But the Greatest of These is Love

                    As the sun shines through the clouds 
                             and reveals the beauty 
                            that only God can create, 
         His love is shining through the COVID clouds of life 
                            and revealing His love.  
             You can see His love in the eyes of those 
             who are sacrificing to take care of others.  
             So many people have stepped up to help.  
                          There are so many heroes.  
                     "Greater love has no one than this: 
            to lay down one's life for one's friends."  John 15:13

There is no greater calling than to love.
We love because God first loved us.
We are living in a time of great change.
So much is unknown.
The rug was pulled out from under us.

This COVID has totally changed our lives.
It may never be the same in my lifetime.

Everything is in God’s hands.
It always was.
We just had the illusion 
that we were in control.
There is no longer that illusion.

However, we do have control 
of how we conduct ourselves.
We can choose how we behave. 

We can choose positive.
We can choose negative.
God wins or Satan wins.
It is really that simple.

We can choose to be courteous and loving.
Or not.

We need to think about our choices because they will have eternal consequences for us.

Our choices also have immediate consequences for those around us.
Our choices matter so much to others and to God.

Think about each choice and each action as though it were your last and what legacy you would wish to leave. 

Choose love.

“If I speak in the tongues of men 
or of angels, but do not have love, 
I am only a resounding gong 
or a clanging cymbal.

If I have the gift of prophecy 
and can fathom all mysteries 
and all knowledge, 
and if I have a faith 
that can move mountains, 
but do not have love, 
I am nothing.

If I give all I possess to the poor 
and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, 
but do not have love, 
I gain nothing.

Love is patient, love is kind. 
It does not envy, it does not boast, 
it is not proud.

It does not dishonor others, 
it is not self-seeking, 
it is not easily angered, 
it keeps no record of wrongs.

Love does not delight in evil 
but rejoices with the truth.

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails....

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” 
1Corrinthians 13: 1-8, 13


I know this is a very long quotation, 
but I really love it 
and it completes this piece. 
I loved it 
long before I started my walk with God. 
It has always touched my heart. 
I pray it touches your heart too. 
Nothing is more important than love. Especially in this COVID time.

                           Spring is here 
       along with the beautiful sunsets that I love.
                 The Canada geese are back.  
               It is a time of renewal and hope.
                   I hear the peepers at night.  
                I hear the birds singing all day.  
             They don't know it is COVID time.  
              They only know it is springtime 
             and time to rejoice in being alive.  
                     And they do rejoice, 
                 giving glory to the Maker 
             who loves them and loves us.  
       "This is the day the Lord has made, 
           let us rejoice and be glad in it."  
                     Psalm 118:24

        There was a very red moon in the wee hours 
              of the morning about 3 weeks ago.  
             I had never seen one so deep a red.  
                   It appeared even redder 
            than the camera's eye captured. 
                          Is this an omen?
              Or just a beautiful phenomenon?
     Is God saying that His heart is bleeding for us 
        and for what is happening in the world?

            New grass and tiny leaves on the trees 
           greet us as we stop by the bend in the river 
       on the Potsdam Norwood Road near Norwood, NY.  
            I love the "veils" of new leaves on the trees 
                that almost hide the sky in spring.  
      God is speaking His language of love and of hope.  
                We only have to look and listen 
   and wait expectantly for what He has in store for us. 
                  God is love and God loves us!!! 



Blessings on you dear friend.
I pray you have enough to eat, 
a roof over your head 
and whatever you need to live.

I pray you can feel the love of our Father who is always close to you, 
watching over you 
and caring about everything about you.

I pray you and yours are healthy and safe and stay that way.

If you have suffered tragedy, 
if you lost your job 
and are struggling,
I grieve with you 
and know our Father is sitting beside you and grieving too. 
Our Father weeps when we weep. 
Only He can help us through this time.

Regardless of what the world says, 
God brings JOY in the morning!!

And there will be JOY again in your life!!

                These are my grandsons: 
             Mark, Luke and Kodda
               God is my first JOY.
     My grand babies are a close second.

This is the Day…

It’s early May and the weather is finally warm enough to go outside without a jacket. Yeah!! The grass is that wonderful shade that I like to call Spring green. Trees are starting to produce tiny baby leaves that create almost a green translucent veil. The birds are singing. The sky is blue today with white, puffy clouds that I also like to call “happy” clouds because it makes me happy to have clear weather with warm sunshine. Some flowers are starting to bloom in other peoples’ yards. I have one lone blue Siberian Cilla blossoming.

 

          These are my Mother's Day flowers from my 4 year old grandson 

                              that I still have to plant.

 There are very few bugs. In the evening I hear the frogs and “peepers” singing. The frogs croak seeking a mate. The peepers sound a little like tiny jingle bells. Again, another very happy sound. The “muddy season” has passed.

Spring is upon us. It is the time of new growth and a time to rejoice. In all days, God gives us reason to rejoice but today it is especially so. This day truly make my heart sing and praise my Maker who gave me all these gifts just to delight me. This doesn’t mean that my life is perfect. I have as many issues as everyone else, but I choose to put them aside and enjoy this day with all the JOY that my Sweet Lord has given me and say

This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

Will you join me and celebrate this glorious day?

May God bless you greatly, my friend.

                                       A recent picture of the moon.

                      God has placed so much beauty here for us to enjoy.

Prayer Requests:

There is so much turmoil in this world, so much hate and strife.  So many people have been hurt and killed as a result.  Please pray for all the victims and all the ones who seek to hurt others.  Pray that God change all our hearts of stone into hearts of flesh so we can truly love our brothers as we love ourselves.

I would also appreciate your prayers for me.  I will have a total knee replacement of my left knee tomorrow.  Thank you.

All photos taken by Debbie McEwen

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 usually post every other Saturday.

Lately I have been very busy with Grandma duties on weekends 
    so I may try to post during the week.

                A couple of recent golden sunsets from different days.
                        I live where I get to see a beautiful sunset many days 
                             if I only choose to look in the right direction. 
                                             I think life is like that.
                                   We can find beauty and goodness
                                           in almost any situation,
                                if we choose to look in the right direction. 
                                                      
              

This is the Day!

This is the day the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!  Psalm 118:24
My 4 year old grandson Mark and I took a ride to see the beautiful day and take pictures.  We stopped at a playground in Waddington, NY.  Here Mark jumps for joy, just to be alive and enjoy the day. Our Lord wishes us to become like little children, to jump for joy and to delight in Him and all He has done for us. 

Something startled the Canada geese and they took flight.  On a day like this one and every day, my heart takes flight when I see the wonders that God has made for my delight.

A ship traveling somewhere between the Great Lakes and the Atlantic.  This part is the St. Lawrence River.

There is still some beautiful color on the trees at Brandy Brook at the McGuinnes Road Waddington, NY.

There is so much beauty to be see around each bend in the road if we are looking.  (McGuinness Road)

              The beauty that the Lord has created 
              makes my heart sing.
            This photo was taken at Fobares near Waddington, NY.

              I zoomed in on still brilliant trees across a mown field.

                                                      More of Fobares

                                                   More of Fobares

Did God compose this just for me to find today?

How many other JOYS
are waiting around the next bend,

waiting for me to say: 

This is the day the Lord hath made, let us  rejoice and be glad in it!  Psalm 118:24

Notice, Notice

Knapps Station Community Church
Women's Bazaar
Saturday November 3, 2018
8am to 3pm
There will be a bake sale and lots of great stuff.
Something for everyone!
Another one of those Knapps Station events that is not to be missed!

All  photos taken by Debbie McEwen

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 usually post every other Saturday.

Lately I have been very busy with Grandma duties on weekends so I may try to post during the week.

The next post should be in about 2 weeks.

As all grandparents know, there is nothing more special than our grandchildren, especially when they are being silly.  I believe that God also delights in us, who are His children. Especially when we are enjoying His wonderful creation.

Just for Today, Lord

                                  As I gaze at this beautiful sunset, 
                              I am in awe of Your might and majesty.

Just for today, Lord, let me live Your way.

                       Please, Lord, open my eyes to  see You
                    and Your love in the beauty of Your creation.

Let me know that I cannot live in tomorrow.

I cannot relive yesterday.

Let me know that this moment is the one You give me now.

Let me make the most of it.

                            Your creativity and love, Lord
         are mirrored in the beauty You provide for our enjoyment.

Let me hear You knocking at my door this morning and invite You in.

Let me open my heart and soul to You.

Please fill me with Your love and Your JOY.

Just for today, please take hold of the strongholds of my flesh 
     and open my will to do Your will.

                             These lilies are beautiful 
         because they are true to the plan that the Creator made for them.                                            We too are made beautiful 
                       when we do our best to follow the Word.  
                              We cannot do this on our own 
                  but only through the grace of our Loving Father.
         

I’m not strong enough to handle all the things      
     that will take place in my tomorrows
     or to redo all my mistake and sin filled yesterdays
     but please give me the grace to live today
     to the best of my ability as that ability is guided by You.

I am weak and You are strong.

I am a speck. You are the creator.

I am sinful but You love me so much
     You want to spend eternity with me.

            (Cross on steeple at St.Gabriels Church near Paul Smiths, NY)
                   Lord, may I never forget what You paid for my sins. 
                        Please help me to live as You taught
                     so I can enjoy paradise with You forever.

Please forgive me my sins and help me Lord not to sin for today.

Please take my hand.

Please help me to make this my best day ever.

Please come back tomorrow and repeat.

Amen

                 Because we are made in the image and likeness of God, 
                       we too can reflect Him in all we say and do.
            Please Lord, let me be a loving, Godly reflection of Your love and JOY.
               Let Your light shine in and through me to everyone I meet.

Just for This Moment, Lord

Just for this moment, Lord,
may I enjoy my time with You.
May I praise You
and thank You for the multitude of blessings that I enjoy.
Quiet my thoughts.
Slow my breathing.
Close my eyes.
Just for this moment, Lord,
may I enjoy my time with You.
Amen

                            St. Gabriels Church near Paul Smith's, NY.
                   May we always make time to worship and fellowship 
                                  at the house of our choice, 
                          giving all glory and honor to the Creator 
                              who gives so much to us daily.

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 5, 2017

  

  

                     Take time to reflect and REJOICE!

And the Angels Rejoiced!

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Luke 2:14 KJV

Why all the celebration?

          Where darkness had filled the world, 
                     God has sent JOY 
      in the person of His most beloved, only son.  
                 Let the world REJOICE.  

The greatest event since creation has just happened.

Was it the presents?
Or the trees?

                      Tree at Knapps Station Community Church

Was it all the decorations?

Or the festivities?
Or the great food?

No!

It was the Child

The One born in a stable

This barn is on the Barker Road Potsdam and probably has electricity and running water. Those amenities were not available when Jesus was born.  
Would you want your baby born in a barn, even a "modern" barn?  God did!!

The One whose mother and earthly father
said “Yes” to an angel

          Nativity scene at Knapps Station Community Church

The One who loves you and me so much He came from His throne in heaven to save us from ourselves

The One born to die to save us from our sins
The One whose love for us is limitless
The One who is the Son of God Almighty

The One who chose to become the lowliest
and most helpless of people   
a tiny baby born to a teenage girl
who was a nobody in the eyes of the world

The One who is Lord of all creation

That’s why the angels sang and rejoiced

Will you join in and celebrate
the greatest love story of all time?

For God so loved the world 
that he gave his one and only Son, 
that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  John 3:16

                               Nativity Scene in Norwood, NY             

Commentary:

Route 56 between Potsdam and Norwood, NY.  Are you ready to open your heart to the light and love that the Father is patiently and lovingly waiting to give you?

We are about to celebrate Christmas. Are you ready? I'm not asking if your shopping is done, tree decorated and presents wrapped. I'm asking if you are ready to receive Christ in your heart?

Do you realize that the Almighty One who created everything that exists, loves you so much that He sent His Son to become a human baby? 

This was THE God who became a human baby who was born and lived to teach us how God wants us to live and how to treat each other. 

He taught how much He, Jesus, the Father and the Holy Spirit love us and want us to spend eternity with them. 

He taught us to love God first and foremost and to love each other as we love ourselves.

We cannot do this or anything without God's help. 

We only need to ask Him and He will help us. 

He never stops loving us and will guide us to the Home we were meant to live in for eternity - if we cooperate.

Are you ready for Christmas?

                Church in Lake Placid.  
         Whatever church you choose, go home for Christmas and always.
                         Open your heart 
         and allow the JOY that is Jesus fill you with peace and love.

Knapps Station Community Church would be a great one to visit and stay with.  It is a true church family that will love you where and who you are.  It will nourish your soul and lead you to the Lord who loves you and is waiting for you to come Home.

Have you opened your heart to the One who loves you enough to become a human like you and me and die for our sins? 

Just open your heart. Ask Him for His help. Ask His forgiveness for whatever you have done wrong.

Follow the One who will never lead you astray and get ready for the ride of a lifetime as He leads you Home.

Trust in him at all times, you people;
pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.  Psalm 62:18

           Road to my neighbor on Route 35 near West Potsdam, NY

Can You Hear the Cheering? 

I watched a video on Facebook of a young hockey player helping a younger mentally challenged hockey player make a goal.

The younger one could just barely stay upright and skate forward. 

The older one would move the puck in range so the younger one could hit the puck a little and skate closer and closer the goal. 

The goalie got out of the way so the younger one could hit the puck into the net. 

The little guy raised his arm in victory and the goalie rubbed his head in approval. I’m sure he was beaming under his mask.

I think my trip with God is like that
 and I am the challenged child.

Jesus doesn’t force me to follow.

He doesn’t push me toward the Goal. 

He encourages me. He puts the puck in my reach. He helps me every step of the way. He stays beside me when I am afraid and having difficulty. 

He has been there. He lived as a human so He knows what I am going through. 

He helps me get up when I fall down as I have so many times. 

I can choose to go the wrong way and He won’t stop me but He will try to redirect me if I only cooperate. 

He has never given up on me regardless of my sins and missteps. 

Just as everyone watching the event on the video must have been cheering, I believe the angels in heaven cheer for us as we take each little step forward and cooperate despite the many difficulties that life and Satan put in our path. 

We only have to trust in the one who loves us more than earthly life itself and He will guide us to our heavenly Goal. 

Can you hear the cheering?

He holds each of us in palm of His Mighty Hand and loves us each so much that "even the hairs on our heads are numbered." 

Taste and see that the LORD is good; 
blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.  
Psalm 34:8




Book Reviews:



Cradle, Cross and Crown by Billy Graham

This tiny gem has writings by Billy Graham and poems by Ruth Graham celebrating what Christmas is really all about.



On This Holy Night The Heart of Christmas

Another little gem with writings by some of the most popular modern authors giving insight into the reason we need to celebrate this blessed season.



The Life God Blesses by Jim Cymbala

Another great Jim Cymbala book that discusses why God blesses some people more than others.  Why would that be?  Read it and gain insight and hopefully be greatly blessed by God!  Available at the Knapps Station Church library.




A Biography of Jesus 32 Simple Lessons from His Life by Tom J.Crowley

Short snippets that give insight into the life of the one born to save us from ourselves.  Available at the Knapps Station Church library.


Faith Conquers Doubt
Blog post by my friend Jean Oathout.


Blessing:
May the light of the Christmas Star
  shine brightly on you 
  today and forever more
May it bring you the Peace, Love and JOY
  of the Christ Child!

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 12-31-2016, the last for this year!

                    Is this Charlie Brown's Christmas tree??

           All creation knows instinctively to look to the Creator 

                                  and to honor Him.

                          We people need to realize this
              and REJOICE in the One who is come to save us.