Hidden Away By Grace

                                  Hidden Away By Grace
   Mary grew up in Nazareth, hidden away by grace, from the church leaders, officials, and the enemy of God. Growing up she was taught the love of God and all His ways. Learning and growing in grace for a purpose yet unknown to her. An encounter with the Angel of God, her life would never be the same. She would no longer be hidden away.
   Her baby was born hidden in a stable. Christ the Lord, the long awaited King of the Jews. Hidden from the enemy of God. The child grew up a carpenter by trade, awaiting the time to begin His ministry and change the world forever.In grace the Messiah stepped out. Rejected by many of His own, to the gentiles would the disciples be sent. Death on the cross, the Saviour revealed. The resurrection of our Lord, no longer His identity hidden away.
   A child is born, unwanted by some, saying its doesn't deserve to live. Too many flaws, problems, and needs for the world to see. Defective in their eyes, but, hidden away inside of each one are special gifts from God. With love and nurturing the gifts are revealed to those willing to embrace the child of God. A child should never be hidden away.
   Many of God's chosen are hidden away for a time in their life for grace to reveal. Often lonely, sad, and discouraged, wanting to know why? Asking is their someone for me? Hidden away until their special love is revealed. Ready to step into a new life together, fulfilling God's plan and purpose for them. God's grace no longer hidden away.
   Then there are those that struggle and try, but feel they can never measure up. Never to be who they want to be. Sometimes doubting their own faith. some are living outside the will of God, the enemy has them in bondage to him. Still others in repair of their life, wounded and rejected by man. Man simple says, "Throw them away." Some are to young, some are to old, others are unfit to serve. Could it be that God has some of them hidden away by grace for a time yet to come.
   Is it not fair to say, "If God had not hidden them away by grace, " some of the messages for the world, the enemy in hatred, would have destroyed each one. We cannot judge the life of another, we do not know their heart or the truths that grace has hidden away. Grace in God's time will reveal the truth, grace again will carry the message, God is the great I AM. His secrets one day will no longer be hidden away from a single man.


(C) Copy right 2018 All right reserved.

Scales of Grace

                                          Scales Of grace

   How do we measure sin, is it on a scale of 1 to 10? What sin should should be least and what sin should be the worst? Many do not look at themselves and admit to their own sin, but, are more than willing to point out the sins of others.
   Would the disobedience of Adam and Eve, in the Garden of Eden, be the least? After all it was the first. Should God have overlooked that sin, "It wasn't that bad of a sin, only disobedience," we have all done that at some time in our lives. However, that one bite of the fruit, has brought us to where we are today.
   We get angry when someone lies or steals from us, yet we overlook our own attitudes and beliefs, or the gossip we spread, saying, "It's just a prayer request." How often do we pass judgment when someone ignores us or speaks to us in anger? Does murder, rape, or child abuse weigh heavy on the scales of sin? Where does it weigh, when we in anger and fear lash out at God with words that a person should never speak, especially a Christian?
   How do we or how should we measure the degree of sin committed against another person? Should it be on a scale of 1 to 10? There is no scale we can use to measure sin! We can only set the punishment as we see it should be for those convicted of a crime against another. Seems to me we haven't done to good of a job, even with that. How dare we be so arrogant and critical of one another.
   What does our heavenly Father use as His scale? Does He see the one who was abused as a child and now uses drugs, as one He should overlook their sins? Should He say, "It's OK," to the one that has an abortion because of incest or rape? The one that beats or kills another, is God to overlook them too, because of the way they were raised? I'm thankful He is the final Judge!
   God's scale is called GRACE. The grace of forgiveness. He doesn't overlook the things that have happened to us, or the things we have done. But we are required, with the help of the Holy Spirit to forgive our offenders and ourselves, then God will forgive us.
   God gave His only Begotten Son, to pay the price, He did not owe, for our sins. Christ gave His life for you and me. No matter what we have done, grace is for each of us. Salvation freely given with peace is offered to everyone and life eternal, if we accept the Saviour.
   When Christ died on the cross, He paid the same price for every sin that was ever committed or will ever be committed. The price of His death made every sin equal.


   Romans 6:23 KJV

   For the wages of sin is death: but, the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus

Christ our Lord. 

Innocence Lost

    It has grieved me to see all the violence in our schools. Our Children no longer have a childhood. Their innocence has been lost. Sadly Christians must share part of the blame.This is my view of what has happened to schools and society over the past 60 years. I hope you will read and leave a commit, but remember it is my view not yours.


                                                  Innocence Lost

   When and why was innocence lost for the children of America. They grow up so fast, no time for them to be children. No time to learn what little boys and girls really were meant to be. In our world today children know more about sex and murder, even before they learn to read or spell their on name. Through TV and movies children are exposed to sex and violence everyday on almost every channel. Drugs often handed out on school play grounds.

   When was Innocence lost? Prayer was taken out of school. No longer a prayer covering over the schools, teachers, or the children. Evil was free to roam the the halls and classrooms. Trouble, it was just beginning.

   When was innocence lost? The Ten Commandments were also removed from our schools. No moral right or wrong was taught after that. Morals looked at as something evil, that puts restrictions on our right to live as we please. How another my be affected has no place in our thoughts. Live for self and get what you want. Morals are up to mans own way of thinking and his interpretation.

   When was innocence lost? Creation was taken out of schools. Children then taught that evolution is the way we came into existence. First there was goo, then time in the zoo, and finally you. No value given to the uniqueness of every creature created by God or that Man was created in the image of God alone, instead we are all reduced to goo.

   When was innocence lost? When life began to have no value or worth. Die with dignity and don't be a burden on society. Get out of the way, you take up to much space, time and resources. Now the elderly are to costly or sick to tolerate. The handicapped and special needs are considered even a greater burden. A freak of nature.

   When was innocence lost? When the unborn was reduced to unwanted tissue, that needed to be discarded.It wasn't a baby and had no value or worth, so it needed no protection. An inconvenience to get rid of. Now they want to discard the baby, just because it is the wrong sex. Life to be thrown in the trash.

   When was innocence lost? The wars of yesterday and today. Children growing up in a home without the presence or a loss of a mother or father. They could be gone for months or years, some never return home at all. No solid foundation of a home and family. Some mothers are even convinced that it is better for the government to pay you what is needed to be home with your children.  Kids don't need a Father at home. But, what the kids have gotten is gangs, drugs, and violence.

   When was innocence lost? The attacks of 9/11. Children killing children. Others bullied until a child commits suicide.  Killings in the theaters, car wrecks, violence at home. Abuse of all kinds, all the result of innocence lost.

   But, the question we must ask, "Why was innocence lost?" That is what all must answer for one day. Prayer was thrown out and discarded along with the Ten Commandments by the indifference of God's people. Christians did not pray or stand up for Godly principles.They sat back and arrogantly believed, "God won't let it happen, it will be fine, after all we are a Christian nation." That is the commit I heard growing up.

   Christians took on the ways of the world to raise their children. Dr. Spock was preferred over the foundations of the Bible to raise them. That was for the old times, not for modern times. Everybody is doing things the modern way and we must be in line with rest of the world.

   Children learn more from the TV than they do from their parents. Satan has become the guy in the little red suit, with a tail, horns, and he carries a pitch fork, mostly seen on Halloween. Children are told he is only a myth and to ignore what the Church has to say about him.Children are told it is OK to dabble in the occult, gain a better understanding of their world and become their own god. Christians have stood back and allowed abortions to become the standard way of dealing with the unwanted child. Now marriage itself is being threatened in our country. Those who believe in an alternate life style, feel they have the right to take the title, marriage for their way of life.

   Will we as a child of God ever stand, even to our death to protect our children
from what the enemy's trying to turn our country into? Will we as Christians ever come together, accepting one another, and bowing our knees, together, calling on our God and humbly seeking His forgiveness and asking Him to heal our land. Have we waited to long I pray we haven't."  The Bible saw we will have a great revival before the end and I pray for that. Christians will have much to answer for when we face our Holy God!


(C) All right reserved
Brenda Carney Eldred April 23, 2018



  






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Phyllis and Dust Bunnies

     Friends have told me I have a contagious laugh. David (my husband) says my laughter make him feel things are good and loves to hear me laugh. I hope I got my laughter from Phyllis. Hope you enjoy my trip down memory lane about Phyllis. Miss her very much.




                                              Phyllis and Dust Bunnies


     January 8, 2015, my dear sister, Phyllis Stewart passed away. Thoughts and memories of her have come flooding back. As our cousin, John Carney shared at the funeral, Phyllis had a laugh all her own. She would place her hands on her legs, just above the knees, lean forward and just laugh. The commit reminded me of the dust bunnies.
     Anyone who knew Phyllis, also knew she kept a very clean home. I doubt she ever had dust bunnies.. My home, on the other hand, dust bunnies you will find. My thing is cooking not cleaning.
     I cannot remember why but, Mom, Dad, Phyllis, and Rudy were at our home in Springfield overnight. Something was wrong with the refrigerator. After supper with dishes done, David pulled the refrigerator out from the wall to work on it, however under and behind needed some cleaning . Phyllis, Mom and I got busy cleaning the floor, wall and back of the refrigerator. Of course there was dust bunnies..
     Phyllis started laughing. Hands on her legs, leaning forward, she started laughing and couldn't stop. Her laugh was so contagious, Mom and I started laughing. All three of us ended up with tears in our eyes, we laughed so hard. Now many years later, when the refrigerator is moved out the dust bunnies are cleaned away, I am reminded of that day and it brings a warm smile to my face.
     Who would imagine that dust bunnies could bring back a warm wonderful memory of Phyllis, that is so special. People I have worked with over the years have told me I have a contagious laugh. I hope I do have her love of laughter, it came from her heart.
     Sis, I miss your beautiful smile and laughter but, I know i will see you again.

©  Copyright  1/22/2015 All rights reserved.

Unseen Grace

 
God's amazing grace watched over Linda and I while we were in our mothers womb. We were listed as twins, but we only share the same birth date.




                                                        Unseen Grace


     Questions and surprises started my life. Mom planned when she wanted her children born. Her biggest surprise with me, there were two of us. Linda and I were born twins, but not twins at all.
     Although conceived weeks apart, Linda was born first. A total and complete pregnancy. She was premature and unable to swallow until she was a month old.
     I made my entrance into this world, thirty minutes later. Also a total and complete pregnancy. However, Mom had carried we way over my due date. My lungs collapsed at birth. For the first three years of my life, I fainted when I cried.
     What kept us alive and safe during that unusual pregnancy? Only the Unseen Grace of God could protect two little girls in the womb. Grace unseen often reflects God's greatest miracles. Looking back, I can see the grace of God throughout my life.
     Travel with me on my "Journey of Grace", as I share how God's unseen grace has effected my life.
     Take a look at your life? What unseen grace can you find woven throughout the years? If we would only take time to spend with the Lord, we would be amazed at the grace He has poured out on each of us. Learn of His grace.


     Psalm139:13 (CJB)
     For you fashioned my inmost being, you knit me together in my mother's womb.




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47 Years and so blessed.

                                                       47 Years and so blessed.

     June 28th,1967, 47 years ago today, I married my High School sweetheart, David Eldred. We met on April 8,1962, my 15th birthday. I knew that day he was the one I would marry.
  We have had our ups and downs. Some years have been tough and lean but most have been happy and blessed. Our 2 wonderful sons, Mike and James are our miracles from God. We are blessed with 2 grand children, Jonah and Wren.
     We were privileged to live on Guam while David was in the Air Force and traveled to Hong Kong for R&R. On our return to stateside, we traveled California visiting family. Then to Salt Lake City to see friends, on across the northern states on our way to see family in Kansas City, all during the last blizzard of the new year 1970. I had wanted to see snow after 2 years and I did.
     Our homes have been in Oklahoma, Arkansas,Illinois, Mississippi where both boys were born. Finally settling in Springfield, Mo the last 35 years.
     Camping and the out doors was out greatest adventures as the boys were growing up.
     No matter the season of life we have gone through our love has never wavered. Things have never been perfect but we are so blessed and thankful for all that God has brought us through. I pray we will have many more years together.
     Happy Anniversary to the man in my life. I love you more today then yesterday.

The Potter

     As Easter draws near, I wondered what to share. Our Lord gave His life for us. His love for us is immeasurable. No greater love will you ever find. My story "The Potter" is about the potters love for His creations. How He molds, heals, draws us to Himself, and restores each one. Hope you enjoy reading it and I pray all of you have a blessed Easter. May you be drawn closer to The Potter.



                                                                  The Potter

     The cold damp clay to the spinning wheel goes, awaiting The Potter, to shape and create a vessel of love. Amazing care and attention with each spin of the wheel. The whisper of love and grace the spinning wheel blends. The shape finely complete, the shape of a heart, into the hands of The Potter it goes to cradle and love. Now to the fire it must go, the growing begins.                                                                                                     The first firing complete, the dampness, impurities, and coldness are gone. Back into the gentle hands of The Potter the vessel goes. The heart now is covered with the image of God. With each stroke of the brush, The Potter applies, faith, hope, and love. Kindness and mercy then is applied. Nurturing and strength will cover it all. The The gentle strokes of desire and love for all are added for the world to see.    
     There is a spot on the heart, The Potter now claims. All must sealed with the blood of His Son. The image of the old rugged cross now has a place on the heart, that image of love. Back to the fire the vessel must go. Imperfections of life will now bake away. The demands,  the pressures, and disappointments are gone. Unwanted and wasted the fire burns away, no more of rejection or shame.                                              On the spinning wheel sits the heart of perfection. Clothed in passion and love for the world to behold. The Potter now stands, tears in His eyes, the love and affection it took to create this love of His life. Sealed with the blood of His Son. Now it is clothed in the beauty and love that salvation brings.A new life now to begin. Softly, God speaks in a whisper, "Come, join Me and My Son, be a part of our life, in the Family of God.



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