Welcome 2012!

Faith and Hope for a ‘New’ Year

JESUS My Lord and Savior  © All Rights Reserved -Anastasia Diamond                                    

How often we celebrate a New Year thinking, and yes, praying…Please let this year be better than the last one.

No matter our beliefs, we all want to let go of the pressures, sorrows, disappointments and stress of the old…in hopes of revival, renewal, refreshment for the new. Though we know there will be challenges, we press forward in renewed hope that the New Year will bring resolve, peace, solutions, reconciliations and new beginnings.

What distinguishes Christian hope from worldly hope?

Christian hope is intricately connected to faith in God and His perfect will in all things. Worldly hope is in people, circumstances, and luck.

My New Year prayer for you, and for me…

May 2012 bring a year of new beginnings in the depth of your hope and faith in God’s promises, purposes, and perfect will for you and your loved ones. May you not be conformed to this world, but choose to be transformed by the renewing of your mind that you may prove what is the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God. May His anointed word truly be a lamp unto your feet and a light unto your path. May He continually sanctify you, making you holy by His  truth and teaching you His word. May grace and peace be multiplied to you. May you wait upon Him with renewed strength; mount up with wings as eagles; run, and not be weary; walk, and not faint. May you always seek His face, and in all things submit to the leadings of His indwelling Holy Spirit, who He placed in your heart. May you grow in purity, understanding, patience and kindness. May you love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and with all your strength. May your New Year be blessed with an overflowing abundance of His  love, wisdom and discernment. May you glorify His Name and praise Him in all things. And…may you finish well dear one.

**Click links below for more NEW YEARS related posts on this blog**

• http://jesusmylordandsavior.wordpress.com/2010/12/27/godly-new-years-resolutions/
• http://jesusmylordandsavior.wordpress.com/2009/12/26/who-or-what%E2%80%A6can-steal-the-happy-from-our-new-year/
• http://jesusmylordandsavior.wordpress.com/2011/11/17/zoe-life-inspired-2012-daily-devotional/
• http://jesusmylordandsavior.wordpress.com/2009/04/12/walking-on-the-precipice-of-time/

The Last Christmas Tree

JESUS My Lord and Savior

©Anastasia Diamond

It was Christmas Eve when Daddy put the big homemade star on top of our humble, but brightly lit tree. We happily joined hands: mother, father, brothers, and sisters…smiling and singing Christmas carols…round and round we went, encircling our special little tree. Little did we know…it was our father’s last Christmas tree…and a precious gift to his children.

Filled with anticipation and excitement, my father, brother and I went tree shopping earlier that night. Why did we wait so long? Money, or…rather, lack of money. Our father knew his five children would not have a Christmas tree if we had gone any sooner. Daddy said, “We’ll go late and get one we can afford.” I was only about 6 years old, but already understood we surely didn’t have a lot of earthly things some others had…especially money.

I felt a little embarrassed listening to my father humbly telling the tree man he didn’t have any money. However, I was over-come with true joy when the man charged daddy only 25¢ for that little tree. I was filled with pride and all the joy my little heart could hold. We must have made quite a sight. Two small children and their daddy happily trudging through the snow; carrying our precious Christmas tree through the city streets, and up four flights of stairs to our cold-water flat.

My favorite Christmas carol was then…and is now, Away in a Manger.

Remember…like the Christ child, true Christmas joy comes bundled in little, humble, sweet, unselfish, acts and gifts. Let us not be embarrassed at what our Father has offered to do for us through the gift of His Son, Jesus. He came, to buy our salvation with His blood…paid in full, from a child born in a stable, who died on a cross. Jesus is the most precious gift of all…at no charge, from our loving Father. May we all choose to open our hearts and accept His priceless Christmas gift.

Read about the birth of Jesus: Matthew 1:18-25

MORE Christmas posts on this blog:

http://jesusmylordandsavior.wordpress.com/2010/12/24/is-jesus-knocking-at-the-inn-of-your-heart-this-christmas/

http://jesusmylordandsavior.wordpress.com/2009/12/12/the-very-best-christmas-present/

http://jesusmylordandsavior.wordpress.com/2009/12/06/christmas-what-and-why-we-celebrate/

http://jesusmylordandsavior.wordpress.com/2009/12/06/christmas-joy-to-the-world-proclaim-jesus%E2%80%A6yesterday-today-and-forever/

ZOE LIFE INSPIRED 2012 Daily Devotional

JESUS my Lord and Savior

Anastasia Diamond

Just in time for the New Year!

I am honored to be one of 54 writers

in the beautiful, inspirational

 416 page hard cover 

ZOE LIFE INSPIRED 2012 Daily Devotional

366 Days of Inspiration (It is Leap Year!)

A Life Empowered is Zoe Life Inspired

• Introducing the 2012

  Zoe Life Inspired Writers!

• Aisha Smith-Thompson…………Jacquelin Priestley

• Aja Porter………….Joyce Gilmer

• Alfanette Rice-Mays…………..Joyce Y. Jones

• Ana E. Chambers…………..Karen Deslandes

• Anastasia Diamond………….Kelvin Williamson

• Anita P. Latin………….Kim Weaver

• Anna Simone Moon…………..Linda L. Smith

• Anthony Chambers………….Lori Bryant

• Ayanna Blackmon-Balogun…………..Mal Nicholson

• Beryl Rooks………….Marcia Murphy

• Bill Nicholson………….LT Colonel Melvin L. Myers

• Brinetta Thomas…………..Michelle Wilson

• Carolyn Watson…………..Miriam Moore-Hunter

• Cathy Naylor…………..Pedro Nicado

• Charles E. Chambers…………..Ratibu Jacocks

• Chiquita Tillman…………..Raylene Murphy

• Clarissa Pearson…………..Regina Williamson

• Claudia Epperson………….RJ Jackson

• Dante Marks………….Roy Guilford

• David N. Chambers…………..Sam Maze

• Donna Williams…………..Sharon Terrell-Brown

• Erika R. Godfrey…………..Starla Faye

• Felix Bobo………….Susan Nordang

• Genevieve Shenton………….Tracey Walden

• Gwendolyn Coggs–Moore…………..Tyronne Porter

Be Encouraged

Be Empowered

Be Inspired

Reserve your

Zoe Life Inspired

2012 Daily Devotional today!

Please message me on facebook or twitter, send an e-mail, or post a comment

I am a ‘Faithful Blogger’. A couple of weeks ago we started a new group writing project based on 1 Thessalonians 5:18.  Twelve other bloggers and I participated in this project.

Courtney Chowning  complied all the entries into a FREE downloadable Special Report… just in time for your inspirational Thanksgiving  reading…and to offer on your blog or social network as well.

• Hoping you will enjoy this Special Report as much as we do. If so, please take a moment to visit the Author’s websites and leave them a note telling them you enjoyed their contribution. 
• If you would like to be notified of future group writing projects and special reports, please visit http://faithfulbloggers.com/ to sign up for the newsletter.
• May you have many continuing blessings of thankfulness in all things. -Anastasia 

Be Thankful and Praise HIM in All things

JESUS my Lord and Savior

Anastasia Diamond © Copyright 2011

I have submitted this post to Faithful Bloggers Group Writing Project at  http://faithfulbloggers.com/blogging/group-writing-project/in-every-thing-give-thanks/comment-page-1/#comment-3335

First Thessalonians 5:16 -18 tells us…“Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks; for it is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

You might be thinking…Can that be true? Am I actually supposed to be joyful forever, pray continually, give thanks in everything, and trust that everything is God’s will for me? 

This scripture encourages us to joyfully call-upon and glorify God throughout our life; continually, without stopping or finishing. We are to draw near to God and seek His face in prayer daily…little by little, over and over again. It also reminds us to be thankful in everything because it is God’s will for us who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, in unity with God the Father, through our relationship with Him.

Why would we thank God in the midst of our problems?  James explains it this way, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” James 1:2-4

In 2 Corinthians 7:4 Paul said, “I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation”. He knew, even though he was going through trials, that God was working all things together for his good. –Romans 8:28

Perservance in tribulation brings about the process of sanctification; which consecrates, dedicates, blesses, makes holy, purifies, approves, and sets apart believers due to accepting a relationship with Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

Is everything concerning me truly the will of God ?

What about the death of my child, my illness, my loved one’s terminal illness, natural disasters, divorce, abandonment, financial debts I can’t pay, job loss, the murder of my loved one, being robbed, being raped, my homelessness, my addiction, imprisonment, unfairness in my life, other’s lies about me, the fright of global turmoil…and on, and on?

What about all those dreadful human conditions we encounter that bring pain, suffering, anxiety, loss, and grief? Can we truly approach God with a thankful heart, mind, and words while deep in the midst of worldly adversity?

It is easy and right to praise God on the good days and for all the good things in our lives and the lives of those we love. We are ever so willing to give Him thanks for our home, good health, happiness, finances to meet our needs, food  to quench our hunger, employment, position, children, and so on.

However, 1 Thessalonians 5:18 appoints us to give thanks in all circumstances that He allows, and to know that everything is His will in Christ Jesus in relation to us.

All is the opposite of nothing; it means every part of every thing.

What about the bad days? What about the days filled with complaints, hissy-fits, deep sorrow, and the ugliest circumstances of our life when it is clearly not easy to praise the Lord? One test of  our faith is learning to praise Him in all things…no matter how difficult the circumstances. That’s a tall order.

Praise Him in the midst of your circumstance. Though He does not promise an earthly life of continual bliss and happiness, He does promise His comfort and perfect peace in the midst of the storm. He wants us to allow our life circumstance to become a sacrifice of praise…all to His glory.

Giving Him thanks in all things leads to believing and understanding that we are to praise Him in all things! We are to glorify Him, worship Him, honor Him, applaud Him, and exalt Him…be truly thankful to Him in all things.

Step out of the boat…take His hand…in trust, faith and thankfulness. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete…not lacking anything.

If we are not thankful and praising Him in the midst of our difficulties, we must ask this profound question: Who is getting the glory in the midst of my storm… if not God?

The answer is difficult…and one we don’t like to consider.

The evil one is always waiting in the wings…lying, conniving; nay saying; working overtime to convince us that life is terrible, there is nothing to be thankful for, and that God does not care for or love us; if He did, He would not allow the pain, not only in our life, but throughout the world for all time. Part of the evil one’s mission is to plant questions and doubt so we will not praise God and be thankful in the midst of our brokenness, which gives him a toe-hold into our minds, hearts, and body.

However, God has a plan for our lives that is often worked out through adversity. Are we willing to trust God and let Him mold and shape us according to His will? Are we willing to be led; willing to go, to be, to do, and to accept everything God might choose for us?

“But now, O Lord, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You our potter; and all we are the work of Your hand.” Isaiah 64:8 

Oh, that every day would be a Thanksgiving Day; that we would  be thankful, cheerful and glad; praising and exalting Him in the midst of our problems; trusting His perfect will in all things.

Psalm 55:22 says, “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.”

Get a 'ripped' faith relationship with Jesus!

Jesus my Lord and Savior

Anastasia Diamond - © 2011

          Likewise, reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin,                      but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.   

Romans 6:11

In this world of extreme exercises for our physical bodies…are you submitting your spiritual health and well being to a rigorous workout?

Are you exercising your faith muscles to get a ‘ripped’ faith relationship with Jesus?

You are a blood-bought body of Jesus Christ; no weapon formed against you shall prosper.

Here is an exercise to get a spiritually healthy six-pack that will reckon you dead to sin.

Believe and confess, at the point of temptation, that you are dead to your specific sin. Believe and declare your faith, at the point of temptation, that you are alive unto God through Jesus Christ.

As with exercising your physical body, repetition is a critical factor.

A ‘rep’ is the number of times you do the same movement in a set: Example: Every push-up is one rep, and 20 push-ups make a set.

You do the reps, while God spots you.

Every rep of ‘I am dead to sin’ confession and every rep of ‘I am alive through Christ’ declaration builds your spiritual muscles.

Every set strengthens you, while building a mind, body and spirit memory connection that will establish a pattern of submission, discipline, praise, faith…and increased endurance to finish well.

You do the reps; Jesus already did the heavy lifting.

Jesus my  Lord and Savior

Anastasia Diamond – © 2011 

Galatians 5:22-23 tells us there are nine ‘Fruits of the Spirit’:

Love, Joy, Peace, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-control…and Patience.

Most of us expect patience from family, friends, God, and others. However, we usually do not go out of our way to pray patience for ourselves.

Though we often lament in frustrated desperation, ‘Lord, give me patience’, we tend to seek and cherish the other eight fruits on that spiritual tree far more than we do patience.

So…why do we dread receiving this precious Fruit called patience?

Some how, we inherently know that patience takes time and comes with a price that will mold, shape, stretch, and grow us. Though we truly appreciate and desire the ultimate end product, we are often fearful of the process.

Our human nature functions in the instant gratification of now. However, God designed our spiritual nature to function in patience. The old English word for patience is ‘longsuffering’, which is a scary proposition for most of us. Did Jesus endure long-suffering? Indeed, in Him patience had its perfect work!

God is patient with us because He loves us, and fully knows us just as we are, flawed and imperfect. He has purposefully chosen to offer us the blessed Fruit of patience that we can be more fully like Him; more fully know Him, and more fully love Him. We can then more fully know and love others and ourselves…with His precious Fruit of patience.

With true patience comes humility…and submission to God’s perfect will for our life.

JESUS My Lord and Savior

Anastasia Diamond ©All Rights Reserved 2011

Have you pulled up along side a car with music blaring so loudly you had to put your windows up to hear what you were listening to?

Me too.

Until…I decided the music in my car had something equally or even more important to say. This time, instead of closing my windows, I turned up ‘Come…Now is the Time to Worship’.

The driver looked at me as if I had violated his space, then rolled up his window; apparently his music was already as loud as it could go.

I have to admit, it felt somewhat powerful.

Wondering if perhaps I should have remained quietly submissive, I talked with God. I didn’t think he really said anything at time. But, in the process of this prayerful, rather one-sided conversation, I realized my car and the sounds coming from it were another way to give Him the glory. So, perhaps He did say something to me after all.

Since then,I have a Christian music ministry in my car. Because I have Christian music or Christian radio on all the time in my car…I now choose to share ‘The Good News’ at every stop and red light.

No, I’m not obnoxiously loud about it. I say a little prayer, smile, and roll down the window, so others who are beside me with their window down might hear a sweet an old hymn, praise and worship music, Christian rock, or a piece of a sermon. Sure, some roll their eyes…and some roll the windows up. However, some..stop, look and listen. Some even smile back.

We never know when or how God will use us. Let us be willing servants in all things. A passing word, or lyrics to a song, could be exactly what that driver next to you needs at that moment. They may be believers…or seekers. Not matter, we all struggle and need encouragement. Your willingness to give God the glory in all things may bring them comfort, increase their faith, till the soil of their heart, or plant a seed of Jesus in their heart. You may never know…because that’s about them and God, not you.

The important part for you could be learning to take another step in obedience and service to God’s glory.

How about starting a Music Ministry in your car; allowing your car to be yet another way (vehicle) to speak God’s truth, light and love to those you encounter…while traveling the roads of your city or town.

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1Corinthians 10:31

Jesus my Lord and Savior

© All Rights Reserved 2011 – Anastasia Diamond

The 4th of July is ‘Independence Day’ in the United States.

Happy 235th Birthday and may God bless America! Yes…I am an American. I still get that lump in my throat and catch in my heart at the sight of our flag, or singing our national anthem; The Star Spangled Banner. I love my country and know that I am blessed to live in the land of the free and home of the brave.

Today I also want to talk about a another kind of independence…

Long before America declared independence from England…God, the Creator of all that is, our heavenly Abba Father, gave us the free will to be independent in the thoughts of our mind, words of our mouth, and actions of our body. Though He knew some would stray and some would cleave…He gave us that choice.

However, He also  gave us the opportunity to become His blood-bought children when we repent of our poor choices and accept His Son, Jesus as our Lord and Savior  Additionally, when we realize this is only our temporary earthly home, we can choose to relinquish our passport to worldly things, submit our will to His…and through faith, become more dependent on Him.

Yes, of course we will still make personal choices. However, when we ask for His daily guidance and direction…our choices are tempered by His indwelling Holy Spirit, and the process of sanctification. Therefore, we will have more of Him and less of us in the choices we make.

He enlightens us mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually. He teaches us that we cannot go to some of the places we used to go; We cannot look at some of the things we used to look at; We cannot think about some of the things we used to think about; We cannot listen to some of the things we used to listen to; We cannot say some of the things we used to say; We cannot wear some of the things we used to wear…and we cannot do some of the things we used to do.

Then, if or when we do make poor choices, His Holy Spirit lovingly, yet persistently, convicts our heart…teaching and reminding us of who were are in Him; our righteousness in Christ, that we will learn to make better choices…all to His glory.

Is the loss of our spiritual independence a negative?

I don’t think so. Rather, it is an opportunity to partner with our Creator, who has known us since before we were formed in our mother’s womb. It is such an amazing opportunity to live life in agreement with His perfect plan.

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” -Jeremiah 29:11

We exchange spiritual aloneness for a precious blood-bought relationship with the only begotten Son of God…and are promised life in eternity with Him.

We receive spiritual wisdom, guidance and discernment from His most Holy Spirit.

We are healed, sealed, and blessed with the anointed blood of Jesus; giving us a covering and protection from the evil one.

Our sins are forgiven and covered with His divine grace and mercy.

Do you find it difficult to trust an unseen God with your life? Yet, you trust man and governments you can see with your life…and they fail you daily.

“God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: has he said, and shall he not do it? or has he spoken, and shall he not make it good?”  -Numbers 23:19

Declare and celebrate your personal Independence Day. Use your God-given free will…and give it all back to Him! He will take the broken pieces of your life that may have been meant for evil…and use them for good.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” -Romans 8:28

Filed under: Anastasia Diamond, Blessings, celebrate, Celebration, Christ, Christ-Follower, Christian, Christian Blog, Christian Writing, Christianity, Free Will, Freedom, Freedom of Choice, God, Happy Birthday, Holy Spirit, Independence Day, Inspirational Writing, Jeremiah 29:11, Jesus my Lord and Savior, Opportunities, Religion, Scripture, Spiritual Health, The 4th of July Tagged: Free Will, God, Holy Spirit, Independence Day, Jeremiah 29:11, Jesus, Numbers 23:19, Romans 8:28, Star Spangled Banner, United States of America ]]> http://jesusmylordandsavior.com/2011/06/26/independence-day/feed/ 5 SiaDia ...and our flag was still there http://jesusmylordandsavior.com/2011/06/22/does-going-to-church-make-you-a-christian/ http://jesusmylordandsavior.com/2011/06/22/does-going-to-church-make-you-a-christian/#comments Thu, 23 Jun 2011 01:07:40 +0000 Anastasia Diamond http://jesusmylordandsavior.wordpress.com/?p=3778 ]]>

 Do you believe this familiar Laurence J. Peter quote? “Going to church doesn’t make you any more a Christian than going to the garage makes you a car.”

Well, let’s see…on the surface, you might agree, as going to the garage certainly will not make you a car. However, do we become any more of a Christian from going to church? Though it may not necessarily happen…it is more likely it will.

A car is an inanimate object that cannot make the choice to go to the garage…it cannot get there or leave by itself…it must be driven, pushed, or towed. Though someone may take a person to a church building, they have the option to stay, go, or return. However, God Himself can call a person to go to church and become a member of the body of Christ.

Is everyone who goes to church a Christian? 

Unfortunately, no, because all persons who go to church have free will to choose to accept or reject Jesus, and may be in various steps of submission or the process of sanctification.

However, going to church should provide all potential Christians the spiritual setting, scriptural background, knowledge, leadership, and opportunities for increased faith and spiritual growth that will improve the possibility of that happening.

Going to church should also provide the declared Christian a place of worship, fellowship, prayer support, and opportunities for ongoing spiritual growth that will increase the likelihood of them remaining in church, the body of Christ.

A person called to be a Christian answers Jesus’ knocking at the door of their heart…opening the door and inviting Him in.

Not everyone who enters a church enters into a relationship with Jesus. However, it is available to all who choose Him. As much as some people like to give their car a name and personality that reflect them selves, it is impossible for a car to have a relationship with anyone or anything. However, our God invites us to have a relationship with Him.

Christians…we are His church, made to reflect His way, His truth, His life, His light, and His love.

While people cover, guide, protect, direct and love their cars, it is God who covers, guides, protects, directs, and loves His people. Let us not just sit in our church…as a car parked in a garage.

Let us be active members of the body of Christ.

Mother’s Day…Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow

JESUS My Lord and Savior

Anastasia Diamond ©All Rights Reserved-2011

You can see three more Mother’s Day posts on this blog:

Another Mother’s Day…without you

http://jesusmylordandsavior.wordpress.com/2010/05/07/happy-and-blessed-mothers-day/

http://jesusmylordandsavior.wordpress.com/2009/05/11/mothers-day-reflections-and-prayer/

We believe the roots of Mother’s Day may have started as early as seventeenth century England, when it was called ‘Mothering Sunday’, and celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent.  Children honored their mothers; bringing them bouquets of wildflowers and treats of sweet cakes. Though many may still celebrate ‘Mothering Sunday’…most know it now as Mother’s Day.

In 1872, American activist and poet, Julia Ward Howe, who wrote the words to ‘The Battle Hymn of the Republic’, proposed having religious gatherings for an International Mother’s Day to celebrate peace and motherhood.

Thank you dear Mother

Then, Mrs. Anna M. Jarvis worked many years to establish Mother’s Day as a national celebration. She held annual gatherings of ‘Mother’s Friendship Day’ to heal the pain of the Civil War. After Mrs. Jarvis died in 1905, her daughter, Anna was devoted to having Mother’s Day declared a national holiday. In the spring of 1908, Anna wrote to the Methodist Church where her mother taught Sunday School for over 20 years, requesting that a Mother’s Day service be held in her honor. As a result, the first formal Mother’s Day celebration was held on May 10, 1908.

For you…dear Mother

By 1911, Mother’s Day was celebrated in almost every state of the Union. Anna Jarvis’ relentless campaign is the reason we have an official holiday today.  President Woodrow Wilson declared Mother’s Day a national holiday in 1914; since then, we celebrate Mother’s Day every second Sunday in May. Anna chose Carnations to pay tribute to all mothers because they were her mother’s favorite; white carnations are worn to honor deceased mothers, and red ones to honor living mothers.

Over the years, Mother’s Day has changed from a simple, semi-religious event of prayers of peace and thankfulness for the efforts and labor of love of mothers around the world…to the present day holiday that is often filled with extravagant and costly gifts, flowers and cards.

Interestingly, Anna Jarvis was arrested at a Mother’s Day festival while trying to stop women from selling flowers. She said, “I wanted it to be a day of sentiment not profit.” Many mother’s the world over tend to agree with Anna…often preferring a personal handmade gift from the heart of their loved ones that they will treasure forever.

Mother’s Day Blessings

The Fifth Commandment reminds us to “Honor thy father and thy mother, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee; that thy days may be prolonged, and that it may go well with thee.”

Jesus honoring and obeying His Heavenly Father is our model of perfect, submitted love, from a child to a parent.

The ultimate strength or breakdown of any society starts at home. Let us remember our Creator’s miracle of motherhood, as we honor and respect our mothers…in our thoughts, prayers, words, and actions.

May your Mother’s Day be blessed…and may you bless and honor your mother.

Click to view slideshow.

I AM the Resurrection…and the Life

JESUS My Lord and Savior

©2011 All Rights Reserved

Anastasia Diamond

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. John 11:25-26

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the very heartbeat of Christianity. However, though most Americans view Easter as a religious celebration, many do not know why.

A recent Barna Group study asked adult Americans what Easter means to them…

While 67% consider Easter a religious holiday, there was some serious confusion: 2% of those said Easter is about the “birth of Christ”; another 2% indicated it was about the “rebirth of Jesus”; and 1% said it celebrates “the second coming of Jesus.”

An additional 3% said Easter is a celebration of spring, or a pagan holiday.

Of the 67% who acknowledged Easter as a religious holiday…only 42% rightly identified the resurrection of Jesus as the true meaning of Easter!

HE is Risen

Dear one, do not be confused…our salvation depends on faith in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Romans 10:9 tells us, “if you confess with your mouth ‘Jesus is Lord’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”

In 1 Corinthians Paul states, “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen sleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.”

Then Paul victoriously announces, “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.” The resurrection of Jesus Christ secured our justification; He died for our sins and was raised for our justification.

Resurrection Sunday Blessings

I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Philippians 3:10-12

May your Resurrection Sunday be blessed with the truth, knowledge, light and life of the resurrection of Jesus in your heart…and in your life.

Click to view slideshow.

JESUS my Lord and Savior

Fear and faith are like opposite sides of the same coin. God requires our faith, while satan requires our fear.

Faith gives God access to our lives through grace…allowing Him to work in, through, and for us. Fear gives satan access to our lives mentally, emotionally, physically, spiritually or financially…allowing him to work against us.

Fear cannot grow where faith is firmly planted on a sound foundation, and faith cannot blossom where fear grows wild and untamed.

Psalm 118:6 says, “The Lord is on my side I will not fear; what can man do to me?” If God is on our side, and helping us, why should we be afraid?

Hebrews 2:15 tells us people are in bondage because of fear of death. The fear of death is possibly the root of all fear…and takes the biggest covering of faith because death is the ultimate unknown.

Romans 10:17 says, “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.” Interestingly, fear also comes by hearing…but hearing by the word of the world. Remember, satan is not a creator. He can only distort and attempt to mimic that which God in heaven created. Therefore, it is important to understand that fear is satan’s primary means of destroying our faith. Every issue of fear that torments our heart has a root that can be covered, destroyed, and renewed with faith.

Fear that we will not have enough allows satan to deprive us of what we need. However, faith in God’s provision allows God to provide for us.

Which one governs your life…fear or faith?

“Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom.” Luke 12:32

©-Anastasia Diamond

JESUS my Lord and Savior

© All Rights Reserved

Anastasia Diamond

Waiting for just about anything, even answer to prayer, is often not an acceptable option in an instant gratification society filled with poor impulse control and lack of will power.

The thought of waiting until God grants a prayer request, when and if it is in accord with HIS will, is challenging at best…and absolutely unacceptable to those who use prayer and scripture like a magic genie: I want what I want, and I want it now…in the name of Jesus!

Praying in Jesus’ name is not a hocus-pocus guarantee of instant spiritual gratification that forces God to grant our requests.

It means to pray in the divine, anointed nature of Jesus, to pray in the character and temperament of the Son of God. This concept is often missed; and clearly illustrated when people quickly slur over HIS holy name, or use it as a command at the end of their prayer.

Sadly, many well-intentioned Christians sound like they are attempting to manipulate God into serving their will, instead of honoring HIM.

Many forget to ask in accord with the assurance of HIS goodness and promises… trusting that HIS perfect will be done in HIS time and in HIS way.

Though we proclaim God’s ways are not our ways, when it comes to answering prayers, many tend to expect only immediate results.

However, our heavenly Abba Father functions from the perspective of eternity. Therefore, though He sometimes does answer ‘Yes’ and gratification is instantaneous, we must not become disappointed when HIS answer is ‘No’ or ‘Not right now’.

After all…HE is God…we are not.

HIS perfect plan for us continues, and is bigger than we can possibly know. We must learn to trust HIM…in patience and hope.

There can be a variety of reasons why we must wait…

The timing may not be right yet; we may need to fulfill specific prerequisite conditions; we may need to grow mentally, emotionally, physically or spiritually; we may need to develop right motives, or we must meet other needs first.

None-the-less, we are to persist in our prayers…ask, seek, and knock… always remembering to praise HIM in all things.

Including the dark times when HIS answers are not instantly gratifying. If we are not praising HIM in the midst of our storms…who will receive the glory?

Click to view slideshow.

© Anastasia Diamond – All Rights Reserved

“Ask, and it shall be given to you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it shall be opened. Or what man is there among you, when his son shall ask him for a loaf, will give him a stone? Or if he shall ask for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!” Matthew 7:7-11

Reflections on the Gift of a ‘Snow Day’

JESUS my Lord and Savior

© All Rights Reserved – Anastasia Diamond

The High Desert and many surrounding areas of Southern California were blanketed with snow last night. And, I  was totally blessed with a no-work snow day today.

Just the thought of a ‘snow day’ feels like a delightful gift that brings out the little girl in me…saying, ‘Yay’!

Being a New Englander, I remember when the first days of a snow storm usually meant no school…sledding, building snowmen and igloos, snowball fights, and making snow angels.

God’s Surprise Gifts…found right outside my front door

I was awestruck by the magnificent treasure of these red berries dripping with crystal icicles in the morning sun. Today they remind me of my God’s Son; Jesus Christ, and the gift of His blood in sacrifice for my sins.

Sheltered in the Snow

Frozen little berries sheltered in a cave-like covering of pure white snow. Today they remind me of His death and resurrection…and my renewal in Him. Today they remind me of my sins washed white as snow by the precious anointed healing blood of the Lamb, Jesus Christ.

He Walks with Me

My footprints in the snow. Today they remind my that I am never truly alone…for He is with me always.

We Bow Down…and Worship You Lord

These Oleanders usually stand majestic, at attention along the wall of my backyard.

In summer and early fall they bloom in shades of red, pink and white. In spring they are pruned to cut away the dead, dry, brittle and broken branches to allow new strength and growth.

Today, these Oleanders bow to the ground; overpowered in submission to the weight of the snow. Today, they remind me to always submit my will to His divine will. To trust Him always; that He will always make something beautiful of my humble life when I give my all to Him to mold, shape, guide and direct in His perfect time and will.

Today, they remind me that spring will come, and I will be strengthened and grow from and through my Creator pruning my life…so I will have more of Him…and less of me in all I think, say and do.

Click to view slideshow.

Filed under: Anastasia Diamond, Christian, Christian Writing, Christianity, Inspirational, Inspirational Writing, Jesus my Lord and Savior, Photography, Religion, Snow, Snow Day Tagged: building igloos, building snowmen, God, God's gift, growth, Jesus Christ, New England, no work, Oleanders, sledding, snow, snow angel, Snow Day, snowball fights, Southern California, Submission ]]> http://jesusmylordandsavior.com/2011/01/03/gods-snow-day-gift/feed/ 1 SiaDia Welcome Puppy Bookmark and Share Berries and Icicles Gifts wrapped in snow He walks with me... Bowing Branches http://jesusmylordandsavior.com/2010/12/29/book-review-blind-hope/ http://jesusmylordandsavior.com/2010/12/29/book-review-blind-hope/#comments Wed, 29 Dec 2010 21:56:15 +0000 Anastasia Diamond http://jesusmylordandsavior.wordpress.com/?p=3384 ]]>

Written by Kim Meeder and Laurie Sacher

Authors, Kim Meeder and Laurie Sacher tell an inspiring, yet true, heart stirring story of friendship, companionship, compassion, bonding, growth, healing, faith, trust, love…and hope.

You will meander the trails of Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch, while enjoying delightful and profound word pictures that will have you chuckling and prayerfully reflecting throughout this fast-moving book.

Mia will wag her tail into your heart. You will fall in love with this forlorn dog rescued from certain death, who teaches her new master Godly principles coupled with the deeper meanings of love, joy and loyalty.

All of us may have places of mental, emotional, physical or spiritual blindness. BLIND HOPE offers healing wrapped in a story of hope.

After reading BLIND HOPE, you may want to run to the nearest shelter in search of your own rescue dog. Even if that is not possible…you will most certainly gain a deeper insight and appreciation of our unique relationship with animals and our Creator’s unique relationship with us.

Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes

Kim Meeder is the cofounder and director of Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch, an organization that rescues abused and dying horses and pairs them with children in need. Kim’s first book, Hope Rising, propelled the ranch to win the national Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Award and launched her extensive public/motivational speaking schedule at schools, churches, and governmental conferences across the United States. She and her husband, Troy, have been married for twenty-five years and live in Central Oregon. The size of their family fluctuates each year with the number of horses and kids that they rescue.

Laurie Sacher is a team leader at Crystal Peaks Youth. Laurie graduated from Point Loma Nazarene University in 2003 and taught English as Second Language in Spain before returning to her native California roots to pursue her passion for kids and animals. When she isn’t working at the ranch, Laurie enjoys running with her dog, snowboarding, hiking, horseback riding, and spending time in coffee shops with friends.

Filed under: Book Review, Books, Christian books, Christian Writing, Christianity, dog rescue, God, Healing, Hope, Hopelessness, Inspirational, Jesus my Lord and Savior, Love, Relationships Tagged: BLIND HOPE, Book review, Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch, friendship, God, Healing, Hope, Kim Meeder, Laurie Sacher, Relationships, rescue dog, true story ]]> http://jesusmylordandsavior.com/2010/12/29/book-review-blind-hope/feed/ 5 SiaDia Bookmark and Share http://jesusmylordandsavior.com/2010/12/27/godly-new-years-resolutions/ http://jesusmylordandsavior.com/2010/12/27/godly-new-years-resolutions/#comments Mon, 27 Dec 2010 19:30:46 +0000 Anastasia Diamond http://jesusmylordandsavior.wordpress.com/?p=3350 ]]>

Blooming in Transparency before GOD

Making and Keeping Godly New Year’s Resolutions

Though we realize nothing supernatural actually occurs on January 1^st, we none-the-less like the idea of and opportunity for new beginnings that come with a new year.

I have not found anything in the Bible that specifically speaks for or against New Year’s resolutions.

However, Philippians 4:13 declares: “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.”

John 15:5 proclaims: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing.”

And, Psalm 37:4 promises: “Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”

These scriptures remind us…

• It is God who empowers us. He grants us favor, and fulfills our inner most wants and needs when we joyfully abide in Him.
• God sustains us. We are completely dependent upon Him and truly productive only when we remain connected to Him, our source.
• We are able to accomplish everything in accord with God’s divine will, plan and purpose…when we submit our will to His.

A resolution is a determined decision in the form of verbal or written goals to make mental, emotional, physical, financial, or spiritual changes for the better.

New Beginnings!

What kind of resolutions

do Christ-followers make?

Are we making resolutions to change habits about smoking, drinking, weight lose, addictions, finances, family, relationships…or are we making vows and promises to God to increase our spiritual relationship with Him?

Even among Christians, the majority of New Year’s resolutions are mostly earthly, not spiritual. However, as you may expect, many Christians do make resolutions to attend church, pray, and read the Bible more often. Though truly wonderful goals, unfortunately, they are often broken as quickly as non-spiritual resolutions.

Whether earthly or spiritual, New Year’s resolutions have no value without having right motivation. Therefore, we must ask ourselves, why we want to make the change, and if the result will glorify God.

Stand close to God; with Him center in your New Year’s resolution. Be connected to the source of His perfect will for your life, spiritual growth, and earthly success in this coming new year.

• Pray for Holy Spirit wisdom and guidance in choosing Godly resolutions.
• Pray for discernment, knowledge and understanding in keeping your resolutions.
• Trust God’s strength and read His Word for encouragement.
• Seek a prayer/accountability partner who will come-alongside and encourage you to keep your resolutions with hope, faith  and joyful expectation.
• Accept that you may have setbacks in keeping your resolutions, but a setback does not have to mean failure.
• Give God the praise and glory in all things.

May you have a joy-filled and truly blessed New Year. Travel ‘Light’ my dear friend.

Lovingly, in HIS name -Anastasia

**Click the links below for more New Years related posts on this blog**

• http://jesusmylordandsavior.wordpress.com/2011/12/27/faith-and-hope-for-a-new-year/
• http://jesusmylordandsavior.wordpress.com/2009/12/26/who-or-what%E2%80%A6can-steal-the-happy-from-our-new-year/
• http://jesusmylordandsavior.wordpress.com/2011/11/17/zoe-life-inspired-2012-daily-devotional/
• http://jesusmylordandsavior.wordpress.com/2009/04/12/walking-on-the-precipice-of-time/

Click to view slideshow.

JESUS…was born, lived and died for our salvation

JESUS my Lord and Savior

©All Rights Reserved-Anastasia Diamond

Making room for JESUS in the inn of your heart

JESUS was conceived by the Holy Spirit of God in a young virgin called Mary.

JESUS is the second part of the Holy Trinity; the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, who existed before the creation of the world.

JESUS is the only begotten Son of God, who came to us in as a baby in human form to offer and fulfill God’s perfect plan and purpose.

JESUS came to live and die for all of us in payment for our sins.

JESUS provided the free gift of salvation to everyone who chooses to accept it…and follow Him.

Scripture about the birth of Jesus

Isaiah 7:14 - Prophecy…a virgin will bear a son

“Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel.”

Isaiah 9:6 -Prince of Peace

For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.

Matthew 1:16 – Jesus, Mary and Joseph

to Jacob was born Joseph the husband of Mary, by whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.

Matthew 1:21 - Son and Savior, called Jesus

“And she will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for it is He who will save His people from their sins.”

Luke 1:3 - The Son of God

And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy offspring shall be called the Son of God

Luke 1:14 - Rejoice

“And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.

Matthew 2:1 – Jesus born in Bethlehem

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem

Luke 2:9-12 – Good News and Great Joy

And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. And the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which shall be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. “And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths, and lying in a manger.”

Luke 2:21 – They named Him JESUS

And when eight days were completed before His circumcision, His name was then called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.

John 1:14 -The Word became flesh

And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.

My favorite childhood Christmas carol

‘Away in the Manger’

Words: John McFarland (1851-1913). Music: James Murray, 1887

JESUS is knocking!

I pray you will open the door to the inn of your

heart, and receive HIM…

God’s divine gift of salvation this Christmas.

NEW INSPIRATIONAL BOOK!!

CONVERSATIONS of COURAGE

Jesus my Lord and Savior -Anastasia Diamond

© All Rights Reserved

CONVERSATIONS of COURAGE

Stories of Success, Hope & Possibility

I am so very honored and delightfully blessed to announce that I am one of the featured authors in the NEW inspirational anthology compiled by ‘The Courage Giver’ – RJ Jackson, and Starla F. Porter of Zoe Life Publications.

Twenty-two authors share stories that will remind you of the future and hope God has in store for you.

My story…

From Darkness…into HIS Light

explores my spiritual journey seeking HIS truth

I knew about Jesus…but I did not know Jesus

Let the Conversations Begin!

Order a signed copy

at reduced savings

Please E-MAIL or COMMENT for more information

Many continuing blessings,

as you travel ‘Light’

on your journey… Anastasia

Click on this LINK to learn more

http://jesusmylordandsavior.wordpress.com/book/

Click to view slideshow.

HE Knocks…Jesus said, “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” Revelation 3:20

Jesus my Lord and Savior

©All Rights Reserved -Anastasia Diamond

What happened at the door to your heart?

Did you not open it the first time He knocked? Did you hide and pretend you were not home? Did you peek out and talk to Him through a half-closed door? Did you open the door widely, invite Him in, and offer a quick ‘ten-cent tour’? Did you say, “Mi casa su casa” (My house is your house)…and allow Him immediate access to every room, closet, and drawer? Did you seat Him in the living room, serve Him there, but not allow Him to wander around, for fear of embarrassment? Or…is He still knocking?

As for me, I opened the door very slowly.

Thankfully, I knew who Jesus was, and that He was there. But, I needed to learn to trust Him, to walk in faith, to build my side of the relationship, and accept that He was not only my Savior, but also my Lord.

Thankfully, He was patient.

Thankfully, He was still there knocking when I chose to open the door and invited Him in.

Thankfully, He accepted me just as I was, sin-filled and broken.

Thankfully, He provided the ongoing process of sanctification, after I invited Him in.

Thankfully, as I grow ever closer to Him…He grows closer to me.

The day to celebrate and proclaim our thankfulness is approaching. We call it Thanksgiving.

Yes, God has blessed me with a loving family and loyal friends, a healthy body and mind, food for my stomach, shelter over my head, and good work for my hands.

Yes, I praise and thank Him for these things daily.

However, I am most thankful for the day I opened the door to His knocking, my relationship with Jesus, and the salvation of my soul.

Thankfully, God does not show partiality.

What He does for one…He will do for another.

Will you fully open the door to your heart today? Let Him in…with no boundaries. Give Him full access to your life, that He can mold you and shape you into the man or woman that He desires you to be.

All Rights Reserved ©2009-2010…”JESUS my Lord and Savior-ANASTASIA DIAMOND’S Prayerful Reflections…and Photographs on a Spiritual Journey from Darkness into HIS Light” Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from Anastasia Diamond is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided full and clear credit is given author/photographer and with appropriate and specific direction to the original content at:  http://jesusmylordandsavior.wordpress.com/

Come…Walk Through the Valley with Me

JESUS My Lord and Savior

© All Rights Reserved 2010 -Anastasia Diamond

Yeah, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for You are with me. -Psalm 23:4

Come; walk through the valley

…and fear no evil.

Fear is such a powerful four-letter word. However, the accepted acronym for FEAR is False Expectations Appearing Real, which really takes the biting teeth out of the word.

Do you have false expectations appearing real?  Most of us are afraid of something. Fear of heights, the dark, commitment, abandonment, failure, needles, intimacy, crowds, flying, falling, dogs, driving, snakes, spiders, clowns, thunder, change, public speaking; the list goes on and on - fear of the unknown…

Ah, yes – the greatest fear…of the grandest unknown: Death and dying.

In these days of astounding medical and technological advances, the fear of death still plagues the depth of the human soul. Perhaps, even more now than ever before. While the world population is rapidly aging…society promotes youth, vitality, strength, beauty, health and vigor. While baby-boomers are fighting for 60 to be the new 30…society encourages us to hide the frail and dying from view; progressively training us to warehouse our sick, elderly, and terminally ill loved ones.

Death comes in all sizes, shapes, styles, colors, ages and stages. Death is the guaranteed equal opportunity end to all life.

Those, who in years past, were honored and cared for by family, friends, ministers and neighbors…have lost much of that personal care and contact. With their daily care often given over to overworked, under appreciated nursing staff or care providers…more often than not…family, friends, ministers and neighbors are now visitors in a foreign and sterile world of white sheets and rules.

Society tells us our loved ones are better off dying in hospitals and retirement homes, than at home. Well, these places certainly do have their value, time and purpose…and provide necessary medical treatment and care when needed. However, ideally, when death is imminent, those who are dying should be surrounded by familiar and gentle things…and people.

Caring for a loved one at home is an opportunity to face your fears of death. I realize my proposal is at times impossible, difficult at best, and that life adjustments must always be made to accommodate the dying at home. But, I none-the-less urge you to bring them home if you can!

The death process is as much a natural and expected part of living as birth. One takes a breath in…the other is letting it go. The pre-death experience often includes a pending-death awareness that heralds life’s waning and ending much in the way birth pangs announce an impending new life.

I have witnessed the resplendent echo of my children’s and grandchildren’s first cries…as well as the awe and tenuous gasps of my loved one’s last breaths.

Though we celebrate one, and mourn the other…both are equal in their beauty and spiritual significance.

The struggle is similar; one is letting go of the familiar cocoon of the womb to enter earthly life. The other is letting go of the familiar earthly life to step into life eternal.

Approaching death awareness is an awe-inspiring piece of the pre-death process.

Travelers on this road often express a need to prepare for a journey; they know they are going somewhere. They may talk of driving, taking a bus, a plane, a train…needing to go. Those who have become ‘bed-ridden’ may attempt to get up in their quest to get where they are going. They may describe their destination, with awe and joy. They may talk about seeing others who have already passed over, who they may or may not know. They may ignore your presence; preferring to talk with ‘others’ who are present.

They may even tell us the date or time of their own death.  As they approach death awareness, they may actually control the circumstances and time of their death; delaying the final moments until a request is met, a promise fulfilled, a fear dismissed, or reconciliation accomplished.

What an honor to be present and partake in these pieces of spiritually precious moments at the end of a life’s journey.

Education and faith are the keys to dispelling the fear of death…and of those who are dying.

I encourage you to educate yourself, and others. I encourage you to allow God to minister to your heart, and increase your faith in Him and His designed death process. I encourage you to prepare for this excursion into the unknown called death, with at least as much thought and preparation as you gave your last vacation. I encourage you to regain a child-like faith in an Abba Father who loves you into eternity. I encourage you to accept death as a perfectly designed step in the ever unfolding seasons of life.

Death is a journey that we, and all of our loved ones, shall take…

We have all seen or heard of those who complete heroic deeds in war, only to come home to die in an auto accident. Those who live through major drama, trauma and chaos, only to die from a brief and simple illness. Then, there are those who survive, when all around them have perished. And, those who the doctors say are medical miracles who should not have survived.

Being in danger does not mean you will die. It only means you have lived.

There are a limited number of ways any of us can leave this earthly existence:  ’natural causes’, illness, disease, accident, murder, suicide…or being translated; known as the rapture…when end-time believers will be taken up to meet Jesus.

Interestingly, when asked, most people want to die in their sleep; not consciously knowing what is happening to them. However, those who believe in heaven or the coming rapture, often want to fully experience this journey into eternity.

Most people say they are not afraid to die, they just don’t want a lingering death, or one preceded by extreme pain or disfigurement. Most people who have not accepted the promise of heaven are fearful of death…and prefer a life lingering on earth indefinitely, to a death with an uncertain destination.

Those who have a hope in life after death are usually less fearful…more ready and willing to consciously take that step into eternity. They trust, through faith, that to be absent from the body…is to be present with the Lord.

We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.

-2 Corinthians 5:8

Let us honor death as a natural part of  living. Let us not turn away from opportunities to draw closer to accepting God’s purposes in life…and in death.

I urge you to reach out and touch the face of your fear of death.

Your life and the life of those you love and care for will be forever changed, blessed and enriched when you walk through the valley of the shadow of death…and fear no evil.

All Rights Reserved ©2009-2010…”JESUS my Lord and Savior-ANASTASIA DIAMOND’S Prayerful Reflections…and Photographs on a Spiritual Journey from Darkness into HIS Light” Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from Anastasia Diamond is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided full and clear credit is given author/photographer and with appropriate and specific direction to the original content at: http://jesusmylordandsavior.wordpress.com/

What does ABSTINENCE mean to you?

JESUS my Lord and Savior

©All Rights Reserved–Anastasia Diamond

Abstinence is one of those words, and subjects, that means many different things to many different people.We have numerous religious, cultural, moral, and societal standards that affect our personal thoughts and judgments about abstinence.

So…what does ABSTINENCE mean to you?

To you, abstinence may mean turning from pieces of your past…to make a new commitment before God for the present or the future.

To you, abstinence may mean only men make this choice.

To you, abstinence may mean only women make this choice.

To you, abstinence may mean…I can do this…but not that.

To you, abstinence may mean practicing a spiritual discipline.

To you, abstinence may mean only those with sexual hangups make this choice.

To you, abstinence may mean only single people make this choice.

To you, abstinence may mean married people can also make this choice.

To you, abstinence may mean abstention from food, such as fasting.

To you, abstinence may mean making a joint commitment of purity with your current boyfriend or girlfriend, but does not apply, if or when, you become engaged.

To you, abstinence may mean making a joint commitment of purity with your future spouse.

To you, abstinence may mean making a singular commitment between you and God..without any prospect of marriage.

To you, abstinence may mean abstention from alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, or food.

To you, abstinence may mean believing true love waits…in purity…until entering a biblical marriage relationship.

To you, abstinence may mean choosing to be holy, as He is holy.

To you, abstinence may mean it is okay to masturbate, but not have sexual relations with another.

To you, abstinence may mean learning to love God more than your passion nature.

To you, abstinence may mean it is a way to avoid having sexual relations with your boyfriend, girlfriend, or spouse.

To you, abstinence may mean it is the safest form of birth control.

To you, abstinence may mean giving up the most important part of your life.

To you, abstinence may mean submitting your passion nature and will to God’s perfect will for your life.

To you, abstinence may mean the only form of protection from sexually transmitted diseases.

To you, abstinence may mean understanding and believing that your body is the Temple of the Holy Spirit.

To you, abstinence may mean foolishness in today’s permissive society.

What does Abstinence mean to you?

Please Leave a Comment or send me an
E-mail…

There are so many possible answers…and points of view. I look forward to learning what abstinence means to you.

Many blessings and thank you for visiting.

-Anastasia

JESUS my Lord and Saviour

©All Rights Reserved-Anastasia Diamond

True forgiveness comes…only after we choose to dig up the root of bitterness in our heart…then seal that empty space with HIS love and the precious anointed blood of Jesus.

How are your listening skills? Do you listen to understand…or just enough to argue and condemn? Close your mouth…and open your heart.

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus…there is something about that name! Every knee will bow, every tongue will confess…that Jesus Christ is Lord.

HE touched me with HIS love…John 3:16, and I am forever changed.

Thank You dear Jesus. Were it not for Your precious shed blood…I would be forever lost in the darkness…never seeing my way to You.

I receive His perfect peace today…mentally, emotionally, physically…and spiritually (As promised in John 14:27).

I put satan on notice…he is under my feet. I am a blood-bought child of GOD. Therefore, no weapon formed against me can prosper.

My Abba Father gave me a vision of a magnificent ‘Patience Garden’ as my precious husband let go of my hand…and reached out to HIS…then stepped into eternity.

Being ‘salt and light’ in a dark world…is not a call for you to carry a salt shaker and a flashlight!

Prepare to do the work…that will prepare you to do the work…that God is preparing you to do.

When your world is shaking with chaos & you feel like you’re going to crumble…praise God & stand on the Rock of your salvation.

Follow JESUS into eternity. His Light…HIS Truth…HIS Way…HIS Life…HIS Cross…HIS Resurrection.

God said-Acknowledge HIM in all your ways. Therefore, I choose to also acknowledge HIM online…my blog, facebook and twitter.

Abba Father I pray we keep our feet on the narrower road…where Your Word is our lamp and a light unto our path.

Alone…I am a weak and brittle twig. With God…I am a strong and majestic oak.

May this day bring opportunities for each of us to shine His light in the midst of the chaos.

Some days I feel broken…then I remember You were broken for me…and look up and praise You in the midst of my trials.

Why do they look for the living among the dead? The tomb was empty….He is risen!!!

One of the blessings of age is diminishing capacity in the physical…compensated by increasing capacity in the spiritual.

Serve God with your gift…then you will find your purpose.

How lovely our JESUS. How tender HIS heart. How glorious our Savior. How perfect HIS promises. How healing HIS stripes.

Are you like ‘God with skin on’ to someone? You may be the only reflection of HIM they see-Take care to walk in HIS light.

Letting go of our control and trusting God…is an action of faith…in the midst of the trials and chaos of our life.

So many tell me Anastasia is a beautiful name. I tell them the true beauty is in the meaning in the original Greek: “Of the Resurrection”.

YOU dear Lord are my safe harbor in moments of sadness, loss, sorrow, grief…and in times of ‘Why?’ and ‘What if?’

All Packed UP and Ready to Go…with HIM

So many times, so many ways…doctors proclaimed that I could’ve and should’ve died. But my Master Physician had a different plan.

We are blessed, blood-bought, royal children of the King of Kings. How lovely to have such a large & diverse family.

Abba Father-I pray for parents who have buried their children-that they will receive Your healing comfort in their sorrow.

Abba Father, You incline Your ears to Your children. You love us…Therefore no request is too big or too small.

He is reaching out to you…step out of the boat…and walk in faith…in HIM.

Dear JESUS, I pray for family & friends who don’t know You. May their eyes be opened to Your way, Your truth & Your life.

Abba Father, I pray You keep me humble dear Lord. May there be more of You & less of me in all I think, speak and do.

Dear Abba Father, Teach me to listen with Your ear, feel with Your heart & speak with Your words…that I may do Your will.

Pieces of Beauty

Father, I pray You give us Your discernment-wisdom & knowledge, that we carry out You perfect will in all we think-say & do.

But for HIS grace…there go I. The only way our Abba Father can look at me is through the shed blood of the Lamb.

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Seasons of Hopelessness…and God’s Promises of Hope

JESUS My Lord and Savior

© All Rights Reserved -Anastasia Diamond

Everyone experiences seasons of hopelessness now and then…

We have all had times when we looked at the circumstances of our life…and sighed in hopelessness; not knowing what tomorrow would bring. Or, knowing what tomorrow would bring…and not being able to change it.

Either way, the dread of our hopelessness over-shadowed every thought, invaded our sleep, and consumed every waking hour. No matter which way we turned…the outcome was dire…and appeared totally hopeless.

When was the last time hopelessness was your closest companion?

Was it in a broken relationship, financial disaster, natural disaster, a negative health report, a lost job, a lost home, a lost love, or an over-powering addiction? Perhaps it was in grieving a death or impending death of a loved one, an unwanted change, broken boundaries, being controlled and manipulated by others, or perhaps…when you just didn’t get your way!

Hopelessness comes in all sizes, shapes and colors; to the old, young, rich and poor; obscure and famous. Hopelessness offers everyone an equal opportunity to feel its pangs in the tragedy, trauma, and drama of every day life.

So…what do ‘you’ do when hopelessness knocks on your door?

The list of possible negative coping devices is at least as long as the reasons causing your feelings of hopelessness.

Do you create more chaos and hopelessness by swallowing a pill, indulging in destructive sexual contacts, complaining, crying, drinking too much, over-eating, accusing or blaming others, running away, angry outbursts, or attacking, swearing, or sleeping all the time…etc, etc, etc?

Or, do you turn to prayer…and place your hope in Him?

Times made for the foot of the Cross!

This is not to say we must wait for hopelessness before we turn to Jesus. However, we often tend to put off taking it to the cross until we feel desperate…or at least broken enough to lean on Him.

Let us all remember to take our hopelessness to the foot of the Cross of Jesus Christ. He can, and will, give the hope we seek…covered with His perfect peace.

The Bible offers hope in the midst of our hopelessness…

The divinely inspired Word of God is overflowing with scripture to guide, inspire, encourage…and promise hope in our seemingly hopeless situations.

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. – Romans 15:4

Scriptures of Hope…

You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety. - Job 11:18

May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope is in you. – Psalm 25:21

Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD. – Psalm 31:24

But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him,on those whose hope is in his unfailing love. – Psalm 33:18

May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in you. - Psalm 33:28

For evil men will be cut off, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land. – Psalm 37:9

But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you. – Psalm 39:7

Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. – Psalm 42:11

I will praise you forever for what you have done; in your name I will hope, for your name is good. I will praise you in the presence of your saints. – Psalm 52:9

Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. – Psalm 62:5

You answer us with awesome deeds of righteousness, O God our Savior, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas. – Psalm 65:5

May those who hope in you not be disgraced because of me, O Lord, the LORD Almighty; may those who seek you not be put to shame because of me, O God of Israel.- Psalm 69:6

For you have been my hope, O Sovereign LORD, my confidence since my youth. - Psalm 71:5

But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more. – Psalm 71:14

Do not snatch the word of truth from my mouth, for I have put my hope in your laws. - Psalm 119:43

Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope. – Psalm 119:49

May those who fear you rejoice when they see me, for I have put my hope in your word. – Psalm 119:7

My soul faints with longing for your salvation, but I have put my hope in your word. – Psalm 119:81

You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word. – Psalm 114

Sustain me according to your promise, and I will live; do not let my hopes be dashed. – Psalm 119:116

I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in your word. – Psalm 119-147

O Israel, put your hope in the LORD both now and forevermore.  - Psalm 131:3

Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God. – Psalm 146:5-

The LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.- Psalm 147:11

The prospect of the righteous is joy, but the hopes of the wicked come to nothing.- Psalm 10:18

The desire of the righteous ends only in good, but the hope of the wicked only in wrath. – Proverbs 11:23

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. – Proverbs 13:12

Discipline your son, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to his death. – Proverbs 19:18

There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off. – Proverbs 23:18

Know also that wisdom is sweet to your soul; if you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off. – Proverbs 24:14

Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him. – Proverbs 26:12

Anyone who is among the living has hope —even a live dog is better off than a dead lion! - Ecclesiastes 9:4

But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. - Isaiah 40:31

Kings will be your foster fathers, and their queens your nursing mothers. They will bow down before you with their faces to the ground; they will lick the dust at your feet. Then you will know that I am the LORD; those who hope in me will not be disappointed.” – Isaiah 49:23

You were wearied by all your ways, but you would not say, ‘It is hopeless.’ You found renewal of your strength, and so you did not faint. – Isaiah 57:10

Do any of the worthless idols of the nations bring rain? Do the skies themselves send down showers? No, it is you, O LORD our God. Therefore our hope is in you, for you are the one who does all this. – Jeremiah 14:22

O LORD, the hope of Israel, all who forsake you will be put to shame. Those who turn away from you will be written in the dust because they have forsaken the LORD, the spring of living water. – - Jeremiah 17:13

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. -Jeremiah 29:11

So there is hope for your future,” declares the LORD. “Your children will return to their own land. - Jeremiah 31:17

The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him. – Lamentations 3:25

Let him bury his face in the dust— there may yet be hope. - Lamentations 3:29

There I will give her back her vineyards, and will make the Valley of Achor a door of hope. There she will sing as in the days of her youth, as in the day she came up out of Egypt. - Hosea 2:15

But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me. - Micah 7:7

Return to your fortress, O prisoners of hope; even now I announce that I will restore twice as much to you. – Zechariah 9:12

In his name the nations will put their hope. – Matthew 12:21

Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. – Matthew 17:20

Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will live in hope. – Acts 2:26

Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” – Romans 4:18

And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. – Roman 5:5

But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. – Romans 8:25

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. – Romans 12:22

And again, Isaiah says, “The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; the Gentiles will hope in him.” – Romans 15:12

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. – Romans 15:13

Surely he says this for us, doesn’t he? Yes, this was written for us, because when the plowman plows and the thresher threshes, they ought to do so in the hope of sharing in the harvest. - 1 Corinthians 9:10

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. – 1 Corinthians 13:13

If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men. – 1 Corinthians 15:19

He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us. - 2 Corinthians 1:10

Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold. – 2 Corinthians 3:12

But by faith we eagerly await through the Spirit the righteousness for which we hope. – Galatians 5:5

In order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. – Ephesians 1:12

I Pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints. – Ephesians 1:18

There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called. – Ephesians 4:4

I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. – Philippians 1:20

The faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel. – Colossians 1:5

If you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant. - Colossians 1:23

We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. – 1 Thessalonians 1:3

For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? -1 Thessalonians 2:19

Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. – 1 Thessalonians 4:13

But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. – 1 Thessalonians 5:8

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope. – 2 Thessalonians 2:16

(and for this we labor and strive), that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe. – 1 Timothy 4:10

The widow who is really in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day to pray and to ask God for help. – 1 Timothy 5:51

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. – 1 Timothy 6:17

Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth. – 2 Timothy 2:25

Faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time.  -Titus 1:2

While we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. – Titus 2:13

That, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. – Titus 3:7

But Christ is faithful as a son over God’s house. And we are his house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast. – Hebrews 3:6

We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. – Hebrews 6:11

God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. – Hebrews 6:18

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain. – Hebrews 6:19

(for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God. - Hebrews 7:19

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. – Hebrews 10:23

[By Faith] Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. – Hebrews 11:1

[Praise to God for a Living Hope] Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. – 1 Peter 1:3

[Be Holy] Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. – 1 Peter 1:13

Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God. - 1 Peter 1:21

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. – 1 Peter 3:15

Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure. – 1 John 3:3

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JESUS My Lord and Savior

© All Rights Reserved -Anastasia Diamond

Prayerful reflections on my life…as I approach my 64th birthday

Birthdays are such a precious time to celebrate all that God can do in the life of those who choose to follow HIM.

I never thought I would live this long! But…I am so very happy, pleased and blessed that I have.

I am so immeasurably grateful that I answered the Holy Spirit’s call on my life.

I am a sinner…saved and forgiven by HIS grace, and through His mercy.

I remember the audible pounding in my heart…as HE convicted me…and called me to choose, and follow Jesus.

Dear Abba Father, I praise You and thank You…for my New Birth Day…the day I was re-born, in and through You.

Dear Abba Father, I praise You and thank You…that You never gave up on me during all those years I searched for Your truth in so many strange, mystical, and occult places.

Dear Abba Father, I praise You and thank You…that You never gave up on me as I stumbled in my unrepentant sinfulness.

Dear Abba Father, I praise You and thank You… that You never gave up on me when I was so very unlovable in the thoughts of my mind, words of my mouth, and actions of my body.

Dear Abba Father, I praise You and thank You…that You loved me in the midst of my sin…while giving me a hope and promise for a new beginning, in and through Your Son, Jesus.

Dear Abba Father, I praise You and thank You…that You continue to love me today…in the midst of my continuing human frailties.

Dear Abba Father, I praise You and thank You…for giving me Your Holy Spirit wisdom, guidance, and correction.

Dear Abba Father, I praise You and thank You… for the process of sanctification…as I grow in submitting my will to Your divine will for my life.

Dear Abba Father, I praise You and thank You…that You have made beauty of the ashes of my life.

Dear Abba Father, I praise You and thank You…for the family, friends and foes in my life…as I grow from every relationship, when I submit them all to You.

Dear Abba Father, I praise You and thank You…that You sent Your Son, Jesus Christ…to live, die, and resurrect for me.

Dear Abba Father, I praise You and thank You… for every moment of my life; each has drawn me closer to You, which is the only place I want to be.

Dear Abba Father, I praise You and thank You…for the rest of my life; may I live every day drawing closer to You, walking Your narrower road…and reflecting Your light and love, in Your Name, to all I meet

But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Matthew 6:15

JESUS My Lord and Savior

© All Rights Reserved -Anastasia Diamond

Prayerful Reflections of an ordinary day that stands out because of  valuable lessons learned about what is truly important.

I was born and lived in Boston’s South End at a time when there was row after row of old brick tenement buildings; certainly not the best address in town; often called the slums; today we would call it a ghetto. Instead of porches, patios and backyards…we had front steps, fire escapes, the street, alleys, and the roof.

They tore the buildings down years ago, but the memories remain.

Our family lived in a fourth floor cold-water flat in a melting pot of diverse cultures, religions, crime, and hope of new beginnings. Without the luxury of private bathrooms, we shared a hallway toilet with other tenants…and anyone wandering in off the street. We saw and experienced some things in the neighborhood that children should not. But it was home for that season.

The kitchen was the center of family life.

The big metal sink doubled as a bathtub for the little kids. My mother heated water on a coal and wood burning stove that doubled as a warm and cozy fireplace to sit in front of while our mittens hung on the door to dry after a snow ball fight in the cold New England winters. My mother cooked everything from scratch. I am still in awe of how she baked cookies, cakes, and lemon meringue pies to perfection in that old oven. Delightful memories also linger, of the variety of other wonderful smells drifting through the hallways at suppertime.

So often, our mother would tell us…

“It doesn’t matter where you live, what you have, or don’t have. We have soap, so you can always be clean.” We bathed nightly in that kitchen sink, and were always clean. “It doesn’t matter if your chair is broken; polish it.” Our furniture, though worn and somewhat tattered, was clean and polished regularly. “It doesn’t matter if your clothes aren’t new; just be sure they are clean and ironed, and sew them when they’re torn.” Our clothes were mostly hand-me-downs from the Saint Vincent-de-Paul, but they were clean, mended, often starched, and always ironed.

One sun-shiny spring day remains deeply etched in my memory.

My petite, Italian mother washed a mountain of laundry that morning, all by hand, as usual. I remember watching on tip-toe as she filled that big old kitchen sink with water she heated on the stove. It must have been so difficult for her to carry all of those heavy, wet loads up two flights of stairs to the roof, where she hung everything to dry. I don’t ever remember hearing her complain. I do think that particular day must have been extra tiring, because she washed clothes for all five kids, our father, her self…sheets and towels too.

On the rooftop overlooking the Boston skyline…

My brother and I played under the blue skies and fluffy clouds while our mother lifted, shook, hung, and pinned. I am sure we left little fingerprint smudges of this and that on the clean, wet sheets as we twirled in and out, and ran round and round through them as they flapped in the warm, sweet breeze. When she finished, every line was full with happy colorful clothes, tattered but clean towels, and sparkling white sheets and pillow cases.

Trusting the hot sun and gentle wind to do their assigned tasks…we left the rooftop to go on with a very ordinary day.

Later that day, just before dark, my mother went to the roof alone to gather the laundry. However, after just a few minutes, and much too quickly, the door swung open again. Ma’s strong smooth arms, which should have held the first basketful of sweet-smelling, sun-dried clothes, hung empty at her sides.

She just stood there looking at us…and said, “Everything is gone.”

“What?” we asked. “All of our clothes are gone?” My brothers, sisters and I clamored around her, all talking at once and full of questions: “Where did they go? Who took them? Let’s tell the police. What will we wear?” Though still stunned with shock herself, and probably pondering similar questions, our precious mother listened to all of our concerns; then she said…

“Anyone who would steal children’s clothes and sheets needs them more than we do.”

Though I am sure she was devastated, our mother used this opportunity of our loss to talk to her children of forgiveness, compassion for others, and remind us to thank God, for it was only clothing, sheets and towels that were missing, not us.

Our mother demonstrated a living example of forgiveness that I have never forgotten.

I really don’t remember what else happened that afternoon. I don’t think my mother ever found out who the thief was, or if he, she, or they were ever caught. I do however remember looking at people on the street the next day to see if they were wearing our clothes…but never saw anything familiar.

Though I have no real memory of when or how our mother replaced everything, I have a strong feeling she made many more trips than usual to the Saint Vincent-de-Paul…and that our local church probably helped too.

I have no idea what impact that blue-skied spring day had on my brothers and sisters. I don’t actually remember them talking about it after that day; at least not with me, as I was the youngest; only about four or five years old. For that matter, I don’t remember discussing it with my mother either. Unfortunately, she died long before I was mature enough to tell her how much that day, her insightful response, and guiding advice affected me, and still does today.

Thank you dear mother…

You planted seeds of compassion, thankfulness, and forgiveness on that ordinary day so very long ago. Because of your compassionate example, I learned very early, that even in the face of adversity, we can and should be thankfully gracious, compassionate, and forgiving…and that people are always more important than things.

All Rights Reserved ©2009-2010…”JESUS my Lord and Savior-ANASTASIA DIAMOND’S Prayerful Reflections…and Photographs on a Spiritual Journey from Darkness into HIS Light” Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from Anastasia Diamond is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided full and clear credit is given author/photographer and with appropriate and specific direction to the original content at: http://jesusmylordandsavior.wordpress.com/2010/07/25/learning-forgiveness-compassion-and-thankfulness/

JESUS My Lord and Savior

© 2009-2010 All Rights Reserved -Anastasia Diamond

And HE (Jesus) said to them, ”Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.” -Mark 16:15

There has been no other time in history when Christ-Followers had the ability to instantly carry out that Great Commission; communicating the good news…to every corner of the globe…in a matter of seconds. Yes, we have satellites and cable television providing mass media to the world. However, on a more personal level, the Internet is the individual’s answer to Jesus’  universal call to ‘go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation’.

The Internet is overflowing with social networking sites representing hundreds of millions of users worldwide. As of June 2010, there were reportedly over 11.4 million blogs hosted on WordPress.com alone.

Unfortunately, it is true that many people use the internet for negative purposes. However, there is a divine movement of Christians who use the internet to minister to others, coupled with seekers, who scan the internet to find answers to their spiritual questions. There are also so many lost and hurting people who will not enter a church, but will engage in conversation and accept online prayer from a stranger.

One of the ways Christ-Followers are taking up the challenge to acknowledge HIM in all their ways is by establishing Christian websites, blogs, and other social networking sites. We are also utilizing established sites like Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, and YouTube to go into all the world to preach the good news to all creation.

Though I had used computers since the 1970′s, and the internet since the mid 90′s, I had never visited or seen a blog site, Facebook or Twitter! I really didn’t know what they were, or give them much thought.

Interestingly, though I was quite ignorant of these new ministry opportunities…the most Holy Spirit of God was not.

HE continually whispered to my heart about websites, blogs, and other social media that could and should be used for HIS divine purposes.  HE clearly impressed upon my heart that this was yet another…and more current way…for Christians to carry out the Great Commission.

To be obedient to this calling, though I wasn’t exactly sure what I was doing, I started putting together a small free website through my internet carrier. I told my daughter that I also planned to have a blog on the site. Thankfully, she wisely asked…”Who will see it???” Then she recommended I create a WordPress blog instead. Thanks Danise! I appreciate your insight. Danise is a wonderful woman, and minster of God’s Word. About 6 months later, she also started a blog:  http://danisedelights.wordpress.com/

In my continuing desire to gather…two or more…in the mighty, powerful, and anointed name of Jesus Christ, and to carry out the Great Commission…I posted my first blog on April 10, 2009. I started my Twitter account 16 days later…and Facebook shortly there after. I use these online opportunities to minister and offer prayer in HIS name.

Today, my WordPress blog, Facebook and Twitter are part of my daily ministry life.

They are added blessed opportunities  to acknowledge HIM in all my ways…and to carry out the Great Commission to my little flock… throughout the world. Yes, the world! I am blessed with followers from around the world. Some, know Jesus…while some do not. It is my opportunity to be one of HIS representatives to all the world; one person at a time.

Currently, you might preach, hand out faith-based tracts, minister over a cup of tea, teach Sunday school, be a prayer warrior, visit hospitals, convalescent homes, or prisons; share scripture, hold a Bible study; sing, paint or make something to glorify God, or have any other wonderful and much-needed form of ministry. I urge all Christ-Followers to find new and challenging ways to acknowledge HIM in all of your ways…and  carry out the Great Commission to your little flock.

Like me, and so many others…it may be time to step out of your comfort zone.

Is it time for you to start a Christian blog, where you write about your current ministry, and encourage  a new and growing little flock on the internet? You can  start an online ministry posting scriptures, have a site offering prayer, post your inspirational writing or poems, post Christian humor, have a  site offering Biblical perspectives on current world issues, a ministry site for men, women, relationships, couples or children; a site offering Christian resources, promote Christian values, review Christian movies, offer Christian products…the possibilities are endless.

There is always room for one more Christ-Follower online. Your words are exactly what someone needs, and is waiting to hear. What are you waiting for? It often doesn’t cost anything but some of your time. If I can do it…you can do it.

Why not make your time online count for something.

Twitter and Facebook are two free,very easy, and great ways to minister, connect with friends, relatives, and make new friends…while carrying out the Great Commission to all the world.

Your little flock is waiting to hear you acknowledge HIM in all your ways. Be  a blessing…and be blessed in all you do in HIS name.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. -John 3:16

HIS Believers…HIS Church…May GOD Bless America and all HIS Creation JESUS my Lord and Savior -©Anastasia Diamond Independence Day July 4, 2009 As we in America approach Independence Day this 4th of July 2009, we face growing  unprecedented national and international man-made crisis and governmental decisions– coupled with ever-increasing satan inspired confusion. We also watch, as America and the world suffers through continually escalating n … Read More

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JESUS My Lord and Savior

All Rights Reserved ©2009-2010 -Anastasia Diamond

The United States of America

234th Birthday

July 4, 2010

I love America! It is my homeland. My ancestors, and probably yours, endured many hardships to come to the land of the free…and home of the brave.

Our beautiful nation, America, is now standing on gravely unstable ground; physically, politically, judiciously, economically, and spiritually.

Our homeland, now sold off from sea to shining sea; piece by piece…to and by those who do not hold our country’s liberty, people, beliefs, or best interest at heart.

We are witnessing the foundations of American freedom…questioned, mocked, and maligned from within our own government.

Our former pride in home and country…is now shamed by legal proposals and decisions that often compromise America’s established family values.

What’s wrong with me? I still get a lump in my throat and a thump in my heart when I pledge allegiance to our flag. Do you? Tears still dampen my eyes when I hear God Bless America, The Star Spangled Banner, America the Beautiful, My Country ‘Tis of Thee, and Proud to be an American/God Bless the USA. What about you?

Let’s not just pay lip service to our country; wearing patriotism on our sleeves or a T-shirt. Let us remember that we are Christ-Followers who are to pray for all of our leaders, whether we agree with their religion or politics.

Father God, I pray You will pour out Your blessings on the United States of America; granting Godly discernment, wisdom, knowledge, and action to our people and our leaders…and return America to a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.

All Rights Reserved ©2009-2010…”JESUS my Lord and Savior-ANASTASIA DIAMOND’S Prayerful Reflections…and Photographs on a Spiritual Journey from Darkness into HIS Light” Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from Anastasia Diamond is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided full and clear credit is given author/photographer and with appropriate and specific direction to the original content at: http://jesusmylordandsavior.wordpress.com/

God Bless America

©Irving Berlin 1918

God Bless America.
Land that I love

Stand beside her, and guide her
Thru the night with a light from above.
From the mountains, to the prairies ,
To the oceans, white with foam

God bless America
My home sweet home.
God Bless America,
Land that I love

Stand beside her,
And guide her,
Through the night
With the light from above,
From the mountains,
To the prairies,
To the ocean,
White with foam,

God bless America,
My home sweet home.
God bless America,
My home sweet home.

The Star Spangled Banner (National Anthem)

©Francis Scott Key,  September 1814

Oh, say, can you see, by the dawn’s early light,
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, thru the perilous fight,
O’er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

On the shore dimly seen through the mists of the deep,
Where the foe’s haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o’er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning’s first beam,
In full glory reflected, now shines on the stream:
Tis the star-spangled banner: O, long may it wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

My Country,’ Tis of Thee

If tomorrow all the things were gone

..I’d worked for all my life

And I had to start again

. . with just my children and my wife,

I’d thank my lucky stars

. . to be livin’ here today.

Cause the flag still stands for freedom

. . And they can’t take that away.

And I’m proud to be an American

Where at least I know I’m free

And I won’t forget the men who died

Who gave that right to me

And I gladly stand up

. . next to you and defend her still today

Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land

God bless the USA

From the lakes of Minnesota

… To the hills of Tennessee

… Across the plains of Texas

… From sea to shining sea

… From Detroit down to Houston

… And New York to LA

Well there’s pride in every American heart

And its time we stand and say..

That I’m proud to be an American

Where at least I know I’m free

And I won’t forget the men who died

Who gave that right to me

And I gladly stand up . . next to you and defend her still today

Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land

God bless the USA

And I’m proud to be an American

Where at least I know I’m free

And I won’t forget the men who died

Who gave that right to me

And I gladly stand up . . next to you and defend her still today

Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land

…GOD Bless the USA!

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May Your Roots Grow Deep and Wide

JESUS My Lord and Savior ©Anastasia Diamond

All Rights Reserved ©2009-2010

Sometimes we feel God has turned a deaf ear to our prayers. And, sometimes we feel God heard our prayers, but is punishing or ignoring us because of something we did…or did not do.

Living in wavering hope and faith too long may completely shake our foundation; opening the door to long-term depression, Christian cynicism, spiritual oppression, hopelessness…or permanent disappointment and anger with God.

However, remembering who we are as blood-bought bodies of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ…resets our balance, refreshes our faith, restores our hope, and re-secures our foundation in Him.

May I draw your attention to the unique Joshua tree; named by Mormon pioneers while crossing the desert. The strange, reaching branches reminded them of Old Testament Joshua; reaching his hands heavenward in prayer; waving them on to the Promised Land. Let the Joshuas encouraging wave you on…through your dry times and desert moments.

The Joshua tree is a member of the lily family; the largest of the yuccas. Joshuas grow only at elevations from 2,000 to 6,000 feet in the high and dry Mojave Desert, where they can live up to an astounding 1,000 years old! I am truly blessed to live where the Joshuas grow, and give personal testimony of their wonder.

Joshua trees have two root systems. The first is shallow, reaching down only a couple of feet. The second stores surplus water, develops massive bulbs, grows wide, and up to 40 feet deep. In the midst of the dryness of the desert, when all around them without a firm foundation are shaking, and may fall…the Joshua tree stands!

Let us remember that a single, shallow root will not sustain our faith. We also need a deep and wide spiritual root system. Nature sustains Joshuas in groups called groves. God sustains Christ-Followers in groups called fellowship.

The Joshua’s spiny leaf turns upwards in hopes it will catch any moisture in the air, which it then stores in the limbs and trunk. Let us also turn our prayers upwards, that we will receive and store the watering of Holy Spirit guidance…coupled with God’s Word reigning in our heart.

Joshuas bear 1.25 to 1.5 inch creamy yellow and green, bell-shaped flowers, with 12 to 18 inch clusters on each branch.  Unfortunately, some trees do not bloom annually, but for those that do…the flowers, though beautiful, give off a very unpleasant odor.

The fruit of the Joshua is green, brown, and about 2.5 inches long. The fruit, which matures in late spring, falls from the branches;  dropping flat, black seeds on the desert floor.

Only the Pronuda moth has the special organs needed to fertilize the Joshua flowers. The moth’s larvae feeds on Joshua seeds, which cannot reproduce without the moth…which is equally dependent on the tree. Likewise, Christ-Followers are dependent on God’s Holy Spirit to fertilize and produce good fruit in us in His name. In turn, Almighty God has faith in His Christ-Followers…that we will carry out His great commission.

The  government protects Joshua trees; you must have permission to cut one down, even on your own property. Our Abba Father protects His Christ-Followers; only He holds the number of our days in His hand.

May we, like the Joshua tree, stand through our dry times…and not be shaken. May we have fellowship, praise Him in all things, and produce good fruit in His name.

May we reach to the heavens with our prayers, and may the roots of our hope and our faith…grow deep and wide; watered by the divine Word of God.

Click to view slideshow.

All Rights Reserved ©2009-2010…”JESUS my Lord and Savior-ANASTASIA DIAMOND’S Prayerful Reflections…and Photographs on a Spiritual Journey from Darkness into HIS Light” Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from Anastasia Diamond is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided full and clear credit is given author/photographer and with appropriate and specific direction to the original content at: http://jesusmylordandsavior.wordpress.com/      

JESUS my Lord and Savior ©Anastasia Diamond My Daddy Died…He Can’t Wear a Tie My earthly father died in February the year I was seven years old. The following June brought an empty Father’s Day to a little girl still mourning the loss of her daddy.  However – to my first grade teacher – making a Father’s Day t … Read More

via JESUS my Lord and Savior

♦ Who? Jesus Christ

♦ What? The Crucifixion

♦ When? Over 2000 Years Ago

♦ Where? On the Cross

♦ Why? Eternal Salvation for the World

♦ …and How? The Final Blood Sacrifice

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.

-John 3:16-17

All Rights Reserved ©2009-2010…”JESUS my Lord and Savior-ANASTASIA DIAMOND’S Prayerful Reflections…and Photographs on a Spiritual Journey from Darkness into HIS Light” Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from Anastasia Diamond is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided full and clear credit is given author/photographer and with appropriate and specific direction to the original content at: http://jesusmylordandsavior.wordpress.com/

JESUS My Lord and Savior

©All Rights Reserved -Anastasia Diamond

http://jesusmylordandsavior.wordpress.com/

When life is challenging (that’s every day)…lean on Jesus

When time stops on rewind, and hard memories replay…lean on Jesus

When resources are scarce, or finally run out…lean on Jesus

When hope turns to hopeless…lean on Jesus

When promises crack, and are broken…lean on Jesus

When sad songs are the melody of your life…lean on Jesus

When prayer feels impossible…lean on Jesus

When sorrow engulfs you…lean on Jesus

When tears overflow, and will not stop…lean on Jesus

When truth is made false, and lies become truth…lean on Jesus

When home is a place where there is no peace…lean on Jesus

When faith is only a distant concept…lean on Jesus

When disappointed in people, places and things…lean on Jesus

When grief is your constant companion…lean on Jesus

When friends cannot be found..lean on Jesus

When defeat is an option, and you want to give up…lean on Jesus

When loss overwhelms you…lean on Jesus

When love isn’t lovely, but tainted or worn…lean on Jesus

When abandoned, alone and forsaken…lean on Jesus

When comfort from others, leaves you still wanting…lean on Jesus

When joy is elusive…lean on Jesus

When sleep doesn’t come, in the middle of the night…lean on Jesus

When words have wounded, and cannot be taken back…lean on Jesus

When anger and rage spew like an erupting volcano…lean on Jesus

When addiction is your secret companion, destroying you life…lean on Jesus

When confusion reigns, clouding your thinking…lean on Jesus

When death is knocking on the door of your life…lean on Jesus

When evil, and false gods beckon you…lean on Jesus

When laughter depends on bad jokes, or hurtful pokes…lean on Jesus

When justice is unjust to the innocent…lean on Jesus

When suicide feels like the only way out…lean on Jesus

When family are not supportive, or far, far away…lean on Jesus

When change is unwanted, but inevitable…lean on Jesus

When envy is deep, deep green…lean on Jesus

When peace isn’t perfect…lean on Jesus

When pleasure is an empty and bottomless pit…lean on Jesus

When trouble surrounds you…lean on Jesus

When sin consumes you…lean on Jesus

When goodness, mercy and grace are foreign to you…lean on Jesus

When marriage vows break…lean on Jesus

When pain burns in every fiber of your being…lean on Jesus

When thoughts take you to dangerous places…lean on Jesus

When burdens are heavy…lean on Jesus

When communication crumbles…lean on Jesus

When wisdom departs, or wise men act foolishly…lean on Jesus

When bitterness is turning your heart to stone…lean on Jesus

When children or parents disappoint…lean on Jesus

When guidance is poor or lacking, and your path is diverted…lean on Jesus

When illness invades your body, mind, or spirit…lean on Jesus

When fear cancels all logic…lean on Jesus

When God feels like a stranger who just doesn’t care…lean on Jesus

When doubt fills your every thought…lean on Jesus

When actions cause negative consequences…lean on Jesus

When heaven feels far beyond your reach…lean on Jesus

When plans shrivel and die…lean on Jesus

When forgiveness isn’t easy, or doesn’t come at all…lean on Jesus

When you shatter and break, gather all the pieces at the foot of His cross…and lean on Jesus.

John 3:16-17

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son (Jesus), that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.

All Rights Reserved ©2009-2010…”JESUS my Lord and Savior-ANASTASIA DIAMOND’S Prayerful Reflections…and Photographs on a Spiritual Journey from Darkness into HIS Light” Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from Anastasia Diamond is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided full and clear credit is given author/photographer and with appropriate and specific direction to the original content at: http://jesusmylordandsavior.wordpress.com/            

©All Rights Reserved -Anastasia Diamond

http://jesusmylordandsavior.wordpress.com/

My Beautiful Mother…on Her Wedding Day

I miss you mother…I miss you today

It has been an entire life time since I held you as you took your last breaths. My life has been forever tempered by your life…and your death.

How could I have known then, how much I would still miss you and love you now…after all these years?

Ours was a difficult relationship that ended much too soon. You were a hot-headed forty-eight, and I was a hot-headed sixteen. We clashed…and clashed often. Indeed, we argued that night so long ago, when you died of a coronary thrombosis.

Though we were different in so many ways then, I have grown to appreciate so much about who you were, and your day-to-day struggles to survive. We may have been more alike than different after all.

From a hindsight, 20/20 perspective, I eventually came to appreciate and acknowledge that we had a lot in common. We probably would have become friends…had you lived until I grew out of my rebellious years.

There were so many times I felt only anger and abandonment when I needed you…and missed you along the way. It wasn’t until I was in my thirties that I was able to make peace with the ghosts of the past. I completely credit my blood-bought relationship with Jesus for the mental, emotional and spiritual healing and forgiveness in my heart.

Today I know you did the absolutely best you could do…given the times, circumstances, and your family life history.

Thank you dear mother for all you did.

You provided a clean home, with good moral standards in the midst of difficult times. You set a spiritual foundation of attending church and honoring God. You had a ninth grade education, but possessed amazing wisdom and communication skills. You encouraged my inquisitive mind, and taught me to appreciate learning, philosophy, religion, politics, reading, poetry, writing, and art. I still remember some of our interesting kitchen-table conversations and debates.

You expressed your love and creativity with lots of the best freshly baked, yummy delights; pies, cakes and cookies. I am still amazed to this day at how you were able bake like a master pastry chef in that old coal stove!

Tender emotions were difficult for you.

You were not a ‘hugger’ and I do not remember you ever telling me you loved me. However, I will always remember the day you brought me my jacket in the rain.

I never knew the wise medical decision you made in my best interest until a bit over ten years ago when I contacted my childhood cardiologist with some questions. He sent me copies of my very old medical records and letters. I anxiously opened the envelope, and was completely surprised to learn that you probably saved my life well over 50 years ago…when cardiologists recommended I have open-heart surgery…and you said, No!

You were still coping with the loss of my father, just a few years before, who died on the operating table during an open-heart surgery when I was seven. You apparently were not going to take any chances with my life. Thank you mother. I am now 63-years old; I still have the same heart…and never needed surgery.

There are so many ways to express love…yours was a love expressed through wisdom and service to others.

I am now older than you were then…and still missing you. I love you my dear and precious  mother.

Addendum: My mother died June 7, 1963

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All Rights Reserved ©2009-2010…”JESUS my Lord and Savior-ANASTASIA DIAMOND’S Prayerful Reflections…and Photographs on a Spiritual Journey from Darkness into HIS Light” Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from Anastasia Diamond is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided full and clear credit is given author/photographer and with appropriate and specific direction to the original content at: http://jesusmylordandsavior.wordpress.com/

You may also want to visit my other prayerful reflections for Mother’s Day which are also on this blog:

http://jesusmylordandsavior.wordpress.com/2009/05/11/mothers-day-reflections-and-prayer/

http://jesusmylordandsavior.wordpress.com/2010/05/07/happy-and-blessed-mothers-day/

My dear and precious late mother-in-law, Dorothy Diamond

JESUS My Lord and Savior

© All Rights Reserved -Anastasia Diamond

http://jesusmylordandsavior.wordpress.com/2010/05/07/happy-and-blessed-mothers-day/

May your Mother’s Day be blessed and filled to over-flowing with love, joy, peace, happiness, comfort, discernment, wisdom…and a closer walk with Jesus.

Whoever you are, and wherever you are…Happy and blessed Mother’s Day! No matter if you are 15 or 105; Happy Mother’s Day!

No matter if you are carrying your first child, have one child…or 20 children; Happy Mother’s Day! No matter if your children are with you…or not; Happy Mother’s Day!

No matter what the current circumstances of your life and motherhood are; Happy Mother’s Day! No matter if anyone speaks words of encouragement to you…or not; Happy Mother’s Day!

No matter if your children are living…or have gone before you; Happy Mother’s Day! No matter if your child is perfect…or not; Happy Mother’s Day! No matter if you receive a Mother’s Day card…or not; Happy Mother’s Day!

No matter if you are free…or imprisoned; Happy Mother’s Day! No matter if it is your first breath as a mother…or you last; Happy Mother’s Day!

The current circumstances of any mother’s life does not take away from knowing that being a mother is God’s gift to us.

He gave all mothers a special purpose to fulfill when He proclaimed they would carry life. God also gave all women called to be a mother-in-law a special purpose when he gave them their children’s husbands and wives to love.

Whether the children in your life are of your body…or your heart…may your Mother’s Day be sweetly blessed in the thoughts of your mind, words of your mouth, and actions of your body. May you have a Happy and Blessed Mother’s Day! http://jesusmylordandsavior.wordpress.com/2010/05/07/happy-and-blessed-mothers-day/

You may also want to visit my prayerful reflections for Mother’s Day which is also on this blog at: http://jesusmylordandsavior.wordpress.com/2009/05/11/mothers-day-reflections-and-prayer/

All Rights Reserved ©2009-2010…”JESUS my Lord and Savior-ANASTASIA DIAMOND’S Prayerful Reflections…and Photographs on a Spiritual Journey from Darkness into HIS Light” Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from Anastasia Diamond is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided full and clear credit is given author/photographer and with appropriate and specific direction to the original content at: http://jesusmylordandsavior.wordpress.com/

A MOMENT in TIME

World-Wide Photo Submission

I participated. Did you?

JESUS My Lord and Savior

©All Rights reserved -Anastasia Diamond

While waiting for that eight o’clock hour, I watched crows playing in the breeze, listened to birds singing their morning melody, and watched in amazement as a coyote meandered by…appearing far too focused on his search for a morning meal to be concerned about me.

My photo is of a local grove of uniquely beautiful Joshua trees, shot against the clear blue Antelope Valley morning sky in the Mojave Desert of Southern California. Oh, and by the way, I did not color-enhance this photo. The westward facing morning sky really is that blue!

Jesus, my Lord and Savior -Anastasia Diamond

All Rights Reserved © 2009-2010

“For I know the plans I have for you”…declares the LORD…“plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

I am always so gratefully humbled by the knowledge that our heavenly Abba Father has thoughts and plans about and for me.

I am continually in awe that the Almighty Divine Creator of all that ever has been, is now and ever will be…desires that I prosper, have a future, and a hope.

Dear one…rejoice! God has these same encouraging thoughts and plans for you and your life.

No matter your current circumstances or beliefs, our Abba Father has never stopped loving you. In fact, He loves you more than any person here on earth ever has, ever will…or is able.

God loves you more than your mother, father, grandparents, children, husband, wife, girlfriend, boyfriend, brother, sister, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends…or fans.

He is the only One who will never leave you or forsake you.

He is with you now. He knows your needs before you even ask; for He has known you since before He formed you in your mother’s womb.

No matter what others may tell you, God has never stopped His loving thoughts and plans toward you. No matter what you think or believe…or how you feel at times…He has not, and will not, leave you or forsake you.

God is ever-present, through His most Holy Spirit. He remains a loving, caring Abba Father… watching over you. He is ready, willing…and able…to give you the guidance and direction you are seeking.

God has a storehouse of overflowing blessings waiting just for you, today…and always.

Does that mean life will always be easy or perfect. No!

Does it mean you can claim your righteous, blood-bought, place in the anointed family of God? Yes!

Dear one, though I may not know you,  I believe in you.

I believe in who you are…and who you want to become. Why should I believe in you? I believe in you because I trust in who God says you are, and who you can become…in and through Him.

His Word reminds us that He is no respecter of persons. Therefore, rejoice again! What He thinks and plans for one of His children, He equally plans and thinks for all of His children.

Life is a series of decisions and choices.

Why are we so often resistive to such a loving Father, who has such perfect thoughts and plans for our life? Free will and Fear. We often exert such a strong will to run our own life, that we are fearful of letting go of control…and trusting Him.

May today be the day you decide to trust His thoughts and plans for you.

May today be the day you decide to accept His loving, merciful and gracious promises in your life.

May today be the day you choose to allow His Holy Spirit to guide and direct your path…helping you grow into the man or woman He is calling you to be.

May today be the day you decide to release your fear, and choose to submit your will to His perfect will for your life.

May today be the day you choose to accept and receive God’s only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, as your Lord and Savior…then follow Him into eternity.

Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. -Luke 12:32

http://jesusmylordandsavior.wordpress.com/2010/04/05/the-lord-declares-i-know-the-plans-i-have-for-you/

All Rights Reserved ©2009-2010…”JESUS my Lord and Savior-ANASTASIA DIAMOND’S Prayerful Reflections…and Photographs on a Spiritual Journey from Darkness into HIS Light” Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from Anastasia Diamond is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided full and clear credit is given author/photographer and with appropriate and specific direction to the original content at: http://jesusmylordandsavior.wordpress.com/