Thursday, January 30, 2020

My Year of Jubilee!


50th Birthday Cake
Jasa Girl
Happy 50th Birthday to me!  I turned
fifty this month and my girlfriend, Jasa, had such a beautiful, dreamy, girl party for me. It was totally me! All creamy, yummy, girly, and beautiful.  There was amazing food, hand crafted cake (thanks Jeremiah) special drinks (all my favorites), gorgeous flowers, lights, etc. So touched by all the friends who helped her pull off such a beautiful evening.
SURPRISE:  Your Aunt Is Here!!

Patricia
My Aunt RuthAnn, from Arkansas, surprised me and was at my party which was was totally awesome.
And one of my spiritual mentors/friends, Patrica came as well as my girlfriend, Jewell (flew in from California) along with many other treasured friends.  It was such a sweet celebration.
Girl Party

Jewell all the way from Cali
My prayer partner (of 15 years) Jewell, flew out for the weekend from California and she took me shopping and totally spoiled me.  We had a lovely family BBQ on my birthday and of course my husband spoiled me with gifts and dozens and dozens of roses.  I also shared a few other birthday celebrations with other friends and loved ones over the days before/after.  I felt totally spoiled.  I have so many more pictures with precious friends I would love to share, but not enough space - so if I snapped a photo with you, know you are loved and cherished even if your face is not on this post.
Romantic Birthday Table
Jubilee 50!

My "Jubilee Girls"
The Bible talks about the year of Jubilee being the year where all debts are canceled, restitution is made and its the  year of release.  I love it!  So, a couple other friends of mine (Jubilee Girls Mari & Andrea) turn fifty this spring and we are claiming this our year of Jubilee.  Yipee!!
I Think Jasa and Girls Worked TOO Hard!! :-)  Hee Hee!!

Jasa's Work Crew 
Birthday lunch with Mother, Sister-in-laws & Nieces
Jasa Girl Went ALL OUT!  Such a Celebration! 
Birthday lunch with Girlfriend, Karla
Such A Beautiful Cake

Party Set-Up - Sweet Des
Felt a Little Silly Turning 50 :-)

My Aunt Ruth & Cousins
Birthday lunch with Girlfriends, Pat & Amber
Beautiful Table at my Party 

The Jubilee year contains many of the pictures of our salvation.  Just as the land, the people, and all the property was released, so we too have been released from a debt that we could not pay (our sins).  We were once slaves to sin but now we’ve been released, once held captive but now set free.  Christ’s blood has atoned for our sins and satisfied the wrath of God that was due us (Rom 5) and as the land was given rest, we too have entered into His rest from all of our works for we could never save ourselves by our own works because salvation is fully a work of God.  If you are not saved, then maybe you have asked what some had asked Jesus “What must we do, to be doing the works of God?”  Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent” (John 6:28-29).  ~ Jack Wellman

Wednesday, January 22, 2020

You are Never Alone

Sometimes, when I push into certain areas of life, were the destiny of God is on me with Kingdom assignment, the assault gets intense. I was in one of those spaces this morning, fighting the overwhelm of the battle and this song was in my "inbox".   God Himself is everything I need.  We were created by God and for God.  Everything begins and ends in Him.  In those times when the battle is intense, the simple truth that we are never alone, is profound (Deuteronomy 31:6).  This morning, I was asking this exact question, do I abandon ship so the battle quiets down or do I keep pressing in . . . like Martin Luther King - it cost him his life.  I sat down at my computer and this song was in my queue . . . never heard it before.  God is so tender and kind in reminding me of His nearness. Reminding me to turn my face like flint to Him and press ahead.  We all go in and out of these seasons, so the next time you want to jump ship because the battle around you is relentless, remember YOU ARE NOT ALONE.  JESUS WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU OR FORSAKE YOU.  HE HIMSELF IS ENOUGH. . . . 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cq3rd6eJ3Fo

 “I will never [under any circumstances] desert you [nor give you up nor leave you without support, nor will I in any degree leave you helpless], nor will I forsake or let you down or relax My hold on you [assuredly not]!" 

~Hebrews 13:5

Jason Upton "Never Alone Martin" Video