Sunday, December 31, 2017

New Year’s Resolutions and How to Keep Them



 



As I began to wake up this morning, the Holy Spirit began to speak to me and teach me; “How to Keep New Year’s Resolutions.”  I quickly got up and went to my computer to write it all down.  The Holy Spirit desired that I share this with our church today.  At church, I went to our Pastor and shared that the Lord has given me a word for today, and asked, "is it okay for me to have about 5 minutes."  He said yes.  I asked him if he would you like to review it? as I offered him the written paper.  “No,” he said, “I trust you.”  It was good he did not look at the paper, because that might have handy-capped him with his sermon today. You see, the Holy Spirit often is telling more than one person what He is desiring to say for that day and time.  Usually each person will have a different slant, but it will all fall in place.
~ ~ ~

Most of us have at one time made a New Years resolution, and by the next day we have broken it.  Our intentions were good, but the pull was just too great. 

We like Adam and Eve, have been given a “FREE WILL” or the power of choice.  We can by sheer grit and determination decide to make a decision to quit those things that have been giving us trouble.  We know the difference between right and wrong and some things are simply right and others are definitely wrong. 

Each year we make a list and say to ourselves, I will give up certain practices, and will stop doing this or that.   We grit our teeth, and lock our jaw and say, I will put this aside and quit doing this - - -  

In the past we have made those decisions by our desire and our “Free Will.” 

Now may I ask:  “How has that been working for you?  - - Hum-mm?? 

The power of Free will is strong – but I must tell you that it is NOT STRONG ENOUGH.  We make certain choices by our own self – our own weak and spindly Free Will and wonder why we fail. 

Today I desire to present to you God’s way to over come - - Once and for all - - and be FREE of those things that have held you down in the past. 

Not by our own will because our will is feeble, tired and exhausted, but by using the “WILL of GOD.” 

Jesus prayed in the garden;  “I give up, I surrender to YOUR WILL GOD.  Not my will but thine be done.” 

Some of us have walked in darkness in the past, but Jesus promises if we will follow Him and fully surrender to HIS WILL (not our will) then he will remove the darkness and place within us the LIGHT of LIFE which is the Will of God.  

John 8:12 “Jesus, said, 'I am the Light of the World. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but shall have the light of life.'" 

So I lay before you a choice:   To use your FREE WILL and make a quality decision to SURRENDER your will to God’s WILL.  God's will is for you to be FREE, to be blessed and to prosper.  God's will is Good, and He desires only the best for you.

It is time to receive God’s Will, not your own will, and his strength, not your own strength, and you will be able to walk free for the rest of your earthly life. 

So in review:

                       1.  I will Surrender my own Will and exchange it for God’s Will.

  2.     I will Invite Jesus into the dark rooms of my heart bringing with Him; His Light of Life.

  3.     I will Invite Jesus to live in me, the LIGHT of LIFE and daily I will allow the Holy Spirit to be my guide.

Sunday, March 5, 2017

Tell me a True Story Final Blog Party


Today’s Party will be our FINAL party here at Tell me a Story.
Time to Close - - "Tell Me  A Story Blog Party"
So Happy you have been with us
Now it is time to follow many Contributors by E-mail
please continue to read
 

I appreciate all those who have been faithful in contributing most every week for these several years.  Seasons in life call for changes, and my husband’s passing to heaven alerts me that it is time to adjust my priorities.  By the way, I am on Face Book as Hazel Irene Moon.  Come see me there for updates.
 
I will continue my regular blog at: "A Joyful Noise.”  You might like to follow by e-mail and be encouraged by my short exhortations.   

Might I suggest that you also follow some of the regulars who have been with us a long while.  (Go to their site and sign up to follow by E-Mail.) 

http://theregoi.com/finding-floyd/  Floyd always has something you will enjoy 

http://pileofsmiles.blogspot.com/    Sales Lady brings mucho smiles - - 

http://purposefulandmeaningful.com/pnm/  Ifeoma invites you to sit at Jesus feet. 

http://cherylsmithministries.blogspot.com/   Cheryl brings you Home Spun Devotions 

http://betty-wiseheartedwomen.blogspot.com/  Betty our Missionary offers wise words.

http://ourhealingmoments.com/  Rena Peru writes inspiration from her sick bed 

http://caryjo-roadrunner.blogspot.com/ Joanne suffers from dementia, but continues to post photos and short words. 

http://www.lisanotes.com/  Lisa Notes will encourage you and also bring a smile. 

https://pamecrement.com/  Pam brings you a new Lens.  

https://mylifeasanadventure.com/  Barbara brings you a view of a New Adventure. 

http://www.intentionalmommyhood.com/  Stacy Duncan writes about marriage and Home school. 

http://drmichellebengtson.com/  Dr Michelle encourages you not to despair.  

https://susanbmead.com/   Susan offers you a “LINK UP,” and some inspiration. 

http://www.jenniferalambert.com/   Jennifer offers an interesting point of view. 

https://journeyoftheword.com/  Recapture the JOY with Lydia 

https://sunnyand80.org/   Meg shares Life in the Word 

https://michelemorin.wordpress.com/  Living Our Days with Michele 

http://www.jaimewiebel.com/  Seeking God and a Link Up with Jaime

http://yvonnechase.com/ Yvonne offers advice of love and marriage.

https://shiftingmyperspective.com/  Claire shares about Missions and Motherhood. 

https://www.biblejournalingministries.com/  Tracie shares about Bible Journaling.  

https://journeyoftheword.com/  Lydia shares wise words. 

https://mondayfollowssunday.blogspot.com/  Jennifer shares being Godly Women.

http://www.aboutlifeandlove.com/  Lux writes hoping to change your world. 

http://www.mydailywalkinhisgrace.com/ Tracy writes about overcoming trials.
 
May I encourage you to read the entries and to sign up to follow your favorites by E-Mail.
 

Monday, February 20, 2017

TELL ME A TRUE STORY BLOG PARTY week of 02/20/17

The entry time for your true story has been extended a few days, as I may be out of town, due to some emergency treatments my husband needs. 

I apologize that I have not been able to read and comment as I usually do.

Reading a True Story
You are invited to enter YOUR True Story at our Blog Party. 

You have probably realized that I use “inlinkz” for this Party. 
You might consider InLinkz to set up your own Blog Party. 
Notice their advertisement on the left sideboard.

 
Have you tried reading and commenting on a few posts near you?

If someone comments on your post, please visit their site and leave a comment.
 


God has extra BIG Angels to Protect you.

(Please make a comment if you liked my True Story)

Plan and Prepare – but do Not be Afraid because God is in Control.

Many here in our city have returned to their homes to pack if another evacuation order is announced.  Workers at the dam are frantically laboring 24/7 hauling rocks.  Large cement trucks are pumping concrete to cover the rocks to fill the large hole made by the emergency spillway of our Oroville dam.  The regular spillway is being used to lower the lake, even though it also is severely injured.  Many are in fear; However stores have reopened, gas stations are ready, and church was announced as usual.

One of the gifts of the Holy Spirit is Word of Wisdom, and the Lord was giving me something to share during church.  As Pastor Allan stepped to the pulpit I approached him and asked if I might give a word?  He said, yes in just a minute as he had something to say first.  Then he gave me the microphone.

“In the Old Testament the Prophet Elisha and his servant were home resting.  As morning came, the servant went outside to discover the enemy army had surrounded their home.  The servant was very scared as he told Elisha, ‘We are done for, all is lost, we will surely die because the enemy is here to get us.’

Elisha’s words were “Calm down, don’t be afraid, the Lord is on our side, because if you could only see there is more of us than there is of them.”  Elisha prayed and asked God to open the eyes of his servant so he could see the angel army with wings spread protecting them from all harm.

My word to you today is “Keep Calm, and do not be afraid.  Know that there is a huge army of angels over our city.  Big angels with large wings are hovering over our dam.  Big angels are protecting each of us for God is in control and it is not time to fear but time to remain calm.” 
 
2 Kings chapter 6: (The enemy King was wanting to kill The Prophet Elisha)
“Alas, my master! What shall we do?” 16 So Elisha answered, “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” 17 And Elisha prayed, and said, “Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. 18 So when the Syrians came down to him, Elisha prayed to the Lord, and said, “Strike this people, I pray, with blindness.” And He struck them with blindness according to the word of Elisha.
~ ~ ~

Be sure to encourage your fellow bloggers near you
by reading several stories and leaving  comments.

May I encourage you to follow by e-mail, my other blog:  A Joyful Noise.”

Monday, February 13, 2017

TELL ME A TRUE STORY BLOG PARTY Week of 02/13/17


READING A TRUE STORY
  
You are invited to enter YOUR True Story at our Blog Party. 
 

Have you tried reading and commenting on a few posts near you?
 
If someone comments on your post, please visit their site and leave a comment.



News on our city of Oroville, California.  Our city was shut down and roads were closed due to the failure or the emergency spill way and the damaged regular spillway to our full lake at the Oroville Dam.  They are working frantically to fill with rock and cement the large holes where roads are being washed away.  Most of the city has been evacuated, except for those higher up.  Neighbor cities to the south are being evacuated. 


Robert and I are located over the hill and closer to the mountains.  Our daughter is on the border and we are safe with full pantry and freezer.  We have propane to run a generator if necessary.  We are praying that the workers will have wisdom how to fix this terrible event. 

The emergency ban has been lifted, but people are being advised to pack and prepare if there be another evacuation.

Many feel the dam is in danger, but the water is being released over the damaged regular spillway to lower the lake.  A new storm is expected soon, and also the snow is melting.  Prisoners in the jail have been relocated to Santa Rita, CA. 

We are fine, just praying and asking God to hold the dam together.  Ten years ago, officials wanted to shore up the spillways, but those in government said it would be too expensive - - - and at time there was no emergency so why spend the money????

That is water under the bridge and it is not time to point fingers, but to pray to find a fix for this predicament.

You might enjoy my recent Post about Eating, Drinking and Making Merry http://hazel-moon-blog.blogspot.com/2017/02/eating-drinking-and-making-merry.html
 
~ ~ ~

Be sure to encourage your fellow bloggers near you
by reading several stories and leaving  comments.
 

May I encourage you to follow by e-mail, my other blog:  A Joyful Noise.”
 

Monday, February 6, 2017

Tell Me a True Story Blog Party week of 02/06/17


Reading a True Story
 
You are invited to enter YOUR True Story at our Blog Party.

You have probably NOTICED that I use “inlinkz” for this Party. 
You might consider InLinkz to set up your own Blog Party.
See the advertisement for inlinkz on my side bar.

 
Have you tried reading and commenting on a few posts near you?

If someone comments on your post, please visit their site and leave a comment.

 

 
The God of Creative Miracles
(Please make a comment if you liked my True Story)

“Danny has a busted ear drum and we need to do some major surgery by going through the inside of his jaw to insert drainage tubes while we repair his ear drum.”

“Here is some medicine for the infection, take him home and return in 10 days for a follow up visit.”

As the Vet spoke these words to my daughter Becky, she envisioned dollar signs floating off into space!  But, Danny was family, and she knew she had to do whatever was necessary to take care of him.

Faithfully, my daughter gave the medicine to her beloved Red Irish Setter.  Once he seemed better, it was time for a return visit to the Vet.

“Now let’s see the right ear, no it must be the left ear, no which ear is it?” said the Vet?

The Vet was in shock!  He announced that Danny had grown a new ear drum, and the dog was fine.  The Vet stammered, “I am astonished and amazed, because I have NEVER seen anything like this before!”

I am reminded that in the Bible, some people were healed and others were made whole. To be made whole was a creative miracle that restored “like new” that which had once been crippled or non existent.

If God would heal a DOG, how much more does He love us as His children and desire to do for us what we are lacking - perhaps even lacking in faith.

As I thought about how God healed Becky’s dog, I continued to consider, “If God can give a dog a new ear drum, He certainly can give us our miracle.

When Jesus called Lazarus from the tomb, He said,   “LAZARUS come forth!”

If He had only said “Come forth,” no doubt all the dead would have walked out of the grave and breathed again. It was important that HE used the specific name, Lazarus.

Jesus used His authority and then He gave us authority to use His Name.

In fact, if you are facing a situation that seems impossible, remember with God nothing is impossible.

It would be important to make a declaration by saying the person’s name, because you wouldn’t want the wrong person to receive the miracle.

So, make a declaration by saying these words aloud, “In Jesus name, I claim a new _____ for _____.”  

Notice that this is not praying, but I speaking words of faith.

Any future prayers on behalf of your loved one should now be a prayer of thanksgiving: “Thank you Jesus that you are working to perform a miracle in _____’s life. (Insert name here)
~ ~ ~

Be sure to encourage your fellow bloggers near you
by reading several stories and leaving  comments.
 

May I encourage you to follow by e-mail, my other blog:  A Joyful Noise.”
 
  

Monday, January 30, 2017

TELL ME A TRUE STORY BLOG PARTY Week of 01/30/17


Reading a True Story
 
You are invited to enter YOUR True Story at our Blog Party. 

You have probably NOTICED that I use “inlinkz” for this Party. 
You might consider InLinkz to set up your own Blog Party.
 

Have you tried reading and commenting on a few posts near you?
 
If someone comments on your post, please visit their site and leave a comment.

 
DOG DRIVER  (Please make a comment if you liked my True Story)

 
Blue Tick Hound Puppy
 
“Pull that truck up into this lane!  - - -
"I said - - pull that  #%*$#*&$#  truck over here!” 
 

The officer at the truck weigh station was cursing, yelling and pointing as he hollered directions at our U-Haul truck.
 

Robert had left the truck and went into the small office to explain why his travel papers were missing.  The permit had been left in error at the last truck weighing stop. 
 

The man inside was satisfied, and gave Robert a special letter of permission to continue on our journey back to California.
 

Robert sauntered out to the truck and entered the driver’s side.  He motioned for our old hound dog who was riding with him, to move over and give him room. 
 

Slowly he pulled forward and the man directing traffic realized that our hound dog with the long floppy ears had been mistaken for a man with an aviator helmet on his head. 
 

They both had a good laugh out of that.  Now consider this - - -
 

Did you ever take a quick glance at a situation and make up your mind and then discover later that what you thought you saw was not that at all?
 

Some call that jumping to conclusions, and others say it is making quick judgments without knowing all the facts.
 

That often happens to me when I go bargain shopping and discover a better deal elsewhere after I have already made my purchase.
 

When it comes to heaven, I am glad I am not on the jury deciding the verdict of many people who I may consider to be ungodly.
 

It is said; when we get to heaven we may be surprised to find some who we judged as sinners, actually made it and they may look at us and wonder how we got in.
~ ~ ~ 

Be sure to encourage your fellow bloggers near you
by reading several stories and leaving  comments.
 

May I encourage you to follow by e-mail, my other blog:  A Joyful Noise.”

Monday, January 23, 2017

TELL ME A TRUE STORY BLOG PARTY Week of 01/23/17


You are invited to enter YOUR True Story at our Blog Party.

Reading a True Story
 
You have probably NOTICED that I use “inlinkz” http://www.inlinkz.com/new/home.php for this Party.  Their annual fee is reasonable, and their set up is simple and easy to use.  They are computer savvy and will work with you if you have a problem. 
You might consider InLinkz to set up your own Blog Party. 

Have you tried reading and commenting on a few posts near you?
If someone comments on your post, please visit their site and leave a comment.

 

Deception and Revelation –
(Please make a comment if you liked my True Story) 

We were ignorant as to why the seller of the land we were purchasing, was at the Title Company, working on one of their computers.  He did not belong there, but for some reason the staff must have known him because they had allowed him access.  We were there to sign papers for our purchase of his land and this seemed so strange to us. 

What we did not know was that as he sat there he was changing some information on their records.  The piece of paper that we received gave us clear title, - but it was not true.   

The actual records did not show up until three years later when our buyers had a new title search done. This time the title search revealed that there were Water Bond Liens against our land.  The truth was there were a LOT of liens against our land and home.

This evil seller had fudged the Title company records when we originally purchased the land to build our dream house on.   We had heard a rumor about water bonds, but when we approached the “Christian” Man who supposedly held them, he feigned innocence, so we felt safe. 

My husband was very ill, and we were without income, it was necessary that we sell our home.  We had waited for over a year for a buyer, and we were in a bad situation.   

While our house was in escrow, the “Christian” man holding the liens laughed at his cleverness, that we were obligated to pay him a large sum of money before we could finalize the sale of our home.   

Visiting an attorney in our city, we told him our plight.  After hearing our story, he left the room, went to his partner and soon returned.  It seemed the Christian man had already visited this and other attorneys in town which legally would stop us from hiring them to represent us.   

That smarted a bit and my hubby still hurts over this as our loss was hard earned cash gained by sweat, and not by skillful maneuvering.  

We were in a difficult place and there was no other option and the payment had to be made in order to sell our home.  The amount owed to the “Christian man” was much larger and the Title Company paid all they were legally required to pay.  The balance of several hundred thousand dollars was up to us. 

We had two choices, either to go ahead with the sale and take our loss or suffer the loss of our buyer.  We decided to go forward and accept what was ahead. 

That was many years ago and you may wonder what happened to the seller who typed in the false information?   He went bankrupt and lost his property across the street from us.  We heard he left for parts unknown.  His sins I am sure caught up with him. 

And as to the Christian man, who stole from us, we left it up to God to avenge us and to be honest - - we hope that God did just that.  

Jeremiah 30:16 Therefore all they that devour thee shall be devoured; and all thine adversaries, every one of them, shall go into captivity; and they that spoil thee shall be a spoil.

~ ~ ~ 

Be sure to encourage your fellow bloggers near you
by reading several stories and leaving  comments.
 

May I encourage you to follow by e-mail, my other blog:  A Joyful Noise.

Monday, January 16, 2017

Tell Me A True Story Blog Party - week of 01/16/17



Reading True Stories in Holland
 
You are invited to enter YOUR True Story at our Blog Party.
 

Have you tried reading and commenting on a few posts near you?
If someone comments on your post, please visit their site and leave a comment.

 

Poor Preach - - Poor Pay 

Some people have strange ways of expressing themselves.  Dr. Kenneth Hagin was one of those.  One of his favorite expressions to demonstrate how some ministers show their ignorance was, “…like a donkey braying in a tin barn at midnight.”  He would also tell us to, “Eat the Hay and spit out the Sticks.”  Yet another, piece of wisdom was, “Poor Preach, Poor Pay.” 

Being new to Tulsa, Oklahoma area, we wanted to find a church home.  Initially, we visited the Sheridan Assemblies of God and liked it very much.  It was the church that Dr. Hagin attended when he was not traveling for his seminars.  

For the most part we made Sheridan our church home, enjoying the fellowship and the ministry there.  Wednesday evenings before the service, potluck dinners were sponsored by the members, and it was a great way to get acquainted with the people. 

We were curious though.  Since we knew that we had lots of time to select a church, our decision was to visit several churches and see how they treated visitors.  We dressed in the school code, which was suit and tie for the men and dresses or skirts and blouses for the ladies.  At most of the churches, the people stared at us as if we were from a strange country.  

Staring is a bit rude, but how do you treat new visitors to your church? 

On another occasion, there was a tiny church that sounded interesting, so we decided to visit.  Small children were playing out front as we approached.  Suddenly as they saw us, they turned and ran inside, loudly shouting,  

“Here comes a preacher.”   

The minister of the church was a lady, who warmly welcomed us.  She approached my husband and asked if he would be willing to preach next Sunday, and he affirmed that it would be his pleasure.  That Sunday, we brought with us some other students and they sang specials, gave testimonies, and my husband preached a wonderful message. 

What happened next was a surprise to all!  The lady minister came to the pulpit and announced that this was the final service for this church and that the church was closing. 

WOW!  We had shut the church down!  We hoped this was not a sign from the Lord! 

The offering was not large, and the lady offered my husband a dollar bill, but he gently refused and told her that it was his gift to be able to preach for her. 

Later when ever we heard Rev. Hagin say those words, “Poor Preach, Poor Pay,” we would be reminded of this little church and smile.
~ ~ ~ 

Be sure to encourage your fellow bloggers near you
by reading several stories and leaving  comments.
 

Please follow my other blog:  A Joyful Noise by e-mail.
 

Monday, January 9, 2017

TELL ME A TRUE STORY BLOG PARTY Week of 01/09/17


Dad Reads a True Story to his Son
 
 
You are invited to enter YOUR True Story at our Blog Party. 

Have you tried reading and commenting on a few posts near you?
If someone comments on your post, please visit their site and leave a comment.

 
CARROT CAKE
 
The year was 1949, and being newly engaged to Robert, my intended was anxious for me to meet his Uncle Andrew, Aunt Virginia and their four children.  He took me out to their ranch in the country for this informal occasion. 

When Robert found it necessary to leave home in his teen years, he had spent several years at their ranch, helping with the farm and with the animals for his keep. 

Virginia was an excellent hostess and she served us her favorite Carrot Cake, and I must declare here that it was the most delicious cake I had ever had the pleasure to devour!! 

Of course I asked her for the recipe and she willingly shared it with me.  It must be a vintage recipe, for I have never found another recipe to compare it to. 

Here I share it with you.  It is a keeper for certain !! 

CARROT CAKE

Simmer for 5 minutes.  Cover and let rest for 12 hours

1 1/3 cups sugar                                  2 large carrots grated

1 1/3 cups water                                  1 tsp cinnamon

1 T butter                                            1 tsp nutmeg (optional) 

After 12 hours mix together and add to the above.

2 1/2  cups sifted flour
1 tsp soda
1 tsp baking powder                          
½ tsp salt
1 cup chopped nuts
 

Mix well.  Bake in a tube pan, or in 2 oiled loaf pans at 275 degrees for 2 hours.
Cool and enjoy.  We choose not to frost, but if desired you may frost your cake with . . .

CREAM CHEESE FROSTING:

1 lb. confectioners' sugar, sifted
1/4 lb. butter, softened
1 8-oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 cup chopped pecans
 

~ ~ ~

 Be sure to encourage your fellow bloggers near you
by reading several stories and leaving  comments.
 

Please follow my other blog:  A Joyful Noise by e-mail.

Monday, January 2, 2017

Tell Me a True Story - Week of 01/02/17


Reading a True Story
 
You are invited to enter YOUR True Story at our Blog Party. 

Have you tried reading and commenting on a few posts near you?
If someone comments on your post, please visit their site and leave a comment.
 
 

Look at me!  I need to be recognized!! 

It is a mystery to me, but as was the usual case, when our children were small, and the telephone rang, it seemed to always be a signal for my children to act up.   

Thus ensued the resulting arguments, and word fights, (they were not allowed the hitting kind of fights.)
 
Most of the time, the telephone conversation was cut short in-order to bring peace back into our household. 

Were my children making a demand for attention?  Was it something that happens in other households?   I never actually discovered the answer but could only surmise. 

“Look at me, Look at me,” called our young children when they accomplished a task or an achievement that was significant in their immature life.  To ignore them was unthinkable and they needed this reassurance that they were doing well and learning at best. 

Today our children are no longer under our roof, and most of them including our grandchildren have their own smart phones with their own agenda.  They are busy with their multi-tasking work, school and play. 

Back to our house hold today, it does not take the telephone to ring.  We have two dogs who equally demand attention.  If one gets scratched behind the ears and spoken to, quickly rushes the other one pushing their way to get in between and to be number one. 

There seems to be a driven force within mankind and even animals to be recognized.  To be seen, appreciated, understand and accepted. 

I am reminded where Jesus instructed us about our good works, that they are to be done in secret and not competing for recognition.  
 
Jesus must have been referring to the mature believer. Because there are times when it is necessary and important to give honor where honor is due.
 
It is not only new believers who need encouragement that they are doing a good work as they serve the Lord, but workers in your church, including your Pastor.  A word spoken in earnest kindness does lift the spirits.   

Good words spoken are like jewels gifted.  Have you given any good words lately?

~ ~ ~ 

Be sure to encourage your fellow bloggers near you
by reading several stories and leaving  comments.
 

Please follow my other blog:  A Joyful Noise by e-mail.