Awesome Wonders

Hi Everybody ……. :)

The last three days have been fairly nice to me. Have you ever heard the song “I Can’t Even Walk without You Holding My Hand”? Powerful!! Absolutely Powerful!! An old song sung by many but Kathy and I really enjoy the way Luther Barnes put it together, live. We danced to it at our son Scotts wedding, the first time I ever danced with my wife since we’ve been married, it took 23 years. A truly wonderful experience, only the two of us on the dance floor. Had to mention this because the song cued up to play when I started to write. Hope I can get to today’s inspirational, there are a lot of good songs on this CD that make you want to sing, dance or just think and cry some happy tears.
Ok, let me give it a shot.
I went through my book and picked out a couple possibilities that I wanted to share with you. Thought about them while having breakfast then looked at them again and asked our Lord which one and this is what he picked.
I wrote it back in April 2008. I pray it touches your heart as well as a pleasant memory you have encountered of God’s many awesome wonders, they are endless.

Through My Mind’s Eye
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Edited by Jesus Christ


Awesome Wonders


Have you ever stopped to consider just how many Awesome Wonders there are in the world? Here it is midnight, and I cannot sleep because I was thinking of my most favorite hymn, “How Great Thou Art”. I tried to ignore it because of the time but the Holy Spirit had different ideas about the subject, so here we are.
There are a lot of good songs and hymns that worship and praise the Lord but this one has always hit home with me. A Swedish pastor, editor, and member of the Swedish parliament, Mr. Carl Gustaf Boberg wrote this after he watched a severe thunderstorm pass and heard a church bell off in the distance, and was published in 1891 as “O Great God”. Skipping a little bit of history, George Beverly Shea sang this hymn in 1954 at a Billy Graham evangelistic team crusade in London and later sang it over 100 times during a Billy Graham revival crusade in New York.
There are a lot of songs and hymns that touch my heart and soul but none like this one, it says it all.

O Lord my God, When I in awesome wonder,
Consider all the worlds Thy Hands have made;
I see the stars; I hear the rolling thunder,
Thy power throughout the universe displayed.

When through the woods, and forest glades I wander,
And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees.
When I look down, from lofty mountain grandeur
And see the brook, and feel the gentle breeze.

Somewhere back in the cobwebs of my memory I vaguely remember hearing or reading something about scientist saying that we are drawn to the mountains, the oceans and storms because of the positive or negative ions that they produce. What little do they know? Not so much the ocean but I have always been drawn to the mountains because of the peaceful serenity and the feeling of being closer to God. Where the only man made thing you hear is the spinning reel as you toss your bait out into the lake, river, brook or stream. And the storms have always reminded me of not just the amazing beauty that they create but of Gods almighty power.

And when I think, that God, His Son not sparing;
Sent him to die, I scarce can take it in;
That on the Cross, my burden gladly bearing,
He bled and died to take away my sin.

When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation,
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart.
Then I shall bow, in humble adoration,
And then proclaim: “My God, how great Thou art!”

Then sings my soul, My Savior God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art.

I have known this all my life and accepted it and understood it but only to a point where I didn’t want it to interfere with my fleshy desires. You might say I was riding that fence, wanting but not wanting to commit to the Lord. Yes there is a testimony here and the Lord has wanted me to share it with you but he has graciously given me the time I have asked for. I believe that it will mean a lot more not just for me but for you when that time arrives.
Well, have you had enough time to think about just how many Awesome wonders there are? What about the “7 Wonders of the World”? In the Ancient World there were:
1. The Great Pyramids of Giza – 2700 to 2300 B.C.
2. The Hanging Gardens of Babylon – 600 B.C.
3. Temple of Diana at Ephesus – 555 B.C.
4. The Statue of Zeus – 430 B.C.
5. The Mausoleum of Halikarnassos – 353 B.C.
6. The Colossus of Rhodes – 280 B.C.
7. The Lighthouse of Alexandria – 279 B.C.

The New 7 Wonders are:

1. The Great Wall of China – 220 B.C. & 1368 to 1644 A.D.
2. Petra, Jordan – 9 B.C. to 40 A.D.
3. The Colosseum, Rome 70 to 82 A.D.
4. The Pyramid at Chichen Itza, Mexico – before 800 A.D.
5. Machu Picchu, Peru – 1460 to 1470
6. The Taj Mahal, India 1630
7. Christ Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro – 1931

Have you ever heard the saying; God built the Ark – man built the Titanic? Every one of these Wonders were built by man and even though they are something to look at there was and is only ONE AWESOME WONDER. And that is the WORLD that God created for his other creation, MANKIND. From as far North is South and East is West, from the highest of mountains to the deepest ocean and everything in-between.
Stop, look and listen, God is everywhere!

Well there it is, something to really think about. Until next time;

Remember - - JLY & MGBYAKY
Love to All Skippy/Cochise

P.S. After fighting with this program for about 20 minutes about where I wanted to put the picture, at the bottom of the blog, if you would please scan back up to the top of this blog you will notice, if you hadn't already, the picture I took from my back yard, somewhere around march 2007, I think. Anyway, what I am really trying to get accross is the beauty of the sunrise, painted by our Lord God Almighty. Nobody paints a better picture and the nice thing about it is that each and every morning is a different picture, an awesome wonder to behold, a gift of beauty for us to enjoy. In Jesus' name, thank you Father God.

Three for the Road?!?

Hi Everyone ……. :)

It’s another glorious day. We’ve been getting some rain on and off; just enough to get things wet then it backs off for awhile. I love the smell, pure and fresh.
Kathy just got done checking with unemployment to see if they had any prospects matching her resume’ so I thought I would take my turn at the computer and add some inspirationals. I looked through my book of about 30 that I have written and decided, with the Holy Spirits help of course, on three that we feel should come next on this thing they call a blog. I have them in order that they were written but for you to get a better feel for what has happened to me and what I am praying will help you find that thing that is missing in your life right now, I have asked the Holy Spirit to help me place them in the perfect order for you to read.
Have you ever tried to type, or even think about what you wanted to say when tears filled your eyes and flowed down your cheeks? “The Old Man is Dead” by Del Way, does it to me every time. I guess you could say I do connect with that song. Just one of many.
Ok, back to the inspirationals, words to think about. They are all pretty much self explanatory as to why they were written. If you do have any questions and/or comments please feel free, I will read each and every one of them and answer all questions to the best of my ability.

(#1)

Through My Mind’s Eye
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Edited by Jesus Christ

My Own Little World

As I sat in church last night listening to our pastor, fidgeting, trying to get comfortable because of one pain or another, the Holy Spirit told me WHY!
Almost at the end of our pastor’s message is when I heard what was meant for me, personally.
I have been struggling with what I can write about next for an inspirational and it is because of all these great testimonies and other inspirational’s I’ve been reading. I have mentally beat myself up thinking that my little inspirational’s are not as powerful as what I have been reading, failing to remember and understand that it was and is the Holy Spirit that helps me put them together.
What’s next? I have no idea. And I find myself getting frustrated sometimes when it doesn’t happen when I think it should. Now I don’t remember exactly what was said but it had to do with my little world and the others I touch and the steps I must take for God to grace me with the next level / phase that he has planned for me. When and where that will happen only God knows and it is up to me, no matter how insignificant I may think it is where I am on my ladder to the top. I know right now that I must have and show more faith in my Lord and he has put me here for a purpose, his will not mine.
Part of last night’s message was on John 14:1-4 “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that were I am, there you may be also. 4 And were I go you know, and the way you know.”
My place here on earth is simple. I feel more at home and at peace with Jesus and our Father God in a log cabin out in the woods than I would in a mansion in the city. And if we stop and think about it, it does not matter if we bed down on leaves and pine needles or a down filled mattress, Jesus is with us always.
So right now I am happy that the Holy Spirit guides me in my little endeavors’ to bring you these inspirational’s. Waiting for God to show me my next step, praying that my inner ear is tuned in to listen for what He has planned for me.
In Jesus’ name, Thank You.


(#2)
The Fence
By
Bradley C. Barnett

When we come into this world we are as pure and innocent as a clear sweet mountain spring. As we grow, that spring becomes a babbling brook, then a crooked little creak and into a winding stream, ever growing as we make our trip through our young life. At one point in our journey we are finally connected to the main worldly river that seems to flow on forever. We encounter the rapids and waterfalls of everyday living, beautiful but dangerous and we try our best to dodge the rocks through the rapids and look for that soft landing as we go over the falls, so that we may enjoy the peaceful flow through the meadows.
Along our journey we see ugly, bad and good things that change our direction from time to time and as we grow we build our fence. A fence that, for some reason is never quit high enough; we can always see what’s on the other side. Some of us even sit upon that fence, not quite sure about one side or the other. Wanting to jump down on the good side of life but being urged to explore the ugly bad side. Whether it be made of wood or stones it makes no difference, your fence is your fence and no others.
I sat upon my fence for a very long time until one day an open door appeared and I jumped down to see where it lead. For some reason I did not hesitate, I walked right through that open door, right into the arms of Jesus. He had been patiently waiting for me and when he heard my heart crying out for reassurance, understanding and love he was there, door wide open with outstretched arms to hold and comfort me. It was like a bear hug, strong but gentle, secure and shielded from everything bad and ugly.
My fence, with his help, is being built higher so that I will not be able to climb up on or over it ever again. I will still be able to see the other side, to keep me aware of the ugly bad things coming my way and that’s the way Jesus wants it, so I won’t be blindsided and I can direct it all to him to take care of.
When I walked through that door and wept in his arms I knew right then that the trip down the river, through the rapids and over the falls, that when I make that final bend in the river, there is the calm sea waiting to embrace me with all HIS GLORY. Thank You Jesus for all you have done, all that you do and all that you will do.

(#3)
The Hands We are Blessed With

Are you here to see what life has to offer you, or what you have to offer life?
I read a very touching story recently about an old woman in her winter years of life explaining to her daughter why she was staring at her hands and how they served her throughout her years. Where she had been and the ruggedness of life. Of everything that her hands had done, she knew that it would be those hands that God would reach out and take when it was her time for him to lead her home so she could touch the face of Christ.
As I read, I looked at my hands, once hard and callused, now turning soft and gentle. All the trouble they got me into and all the trouble they got me out of. I thought of my favorite hymn, “How Great thou Art” and the verse that says; “Consider all the worlds Thy Hands have made;”, And I realized at that moment, it is not I, it was/is he, God Almighty that blessed me with the talent of using my hands in many different ways. Not just to take care of myself and my family but to help others whose talents may differ from mine.
Jesus always had and still does, have his hands extended out for us to grab onto. All we have to do is trust in him and have faith that he won’t let go. My hands no longer work like they use to but I am thankful for the good that they have done and blessed that they still know how to fold in prayer.
Take a few minutes and really look at your hands. What have they done for another lately? “Give and you shall be given”, not just spiritually but with a kind lending hand as needed, asking nothing nor expecting anything in return. Because it’s not just the tithes or offerings we give to God through the Church, it’s the physical labor and time that we give to others that we will receive many folds over.
I thank God that my hands are still able to bang out these words to you that the Holy Spirit has helped me put together. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen


Well, there they are. I pray that there is something there that will trigger a nerve. If not, that’s ok, maybe next time.

Remember - - JLY & MGBYAKY
Love to All Skippy/Cochise

In addition // Setting the tone

Wow! What have I stepped into here? I pray that it will be something good for all of us. Let me start by adding something I wrote back in April 2008. I had already written about 9 other inspirational’s when I felt the need to explain why I was writing.

Through my mind’s eye
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Edited by Jesus Christ


Do you know me?


Who am I? Do you know me? I, am me. There is no other! I am a unique person blessed with many talents, given me by my Father God. I am not any more special or better than anyone of you. The knowledge that I have received over the years is what God knew I needed to survive and support my family on His world we live in.
At this point in my life God is using one of my talents he gave me 36 years ago, the knowledge of the typewriter or keyboard as they are called now. It is so much easier and faster to keep up with the Holy Spirit when I am blessed with his presence to help me write the inspirationals I like to write. Many times I need to stop and read what I have just typed out on the screen because my fingers are conveying a message so fast my brain can’t keep up. It’s what happens when you invite the Holy Spirit to become as one with you, to guide you and reassure you of what is supposed to be done. You have an idea or thought that you want to convey and the Holy Spirit takes it and refines it into what we, the Holy Spirit and I, would like to share for everyone’s blessing.
I do not understand or talk in tongues, have the desire to stand behind the pulpit, or grab a microphone and sing. However I do love to write and I have asked the Holy Spirit many times for help and he has helped me every time.
Right about now you are probably asking yourself, ok, so what’s he talking about, what’s he trying to say? As it is written, spoken by Jesus, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:” Matthew 7:7 and, “For every one that asketh, receiveth; and he that seeketh, findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” Matthew 7:8.
Now, what we need to remember is that he didn’t say we will receive, find or have the door opened to us that very instant. We are to live by His rules, not ours and when he sees that we are ready then and only then will we receive, find or see the door open for us. I know from experience that this is the way it is because, using my writing for an example, there are times I may have an idea in my head for days before the Holy Spirit says, ok you’re ready. And then I may only type 3 or 4 sentences’ or a paragraph. I take that as a sign He wants me to think about it a little longer and I don’t get discouraged because I know when He thinks I’m ready I get that gentle nudge to sit back down to the keyboard. And that may be a day or even a week later.
I have taken to writing these Inspirationals because of the joy it brings me. To be able to sit with the Holy Spirit, feel his presence and put together something that will reach out and touch you, gives me a wonderful feeling and sense of accomplishment. Do I take credit for what I write? Very little. Because it is with the Holy Spirits guidance that I am able to put things together for you and it is He that I thank and give the credit to.
I am not who or what I was, I am who and what I am now. All because of where I was led and the door that was left open for me to walk through to meet Jesus. I still have all the knowledge of my many talents though I am unable to perform most of them, and some with difficulty. There are times even my fingers have a bit of a problem. I know I hit that key but it did not print. But that’s ok, it isn’t something that can’t be corrected, and my editor, Jesus, is quick to point that out before I get too far ahead of myself.
Now do you know me? I am every one of you, just blessed with a different blessing from God, no more no less. Use your blessing to the fullest and experience something a lot of people don’t know, the wonderful presence of the Holy Spirit. It’s an “E” ticket ride.

Does this help you to see where I intend to take this blog? I have sat on these inspirational’s long enough. It is time for me to let go of what God intended for me to do, what I started to do about two years ago before it came to an end. I pray that this will be the start of something we will all learn from.

Remember – JLY & MGBYAKY
Love to All Me

Dear Kathy Tuesday 03 July 2007

I have a little story that I believe has affected me in a big way that I would like to share with you. It happened today between noon and 2:30 pm.

I left the house about noon to go get the mail and head toward Cameron to look for that camera shop. The shop was supposed to be located next to the VFW Hall on 190, right in the bend of the road. Well it wasn't there so I pulled out of the hall parking lot headed back home when right there were those used cars are I saw an Antique sign. I guess I went about a mile thinking about turning around and out of the blue I did just that. The antique place was out of business but I talked to a nice gentleman that was selling the used cars for about 15 to 20 minutes and he pointed me down the road on the other side of the VFW hall and said to look for a saddle maker's shop where he thought there is an antique shop also. I pulled into the parking lot and noticed the saddle maker's sign but I didn't see anything about antiques. Anyway, I turned off the engine and sat there for a couple of minutes and then dicided to leave. I started the truck and backed out a ways and then pulled right back in. I was thinking, well maybe this person could point me in the right direction. Little did I know that the direction I was taking was one that the Lord was taking me. We talked for a little while and for some reason the conversation lead towards the Lord and Jesus. I don't know wh but I felt very comfortable talking with this total stranger about the Bible, the Lord, Jesus, and how they affect our lives. It was actually very pleasant to talk with him and I enjoyed it. When I was getting ready to leave so he could get back to work he stopped me and told me that when I first walked in, the Lord had told him that I need help and he gave me what he had in his wallet, this $25.00. He had me in tears because at no time did I even hint about needing money, all I told him was that I had some things that I didn't need anymore and was looking for a place I might get a few bucks for them. As he was digging through his wallet I had the urge to just turn and leave but my feet were glued to the floor. I could not reach out my hand and take the kindness that he was offering, so he put it in my t-shirt pocket. I couldn't even look at it until I got home. This man has reassured me that there are still some good people around. I hadn't meant one in a very long time. He invited me to church this Sunday and I think that I would like to go. It is the church right before Brookshire Brothers heading into Cameron. Service starts at 10:00 and is usually over between 11:30 and 12:00.

This mans name is Woody Spinks and I hope I never forget it

Happy 21st. MGBYAKY I LOVE YOU >>>--Cochise-->

When Kathy got home that evening I met her out in the driveway to give her that letter with the $25.00 in it. As she got out of the car she told me she was on empty and I cried as I gave her the letter. You see, we were scraping the bottom of the barrel, she had to go to work the next day, which was also payday, but she needed gas money to go put in a days work and get her paycheck. My life changed at that very instant because the Lord was the only one that knew what was going to happen that afternoon.

MGBYAKY Love to All Me