Sandy Wells: My Inner Voice
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The Clock Ticks

4/10/2020

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(I apologize in advance for the weird font going on here. My site was giving me a hard time.)
Today is Good Friday. The time, as I write this; 2:15 pm. Jesus was on the cross nearing death. The sun went dark at noon. Jesus would give up His spirit a 3:00 pm.

Each breath He drew was agonizing. His body was a mangled mess, barely recognizable, due to the beatings and flogging He endured,
 

"Father forgive them, for they know not what they do." 

Throngs of people passed by the three crosses jeering, taunting, challenging, even the Pharisees. "If you are the Son of God then come down from the cross and we'll believe."

Jesus' mother stood at the foot of the cross, with John at her side. "Woman, behold your son," Jesus said to his mother, referring to John. Then, to John. "Behold your mother." While our Savior hung on the cruel cross, suspended between earth and heaven, he made certain his sweet mother would be taken care of for the rest of her life, and He trusted one of His dearest friends with this honor.

It's now 2:25. The time is drawing close. 

His body screamed in pain. For the first time in eternity Jesus and God are separated. Jesus had become sin...our sin! The pain He endured was far more than the physical abuse to his earthly body. He felt sin! He felt forsaken! "My God. My God. Why have you forsaken me?!" This was the one time Jesus called God, God. Not Father.

The clock is ticking.

Jesus is suffocating to death.

The Roman executioners were experts in crucifixion. They seemed to take great delight in mastering the most horrendous form of death possible.

The clock ticked. The time had come. 3:00.

"Father into your hands I commend my spirit.!" Jesus cried out.

The curtain of the temple was torn from top to bottom. The earth rumbled and shook. Tombs were opened. The bodies of many holy people who had died came to life.
Wait. Really?
Yes. Really. 

"And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs after Jesus' resurrection and went into the holy city and appeared to many people. When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and what happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, "Surely he was the Son of God." Matt. 27:50-59.

Most of us know the details of Christ' crucifixion by heart. And yet, many of us, myself included, never caught this fact. If I'm reading this correctly the tombs were opened during the earthquake upon Jesus' death, and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. 

According to this scripture these people came out of their tombs after Jesus' resurrection and went into the holy city, Jerusalem, and appeared to many people. Can you imagine?!  

There will come a day, soon and very soon, when the trumpet will sound and graves will once again open and the dead in Christ will rise. Then, those of us who are alive and believe Christ is our Savior, will also rise. Jesus will meet us in the air! We, the Bride of Christ, will be gathered to Jesus, our Groom. 

There is one very big difference between the holy people rising at Jesus' death and those who will rise at the rapture.

The people who were raised from the dead at Jesus' death had to face death once again. (I think. Unless they ascended when Jesus did, and are part of the numbers of saints John saw in heaven in Revelation.) Those who will be raised from the dead during the rapture will never experience death again. We who are alive at the time of the rapture will not see death.

We will all be with our Risen Lord for all of eternity.

If we believe.

Do you believe?

My clock now reads 3:05. It is finished.

Today is Friday.

But...Sunday is coming!




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Love In The Midst Of Chaos

4/3/2020

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So, here we are, the beginning of April and Covid 19 is still flexing its muscles. Store shelves may be nearly empty: I haven't actually walked into a store in weeks. We can only order one or two of certain high-demand items at a time: milk; eggs; meat; toilet paper, maybe. And forget about purchasing cleaning supplies. Nerves are rubbed raw. Businesses are leaking money. People continue gathering when they should be staying home. (Stay Home!) Schools are closed, perhaps for the remainder of the school year. Yikes! That's a lot.
                       
During all of this chaos and turmoil have we stopped to look at the calendar? We are two days from Palm Sunday.

Over two thousand years ago, Jesus was traveling with His disciples; destination...Jerusalem. Jesus' apostles tried to dissuade Him, but His course was set. His time was near.
 
I can't help but wonder what Jesus was feeling at that time. While his followers were unaware of the plan for our salvation that had been set in place since the fall: Jesus knew. How could they comprehend the enormity of what lay before them? The clock was set. There was no turning back. Jesus was well aware of all this as He approached the city gates. Can you imagine?
 
Every single predestined detail lay before them: the mother donkey and her colt; the upper room for the Last Supper; the jubilant throngs scattering branches before Him; the angry Pharisees scheming His death. 
 
Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey: Not as a mighty king upon a great steed, but as the sacrificial Lamb of God. Only He knew His true purpose. The people hoped Jesus' purpose was to free them from Roman occupation. They flocked to him shouting "Hosanna, Hosanna!" Their deliverer had finally come, or so they thought. (For anyone, like myself, who knows just about every word to every song of Jesus Christ Superstar, the song, Hosanna may play through your mind.) Only Jesus knew the true purpose.
 
The very same people shouting praises to Jesus, would all too soon be crying, "Crucify him. Crucify him." Jesus knew this. He knew it before He entered the city. He knew it from the beginning. He knew it, and yet did not turn back. He knew he would be betrayed; denied; spat on; beaten and tortured; crucified; resurrected.
 
Why? Why would Jesus, Son of God, endure this suffering when He could have called down a legion of angels to save Him. One word. Love.
 
John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life."
 
During this time of Covid 19, please don't lose sight of the enormity of the season we are in. While we are isolated from the outside world, take time to reflect. Grab our Bibles. Gather our families around us, and read: Matthew 21:10; Luke 19:28-40; Mark 11:1-11; John 12:12-19.
​Hosanna!    

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Trust ~ Don't Lean

3/21/2020

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So, how are you surviving quarantine? In a matter of weeks life as we know it has not only changed; it has completely tipped on end. A new word, or words, have been added to our vocabulary: Coronavirus, or Covid 19. Five months ago we were clueless as to the existence of this virus; today we are living smack in the middle of it.
                       
Back in December we watched from a distance as the virus hit China. The number of victims sky-rocketed. But that was China. Surely we were safe. Surprise!
 
Social isolation. Quarantine. Businesses shutting down. Our nation has been rocked, and many are living in fear. How will we pay our bills? What if we get sick? What if a family member gets sick? How long will this last? How long will our children be out of school? What about buying food, medical supplies and of course, toilet paper.
 
Whoa! That's a lot.
 

A scripture I go to often is: Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."
 
This virus is BIG! But as big as it is, it is no match for our God. He is HUGE! I find it hard to comprehend everything that's happening right now, but there is one thing I know for certain. None of this took God by surprise. He's not up in heaven chewing his nails, wondering what to do. (Believe it or not, His Word speaks of this in prophecy.)
 
As confusing as this time is, we have a God that we can Trust, no matter what. If we lean on our feeble understanding, on what we hear and see on TV or the social media, we will freak out! But we have an amazing God who is with us always, and will direct our paths. He promised in His Word, that He would never leave us or forsake us, and He is a God of His Word! Trust Him.
 
So, I asked the question, how are you surviving quarantine?  I would love to hear, or read, some of the positive things, the blessings, that are taking place for you and your family. Or, your fears. What is your go-to scripture or quote during difficult times? Take a minute and share them. Who knows, they may just be what someone else needs for encouragement.
 
We may be quarantined, but we can still come together.

​Please take a minute to share in the comment section below.
 

 

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Don't Touch The Brakes

7/23/2019

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A few months back, I was enjoying a conversation with a young woman. Somewhere down the line the subject of God came up. At a certain point I noticed a look on her face which caused me to ask if she believes in God? Her answer was simply a shake of her head. No, she did not believe. My heart sank. What had happened to the faith she once had as a child? She hadn't believed for many years, she said. I found myself speechless, which seldom happens. I then said the only thing that came to mind, "He still believes in you."
           
It was during another conversation with her, a short time later, that I once again mentioned faith, my faith. I told her that there were many things about my past that she didn't know. I had been her age once. I made many, many mistakes; this caused her eyebrow to jump. I'm sure she was wondering what horrible things this old lady has done. If she only knew.
           
I also told her that I am very sure I wouldn't even be here if it hadn't been for God's amazing protection over my life. Yes, the eyebrow jumped again. How many times over the vast years of my life has God's protective arm encircled me, or His angels surrounded me, saving me from harm, or worse? How many sticky situations have I stepped into that could ultimately have been catastrophic had God not stepped in with me? Far too many.
           
​ My conversations with this young woman stayed with me for days after. it was during those days that a distant memory came to mind. A memory of a frigid winter morning when death came all too close. 

The year was 1977, before the blizzard. I was in my small Vega, (They don't even make them anymore.) and had turned from Galloway Rd. onto Rt. 63 - Lewiston Rd, heading for work in Batavia. For a reason I can't remember, a friend was following me in her car. Without warning my car hit a patch of black ice and spun sideways; I was careening toward a semi-truck that was heading straight toward me.
           
"Don't Touch The Brakes. Don't touch the brakes!" Over and over again these words ran through my brain. My knuckles must have been white from gripping the steering wheel trying to straighten my car. My car had spun so its nose was heading directly for the trailer; I would be crushed beneath its wheels within a matter of seconds..         
           
"Don't touch the brakes. Don't touch the brakes. Don't touch the brakes." The words never stopped. Don't touch the brakes. I obeyed. At the last possible second my car  righted, I was now parallel to the semi. The side of my car slammed into the side of the trailer with the sound of screeching metal. I finally touched the brakes.
           
The driver leaped down from his truck, and my friend jumped out of her car. My door wouldn't open, I was trapped. The truck driver grabbed my mangled fender and peeled it away from my door, and helped me out. The very first thing I did was to ask my friend if my brake lights came on. She said, no. The second thing was to thank the driver.
           
​The truck driver told me if I hadn't been such a good driver I would have gone right under his truck and been crushed. He had to have been terrified as he maneuvered his truck as far off the road as possible without being able to stop; knowing that in just a few seconds I would be dead beneath his rig. 
As I said this accident happened years ago...a lifetime ago. But, after my conversation with this young woman it became crystal clear again. Actually, for the first time. You see, I remember my brain telling me not to touch the brakes. But, I've wondered all these years how I had the frame of mind to remember my Driver's Ed. training in the face of what seemed to be certain death. I feel God has answered that question for me. I've always thanked Father God for keeping me safe on that day, but more so now.
           
Ever since my conversation with the young woman concerning God protecting me, and the memory of this specific occasion popping to the foreground, I have felt God's presence all the stronger. It was during one of my morning devotions that I heard the words again, Don't touch the brakes, followed by the knowledge that it was God who had spoken them. While I fought to 'steer into the skid' as I had been taught, my precious Heavenly Father spoke the words I truly needed to hear, Don't touch the brakes.
           
Had I allowed panic and instinct to take over, I would not merely have touched the brake, but stomped on it. Steering into the skid would not have helped. My car would have spun completely out of control; I would have died a horrific death that day.
             
My life story would have ended on that cold winter morning. My parents would have said good-bye to their daughter. My sister and brother would have lost their sister. Bob and I would never have been. He would have married someone else and had other children. Adam, Chris, Taylor, Camdyn, Mason - would not exist. I would be nothing more than a face in old pictures, remembered by some, unknown by others.
           
I honestly can't remember a time in my life when I did not believe in God. But at that time in my life I wasn't living my belief. I was young. God did not save my life that morning because I was such a good person. As I said I made many, many mistakes. But, I believe He knew the person He created me to be, and the plans He had not only for my life, but the lives of my future family as well.
          
I remember a scene from the movie, Back to the Future, where Marty pulls out a picture of his family, in the future, only to see the faces of his loved ones disappearing. Because of something he did in the past, his family never existed. His parents never met, he and his siblings had never been born.
           
​No man is an island. Each of our lives touch someone else's and their lives touch another. Had I died that morning my story would have ended. My family, and their families would not exist. I am so very thankful for my husband, my sons, and grandchildren. I am so very thankful for all they have accomplished and will continue to accomplish through God's guidance.

And I am so very thankful for the young woman who has lost her faith, because I believe with all my heart God has incredible plans for her life. She may not believe in Him at this moment, but He will always believe in her. Just listen for His voice Sweetie.                                             
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My Home State

2/25/2019

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​I guess you could say I doing a tourist plug for New York State, but not really. I have lived my entire life in rural, Western New York: Smack between Buffalo and Rochester; about an hour from Niagara Falls; a stone's throw from Letchworth State Park; Watkins Glen; and either of the lakes, Ontario or Erie. All beautiful places to visit.
 
I live in small town farm country: Green pastures; golden fields of wheat and fields of swaying corn...Some say they can listen to the corn grow on quiet evenings. And let's not forget the cows. I jokingly say the cows outnumber the people in my neck of the woods. Farm country is an entity onto its own. Spring, Summer, and Fall, are seasons of planting, tending and harvesting. Norman Rockwell would have been in his glory in small town New York.
 
We, as Western New Yorker's, can experience four seasons in a twenty four hour period, no kidding. We have gone from temperatures of negative ten degrees, to plus fifty degrees in a matter of days. Not so good for the immune system
 
New York State has it all. We can hop in the car and drive thirty minutes to view rolling hills of incredible beauty, or set course across state to the majestic Adirondack mountains, and Thousand Islands. We can head north a ways and walk the beaches of Lake Ontario, or wander among the apple orchards. Late winter is maple syrup time, and Autumn in New York State is an incredible masterpiece of color: vibrant reds, yellows, and oranges burst on the scene, taking our breath away. God truly does good work.
 
Over the years I have dreamed of living in other states, warmer states. South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia; all gorgeous; all warmer. The strange thing is, however, that no matter how beautiful these other states are, no matter how much warmer they can be, when we end our vacations and cross over into New York I feel we are coming home. And when we actually drive into our small town...I am home.

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I love our state. Always have, always will. Something has drastically changed in the past month, however, that has tarnished the beauty of our state. On January 24, 2019 our state's governing officials passed the bill, making it legal for a woman to have an abortion up to and including the time of the baby's birth...and after. The law was passed amid jubilant cheers and shouts. Our Governor very proudly and defiantly announced that New York City is the capital of abortion. He also announced that our state has no room for "radically conservative Christians" who support life. As far as he's concerned we can all just pack our bags and leave.
 
So why am I writing this article about my state? After this law was passed, I was reading comments from people around the country to do with this decision, and I was brought to tears. New York State was deemed by some as evil, a place they would never step foot in. We were all doomed to hell. My tears quickly turned to straight-out anger. Anger at our representatives, who in no way spoke for the majority of the people of our state, but as a result of their actions tarnished us as a whole. 
 
These new laws have taken abortion over line into infanticide. Tiny, helpless babies can now be slain right up to the time they are born, and beyond. And what happens to these babies? Are they given a burial by the families? Some may, but most don't. Many are sold for body parts, and experimentation, (It's all about money) or others are disposed of as toxic waste. All suffered horribly before their deaths.
  
New York State, and New York City, even though considered to be one entity, aren't. New York City may be the capital of abortion, but so many of us in the state of New York State support life. Our Governor and other representatives, who tend to forget Up-State and Western New York exist, did not speak for us. If they had the result would likely have been entirely different. No matter your stand on abortion, these new laws are nothing to be cheered about.
 
Our culture as a whole is changing rapidly, faster than I could ever imagine. These new laws are just one example. But, the message I need to put out there is these new laws do not speak for us as a whole. This is a beautiful state, filled with wonderful people. People of all beliefs. For the most part we respect one another. So, to answer those people who said they would never step foot in this evil state; that's your choice. But, know this; New York State is a wonderful place to live. It's my home. 

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A Heaping Helping Of Humble Pie

12/28/2018

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​A couple years ago, around Halloween, my grandson, Mason, turned me onto Halloween Wars. So this past Halloween I checked it out again, and I was hooked. While I'm not a huge Halloween fan, I was amazed at the spooktacular creations made by carved pumpkins, pulled sugar, and massive cakes. Well, my fascination took me from Halloween into Thanksgiving and on to Christmas.
 
The creative processes involved in constructing these masterpieces was beyond my comprehension. These were not merely bakers, they were artists. I found myself listening to the exhibitors stories, learning about their families and what drove them to put everything on the line for a chance to participate in these daunting events, and hopefully win. I had my favorites and I would cheer them on from my living room...ecstatic if they won, saddened if they were sent home. 

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​A little over a week ago, while wrapping Christmas presents, I watched a new show, at least to me, about a massive Gingerbread contest. Now, when I say gingerbread what pops into your mind? Cute houses glued together with icing and decked with all sorts of candy? There were no cute little houses to be seen. These masterpieces took the artists months and months to create. They were massive, spectacular, gorgeous, completely edible, works of art and in some cases engineering.
 
I watched with bated breath as these artisans carefully packed and delivered their gingerbread marvels to the hotel where the exhibit was held, and ever so carefully placed them on the tables. Only then did the exhibitors take a breath. And yes, I had my favorites. I also had one particular woman who I hoped with all my heart would not win. Ouch! Sounds harsh? Well let me explain.
 
This woman had been a 3 time champion and had decided she wouldn't do any more contests. But, she got an idea and that's all it took. She was back in. At one point, after she had delivered her piece and was heading out of the hotel, she met one of the new exhibitors wheeling his piece in. The woman stopped and spoke to the young man, and proceeded to say, "You know who I am, don't you?" The young man nodded, I think he even mentioned her name. Well, the woman, barely listening, proceeded to tell him that she was the three time champion of this contest. (No humility there)
 
The woman then noticed a couple of the man's figures on his piece and asked how he made them. He answered that he used some kind of ginger paste. To which the woman announced, "You know who first created that paste don't you? I did!" This woman had a serious attitude. She was grand champion and she made sure he knew it.
 
Well, the time finally came for the winner to be announced, and let me tell you, the judges had some serious work to do. These pieces were phenomenal. The host called the top ten forward, and no surprise, Ms. Grand Champion, was one of them, smug smile plastered across her face. That smile quickly disappeared when the winner's name was called. Horrors! It wasn't her. 

The young woman, one of my favorites, had created a whimsical woodland scene upon a circular pedestal. When the judges bent to see beneath they saw the intricate root system of the tree hanging down. This young woman when hearing her name jumped up and down and whooped with glee. The camera man quickly panned from the ecstatic winner to the three time grand champ. To say she wasn't happy would be a gross understatement.

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​After watching this show, I watched a couple other baking and cooking competitions, but I watched with new eyes. One show in particular had the winners from former contests. They were put into teams of two and given their assignments. I remembered two of the contestants from previous shows, and remembered when they won. I was sort of happy for them. This time, however, I was hoping they would lose. The man proceeded to announce that he had been in three prior contests and had never lost a single time...he wasn't planning on losing this time either. The woman had pretty much the same attitude. Let's just say they did not leave that contest happy.
 
After watching a couple more shows, one was Chopped, I began to pay close attention to the contestants attitudes. Some, even though they were incredible cooks, were extremely humble. They were hoping to start a business, or help their families with the winnings; they wanted to make their families proud. Others knew they were good and didn't waste time announcing their talent to all. They had this contest in the bag. They would be going home winners, no question.  Time after time I noticed the braggarts would mess up in someway and be sent home with jaws agape. The quiet, humble chefs did their jobs to perfection and ultimately won.

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Jesus said that the meek shall inherit the earth. He warned against pride...so much so that it is one of the seven deadly sins. Pride goes before the fall. The first will be last and the last first. I could go on and on. Jesus, although He was a King, became a servant; to the point of washing His apostles feet. He warned in a parable concerning guests at a wedding table, not to take the most important seat because the Host may have that seat reserved for someone of greater import, and you would be asked to move down. Rather, sit in a less obvious seat and perhaps the host will invite you to move forward.
 
The arrogant contestants on these shows should have remembered this lesson. Instead, they were served a heaping helping of Humble Pie. I wouldn't have wanted to be them and have my family and friends watch the shows, hear my bragging, watch me be sent home. Being sent home would not be bad, having my prideful, arrogance splashed across the big screen for all to see, that would be bad...at least for me.

 ​​To make a long story short (too late) Humble pie does not taste good. Jesus knew what He was talking about. Let us strive for humility rather than pride. Let us strive to be an example of Jesus and His love. Let us strive...       

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My Christmas Confession

11/1/2018

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So, it's November 1st and we set the clocks back in the wee hours Sunday morning, or if you're like us, whenever we go to bed Saturday night. I'm not liking this change at all. Getting dark an hour earlier...ugh! But on the positive side, December 21st is the shortest day of the year and then the days start getting longer, or at least the sun sets a little later each day. Yay!
 
I have a confession to make. I have not been looking forward to Christmas one little bit. I mean, come on, we still had snow in May, and somehow jumped past Spring straight into the sweltering heat and humidity of Summer. I lived for air-conditioning. I don't know what the weather has been like in your neck of the woods, but here, we still had summer temps. of eighty degrees in October, that was really nice. One week eighty degrees, and then as if someone flipped a switch the temperature plummeted into the forties...completely bypassing the sixties and fifties. Gotta love western NY weather.
 
So, back to my hum-bug attitude toward Christmas. As I'd scroll through Face-book, I'd stumble across some ultra cheery posts counting down the days till Christmas. While people were commenting their joy and excitement I declared: "Bah-hum-bug. Don't remind me of Christmas." Why my less than cheery attitude, you ask. One word. WORK! Okay, two words. WORK and SNOW! Bah!
 
I imagined all the running around in messy weather trying to find the perfect gifts and spending way too much money. I imagined hauling our numerous bins of Christmas decorations down from the storeroom, and all the work involved in not just setting them up - that's fun - but taking them down a few weeks later - not fun. I imagined all the stress and hub-bub related to all that has become Christmas.
 
Not me this year, thank you very much. Just let me sleep through it.

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But, then something changed. What? you ask. Our monthly praise night at church changed. We normally have the praise night on the 3rd Wednesday of each month. So, November would  be music of thanks giving. But, my niece, and partner in all that is fun, had an idea. Let's do the praise night every two weeks, and let's do all Christmas! She named the event: Straight Outta Bethlehem. Cool!
 
Amy sent me a list of Christmas songs, a list which continues to grow, and I began listening to the songs to plan the music. And something happened as I listened to song after song. My doldrums began to melt away. I found myself smiling as I sang (poorly) along with the videos. Sweet memories began to warm my heart. I began thinking about the first Noel when angels sang. I began journeying with Mary and Joseph to a little town in Bethlehem where Baby Jesus was born away in a manger on a not so silent night.
 
Thanks to my niece's simple idea to extend Christmas Praise Night into Nights, and the need to listen to music that I normally wait till after Thanksgiving to enjoy, I am rediscovering the joy of Christmas. Let me rephrase that. I am rediscovering the wonder of Christmas.
 
So, what about the snow and work? Well, I can't do much about the snow, actually I can't do a single thing about the snow. That's still a bah! But, the work? I've decided to make one tiny change. Keep the decorating simple. Just because we have numerous bins of decorations in the storeroom, doesn't mean I have to put out every single piece. Maybe if I don't look in the bins I can do this. Phew! I already feel a weight lifting from my shoulders.
 
I still don't want to be reminded how many days till Christmas. Time slips by all too quickly without reminders. But, I'm no longer dreading it. Thank you Amy.
 

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If We Could Turn Back Time

6/6/2017

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If you were suddenly given the opportunity to turn back time and undo one mistake, no matter how big, what would you do? Only one? I have so many. But if I could go back and get a do-over, I know the one I'd choose. Unfortunately time only moves backward once a year when we set the clocks back and that doesn't count. There are no do-overs. 

Now take a moment and think about Adam and Eve and the horrible mistake they made. They lived in perfection walking and talking with God. They were as intimate with the Father as any person could be, after all, God created them with His own hands and breathed His Life Breath into them. That's intimate. What more could they ask for, what more could they desire? Nothing, right?

The tempter is sneaky, conniving, devious and oh-so enticing in his lies. Even though Adam and Eve were created by God and in His image, the wily serpent slithered up to Eve and convinced her that they wouldn't die if they ate the fruit from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, as God had told her, AND, as an added bonus, they would be just like God. (Which they already were.)  I don't need to tell the what happened, we all know.

Can you imagine the heartbreak and anguish they must have endured? All it took was one moment, one fatal moment, to cause the entire world to become hostage to the evil one. One moment to break the intimate bond between them and the Creator. One moment to bring sin into the world, and with it fear and death. (a trivia question. Who killed the first animal? Answer: God. God made clothing from skins to cover Adam and Eve's nakedness. How sad.)

Adam and Eve were forced to live out the rest of their long lives in a world now cursed. They felt the anguish first hand when Cain murdered Abel; one brother slaying the other. Their grief had to be immeasurable, especially knowing it all happened because of them. 

Adam and Eve, though they had sinned and had been banished from the garden, held strong to their faith in the One True God. We only have to take a look at their lineage to attest to this fact. And God's love for them never wavered, even though they sinned. He loved them before He created them, and he loves them still.

We don't have the ability to turn back time and undo our mistakes, and that is good. We would likely do more damage than good. Which is why we need to be so very careful of the choices we make and the words we say. I am so very thankful that even though we can't undo our mistakes, we can be forgiven for them. All we have to do is turn to Jesus. 

It was in a garden that the first Adam said, "Not Your will but mine be done" ushering in sin and death. It was in a garden that the second Adam, Jesus Christ, said, "Not my will but Yours be done," smashing the head of the serpent under His heel. It was through His death on the cross and His Resurrection that Jesus, the second Adam, saved us from the curse of sin and death.  We have been set free! All I can say is Thank-you Jesus!

I wrote an article called, "It Is Good," on this very subject, inspired by a song called, Good (Adam and Eve) sung by Matthew West and Leigh Nash. If you would like to read it and also watch the music video just click on the "Church Articles page" above.

God Bless
Sandy


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Back To God

1/27/2017

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It has been a long time since I've posted a blog. It honestly isn't my strong suit. What do I have to say that would be of interest? And with all the anger and strife within our country these past months I figured silence, in this case, was golden. However, something changed for me this morning. I discovered an incredible music video by Reba Mcentire called, "Back To God." I can't tell you how many times I've listened to it today. But, it was the very first time watching the video that I knew I needed to post a Blog, short as it may be.


"Have you looked around?
Have you heard the sound Mama's cry in'? Or do you turn away
When you see the face Of the innocent dyin'? In these darkest days Are you not afraid That it's too late?
You gotta get down on your knees, believe. Fold your hands and beg and plead. You gotta keep on praying
You gotta cry, ram tears of pain. Pound the floor and scream His name. Cause we're still worth saving.
We can't go on like this and live like this. We can't love like this.We gotta give this world back to God"

(Lyrics from song by Reba Mcentire, "Back to God.")

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   These are the first lines of the song. They are the words that stopped me in my tracks and caused me to listen. Really listen. Our Nation and our world are for lack of better words, " going to hell in a hand basket."  The evening news on any given day depicts images of violence, devastation and loss. Rioting in the streets, vandalism, hate, terrorism, death. The Land of the Free, One Nation under God, has become a war zone. A Nation divided. We throw our hands up and wonder where will it all end? We feel powerless. But we are not without power. We have the power of prayer. But not weak, "Oh please God," prayer. We need to pray just as this song says. Fold our hands, beg and plead. Cry. Ram tears of pain. Pound the floor and scream His name. Because, people, we are worth saving.

"Have you lost a love? Do you feel like givin' up? Has your heart been broken? Are your kids okay?
Will they come home safe? And do you lie there hoping? You can make a wish, you knock on wood
It won't do no good. Gotta give this world back to God.Give this world back to God,"
(lyrics from "Back to God," by Reba Mcentire)

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Our Nation and our world are in trouble. It is time for we believers not just to stand as the church of Christ, but as Warriors of God. "We can't go on like this. We can't love like this. We gotta give the world back to God."  A war is being fought within our very shores. The battle of all the ages. It's time to put on the armor of God, get on our knees and bombard Heaven with the prayers of warriors. Whether we voted for him or not we need to pray for our President, Vice President and our entire government. Pray for wisdom and guidance. Pray for our children. Pray for our Nation.  

We are worth saving.


Please take a minute to watch Reba's music video and pray. If you feel led please add your Amen in the comments.

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I Heard The Bells

12/12/2016

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“I heard the bells on Christmas day. Their old familiar carols play. And mild and sweet their songs repeat. Of peace on earth good will to men. And the bells are ringing (peace on earth) Like a choir they're singing (peace on earth) In my heart I hear them (peace on earth) Peace on earth, good will to men.”


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Peace on earth good will to men. We have entered the season of Advent, preparing for the day of our Savior’s birth. Trees are lit, gifts have been bought, and families gather together in celebration. Something, however, is missing. Something that we long for, pray for, hope for—Peace on earth, good will to men.

War has been a part of our lives for too many years now. War abroad and sadly war within our nation. Tempers flair. Fear engulfs. Lives are lost. And, yet, we continue to hope, and we listen for the bells ringing (peace on earth) 

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“And in despair I bowed my head. There is no peace on earth I said. For hate is strong and mocks the song. Of peace on earth, good will to men. But the bells are ringing (peace on earth) Like a choir singing (peace on earth) Does anybody hear them? (peace on earth) Peace on earth, good will to men.”

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote the poem “Christmas Bells” which ultimately led to the Christmas carol “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” while our country was in the midst of the Civil War, and he was in the midst of depression due to losing his beloved wife, Fanny as a result of an accidental fire, and his son, Charles suffering a crippling war injury. There was no peace for our country, nor for his soul. His head was bowed in despair and he was certain there was no peace on earth—For hate was strong and mocked the song. Hate and despair, however, could not silence the bells.

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“Then rang the bells more loud and deep. God is not dead, nor does he sleep (peace on earth, peace on earth). The wrong shall fail, the right prevail. With peace on earth, good will to men. Then ringing singing on its way. The world revolved from night to day A voice, a chime, a chant sublime. Of peace on earth, good will to men. And the bells they're ringing (peace on earth). Like a choir they're singing (peace on earth). And with our hearts we'll hear them (peace on earth). Peace on earth, good will to men”

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(The following is a direct quote from Tom Steward –
Dec. 20, 2001)
“The first Christmas after Fanny's death, Longfellow wrote, ‘How inexpressibly sad are all holidays.’ A year after the incident, he wrote, ‘I can make no record of these days. Better leave them wrapped in silence. Perhaps someday God will give me peace.’ Longfellow's journal entry for December 25th 1862 reads: ‘‘A merry Christmas' say the children, but that is no more for me.’  Almost a year later, Longfellow received word that his oldest son Charles, a lieutenant in the Army of the Potomac, had been severely wounded with a bullet passing under his shoulder blades and taking off one of the spinal processes. The Christmas of 1863 was silent in Longfellow's journal…. Finally, on Christmas Day of 1864, he wrote the words of the poem, "Christmas Bells."…  Longfellow's Christmas bells loudly proclaimed, ‘God is not dead.’… Even more, the bells announced, ‘Nor doth He sleep.’… ‘The wrong shall fail, the right prevail’…the message that the Living God is a God of Peace is proclaimed in the close of the carol: ‘Of peace on Earth, good will to men.’”

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This past year has been tumultuous for our nation. Peace has been nowhere to be found. Many have endured their own times of despair. Hate this past year has been strong and has done everything in its power to mock the song. But, the bells refuse to be silenced.

“God is not dead, nor doth He sleep,” they sing. “Then ringing singing on its way. The world revolved from night to day. A voice, a chime, a chant sublime. Of peace on earth, good will to men. And the bells they're ringing (peace on earth). Like a choir they're singing (peace on earth). And with our hearts we'll hear them (peace on earth). Peace on earth, good will to men”

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Can you hear them? Listen closely. The bells will continue to ring through the chaos and strife, through war and fear, through loss and despair—the Christmas bells will continue to ring. Can you hear them?
 
“Do you hear the bells they're ringing? (peace on earth) The life the angels singing (peace on earth) Open up your heart and hear them (peace on earth) Peace on earth, good will to men.”


Please take a moment to watch the hauntingly beautiful video of Longfellows, "Peace on Earth Good Will to Men"


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    Sandy Wells was born and raised in Western New York. To be more exact, she lives right in the heart of farm country, where cows rule and clothes are still hung on the line to dry. Sandy has held a love for writing in her heart since she was a child. Over the years Sandy has written poetry, short stories, as well as monthly inspirational articles for her church newsletter. She has had articles published on Faithwriter’s.com, and has participated in the Faithwriter’s writing challenge. Sandy believes the written word holds power. Power to make you laugh, cry, learn and grow.

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