Year-End Review in Pictures:

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7-7 Now, straight to the Word. Before let's just give a little word of thanks to the Lord Jesus.
Our heavenly Father, we're just so grateful today for the--for You down here in this modern age, in the age of automobiles, airplanes, jets, the rockets, and--and all kind of science: telephone, television, and a modern atomic weapons, and so forth. You are still the supreme, almighty, omnipotent, omniscient God that created the heavens and earth and patterned out the sky. God, we can't explain it. We can't explain it. Neither can we explain why the sky doesn't have an end, how the world can revolve around, and so perfect till twenty years before, they can tell when the eclipse of the sun is coming; because Your machinery works exact. We can't produce a piece of machinery to be that exact. Oh, but great Jehovah, Who holds this earth here in space, it's perfect. And we love You, and all Your doings are just and right.
And we submit ourselves to Thee this morning, the beginning of this new year, and ask that You fill us all with the Holy Spirit, Lord, and draw us close to Thee; and may Thy everlasting arms be around us and hold us, Lord, for the days are shaking and dark, but the Morning Star is leading the way. We shall follow, Lord. Where He leads me, I will follow. If it be some through the waters, some through the flood, some through deep trials, but all through the Blood.

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8-1 O God, lead us by Thy everlasting hand until the victory finally is won, and Jesus returns to the earth. Sin, sickness, and sorrow will be ended, and we'll live this glorious millennium with Thee. We're longing for that great day. Come, Lord Jesus, to Thy Word today. Get into It. Circumcise the lips that speak, and the hearts that hear. And may the seed fall into the heart where the Holy Spirit will sow it, and bring forth a hundredfold. We ask in Jesus' Name. Amen.

May God richly bless you all.

Posted via web from marielenora's posterous

Praise Jesus for the Truth

Today's a teacher work day for my district, one we get in an effort for teachers to see more of what our students are expected to do once in the real world. So early this morning I headed to the local United Way. It was eye-opening to say the least. In my beautiful part of the world, seventeen percent of the population, ages 17-60, are illiterate. My county has the highest percentage of domestic violence per person in the US (it's first in child abuse and second in spousal abuse). It made my heart bleed for my students, both from last year and this year. And it also made me view the question of exactly why I am at the most urban middle school in my county a bit differently. Now I'm beginning to ask myself why not--why should students who have such desperate home situations, such pain in their lives, such needs, why should I not share with those in society that need it the worst? And yet, those are the ones that I seemed to fail last year.

Yesterday, as a part of my inservice/work time, I went over with my principle my gains and losses on my state's high-stakes test. And while I gained with my upper-level students (by a significant margin), I feel like I failed with the others. The ones that needed it the most. The ones that need the education the worst. The ones that have trouble in school because of problems at home or because they're hungry. Or because they don't know where they're going to sleep that night. I failed those children. And all I can do is ask the Lord--and them--for forgiveness, and try my best to do better this year. I think I've been beginning to try to remedy this--though I don't know how well I'm doing yet this year. What I have been doing so far is this--I've been trying my best to make a connection with the students I have, knowing that if I develop a good, solid relationship with my students, they will want to perform and work for me. And I'm hoping--praying--that this will help my students this year on THE TEST. Though the test has never been my goal. My goal is to show Christ to my students and teach them something they can use to help them in life. It always has been, and always will be.

I've been spending way too much time on YouTube lately, and I've found and watched some videos of Brother Branham. (I wasn't wasting my time then... ) Parts of "Deep Calleth to the Deep" are online, as well as a Chicago prayer line that is truly powerful. And there's a video of Bro. Branham's voice, describing the crucifiction of Christ, with the images from The Passion of Christ. While it's a powerful video, I can't stand the way Mary enters into the movie, stealing the credit and glory from Christ. And for that reason, I've never watched The Passion all the way through--perhaps not a justifiable reason to some, but I'd rather not.

The Maryolitry of it--that's what gets me. My absolute favorite homeschooling blog (this one) is from a Catholic mom. I love what she has to say on homeschooling and "mom-ing" in general. I was poking around her site because of her sewing post, and ran across this blog. I was a bit put-off by her profile--much the way I can see some others being offended by mine--but I decided to read her post anyway. I read on, until I got to this:

I know what it means to live on a rock. The rock of my faith --
the Catholic Church ...

And this, I thought, is what the Catholich Church creates: pagan worship of a church instead of Jesus Christ; dependence on a system and a novena to Mary instead of a direct advocate to the Father; a wafer of bread, digested and expelled, instead of the gift of the Holy Ghost, living and breathing inside of you? I can't help but think how decieved, how utterly pagan, and how deceiving--as they still claim the name of Jesus Christ. And I think back to Bro. Branham, pounding away at the systems and denominations, declaring that Jesus Christ is that rock. That revelation that I need, and that others need.

Too often, I've been slow to share the truth with those around me. I've been reluctant, asking myself what they'd think if they knew--if they knew I believed in following a man. But the more I see of this sad world, the more I'm convinced that it matters not a whit what people think. This world is so full of people following the wrong men, why should it matter if I follow the right one--the one who displayed Jesus Christ in this hour? Despite this world's crazy ideals that make the truth sound insane, I want to be a witness. Wherever I'm supposed to, I want to witness. Lord, help me to witness. Because I've been so blessed to know the truth--it found me.

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2 Lord Jesus, Thou the--the Fountain, inexhaustible Fountain of Life, flow through us today, Lord, and cleanse us from all unbelief and all sin, that we might stand in Thy Presence now, knowing that there is need among us, that we know that we are sinners and not--not worthy of any blessing. But then when we think of Him Who came and took our sins! Then, when His Blood is there, it's not--it's not us in the Presence of God, it's Him. It's just our voice through His Blood. His Blood is speaking. O God, then cleanse our hearts from sin and unbelief.
3 Give to us the desires of our heart, for we truly have these desires to serve You. In these weakening conditions and afflictions, and things of the world that's put upon us sometime, to perfect us; we've been told that. Then He said, "Think it not strange that these trials come." They're only working out for our good and to perfect us, and bring us into that place. These great deserts of experience, where righteous man are molded into saints, we--we thank Thee for these experiences, Lord. We would no mean, no wise want to do anything contrary to Your will. But we pray, Father, that in this we'll be brought closer to You.
4 And when the burdens are so heavy we can't go no farther, then we raise our hands and scream to our Father. Then hear from Heaven, Lord.
Heal us, make us well, for the Kingdom of God's sake.
Bless Thy Word this morning, Lord. Thy Word is the Truth.

God Bless.

He is the potter, and I am the clay...

A vessel of Honor he wants me to stay...

God is so good.

I'm a first year teacher, and it seems that last semester was a time of constant stress. (That is, except when I'm wasted time on the 'net.) And so I took full advantage of my time off this Christmas to relax. And I put off grading.

When I finally got to the point that I could (and wanted to) grade papers--I knew I was going to have some sleepless nights... and even then, I didn't know what I was going to do. I had a ton of essays to grade.

But when I stumble, and fall, and my vessel breaks....

God's sovereignty is amazing--and His blessings even more so.

We've had amazing services in church lately. God has come down, and blessed us so much. It seems as if it's a process--of slowly centering me once more on Him, no matter what comes or goes. Wednesday's service was wonderful, and on Saturday we had a watch-night service. The presence of the Holy Ghost filled the church--God calling me back to His throne, into His presence.

There is healing in Communion.

I know this, because Brother Branham said it... and I've now experienced it. For myself. Because my broken, wounded spirit was healed by His balm.

Sunday night after service, I lay in my room upstairs--and instead of focusing on the book I was escaping to, I started to think about the Lord, and all He's done for me. For some reason, my mind went back to a series my pastor had preached on Brother Branham's sermon, How Can I Overcome. When my pastor preached this, I was seeking for the Holy Ghost--But I wasn't yet surrendered. I knew it, too. As I listened to the message, I yearned for the Holy Ghost--yet I wasn't willing to give up.

Looking back on that time in my life, and comparing it with now... I realized: When you receive the Holy Ghost, you receive the power you need to overcome anything Satan might throw into your face. I'd known this for--oh, I don't know how long. But what I hadn't realized was, it's not me. I, as in my flesh, will never have the power to overcome Satan in this life. Because as much as we might try to patch, comfort, and beautify this flesh, it's not redeemed, and it will not be until we are in our ought-to-be condition-- glorified, sinless bodies.

But when you've surrendered over--when you realize it must be Him, and not you, that completes the work; that conquers the trial--it makes all the difference in the world.

I'd been trying to wage the war with the wrong tools. I'd been trying to fight battles myself, instead of simply surrendering. So this time, I prayed that God would allow me to just yield to Him, rather than fight with my two weak hands. And this whole grading thing--it allowed me the chance to put God to the test.

This morning, I laid on my face, and knew that if God didn't help me somehow-- I just wasn't going to get my grades in. And so I called on His help--realizing that I just wasn't good enough. I knew it was my fault. But I still needed His power and help.

Remember the ice storm that wasn't, yet we still didn't have power? Well. At lunchtime, I got an email. Because of our "snow days", the High Schools were still taking exams, and the District Office moved the Report Card distribution date to later. Which gave me an extension on how long I had to upload my grades. I know--still--that I should have already completed my grades. I know it was my fault. But yet, even in my fault, He had mercy. He knew what I needed--even before I knew it. He always does.

He just picks up the pieces; He doesn't throw the clay away.

---

**Edit**
Guess what tonight's service was on? The Faithfulness of God--to us.

Amen.

Posted via web from marielenora's posterous

The adventures of two sistas on the loose...

It seems that, no matter what we do, Becca and I always end up with adventure. There was the time we she and I visited Asheville the weekend before Halloween because I wanted yarn from Earth Guild--and ended up walking around the middle of a pagan street party. And they looked at us like we were crazy. No matter that some of them were not... normal.

That was also the trip where we walked into a cool furniture store--and the salesperson called God a she. We tried to correct his ignorance. He said he thought we believed this--because we had long hair. (WHAT?! --go figure.) And then we went to a cafe, and got seated with another person who was not... normal. He got a little uncomfortable when we started sharing our ideas on life, though he was perfectly happy to share his own. (LOL!)

But I digress... I was actually talking about our most recent trip--to Cumberland Island.

It was beautiful--as always. Too bad I forgot my decent cameras.. and had to go to WallyWorld for disposables. I think I was still able to get a few good shots, but I will be pretty amazed if there are any really good ones in the bunch. I missed my SLR.

We'd planned to drive half the night on Wednesday, sleep in the car, and then eat at "the breakfast place"--but I didn't feel like it. Instead, we came in on Thursday, , had awesome shrimp fresh from the boat and pretty good fish (the place had great food, but no atmosphere--lol--), then went to WalMart for all the things I needed, that I forgot, and then stayed at a great B&B.

This was the first vacation in a looong time that I've brought just one pair of shoes on. But it wasn't by choice. I simply forgot my tennis shoes. Soooo... I ended up wearing my Danskos on the island. Becca was soooo afraid I would step in horse poop especially because mine are backless--but I managed to keep my head out of the clouds and eyes on the ground enough to miss it. And my feet didn't hurt! (Sharon--you should be very proud of me--even if it was only by chance of my forgetful self! )

We took our traditional nap on the beach, and the gulls tried to scare us out of our lunch--and we got to go places on the Island I'd never been. we came back through sea camp, for old time's sake.

(I'll post pictures when I get them developed.)

I think our adventure for this trip started when we heard the rooster crow.

No, not at dawn--as we were getting off the ferry in St. Mary's. I thought some dilatory parent had allowed their child to take an electronic toy on the island. Becca looked around for the rooster.
Then, we both heard the man right behind us, in a DEEP southern accent, say:

"Y-ello? Oh--yeh, we just got awf th' furry in Saint Mair-ees."

Yes, it was his cell phone.

LOL!

I'd not heard the like.

Our adventure then became too-be-continued--for about four hours.

We took the long way home, going through Savannah for food and Bannanna Republic--But first we rode around downtown for 30 minutes looking for a parking space. Then, and only then could we got on the waiting list at Lady and Son's, and then return to Bannanna Republic--just in time for it to close. Bleh.

We had a great time at Lady and Sons, a La Paula Deen--Shrimp and Grits and fried green tomatoes this time. This time, the great food also had great atmosphere--lolo! We also got free desert, because they took too long to give us our food.

And then our adventure started in earnest. It was already 8:45, and we knew we weren't getting home until one in the morn'. So we called momma and warned her--and then promptly got lost in the city. Neither Becca nor I know Savannah that well--and we ended up on the wrong side of town. I was driving, and Becca was trying to navigate... and well, the results weren't good. We ended up in some pretty seedy neighborhoods. An hour later, when we finally made it on the road to home, I was really relieved to be safe and in one piece.

We got in at 2:30. I was worthless the next day--need I say more?
I'm still trying to decide if the trip was worth it, fun though it was.

Hmmm--It was wonderful to be on the island again, that's for sure.

And before I forget--Happy New Year to everyone!

May God's goodness and mercy be upon you always--and more in this year than the last. May we all grow in grace an knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

~God Bless~

Samantha, You've Enspired Me...

...To tell how God is so very good to me--and has been all my life. I'm blessed beyond my wildest imagination, just becuase I'm His child, and growing in Grace.


I first was babtised when I was a little girl. I was four years old.

I didn't want to go to hell.

And so I went on, for years.

Sinning. Being a little girl.
All the while growing up in a home with parents who believed the Message.
Listening to Brother Branham. Going to church. Singing. Sinning.

Yet all the while, God had His hand on my life. I finally came to the knowledge that I was a sinner--and not surrendered to God--at age 14. And there I surrendered to Him.
And there, I began to live the Message by my own works.
Which is to say, not well. At all.

I knew there was a piece missing. Something wasn't right.
But I didn't know what.


I'm so thank God for sending me--my family--my church--a Holy Ghost-Filled, Straight-preaching pastor. My most rebellious moments as a teenager were brought into the light of God's Word--and I realized where I was astray. God 's gift will always point out sin and unbelief.
And through the preaching across the pulpit of my Home Church, I realized:

I needed the Holy Ghost.

After I'd realized, I heard it everywhere. In every message I heard, I heard Brother Branham preach the Holy Ghost. When I read the Bible; when I prayed; it was a sore thumb of thought: I needed the Holy Ghost.

I needed to surrender more, though.

And I had to want to surrender.
Not want the Holy Ghost, just to take myself back again.

I sought--for I'm not quite sure how long. And the night when I recieved Him--not as a historical figure, but as my Lord and Savior, who died on the Cross to save me, and would deign to come down and LIVE in ME--it was too awesome for words.

I had no words--I had nothing to offer Him, but sweet surrender.

And I'm still learning my lesson, over and over again, to surrender my life into His complete care. I'm still facing the fact that I AM NOTHING,
and HE IS ALL.



I'm still growing in Grace.
Every trial, every test, every pain is an opportunity to grow into Him more--as long as I take it. It's always an opportunity to lean on Him more; to let Him be more in my life.

And when I fail--which is so often--He is my advocate with the Father.
And I'm sheltered within the cover of His wings.
My voice is heard--but my sins are under the blood.

And because of that, I cannot fail the Lord.

The lord of my life; He has never failed.... On my own, I could never succeed...


Through Him, I cannot fail Him.