Only With God's Help

Deep Cleaning

The weather is feeling so much like spring
even though it is only February.
that I’m feeling like it’s time to start spring house cleaning

There’s so much dust and so much clutter
that has accumulated
I need to go through the whole house
Every drawer and cupboard needs to be cleaned out
and re-organized
Every surface needs to be cleaned

When and if I finally get it all done,
the house will be renewed and spiffy

Spiffy is neat, clean and decent, not perfect but decent

Today I am asking God to deep clean my heart and soul
My own efforts are making me sort of spiffy

But here are a lot of areas that I’m sure I never get to
I want my heart and soul to be absolutely clean
and right for Him

Spiffy isn’t good enough for God
I want to be the absolute best for Him

I would never be able to do that on my own
But with God’s help, all things are possible

I’m asking You, Lord
Please take me and make me Your own

Please clean out all the sin,
all the stuff that stands in the way of me being Your child

For You, spiffy isn’t good enough,
For You, I want to be the best

With Your help, Lord, I can do it

Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.  Hebrews 4:16

Guide My Thoughts

Dear God

Please guide my thoughts today so my words and actions will be what You want them to be

I ask this before I get started
so my whole day would meet with your approval

Please help me to stop and think before I act
so I have no regrets

It's so easy to slip up and I've done it so many times.

I really want to be the best child of God that I can be

But I need your help so much with everything I say and do

I cannot do it alone

On my own, I make messes

With Your loving help, I'll get it right

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.  Philippians 4:18

In honor of Valentine's Day
I'd like to share something I wrote 
for my husband of 42 years.

My Mind's Eye Canvas - My Love

I paint a picture of my love in my mind's eye. 
I start with a clean white canvas.  

I begin a pencil drawing of his face and form.  
Then I take a delicate brush to paint his blue eyes,
I remember the love that has shown in them 
for so many years.
I rim those eyes with the glasses that he now needs.  

My eyes mist when I paint his reddish mouth 
that has spoken so many loving words, 
given so many kisses over the years. 
I choose to ignore our verbal disputes
because his love overshadows them.  

I paint his strong nose, his forehead
now wrinkled from years of work and worry.  

I use a very fine brush dipped in grays 
to paint his eyebrows, his beard and his hair, 
revealing his receding hairline.  

I use a medium brush to paint the blue-grey plaid shirt
that covers his muscular shoulders and arms. 
I remember those arms holding me, loving me,
supporting me through all the trials and joys
that our life has given us.  

I vividly remember those arms holding our son
right after he was born. 
I was too weak to hold our baby but Tim did. 
He supported me through all my labor that day
and all of our days together.  

I paint the expanded waistline from all my cooking;
the good meals and the "burnt offerings" 
(not so good meals.)  

I paint his strong hands that have fixed my car,
manufactured things that we needed for the house
and things he has done just to make me happy.  

I remember him lying on the cold ground in winter 
to fix my car and to change the oil 
when we had no money
for anyone else to do the job
and he had no other place to work.  

He now walks with crutches from arthritis.  

I remember his strength and gentleness.  

My eyes tear to realize how blessed I am
to have had so many years of love.  

I cannot finish this mind's eye canvas
because our life together is not done.  

Each day brings new details.  

It's so difficult to paint a picture of love.  

It's a series of moments, a series of days and memories
that I treasure in my heart.   

Happy Valentine's Day Tim
and I ask God to bless us with many more years together.

My Blessing for you, my friend

The Book of Deuteronomy tells us that God is our dwelling place. We have the promise of security when His arms are beneath us,
holding us, supporting us, strengthening us.
He never leaves us alone.

May He bless you all the days of your life
with the assurance of His mighty love.

In your darkest hours and happiest days,
may you always feel His loving arms around you
and know that He never leaves your side.



May your days be blessed until we meet again.  Debbie

     
       A "smiling tree" located on Rte. 11B
              between Hopkinton and Potsdam.
                         Photo taken by Tim McEwen and used with permission


All bible verses from the NIV
All photos taken by Debbie McEwen unless otherwise noted.

Through the Fire

Life is tough
Sometimes I don’t know how to go on
However, with God by my side, I am never alone

I trust in Him
I put my hand in His and He guides me “along the right path”
I am learning to stop worrying

He has everything under His control
Everything is proceeding according to His plan

I do have control of how I choose to respond to my circumstances

When I trust in Him,
it always comes out the right way in the long run
It won’t necessarily be what I planned
     or what I wanted and asked for

But His way is the “right” way

Only God has the big picture

Whatever fire life gives me to walk through
God is right there walking with me
He never leaves me alone
He never leaves any of us alone    

If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it and He will deliver us from your majesty's hand.  Daniel 3:17

He Loves Us to Death

I took my cats to the vet today for shots.  As they rode over in their cat carriers, they cried mournfully the whole way.  They cried when we got there.  

I tried to reassure them but they did not understand.  There was no way for me to make them understand what was happening and that it was definitely for their own good.  

How many times is it the same way for us in our dealings with God?   

Everything that He does to us and for us is always for our own good.  He tries to reassure us that He will help us through whatever we have to endure but we often don’t understand.  

We must learn to listen carefully for His still small voice and to always trust.  No matter what happens, He will always be with us and never forsake us.  

For God is love and He loves us to death
          – Jesus’ death on the cross.

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

Please Help Me

My Lord and My God, please forgive me
I am so weak and so proud
I need so much help

Only You can help me

Satan knows the buttons to push to get me
When I least expect it, he strikes

I need You, Your help, Your grace,
      Your mercy, Your forgiveness, Your love

Please help me, a sinner.

In 2 Chronicles 6 36-39 Solomon was praying to God at dedication of the temple

  "When they sin against You - for there is not one who does not sin."  
Solomon gives us 
    The Four Conditions of Forgiveness (paraphrased)
     1) Humble yourself by admitting your sin

     2) Pray to God asking forgiveness
     3) Seek God continually
     4) Turn from sinful behavior

Exuberance

Today is truly a glorious day. The luminous sun sparkles on the still open waters of a little brook.  Clear blue sky sports wispy white clouds.  

A snowy blanket decorates all it touches with its brilliance lending a sense of newness.  The air is chilly but I can smell the clean scent of new snow.  

My spirit rejoices in the sunshine and beauty of the day.  Exuberance shouts from every pore of my being.

This is the day the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.

                                                Psalms 118:24

The Blessing

May the Blessed Lord of Heaven
   bless us in all our ways
May He love and protect us
   helping us in all our days
He never will forsake us
   We would die without His love
He is our Loving Father
   Our Lord from up above


Blessings on you my friend and may your week be peaceful.

                                                                    Debbie

Bible quotes from the NIV
Pictures taken by Debbie McEwen

Changes for the Better

Since I began my walk with Jesus, my life has changed.  I have a different outlook.  A better one.  

It hit home when my husband first told me that I had changed.  I realized that I have different priorities.  I behave differently than I did before. My focus now is definitely on Jesus.  

I remember meeting a friend in the grocery store and answering “great” when he asked how I was.  He asked why I was great and it took 2 days for me to realize that 

I’m great because Jesus has filled my heart and soul with His love.

The problems and heartaches still come.  The illnesses never stop.  Stuff still breaks down.  Money never seems to go far enough.  

However, when I have Jesus at my side, that’s ok.  He gets me through.  He makes sure I have what I really need.  

He has softened my heart and conscience.  I care more about others.  I know really fast if I’m doing something I’m not supposed to be doing.  

Most importantly, He always lets me know every day how much He loves me in spite of my many imperfections.  

I am so happy with my life.  I am at peace.

"Don't be afraid."  The prophet answered.  "Those that are with us are more than those who are with them."   

       2 Kings 6:16   (Spoken by Elisha when the King of Arams's army surrounded Elisha's city but God's mightier army surrounded them all!)

The Final Destination

The train races by at breakneck speed
My life is speeding to its end
I jump aboard and squeeze in so many activities

The days are packed
So many happy memories
So many melancholy ones

Previously, responsibilities of work and family limited possibilities
Now my time is my own

I stop intermittently
to enjoy friends and family
to make those precious memories
those wonderful times

Each day the train races on bringing the end one stop closer

Then I remember that the final stop for this train is actually the time to change trains to go on into eternity, to the final destination with my Maker.

Sharing a Joy

So much happens in our lives.  I think it is important to stop and realize how much God is working behind the scenes.  He often helps when we don't even realize it, when we didn't even think to ask and pray.  

There are other times however, when it is so obvious that a positive outcome could only have happened by His grace and with His love.

My husband, Tim had bariatric surgery last Wednesday.  

So many people were praying.  I could feel their love and caring.  I am absolutely certain that their prayers made a great difference in causing the positive outcome that Tim is experiencing.  

We are so grateful for their love and prayers.  

However, God is the ultimate healer and it is only through His great love and grace that Tim did so well.  

Praise you, Praise You, Praise You my Loving Father 

for all You have done.  

Thank You my Abba for Your love. Thank You for Your caring and for guiding the hands and minds of all the people who took care of Tim.

Thank You for bringing Tim back to me safe and sound.  

Blessed be Your most holy name. 

"....and give thanks to the Lord, for His love endures forever."

           1 Chron. 17:41

The Blessing

May our Loving Father bless you.  

May you feel His loving presence in the smiles of your loved ones, 

    in the loving touch of someone special.
May you see His might and glory 

    in the beauty of His creation.

And may your days be blessed beyond measure by His love.

My friend, God is the author of all that is good. 

Thank you for sharing your time with me.      

                                                               Debbie

We have "walking trees" in St. Lawrence County!!!


All bible quote from NIV
All photos taken by Tim McEwen and used with his permission.

New Beginnings

We have begun a new year.  It’s the time for new beginnings.  We want to start over and do better.  We may resolve to eat healthy, to exercise more, to manage our time and money better or to have better relationships with our friends and family.  It’s the time to do whatever will make our lives and our souls better.

There is no time like the present to develop a better relationship with God.

 

If you don’t do it already, read the bible, even a little, every day.  It’s the owner’s manual that God gave you for your life. It may have been written thousands of years ago but people don’t change.  People then were doing the same things that they are today. 

In the bible, God is telling you what you need to do to live the way you were made to live.  Just like your computer or car, you need to read the owner’s manual to avoid problems and to resolve the problems that come up.  If you check out your bible regularly, think of the problems you might be able to avoid in your life. 

Spend a little time every day just sitting and talking to God about your life.  Let Him know what your hopes and dreams are.  Let Him know your concerns.  Ask Him to help.  

And listen for His answers.  Listen for that still small voice that may come from the least likely source. 

God is listening for you.  He really cares and He desperately wants to hear from you. He already knows everything about you but He really wants to hear it from you.  

Your time with Him is so precious.  

Just call out to Him in your heart or your voice and know that He is listening.  

Like any good father, He will answer, and know it will be what is best and when it is best.

. 

Let’s make this the best year yet for our healthy bodies and wallets most importantly for our healthy souls.

For the word if the Lord is alive and active.  Hebrews 4:12
...your father knows what you need before you ask.  Matthew 6:8
Are not two sparrows sold for a penny?  Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father's care.  And even the hairs of your head are all numbered.  So don't be afraid, you are worth more than many sparrows.  Matthew 10:29-31

Snowy Delight

The snowflakes caress my face as they fall
They flutter about as if dancing a ball
They cover the ground with gems sparkling bright
They change the dull world into magical night

The lights from the cars change white flakes to gems
With colors entrancing all living men
The water being frozen in this magical way
With hues of the rainbow flying astray

The night has a veil like a whispery dream
The image implied but not easily seen
It teases our senses, defies our dull sight
The new fallen snow turns our dark world to bright

I open the door and go into the house
Glancing out of the window, the lights I do douse
The fluttering snow creates a mystical sight
Adieu ordinary, welcome snowy delight

They speak of the glorious splendor of Your majesty and I will meditate on Your wonderful works.  Psalms 145:5

The Snow

            By Debbie (LaBaff) McEwen written in 1968 at age 18

It falls softy
It falls gently
It falls suddenly
Yet it dominates the world it enters
It changes the dull, complacent earth to a land of enchantment
It changes the brown earth to a white-blanketed wonderland of delight
It’s filled with snowmen and icicles and snowballs
It’s a playground for children of all ages
It’s a font of youth
It brings out the inner self in everyone
The first snowfall creates a kind of madness, the nice type
that makes everyone quite happy
It reflects a special beauty that only snow can bring
It’s a happy, quiet time, a time of thought
It’s Mother Nature’s sleeping time
It’s one of my favorite times
The joy of walking through unbroken snow is great
It can be violent
It can bring sorrow
It can be inconvenient
But for the most part, I love it
It’s one of God’s wonders

May our Loving Father sprinkle His blessings on you
as He sprinkles snowflakes on the earth awaiting His touch
May He fill your life with His bounty, love and grace

And may you bloom with His joy

May you have a blessed week.          Debbie

All bible quotations are from the New International Version
All photos taken by Debbie McEwen

REJOICE!

                                               Nativity Scene at Knapps Station Church

The angel said to them, "Do not be afraid.   I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all people.  Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you;  he is the Messiah, the Lord."  Luke 2:10-11

Rejoice

            By Debbie McEwen@2015

The world was dark and merciless
Cruel people ruled with an iron fist
Life was hard
Most folks struggled just to survive
There was no hope of anything better

And then it happened
God fulfilled His promise
Love came into the world in the person of a tiny baby
God sent His only precious Son to bring light and life to the world
      that had turned its back on Him
He loves us so much He came to us
      to bring us to Him
      since we had lost our way
He sent His Son to live with us
      to show us how He want us to live
      and to let us know how much He loves us
How He never forgets
No matter what we do or don’t do
He says “Come to me.  My love for you is limitless.”

And the heavens rejoiced.
The angels sang  “Glory to God in the highest, peace on earth
      and good will to all men.”
Tonight God’s love comes to you.
Rejoice!

There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven.  Ecc. 3:1

Hunkered Down

            by Debbie McEwen @2015

Has nature hunkered down for the winter?
Is the wildlife settled in for the long winter’s sleep or are some still out foraging?
Are some wandering around wondering where the snow is?
I wonder the same thing but am so grateful for this reprieve
I love the bare ground and the mild temperatures
       since it’s almost Christmas
The green holdouts are slowly turning brown
Some brave green souls flaunt their bravery and will continue to do so
       even when the snow lays its blanket
The life force of so many field grasses and flowers
        has settled into their roots leaving dying remnants of what once was
Except for the evergreens, the trees seem “hunkered down”
       ready to brave the winter cold and storms,
       braced against the mighty Nor'easters
My windows are closed, the shovels are in place,
       the things of summer put away till spring
I too am braced for winter
       and like so much of nature will persevere

                   

Christmas Blessing 2015

May the Christmas Star shine on you
            filling your days and nights with joy
May the Lamb of God fill your heart
            with His grace and love
And may the coming year
            be your best one yet.

God's blessings on you, my friend

            Debbie

           

All biblical quotes are from the NIV
All photos taken by Debbie McEwen

Prepare the Way of the Lord

            

                                           Altar at Knapps Station Community Church

"Let the peace of Christ rule your hearts, since as one body you were called in peace."  Col. 3:15

Advent is upon us.  This is the time when we are preparing for Christmas, for the time when God sent His only son to live with us, to teach us how to treat each other and how to live as His children are supposed to live.

There is so much need this year. Maybe the need has always been here.  Terrorists are menacing and killing whole groups of people all over the world.  Refuges, huge numbers of people, have no place to go.  Many are dying unspeakable deaths.  

So many people are hungry, homeless, lacking medical care.  So many are depressed.   So many are hopeless.  

We read about people with unimaginable amounts of wealth.  Do they help? Some do, some don’t.  

It’s easy to paint the oppressors, the terrorists, the wealthy as the villains and hate them.  However, God loves them just as much as He loves you and me. They just don't know it.

We pray for the victims and we should.  

But we must also pray for the terrorists and the abusers however guilty they are.  As much as we are God’s creation, they are too.  Each of us has hurts, needs and wants that only God can satisfy.  He is the medicine that can cure all ills.  

Let me repeat, Jesus is the medicine that can cure all ills. 

It is only through Jesus, that people will be happy, will have their needs met, will be secure and loved.  Everything else is empty.  

It would be great if we could eliminate the need to pray for victims and the only way that I can think of that possibly happening is if Jesus touches the hearts of all and opens those hearts to His love.  

Only if Jesus is working in the hearts of everyone will we eliminate anyone from becoming a victim.

In this time of peace and good will to all men, please pray with me for all the terrorists, all the abusers and everyone who would hurt anyone, even accidentally.  Please pray that God touches their hearts and that all hearts are open to His love, His grace, His mercy and His forgiveness.

We have all been guilty at least one time and Jesus forgave us when we asked.  Let us all treat each other as we want to be treated and pray that everyone else does the same.  

Then this truly will be a time of good will to all men.

"A new command I give you: Love one another.  As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this everyone will know you are my disciples, if you love one another."  John 14:34-35

                          Time To Dream

           
                                  By Debbie McEwen @2015

Like a grand lady putting away her colorful finery, fall has settled into a limitless palette of browns, beige and the occasional dark red.  Only the grass and the evergreens are still green. 

The sun shines brightly today in a clear blue sky but provides no warmth.   Shadows are longer. Stark bare trees stand like sentinels ready to brave the upcoming storms. Canadian geese honk a mournful tune as they soar the skies in distinctive v formations.    

The ground seems to be sighing “Winter, I’m ready for my sleep.  Bring your cold,  but cover me with your snow to protect my roots and flowers.  Please be gentle with all my wild creatures.

I am ready to rest.  As I sleep, I will dream of the warm southern winds, the bird songs and the flowers waiting to explode with my finest colors. 

I will dream of all the young who will cavort through my forests, streams and skies.  They please me with their joy in being alive.  

I await the melting brooks whose waters will trickle over my rocks with lively melodies.  I await the trees that will burst forth with buds and leaves.  I dream of the fields that will spring into life.  

But now it is time to rest.  Come, Father Winter, cover me for my long sleep and let me enjoy my dreams of upcoming spring.”  

"There is a time for everything
         and a season for every activity under the heavens."  Ecc. 3:1

Thank you for taking the time out of you busy week to spend time with me.

May your days be filled with God's love and peace.

When you rest for the night, I wish you: 
           Good Sleep, Sweet Dreams and may God bless you, my Friend.

                                                                                                  Debbie

Photos taken by Debbie McEwen
Biblical quotes from the New International Version.