Job 38:7.

I realize that it may be difficult to grasp the idea that evil angels can actually work miracles. But this fact is the key to understanding the psychic phenomena with which we are bombarded today. Remember: the supernatural, the miraculous, does not necessarily come from God! When that fact is fully established in your mind, you are safe guarded from many deceptions.

"For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles." Revelation 16:14. "For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light." 2 Corinthians 11:13-14.

Now we see that it is possible for a fallen angel to be disguised as a dead loved one. According to the Bible these spirits, which come to us and claim to be loved ones taken by death are not dead people, they are not living people, and they are not people at all! They are fallen angels masquerading in the form of loved ones!

Friend, your Bible makes it very clear that humanity's only hope of living again is the first Resurrection, not at death or in death. Loved ones torn from us by death will be reunited with us again on Resurrection morning.

"Behold, I show you a mystery...in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump.... For the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.... This mortal must put on immortality." 1 Corinthians 15:51-55.

“For the Lord Himself will descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God and the dead in Christ will rise first: then we which are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so will we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words." 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18.

Fun Stories

While strolling through the woods I heard a strange sound; it sounded like someone walking in the underbrush!  Worried, since I couldn’t see anyone, I walked a little faster, but the strange sound went faster too! Worried, I stopped walking and the sound stopped too! This spooked me so I walked even faster. The sound stayed with me! Looking around the area, I saw nothing - man nor beast. This continued for about 10 minutes. Finally I walked in the pasture to see better what was following me, and saw nothing! - but could still hear the sound! Reaching into my deep jacket pocket I found the “culprit!” It was the water bottle! With every step it was going, “galoosch, galoosch, galoosch.”

Then, at a restaurant, I looked out the window when the waitress started screaming to the buss boy, "Bill, someone has left a note on your windshield! They must have wrecked your car!" The manager called the police, then Bill ran through the parking lot, found the note and ran back in. He opened the note, it said, "if you would like to sell your car, call this number." Bill's car wasn't damaged at all, because no one had run into it - they just wanted to buy it!

There was no one in the gas station when I stopped to buy more water. Waiting by the cash register I was surprised when a large, hairy head with dark, beady eyes popped out from beneath the counter! To my surprise it was an Airedale Terrier! What a day!

The Black Hills

Awhile back Andy and I took a much needed mini-vacation to the Black Hills in southwestern South Dakota. We saw some lovely mountain homes in the Black Hills, and it would be nice to retire there someday. It wasn't tourist season yet so many attractions were closed, but we came for the peace and quiet. But we did see Mount Rushmore!

We heard about a vegan restaurant in Rapid City called “Veggies,” and ate dinner there - good food.

Andy selected a wonderful place to stay about 10 miles northwest of Rapid City. It was called Elk Creek Resort, we were the only guests (as it wasn’t tourist season yet) it was great! The place has camping, primitive cabins, and also 2 triplexes, and 2 four-plexes. We had a end unit of a triplex, very nice. It was situated half-way up a mountain with a commanding view, and at the foot of the Petrified Forest. So quiet and peaceful; it was great getting close to nature and God.

On April 30 we took a short drive south of Rapid to Hermosa, SD then up in the hills a few miles to a health resort called Black Hills Health & Education Center. We were given a tour - they have nice facilities, two doctors on staff also. They help people with diabetes, heart problems, etc. The campus is between some mountains on 400+ acres; a beautiful, clear stream runs through the middle of it. The only sounds we heard were birds and the stream! We saw 22 deer that day!

Would be nice to have mini-vacations all through the year, but that seems impossible. So much stress.

Angels & the Gentle Ones

God smiles upon the humble and gentle ones who follow closely in the footsteps of the Master. Angels are attracted to them, and love to linger about their path. They may be passed by as unworthy of notice by those who claim exalted attainments and who delight in making prominent their good works, but Heavenly angels bend lovingly over them and are as a wall of fire round about them.

The Sanctified Life, p 13, E G White

Sanctification - Failing to See

When persons claim that they are sanctified, they give sufficient evidence that they are far from being holy. They fail to see their own weakness and destitution. They look upon themselves as reflecting the image of Christ, because they have no true knowledge of Him. The greater the distance between them and their Savior, the more righteous they appear in their own eyes.

...By holding Him we become changed into His divine likeness. And when this work is wrought in us, we shall claim no righteousness of our own, but shall exalt Jesus Christ, while we hand our helpless souls upon His merits.

The Sanctified Life, p 8, E G White

Jack

Many years ago I was at my friend Suzy's house. As I was leaving she received a phone call from her friend Jack who was threatening suicide. Suzy and I ran for her Galaxy 500. Racing through busy traffic I constantly prayed for our safety as well as for Jack's.

Arriving at Jack's trailer we rushed inside and found him lying on the floor, unconscious, surrounded by liquor bottles and pills. There was no way of knowing how much or what he had taken! As I checked for a pulse, Suzy’s brother, Bill, strode into the trailer. (Bill had listened in on Suzy’s phone conversation, and came to help).

Suddenly Jack awoke, seemed demon possessed, and tossed Bill into the hall. Then Jack smashed his fist through the trailer’s thin interior wall. Running outside, and darting in and out of the congested traffic, Jack dared the vehicles to kill him. When Jack ran towards the trailer Bill pushed me into Suzy’s car, ordering me to lock the doors; but Suzy refused such protection.

Seeing me Jack pressed his face against the window crying, “Why did you leave me, Jenny? Why?” The Lord restrained me from leaving the car to help Jack. I sat petrified while Jack cursed and kicked at the windshield, screaming like insanity itself. Praying for Jesus' help, He answered immediately in the person of Bill.

Struggling with Jack, Bill pushed him inside the trailer and ran for his car. Suzy jumped into the Galaxy next to me and we sped away, the tires threw gravel against the trailer. I could not control my weeping.

I do not know what ever happened to Jack. He was my age at the time of this story - just nineteen.

Thoughts from the First Letter of Saint Peter

It is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome of those who do not believe the gospel of Christ?! If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly?

Be humble with each other, because "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble [Proverbs 3:34]. Humble yourselves under God's mighty hand, so that in due time He will exalt you. Cast all your worries upon Him, because He cares for you.

Be sober and watchful for your enemy, Satan, sneaks around like a hungry lion seeking someone to devour. Resist him. Stand firm in your faith. Trust the Lord. Remember that other Christians around the world are having the same experience.

1 Peter 4:17-18 & 1 Peter 5:5-9 - from the New Testament of the Holy Scriptures

Ministry of Holy Angels

A guardian angel is appointed to every follower of Christ. … The angels appointed to minister to the children of God have at all times access to God's presence.
  The Great Controversy 512-513, Ellen G White


Today … Heavenly messengers are passing through the length and breadth of the land, seeking to comfort the sorrowing, to protect the impenitent, to win the hearts of people to Christ. We cannot see the angels, nevertheless they are with us, guiding, directing, protecting.
  thoughts from Acts of the Apostles 152-153, Ellen G White


We need to understand better than we do the mission of the angels. It would be well to remember that every true child of God has the co-operation of Heavenly angels. Invisible armies of light and power attend the gentle and humble ones who believe and claim the promises of God.

thoughts from Acts of the Apostles 154, Ellen G White

All Your Troubles

Look constantly to Jesus. Take all your troubles to Him. He will never misunderstand you. He is the refuge of His people. Under the shadow of His protection they can pass unharmed.

 Believe in Him and trust in Him. He will not give you up to Satan. …The strength of Heaven is at the command of God’s believing ones. The [person] who makes God their trust is barricaded by an impregnable wall.

  In Heavenly Places 176, Ellen G White

The World in Agitation

Everything in the world is in agitation. The signs of the times are ominous. Coming events cast their shadows before. The Spirit of God is withdrawing from the earth, and calamity follows calamity by sea and by land. There are tempests, earthquakes, fires, floods, murders of every grade. Who can read the future? Where is security? There is assurance in nothing that is human or earthly.

Rapidly are men ranging themselves under the banner they have chosen. Restlessly are they waiting and watching the movements of their leaders. There are those who are waiting and watching and working for their Lord's appearing. [See 2 Peter 3:10-12]. Another class are falling into line under the generalship of [Satan]. Few believe with heart and soul that we have a hell to shun and a Heaven to win. Desire of Ages 636

Have You Ever....

Have you ever been just sitting there and all of a sudden you feel like doing something nice for someone you care for? That’s GOD talking to you through the Holy Spirit.

Have you ever been down and out and nobody seems to be around for you to talk to? That’s GOD wanting you to talk with Him.

Have you ever been thinking about somebody that you haven’t seen in a long time and the next thing you know you see them or receive a phone call from them? That’s GOD. There is no such thing as a coincidence.

Have you ever been in a situation and you had no clue how it was going to get better, how the hurting would stop, how the pain would ease? But now you looked back on it and things are better. That’s GOD passing you through a trial to see a brighter day.

Do you think this was sent to you by accident? No! I was thinking of you!

First Cause

"Friends, the greatest thinkers throughout the ages and up to modern times have utterly failed to give a satisfactory explanation as to how and when this earth came into existence. Whatever theory they have evolved, they have all eventually come face to face with the necessity of the first cause when they cannot define. So forever they stumble along groping for it, drawing millions after them; and all the time walking patiently behind them, hoping that they will turn around and look Him in the face, is the First Cause, the Lord of heaven and earth!" Frank Jeffries

Frank Jeffries, fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society - astronomer, scientist, mathematician - charged with time determination at famous Greenwich.

Hawaii / California Vacation Part 2

Later our seventeen-minute flight to Honolulu where we caught a Boeing to San Francisco. Most people leave the islands around midnight so they can sleep during the flight and arrive in California around 7 a.m.; but we left Honolulu about 2 p.m. and arrived in San Francisco at 11:30 p.m. The flight to San Francisco was virtually empty so we each took a row of seats and slept.

After securing a rental car in San Francisco we gladly anticipated the old, restored hotel I had selected for our lodging. Much to our dismay this hotel was in the heart of a rowdy prostitute district! We decided to go elsewhere, but due to a convention lodging in San Francisco was not to be found. At 1 a.m. we drove back to the airport and found a nice La Quinta Inn with two rooms left, we took one and it was quiet.

In the morning we went to the Science Museum where we enjoyed the Planetarium, gem and mineral collection, aquarium, and earthquake room! In the earthquake room one stands on a platform and a movie is shown of an earthquake as the platform shakes erratically from magnitude 5 to 6. Neglecting to hang onto the railing I fell off the platform, but did the "earthquake" five times!

In San Francisco’s China Town we found a charming restaurant, "The Lotus Garden." Members of the Taoist religion who are vegans own it and the waiter’s only means of pay are tips as this is their mission work. Above the restaurant they have their shrine and religious services. We had egg-less egg rolls, seaweed soup (actually shredded asparagus), vegetable soup with baby corn, and rice with sweet and sour “pork,” almond “chicken”, crisp vegetables, almond pudding and fortune cookies. The "pork" and "chicken" tasted too real so we asked about the ingredients, it was charming to hear the waiter say "gluten!"

We stayed at a church campground in Yosemite overnight to see the ancient Sequoia trees. Oh, how I love those trees and wished I could have one of my own!

The whole vacation was simply wonderful! It could not have been better! Thank you Heavenly Father!

Hawaii / California Vacation Part 1

Once we took a wonderful vacation to Hawaii & California. On Waikiki we rode war canoes and experienced the thrill of the ocean waves, like surfers, going 35 miles per hour! Walking to the summit of Diamond Head and overlooking the ocean was super and we also found World War II bunkers with gun ports! Andy crawled in the bunkers and took fantastic photos. Visiting Pearl Harbor was gripping in its serenity and sorrow.

We learned of a wonderful, but seldom traveled road. This road rises sharply from the National Punch Bowl Cemetery entrance and winds for miles among the tops of extinct volcanic mountains. The mansions on this road are hard to see, but the scenery of God's natural, living green jungles are beautiful: large bamboo groves, twisted banyan trees, four foot long leaves.

On the Big Island we watched the International Iron Man Triathlon Parade of Flags from the outdoor balcony of a Thai restaurant. Later taking a cruise in search of whales and dolphin. Being naive about the ocean I turned green from hanging over the bow taking photographs of dolphin! That evening we ate sticky rice at a Filipino cafe. Sticky rice is rice blended with coconut milk and honey and then wrapped in banana leaves and steamed. Delicious!

An all day trip to see volcanoes and black sand beaches was great. Driving through the Kilauea area we saw steam coming from banks and craters, and tons of hardened, crusty, old lava covering the roads and mountainsides; later we walked through a twelve foot high hardened lava tube that is over one block in length.

Driving further down the mountain we parked and walked right up to the lava flow where a park ranger said the flow was moving twelve feet per twenty-four hours. The surface was hard but the interior was still moving. Many fool-hearty people were walking on this “hardened” lava; some were poking sticks into the flow and the stick would burst into flame, but the lava on the stick would become fragile like glass.

The following day our flight from the Big Island to Maui took fifteen minutes. Maui is the prettiest island we have seen and our hotel was on a beautiful white sand beach. For dinner we had pineapple boats filled with tropical fruit!

In the countryside we saw fields of pineapple and sugar cane and stopped at a botanical garden and sampled breadfruit, passion fruit, and tiny bananas. Later driving through lush green valleys to the Iao Needle which is a tall, skinny mountain that projects itself through the canyon floor. We enjoyed driving to an extinct volcano that rises from sea level to ten thousand feet; the crater is about seven miles across. Because of the iron and sulfur the colors of the crater and the cinder cones are beautiful shades of red, orange, yellow and brown. It was particularly remarkable to see clouds climbing ever higher only to drop inside the crater! Our color slide of this scene won third prize in state competition.

Later we played in the warm 85-degree ocean, took a tour of an old whaling ship and walked through shops of seashells, nautical goods and scrimshaw ivory.

Now on to California! [SEE PART 2]

Encouragement 2

“Often your mind may be
Clouded because of pain.
Then do not try to think.
You know that Jesus loves you!
He understands your weakness.
You may do His will by simply
Resting in His arms.”
Ministry of Healing p 251


And the Lord your God will
Turn a curse into a blessing
For you,
Because the Lord your God
Loves You!
Deuteronomy 23:5


Those who have a humble, trusting,
contrite heart, God accepts,
and hears their prayer, and
When God Helps
All obstacles will be overcome.
Prayer p 33

Words from Jude

Dear friend, build your lives on the foundation of faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.

 Keep yourselves in God's Love as you wait for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you eternal life.

 Convince those who doubt, snatch others from the fire, show others mercy mixed with fear. [Hate the sin, but love the sinner.]

  Jude 20-21 from the New Testament of the Holy Scriptures

Angel Encounter!

In 2012 I was walking downtown to my job. A disturbed man came at me walking like a gorilla. I tried to ignore him, but he shoved me. The next thing I found myself in extreme pain with a broken wrist, laying by the curb on top of broken concrete chunks. Crying, I tried to get up but could not.

Suddenly a man with a powerful, commanding voice and strong arms gently lifted me right off the ground and onto my feet. He held me in place while I regained my balance. He spoke words of comfort. Expecting to see a big powerful man, I turned around to thank him, he was only about 4 foot 10 inches. How could he have such strength to lift me?!

But the thing I most remember about him was his face! It was the most innocent, sweetest face I have ever seen on anyone - let alone a grown man. He had short blonde hair, and his eyes were full of concern and kindness. He followed me up to my building and then vanished! That's when I knew he was an angel.

Today, November 1, 2014, I found this text in Psalm 40:1-2: "I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the mud and dirt, He set my feet on solid ground and gave me a firm place to stand."