What is God’s Plan for You?

                            Lake Clear, NY in February
                     All nature sleeps awaiting the coming of Spring.
       Is your life on hold awaiting God letting you know His plan for you?

Did you know that God has a plan just for you?

Did you know that He formulated that plan
   long before you were born?

Pretty amazing, isn’t it?

At least I was amazed when I was told that.

I had no idea that I was so important
   that He thought about me
   from the beginning of time,
   that He decided that the world
   isn’t complete without me
   and my little part of His “big picture.”

                                 Brook near Nicholville, NY
                         Each little brook is an important part
                              of the complete ecosystem.
                     Each of us is an important part of God's plan.
 

You know of course, that the same applies to you
   as well.

Each of us is irreplaceable in God’s plan.

Now, how do we find out what that plan is?

I’ve been taking a bible study at Knapps Station Church about “Listening for the Voice of God
and Discerning the Voice of God.”

Our lesson for this week discusses that God’s voice reveals His plan for each for us and to each of us.

How can that be, you ask?

He speaks to each of us in a way
   special to each of us.

It really helps if you know some about the Bible
   and then know a little about God’s character
   so you can judge if the message you receive
   is from God or from Satan.

I have heard messages from God that came
   through other people, through something I read
   or even from TV.

What I mean is that I prayed or asked a question
    and I heard or read something that addressed
   or answered exactly what I was asking.

So how does God let you know what His plan is
   just for you?

                            Church near Paul Smith's College, NY
                       Worshipping and fellowship at a good church
                             will help put you on the right path.

You have to give Him a chance.

Pray about it and wait patiently.

Look for the unexpected.

I’ve found that He often has already started equipping or even fully equipping people for the plan or job He has for that person.  

        Chimney? Silo? Or what?  At Lake Placid, NY
             What was the plan for this structure?
                What is God's plan for your life?

I write a blog post and got lots of experience 

   writing on my job for many years.
   Actually, my family has told me that I wrote
   from the time I was a child. 
   Now I write for Him.  

Is this the extent of what He has in mind for me? 
   I have no idea but I know He will let me know.

You may already be engaged in His plan for you
   and not realize it yet.

  Because you were made to do that job,
   you probably gravitate to it somehow. 

               This little stream on Outer Main St. Potsdam, NY 
               wanders hither and yon toward its destination.
                     Is your life doing the same thing? 
                     Do you realize that your destination is VITAL
                        and your part in getting there 
                    can be accomplished by no one but YOU!

Remember that you are very important to God and    He wants to spend eternity with you in paradise.

Remember that you have a job to do now
   to prepare you for paradise.

Wait patiently for God to let you know what it is
   and then trust that He will make sure
   you can do it well.

 

When He lets you know His plan for you,

   jump in with both feet and don’t look back.  

You are in for the time of your life.

Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.
   Ephesians 1:4

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."      Jeremiah 29:11

                      This ice castle at Lake Placid, NY 
              was constructed to celebrate the winter of 2017.
               You were made to celebrate our mighty Creator
                 and to spend eternity with Him in paradise.
                 Please remember how important you are.
                You play a vital part in God's mighty plan!

Commentary:

Spring is now officially upon us and it's often the time to plan for our gardens, our vacations and whatever for the upcoming summer.

       In the midst of all the snow and cold we keep getting,
                         even the lowly dandelion
               would be a welcome sight to me right now.

We are all in different seasons of our lives. Some of us are in the Spring, some in the summer and some of us are in the Fall or even Winter of our lives.

Wherever you are, my friend, what are your plans for the time after your Winter.  The end of this life may be in sight. None of us knows the day or the hour when the end may come.  Do you know where you will go next?  Are you looking forward to that?  The next step is forever without end.  Plan carefully. After you die, there are no second chances.  God gives those unlimited second chances now.  Use them wisely.

Choose carefully and be delighted with your planning for eternity.

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
   Romans 6:23

                  God will make your soul bloom for eternity
                        - if you only accept His gift of love.

Book Reviews:

    A Voice in the Wind

An Echo in the Darkness



As Sure as the Dawn

This trilogy was written by Francine Rivers who weaves strong stories that give us page turners that are hard to put down.
These interlocking stories take place in the days of the early church and describe what life was like for those learning about Christ and struggling for their faith despite living in extremely evil times. There is a strong thread of love interwoven throughout.  I found them a very satisfying read.



The Case For Easter by Lee Strobel

Do you wonder why we celebrate Easter?  Is all that talk about Jesus rising from the dead for real?  Lee Strobel goes to the historical experts to explore if the Christian belief has validity.  I recommend this little book filled with facts to answer just those questions.

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Knapps Station Community Church

If you have children and live in the area, or even just like to work with kids, keep the evenings of the second week of July open.  Knapps Station Church will have their annual Vacation Bible School or VBS for short. 
This year the theme will be Operation Arctic and promises to be lots of fun for all those involved.  
Stay tuned in for more information and pictures of last year's event.

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Giving God the Time of Day is today's blog post by my friend Jean Oathout.  Do you take time to spend with Him?  Do you drink in His presence and feel the JOY and peace that only He can bring?

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What Children Can Teach Us  is a recent blog post by my friend Jane Ault.  We may think that children have little idea of what life is about but, given a chance, they will surprise, enlighten and delight us with their understandings.

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Voice of the Martyrs 

Please pray for our brothers and sisters who do not have the freedom to worship as they choose.
Many suffer and die for their faith.
We are so blessed to worship as we choose.
Many died to give us this freedom
May we never lose this freedom.
And may we never take it for granted. 

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Blessing:

May you be blessed by discovering
   our Loving Father's plan for your life.
May you find great fulfillment
   in living out that plan.
May our Creator bless you daily
   with His mighty love, His forgiving grace
   and His unending JOY.

                    And may your heart soar
     and fly into the arms of He who loves you.

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All photos taken by Debbie and Tim McEwen unless otherwise noted- 

All bible reference from the NIV
   unless otherwise noted

If you are interested,
   you can click on the Blog Archive 

  dates on the top right side of this post
  to connect to previous blog posts

I would love to hear from you either on the
   comment section of this blog post
   or through my email

   debbieamcewen@gmail.com 

I post every other Saturday 

The next post will be April 8, 2017

May God bless you greatly until we meet again.

                       A "snow dog" from this winter.

                  God gives us rainbows and promises
                          all throughout our lives
                       regardless of what is going on.

                Just as the sun goes down in a blaze of glory,
                      may your life shine now and forever
                        with the brilliance of God's love.

I Am Broken

                           This rock is permanently cleft in two.
                       However broken we may become, God can repair us.
                           We only have to ask and trust in Him.  

I am broken, Lord, I am broken

I totally surrender to You

I give it all to You

       When the future seems "foggy" read the "God's Word" for guidance.
                                  It has all the answers
               God will speak to you in ways you cannot imagine
                                   and give you peace.

My pride is gone
My spirit is broken

There is only You

And that is enough

You empty me out

                              I trust You to take me around the blind bends of life
                                and know You will take me to safety.
                   You guide me along the right paths and restore my soul.


And then fill me up with Your love

You mold me into a new person
Your person

My way is gone, broken, laid aside

I surrender to Your will and Your love

Thy will be done, not mine

And it will be perfect

                           The snow covered path is not easy
            but with God as your guide, the destination will be wonderful.

Surrender yourself to the Lord,
   and wait patiently for him.
      Psalm 37:7 God's Word Translation

            When you surrender to God, He makes all things beautiful.

I Lay It All at Your Feet, Lord

I give You all our problems

I give You all these pains, all this sickness,
   all these worries, all these concerns

            

We are all broken, Loving Father

Only You can mend us

Only You can take all these issues,
   all these problems,
   all this pain and make it right

          God's love and blessings will break through the ice of life's troubles
           and flow upon us if we only look to Him who is reaching out to us.

I give it all to You

I lay all of us at Your feet, at the foot of the Cross

I give You our talents and shortcomings

I raise our joys as well as our sorrows to You

I give You everything about us

We are weak but You are strong

We cannot handle our problems on our own

You can overcome them all

          Jesus is the light in the storm who will guide us to safety.

I lay them all at Your Feet, at the foot of the cross

You sent Your only Son to free us
         from the power of sin
   and to give us life everlasting,
         to give us life in the fullest

       God gives us a rainbow when and where we least expect it
                  so be alert for your unexpected blessings.

I offer us to You and humbly ask Your forgiveness
   for all our sins

I ask for You to take us, all that we are
   and make us into the children You want us to be

I humbly ask for that life in the fullest for us
   now Lord

I humbly ask You to help us now,
   in the time of our great need

   The clouds in this sunset seem to reach out to us as do the hands of God.
                              We only have to hold out our hands
                and He will take us and hug us in His loving arms.

Thank You Loving Father for loving us so much,
         for listening to our prayers
         and for coming to help us

Blessed be Your most holy name.  Amen

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10

            I am nothing compared to the glory and majesty of our God.
                             But He loves me so much
                  that even the hairs of my head are numbered
                       and He knows that number so well.

Book Reviews



Why I Am a Christian by John Stott

Rev. Stott discusses why God who is "the hound of heaven" pursues us and why He values us so greatly. Rev. Stott says that Christianity explains who Christ is, what He achieved on the cross and explains who we are and much more..  Jesus never stops inviting us to come to Him. This is a very interesting and compelling book. I heartily recommend it. 




Billy Graham God's Ambassador by Russ Busby

God put it on my heart to check out Billy Graham. When was he born?  What did he do?  What did he stand for?  This book is full of helpful information and pictures that give a brief overview of exactly that. It has been in the back of my mind to learn about him for a long time.  The first time I experieneced the Holy Spirit was during one of Billy Graham's televised crusades. I borrowed this book from the Knapps Station Church Library. 

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Knapps Station Community Church has started a 13 week bible study entitled Preparing to Hear From God by Pricilla Shirer.  


He Speaks to Me by Pricilla Shirer

It started recently and promises to be a very fulfilling study. It's not too late to join.  I am looking forward to it.

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Treasures in Christ Revival in India

My friend Jean Oathout has a blog post that is focusing on prayer and it's power.  I invite you to check it out.

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Choosing Grace/Partnership in Marriage by Jane Ault

I invite you to check out the blog post of my friend Jane Ault as she give some great insight into her journey as a pastor's wife.

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Voice of the Martyrs

I invite you to check out this link to find out what Christians in some countries suffer just because they believe.  We have no idea how fortunate we are. Please pray for our less fortunate brothers and sisters.  


Blessing

May God grant you the wisdom to seek Him at all times and know that He is always there for you.
May you find the peace that surpasses all understanding when you turn to Him in prayer.
May you be blessed greatly, my friend!

All photos taken by Debbie and Tim McEwen unless otherwise noted- 

  used with permission

All bible reference from the NIV unless otherwise noted

If you are interested, you can click on the Blog Archive 

  dates on the top right side of this post to connect 

  to previous blog posts

I would love to hear from you either on the      

  comment section of this blog post
  or through my email  

  debbieamcewen@gmail.com

I post every other Saturday 

The next post will be February 11, 2017

May God bless you greatly until we meet again.

 

       Buffalo from behind Webster's Meat Market near Knapps Station

     These little footie prints were in the mud outside my house the other day.
             I think they might be from the skunk who gets under our porch
                                      and "perfumes" our house.

My Heart Shouts for Joy

              On our darkest days, God will always be with us.
                             We only need to look up.

The dark days come and tempt me to give up
It becomes so difficult to go on at times

Some days hurt so badly
Some days I just want it to stop hurting

I just want to stop being
I don't think I can take any more

                      He is the Way, the Truth and the Light.
                         We only need to look for His path.

Then You tap me on the shoulder
And I turn back to You

You, who are always waiting for me to reach out

No matter what has happened
No matter what I have done or haven't done

You are always there

                   He gives beauty and light even to the gray days.

And when I come to You
You soothe my pains
You replace my emptiness with Your love

    Just as the snow makes all things beautiful, so does God's love.

You are always the light at the end of the tunnel
You find the way to turn things around

    The clouds give great beauty to this sunset in my backyard.
       Our experiences and even our problems
          give great beauty to our lives
             if we only cooperate
       and allow God to help us through them.

You create solutions where none existed

You change my tears of sorrow to tears of pure joy

I delight to be in Your presence

To feel Your love

You fill my soul
You fill my being with Your love

My heart shouts for joy because You are with me.

   God will bring light and life into our darkest places
           if we only open the door and let Him in.
I will bless the LORD who guides me;
even at night my heart instructs me.
I know the LORD is always with me.
I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.
No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice.
My body rests in safety.
For you will not leave my soul among the dead
or allow your holy one to rot in the grave.
You will show me the way of life,
granting me the joy of your presence
and the pleasures of living with you forever.
Psalm 16:7-11

Please click on the link below to see a Facebook video that demonstrates a tiny portion of the magnitude of God's incredible power. Turn on the sound and go to "full screen."

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                The little brook near W. Potsdam is beautiful
                         even in the gray days.
           God makes each of us beautiful with His love and caring.

How can the One who did all this care for each of us so much? How could this all-powerful creator lower Himself to become one of the lowliest of all creation? How could He allow Himself to be tortured to death to save us from ourselves because we could never do enough to accomplish that feat? How could He do all that?

This little brook on the Wright Rd. W. Potsdam is beautiful
when the sun warms it and melts some of the ice.
Our lives become beautiful when we allow God's love to melt
our hearts and open us to His light and love.

 What lies around the bend in the river at Norwood Pond?
We can only guess.  If we trust God to guide us
around the bends in life's rivers, we can rest assured
that we will be safe.

LOVE!! Love is the only answer. Whatever happens to you, whoever you are, know that you matter. Everything about you matters so much to the Creator. Know in your heart of hearts that the Almighty One loves you limitlessly.

    

              This is the road from Lake Placid to Saranac.
            The blue shading was caused by it being dusk.
             God can make even our "blue" days beautiful.

...“What is mankind
that you are mindful of them,
a son of man that you care for him?

You made them
a little lower than the angels;
you crowned them with glory and honor
and put everything under their feet.”

Hebrews 2:6-8

Book Reviews




Fresh Power by Jim Cymbala

Rev. Cymbala discusses how we can experience the vast resources of the power of God. He gives many words of wisdom to direct us on how to live holy lives in this world and to grow in God.This book is a feast for the soul to be enjoyed and contemplated slowly in small bites. I heartily recommend it.  I borrowed this one from Knapps Station Library. 




The Shepherds Song, A Story of Second Chances by Betsy Duffey and Laurie Myers

This is a story of faith and second chances. A loving mother carefully prints out the 23rd Psalm for her teenage son who has drifted away from God.  He rejects it and God.  Through a series of coincidences, that paper finds its way around the world and touches many souls who find God, including the teenager it was meant for.  


Chasing the Dragon, One Woman's Struggle Against the Darkness of Hong Kong's Drug Dens by Jackie Pullinger 

A powerful true story of a 20 year old English woman who took God at His word and followed His leading halfway around the world to the place where He guided her spread His word. Becauses she lived what she preached, she was able to convert many of the worst drug lords and save many souls for Christ.

Knapps Station Community Church has started a 14 week bible study entitled Preparing to Hear From God by Pricilla Shirer.  


He Speaks to Me by Pricilla Shirer

It just started this past week and promises to be a very fulfilling study. It's not too late to join.  I am looking forward to it.  

Jean Oathout blogspot "Let Go"

Another great blog post from my friend Jean Oathout.



Voice of the Martyrs

I invite you to check out this link to find out what Christians in some countries suffer just because they believe.  We have no idea how fortunate we are. Please pray for our less fortunate brothers and sisters.  It might surprise you to know that they feel they are the fortunate ones.


Blessing:

May you always be aware of how much God truly loves you.
May you always count your blessings and praise our Loving Father for all He provides.
And may you never lose the sense of wonderment you had as a child as you discover the magnitude of His power, might and endless love for you.

                                       A wintry sunset from my backyard.

All photos taken by Debbie and Tim McEwen unless otherwise noted- 

  used with permission

All bible reference from the NIV unless otherwise noted

If you are interested, you can click on the Blog Archive 

  dates on the top right side of this post to connect 

  to previous blog posts

I would love to hear from you either on the      

  comment section of this blog post
  or through my email  

  debbieamcewen@gmail.com

I post every other Saturday 

The next post will be January 28, 2017

May God bless you greatly until we meet again.

             In the late fall there were many dozens of Canada geese
                      at the playground in Madrid, NY