Psalm 111—-Holy and Awesome Is His Name

My time is so short tonight, but my heart is so full.

The past 2 days God has really been speaking to me, guiding, and confirming that guidance. I wish I had all the time in the world to relate to everyone all the details- except to say, I am going to take everyone at their word, that what I have written should be shared with hurting people everywhere. I don’t know whether He is going to do that sharing exclusively through books or speaking, but I have said “I will do whatever You want me to do.” I wasn’t  “there” until today. I still have no details, no understanding of how God intends for any of this to happen. But I know that He needed me to first be available to Him and His leading.

I may ask many times in the future what you think of this vs that? Because y’all are the first people who believed in me and encouraged me to write. I may try out chapter titles on you, I may even have you trying out book titles..  From talking with others I have found that this is a long drawn out process. So don’t expect me to come up with something overnight unless the Lord does it. His Ways are not my Ways, His Thoughts are not my Thoughts and His Time is not my Time.

I may not talk about it all the time, but it’s going on in the back room. I am writing these days instead of reading for pleasure. But I believe that God will honor what He is calling me to do and make it successful somehow. In the meantime, here is a little more praise from me to the Father. I think, by the way, that amazing and incredible should be reserved to be used ONLY when talking about Him and everything He does.

more of  Psalm 111… Praise the Lord.

I will extol the Lord with all my heart

in the council of the upright and in the assembly. 

Great are the works of the Lord;

they are pondered by all who delight in them.

Glorious and majestic are his deeds, and His Righteousness endures forever. (remember who the Righteousness is?)

He has caused His wonders to be remembered;

the Lord is gracious and compassionate.

He provides food for those who fear him;

He remembers his covenant forever.

He has shown His people the power of his works, giving them the lands of other nations.

The works of his hands are faithful and just;

all his precepts are trustworthy.

They are steadfast forever and ever.

done in faithfulness and uprightness.

He provided redemption for his people;

he ordained his covenant forever– holy and awesome are his name.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;

all who follow his precepts have good understanding

To Him belongs eternal praise! Hallelujah!

A Tribute to My Dad re-written almost 4 years later

I am Cynthia, soon nicknamed Cindy, the first born of the Hungerford clan.  I was the first girl in several generations in the family and so a big surprise for everyone.   My dad cared for me in those first months of my life as he was finishing his PHD and my mom was working as a designer in Knoxville.  I’ve carefully read my baby book and believe that for the first time in his life my Dad experienced unconditional love with me. He wouldn’t have characterized it as such, because he didn’t know what it was nor had he experienced it aside from my mother’s love. But as I grew up and until he went to be with Jesus, Daddy and I had an understanding and a special relationship. 

I believed everything he said and tried — until my teens anyway — to do everything he wanted me to. In first grade, I told my teacher that my dad said the moon was made of green cheese. She said absolutely not! But I argued with her and got sent to the principal’s office. I explained that my dad said it—so it was true! Poor Daddy, he had to go down to the principal’s office and explain and apologize!

When Dad died, I had all these flashbacks of him and me. At six, my first Christmas I remember the handmade doll furniture for my doll. My first bike and teaching me to ride without training wheels. A Halloween parade where he made me the most a awesome tail that curled and pitchfork for my devil costume—this was before we knew any better!

When I broke my arm playing Tarzan and Jane and he ran all the red lights to get me to the hospital. The weekend trips around Texas, to San Jacinto Memorial, to New Braunsfels where I rode my first horse.

Of course in my teens things changed a lot! I wanted to be a part of the crowd. Dad didn’t want me out there at all. I seemed to get grounded all the time. When I was 15, I was grounded and had to ask him to please let me go with my boyfriend to his prom-he relented and let me go. But I had to be home by 1am and couldn’t go to the beach with everybody or have breakfast with them. I didn’t understand why? When I was 16 and had my birthday party at home and the kids started dancing—he shut it down. I was mad at him for a long time. I didn’t care that our church preached against dancing and he was a deacon—and needed to adhere to the church’s doctrines. But that was Dad-at that point in his life he was still about works and earning his salvation.

Life with my dad was not easy as a teen, but after I married my Dennis at 29, I seemed to finally grow up and when we moved toTampa in 1984, I purposed to have a closer relationship with both my parents. This led to much visiting and really getting to know my father as a person. For this, I really have to thank my husband. Because it was to him that my dad opened up. Dennis is a little older than I and studied and read quite a bit about World War II. I guess he encouraged my dad to talk, because talk he did! I would be around for some of it, but I would use that time to take my mom out to shop, do her hair, nails, etc. So Dennis would fill me in when I questioned him about the rest of the stories!   For the first time, I heard about his early life and his war years. I finally understood why he was the way he was—military straight, absolutes because of his nuclear physics education and lack of love in his home growing up. When he stood at my mom’s funeral and said  that she was the first person to love him unconditionally-he was being truthful.  I am glad that I had come to love him unconditionally long ago.  First in obedience to God‘s word, but then simply because I loved my dad and could never stay mad at him long!

After mom’s funeral, he came to stay with Dennis and me for three weeks.It was a precious time I am so thankful for now. We talked about his salvation experience and his great regrets in his life. How very much he loved his children, but couldn’t express it. How proud he was of everyone for their teaching their own children about Jesus. That we, his children were believers. That was his greatest legacy.                                          I was sent a card by one of my staff at work.  It said  “Remember that your father left the world a legacy in the good and caring person that you have grown to be. And in this time of sadness may it help comfort you to know that he is still a part of all you are and do.

I had thought to write a Father’s Day tribute, but this one which I tweaked a little from the eulogy for him is the best one I could have ever written for him. The Bible has a lot to say about Fathers. They are to honored.  We are to heed their instruction. In fact it says several times to honor and to heed. At least in the last years of his life, my dad knew I loved him-even on the day that he thought that he would lose my love if he told me his story. All I cared about was that he had a story!

The day that we cleaned out his apartment and we were on our way home coming across I-4. I was crying and praying. I asked the Lord for a sign that Mom and Dad were up there with Him and singing and dancing… I knew (or thought I knew, I was wrong) that God didn’t give signs but please God give me a sign. I need a sign so much. And just a minute or two later, here comes a little red plane buzzing by our car and then up in the sky he goes and begins to draw…a … smiley face…and then he is writing…Jesus…loves…you! well, there was my sign. How else could an airplane draw up by our car, then do draw a smiley face and write Jesus love you-right after I have asked for the sign? to read a sign in the sky, you have to be in just the right place as we were. I called all my sibs and told them. I think they were just as happy to hear this as I was to see it!

There have been a lot of changes in the family since Daddy died. My youngest sister has had 2 little boys a year apart. My oldest granddaughter has accepted the Lord Jesus into her heart.And she has a new sister who is now 3. A couple of my brothers kids have graduated high school and started college and he and wife Lesley had one more little girl  and my sister’s kids-Anna graduated college this year and Beau started this year and made DEAN’s list. Dad would have been proud.  He would have been thrilled with all the babies! He might have had a hard time interacting with children especially as he got older and couldn’t hear, but there was no one that loved having his family around more than he did.

I am better with my grieving now of course than I was even a year ago. But I still cry and I still miss him-and my momma too of course. I had no idea that they were so much my foundation–but in losing them, I found my God who said He would now be my father. He would be my Rock and my Foundation. He would provide for me, protect me, care for me, teach me all things-including trusting him implictly. Hard lesson to learn but wonderful peace to have. Not that He was not there before, but now it is only Him. I love you, Daddy.

HOW DO YOU KNOW WHAT TO SAY? MATTHEW 10:19-20; JOHN 15:1-4

When I wrote of God‘s faithfulness early last week, I had no idea how He was going to continue through many situations or conversations exactly what He wants me to do.

I began to look for my daily “surprise” and yet apparently, I wasn’t taking things seriously enough. I had met a man at a networking meeting last month. He was very nice and polite and waited patiently until he was the last one in the group for me to speak with. I was very honest with him and told him I didn’t think I could help him…he’s a specialty engineer-who owned his own company-but it was just him. He was willing to be an engineer on any project, move anywhere-He just needed some direction and someone to be honest with him about his resume-which I didn’t see until later. He sent it, but did not follow-up until Thursday asking me for just a few minutes of my time. I emailed him back asking him to call me on Friday afternoon. And of course he called and so did everyone else! even my boss!

Finally I had to tell him I’d call him right back and once I got everyone off the phone, I did call back. We had gone through his resume and I had pretty much ripped it up and taken all of the ownership and principle wording out–Leaving his great accomplishments on projects, his accreditation’s, all the things that were important. Then I told him what we were going to do to market him and how I was to work with. What I do is thank the Lord for him and the job that He has for him. Ask him that my time would be profitable. And then I explained too that I pray for my candidates. I asked him if he had any problems with any of that? He said, ” Cindy, I was raised a Hindu, but I am empty and searching”. I told him he had come to the right place and thanked him for his persistence!!

I said why don’t we start at the beginning. That’s how you build correctly is starting there-again, God inspired!- I told him I wanted him to get an NIV Study Bible.  I wanted him to start in Genesis, and to read it like it is-God’s story. I ready the first few verses to him and said do you see the Spirit of God there as well as God, and Do you see Jesus as well? Yes, he did. What a wonderful beginning. I told him I was sure that God will start teaching him even as he is reading the story. and you know why? Because he is seeking and the Lord said if you seek me you will find me. And to think that I was almost too busy!!!  Thankfully the Lord saves me from myself most of the time. I can’t wait to see what He is going to do with this man and his family.

Jesus is speaking to His disciples: But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you..   How can you possibly stay so close that the Spirit will speak? How do we have the fruits of the Spirit –of which self-control, patience, relying on Him is so key?

Look at  John 15:1-4 This is how we do it. This would have been a much better answer to my two new lady friends. But I’ll catch up to them and share. And you know how I got some of these verses and thoughts? Today’s service which was just for me! I need to learn another lesson.

I am the true vine and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit, he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clear because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

Patience by resting on the Vine… now there is a thought! Don’t be anxious for anything but rest and wait on the Vine.

HERE ARE MY NOMINATIONS FOR THE MRS. SPARKLY’S AWARD

I have chosen after MUCH thought 6 bloggers who have influenced me and encouraged me and I thought were deserving of such a high falutin’ reward as this one. So here is the award, here is what you must do with it, and lastly my nominations.

You must choose 5-10  bloggers that you think exemplify Mrs Sparkly. Known for being very elegant and having high expectations, who is committed to maintaining integrity, good manners and behavior, ..as well as a rich sense of humor.

Rules: Answer the following ten questions and nominate the 5-10 blogs that you think deserve the award.

1. Describe yourself in seven words.
2. What keeps you up at night?
   

   Mrs Sparklys’s Award

3. Whom would you like to be?
4. What are you wearing now?
5. What scares you?
6. What are the best and worst things about blogging?
7. What was the last website you looked at?
8. If you could change on thing about yourself, what would it be?
9. Slankets, yes or no?
10. Tell us something about the person who nominated you.

 

1. joyce–http://joycedevivre.wordpress.com
2. Jo–http://momentumofjoy.com
3. Sandy –http://lbtk.wordpress.com
4. jen–http://jennifershope.wordpress.com
5. dee–http://lilliessparrowsandgrass.com
6. debra–http://tellgodthankyou.wordpress.com

If there were an encourager award, I would be sending one of those to each of

Mrs Sparkly’s Award

you. It is because of your belief in me and incouragement in my writing along with

lot’s of how to’s that I am writing more than ever today and now feel that God has

given me a ministry than I can go out into the world with His words without

actually going out and endangering my life all the while making a difference in 

someone else’s. I do stand in awe of you ladies! I am privileged to call you friends

and encouragers.  I am sure that our Lord has a special crown for you in heaven that is even better than 

Mrs. Sparkly’s, but she will have to do right now!

A NEW AWARD “THE MRS. SPARKLY’S TEN COMMANDMENTS AWARD”

Well, you could really knock me over with a feather tonight when I saw this  new award. I really, really appreciate and treasure each award. For me it is telling that I am on the right track saying and doing exactly what my Father wants me to do. This week has been full of those validations. I didn’t realize that I needed them so much! But my Father knew–and made sure that I got just what I needed-just as He always does.

Last night I spoke with one of my candidates. His father had passed from this life to eternity on Saturday. I spoke with him very briefly Sunday and he had mentioned that he had thought of me when he was with his father in his last half hour of life. I didn’t quite know what to make of that. But then when we spoke yesterday he explained. You see, often when you are speaking of someone’s hopes and dreams, you speak of faith as well if it is important to the person and to him it was important.  So we had exchanged a few stories over the last 2-3 months we’ve been talking-one of them was about my dad who has also passed on. It seems our dads were alike.  We commiserated with each other a bit, but I also had told him about how I had found out 1 week before he died exactly what my dad’s story was. I asked because I was afraid that he had not story at all. Instead he had quite a story-a brilliant mind (he was a nuclear physicist) regardless of what the Bible said, he still thought he needed to earn his way into heaven –he tried for over 60 years! When I finally got him to tell me about it. He said, “I’ll tell you, but you won’t love me anymore”. You see my Dad still didn’t understand unconditional love or grace. Even after he “gave it all up” as he called it and knew that at that moment the Holy Spirit truly came into his heart-He still had a very difficult time believing that anyone would love him unless he behaved a certain way, or acted a certain-even me.  I, of course, simply put my arms around him and told him how much I loved him –that I had always loved him even when I was mad at him. I didn’t stop loving him. He still asked me if I was sure that I still loved him-because his life had been a lie and he had been a hypocrite. I just looked at him through my tears and said, “that’s why Jesus came, Daddy.”  A little over a week later, he was gone, gone to be with my mom and Jesus in heaven.

So somehow in sharing my story and maybe other stories –I never know later what we’ve talked about-just that we’ve connected. I know my candidate a little better, they know me a little better. So whatever I had shared apparently helped this young man make absolutely sure that his dad was going to make it to heaven as well.  I am in awe of a great and mighty God that puts people together to help one another-sometimes when you don’t even know you are helping–but God knows-because He knows the future and everything that is going to touch me in any way, shape or form and it’s got to be filtered through His fingers. I am comforted by that knowledge.

So now we are going to talk about the Mrs. Sparkly’s Ten Commandments Award

The “Mrs. Sparkly’s Ten Commandments Award” has to do with a woman of the same name, known for being very elegant and having high expectations, and who is committed to maintaining integrity, good manners and behavior, as well as a rich sense of humor. I have been told  that I am elegant. I have been told that I have too high expectations of me and others. I have been told that I have integrity, good manners, and good behavior (thank you, Mama) But I don’t know about the rich sense of humor. I often don’t get the jokes. I do take things too seriously even when people are trying to ‘lighten up’. But I am trying to be better and ‘lighter about everything’. So again, I am grateful for the award and will try to live up to its name and keep its commandments.

 

RULES:
The rules for this award are that you must answer the following ten questions and nominate five-ten blogs that you think deserve the award.

 

 

1. Describe yourself in seven words.

 

Christ follower, Bible Student, Wife, Mother, and Mimi (grandmother0 

 

2. What keeps you up at night?

sometimes it’s God telling me to pray for something specifically, sometimes it’s reading too many blogs, sometimes, its writing too late., sometimes it’s my asthma.

 

 

3. Whom would you like to be?

 

Me. I am finally satisfied and at peace with who I am, and what my “perfect” body  is to God

 

4. What are you wearing now?

 

Jeans and a knit top my daughter gave me

 

5. What scares you?

 

is not standing up for my God and Savior enough or if it meant my life-could I do it-like others are having to do in the world today.  I used to be scared of dying of an asthma attack but the Lord cured me of that!

 

6. What are the best and worst things about blogging?

 

the best- is reading what God puts into the minds and hearts of others that so reasonates with me, that you form true bonds, friendship, love and caring for these people you haven’t physically met, but that doesn’t matter because you KNOW them. the worst thing is not having enough time to read all the blogs I want to read. I could read 24/7 for a week I think and still only mabe make a dent.

 

7. What was the last website you looked at?

 

One of my client’s websites

 

8. If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be?

 

I would not talk so much

 

 

9. Slankets, yes or no

 

No….if  Diane said no, then I’ll say no.

 

10. She is absolutely so loving and giving. She is always concerned about the other person-not herself. I am not surprised that she is constantly be awarded  because she is such a dear, sweet, giving person. She listens, if she can help fix something she does-she’s the best editor I’ve ever had. I love her. She’s Diane and would you all join with me in tell her to put up the website called writerwannabe…because she already is, right???

 

 

IT’S ALL ABOUT HIM COLOSSIANS 1:15-17

He is the Image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things and in him all things hold together.

I read this passage and if you read it in sections so that you might try to get your mind around it, the first thing I see is that He is the Image of the invisible God-God the Father, Our Creator. In Genesis, it says that God created man in His own image, so it would stand that Jesus also would be the Image of God. He said in John 14:9 That anyone who has seen Him has seen the Father and just before that He had said that if you know me, you would know the Father as well. Image means the exact representation of the likeness. He is saying here that if you have seen me, you have seen God. I am God.

Then we have this little section that says the firstborn of creation! Does this mean that

The Scutum Fidei, a diagram frequently used by Christian apologists to explain the Trinity. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Jesus was a created being? No! He is the firstborn, only Son of God ,which is speaking to his priority. Number 1. He also was the firstborn to die a total death and burial of 3 days only to rise again. He was there in the beginning with God the Father and God the Holy Spirit when things were being created.  Genesis 1:1-2 God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep and the Spirit of God was hovering (vibrating, literally) over the waters. And for the next few days, God was very busy creating till finally the sixth day came. First he created the creatures of the land, livestock and animals of every kind. And He saw that it was good. The God said, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness.” Man was to rule over  the fish, the birds, the livestock, over all the earth and all the creatures that move upon the ground. So God created man in His own Image. He created them male and female.

Now after Adam and Eve sinned and were thrown out of the Garden and then began to populate the world according to the scriptures, even back to the beginning there was always someone who had to be in charge! So they had kings and rulers, princes and authorities. And although we can not see them, angels had been created as well. hundreds of thousands of angels. And somebody wanted to be in charge of them also. In fact, he wanted to be in charge of heaven as well. But GOD IS GOD! There is NO ONE GREATER, NOT ONE WITH MORE POWER , and so that revolt got put down very quickly. And Hell was prepared for the ANGEL of LIGHT who is SATAN and His angels. Jesus was there and watched him fall.

Again, it repeats all things were created by Him and for Him. And He is before all things. So with every gospel I have read, God was  saying this is my Beloved Son, Whom I Love And With Whom I Am Well Pleased. Wonder what all the people around this baptism thought when they heard those words coming from Heaven? Because here was Jesus Christ, the Son of God coming to John the Baptist to be baptized, why? You know that John asked his cousin? Why, YOU are the SON of  GOD. He knew! He said he wasn’t worthy to untie his sandal laces. But Jesus knew why. First it was an example for all of those who would come after him.  It was Him showing that the Son of God was here to participate in as much as possible as a holy man can. He was also validating John’s ministry. Again, he was the first in all things, just like at creation, or with Jonah in the whale, or David hiding from Saul, HE was always there. And the last little section maybe the most important section to some–because it says that by Him all things are held together.  Think about that statement! that means that’s how the atoms are held together, your body is held together, our universe is held together by His very thought. And yet, some would say-there is no God. I would hate to be that person if God decided not to think about me being “together”-but it is that basic. Some say why doesn’t He take care of us in America better, like He used to? Well honestly, if it were me, being kicked out of every school, every government building, no one could honor my name in public with a prayer of praise or thanksgiving, and the President of the country said that we are not a Christian country? I would be calling down the hurricanes and tornadoes and snow and rain and floods, because I am not good and compassionate and long-suffering like He is. I don’t keep hoping day after day that you will wake up and want me back as your God. If I were Him, I would have zapped ME a long time ago. But I am so grateful that my God is so kind and caring and loving and compassionate and long-suffering–waiting that no one should perish.

Remember He didn’t create Hell for People. But if People choose to go there instead of His Heaven after all He has done for them, then I would say, they deserve Hell.

Related articles

• “What does it mean that Jesus is the ‘first-born’ over Creation?” (jesuschristlordsavior.wordpress.com)

From My Favorite Book-Isaiah

Yet, O Lord, you are our Father.  We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.  Do not be angry beyond measure, O Lord; do not remember our sins forever.  Oh, look upon us, we pray, for we are all your people.   Isaiah 64: 8-9

Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. let him turn to the Lord and he will have mercy on him, and to our God for he will freely pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts… so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.  Isaiah 55: 6-9,11

What wonderful, comforting scriptures these are and were for me! Let’s start with the last verse first. This is God Himself saying that He is the one who inspires the particular words that go out as a witness, knowing that those very words will make happen exactly what He wants to happen. So when I speak scripture in my conversations, I know He has a reason for them being in that conversation. I know He has sent me a prepared heart to speak with and that He is going to accomplish whatever He has planned. When you really believe that, it is so easy to share the Good News of Jesus, because the burden of “winning” is not on you. It is on the Lord Himself. Jesus Christ standing before His disciples gave them and us as fellow believers, the charge to go out and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them  to obey everything He commanded us.  (when you do what He says you receive a special blessing) I bring this “Great Commission” up because so many people say to me,” you have the gift of evangelism, that’s why it’s so easy for you.” But truly exactly the reason that it is easy is as I have explained it. You can’t fail, when you really believe what the Lord God says!

Now going back to the very beginning scripture. I have a note in my Bible from 5 years ago. I had apparently asked the Lord for confirmation that I was to continue with my job that I have always felt was my mission. Several events had occurred to affirm that thought while at the same time, He was reminding me that I could do nothing without Him.

 In February 2007, my husband was one year and 3 months out of open heart surgery to repair a mitral valve in his heart that had ruptured   He was just two months past having a pacemaker/defibrillator put in and we were finally told that his heart had not recovered as much as they had hoped it would. That was hard news for me. I realized then, that I was going to be the source of income for us-another reason I had asked for confirmation as I am paid by commission.

But oh the Lord is so good! Even while He is telling you the “bad” news, He is giving you the good news  –I am the work of His hands! What artist do you know that feels like the work he is doing should be read,criticized and commented on? Well HERE is ONE. Let’s say I crave your comments.  And as the Lord says that our thoughts are not His thoughts, nor our ways, His ways. I understand so much better now when I do see a commandment about being obedient whether I understand  the commandment or not.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

Last Night, Obedience & Holiness, Tonight Righteousness

2nd Timothy 4:7-8 I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. Now, there is in store for me the crown of righteousness which the Lord , the righteous Judge will award to me on that day–and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

This scripture has a lot of meaning to me. First, it is how I would have described my mother and her life in Christ. This was read at her funeral, just a few 3 1/2 years ago. I still miss her every day, but I know that when I am taken to heaven one way or the other, I will see my parents and so many who have gone before me. If she has not already laid her crown at Jesus’ feet, she will be wearing it and because I too long for His appearing in that day, I will be given one–still that is not exactly the righteousness I want to talk about tonight.

The Holy Word talks about righteousness a great deal, going all the way back to Genesis, when He God credited it (faith) to him as righteousness. 1st Samuel says the Lord rewards every man for his righteousness and this is the way the world will be judged–in righteousness.

So what exactly is righteous? Webster’s dictionary says it is acting or behaving in accordance with what is just, honorable, and free from guilt or wrong. then it adds the words virtuous, noble, moral, ethical. I would disagree a bit with that definition in light of what God says about it. Because I have personally known people that were perhaps virtuous, but not exactly what I would call sterling character. So maybe Webster’s is a little off too. I think you can be ethical, moral, noble and even virtuous without any relationship with God our Father. I know people who are tremendously good people who are all those things but without a Savior.

In 2nd Corinthians 5:17 It says that if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come. All of this is from God-nothing we did ourselves. He reconciled  the world to Himself in Christ, not counting mens’ sins against them. Or to make this very personal, not counting my sins against me! And so if we are now reconciled, then we are Christ’s ambassadors…. as God was making His appeal through you.  I have to stop here again and say, yes that has happened to me numerous times, when He has just taken over, given the message, and then reconciled that person to Him. That is an awesome thing to be a part of!  The appeal is to be reconciled to God. God made Him who had no sin to be  sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.  2nd Corinthians 5: 18-21

But still what is this righteousness? Well it is described as Robes of Righteousness  and also a necklace of Righteousness which can become tarnished because of  lack of obedience. Faith is also credited as righteousness. He credited Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham that by their faith, became heirs of righteousness that comes by faith. Then Issac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses’ parents, Moses, the prostitute Rahab, and even more with Gideon, Samuel, David, the prophets–they too were credited by their faith to righteousness.  And so then I must ask what is faith?  Hebrews 11:1 gives us the perfect definition.  Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

So I see a pattern. Do you? Faith which leads to obedience and obedience which leads to holiness and holiness to righteousness which is defined by us as the Lord’s Righteousness, The robes of Righteousness, and the Righteousness that has been credited to me because of my faith!  I’d call that a perfect circle, a double whammy! The more you do, the more you do.

And that is true for me, the more you study God’s Word and talk with Him, the more you want to. I used to wonder what anyone could pray about to God for a whole night. Now I know.

I told someone earlier tonight that until the last 2-3 years, I thought I could choose when to be obedient and when to pursue holiness, but it doesn’t work like that! When you give your heart to Jesus, He is going to uphold His part of the covenant. That part is to refine you like gold and make you ready for heaven. So no, you don’t get to choose, once you’ve made the choice for HIM, eventually He will get you in a place where you can’t do anything but obey Him and once you are, you’ll find it rather pleasant, because His burden is light, remember, and then it is so easy to start pursuing holiness, excellence, faith.

FINISH THE QUESTIONS THAT GO WITH THE AWARD AND THEN PAY IT FORWARD

I  am to answer the next 10 questions and then list nominate at least 5 min, 10 max bloggers that I appreciate or have been especially encouraging to me. So to those bloggers you will do the same.

1.  What is my favorite color? red, but then yellow would be a very close second

2.  What is my favorite animal? my Yorkshire terrier of course!

3. What is my favorite non – alchoholic drink? well that depends on the time of the day and do I need a pick-me-up. I must have gatorade and coke zero

4. Do I prefer Facebook or Twitter? I am 60, need you ask?

5. What is your favorite pattern? small houndstooth

6. Do I prefer giving or getting presents? I love to give-I can’t take anything with me after all.

7. What is my favorite number? 13 I

? each day is my favorite because I can be sharing Jesus with someone who opens his/her heart to Him 

9. What is my favorite flower? I blue iris, yellow roses, lily of the valley

10. What is my passion? That’s easy!  To know Jesus Christ in all of His Fullness and to share that with whomever the Father brings to me. of course writing about it all is pretty obessive too.

There are some writers that probably have been given so many awards so many times I am not sure that another will fit. but each of these ladies were with me in the begining. It was their encouragement that kept me writing regardless of how I felt: Marianne http://God’sPromisesAreReal.wordpress.com ; Joyce http://joycedevivre.wordpress.com; Debra http://TellGodThankyou.wordpress.com ; Jo http://momentumofjoy.wordpress.com ; Dee http://lillies,sparrowsandgrass.wordpress.com ; Steven http://totheassemblywithlove.wordpress.com ; Rob http://settledinheaven.org

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• Awards Received and Passed On! (lovinglifeagreenjourney.wordpress.com)

A NEW AWARD!! READER APPRECIATION!!

 

AKA THE ENCOURAGEMENT AWARD

Many thanks http://writerwannabe763.wordpress. com