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WHO AM I? WHERE AM I?

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WHO AM I? - WHERE AM I ? As I grow older and see so many changes in and around me, I feel the need to share with others in the form of a devotional type message, and still hope to share some life lessons as I write.  Go back in time with me now as I share some things in my past, but also how God is always present in all circumstances...and at all times...... “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.”                                                                                   Mark 13:31  (NIV) Recently I went back to visit the little town where I grew up.   I was so anxious to see all the places where I used to play and go to school, and maybe see people I used to know. But, what an eye-opener awaited me!   The school I attended most of the first nine school years of my life was completely gone.... basically crumbled and collapsed, I was told.   The little house where I lived?   Completely remodeled to the point that, if it
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TIME FOR NESTING

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NESTING “Even the sparrow has found a home…………a place near Your altar.”  Psalm 84:3 As we will soon exit the cold dark days of Winter we  have been experiencing, the scripture above spoke to me and caused my thoughts to turn towards the coming Spring weather.  The scripture brought to mind that we will again start hearing choirs of birdsongs;  leaves on the trees will start budding and beautiful blossoms will appear on some; what is now a sea of brown grass will become a beautiful carpet of green again. Are you listening and watching? I have been, and have already started hearing the occasional bird singing outside my windows. (I heard one this morning, in fact)  They are preparing to build their nests and settle into their new home....a new season begins.   We can learn a lesson from these birds and from the above scripture.   The sparrow has found his home and built his nest “near the altar of God.”  That’s exactly what God really wants all of us to do.  And, no matter
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MY FRIEND, FIONA IN AUSTRALIA

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Today is New Year's Eve, 2019. This morning in my email box I had a beautiful devotional from a friend, Fiona in Australia. As of today her country is being devastated by horrible fires burning out of control, and spreading by high winds.  She and her family are okay so far, with only lots of smoke. Please pray for all there in harm's way.  Fiona and I met years ago by way of a ministry called Rest Ministries which was located in San Diego, California. We were both privileged to be chosen to write devotionals for this ministry.  It was designed to give those with invisible chronic illnesses encouragement.  Fiona and I would stay in touch through these devotionals and also became fast friends through email.  She had physical limitations, but didn't let that stop her from leaning on and depending on the Lord in every situation.  She also traveled a lot, and even came to the USA at times, visiting such places as New England during the Fall when the leaves were at peak.  Sh
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THE OLD GENTLEMAN'S GIFT

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THE OLD GENTLEMAN’S GIFT I walked the quiet streets alone, the snow was drifting down, The stores were closed and shuttered in this peaceful little town, The Christmas rush was ending, for ‘twas Christmas Eve you see, I walked in search of “peace on earth,” and inner peace in me. “What is Christmas all about?” I spoke aloud in prayer, “Lord, show me the true meaning so I’ll have a gift to share.” I looked, and in the distance shone the glow of a soft light, It was streaming from a window, giving guidance in the night. I approached the little church house and could hear the children sing Of the little Lord Jesus, Who was born to be our King. So I paused and turned toward the door, hoping not to make a sound, Then my eyes were drawn to a lovely sight before me on the ground. I stooped to lift a red, red rose from its bed of pure white snow, Then quietly opened the church house door, and entered the soft, warm glow. The children told of the birt
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MY LANCASTER, OHIO CHRISTMAS

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(This story was written and published several years ago by Alice Ervin)  I would like to share a really special thing that came about by being a part of Rest Ministries.   In September of each year, Lisa Copen, founder of Rest Ministries in San Diego, CA. has what is called National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week.   (NICAW)   Each day there are several online sessions with a different guest speaker for each.   This year I logged onto one with a speaker whose name is Carol Krejci.   She had written a book entitled, “Sowin’ Seeds and Touchin’ Lives.   Carol donated two of her books to anyone who had entered to win. That was the beginning of one of the most amazing events in my life the last few months!   I won one of her books, read it and found out we lived only two hours from each other. We began e-mailing, and became fast friends.   Carol lives in a cute cottage in an old Methodist Campgrounds (still operating) in Lancaster, Ohio and each year they have what
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CHRISTMAS CANDY CANE LEGEND

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Legend has it that in the 18th Century somewhere in Europe, any public display of Christianity was forbidden. No crosses or Bibles were  allowed and the Christians were greatly oppressed. One old man, a candy maker by profession, was particularly distressed by this. He loved the Lord with all of his heart and couldn't stand to not share that love with the world. His heart especially went out to the children when Christmas drew near and no one was allowed to have a nativity scene (or crèche`) on display in their homes. He prayed for God to show him some way to make Christmas gifts for the children which would teach them the story of Christ. The answer was the candy cane. The candy cane was in the shape of a shepherd"s staff to show them Jesus is our Shepherd and we are His flock. A sheep follows his own shepherd, knows his voice, trusts him and knows that he is totally safe with him. The sheep will follow no other shepherd but their own. This is how we are to be with Jes
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A SPECIAL "ANGEL" DOG STORY!!

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I wrote this story several years ago when my husband was still alive.  I post it now as it seems to me it might bring a smile to my daughter, other family members, and friends whose dogs are "special friends" to them. Actual members of their family.  SPECIAL FRIEND Special guest appearance by Toby who is now an angel dog in Heaven 2/20/08-11/4/19 A few years ago my husband and I were visiting our daughter in Bend, Oregon.   She also has a cabin at Summer Lake, Oregon, which sits out in “no man’s land” with a salt lake in front of it, and the mountains behind it.    The rest is basically wide open spaces.    So we decided make a trip to see her cabin for the first time.   Our daughter is a writer, and into arts and crafts, so this place is a “get-away” place for her where she can have peace and quiet in order to focus on her writing, etc.. She is also into mountain climbing, hiking and many other outdoor events.   We decided to stay close by her cabin overnig
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