The_Carpenters_Apprentice's Revelife

Monday, July 27, 2009

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 13:49:27 GMT

On that day when I see
All that You have for me
When I see you face to face
There surrounded by Your grace!

All my fears swept away
In the light of Your embrace
Where all Your love is all I need
And forever I am free!

Where the streets are made of gold
In Your presense healed and whole
Let the songs of Heaven rise to You alone!

No weeping.
No hurt or pain.
No suffering.
You hold me now, You hold me now!

No Darkness.
No sick or lame.
No hiding.
You hold me now, You hold me now!

In this life I will stand
Through my joy and my pain
Knowing there's a greater day
There's a hope that never fails!

Where Your name is lifted high
And forever praises rise
For the Glory of Your name
I'm believing for that day!

Where the wars and violence cease,
All creation lives in peace,
Let the songs of Heaven rise to You alone!!

For eternity,
All my heart will give
All the glory to Your name!

The real reason I haven't been blogging

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 13:16:03 GMT

The time of sorrow has begun.

Now that's perhaps a bit melodramatic but unfortunately nearly true. Sorrow really began in January. It's lain hidden, simmering since the barebones declaration of "There's nothing to be done" was coldly pronounced.

Nothing.

No surgery... no chemo... no radiation... No new untested wonder drug... Even the drugs designed to make him "comfortable" would only make him more uncomfortable. Absolutely, one hundred percent untreatable.

But he was game. He tried them anyways.

The last two months have been a whirlwind of activity. Plans. So many plans. I don't know how he remained so calm. Yet he always had time for a friend and their problems. He continued to prepare us for this time of sorrow. Always helping us, his family and friends, to live with the after death time.

In the meantime he pursued his bucket list... not a frantic whirlwind of activities... but a short carefully selected series of dreams. He went deep sea diving in Aruba, took flying lessons, restored the relationship with his dad, and finally went sky diving on July 18th.

He passed serenely from this life into eternity on Saturday evening.

I wish I could write more. But it's too soon for me.

Has it really been so long?

Sat, 24 Jan 2009 16:17:17 GMT

I finally have been able to get back to this blog and suprise, surprise.... It's been since September since I have posted. Sorry 'bout that.

All I can ask that you pray for the situations that have kept me away from my computer and other activties for such and extended period of time.

Hopefully, I will be able to return with "real" posts soon.

Till then, take care, keep safe, and rest in the Peace of God.

Kat

God Always Has a Positive Answer

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 00:15:39 GMT

God always has a positive answer:

YOU SAY	GOD SAYS	BIBLE VERSES
You say: "It's impossible"	God says: All things are possible	(Luke 18:27)
You say: "I'm too tired"	God says: I will give you rest	(Matthew 11:28-30)
You say: "Nobody really loves me"	God says: I love you	(John 3:1 6 & John 3:34
You say: "I can't go on"	God says: My grace is sufficient	(II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)
You say: "I can't figure things out"	God says: I will direct your steps	(Proverbs 3:5- 6)
You say: "I can't do it"	God says: You can do all things	(Philippians 4:13)
You say: "I'm not able"	God says: I am able	(II Corinthians 9:8)
You say: "It's not worth it"	God says: It will be worth it	(Roman 8:28 )
You say: "I can't forgive myself"	God says: I Forgive you	(I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)
You say: "I can't manage"	God says: I will supply all your needs	(Philippians 4:19)
You say: "I'm afraid"	God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear	(II Timothy 1:7)
You say: "I'm always worried and frustrated"	God says: Cast all your cares on ME	(I Peter 5:7)
You say: "I'm not smart enough"	God says: I give you wisdom	(I Corinthians 1:30)
You say: "I feel all alone"	God says: I will never leave you or forsake you	(Hebrews 13:5)

"God determines who walks into your life....

it's up to you to decide who you let walk away,

who you let stay, and who you refuse to let go."

It's been a hectic summer.

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 18:19:28 GMT

It has been a hectic summer for me as I am sure it has been for everyone else, too. Almost no time at all to sit back quietly and think and definately little or no time to blog. Things should lighten up by the end of August once the kids are back in school and everyone's schedules settle back into the regular daily grind.

Summer's in the Northeast USA are short, very short. Last weekend we were camping about 20 minutes from home and already the early mornings and later evenings are so cool that you can see your breath when you speak.

Soon we will be heading into Fall, my personal favorite time of year. I hope all have had wonderful if busy summer interludes too. I'll be back with my thoughts soon. Take care everyone and check in when you can and let me know what you've been "up to". lol.

Blessings to you and yours in the the name of Christ our Lord and Savior.

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 12:07:27 GMT

A reminder that in adversity there is blessing…

LITTLE OLD LADY

There was a little old lady, who every morning stepped onto her front porch, raised her arms to the sky, and shouted:

‘PRAISE THE LORD!’

One day an atheist moved into the house next door. He became irritated at the little old lady. Every morning he'd step onto his front porch after her and yell:

‘THERE IS NO LORD!’

Time passed with the two of them carrying on this way every day.

One morning, in the middle of winter, the little old lady stepped onto her front porch and shouted:

‘PRAISE THE LORD!

Please Lord, I have no food and I am starving, provide for me, oh Lord!’

The next morning she stepped out onto her porch and there were two huge bags of groceries sitting there.

‘PRAISE THE LORD!’

She cried out. ‘He has provided groceries for me!’

The atheist neighbor jumped out of the hedges and shouted:

‘THERE IS NO LORD;

I bought those groceries!!’

The little old lady threw her arms into the air and shouted:

‘PRAISE THE LORD!’

‘He has provided me with groceries and

MADE THE DEVIL PAY FOR THEM!’

Who are we to tell the Lord how to answer our prayers? I was told by a wise ‘old’ lady that all prayer is answered: On time, every time, in God’s time. Sounds trite, I know.

I think that the world believes that God is obligated to answer prayer exactly as we ask… Oh God, give me a house, a car, a million dollars. So what happens when all we get is a tent, a scooter, and cash enough for today’s need? The world sees God as a failure; we see Him as a provider. We know that He will provide all our needs, not necessarily our wants.

Are we willing to accept God’s answer to our prayers? Sometimes He says, “Yes.” Sometimes He says, “No.” And, sometimes He says, “Not now.” Do we only rejoice when we hear, yes, or do we also rejoice when the answer is no? No means so many good things in reality. It means He loves us so much that he looks out for our future well being, too. Yes and No are like oars on a rowboat; too much of one or the other and you will end up going in circles. It takes both to steer a straight course.

Can I Borrow $25?

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 15:34:08 GMT

A man came home from work late, tired and irritated, to find his 5-year old son waiting for him at the door.

SON: Daddy, may I ask you a question?

DAD: “Yeah sure, what it is?” replied the man.

SON: Daddy, how much do you make an hour?

DAD: “That's none of your business. Why do you ask such a thing?” the man said angrily.

SON: I just want to know. Please tell me, how much do you make an hour?

DAD: “If you must know, I make $50 an hour.”

SON: “Oh,” the little boy replied, with his head down.

SON: Daddy, may I please borrow $25?

The father was furious, “If the only reason you asked that is so you can borrow some money to buy a silly toy or some other nonsense, then you march yourself straight to your room and go to bed. Think about why you are being so selfish. I don't work hard everyday for such childish frivolities.” The little boy quietly went to his room and shut the door.

The man sat down and started to get even angrier about the little boy's’ questions. How dare he ask such questions only to get some money?

After about an hour or so, the man had calmed down and started to think: Maybe there was something he really needed to buy with that $25.00 and he really didn't ask for money very often. The man went to the door of the little boy's room and opened the door. “Are you asleep, son?' He asked. “No daddy, I'm awake,” replied the boy. 'I've been thinking. Maybe I was too hard on you earlier.” said the man. “It's been a long day and I took out my aggravation on you. Here's the $25 you asked for.”

The little boy sat straight up, smiling. “Oh, thank you daddy!” he yelled. Then, reaching under his pillow he pulled out some crumpled up bills. The man saw that the boy already had money, started to get angry again. The little boy slowly counted out his money, and then looked up at his father. “Why do you want more money if you already have some?” the father grumbled.. “Because I didn't have enough, but now I do,” the little boy replied.

“Daddy, I have $50 now. Can I buy an hour of your time? Please come home early tomorrow. I would like to have dinner with you.”

The father was crushed. He put his arms around his little son, and he begged for his forgiveness. It's just a short reminder to all of us working so hard in life. We should not let time slip through our fingers without having spent some time with those who really matter to us; those close to our hearts. Do remember to share that $50 worth of your time with someone you love..

If we die tomorrow, the company that we are working for could easily replace us in a matter of hours. But the family & friends we leave behind will feel the loss for the rest of their lives.

From my heart to yours.

The light of God surrounds us.

The love of God enfolds us.

The power of God protects us.

The presence of God watches over us.

Wherever we are, God is. And all is well.

Thank you, Jeff, for sharing this with me.

I Want To Be A Women of Strength

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 23:23:22 GMT

Please, Lord, help me to be a woman of strength

A strong woman works out every day to keep her body in shape...

but a woman of strength kneels in prayer to keep her soul in shape

A strong woman isn't afraid of anything...

but a woman of strength shows courage in the midst of fear.

A strong woman won't let anyone get the best of her..

but a woman of strength gives the best of her to everyone.

A strong woman makes mistakes and avoids the same in the future...

but a woman of strength realizes life's mistakes can also be God's blessing and capitalizes on them.

A strong woman walks sure footedly...

but a woman of strength knows God will catch her when she falls.

A strong woman wears the look of confidence on her face...

but a woman of strength wears grace.

A strong woman has faith that she is strong enough for the journey...

but a woman of strength has faith that it is in the journey that she will become strong

We've seen this one before.. But I needed the reminder.

It is in my weakness that I am made strong.

2Co 12:9 But [the Lord] replied (to Paul), "My kindness is all you need. My power is strongest when you are weak." So if Christ keeps giving me his power, I will gladly brag about how weak I am.

2Co 12:10 Yes, I am glad to be weak or insulted or mistreated or to have troubles and sufferings, if it is for Christ. Because when I am weak, I am strong.

Artistic Challenge - Living Water

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 14:49:33 GMT

How ironic and appropriate it is that Living Water should be the first artistic challenge at inhisimage.

I have been thinking and have finally come to the realization that I am entering one of those ‘dry’ periods when all my thoughts and feelings begin to shrivel. My connectivity to God and Jesus is slowly evaporating. Does this mean that I am in a spiritual crisis? No. Well, not yet at least. I don’t feel as if I am under attack, either. It doesn’t seem so. Life has been as normal as normal can ever be for me. In fact, nothing has changed externally. But there is a growing parchedness to my devotions. My quiet time is…too quiet. I’m becoming a bit thirsty.

I’ve been here before. So have you.

We all thrive in the wet times. Life is good. I remember the joy of a long running leap off Abba’s dock and landing in a cannonball into Jesus’ river. His blessings were effortlessly available. The Lord’s word and wonders were everywhere, pooling in glistening ponds, raining from the sky soaking in and overflowing. The dew coats the lush green of your soul every morning. Outstretched hands are immediately filled with a cool refreshing satisfying draft of invigorating water. It revives your spirit; washing over you like the waves on a restless sea. One has only to reach out his cup for a long and soothing drink. We hardly notice the water level as it recedes. A day or two of dewless mornings are easily ignored.

Psa 107:33 He turneth rivers into a wilderness, And watersprings into a thirsty ground;

It’s a struggle to search, to find, the words to express my need for a mere sip.

Psa 63:1 A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah. O God, thou art my God; earnestly will I seek thee: My soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee, In a dry and weary land, where no water is.

Drought leaves its signature everywhere. Color is drained from the landscape. Dullness invades the soil. Even the breeze sucks the moisture from your soul. The lush grass from the times of plenty becomes brown and brittle. But in reality the grass isn’t dead; it’s simply dormant waiting for the next rain. Occasionally, you will notice a tree, or a shrub, or a clump of weeds clinging tenuously to life. How do they survive? They have tap roots… a root that digs deep, strong, straight down to where the water still remains hidden far below the level of the wilderness.

So, the realization that the river is slowing is in of itself a warning. Now I have a choice to make. I can drift along and hope for a renewing. I could prepare myself for a pity party, because the drier it gets the more melancholy I become. I could turn away. The desert is not a pleasant place. Its hot and tiresome, a difficult place to breathe or to find shelter. Or I could reach deep and search for the Living Water that I stored up during the times of plenty. And stored up I have!!! Experience has taught me the wisdom of preparing for the drought. Still it will take a determined purpose and hard work to haul it to the surface.

Isa 12:3 Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.

Therefore I will earnestly seek His face. I will trust Him when he says that I’m not alone. I know that this is only temporary… I will praise Him knowing that what I feel is never the benchmark of reality. What is real is His loving care for me. I will wait patiently for the dew to return as I drink deeply from the well of Living Water.

Psa 107:35 He turneth a wilderness into a pool of water, And a dry land into watersprings.

If you could only be remembered with one word, what word would it be?

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:21:27 GMT

That one word would be ... confidant

con·fi·dant

Pronunciation: \ˈkän-fə-ˌdänt also -ˌdant, -dənt\

Function: noun

Etymology: French confident, from Italian confidente, from confidente confident, trustworthy, from Latin confident-, confidens

Date: 1646

: one to whom secrets are entrusted; especially : intimate

This is the other side of my more visible personality trait. Those who know me well, are confident that I am a trustworthy confidant. I have to be. If I were not, my more nosey side would never have any degree of satisfaction. lol

But more than that, others would no longer be able to confide in me when approaching me for confidential counseling. Loose lips sink more than ships, they can also ruin friendships. I think that others feel safe when sharing from the heart (and sometimes the head) because they are certain that what they have said never leaves my lips.

I just answered this Featured Question, you can answer it too! And when you do, you can be sure I won't tell anyone that you did.