Michael’s Message July 7, 2009

Michael’s Memorial

By Angela Posey-Arnold

I wasn’t prepared today to sit for several hours and watch the memorial for Michael Jackson. I didn’t think I wanted to watch it, but when it began I couldn’t stop watching.

What I realized was that Michael Jackson’s heart just could not take the pain. I, like so many others, grew up with him. I listened to his music, sang along and watched in amazement as he danced. No one else can really ever compare to his unique talent. The talent that brought him so much joy, the talent that brought with it fame and fortune.

After watching the memorial today I am convinced he was really a good caring God fearing person who could not take the pain of this world. In preparing his last concert series he had some things to say to the world. He knew Jesus. He knew God. I just think Michael’s heart had taken all it could take. A heart can only be broken so many times. A heart can only take so much.

In living his life he entertained millions around the world. He gave and gave and gave until he gave all he had. And there were those that took and took and took until they had taken all he had. The last two songs he wanted the world to hear were, We Are the World, and Heal our World. There is a message in that.

Maybe after all the public attacks on him, he just couldn’t take the pain. Maybe when people he thought loved him turned their backs on him, he just could not take the pain. Maybe, when he saw the horrible things happening to our country he just couldn’t take the pain. Maybe all the isms were just too much for him.

He did take drugs, maybe to numb the pain of it all. The betrayals, the losses, the hopelessness of so many who have turned from God, this can be too much for man’s heart. Possibly, he knew that so many needed to turn back to God. I never would have thought that his life would be such a testimony to Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior but it was.

He was persecuted and attacked. The ones, who allowed airtime today for his memorial, were the very ones who allowed and condoned public persecution of a man who was not proven to be guilty of the allegations against him.

If the media had realized the Christian nature of the memorial they would not have aired it. It was a surprise Christian service, for that I thank the Jackson family.

While he was living he hurt so badly over the betrayal and the pain of the sickness of the world and our nation. Today’s memorial proves that President Obama is wrong. We are still a Christian nation whether he likes it or not.

This world will take a 10 year old with a God given talent for singing and dancing and apply so much pressure that the heart of that one is broken into pieces, bit by bit. The media runs rampant over the lives of people who are given talents that they cannot even imagine. We have seen this in Michael’s life and in the life of Sarah Palin. Nothing the media says is ever really what is true. The media, the courts, lawyers, and evil killed Michael.

Not because he indulged in it but because he was a light. He had a light for God and evil had to kill it.

But evil did not win. Michael’s music and his influence will be felt around the world for ever, until Jesus comes. His family talked of his relationship with Christ. And the memorial service was filled with love for Jesus and God. The Holy Spirit led the ones who sang and spoke to use this occasion to heal our land like Michael wanted.

1 Chronicles 7:14 says “if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray and turn from their wicked ways then I will hear from heaven and heal their land.” That is exactly the message Michael Jackson left to the world. After years and years of pain and suffering his death brought the truth into the open and there was nothing the media could do to stop it.

His personal friends have testified that Michael knew he did not have long for this earth. The tour he was working on he entitled, This Is It. The songs he loved the best of the tour were in essence messages to the world. We are the world, we are God’s children and we must come together with one voice. The voice of God. If we could only all join in one voice, believe and profess Jesus as King of King and Lord of Lords, this world would change drastically. Now is the time to turn to Jesus. Now is the time to humble ourselves and let God heal our land.

Our nation cannot put our trust in a man; our trust must be in God.
When you pause to remember Michael and when you hear his music thinks about his life and all he endured. His heart just too big, his heart too caring that he could not continue to take the pain of loss and betrayal, persecution, lies and the current human condition. His message for us all is to change. Change. Believe on Jesus Christ. Make the right choice. Love life but love Jesus more.

Michael’s life on earth is over. His work here is done. I am not his judge but I do believe that those who knew him best knew that he was a very caring, compassionate, child of God who accepted the truth of Jesus. I pray he is in heaven today, no more pain from this old world. No more suffering and his heart soaring with gladness because he believed.

The memorial today was very dignified and inspirational. When someone famous dies I always pray that they knew Jesus and believed that He is the Son of God, born of a virgin, raised from the dead to live forever and is coming back one day. I believe now that Michael did. For that I praise God.

The redeemed of the Lord have a new singer in the choir today. Maybe they have learned a step or two of dancing for the Lord of the Dance—Christ Jesus.

Thanks Michael for your contribution to this old sorrowful world. No more pain, now you can rest.

The Hole in Your Soul June 24, 2009

Faith Fills the Hole in Our Soul

Hebrews 11:1 KJV Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1 KJV).

Have you ever read this chapter of Hebrews? I counted the word faith 24 times in this one chapter. Paul illustrates historical examples of how faith worked in the lives of Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sara, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, and Moses. Faith brought down the walls of Jericho and closed the mouths of lions. Faith in Jehovah God can set you free. Faith can make you whole.

Faith works the same way today as it did in the days of Daniel. Can you imagine the faith of Shadrach, Meschak and Abednego? Three Hebrew children, who would not worship the King but held tight to their devotion to Jehovah, were cast into a fiery furnace. They were not burned. When we pray, we are demonstrating faith that God is there and that He hears our prayers.

Faith is the assurance of things hoped for. Without faith what hope is there? Hope is the trust that God indeed loves us and answers our prayers. Without hope there is only doubt, fear and despondency. Consider those who are lost and outside of God’s protection. It is a dismal consideration. Without Jesus Christ there is only hopelessness. Some may put their trust and hope in other people or in money but a hope placed in these can only bring disappointment and grief. Men may disappoint and desert you, but God never will. He is always there. When we need Him He carries us when we can’t even walk. Sometimes, the things of this life are overwhelming. Without hope, faith and trust in Him, how can we possibly hope?

Faith is the knowledge that life on earth is not all there is. Faith is in knowing that beyond this life we have life eternal with God. I know people who believe that this life is all there is, that when we die, that is just the end. How sad it would be to go through everyday thinking that all we had to hope for is nothing. As Christians we have faith that one day we will be in heaven and abide with Him. Jesus is the only way to heaven. Do not be deceived. There is one and only one way to heaven and it is through Jesus Christ. John 3:16 is all you have to know to be saved. For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son and whosoever BELIEVES in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

In this life on earth we have two choices. We can believe and be saved or we can reject Jesus and go to hell. It is that simple.

To have faith there must be belief. Unbelievers have no hope. Faith is so simple. God made His gospel so simple even little children can understand it. It doesn’t take great intellect to understand that God made us. He loves us and He wants to have a relationship with us. Some scholars have tried to disprove God’s Word. They have taken away their own hope. They try to reason too much about this simple story. By picking apart the Word of God they have made it hard. The brain God gave them has gotten in the way of being able to believe.

Humility and faith go hand in hand. There are times when nonbelievers think they have it all figured out and they feel they have out smarted God. This is a major stumbling block for them to believe. It blinds them to the simple faith that passes all understanding. We as humans are not meant to know everything. If God wanted us to know everything now He would have told us in His Word. What He did tell us is He loved us so much He sent His only Son to die for us. No one can disprove this no matter how hard they try.

All human beings have a big hole in their soul. People try to fill this hole with many things. Money, prestige, fame, fortune, drugs, alcohol, sex but they will always come up empty. The hole will still be there. The only thing that fits in the hole is God and his love for us.

Faith fills up the hole and makes us whole. Trying to fill this hole in our soul with anything but God is like trying to put a square peg into a round hole. Nothing will fit. Nothing will fill the hole except for the power and love of God. He created us with the hole in our soul. He created us to only be completely at peace when we fill the hole with His love.

What we know as Christians is we have the faith one great day every knee shall bow, every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Now there is something you can put your faith in. There is the hope that fills the hole in the soul. There is the answer.

Dear Lord Help us to demonstrate our faith in You so that others may believe. Help us to help the lost fill the holes in their souls with Your love. Thank you for Your Word and Your peace. We praise You and love you, let Your light so shine that others may see You in us everyday. In Your Holy Name I pray, Amen.

How do you fill the hole in your soul?
Does your faith shine so that others may see something in you that they desire?
How can we reach those who need Jesus the most?

©Angela Posey-Arnold 2008

4Him2U June 24, 2009

SonRise Writers group publishes a web mag every month. www.4Him2U.com is a source of encouragement and inspiration. Visit, stay a while or subscribe. You’ll be glad you did!!

In Memory of Ed Freeman June 24, 2009

You’re an 19 year old kid. You’re critically wounded, and dying in the jungle in the Ia  Drang  Valley , 11-14-1965, LZ X-ray,  Vietnam . Your infantry unit is outnumbered 8 – 1, and the enemy fire is so intense, from 100 or 200 yards away, that your own Infantry Commander has ordered the MediVac helicopters to stop coming in.

You’re lying there, listening to the enemy machine guns, and you know you’re not getting out. Your family is 1/2 way around the world, 12,000 miles away, and you’ll never see them again. As the world starts to fade in and out, you know this is the day.
Then, over the machine gun noise, you faintly hear that sound of a helicopter, and you look up to see an un-armed Huey, but it doesn’t seem real, because no Medi-Vac markings are on it.
Ed Freeman is coming for you. He’s not Medi-Vac, so it’s not his job, but he’s flying his Huey down into the machine gun fire, after the Medi-Vacs were ordered not to come.
He’s coming anyway.
And he drops it in, and sits there in the machine gun fire, as they load 2 or 3 of you on board.
Then he flies you up and out through the gunfire, to the Doctors and Nurses.
And, he kept coming back…. 13 more times….. And took about 30 of you and your buddies out, who would never have gotten out.
Medal of Honor Recipient, Ed Freeman,died last Wednesday at the age of 80, in  Boise ,  ID ……May God rest his soul…..

I bet you didn’t hear about this hero’s

passing, but we sure were told a whole

bunch about some Hip-Hop Coward

beating the poo out of his “girlfriend”

A Child of the King June 24, 2009

A Child of the King

By Angela Posey-Arnold

See how very much our heavenly Father loves us, for He allows us to be called His children—think of it—and we really are!……(1 John 3:1 The Living Bible)

I sit here this morning at my desk and look at a picture of myself and my husband made twelve years ago. I am amazed as I reflect upon all that has happened in our lives since then.

Recalling memories of the past, twelve years ago seems like another life time. Since that time we have been through an intensive and heart breaking court battle leaving part of our family in shambles. We survived a horrible wreck and its aftermath. Our family has experienced illnesses and betrayals that took their toll on us all. There has been heartbreak of family division and the sudden unexpected death of a dear friend.

As I reflect on the trials I realize after every trial came spiritual growth. After every pressing came blessing. Perseverance and faith in God’s promises rang true each and every time. He never let us down and our faith grew. We came through the storms and on the other side of the storm was a rainbow and sunny skies, every single time.

In the trials, in the suffering we saw miracles, one after another. Maybe we did not see the miracle at the time it was happening, but in reflecting the miracles are brought to light. It was a miracle just to have survived some of those things. I am not surprised that we were brought through each trial. Coming out on the other side of each trial brought us closer to God. He promised He would be with us. He was. He never moved. No matter what life has thrown at us—God has kept His promises.

With each trial we had the choice of whether to turn to Him and trust Him or tread water in a desperate attempt not to drown. Too many times I first chose to tread water, leaning on my own understanding and strength. It was a bad choice every time. The bad choices were nutrients to my growth as a Christian. Through trials and tears I learned to pray first. Always pray first.

While going through the extremely difficult court battle with my husband’s ex-wife I felt like I was under attack. She was relentless in her aggressions motivated only by greed and hate. I remember being on my knees in the bathroom of the court house praying for strength. Other than our pocket book being lighter for her efforts—we survived. We grew, learned and continued to love. God never put us down. He carried us right through it.

I am blessed with a family of missionaries. One year while they were on mission I found myself alone in the midst of a storm. Again I was on my knees in a bathroom. (My husband says I could probably find a more sanitary place to kneel and pray).

This time down on my knees in a hospital cardiac unit bathroom. My husband was having an emergency heart catheterization. I cried out to God again. He, so loving and kind, answered me. He strengthened me and carried me through to the other side of the storm. The doctor said that my husband had the cleanest pipes he had ever seen. The problem was misdiagnosed acid indigestion, Praise God.

Have you ever watched a father and a child? The father picks up the child; the little one starts to squirm and is ready to go again. The father keeps his watchful eye on the child because he knows even though he must let the child learn by his own mistakes, he will stumble and fall. The father knows he needs to be there to catch the baby.

It won’t be long until the child stumbles and the father is picking the child up again and again and again. God is like that with us. He picks us up and lifts us up when we choose to let Him. He allows us free will but He keeps a watchful eye on us knowing that we will learn from our mistakes, but we will stumble. And when we do He is there. He sees us stumble. He hears our prayers. He picks us up and dust us off and heads us in the right direction.

When life gets so heavy that we can’t move He is faithful. The miracle of it all is He is always there. Oh, I may loose sight of Him and try to fix everything on my own. He understands. I think He just shakes His head and says, “There she goes again.”

So when life throws me another curve what am I going to do? Am I going to hit my knees first and turn to Him or will I worry, fret and freak out until finally as a last resort I fall on my knees and pray?

I think I will look back on all the times His love has seen me through. I have learned. I hope next time, I will seek Him first. Next time I will rest in His arms and quit squirming so much. In doing so, the next 12 years will be so much better.

Thank You God for Your everlasting love. I know that I am just as a child, lost without You. I am so thankful for Your love. It is so awesome to know You are always there. Help me to always look to You first knowing Your love is there, all I have to do is reach up. Wonderful it is to know I am a child of the King!! Glory and praise to You. In Jesus Holy Name I pray. Amen.

©2008 Angela Posey-Arnold

God’s Eyes May 19, 2009

God’s Eyes

By Angela Posey-Arnold

The eyes of God are firmly set
To see the things of earth
Unknown to me how He can get
So much without a search.

I do not know how He can see
All things, all hearts and knows
The sadness, pain and sorrow
What I do know is He does.

His eyes are ever seeing
The sad, the bad and pain too
And always in His Being
Is love for me and you.

He knows the burdens are heavy
He sees, He feels, He moves
To show us how His love responds
When we can’t see, we lose.

Beyond the pain and heart ache
God of Heaven wants us to know
He sees, He cares for our sake
He wants our faith to show.

Hold on to your faith, the truth, and the life
Think on those things of Him
Replace the thoughts of sadness and strife
With thought of pure grace given.

He lives in your heart forever now
Nothing can separate the bond
Seek Him, find Him, while here below
Heaven’s home is where we belong.

The thoughts of Him seeking discovers
More of Him closer in time
To know His eyes look over
The earth just for me and for mine.

You seek what you need, you find what you seek
Seeks His eyes and His glow
In all the strength of the weak
Renew your mind and His love you will know.
There is no time for sorrow and woe
Those are the devil’s tools
God loves you, hears you, strengthens too
Spend your life contented by beautiful pools.

Don’t let bad thoughts grow
Cry and He will dry your tears
So He can just bless you again, you know
He always sees, He always cares.

In any circumstance that hits
There are three ways it will be
As His child He will deliver you from it
Or through it you and He will see.

Heaven is the destination
This earth is not our home
The third way He delivers
Is to Jesus’ arms at the Throne.

So please don’t be sad, God never lies
He never leaves you there
I don’t know how He sees me
But I’m so thankful for His eyes.

©Angela Posey-Arnold 2009

Pentagon Press April 25, 2009

Friday Mornings at the Pentagon

By JOSEPH L. GALLOWAY McClatchy Newspapers

 Over the last 12 months, 1,042 soldiers, Marines, sailors and Air Force personnel have given their lives in the terrible duty that is war. Thousands more have come home on stretchers, horribly wounded and facing months or years in military hospitals.

This week, I’m turning my space over to a good friend and former roommate, Army Lt. Col. Robert Bateman, who recently completed a yearlong tour of duty in Iraq and is now back at the Pentagon. Here’s Lt. Col. Bateman’s account of a little-known ceremony that fills the halls of the Army corridor of the Pentagon with cheers, applause and many tears every Friday morning.

 It first appeared on May 17 on the Weblog of media critic and pundit Eric Alterman at the Media Matters for America Website.

 ”It is 110 yards from the “E” ring to the “A” ring of the Pentagon. This section of the Pentagon is newly renovated; the floors shine, the hallway is broad, and the lighting is bright. At this instant the entire length of the corridor is packed with officers, a few sergeants and some civilians, all crammed tightly three and four deep against the walls. There are thousands here.

 This hallway, more than any other, is the `Army’ hallway. The G3 offices line one side, G2 the other, G8 is around the corner. All Army.

Moderate conversations flow in a low buzz. Friends who may not have seen each other for a few weeks, or a few years, spot each other, cross the way and renew.

 Everyone shifts to ensure an open path remains down the center. The air conditioning system was not designed for this press of bodies in this area. The temperature is rising already. Nobody cares. “10:36 hours: The clapping starts at the E-Ring. That is the outermost of the five rings of the Pentagon and it is closest to the entrance to the building. This clapping is low, sustained, hearty. It is applause with a deep emotion behind it as it moves forward in a wave down the length of the hallway.

 ”A steady rolling wave of sound it is, moving at the pace of the soldier in the wheelchair who marks the forward edge with his presence. He is the first. He is missing the greater part of one leg, and some of his wounds are still suppurating. By his age I expect that he is a private, or perhaps a private first class. “Captains, majors, lieutenant colonels and colonels meet his gaze and nod as they applaud, soldier to soldier.

 Three years ago when I described one of these events, those lining the hallways were somewhat different. The applause a little wilder, perhaps in private guilt for not having shared in the burden . . .. yet. “Now almost everyone lining the hallway is, like the man in the wheelchair, also a combat veteran. This steadies the applause, but I think deepens the sentiment. We have all been there now.

 The soldier’s chair is pushed by, I believe, a full colonel. “Behind him, and stretching the length from Rings E to A, come more of his peers, each private, corporal, or sergeant assisted as need be by a field grade officer. “11:00 hours:

Twenty-four minutes of steady applause. My hands hurt, and I laugh to myself at how stupid that sounds in my own head. My hands hurt. Please! Shut up and clap. For twenty-four minutes, soldier after soldier has come down this hallway – 20, 25, 30. Fifty-three legs come with them, and perhaps only 52 hands or arms, but down this hall came 30 solid hearts.

 They pass down this corridor of officers and applause, and then meet for a private lunch, at which they are the guests of honor, hosted by the generals. Some are wheeled along. Some insist upon getting out of their chairs, to march as best they can with their chin held up, down this hallway, through this most unique audience. Some are catching handshakes and smiling like a politician at a Fourth of July parade. More than a couple of them seem amazed and are smiling shyly.

 ”There are families with them as well: the 18-year-old war-bride pushing her 19-year-old husband’s wheelchair and not quite understanding why her husband is so affected by this, the boy she grew up with, now a man, who had never shed a tear is crying; the older immigrant Latino parents who have, perhaps more than their wounded mid-20s son, an appreciation for the emotion given on their son’s behalf.

 No man in that hallway, walking or clapping, is ashamed by the silent tears on more than a few cheeks. An Airborne Ranger wipes his eyes only to better see.

 A couple of the officers in this crowd have themselves been a part of this parade in the past. These are our men, broken in body they may be, but they are our brothers, and we welcome them home.

This parade has gone on, every single Friday, all year long, for more than four years..

“Did you know that? The media hasn’t yet told the story.”

 God Bless America & God Bless Our Troops.

 – “The reasonable man adapts himself to the conditions that surround him… The unreasonable man adapts surrounding conditions to himself… All progress depends on the unreasonable man.” George Bernard Shaw

 I borrowed this from an email I received from a 19 year Marine veteran who has seen more than his share of war. He continues to serve his country in the National Guard only recently returning from a tour in Afghanistan. I have known him since we were small children, my respect for him grows every time he emails me or sends me something like this. I know he feels is so deeply within himself.

As the Aunt of a 22 year old Marine who has served two tours in Iraq and came home in one peice–I praise my God for the ones who love this country enough to fight for it.

 For the ones in Washington who now seek to destroy everything our country stands for I pray for them too.

Everyday the news breaks my heart as I watch one man on a mission to destroy what these brave men have fought and died for. To see the CIA torn apart, to see the possibility of a true American President having charges brought against him and his administration for protecting us is a tragedy. To think that soldiers would be concerned that charges would be brought against them for serving this great country is more than I can believe.

 I have a TEA BAG hanging from my rear view mirror in hopes that before too long, before too much damage is done, the 4 years minus 100 days that we have to face will someday be history and somehow this country will be able to pick up the peices of the damage that is being done as we speak.

 I am a patriot. I am a Christian. I own a gun, several. I think I am free to speak–but I may find that I am not. For now–It seems I can. That freedom too may be a distant memory if we don’t stand up for our country NOW.

Searching for Laminin April 2, 2009

I received an interesting email today, with no author attached. This seems to leave me free to post to my blog sites.

As a daughter of God, a whosoever, a believer of all things Godly, and a lover of Jesus Christ, I figure this seemingly new “breakthrough” in science will not make Fox news tonight. The email caused great joy in my heart but no big surprise as I am familiar with the ways and thoughts of God. I don’t understand them all but just by reading His Word and living a Christian life I know how incredibly awesome He is. Because of my relationship with Him I know that I know that I know–He is the One and Only. This new “science” just thrilled me. I love it when science has no other choice than to prove God. It blesses my soul.

 Whatever your belief, your religion, your relationship, I think you may find this interesting and maybe worth some further research. Go ahead–google it, watch the video, go to snoopy snopes.com, see what you find. I find it awesome!! I thank my God Jehovah for again showing us His way, His truth and His plan. I believe He is smiling today as this encircles the internet and causes nonbelievers to pull their hair out–and causes believers to shine brighter, smile bigger, hope fulfilled again.

 I will post here the email I received. This is pretty incredible – the video he speaks of is on the snopes.com website or on YouTube.

  The Glue That Holds us Together 

 You medical, and non-medical, folks – if you haven’t already seen this, you will love it!  This is a pretty neat story and an interesting thing that few of us know. It’s brief, so please read. (FROM A DOCTOR) 

 A couple of days ago I was running (I use that term very loosely) on my treadmill, watching a DVD sermon by Louie Giglio… And I was BLOWN AWAY! I want to share what I learned…. But I fear not being able to convey it as well as I want. I will share anyway. 

 He (Louie) was talking about how inconceivably BIG our God is… How He spoke the universe into being… How He breathes stars out of His mouth that are huge raging balls of fire.. . Etc. Etc. Then He went on to speak of how this star-breathing, universe creating God ALSO knitted our human bodies together with amazing detail and wonder. At this point I am LOVING it (fascinating from a medical standpoint, you know.) …. And I was remembering how I was constantly amazed during medical school as I learned more and more about God’s handiwork. I remember so many times thinking…. ‘How can ANYONE deny that a Creator did all of this???’ 

 Louie went on to talk about how we can trust that the God who created all this, also has the power to hold it all together when things seem to be falling apart…how our loving Creator is also our sustainer.  And then I lost my breath. And it wasn’t because I was running my treadmill, either!!!

It was because he started talking about laminin. I knew about laminin. Here is how Wikipedia describes them: ‘Laminins are a family of proteins that are an integral part of the structural scaffolding of basement membranes in almost every animal tissue.’ You see…. Laminins are what hold us together…. LITERALLY. They are cell adhesion molecules. They are what holds one cell of our bodies to the next cell. Without them, we would literally fall apart.

And I knew all this already. But what I didn’t know is what they LOOKED LIKE.  But now I do. And I have thought about it a thousand times since (already)…. Here is what the structure of laminin looks like… AND THIS IS NOT a ‘Christian portrayal’ of it…. If you look up laminin in any scientific/medical piece of literature, this is what you will see…

Cell Structure Laminin Cross

 

 Now tell me that our God is not the coolest!!! Amazing.

The glue that holds us together…. ALL of us…. Is in the shape of the cross. 

 Immediately Colossians 1:15-17 comes to mind.  ‘He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. > For by Him all things were created; things in heaven and on earth, visible > And invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; > All things were created by Him and for Him. > He is before all things, and in Him > All things HOLD TOGETHER. ‘ > Colossians 1:15-17 >

Call me crazy. I just think that is very, very, very cool. Thousands of years before the world knew anything about laminin,  Paul penned those words. And now we see that from a very LITERAL standpoint, we are held together… One cell to another… By the cross. 

 You would never in a quadrillion years convince me that is anything  other than the mark of a Creator Who knew EXACTLY what laminin  ‘glue’ would look like long before Adam breathed his first breath!!

Gifts– February 10, 2009

Gifts by Grace Alone

By Angela Posey-Arnold age 49 on February 2^nd, 2009

 

Each year my birthday seems to get better and better. Years ago I measured the joy of my birthday by what I received materially. I can remember having miserable birthday because I did not get “enough” or “what I wanted” Poor spoiled pitiful me. Thank God as my life’s journey with Christ leading continues year by year, the celebration of my birth gets sweeter each and every year. I am no longer ever disappointed. This year was no exception.

 

Being born on Groundhog Day entices loved ones to call at sunrise to see if I saw my shadow or not. Puxatawnee Phil has nothing on me. Usually, his prediction and mine match. But this year he saw his, I didn’t. Personally, I think the poor little fella just wants to be left alone. Every year he looks more terrified as the jerk him out of his cozy hole and the flash blubs go off in his little face. Poor thing. In contrast I get to stay in my cozy pjs and talk to my dearest friends and loved ones.

 

This year my family provided an extra special surprise for me.They are all very sneaky. Knowing how I love church and Sundays, they showed up unexpected at morning worship service where I am resident pianist. My parents, my goddaughter, and my brother and his wife, and my husband took up an entire row—I was so surpirsed and so incredibly happy to have my family and my church family all in one worship service. Overwhelmed with joy and praise I introduced them to each other, “Church family, meet family”—my praise for the morning.

 

It is defintely a rare occasion to have my brother and I in the same worship service. For one thing he lives in Florida and I live in Alabama. The distance alone makes it a rare occurance. More than that, He is the Pastor of a church and I am resident pianist at a church. This pretty much books up all our Sundays. To have him and my sister-in-law come to worship with me was an extra special surprise and blessing.

 

My sister in law did take some pictures after the service—I will share them as she sends them to me.

 

Monday, Febuary 2^nd was my actual birthday. My oldest dearest friends always remember to call me, send me cards, and make sure I know they remember me. What a blessing they are to me. Two of my best friends have been my friends since we were in kindergarten, long time. One of my dearest friends has been my friend for 30 years, and the other has been my dear one for 15 years.  

 

For the last few years I have been so blessed to make some dear new friends. I am reminded of the song I learned as a child in Brownie Girl Scouts, “Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver and the other gold.” It is very true. My new friends sent cards, emails, and one precious one wrote a poem for me. We are a group of Christian Writers. We have never met face to face but we are sisters in Christ and have a friendship bond that is very strong.

 

As writers, receiving a poem written from one of them is a precious gift of themselves. I would like to share it with you. She calls me Angel-a. Therefore, the space between Angel and a. She is a dear sister in Christ and an inspiration to us all.

 

 

Birthday Poem

by Kathy Tierney

 

It’s Angel a’s birthday, we celebrate she.

All who love her especially me!

 

Her talent terrific, she’s gifted too,

She blesses us all, me and you.

 

We share our prayers to lift her up

and ask the Father to fill her cup.

 

I know my heart in joy will raise

Thank you to Him with greatful praise.

 

Keep her safe Lord I pray

giving her a very blessed day!

 

 

 

This poem touched my heart so much. It is one of the greatest gifts I received this year, not only the poem but the prayers which accompany it.

Materially, I did get some things, but most important were the gifts of love I receieved. The joy comes from that.

On Monday friends and family gathered at the Blue Bird Café in Haleyville, Alabama. (our hometown). Many gathered and ate, laughed, loved, and fellowshiped. We held and loved on the newest baby in the group and shared memories while making new ones.

It was a wonderful time that will stay with us for a long time.

Some of our family could not be with us, but by the miracles of modern technology—they were there by blackberry and cell phone. We also took many pictures to remember the day and the time together.

Material items just don’t matter so much to me anymore. It is the joy of family and friends that make each birthday, each celebration more special. Oh and cake—cake makes it sweeter too. J

Happy Birthday to me. I thank and praise my Lord Jesus for making it sweeter as the years go by. Jesus is the joy that fills all our hearts—incredible awesome joy.

Valentines Day is next—yipyee. I don’t need candy and I don’t need roses or diamonds to complete my joy. Love is the menu of the day. Make it yours too. You’ll never be disappointed.

 

©Angela Posey-Arnold

Are You Comfortable In Church? February 6, 2009

Do You Feel Comfortable In Church? If your answer is no, then I have some good news for you. Do you have a problem with organized religion? Then I have good news for you too. Jesus wants a personal relationship with you, not a religion.

I am so pleased to announce the beginning of a brand new God inspired web-site–www.TimeWithChrist.org. It is so amazing how God works things out. Like a puzzle, pieces just fall into place right on time. My dear friend and ex-boss (odd combo I know) works for the Salvation Army. She is the Director of Homeless Services. Valerie finds herself in many meetings when not being a first responder or running the men’s homeless shelter.

Recently, at one such meeting she met a spirit filled young man who told her about God’s call on his life. He is a commercial airplane pilot and in his ‘ground time’ he is being obedient to the call. He has started a web-site called www.timewithchrist.org.

 Because of my connection with Valerie I contributed a couple of stories to his site. From there we all began to talk about the purpose of the site. Valerie and I both are now Board Members for the ministry, contributing writers and prayer warriors as well.

 A relationship with Christ is so much more than “religion” as today’s society sees it. Being a Christian is all about a personal relationship with Christ, not a man made religion. This is the focus of the web site–to clear up this mis-understanding and to reach those who can’t get past the “religion” to find themselves in church.

 Visit the site–invite people you know who need to hear this message. I am very excited to see where God will take this, and how He will work it all for good, bringing sheep into the fold–right into the arms of Christ. www.timewithchrist.org

 Sincerely–I hope to see you there. Sign Up!!

 Angela