With God All Things are Possible

          I could not create this kind of beauty on my own.  God created it.  
                                         I photographed it 
            and my husband edited the photograph taking out power lines 
                                  and enhancing the colors.
             It is amazing what we can do when we work with our Father.

I have taken on a new challenge 
to produce a blog 2 times per week. 
I feel stressed. 

How will I manage all that? 
How will I get all the pictures? 
How will I accomplish all I need to do? 

I looked at a serene picture 
and the Holy Spirit put the words in my mind 
and on my heart 
“What will the Lord give me?” 

This blog has never been about what I can accomplish. 
It has only been what the Lord gives and does. 

These are His words and if He wants me to do it,
“He will provide.”
And He always does. 

Remember that when life gets stressful. 
We can do little or nothing on our own 

but “With God all things are possible.”

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

         This the same sunset a little earlier and at a different location.  
        God gives us so much regardless of our location or point of view.  
                 We only have to check out what He provides.  
                We are enriched when we share God's bounty.  
             He makes it possible to have enough for ourselves 
                    and to share with those who are needy.

        The cloud formations and colors changes as the sunset progresses.  
            I love to take lots of pictures and see what I can get.  
               I have "chased sunsets" to accomplish that end.  
       God provides so much when we open our eyes and hearts to His love.


Blessing: 
My friend, may you allow our Heavenly Father
    to enter and inhabit your heart and soul
May you find your rest, 
    and the incredible JOY that only He can provide.

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 2, 2017

                              When you give Him a chance, 
                      He will lead you beside the still waters 
                               amid the storms of life 
                       and He WILL give peace to your soul.
       (photo taken at a campground near Eel Weir, near Black Lake, NY)

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

What Will You Do with Your Allowance?

                      River Road between Norfolk and Raymondville, NY

There is a pile of rocks in the middle of this field that allows the flowers to grow undisturbed.  Sometimes our disadvantages can be blessings in disguise that allow us to develop talents that we never would have considered if not for that pesky "disadvantage or disability!"

When we were born, we were each given an allowance by God. 

                           Our true colors show the brightest in adversity 
                                      as when a storm is brewing.

We were born into our family which may have lots or little money. We might or might not be beautiful or strong or athletic. We might be talented in some area. We each had a series of experiences that shaped us into the people we are now. 

Each of our positive and negative qualities is our allowance. Even negative ones can be positive if used in the right way. 

For example, someone who is stubborn is also persistent and may work very hard to achieve a goal. Someone who is not very strong or athletic may have developed skills observing others and could use those skills to help someone who is athletic to get better at their sport.

This dandelion was created by Our Maker to bloom and die to spread its seeds and birth more dandelions.

We were born and live to die to self, to bloom in the life of Our Maker,

to spread His Word and birth more Christians.

We may think we earned our skills or allowance but whatever we have, whatever we were born with or born into is not in our control. Some call it the luck of the draw. I chose to call it our allowance from God.

What does all this mean? It means that we are what we are by the grace of God and not due to anything we had control over or could earn.
What are we supposed to do with our allowance? 

I think we need to make the best with whatever we have. 

             This little pink wildflower blooms with the beauty of God 
                             despite any and all adversity.

God tells us that we need to love Him first and best. We need to follow His direction. We need to repent of our sins, which is telling God we are sorry for what we did wrong and try our best to not sin again. 

Second we are to love our neighbor as ourselves. That means we are to treat each other the way we want to be treated. I think it means we look for opportunities to help others and then do what is right even when it’s not convenient or pleasant. 

That’s also a great way to teach others about God and God’s love – by example.

            The lily of the valley is not showy but its fragrance is so sweet.
                       When we really practice what Jesus taught, 
                 we too will leave a "sweet fragrance" by our actions.

This doesn’t mean that we don’t take care of ourselves or our families. God wants us to enjoy our lives. He gave us much to enjoy. But it does mean that we owe everything we have to God and His grace. And it means that we must give our best to Him just as He gave His best to us.

God gives us everything and just asks that we give Him one tenth of our allowance. That means we get to keep the other nine tenths that He gave us! 

Would you give so much with so little return? God does. What a bargain!

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:19 

And He said to him, “ ‘YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.’ “This is the great and foremost commandment. “The second is like it, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.  Matthew 22: 37-39

                                                 Sunrise

                                   Sunset
The Lord is with you from the moment you awake until you close your eyes.  He is with you all night long and through the most difficult and the best times of your life.  He will never leave your side and He will help you through whatever comes your way.

Addendum:  One of the most important parts of our allowance is our time.  How we spend it is so important.  Our time with God is critical.  When He knocks on the door each morning, open the door, invite Him in and speak with Him as you would with your very best friend.  He's waiting patiently for you.
P.S. Some days get very hectic.  If you don't have time for a long conversation with God, send Him a quick "text" in your thoughts and let Him know you welcome Him every day.

          This picture was taken on Miner St. Canton.  

River seen on River Road near Raymondville, NY

       When we enjoy the beauty of nature 

         it would be difficult not to contemplate on the Maker 

        who provides such beauty for us to enjoy.

Please Come In, Lord

(a dialog with God)
It’s morning

I can hear you knocking at my door, Lord

Please come in

Please sit with me and talk with me

Please open my heart to listen to you and only You

Please take away all the distractions

Begone satan, you are not wanted or welcomed

Begone from my day, from my thoughts, from my words and deeds

Lord, You are welcome

I choose you, Lord, today

I ask You to please stay with me all day

Please be my constant companion and my guide

Lord, how are you today?

What would You tell me?

My child

You know how much I love you

And I love You, too, Lord

You know I wish you well

Yes, Lord

I know you read my Book

Yes, Lord

You ask for my company

And that is what I really want, your time with me

I will teach you as the day progresses, as things come up in your life

I will speak in my still small voice and tell you what to do and what not to do

I don’t always listen well, Lord but I really want to

My willfulness gets in the way and I am so sorry

I know child

I know you are trying and that is what I seek

The harder you try, the more you will achieve and the closer to Me you will become

You will make mistakes and commit sins but as long as you keep trying your hardest and continue to repent, I will forgive you

You are now Mine and I never let go of what is Mine

Don’t ever forget that

Some days will be wonderful

Some days will be incredibly difficult

Take my hand and I will walk with you every single day of your life, shaping you and molding you into the child I will take home to paradise

Come walk with me today, child

Today is one day closer to the day I will take you Home

Thank you so much, Lord.  Amen


Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. 
Revelation 3:20

     Just as the patches of grass are in the middle of this river near Norfolk, NY, 
            we are afloat in the river of life that can have so much turmoil.  
     God will take our hand and guide us home if we only invite Him in our lives.

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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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Knapps Station Community Church

Would you like a fresh Strawberry Shortcake dessert after a delicious roast pork dinner for only $8.00? Check us out on June 15, 2017.

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Why Do We Wrestle? (in prayer)

My friend Jean Oathout shares a blog post explaining why we may wrestle when we pray and why that has great value to us.  I invite you to check it out.

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The Seven R's of Restful Living - Receive Kindly Spoken Truth

I invite you to check out my friend Jane Ault's latest blog post.  She explains how listening to God's still small voice has helped her bring so much peace into her life.

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Blessing:

May you be greatly blessed my friend 

    when you accept Jesus' outstretched hand

May His still small voice guide you 

    to His amazing peace and JOY 

    that never fails you

And may you take your Father's hand as He 

    leads you home to paradise

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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 other Saturday 

The next post will be June 17, 2017

My husband, Tim took this picture of a low flying jet from our home.  We do not live near an airport and have wondered why it was so close.

              It's never too late to invite Him in.  
          Jesus is delighted to be in your company 
                      even if it's sunset!