Tag Archive: Bible


Thank you LORD for all your blessings this past year

Filed under: Blessings, caring for ourselves, personal testimony, stories of inspiration — 1 Comment
December 26, 2018

 I just want to thank you LORD for all the blessings I received this past year. When I had doubt that my prayers would ever be answered all I needed to do was to BELIEVE that You would answer them. Every time doubt crept into my mind, I would make myself turn from the doubt and remember to TRUST in your promises to me. The promises in the Bible. They’re everywhere all I have to do is open the book and start reading. The miracles of life, the Word of God, your promises to not just me but to all of us.

Years ago when I desperately needed to find out a few answers to the very daunting and haunting questions I had about personal relationships You were there with me. From planning to making a way for me, You did did that. The only things I had to do was pray, trust and make sure I was in YOUR WILL. Yours not mine. I’m still trying NOT to be stubborn,headstrong, independent and willful. Difficult to say the least. It’s not easy to depend on someone else nonetheless a God that is invisible.

But, believing and trusting that You are there gave me the breakthroughs that I needed. It’s not easy to stay in your will but I managed to do it (with Your help). After years of waiting for an improvement in those relationships I realized that I was waiting on a cause of action that was not going to happen. So again I came to You LORD to please restore me back to where I was before. You did that this year.

I prayed and stayed in Your Will. You made a way for me again. Thank you Jesus! People were positioned in my life that offered new experiences and connections. Family and friends came forward to help me make the move back to where I was before. It became such an awesome experience and growth period for me. Thank you again Jesus! Trusting You and letting go of me.

Always such a hard thing to do. Walking the walk and not just talking the talk is not easy but it sure was worth it. The power I gave those thoughts (of personal relationships) was no longer holding me captive. I’m freer now and actually can feel new doors opening for me. Since then I actually do have improved personal relationships. Well, improved enough to give me a new lease on my life. Either way I am a very grateful person and so thankful to, and for, the people in my life.

Thank you LORD for giving me that part of my life back. I couldn’t have done that without You. As a matter of fact thanks for everything!

Blessings,

Mary

 

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I can’t believe my eyes. January 22, 2014

Filed under: caring about others, caring for ourselves, Faith, personal testimony — 2 Comments
January 22, 2014

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I’m trying hard to be a good Christian, I occasionally feel tempted to declare audible gasps, oh my’s, and Geez Louise’s’ . I see more people leaving the privacy of their homes in their pajamas, in slippers, pants way too big and drooping and sagging down on them. I see men and women wearing tight too small clothing over a rotund, spare tired body.  Don’t they look in the mirror when they get dressed? What do they see? I see and feel the sadness.

I’m overweight myself. The thought of me going out of the house with my belly fat hanging out repulses me. I try to wear clothing that’s a looser fit, you know for bigger people. I don’t try to fool myself into thinking I look good, refined, professional or more feminine by wearing thin tight blouses or low rise pants. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a fashionista . I’m working on myself not just spiritually but physically, mentally and emotionally. I get it when the bible says my body is  a temple.

If the Holy Spirit is dwelling within me, He needs a livable place. I try to do regular maintenance. I know my body has issues. But I’m not going to fall for the flesh running my life. That’s a lie from the devil. I used to not even think about how I would look to Jesus. I thought well, he knows I’m a sinner. So that’s how I am. But then I just kept reading the Word daily, watched my favorite tv evangelists, read books,  listen to many preachers and figured out that what I believed was only partly true. Old school, Old Testament. Sure I faithfully believe in the commandments. I learned that those are the ground rules, then once you know the difference between right and wrong, you’re expected to move into the New Testament. The Old Testament is foundation, cornerstone building.  It lets you know, hey, what you’re doing or about to do is wrong.

Open your eyes. What do you see? Jesus wants us to get away from sin, clean up ourselves, take charge of our flesh and worldly things.  He wants us back, He comes looking for us. Can He recognize you? The New Testament is about His Grace and love. He wants us to learn about love, to love others and to love ourselves.

A false image is like a false idol. We do not worship false idols or any idols of any kind. Whether they’re movie stars, musicians,  athletes or models. We worship God, only God and we’re praising Him always in all ways for all we have and don’t have. When we are born again, the Holy Spirit, our Helper comes to dwell within us. I want to make Him proud of me. I want to remain humble and respectful.

At any time I can be called before The Lord. That means, my flesh has died. I’m dead, gone, a memory to friends and family. Standing before God the instant I take my last breath. How will I appear? Will I display a trashy image? Have I tried to do Gods will? I am accountable for my life. Me, myself.

I do not care what the world tells me, what horoscopes, cards, dice, bone tossing, tv, music, fashion or other people try to say or turn me from or toward. It’s my life, I choose not to give it to fantastical lies, strange beliefs or false traditions.

The Holy Spirit lives in me, my personal life and world are changing for the better.  I will care about my body, and whom I represent. I am Gods kid. It’s His group I long to belong to, not worldly groups or gangs. Not what everyone else is doing, saying, wearing or believing, but what my Heavenly Father wants me to do and how He wants me to live.

There’s something comforting knowing that it’s in myself to be able to please Him. To have Him look at me with love, knowing He’s the one that’s always truly loved me unconditionally. When I come before my Abba Father I want to hear “well done, my good and faithful servant.” I want my Daddy to be proud of me.

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Walking a narrow path. October 31, 2013

Filed under: caring for ourselves, Faith, personal testimony, stories of inspiration, Uncategorized — 5 Comments
October 31, 2013

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It’s not easy walking a narrow path. Trying to live like Jesus wants us to live. Trusting Him completely in a distrusting world. Satan always prowling around (1 Peter 5:7-8). Sometimes it’s difficult to make the right decisions about even just the simplest things. It seems like they escalate into something with a life of it’s own.

An avalanche going downhill, a rockslide, a waterfall. Turning into something else entirely when it gets to the bottom. If you look at it negatively, you might think, “wow, a huge powerful mess just wound up here”. Look at it positively and think, ” will you look at how awesome that is, see the new creation, see the might and strength of what that has become.”  

The avalanche has taken the weight off the mountain and moved earth and debris to the base creating new environment for plants and animals.

The rockslide creates new terrain also taking the mountains weight.

The waterfall as powerful as it is moves the earth and whats in the waters path to the bottom, a pool of churning water making its way yet again along and through the earth.

Powerful, dangerous, sometimes deadly events that through unplanned circumstances are transformed into something good or better than before.

The rocks or snow were dangling and really had no use the way they were,  it’s like the earth was shedding them. Shaking them off.

The waterfall couldn’t just end there at the bottom of the pool, it overflowed and spilled out to start again and start anew.

Being Christian is a lot like that. You die to self. When you surrender your life to Jesus, He takes the old and begins to make it new. When you commit yourself to living Christlike many obstacles can come against you. The pressure is on, things begin to happen. New level new devil. The commitment becomes more challenging. Time changes, conversation, habits, and normal routines morph ever so slightly. Friendships move on and slowly new ones are made. A reshaping, a new you. Sometimes you feel oppressed, or depressed but don’t give into it.

Trust God always. Pray to stay on the narrow path because it’s all worth it in the end. Become a new creation, go through the narrow gate ( Matthew 7:14).

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Sponsors and Vendors needed for S.O.S Fashion Show being held November 3, 2012

Filed under: churches, Faith, places and items for sale, SOS Events — Leave a comment
October 15, 2012

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SOS Ministries is putting on a Fashion Show November 3, 2012 to raise money for The Helping Hands Ministry of Calvary Chapel Worship Center. SOS Ministries  ministers to abused women, homeless, the poor, and other needs in our community and would greatly appreciate any kind of donation that  you, your company or group would be able to assist us with. This is a large project but if we work together we will see our area definitely change for the better. Please remember your donation is tax deductible. Thank you so much for your participation.

 

Sponsor Levels:

THE EMMY – $500.00 Donation

3 months of FREE advertising in The Campus Connection 

Early Admission

4 FREE Admission Tickets

2 Reserved Front Row Seats

2 Specialty Drinks

Name of Business in Fashion Show Program

RED CARPET- $300.00 donation

1 month FREE advertising in The Campus Connection

Early Admission

2 FREE Admission Tickets

2 Reserved Front Row Seats

2 Specialty Drinks

Name of Business in Fashion Show Program

THE RUNWAY – $100.00 donation

Early Admission

2 FREE Tickets

2 Reserved Front Row Seats

2 Specialty Drinks

Name of Business in Fashion Show Program

THE STARS ARE OUT – $50.00 donation

Early Admission

2 Free Admission Tickets

Name of Business in Fashion Show Program

For Further Information Please Contact:

Pastor Estell at 727-457-9928 or revestell@yahoo.com

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Holy Spirit (Pneumatology) and Revelation classes started at the School of Discipleship, wow, heavy duty stuff!

Filed under: churches, Faith — Leave a comment
August 18, 2012

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The break between Bible study classes was brief since it was  the summer session. I thought the next set of classes at the School of Discipleship, was going to be very interesting, right up my alley so to speak. The first one was The Holy Spirit (Pnematology) Class, immediately followed by Book Of Revelation Part 1 Class. Never realizing how intense they could be right from  the start, I think I overestimated the workload. I decided to get on track asap. My usual routine was to take written notes and sometime during the week, type  them out and place in a binder.Noticing the extent of the notes I realized almost too late that I had to get a typing routine established more quickly. no more “Ms laid back in her homework or class assignments”.

These were two heavy duty studies deep into the biblical meanings of who, what, when , why and where of the Holy Spirit and the Book of Revelation. Lots of research, which I love, and answers to my many questions. Pastors Mary Kiegel and  Estell Keshock are awesome teachers. Making the Bible come alive. My brain visualizes descriptors and along with my imagination I can picture how it all was and see what will be coming according to His word. I can tell you that studying and reading up on Revelation is kind of a scary thing for such a visual type person as myself. I was actually drawing sketches of each Scripture and Word. Have you ever done that? When I looked back at the drawings, as simple as  they were since I am not artistic , Revelation had a whole new meaning to me.

I thought the first part was scary regarding  the seven churches, the seven seals, the Trumpets, the Angels and the locusts  were terrifying. Scary bugs, omigosh. Bugs from Hell, Demon bugs, ugh! That was only the first part of the Lords Wrath also known as  the FIRST WOE (Rev 1-9:11)! Geez Louise! If you can’t figure out at that time that it’s going to get worse I don’t know what to say to you. It gets MUCH WORSE(Rev 9:12-18)! Even so people don’t repent. What’s with that? It goes on again describing God’s Wrath getting Much Much  worse. Are you kidding, people are still not believing and repenting? I guess they are waiting until the very end to see if it’s for real or not.

Satan being the Great Deceiver he is, many will be corrupted, captured, corralled, cajoled, blinded, and well, deceived. By the time Rev 19 rolls around the world is in for quite a surprise.

But is it really? Hasn’t the Bible been faithfully telling us all what will happen in End Times? Have we been faithfully reading the Bible? Do you know that it is still to this day the best selling book in the world? I think we need to take it off the shelf  and get into a daily routine of reading it.

As for my classes I will be a diligent student and try to be a good Christian, doing what Jesus wants me to do. I might not always like it but He is my Abba  Father and I will be obedient to Him. I surely don’t want to be around for all  this nasty stuff coming, I prefer to be in Heaven, not in Hell or the Hell earth is going to become.where do you want to be?

Pick an H, Heaven or Hell!

Thanks Pastor Estell for  the use of your slogan.

Blessings, Mary

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Double blessings, Sunday July 1, 2012

Filed under: churches, Faith — Leave a comment
July 3, 2012

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  Sunday I was doubly blessed to be able to attend two great worship services. The firstone at Calvary Chapel Worship Center, my regular church. The second one at The Daily Transformation Ministry where we had our Tea Party and also where we’re having a “Soaking Service” in ten days. That’s going to be awesome. A lot of people are really excited about that.

Pastor Strayer at Calvary Chapel Worship Center  always gives great sermons, awesome teachings. The kind that hit home. I’m sure many people were convicted in his teachings.

After the service at CCWC  I went over to hear Marisol preach at the Daily Transformation Ministry. Wow, it was getting hot in there. You could feel the Holy Spirit move through the place. Her husband Todd was doing the Praise and Worship and it was awesome. I discovered that he actually wrote some of the songs. What a gift!  The anointing was all over the place. I felt blessed to have the opportunity to witness to all the wonderful teachings and anointings. God is certainly moving in  these churches. After the Service, lucky for me it was Agape Sunday again! Who hoo. The food was wonderful and the fellowship was terrific as always. I am looking forward to the  fellowship and worship in the future at this very special church.

Don’t forget to come see all of us on Friday, July13, 2012 at 7 pm for the “Soaking in the  Holy Spirit Fountain  of  Fire and Healing.” at the Daily Transformation Ministry. Look for the links to their Facebook pages in my link section.

 

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Soaking in the Holy Spirit Fountain of Fire and Healing service at The Daily Transformation Ministry, on July 13, 2012

Filed under: churches, Faith — 3 Comments
June 12, 2012

 

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 Pastor Estell is having a service at The Daily Transformation Ministry on July 13, 2012. It will be a “Soaking in the Holy Spirit Fountain of Fire and Healing” ministry service. Thank you Pastor Freddy and the parishoner’s  of The Daily Transformation Ministry for having this service in your church. See link section for address and website of the church.

I have been listening everyday to the music from the website http://www.soakingwithapurpose.com. Wonderfully relaxing and fulfilling spiritual music. Please feel free to check out the site. If you know of other sites please let me know so I may share them on this blog.

I am anticipating going to this special service. I am believing it’s just what I need to fill me or re-fill me with the Holy Spirit.  I just want to seek more of Him.

A description of soaking was borrowed from the soakingwithapurpose.com website:” soaking is an intimate time where we place ourselves in a posture of rest in the Lord’s presence while listening to anointed music created to impart to our spirit and bypass our mind.”  What a beautiful way to describe it. To also have Healing along with the Fire of the Holy Spirit sounds like it’s going to be a powerful service indeed! I am so looking forward to it.

I think I will get there early enough to get a parking spot. Sounds like it’s going to be a full house, awesome.

P.S. The address for The Daily Transformation Ministry is 7425 Orchid Lake Rd., New Port Richey, Florida.

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Mother’s Day , May 13, 2012

Filed under: churches, Faith — Leave a comment
May 13, 2012

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  Today is Mother’s Day. A day in which we honor our mothers. A special day for all mothers too. It’s kind of like having or getting validation for a job well done. The atmosphere at church this morning was a bit exciting. Every year the Missions Department takes free pictures of Mom’s and posts them in an album in the church website. All a person has  to do is get the picture from the church album and email it to their families. It’s all for a donation to the Missions department. The do all sorts of fund raising to send people that are called by God out into the Missions field. So if you have the calling, get in touch with them through the website http://www.ccwc.org or on Facebook, under the Calvary Chapel Worship Center in New Port Richey, Florida. See the link section of my blog.

I volunteer for the first service and Pastor Gail spoke. She had some powerful messages to tell us.. If you’re interested see 1John:1-3 in your Bible, as an example.  The message was about walking the talk, not just talking the walk. Jesus wants us to be as He is. To live as He did. He loves so much, He intercedes for us with the Father. I always wonder if I’m doing enough to please Him. I can probably do more. I want to please Him, I need to start by getting right with myself. A better attitude and outlook. God’s message really hit home with me today.

Our head pastor is Pastor Bill Strayer . He has a way of preaching and teaching that really touches you. Today I had multiple Holy Spirit goosebumps. It’s a good thing, a God thing. I feel blessed to have been led to this church to receive teachings and lessons I needed to learn. I also had to make myself available to be there to learn  them. Volunteering, taking classes and joining small groups is so important. Reaching out works both ways. I reach for Him, He reaches for me. Thank you Jesus, I needed that.

After church I went home changed my attitude, and my clothes went to get a well deserved pedicure, bought myself some flowers, and treats, took myself out for my favorite lunch, and then went to see an action movie. I felt wonderful when I returned home. I felt like I was kicking dirt on the devil. Oh that felt good. Thanks Lord for such a wonderful day.

Has anyone else done something to change their attitude in a positive way? Let me know, comment on my blog. Let’s get something started.

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It’s not about me, it’s about Him.

Filed under: Faith — 2 Comments
April 12, 2012

Welcome to my blog. This is all new to me. Just another step towards where He is leading me. I have come a long way since I first became a born again Christian. I was always on a “quest” for more of God. Not happy being in typical churches all about the business of the religion and not about the Jesus or the Bible.. Everything else but that. I always prayed  to God for help and direction, and answers also. Sometimes the answers come in such a way that it can be quite traumatic and life changing.  I guess that’s what what needed in my circumstances to get my full attention.

I had gotten hurt at work, went through everything required to get me back to work. Eventually was laid off from my job. It was devastating enough getting hurt, it was a catastrophe losing my job. I was a workaholic. I was a good citizen, took care of my credit cards, house, yard, pets, everything. Unemployment, social agencies, loss of familiar contacts, and the realization that I was going to lose everything I owned hit me very hard. This was going to be a long difficult fearful process for me. Always independent, strong, resilient, and a never give in attitude. I thought I could manage all of that and just get back on my feet. Well, it is happening but not the way I had ever imagined.

When the a/c in my truck broke down again, it was just so overwhelming for me  to manage. Having already replaced it at a cost of $2600. just a few years ago I knew I was done for. Living in Florida, it’s a necessity especially if one is not born here. Then, just when I thought all was lost  I received a telephone call from a friend at work. I thought everyone had forgotten me. I was encouaged to bring my truck to their house and her husband would fix it for me free of charge. I was stunned “wow, you would do  that for me”? Yes, he did. Well I was visiting with her, we were talking about my discontent with my church. She invited me to her church and I went. At the time I was going to different places of worship to find my niche. As soon as I walked into the church and heard the Pastor speak, I knew that’s where I wanted to be, Calvary Chapel Worship Center in New Port Richey. It’s an awesome church. They have many things going on for parishoners and  the community.

He spoke of living a life like Jesus, in  the Bible. The Good Life. Of course it would not be all as easy as said as is done. I knew I had a lifetime of  abuse, bad behaviors, habits,pain, personal demons and discouragements to deal with. After going there a few times and looking around, I knew I wanted more. I wanted to do more, help more and get more Jesus. I began by volunteering. I started taking some classes. I wanted to know more about the book called The Bible. I thought, “I tried every other lifestyle, I’m going to try this one”.  It was always about getting things in the world, a car, a house, things. Never about getting into Heaven. I made many mistakes and most of them where out of ignorance. I am working my way through my misbegotten ways and making amends wherever I go.

I was not a bad person, I always helped people. Yes, I made mistakes, I lived  through the 1960’s without too much garbage. But I had garbage nonetheless. Whether it was of my own doing or generational, sin is sin. I must not sin. Not if I want to get into Heaven, I must also forgive, above all that’s the biggest thing, to forgive. I am a work in progress.  Prayer and my new found classes led me yet to another place.

I joined a womans group called SOS, Shedding Our Silence. It helps women that have dealt with abuse, neglect, and troubles bring out the “beauty within”. Lots of personal growth. It is led by Pastor Estell, an awesome woman of God. She teaches and leads us as directed by God and the Bible. We have done several things outside of our group also. we reach out to others in the community. This past winter we did a blanket/sweater drive for the local homeless. When I am able to post the pictures I will. I am still setting up this blog so please bear with me.

Presently I am selling tee shirts that I myself was inspired to do. It was an Holy Spirit moment for me, hearing a small voice inside me that kept saying. “look around, they are not about Me, remind them, show them”. So I made simple black tee shirts that say, “It’s not about me, it’s about Him”.

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