33.  IN THE WORLD`..... BUT NOT OF IT 

God`s love for each person on the bus is one reason the Holy Spirit leads me to pray for the salvation of each one every day, and for opportunities to sow seeds as He prepares their hearts.  You know, it is one thing to evangelize, it is another thing to be a witness by appearance, attitude, actions, expressions.  I say that because I don`t get a lot of chances to speak English with someone.  Simply because much of the time I hear two and three languages being spoken simultaneously, and  80% of the people are talking on cell phones.

I have wondered what this world is coming to, then I begin to think this IS the WORLD!  I am IN it, but thank God I am not OF it.  No offense to anyone, because that is scripture.  Only those who know Jesus as their Savior  will understand the meaning.  Suffice to say I am with others as I travel this world, but I am not a part of them...I am part of the Kingdom of God.  God has called me out....separated me, and I am truly thankful.  

First He called me out, set me apart, taught me some things, then set me right back in the world, but not of it.  I am here to make a difference.  Being different because of being white and having long natural platinum hair, is not the same as "making a difference".  I am an Ambassador for Jesus Christ and I want my witness to be effective.  Though I am quite conspicuous in a world of individuals with medium to dark skin, as well as dark hair, it is their heart I am concerned about.  I may feel alone in the crowd even though I am sure some are Christians, but I am aware Jesus will never leave me.  He was there by the power of the Holy Spirit when one man caused a scene because he had been drinking.  Everyone else has been kind, polite and shown me respect.  God has been faithful to protect me.  I apply Psalms 91 daily and wear the armor of God.  It is wonderful to not be bound with fear.

                                                               

************************************ Take a Little Breather ***********************************

One more little encounter:  I was talking to a black man on the bus, I know him from church.  A white lady stared at me and with such hatred......it was obvious my communicating with him angered her greatly.  I kept smiling and chatting with him and refused to be intimidated.  She is the one losing out because no matter the color of skin, the spirit has much to offer to those that are open to receive.  No wonder I am so blessed.  Now my friends are so without color sometimes I have to stop and think what color they are if someone asks me!  Praise the Lord....that kind of  "color blind" is "good", and brings glory to God. I daresay it "Pleases Jesus!"

                                                             
                                                       *************************

One more little story from my journey of life.  I was about to walk past a store when I felt a strong nudge to go inside.  Once inside I found myself surrounded with clothes from India, jewellery display cases, lots of fabrics also.  I did not see a clerk though I was in center of he small storefront, but I heard a voice.  I turned to see a woman seated with fabric on her knees.  She asked if she could help me.

My immediate thought was she will have to drop the fabric to serve me, and come over here...but it was hot so I overlooked her lack of public relations skills.  (Meaning if you want to have a customer purchase something, you serve them by showing interest, not by staying seated.)  I walked to her and started visiting with her.  She was so surprised her mouth dropped open and she almost dropped the fabric as she stood up quickly.  From that moment on she could not do enough for me.  She was sincere, too.  She made eye contact and showed respect.  I appreciated her new found efforts.  Her whole demeanor changed and she blossomed with skills as she served me.

Her quick change was reflected in her countenance.  I sought the Lord and He revealed some things to me that helped me understand.  He revealed to me that this woman`s slowness to rise and serve me, a customer, was because she did not view me initially as a customer.  She viewed me as someone who would show ignorance by being demeaning, and had no intention of purchasing anything.  This is because of past experiences she encountered with white women.  Yet when she saw I was friendly, approached her without any offense, but with respect, she arose and could not do enough for me.

My spirit was grieved to think she had been so hurt in the past.  I tried on a top and said, "But there is only one problem....I do not speak your language...."  (yet I was wearing a pretty cream colored top from India).  "...Is it okay?"  She looked at me and smiled from ear to ear...... to even think of me learning her language to fit in...so to speak.  Nothing was said about religion...but we both knew there were differences.  She saw the little cross I

wore with a shroud on it.  I saw the religious figures in her store.

I came to show love, not to condemn.  I came to show love.  God helped me.  The Holy Spirit taught me. When I left we both were happy.  Since then I have been back and purchased another top.  But that is not the end of the witness.  When I walk from the bus to the office I see many women from all countries and they see this white woman wearing their top.  Now... the women that before would not hardly make eye contact if we met outside, look at me and smile and even greet me.  I call that Breakthrough.  
                                                                
                                                       **********************   
The same thing has happened with women who keep their head covered, but not their face and we meet in the parking lot.  I smile at them...... and now after many times....they are smiling back.  Recently one lady wiggled her fingers to wave at me when we greeted.  Yet another breakthrough though we do not speak the same language. Little is much when GOD...is in it!!

There IS such a thing as body language, acceptance, respect, etc.  I think that is what Jesus would have me do because "love never fails."  He is pulling down walls and knows who to use and when; so I do not worry about the language barrier.  He`s preparing someone and in due season that person will have a word in season, glory to God.  I do pray that what I have shared, though very simple little incidents, helps you to see how easy it is to show someone love,  acceptance, respect, and to communicate regardless of language barriers.  Sometimes it starts simply with a smile.  Make a `Smile`......Your `Style`!  :-)))  But first, please ask yourself this question:     

How about you....do all your friends have the same color skin...... if so...who has the problem....THINK.  I did not write this as a reminder of messing up.  It is for you to do some soul searching.....and I pray the Holy Spirit will reveal to you right now any incidents you need to deal with in a more effective manner.  Be willing to yield...so you can be used more effectively by God.  The decision is yours.  I pray you make a wise decision.  Blessings.....are waiting if you do.  Hindsight:  I don`t know which is worse: recognizing racism on my part, or not recognizing it at all.  I do not want to be guilty of either.  So deal with any racism, so we can get on to the next blog about a new perspective.  (Thanks for taking time to read....I appreciate you and pray my words result in changes that are beneficial for you and for others.) 

32.  I CAN HARDLY BELIEVE I DID THAT 

Today I shared a few personal experiences with some of the youth at church and their reaction stirred me to write.  We only had a few minutes to visit because they were preparing to leave on a trip, yet the Holy Spirit got in on the conversation.  Next thing I knew I was sharing something I hardly had time to think about, let alone share publicly, because it only happened the night before!  BUT GOD... knows how to pull those words up from deep inside my well and much to my amazement I found myself talking about `Racism` to a group of black students.   

I told them about coming to Toronto a year ago, moving into a multicultural home with women from Brazil, Vietnam, Jamaica, and Canada.  Then I joined a multicultural church with people of every color from many different countries.  (It has been proven to be very educational for me, thankfully.)  Since I get the bus home it just so happens that 90% of the time I am the only white lady on the bus. By now I was getting used to it; at least I thought I was until a certain incident occurred yesterday.  

The bus started once again and when I looked up I saw a white lady with short blonde hair seated near me.  She was wearing a long black skirt and I found myself looking at her bare feet because they were so white!  The pink sandals were pretty, but her feet were sooooo white!!  I looked up after thinking these thoughts and got convicted for staring at her feet!  I could hardly believe I did it.  But she was the first white person I saw on the bus in weeks, or so it seemed at that moment anyway.  There was nothing wrong with her.  She was attractive, nicely dressed, poised.


I stared because she was so different from everyone else.  I was so engrossed in wondering what she was doing on that bus and if she was wondering the same thing about me; that it took a moment before I got convicted by the Holy Spirit.  He reminded me that my feet are sooooo white...too!  I hardly knew where to look after that because it is so true.  (I don`t think there is anyone in the world that really likes everything... about their body.) FYI: Feel free to laugh....I can`t hear you so it won`t bother me a bit. 

As the bus proceeded down the street I found myself having a little talk with Jesus.  I said silently...."Lord, what is the matter with me, I can not believe I was staring at that lady like she was from Mars...or somewhere...!"` He said...."You stared because she was different from the majority; not because something was wrong with her.  The same has happened to you so remember that.  If you see eleven roses of one particular color and one white rose, what will the majority look at?"  I said, "The white rose."  I got the message.

When I told those students I caught myself staring at a white woman on the bus they thought that was so funny.  They really got tickled.  I have to believe the Lord was doing a little work on their hearts... as well as mine.  In all honesty, there have been times when I look around that bus and I almost wonder what country I am in.  So many faces of all nationalities, yet rarely white.


As I sit there it is so easy to imagine seeing Jesus and hearing the song...."Jesus loves the little children....all the children of the world....red and yellow, black and white...they are precious in his sight....Jesus loves the little children of the world!"  It brings tears to my eyes because in my heart I know he dearly loves each and every person on that bus.  My next blog will reveal how he moves on my heart because of his love for everyone.


 Written By:  Linda L. Jones
                     Glory To God
                     PS.45:1 My tongue is the pen of a ready writer.

#35.  DOODALEE, DOODALEE, DO DO DO!!

Doodalee, doodalee, do do do!  My feet want to dance because of this breakthrough!!!  Why?  Because I serve a problem solving God who uses people.  When I turned my computer on this morning it did not participate with the command.  The battery was not dead.  Yet the screen remained black.  Not good.  

I prayed, phoned a tech friend and followed his instruction to no avail.  Prayed more.  Phoned another friend not to talk about it, but to have a little Saturday fellowship.  I was determined not to let this problem pull my spirit down. 

It was definitely not a coincidence that the friend I phoned had company.  Someone was visiting that knows a lot more about computers than I do!  We connected by phone and I followed one instruction.  Success....the power connected and restoration was the result.  Immediately I had a surge of anointing and desire to pray for that person.  It was so exhilarating to pray knowing God was at work and more than willing to bless EVERY person involved.  We prayed in the Name of Jesus and know He touched each heart and moved some mountains too.  

So this is my fresh testimony today.  I just had to tell you because THIS is a classic example of how to recognize the hand of God at work.  It did not matter that we were 1600 miles apart, geographically.  Perhaps I should point out that listening to the Holy Spirit and following His instructions first is a must.  Step by step he led me and problems were solved many miles away because of computer technology, not to mention the fact that there is no distance in prayer.  

Plus as stated in Jeremiah 32:27 "Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh.  Nothing is too hard for me."  No wonder I love Jesus so much...every day is exciting when you recognize his hand at work on your behalf.  EVERY DAY!  Glory to God!!!  

As my bio says.....I am a Happy, Healthy, Christian Lady.  Now you know the Reason 'Why'.  His Name is JESUS CHRIST!!!  :-)))  Do YOU....know Jesus...my Savior? 

Written By: Linda L. Jones
                      Glory To God
                      PS.45:1 "My tongue is the pen
                      of a ready writer."

#31.  THE BEST IS YET TO COME

After rereading a few recent blogs I noticed this phrase kept resurfacing.  Undoubtedly it is something you have heard numerous times.  What is your immediate thought when you hear those words:  "The Best Is Yet To Come"?  Selah....pause...and think about it a moment.  

Do you think to yourself...."Yes, I Believe it!"?  Do you say to self, "Yeah right...nothing good ever happens to me..."?  Do you react positively or negatively?  Check fruit from within....time for a little introspection.  We need to be fruit inspectors in our own lives, not just in the lives of others.  To choose friends carefully, it is necessary to check the fruit in lives of certain individuals.  Now is time to do so on the inside...where Christ does abide.  Or does he...  does he abide within, or is your body a home for his presence only on certain days of the week?  Do you house his presence Sunday and do your own thing the rest of the week?  Is your body like a hotel where the presence of the Lord comes and departs frequently?  The Holy Spirit will not dwell in an unclean vessel. 

When it comes to dedication and commitment where do you stand?  Have you decided to follow Jesus....wholeheartedly, regardless of the cost?  Have you  counted the cost?  Are you willing to lay down your will and submit to whatever he calls you to do....go where he sends you...say what he tells you to say...etc.?  Are you willing to be a disciple of Jesus Christ?  That means you abide in him and he in you, and you will also be in his Word.  There are conditions to the promises of God that must be met.  Saying yes, to Jesus, and making a decision to become a Christian is great.  However, as when a baby is born.....what follows is changes daily from that moment on.  Growth is expected physically and Christians must grow and mature spiritually....on a daily basis.  If not, is Jesus really Lord of your life?       

After meditating a bit on these few paragraphs, you are best suited to answer whether or not you truly believe the Best IS... Yet To Come.  You know better than anyone if you are walking in obedience to the Holy Spirit or not.  You know if there is faith in your heart, not fantasy.  You know if you have heard from God and are living a life that lines up with the Word of God.  You know if you are wavering in any area, (at least you should know...because the Holy Spirit will reveal it to you and bring correction.) as well as whether joy is a prominent fruit released regularly.  If condemnation is evident, not good.  I am not even going to list the bad fruit possibilities.  The Holy Spirit is revealing as you read if there are any and he will help you to remove such fruit if you are willing.  Pruning is not done in the fall season only.  

On a scale of one to ten, (ten being the best mark possible)....ask the Holy Spirit to grade you with regard to your progress in achieving a spirit of excellence.  You DO... want a spirit of Excellence, right?  The higher the bar you reach for the more you are stretched yet the greater the benefits.  For sure...continuing with that kind of thinking the Best IS Yet To Come!  Don't kick yourself too hard if you found a few weak areas or a few clogs in the river.  Just make the necessary changes and continue to move forward.  Even in faltering, God can apply Romans 8:28 so magnificently that you will be amazed.  Keep your trust in him, your focus on Him, and I pray for all of us we will know that we know...The BEST IS.... YET TO COME!

I proclaim that we are excited, expectant, energetic, enthusiastic, and exuberant over the future because we are fast forwarding into our fantastic future filled with fun, favor, faith, finesse, and flare!  Yesterday is gone.  WE are not looking back. "It is a new season, it is a new day, a fresh anointing, coming our way.  It's a season of power and prosperity.  It is a new season coming to me ." (and you!!! ) FYI:  Within quotes are Lyrics to song sung at The Wisdom Center.  You do not have to know the melody to proclaim the message.  Grab hold of it and run with the truth:  "THE BEST IS YET TO COME!!!"    Smile...it is True!!!  

P.S. Since my blogs are not a mere "Spiritual Vitamin"....but do have some meat in them....they are usually more than one or two paragraphs.  Please  feed your spirit and digest accordingly.  Enjoy.

Written By: Linda Lou Jones
                      Glory to God
                      PS:45:1"My tongue is the pen of a ready writer."

#29 GOD'S WAYS ARE HIGHER THAN MAN'S WAYS

God's ways are higher than man's ways.  God's thoughts are wiser.  No sense wasting time trying to figure it all out.  Just go with the flow of the Holy Spirit and this is what you did.  The more you did this the closer your relationship because resulting in an inner knowing when you did not have a witness on something.  i.e. In conversation with someone and they say a one liner that you know is not true....because you got a check in your spirit...like a pulling back, or a red light within.  Obeying the nudgings of the Holy Spirit became a habit that prevented much chaos and confusion.  

Though you encountered trials and temptations, you thought were difficult, you also were spared much darkness because of the habit you developed.    The more you continued to listen, learn, obey, the more strong those spiritual muscles became until you were able to soar high above many storms, into a tranquil area.  As you were bathed with peace that passes all understanding, you did not see a lot of the conflict that was encountered below by others.  Your protection occurred due to your obedience to press in to the heart of God and in doing so you heard the voice of the Holy Spirit.  

Your expectations are a result of what you have fed your spirit.  Expectations of others will differ greatly.  Opinions are given freely and repeatedly, yet it is only God's opinion that truly matters.  Consequently, keep listening to God and your expectations will happen.  In fact, God will do exceedingly far above your greatest expectations...He is able.  The decision is yours.....choose your "habits"....develop spiritual muscles....pray and obey....listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit daily...always be expectant.  The best is yet to come.  Glory to God.

#28 RUN WITH THE VISION

Your decision to believe and run with the vision also affects others so when you stand strong, your faith encourages anyone else that is part of the vision.  To tell people about your vision is not wise because they will not have the faith you do, to believe, since it was your spirit that heard the Holy Spirit and faith was immediately birthed.  Faith is...confidence in God.  By continuing to listen to the Word of God, what you believed would happen, became a stronghold in your life.  A stronghold of faith was created as you continued to proclaim your vision, which was actually words that watered the seed of that vision.  

Words are seeds.  Words need to be watered like seeds in a garden need water.  Water is by the washing of the word of God.  As you read the Word the seeds of faith were watered and continued to grow stronger.  Not only did faith become stronger; you matured spiritually by developing spiritual muscles.

Yes, like the Eagle that soars higher and higher your decision to believe the Holy Spirit resulted in much spiritual growth.  Strongholds are not built in a day.  Strongholds are a result of a habit that has been formed in your life.  A habit such as regular prayer, reading of the Word, hearing the Word, become strongholds within.  Like muscles that become stronger gradually, by lifting weights repeatedly, you developed spiritual muscles without even thinking about that aspect.  

Little things make a huge difference when they become a good habit in your life and this is a classic example.  Someone who hears about your vision will not have the expectations you do, so their negative words can reduce your energy.  It is better to learn to encourage yourself in the Lord, like David did  than to tell others.  Guard your spirit from defilement, contamination.  Doing this proved to be a huge assistance to you and is one main reason you were able to keep believing for not one or two but several years.

EXPECTATIONS

#30 EXPECTATIONS 

The Expectations of others is never identical to your expectations.  You captured the vision of your future, proclaimed it, pursued, published accordingly, stirred up your faith, persevered tenaciously, from the get go.  From the moment you heard from God and knew that you knew that you knew, you ran with the vision.  Doubt was not a factor, nor was fear.  You made a decision immediately to believe the voice of the Holy Spirit and keep believing until manifestation of what you heard.  

Throughout the following months and even years, you kept tuned in to the voice of the Holy Spirit, to hear and/or see a glimpse of another piece of the puzzle he wanted to reveal to you.  The puzzle of your life grew as did your faith because your Focus was on God, your Faith was in God, and your Faith was in God's Word.  

Since it was you that heard the voice of the Holy Spirit, it was only you who had the opportunity to believe and not doubt.  Believe that familiar voice within.  Believe that what you can not do...God can and will enable you.  Your decision to grab hold of the vision immediately, was wise because it prevented the enemy from confounding the situation by bringing fear, doubt, questions that trigger more fear and indecisiveness.  The more quickly a decision is made, the less the mental pressure.  It is really a "no brainer".  Noah obeyed the instruction to build the Ark.  Where would  we be today if he had not done so?

#26 HEARING THE VOICE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Hearing the voice of the Holy Spirit is something God taught me three months after I got saved because that is when I received the baptism in the Holy Ghost.  It is one of the most important things a person can do; pray for and receive the baptism with the evidence of speaking in tongues.  It is God at work, and is found in the book of Acts.  Acts 2:4 "And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance."

As I wrote, I did not just release words and emotions, I released pain that had been stuffed deep inside too.  Tears flowed and it was not uncommon to see me sitting with a pot of tea, box of tissue, and typewriter as well as paper and pen.  God was performing spiritual surgery as I wrote.  That was not something I was thinking about because at that time I was not looking at the "big picture".  I was only focused on what I was writing about.  Consequently, slivers were removed, arrows were pulled out, spears, and wounds were cleansed and healed, filled with love, and sealed shut. I call that "Restoration"...and it was happening to me on the inside as I wrote.  

God was doing an exchange...exchanging the "ashes for beauty".  Far more significant than an oil change in a car.  This was done supernaturally by God as I simply exercised the gift of writing.  For sure God sees the "Big Picture"...and He does not overlook anything.  I serve a God with Whom details are very important.  He gave Noah details on how to build the Ark, and He still gives details on how to do things. 

Follow me like the a heart inside my heart and feel what I am feeling when I write.   Now that makes me want to write on the 'anointing'...as things dovetail.  


(Continued on #27)

#25  YOU HAVE TO USE  IT TO DEVELOP IT 


You have to use something to develop it... I was developing an ability to tune in to the Holy Spirit without even thinking about that aspect of it all.  Not to mention my prayer life increased because I would pray and say simply..."Lord, what do I write about tonight...inspire me please."  Then I would pick up the pen and just do my best to get in the flow of the Holy Spirit.  It blessed me to read it afterwards, so I believed it would bless others too.  I knew God was in it and my trust was in Him, so I kept writing.

My dad saw my diligence and he used his skills to do something very special for me.  He built me a little wooden desk, left handed no less.  Drawers only on the left side.  :-)  It was such a joy when he surprised me with the desk.  The yellow legal pads are still clear in my memory though that was decades ago.  Nevertheless as I kept writing...about four hours every night, 10-2 a.m. it was tiring for my fingers, as well as quite time consuming.  

Apparently God thought so because He moved on the heart of someone to give me an IBM electric typewriter, and a good office chair.  I was moving on up in the world... :-) First the desk, then the typewriter and chair...that I did not even pray for.  God was honoring His promise in Matthew 6:33 "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you."  He is faithful!  I recognized His faithfulness to me.  It was humbling.

The years continued and the writing continued, hundreds of poems, several books over the years, yet not published.  I lived it, then wrote it.  Even though not published, the desire and passion to write was so strong it had to be done....... whether my work got published or not.  I figured at least I got it written and if I wasn't here, someone would get it published at some point.  

All I knew was I did not have the funds to put it in print, so I focused on writing.  I am not a quitter and God is faithful so I decided not to fret, but to be productive.  From a word, to a sentence, to a paragraph, to a page, to a chapter, to a book.... and all over again.  I wrote about Jesus and how he revealed himself to me on a daily basis.  

(Continued on #26)

#24. PS.45:1 "My Tongue Is The Pen Of A Ready Writer

Six weeks after I committed my life to the Lord Jesus Christ I started writing poems one after another and another.  It was so easy to do, yet I had only written two in all my years prior to locking in with the Lord, so I knew Writing...is a Gift from God.  

In fact,  each time I opened my Bible, or someone else's, it would somehow open to Psalms 45:1....which states: "My tongue is the pen of a ready writer...".  That happened so many times it scared me. I almost didn't want to open the Bible because it was uncanny, finding this same verse again and again.  After all, at that time I did not even know where Psalms was found, let alone open to that very verse.  No wonder it was somewhat unnerving.  

So much so that I started asking people what it meant.  They did not know so I kept reading it until finally the light bulb came on and I knew that I KNEW... it was for me; so they did not nave to understand it necessarily.  The words were for me because God was telling me He anointed me to write.  After that, I applied myself and in three months had 50 poems, followed by many testimonies.  I write what I live and I have lived through a lot, to the glory of God.  

Having a gift and using a gift are two different things.  I knew I had that gift within.  I then had to learn how to release it by faith.  It was like turning the faucet on and out came the water.  As soon as I put paper in front of me, and a pen, I simply could not leave the page empty.  I would start a sentence and that was all it took to continue.  

Words just kept coming and I could hardly wait to see how this would end because I knew God was inspiring me.  Somehow it always came around to something about Jesus and a point was made, a lesson was taught, etc.  It was astounding to me because I never had any teaching to do such a thing...and the more I did it the more the anointing intensified.  

(Continues on #25)

#23.  GOLD MINE OF HUMOR  

Humor is incredibly important.  Having a sense of humor is even more important.  Exercising a healthy sense of humor is at least as important as taking vitamins daily.  A good laugh massages the liver!  Helps you relax! Smile...you are on your way... :-)

I was amazed when I found so little to read online about this topic. At least humor that stimulates a good laugh and is not at the expense of someone else.  Humor that does not cross lines, and is simply good clean fun.  Jesus gave us an ability to laugh for a reason. Maybe we should study that out a bit and find out when he laughed and why it is so important. After all, it is not like we have to go buy it like Vitamins...we have it Within. Do we exercise it? If not, why not? I am thinking it is a "GOLD MINE" that has not been 'tapped into'. I plan to do some 'tapping'.  Kinda makes me feel like a woodpecker, but that is okay.

Anything of great value usually has to be resurrected.... so to speak... like Diamonds... Oil... & 'Humor!"  Makes you think doesn't it... I pray we all 'Have' a sense of humor and 'Exercise' it daily.  Release the joy within...a good belly laugh never hurt anyone except the person laughing so hard their belly hurts.  How many times have you heard someone say:  That felt sooooooo good...having a good laugh like that.  I have not had such a good laugh for ages!!  I challenge you to exercise your sense of humor... spread a little joy in the house!!   "A merry heart does good like a medicine".

 

#14  HEAD'S UP

The groundhog was chewing on the corn busily.
So busily…
The hunter’s gun
He did not see.

The wind was blowing softly.
The corn did sway.
It really, really was
A beautiful day.

Little did this groundhog know
It would be his last.
His days of chewin’ the farmer’s corn
Would soon be past.

The rifle was raised
Steadily,
While I leaned on the rail fence
Making sure I could see.

I plugged my ears,
Said a quick prayer,
Not quite sure whose side I was on.
Death was in the air.

He fired once.
Then once again!
That little creature
Suffered very little pain.

Silence filled the air.
A hint of sorrow too
‘Cause this job was not easy
For the farmer to do.

Farmers have tender hearts
Just like you.
Their calling is not easy.
They need prayer too.

I dedicate this song
To all the farmers out there
And I pray more people
Will lift you up in prayer.
‘Cause Jesus loves the farmer
Yes indeed…
And Jesus wants the farmer
To keep planting seed.

Head’s up! Head’s up! Head’s up!

Written by: Linda Lou Jones

Glory To God

PS. 45:1...My tongue is the pen of a ready writer.

 FYI:  When I was living on the farm, groundhogs were a problem to the farmer.  They can eat a lot in a short time.  Consequently to protect crops sometimes drastic measures were taken, as these song lyrics state.  This song was also recorded, and a friend's son renamed it: "The Groundhog Song."  His love for animals found this song too upsetting, so he would leave the room running when it was played. Little did he realize the farmer likely would have preferred to leave the field that day also, without..... having to do what he did.  

In life there are situations that must be faced, decisions that have to be made.  This was a classic example of being between a rock and a hard place.  Whether you are the farmer OR the groundhog!  Some decisions are easier than others.  Procrastination results in more pressure mentally and opportunity for the spiritual battle to intensify because the enemy has time to sow seeds of doubt, fear, etc. 

#22. LILY OF THE VALLEY 

Eight tiny expressions

Of delicate yet beautiful blossoms

Enjoying the sunshine

As they rest on the vine

Suspended in mid air

Yet secure is each one

Connected yet separate

Divinely done.

Is there anything

Too hard for God?

Surely not!!

Written By:  Linda Lou Jones

Glory To God  
PS.45:1 “My tongue is the pen of a ready writer.”

#21. DO YOU KNOW JESUS MY SAVIOR?

DO YOU KNOW JESUS MY SAVIOR?
DO YOU KNOW JESUS MY LORD?
DO YOU KNOW JESUS, MY BEST FRIEND?
DO YOU KNOW HOW MUCH HE'S ADORED?

JESUS WAS BORN IN A MANGER.
JESUS WAS CRUCIFIED.
IT WAS FOR YOU & ME ON CALVARY
THAT HE SHED HIS BLOOD & HE DIED.

HE'S AT THE RIGHT HAND OF THE FATHER
PRAYING FOR YOU & ME.
WHY DON'T YOU ASK HIM INTO YOUR HEART.
HE'S THE ONE WHO CAN SET YOU FREE.

DO YOU KNOW JESUS MY SAVIOR?
DO YOU KNOW JESUS MY LORD?
DO YOU KNOW JESUS, MY BEST FRIEND?
DO YOU KNOW HOW MUCH HE'S ADORED?

DO YOU KNOW JESUS.....MY SAVIOR.......?

Written By: Linda Lou Jones

Glory To God

PS. 45:1 "My tongue is the pen of a ready writer."

FYI:  This song was birthed when I was recovering from radiation, chemotherapy, & lung cancer, years ago.

As I leaned on the Lord, these words flowed like a river of life until the song was written.  I call it the Gospel of Jesus Christ, In a Song.  (The Lord does know how to simplify truths.)

#20. THE TELEPHONE SONG  

IT'S JUST TOO MUCH.
YES, IT'S JUST TOO MUCH.
MY TELEPHONE RINGS AT 2 & 4.
2 & 4 & SOMETIMES MORE
AND IT'S JUST TOO MUCH.
THAT AIN'T WHAT MY TELEPHONE IS FOR.
NO, THAT AIN'T WHAT MY TELEPHONE IS FOR.

SO DON'T CALL ME
IF ALL YOU WANNA DO
IS HAVE A PITY PARTY....WOE IS ME....WOE IS ME....
NO.NO.NO.DON'T CALL ME!
AND DON'T CALL ME
IF ALL YOU WANNA DO
IS CRITICIZE YOUR FRIENDS & FAMILY....
NO.NO.NO.DON'T CALL ME
'CAUSE THAT AIN'T WHAT MY TELEPHONE IS FOR.
NO, THAT AIN'T WHAT MY TELEPHONE IS FOR!
BUT:

IF YOU NEED A PRAYER...
THEN GIVE ME A CALL
'CAUSE THAT'S WHY I'M THERE.

MY TELEPHONE....IS A TOOL OF SERVICE.
IT IS NOT.....A WEAPON.....
WHAT IS YOUR.....TELEPHONE...TO YOU?

IS IT A WEAPON........OR A TOOL OF SERVICE?
IF IT IS A WEAPON...........IT'S JUST TOO MUCH.........
 

BUT:
IF YOU NEED A PRAYER.......
THEN GIVE ME A CALL.....
AND IF YOU NEED A FRIEND....
THEN GIVE ME A CALL.....
'CAUSE THAT'S WHY I'M THERE...
AND THAT'S WHAT MY TELEPHONE IS FOR!
YES, THAT'S WHAT MY TELEPHONE IS FOR!!
RING......RING......RING......!

Written By:  Linda Lou Jones

Glory To God
PS. 45:1 “My tongue is the pen of a ready writer.”

#19.  THE LITTLE BOOK 

As I walked up the sloped entrance to the public park
Admiring the 160 motorcycles parked alongside,
In the vine
I did abide. (John 15)
My hand held several Christian tracts (Freedom Rider)
Waiting to be handed out.
I prayed, “Lord, show me who to give these to.
Let there be no doubt.” (Prov.3:6)

About five steps later
I felt a gentle tug on my arm.
I turned and looked down at a child’s innocent face.
He said, “Um, how much do those little books cost?”
My heart filled with love.
As I looked into his questioning eyes
This eleven year old Chinese boy was spiritually hungry.
There was no disguise.

Somewhat hesitantly he asked me, “Did someone die?”
Again, my heart was full as I thought of Jesus and Calvary.
This boy had seen 160 bikes lined up as we entered the park at Niagara Falls.
Then God led him to me.
We sat by the curb
As I shared a beautiful love story. (John 3:16).
He then prayed with me the sinner’s prayer.
To God be the glory.

Squeezing the track “Freedom Rider” in one hand
He told me he had never been to Sunday school.
We shook hands then I hugged him briefly, my new pen pal.
God’s unconditional love is a powerful tool. (1Cor.13)
It is our greatest warfare weapon.
What do you do with the love God has given to you?
Is your cup full and running over?
Do you reach out and share with others or is “hibernating” what you do?

My prayer is that more people
Will see Jesus shining through you;
Through me too; and that His perfect will
We gladly do.
If God can move so mightily
Through a little book
Such as the track, “Freedom Rider”,
How much more through a person with a “Jesus” look?

Is Jesus shining through you
Or is He in the Bible only?
Ask Him to show you
Who others see.
Who do you reflect?
Are you all aglow?
Is Jesus someone
You really K N O W?

Written By: Linda Lou Jones
Glory To God
PS. 45:1 “My tongue is the pen of a ready writer.”

                                            

#18.  ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS

Even though a baby can’t talk
He has ways of communicating with you.
His cry of distress reveals
When there is something YOU must DO.

Sometimes when he cries
Many tears are shed.
Sometimes there is noise but no tears
So you leave the baby to rest in bed.

If you pick him up each time he makes a noise
He will be spoiled for sure.
His smiles and gleeful “goos and gaaas”
Are easy to endure.

Body language is how babies converse,
Adults can converse this way too.
Be aware that others do not always interpret
The same way that you do.

Discernment must be used.
A persons eyes reveal much
As does an unspoken word
And a tender gentle touch.

Jesus did not waste words.
Jesus was meek and gentle and kind.
Our strongest message could be when we walk away,
Turning our back on temptation…such obedience is hard to find.

Stray or obey?
May we all have a desire to do what is right.
Whether through speaking the Word, or through body language;
I pray our light is bright!

Written by:  Linda Lou Jones

Glory To God

PS.454:1 "My tongue is the pen of a ready writer."

#17.  THE RECIPE 

GOD IS LOVE & LOVE IS THE RECIPE.
JESUS SAID: “LOVE ONE ANOTHER
AS I HAVE LOVED THEE…”

WHEN YOU FORGIVE
THOSE THAT HAVE DONE WRONG TO YOU
GOD WILL BE FAITHFUL TO FORGIVE
YOU YOUR SINS TOO.

GOD DOES NOT
ALWAYS GIVE YOU WHAT YOU WANT
BUT HE ALWAYS GIVES WHAT IS BEST FOR YOU
‘CAUSE HE LOVES YOU.

GOD IS LOVE & LOVE IS THE RECIPE.
JESUS SAID: “LOVE ONE ANOTHER
AS I HAVE LOVED THEE…”

I CHALLENGE YOU
TO MAKE JESUS SMILE.
HE IS WITH YOU RIGHT NOW & HE’S WAITING.
HE’S BEEN THERE ALL THE WHILE.

GOD IS LOVE & LOVE IS THE RECIPE.
JESUS SAID: “LOVE ONE ANOTHER
AS I HAVE LOVED THEE…”
JESUS SAID:
LOVE ONE ANOTHER
AS I HAVE LOVED THEE!

Written By:  Linda Lou Jones

Glory To God

PS. 45:1 “My tongue is the pen of a ready writer.”

FYI:  I wrote these lyrics and recorded the song years ago.

The words bubbled up out of my spirit quickly

 As did the melody and another song was birthed.

Song Writing is a Gift from God.

I Am Very Thankful.

 

#16.   FIRE & WATER

                                  

Who says fire and water
Don’t mix?
When God puts it together
It’s a blend like no other.
The Master Artist
Makes no mistakes, no errors
Needs no eraser
Yet the artwork constantly changes
With every passing wave
Every ray of sun that breaks through
Every cloud that blows by
Making something so beautiful
Even more beautiful
Moment by moment
Because it is God’s way
Of revealing Himself
Day after day
To those who obey
“Blessed are the pure in heart
For they shall see God”
Matthew 5:8
They shall see the hand of God at work
Not just now and again
Not just in the fire and the water
But in the wind, the flowers, the trees,
In the Rainbow so bright
The storm clouds, the sun,
And the stars at night.
He’s here, there and everywhere
Wooing all to come in
There’s room in the Family of God
The blood of Jesus still cleanses sin
Hearts are touched from the inside
When Jesus is welcomed aboard
Nothing is too hard for him
Praise the Lord!
John 3:16
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only Begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.”
 

Written By:   Linda Lou Jones

Glory To God
PS.45:1 “My tongue is the pen of a ready writer.”

#15.  CURIOSITY CONCEALED 

A simple small scroll
Housed within a corked bottle
Makes a statement
All by itself
As it rests peacefully
While remaining dry and secure
Leaving each viewer with a question
One wonders what is written therein.
Better still
Wondering who wrote the note
And why it was placed there.
Motive is as important
As a message is at times.
Since one can only guess
How about you becoming the individual
Who writes the little note...
What would your pen say?
Who would your target be?
What would your motive be?
Would the bottle be cast
Into the ocean, the sea, the lake
Or would you simply take a photo
So as to ponder over it eternally...
Ponder over this food for thought
As you ask yourself what would be written
If the Author was none other than
Jesus Christ

Written By:  Linda Lou Jones

Glory To God
PS. 45:1 “My tongue is the pen of a ready writer.”

FYI:  My answer is:  "Believe!"