Love. Far More Exciting Than A Hermit's Cabin(!)

"The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love."   ... Galations 5:6


******

Did you have a Career Box in any of your high school classes? I did. We were supposed to choose a job we'd enjoy, one we'd then research and write about.

My 5 minutes came to stand before the Career Box. I hesitated there then, eyes darting side to side, searched for the Hermit card.

Darn. There wasn't one. 

Yes, by age 16 I found folks annoying, mostly because my passions (books, God, music, ideas of fun) seldom matched theirs. So to make myself (me, me, me) more comfortable, I now dreamed of, after high school, living alone in a cabin in the woods. 

Oh yeah, and writing books to support myself there. So I fingered my way through the career cards, but didn't find one for Writer, either.

Gah. Story of my life.  ツ 

Well, years passed and God finally got me to lighten up. He expanded my heart, slowly pouring more divine compassion in there and now? I've no more hermit dreams and supernaturally I love (and pray for) even those whom satan uses to spoil everything.

I love almost everyone. God's still stretching this heart of mine--and I'm grateful, even though I still feel the squeeze at times.

Anyway, what I believe I heard this morning? In 2020 and beyond, God will mightily use the lovers. Of Him. Of His children.

Wow.

Faith does work by love, you know, and those who're filled with God's love and fling it freely in Real Life and online? Oh, what they will see.

Oh, what darkness they will help change into Light for all eternity!

These aren't the days to hide away, but rather, to share what we've been given by God.

"By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."   ... John 13:35

Not certain of the gifts/callings God's given you through which He loves and heals people? Here's one of my posts which may help. 

And what I'm learning lately? Since these are gifts God never takes away(Romans 11:29), we'll also use them in Heaven. So let's make certain now that we're faithfully practicing them, ok?


*****

More of my favorite movies Tom and I watched in 2019---


Toy Story 4

The Aeronauts

Before All Others

Let there Be Light

Do You Believe?

Overcomer

******


Okay, this was so clever!





 "For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." ... Matthew 6:14,15

So At Age 11 I Had This Vision ... And Now 2020 Is Coming.

" Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut." "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland."  ... Revelation 3:8, Isaiah 43:19

******

October 1, 1970. 

There I was on a revival night, age 11, walking down the church aisle, amongst many folks sitting upon benches, to accept Jesus into my heart. For years I'd longed to do this! 

Yet oh my, we super-shy girls. We paralyze ourselves with our please-don't-look-at-me thoughts.

But this time I asked God to move my foot into the carpeted aisle--and He did. Then suddenly, what the ? All people 'disappeared' and I was standing inside a dark cabin, one like those in popular 70's tv Westerns. There, but still in the aisle, I was in a room thick with dust and blackness. 

Yet on my right stood an opened door where outside--beauty! Sunshine gleamed upon springtime grasses and young trees. All beckoning me.

Oh, the difference between that dark cabin and outside. No comparison.

And instantly, within my heart, God interpreted all this: You are stepping from your shadowy old life into a bright new one with Me.

Then the cabin, doorway and park-like greenery faded away. I'd finished the steps to the front bench where my dad (the pastor) waited to pray with me.

Weird, right? That was the first vision God gave me. 

I've had others since, but never have I felt inside of one. Most visions God gives me simply feel like never-before-imagined scenes (ones too clever for my own limited mind to create, trust me).

Why share that story? This December month I keep recalling that cabin with its bright opened door.

2020, the term for clear vision, is coming! A whole new decade to live closer to God. To see Him clearly move amongst us. In a newness of Life.

Or we can keep slouching in our dark cabins--


Cabins of Worry. Cabins of Fear of New Things.
The Complaining and Lack of Gratitude Cabins.
Cabins of Legalism Disguised as Truth.
The God's-Not-Greater-Than-My-Sadness Cabins.

And more such places.

But me? I'm choosing to step outside of this 2019 door into gleaming new life. And to participate with God as He does a new thing, perhaps like this--


“‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh..."  ... Acts 2:17



And whatever else that may bring(!)

And today may we all leap outside of our past cabins, run our races and draw nearer to the very pulsating heart of God.

In 2020. And beyond. With much anticipation--and joy. Much. Joy.

"He whom the Son sets free is free indeed!"  ... John 8:36

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us."   ... Hebrews 12:1

"Joy is energy."  

... Joyce Meyer (based on Nehemiah 8:10)


It's time for us to have answers available for those seekers with many questions!

******

Hooray! I'm able to pick up Family Life Radio upstairs. During the day I walk upstairs and smile as it plays its cool, godly songs.

You can listen online here!


*****




"For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." ... Matthew 6:14,15

Christmas Overflow

"Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind."   ... Philippians 2:2


*****



Remember my Youtube early morning 'classes'? Well, one of my favorite teachers said, "God loves Christmas!"

So, hey. That gave ol' sometimes-she's-scroogey-about-worldly-Christmas Debra, pause.  ツ

The teacher stated God loves Christmas because people put more effort into loving each other in December. They give. They remember God gave, also, and make a whole celebration of it.

Oh my. Guess who immediately changed her mind about Christmas? Didn't even hang her head in guilt, but rather, just, well, changed how she thought about it?

Then this weekend! I visited a Facebook page of our former town (just down the road) and wow! A woman's post stated her friend, a single mom, had no Christmas gifts for her 3 children. Her year had been so hard.

Well, you should have seen the following 200+ comments! Folks started crazy-stampede-giving out of love and just doing the right thing.


"I'll get the family a Christmas tree!"
"I'll donate ornaments!"
"What are the ages and clothing sizes of the children?"
"I'm shopping now at Walmart. What would the 11-year-old girl like?"
"I'd planned to sell new clothes online, but the family can have them."
"Do they need Christmas dinner? I've got an extra turkey."
"Where's the drop off place? I'll deliver some wrapped gifts there."


Oh my goodness. I got all teary-eyed and recalled how and why I'd loved that town for 15 years. Why Western New York has blessed my heart these 2 1/2 decades.

(The single mom commented, saying she'd felt so sad, was now embarrassed, but so grateful. That she's usually the one giving, but couldn't this year. Others chimed-in, saying, "Honey, we've all been there. Just be blessed!")

I really desired to give money to this family, but no method was given for that, plus, the drop-off time limit was in minutes. But God simply told me, "Wait. This family's needs were met. I'll give you a new opportunity soon."

The next morning, He did. 

There upon our red couch I saw our local news report that, on Saturday, a nearby family lost their entire home and possessions to fire. Immediately I got up, came here, looked up the news' website, found the story and yes! They'd included a link to a Go Fund Me page for the family.

And gladly I donated. And prayed. And thanked God for so soon providing an opportunity to give.

And oh how wonderful if God could say, "I really love how my people give so freely 24/7, 365 days a year!"

What a wonderful thing, world, that would be. Indeed. (Let's make this happen in 2020, ok?!)

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that whoever believes in Him will not perish, but have everlasting life. For God did not send His son to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved."   .... John 3:16,17

The merriest of Christmas wishes are being sent to my readers as you all enjoy and love the folks God's sent you!

******




Absolutely loved this. From last year. Darcy was 14.

  "For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." ... Matthew 6:14,15

It Matters

"Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that ruin the vineyards, our vineyards that are in bloom."   ... Song of Solomon 2:15


******


Remember when I told you God was waking me up around 2:30 a.m. to drink hot chocolate, watch Youtube and spend time with Him?

Well, He's still doing that.

And not only do I love it, but oh, how different I feel! More joyful, freer and mega-anticipatory about what God's gonna do these next years on Earth.

Yet that's a long story, so instead, I'll just add this: when I obey God in small areas, He makes huge changes within me. It's wild how that works.

But of course--


I could've slept-in all these weeks
Or kept desiring a different, not-even-more-expensive house.
I could've not given money away when God said to
Nor shared truths at Facebook when He nudged me.
I could've not visited with neighbor Sally with a Christmas card 
Nor switched over to filling my home with Christian music,
Or listened to new-to-me teachers my friends believe seem 'out there,' (but they're only assuming because they refuse to listen for themselves).

I could've just said, "No thanks, God. I don't like getting up early. Or change. Or risking rejection from old friends."  

But oh, Honey--obedience matters. There is no breaking through our brick walls without the sledgehammer of obedience. 

Want to finally know Jesus as a 24/7, always-here friend? Obey Him in the little areas. Bricks will tumble one by one and oh, the bright light, joy and love waiting behind those walls!

"Be obedient to God and do not allow your lives to be shaped by those desires you had when you were still ignorant."   1 Peter 1:14


Oh, what we miss--and the dangerous journeys we begin--by our simply thinking, "I know God wants me do this one thing, but I can't because -----."

"We're built for change. We're built by God for variety. For freshness, for newness. We crave it, we want it--but we're petrified of it. We need to get over the fear of change. Just because we haven't done something before doesn't mean it won't be a good thing... Don't lose your God-ordained destiny." --- Joyce Meyer

******

Oh! And I'm not even certain why**, but I loved watching this woman decorate her home for Christmas.

**Actually? I think I enjoyed watching this woman decorate because of her peace in doing so. It came to me that God must love watching each of us while we do what He created us to--and how He rewards us with His peace and joy.

****** 


"For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." ... Matthew 6:14,15

Christmas Gifts For My Readers

Merry Christmas to you, my much-appreciated readers! Thank-you for faithfully reading here year after year--seriously! Your faithfulness and encouragement mean much to me.

******


1.) Oooo this video with Christmas music and beautiful snowy scenes will delight many of you, especially those who wish they lived in snow country. Truly, a delight. (You'll find many more at Youtube.)

2.) I've discovered there's still clean comedy out there(yay!)  Brian Regan is a new favorite comedian as well as Dennis Regan. Also check out Dry Bar Comedy at Youtube for other mostly-family-friendly comedians.

(Finding these reminded me to never assume anything--that can be bad or good--is all bad these days.)

3.) For free printable gift tags go here. You'll find others here.

4.)  Open Library-- this free library site has saved this reader lots of money in 2019! Bless them.  シ

5.)  For a free Jiffy baking mix recipe book by mail, go here.

6.) Oh my! I've seen many tiny houses, but this one I loved, even without all the colors I usually prefer. This tiny house also, is beautiful in its cottage-simplicity and oh! Just now found this one, complete with all the colors I love.

7.)  Okay, now this film was 'vintage quirky' at its finest. Tom and I enjoyed watching The Grange Fair: An American Tradition, even tho' the townsfolks' rabid interest in the fair flabbergasted us. (Free with Prime.)

8.) In the mood to read some short Christmas stories? Go here.

9.)  And go here if you enjoy getting free stuff of all kinds by mail.

10.) Here's a gift I gave myself: I wrote a list titled, Improvements Made In 2019. Surprised me how many changes I/we made around our house, including creating better habits. Try this bit of encouragement for yourself, ok?

11.) Many heart-warming, folks-are-still-kind-and-creative videos await you here.

12.)  Okay, these aren't free, but I thought they were pretty--and ordered some. Winter Berries Stamps. State and County Fair Stamps.

13.)  For a free issue of Good Old Days Magazine, click here.

14.) Too cool! This Youtube video shows you quick recipes using ground beef. No measurements are given, which, after cooking for 40+ years, is what I prefer, actually. ("Man, just give me the basics. I'll take it from there.")  シ

15.) Being a fan of Home Alone, I must share this Google ad again! 

16.) This video about a crow and a cat was like an early peek of Heaven(!) What a rare, rare thing.

17.)  For old times' sake you can read my Christmas post about Rudolph, here, and the silly one about holiday yard decor, here.

18.) Once again, got my green onions set up for winter snipping. I just placed them on my kitchen window sill in water like this--

19.)  For 40 years I've often made this so-easy, one-pan-meal from a recipe Tom's mom gave me (I've tweaked it and you easily can, also. Nothing is exact.). We (almost) never tire of this.  ッ


Pan Style Enchiladas


12 corn tortillas
3/4 lb. ground beef (or cut-up cooked chicken)
1/2 cup salsa (or less, to taste)
3/4 cup canned diced tomatoes (or fresh, from blender)
1/2 of 7 oz. can diced chilies
1/4 cup diced onion (any type)
1/2 can corn (or equal amount frozen)
8 (or so) black olives
onion powder (to taste)
chili powder (to taste), optional
a few drops hot sauce 
1 cup shredded cheddar (or any) cheese
cooking oil of your choice


In large frying pan, tear up tortillas into bite-sized pieces in hot oil. Remove tortilla pieces, set aside, cover.

Place ground beef in pan, add onions, season with onion and chili powders and hot sauce. Brown, drain.

Add tortilla pieces to pan with cooked beef. Stir. Add remaining ingredients, including more hot sauce to taste (if you wish). Cover, heat over low setting for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. (Add more tomatoes or salsa if all tortillas aren't evenly coated). Top with shredded cheese. Add sour cream if you wish and enjoy!



20.)One of my all-time favorite Bible verses? This one--

---and in 2020, may each of us experience many of those times of refreshing!

******

And repeat after me:  "This year I refuse to let December make me crazy!" 😏

******

Oh! Nearly forgot. Here's the TCM Remembers 2019. Bittersweet as always.

And one more treat: Here are some vintage radio shows for Old Time's sake. Enjoy!

******

And lastly, for animal lovers--

******

                                                                             🎀


"For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." ... Matthew 6:14,15

Don't Cry For Me, Grandma Tina. (See What I Did There?) :)

"For the Lord God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right."  ... Psalm 84:11

******

I've told you before that, most likely, I'll never have grandchildren. I mean, when your daughter says for 30 years, "I'd rather not have any children," well, eventually you believe her. 

Though yes, 'never say never' and all that. But still.

Frankly, I'm choosing to use my faith for the things God wants me to pray and believe for. The only unhappy times I've had while living at Hobbit Cottage (especially)? They were while wanting what God did not want for me. And oh Honey, you do that and your world tilts, slipping you up against walls all uncomfortable-like.

And who wants to live all squished-up like that?

Anyway, God's always given me grace regarding the no grandchildren thing, but now, oh! Even more so due to what I've learned via Youtube about Heaven. Various folks say that if you've had miscarriages, your children are in Heaven waiting for you. They know who you are. They can't wait to meet you.

Wow. I think I've had 3 miscarriages! I say 'think' because each 'episode' happened the first month, making it a 'spontaneous abortion' (a medical term I don't appreciate), meaning I didn't know I was pregnant.

Which means even now I'm not certain I was. And yet? Each of those painful times is still clear in my memory.

So my, my, my. In Heaven there's a big possibility I'll be raising 3 more children and isn't that a wild thing to consider? No longer a mom to one, but to 4? Yes, pretty head-spinning to this gal of a certain age. 

Whew.

So no grandchildren here on Earth? Hey, I'm truly fine with that, especially now that, possibly, 3 beautiful children await me to go on numerous out-of-this-world (literally) adventures. Oooo, what fun! Especially since I'll have energy galore again.  ツ

Yet always and always, here's the main reason I've felt fine for decades while facing the no grandchildren possibility--

Jesus is enough. More than, actually. He meets needs like no one else ever can. 

Something else? I believe even here, now, He gives each of us wonderful surprises, seen and unseen, to make up for anything others have that we do not.

No one does that better than He does, either. No one.

Hallelujah.

“And if you faithfully obey the voice of the Lord your God, being careful to do all his commandments that I command you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the voice of the Lord your God. Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the field. Blessed shall be the fruit of your womb and the fruit of your ground and the fruit of your cattle, the increase of your herds and the young of your flock. Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl. ..."   ... from Deuteronomy 28

 "Life, if properly viewed in any aspect, is great, but mainly great when viewed in its relation to the world to come."

- Albert Barnes

*****

I keep hearing that many seniors struggle to feed themselves these days. If that's you or someone you know, I hope you'll check out the many videos at Youtube like this one:

How To Eat For $10 A Week

How to Eat for $10 a Week: Emergency Extreme Budget Food Shopping Haul Shopping at Walmart for an extreme budget grocery haul. Eating 7 days for $10 without coupons. Great for money e...

Oh, the help that's available for each of us who wonder how to do certain things! This Internet--what a gift from God. Indeed.

"For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." ... Matthew 6:14,15