Your Eyes Must Gush Rivers of Grief, Lord.

                Does the color and JOY drain from Your loving eyes, Lord,
                  when you see the way we brutalize each other?

There is so much violence in the news.
So many people have been injured and killed.

Even children!

You made us because You love us
   and want us to spend eternity with You.

We have lost our way.

So many do not know You and even deny You.
So many do terrible things in Your name.

It must break Your loving heart.

It breaks mine.

As much as my tears flow,
   Your eyes must gush rivers of grief.

                            When we turn to Jesus and His way,
               there is light, life, peace and JOY shining through the darkness.

             

                  Out of His tears come rivers of life and beauty.        
                   Jesus is making all things beautiful in their time.

Has it always been this way?
History has not been pretty.
We have always brutalized each other.
Your Precious Son, Jesus,
   came at a terrible point in history
   when life for Your people was at its darkest.

He taught a different way then,
I know His message is still vital and relevant today.

Please guide us, guide me to do whatever we can
   to spread Your word, Your message of love.

Please help us to sow the seeds of love, of tolerance,    of forgiveness, of peace
   and of Your JOY that is never ending.

Please help us how to show others
   there is another way.

Your way

Help us to do our part to bring peace on earth
   so there are no more tears of grief,
   only tears of JOY.

                  Lord, please teach us to live Your way.  
        Help us do our part to bring light, color and Your JOY 
                   back into this dark, cold, cruel world.
              Please teach us to love as You have loved us.

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, 

holy and dearly loved, 

clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 

Bear with each other and forgive one another. 

If any of you has a grievance against someone, forgive as the Lord forgave you. 

And over all these virtues put on love, 

which binds them all together in perfect unity. 

 Colossians 3:12-14


Book Review:


Sons of Encouragement by Francine Rivers is a wonderful compilation of stories of 5 unsung heros of the Bible.  Aaron, the Priest; Caleb, the warrior: Jonathan, the prince; Amos, the prophet and Silas, the scribe whose lives are fleshed out in this set of 5 fictional bible stories.  Ms. Rivers took the actual people from the Bible wrote these men into life with human qualities and faults and ultimately with a desire to follow and serve the One True God. Ms Rives has researched the Bible and its times so carefully that her writing has the flavor of reading an unabridged biblical account of these men. 

YUMMY, YUMMY!

Knapps Station Community Church will have their annual Chicken Pie Dinner on 

Thursday September 21, 2017.

Not to be missed!

Blessing:

May you be blessed, my friend in the knowledge that you have a loving father in heaven who is watching over you all the days of your life.  He sees what is happening in this world and will guide you over the rough patches and through the hard times that come to all of us.  He will take your hand and never let go- unless you tell Him to.  His love for you is never ending and He waits anxiously for you to join Him in heaven.  Lets all meet there together! 

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 September 9, 2017.

                              The road at our house is now paved.  

                            There is still finishing work to be done

            but the worst of the dust and very bumpy road are ended.

Am I Vigilant Enough, Lord?

                               (Campground near Eel Weir, near Black Lake, NY)

Am I watching for the ruts in the road, for children darting out in the road?

Am I focused on the task at hand or am I distracted by other things?

Am I careful enough when I drive down the road?

Do I watch my finances carefully enough so the money stretches as far as it needs to?
Am I conscientious about the way I treat friends and family?

Am I giving You, Lord, the time, honor and glory that You deserve?

I try to do all those things but fall short so many times.

When I started my walk with You, I gave You my heart, soul, mind and all my resources.

I knew I needed to avoid temptations, the ways of the world and the wiles of Satan.

However, it’s so easy to become lax.

                       This picture is obviously out of focus.

       This happened when I was distracted, in a hurry and not careful enough. 

   
Satan keeps me busy, distracts me, gets my mind on other things and then he sneaks in.

It’s become too easy to walk on the “slippery slope” where daily living relaxes into the ways of the world.

It’s too easy to excuse behaviors and issues that are not Your Way.

I need to refocus and put EVERYTHING into alignment with Your Word, the Bible.

It’s so hard at times and I can get very confused.

Then I remember “With God all things are possible” and know You will guide me to be vigilant enough when I put my heart and soul in Your loving hands.

I pray for Your guidance.
I can’t do anything on my own.

Amen

Jesus looked at them and said, 
"With man this is impossible, 
but with God all things are possible."  
Matthew 19:26

                            When the mountain is my destination, 

                        I can try to take shortcuts across the fields 

          but I really have no idea what pitfalls or obstacles I will encounter.  

            I know I can trust You, Father, to lead me along the right paths. 

              I know You will keep me vigilant enough to arrive safely.

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Prayer, Does It Make Any Difference? by Philip Yancey  is a great book discussing various aspects of prayer such as "Why pray?" "Does God listen?" "Does He care?" "Why are some prayers answered but not others?"  Mr. Yancey does not have all the answers but he has great insights into why prayer is so vital and yes, it does make a great difference. 
Remember how much Jesus prayed!
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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 Wednesday and Saturday.
The next post will be August 16, 2017.

           Sometimes the "Son" is obscured by the things of this world 

   

    and we have to move ourselves to a position where we can see Him clearly.

I Can’t Do This but You Can, Lord

You can see the power and might of the upcoming storm in this sunset just as you can see the power and might of our Maker in all that is around us.

I can’t make this happen but You can

I can’t get well on my own, 

   only You can make it happen

I can’t improve my relationship with friends
    and family, on my own
You can make it happen

                        Life can be dark and foreboding.  
                We can fear what is lurking in the shadows.  
              Jesus is the light shining through the darkness
                who will lead us to safety, love and peace.

I can’t improve my finances on my own

Only You can make it happen

This blue iris has never bloomed before.  God makes all things beautiful in their time.  It is very welcome this year.

My friend is very sick,
   the doctors can only do so much
You can heal her

I was very sick and had surgery
You guided the doctors and support staff
You brought me where I am now,
   well on my way to complete recovery


You are in complete control

After the rain comes the rainbow.  God is there through every storm that life sends our way.  He makes all things beautiful in their time.

I know when I put my life in Your hands,
   I am completely safe

When I put my situation in Your hands,
I have complete trust that You will manage everything in my best interest

I make such messes.

When I give it all to You, You make my messes 

  into something beautiful.

Actually You make all things beautiful in Your time

I am so weak, You are completely powerful

How blessed I am that You are so loving and caring

You do not squash me like the annoying bug
   that I am.

                    Lord, thank you for seeing the beauty that is in me
                        and for loving me even when I am at my worst.

Instead, You are the Master Potter who is shaping me    into the perfect child that You will take home
   to paradise

I can’t do this on my own, only You can

And I know You will

Thank You, Father.

For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome...Deuteronomy 10:17

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! 

1 John 3:1

Please Lord

My friend is so sick.

Her poor body has endured so much.

Only You know what is best right now

But if it be Your will, if this be in Your time
  and Your way

Please heal her

                  Please give her the love that only You can provide.  
               Please let her feel the wonderful JOY of Your healing touch

If You take her, I know she will go to heaven
  and have no regrets

But I will miss her so much if You take her home now

  
I cry for myself and for the others who love her

We need her

She is such a loving soul who cares so much
  for so many people

As Jesus, said, Your will not mine be done

But I know You listen and You care

So I’m asking, I’m knocking and I’m seeking

And pleading with my Loving Father

Please Lord, heal her.

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you."  Matthew 7:7

                         Racquette River on Miner St.  Canton, NY

The Lord is My Shepherd

{A Psalm of David.} 

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:
he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.  

Psalm 23: 1-4  King James Version

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Book Reviews

Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis   Mr. Lewis argues and explains many aspects of Christianity such as why 2 people become the 2 halves of a whole unit when they marry.  He discusses that there is a universal understanding of right and wrong, of fairness that all people have though often do not follow. 

This is my first time reading this book.  There is so much meat to digest that I must read it at least one more time to fully appreciate the great insights that Mr. Lewis offers.

This is a book to be read slowly and digested in bites.  I recommend this highly.

Esther by John Piper

This gem is a lovely poem by a great preacher as well as a book of lovely paintings.  It is the story of Esther, Queen of Persia who just happened to be a Jew. She risked everything to save her people.

The Last Sin Eater by Francine Rivers

Just what is a "sin eater" and can he save your soul?

This historical novel by master story-teller Francine Rivers is a riveting tale of a young girl with a very guilty conscience.  She seeks the sin eater to take away her guilt and finds her heart's true desire.  I borrowed this page turner from the Knapps Station Church Library.  Please note:  The book jacket on the book I borrowed is different from the picture above.

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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.

****************************************************

Knapps Station Community Church

Our Strawberry Shortcake Dinner was a great (and delicious) success as evidenced by all the happy diners who told me as much.

Upcoming is 

Operation Arctic Vacation Bible School.

Mark your calendars: 6 to 8 pm on July 10 to 14 (Monday to Friday)for a really cool time.  Come for the fun, the snacks, the crafts, the great music, the fellowship and learn how much God loves you.  I help with the puppet show at the opening and closing of each day and have so much fun with the kids especially the little ones.  

As an added bonus, there is NO CHARGE for your child to attend.

Friday night is Family Fun Night and the whole family is invited for fun and a barbecue. 

                     *************

Come and see our float at the 4th of July Parade in Norwood, NY.

******************************************

Seven R's of Restful Living - Resist Resentment

Seven R's of Restful Living - Reduce Committments

My friend Jane Ault has written 2 excellent blog posts that give us great advice to help us live more restfully with more time for ourselves and for God.

******************************************

We are Most Godlike When We Share God's Travail

My friend Jean Oathout's blog discusses the importance of putting your passion and deep-down care into your prayers.  God does not want wishy-washy prayers.  He wants you to pray like it's really important to you.  I think when it becomes really important to you, it becomes really important to Him too.

******************************************

Blessing:

May you be blessed in the knowledge that you have a Loving Father who is all powerful and all loving.

He is capable of creating the universe and a butterfly - at the same time.

He is the voice of thunder and the voice of your newborn child.

May you always know that even when you are powerless, you have a Father who always has your back and He never turns His back on you!

Your prayers mean the world to Him.

He always listens and answers.

The friend who was so ill that I wrote "Please Lord" for is on the mend.  Thank You and Praise You Lord!

Update:  I got word today that she has yet more complications.  Please pray for her and all the people on your heart.  God really does listen.  He's just waiting for us to ask.  God bless you greatly, my friend!

              With God all things are possible.

               His mercies are never ending.

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 July 1, 2017

Playground at Knapps Station Church

The Girl's Club made this a couple of weeks ago.

More pix of the road construction in front of our house.

                A deer in our back yard. 

Jesus, I am Your Little Girl

                                Your love makes my soul 
                                as beautiful as this sunset

You love me at all times.
You teach me.

When I come to You and I am dirty from my sins and my choices, you wash me clean with Your blood.

When I tell you I am sorry for what I have done wrong, you welcome me with open arms.

You whisper Your directions, Your way, the best way to proceed.

Sometimes You correct me when I am not listening. Sometimes, Your correction is very unpleasant or even painful. That is the way of all loving parents.

I welcome Your corrections because You are shaping me more and more into the child You want me to be.

You comfort me through all that life throws my way, including the problems that were caused by my own choices.

You see all my “boo boos.” You put your band aids on them and help me with my healing.

You always watch over me, allowing me to choose my path, nudging me along the right path but never forcing Your way.

If I were to stop listening and caring, You would still nudge but Your voice would get fainter.

Please help me never to allow that to happen.

When my choices cause the inevitable problems, You help me. There is never an “I told you so” or “you got what you had coming” even though I would so deserve those, even though I have been guilty of saying those to others.

You are so much better to me than I deserve.

Your love is so incredible.

I am so wonderfully blessed to be Your little girl, Jesus, I can’t wait to see Your loving face in person when I get to heaven. I can’t wait for a real hug from my “Daddy.”

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! 
1 John 3:1

         Seen from boat launch in Madrid, NY,
          looking across the Racquette River
     Loving Father, You make all things beautiful.
              You renew us with Your love

                           Gazebo in park in Madrid, NY

                           Boat launch in Madrid, NY

Brook near Buck's Bridge, NY

River in Buck's Bridge, NY

You are My Awesome Father

You are Lord and Maker of all that exists

You are all powerful

You existed from before the beginning of time

You are the Great I AM, the Great Jehovah

You are the Prince of Peace and the Might of the Nations

You have endless names and titles

You are the greatest of all beings

You are not a creature but rather the creator

You are faithful from forever to forever

You are too wonderful for words

There are not words sufficient to describe You and Your qualities

But the greatest of these is love

And You are love incarnate

I love because You loved me first

How blessed I am to be Your creature and Your child

And to know You are my awesome Father who loves me!

We love because He first loved us.  1 John 4:19

Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever.  Psalm 136:2

                                    Richville, NY taken from Route 11
                       Father, You are so much more faithful
                     than the seasons that follow each other.

                   An old silo and barn on Route 11 near Richville, NY

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Book Review



90 Minutes in Heaven by Don Piper

Would you like to find out what happens when you die?  Would you like to hear from someone who was dead for an hour and a half and came back?  Is heaven for real?  Read about someone who experienced just that first hand.  This is a very interesting and inspirational book.  I borrowed it from the Knapps Station Library.

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Knapps Station Community Church



Stay tuned for more information about Operation Arctic Vacation Bible School July 10-14 at Knapps Station Community Church.  It promises to be very COOL!

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Appreciating God Through the Beauty of Flowers

I invite you to check out my friend Jane Ault's blog post. As you may have noticed, I also love nature and flowers and never fail to find the glory of God through His magnificent handiwork.

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Chitty Chitty Bang Bang   Musical presented 
by the home schoolers at the Christian Fellowship Center in Madrid, NY! Tickets

May 4, 5, - 7:00

& 6th- 1:30 & 7 pm

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When You're Hit with Life's Hammer

I invite you to check out the blog post of my friend Jean Oathout.  Many posts center around the importance of prayer.  This one discusses dealing with the trials that life throws your way.

********************************

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.

****************************************************

Blessing:

May you be blessed to know that you have a heavenly Father who loves you dearly.

May you always know that He is closer to you than you can possibly imagine.

And may you remember that He is always listening, patiently waiting for you to ask so He can answer.  

Know it will be in His time, His will and His way
and it will be perfect.

May God bless you greatly,
      my friend!

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 May 20, 2017

                                      My backyard.
                   My heart sings with the new life of spring.
                   God is renewing the earth and me as well!

                    This is the first violet that I found this year.
                      Finding it  seemed like finding a treasure.
                      Finding God is the best possible treasure.