HOPE

Rejoice in the hope of that glory to be revealed, for it is no uncertain glory that we look for. Our hope is not hung upon such an untwisted thread as, "I imagine so," or "It is likely," but the cable, the strong tow of our fastened anchor, is the oath and promise of Him who is eternal verity. Our salvation is fastened with God's own hand, and with Christ's own strength, to the strong stake of God's unchangeable nature. Samuel Rutherford

I always wonder what hope someone has without Christ in their lives? A lot of the times when problems seep into the lives the of lost, they will resort to prayer, I know I did when I was not saved. Even though I did pray I still remember feeling at some sort of loss. I remember the only time I really reached out to God, is when I was down and out and when things turned around I felt it was God that fixed those problems. I know the bible teaches that God does not hear the prayers of the lost but I know He uses certain things or certain people in our lives to draw us to Him. I just know one thing is that that before I was saved there was a feeling of hopelessness in me. . When the Lord drew me and I was saved life seemed so much different. I had hope, I had someone that I could go to anytime and I know He listens to my pain and hurts and shared in my joy. My Father, My Teacher, My Lord loves me like no one else will love me. He knows me for who I am and still loves me. He is slowly molding me into His image.

"Cast your burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain you." Psalm 55:22.

Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up. -- Ps. 71:20

"Child of My Love! Lean hard! Let Me feel the pressure of your care. I know your burden, child! I shaped it- I poised it in My own hand and made no proportion of its weight to your unaided strength. For even as I laid it on, I said I shall be near, and while she leans on Me, this burden shall be Mine, not hers. So shall I keep My child within the circling arms of My own love. Here lay it down! Do not fear to impose it on a shoulder which upholds the government of worlds! Yet closer come! You are not near enough! I would embrace your burden, so I might feel My child reposing on My breast. You love Me! I know it. Doubt not, then. But, loving me, lean hard!"

"I could never myself believe in God if it were not for the cross......In the real world of pain, how could one worship a God who was immune to it? I have entered many Buddhist temples in different Asian countries and stood respectfully before the statute of Buddha - - his legs crossed, arms folded, eyes closed, the ghost of a smile playing round his mouth, a remote look on his face, detached from the agony of the world. But each time, after awhile, I have had to turn away. And in imagination, I have turned instead to that lonely, twisted, tortured figure on the cross -- nails through his hands and feet, back lacerated, limbs wrenched, brow bleeding from thorn pricks, mouth dry and intolerably thirsty, plunged in God-forsaken darkness. That is the God for me ! He laid aside his immunity to pain. He entered our world of flesh and blood, tears and death. He suffered for us. Our sufferings become more manageable in light of his. There is still a question mark against human suffering, but over it we boldly stamp another mark, the cross, which symbolizes divine suffering. The cross of Christ is God's only self justification in such a world as ours." John Stott

I am so thankful I have eternal hope, thanks to what Christ accomplished on the cross for us.

"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain." Revelation 21:4

Cristina

NEVER

This should be an encouragement to all the Elect......

by J. C. Ryle
"I will NEVER leave you nor forsake you" Hebrews 13:5

Let every believer grasp these words and store them up in his heart.

Keep them ready, and have them fresh in your memory; you will need them one day.

The Philistines will be upon you,
the hand of sickness will lay you low,
the king of terrors will draw near,
the valley of the shadow of death
will open up before your eyes.

Then comes the hour when you will find nothing so comforting as a text like this, nothing so cheering as a real sense of God's companionship.

Stick to that word, "never". It is worth its weight in gold. Cling to it as a drowning man clings to a rope. Grasp it firmly, as a soldier attacked on all sides grasps his sword. God has said, and He will stand to it, "I will never leave you, nor forsake you."

NEVER! Though YOUR HEART be often faint, and you are sick of self, and your many failures and infirmities overwhelm you even then the promise will not fail.

NEVER! Though THE DEVIL whispers, "I shall have you at last; yet a little time and your faith will fail, and you will be mine." Even then the Word of God will stand.

NEVER! When the cold chill of DEATH is creeping over you, and friends can do no more, and you are starting on that journey from which there is no return even then Christ will not forsake you.

NEVER! When the day of JUDGMENT comes, and the books are opened, and the dead are rising from their graves, and eternity is beginning- even then the promise will bear all your weight; Christ will not leave His hold on your soul.

Oh believing reader, trust in the Lord for ever, for He says, "I will never leave you."

Lean back all your weight upon Him, do not be afraid. Glory in His promise.Rejoice in the strength of your consolation.

You may say boldly, "The Lord is my Helper, I will not fear."

Cristina

"I GO TO PREPARE A PLACE FOR YOU"

Matthew 11:28, "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest."

After this I beheld and lo, a great crowd which no man could number, of all nations and kindreds, and people and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palm branches in their hands; And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God, seated upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders, and the four living creatures, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God. Revelation 7:9-11

When I read these scriptures my heart just fills up with joy. I look so forward to being in the presense of my Lord and Savior. I look forward to bowing down before Him and giving Him all the praise and glory only He deserves. Heaven will be a time of rejoicing a time of true fellowship with the true church. We will all be of one accord then!

(Rev 21:4 NRSV) he will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more, for the first things have passed away.

(Phil 3:20-21 NRSV) But our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. 21 He will transform the body of our humiliation that it may be conformed to the body of his glory, by the power that also enables him to make all things subject to himself.

Hallelujah, praise the Lord!

Scripture gives us an idea of what Heaven will be like "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things that God has prepared for them that love him." WOW, It sure is going to be exciting! We will enter into the presence of the King or Kings, the Lord or Lords...True royality! We will see the angels around Him, the family of Christ bowing down to the lamb that was slain, all singing and praising His Glory! When you really think of the life we as brothers and sister will share one day, it just brings you to tears!

He that will be knighted must kneel for it, and he that will enter in at the strait gate must crowd for it—a gate made so on purpose, narrow and hard in the entrance, yet, after we have entered, wide and glorious, that after our pain our joy may be the sweeter.
—Thomas Adams

To see God is the promised goal of all our actions and the promised height of all our joys. – Augustine

The enjoyment of [God] is the only happiness with which our souls can be satisfied. To go to heaven, fully to enjoy God, is infinitely better than the most pleasant accommodations here. Fathers and mothers, husbands, wives, or children, or the company of earthly friends, are but shadows; but God is the substance. These are but scattered beams, but God is the sun. These are but streams. But God is the ocean. JONATHAN EDWARDS

HOLY, HOLY, HOLY IS THE LORD GOD ALMIGHTY, WHO WAS, AND IS, AND IS TO COME!

Cristina

TREASURES IN THE DARKNESS

What a beautiful piece.....

Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was" Exodus 20:21.

God has still His hidden secrets, hidden from the wise and prudent. Do not fear them; be content to accept things that you cannot understand; wait patiently. Presently He will reveal to you the treasures of darkness, the riches of the glory of the mystery. Mystery is only the veil of God's face.

Do not be afraid to enter the cloud that is settling down on your life. God is in it. The other side is radiant with His glory. "Think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you; but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings." When you seem loneliest and most forsaken, God is nigh. He is in the dark cloud. Plunge into the blackness of its darkness without flinching; under the shrouding curtain of His pavilion you will find God awaiting you.
—Selected

"Hast thou a cloud?
Something that is dark and full of dread;
A messenger of tempest overhead?
A something that is darkening the sky;
A something growing darker by and by;
A something that thou fear'st will burst at last;
A cloud that doth a deep, long shadow cast,
God cometh in that cloud.

Hast thou a cloud?
It is Jehovah's triumph car: in this
He rideth to thee, o'er the wide abyss.
It is the robe in which He wraps His form;
For He doth gird Him with the flashing storm.
It is the veil in which He hides the light
Of His fair face, too dazzling for thy sight.
God cometh in that cloud.

Hast thou a cloud?
A trial that is terrible to thee?
A black temptation threatening to see?
A loss of some dear one long thine own?
A mist, a veiling, bringing the unknown?
A mystery that unsubstantial seems:
A cloud between thee and the sun's bright beams?
God cometh in that cloud.

Hast thou a cloud?
A sickness, weak old age, distress and death?
These clouds will scatter at thy last faint breath.
Fear not the clouds that hover o'er thy barque,
Making the harbour's entrance dire and dark;
The cloud of death, though misty, chill and cold,
Will yet grow radiant with a fringe of gold.
GOD cometh in that cloud."

As Dr. C. stood on a high peak of the Rocky Mountains watching a storm raging below him, an eagle came up through the clouds, and soared away towards the sun and the water upon him glistened in the sunlight like diamonds. Had it not been for the storm he might have remained in the valley. The sorrows of life cause us to rise towards God.



— By Mrs. Charles E. Cowman

Mrs. Charles E. Cowman worked as a pioneer missionary with her husband in Japan and China from 1901 to 1917, during which time they helped found the Oriental Missionary Society.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

Titus 2:4-5 which says, “Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.”

Very largely does the wife hold in her
hands, as a sacred trust, the happiness
and the highest good of the hearts that
nestle there. In the last analysis, home
happiness depends on the wife.

Her spirit gives the home its atmosphere.

Her hands fashion its beauty.

Her heart makes its love.

And the end is so worthy, so noble, so divine,that no woman who has been called to be a wife,and has listened to the call, should consider anprice too great to pay, to be . . .
the light,
the joy,
the blessing,
the inspiration,
of a home.

The woman who makes a sweet, beautiful home,filling it with love and prayer and purity, is doingsomething better than anything else her hands could find to do beneath the skies.

A true mother is one of the holiest secrets of home happiness. God sends many beautiful things to this world, many noble gifts; but no blessing is richer than that which He bestows in a mother who has learned love's lessons well, and has realized something of the meaning of her sacred calling.

J. R. Miller

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL YOU DEAR MOTHERS OUT THERE.

Cristina

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY, MOM!

MY MOM

What can I say about
a lady that's full of love
I guess I can only say
she was sent from above.

A lady full of grace and
full of love beyond others,
She to me is the best
among any mothers.

She has taught me to love
she has taught me to live my life
how to be a good mother
and to be a good wife.

She has shown all her children
a love that will never fail,
It is undying no matter what
It's promises is to prevail.

She is a mother that is
so precious, to her own,
just because of all the love
she has shown.

Her love has been made of
great devotion, sacrifice and pain,
it has been endless and unselfishand
enduring minus any selfish gain.

I thanked God for the caring
you've shown me through the years,
for the closeness we've enjoyed
in time of laughter and of tears.

Your love determined how
We Ioved ourself and others too
it affects everything in life
and in everything we do.

You helped me through many times
when I felt helpless and alone,
you always showned when I was wrong
and those were time I had grown.

You are the greatest Nana
there ever can be,
Your grandchildren will
confess thisjust ask and you'll see.

You are my mom and I will
shout this with pride every day,
I thank the Lord for you
when ever I pray.

Thank you mom for loving
me as you do,
Because I will tell you right now
I will forever love you.

My MOM, yes MY MOM
A lady full of Grace.
My mentor, my example
She will always be in first place!

Cristina

CONGRATULATIONS DANIELLE!

Last night my husband and I attended the Junior Achievement Evening of Excellence at the Richard Ivey School of Business, at Western University, the year end celebration of awards for those youth involved in JA, Junior Achievement. My daughter has been involved in JA for the past 3-4 years and this is her final year as this is her graduating year of high school.

JA is an excellent organization which teaches many life acquiring skills, business acumen and character traits to today's youth. It's thrilling to see the business community sponsor today's youth this way.

This year Danielle was the President of Modern Charms. A company that her and her co-workers formed together . We are so very proud of our daughter, last night, Danielle was awarded:

*100% Attendance Award

* Silver Sales Club Award Junior Executive Award

* Award of Excellence

*Keith Zerebecki Graduating Achiever of the Year Award

*CANJAC (Canadian National Junior Achievement Conference Award ) - all expense paid tripfor a week in Montreal Canada, August 2007 for the 37th Annual CANJAC conference, 180 students from 15 countries around the world

Danielle Way to go Honey!!!!!

Love Dad and Mom

YOUR NAME

There is nothing that can save a person but His name.
"For He made Him who knew no sin, to become sin for us, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him." 2 Cor. 5:21. As believers in Christ, we've been made righteous with a righteousness that has never known sin, and has fully complied with all the righteous demands of the law. Hallelujah! What a Savior
At the cross then, all our sins were laid on Him (though of course, He remained the holy and spotless Lamb of God, in and of Himself) and as our sin bearer, He was punished in our place. As the angel declared to Joseph in Matthew 1:21, "you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins."

Acts 4:12 "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."

John 14:6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

I'VE BEEN TAGGED

Over at Gayla's site http://heart-journey.blogspot.com/ the bluecollar team has been tagged with one of those meme's. I am one of the team so here I go.I have to....

List 7 random facts/habits about yourself. People who are tagged need to write on their own blog about their seven things, as well as these rules. You need to tag others and list their names. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them that they have been tagged and to read your blog!

I.) I was born In Marville France. My father was in the Air Force so we traveled around a lot. I also lived in Lahrs Germany, Metz France, Trenton Ontario, Centralia Ontario and London Ontario.
http://www.pinetreeline.org/metz/brats/mbphotos/mbphotos-1/mbp-47a.jpg I am in the forth row at the end of the row. This is when we lived in Metz.

2.) When I was 12 years old I won First Place trophy for all of Ontario for Shotput. Then for the finals I won Second Place, for all of Canada.
Grunt grunt! *S*

3.) I loved sports when I was younger. Baseball was my favorite. I golfed, I played volleyball, loved bowling. I would play street hockey with my brother and friends.

4. I love to write poetry, mainly poetry about the folks that are dearest to me. I also love to write poetry about the Lord.

5. Late at night I love to put my PJs on and sit and watch old movies with a box of klennex. The later the better so that no one sees me blubbering.

6. Not one of my proudest moments was when I was around 9 years old, a friend of mine had the most beautifulist hair you ever seen. It was down past her waist and I was very envious. One day I remember convincing her that we should play hair dressers! I let her cut my hair which was just past my shoulders, then I cut her hair the same length as mine *S*S* dare to say I couldn't sit down for a day or two.

7)When I was young, I walked in my sleep.I usually would
go down stairs and my parents would take me back to my bed and all would be fine. There was one night my parents never forgot. I went to bed as usual and later in the night, I headed down stairs and out the front door. I walked 2 blocks in my sleep and luckily friends of my parents were walking by and led me home. I have to admit, and my parents will verify this ...I made there lives interesting.....and lastly I will add my favorite color is green. *S*

I'll tag....
Sarah http://www.sarahsjournal-luvvom.blogspot.com/ at Sarahs' Journey

Rita http://jungle-hut.blogspot.com/ at Jungle Hut

Pam http://anitalottahelp.blogspot.com/ at Midnight Muse

Julie http://juliesjewels062694.blogspot.com/ at Julies Jewels

Janie http://janieathome.blogspot.com/ at Janie at Home

Cristina

PSALMS 23

The LORD Is My Shepherd

23The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointestmy head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

"Nothing can happen to you outside the parameters of the sovereign hands of God. The question Christians need to ask is not how can I get away from suffering but the key is why did my loving heavenly Father allow this? A wrong response to pain, trouble, suffering, sorrow and failure is a lack of trust in God's sovereignty over every area of your life. Understand the goal of suffering is to make us more Christlike." Kimber Kauffman, pastor College Park Baptist Church, Indpls, IN

"In times of trouble say, First: He brought me here ; it is by His will I am in this strait place: In that I will rest. Next: He will keep me here in His love, and give me grace in this trial to behave as His child. Then: He will make the trial a blessing, teaching me the lessons He intends me to learn, and working in me the grace He means to bestow. Last: In His good time He can bring me out again - how and when He knows. Say: I am here (1) by God's appointment (2) in His keeping (3) under His training (4) for His time." Andrew Murray

"Only good things come from God's hands. He never gives you more than you can bear. Every burden prepares you for eternity." Basilea Schlink

"As long as I trace my pain to accident, my bereavement to mistake, my loss to another's wrong, my discomfort to an enemy, and so on, I am of the earth, earthly...but when I rise to my God and see His hand at work, I grow calm. "Cast thy burden on the Lord" is a precept which it will be easy to practice, when you see that the burden originally came from God. Charles Spurgeon

God never promises that the righteous will not suffer. But what He does promise regarding suffering is something glorious. He promises that He will walk through the suffering with us and give us the grace and strength to deal with it victoriously. In Psalm 23 He says: "I will walk with you through the valley of the shadow of death." In Isaiah 43 He says: "I will pass with you through the high waters and will walk with you through the fire."' - Dr. David Reagan

Take comfort brothers and sisters, He is right there with us always...

Cristina

UPDATE ON MY DAD

Thank you all for your prayers. The doctor told my parents that he did have another heart attack. The swelling is under control again and so they sent him home last night. He is resting comfortably. I talk to him this morning and he told me he had a good rest. I am going over this weekend to help out a bit and I am going to talk to both my parents again about the gospel. Please pray for me that the Lord will give me the right words to say and that I can have some sort of assurance. I have shared the gopsel with them before and they told me that they believed, but I was not 100% sure because I think they believe their salvation is based on works. They are dear, dear people that would give their coats off their back for anyone, but we know works isn't the way into heaven. So I would really appreciate prayer. Thankyou again folks.

Cristina