Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Can a Prayer Save America

Hi folks, I've been on "sabbatical" for a bit. I got this in e-mail today and rather than send it on, I'm posting it here. More later from me. You are all in my prayers. Blessings and love, Penny

Can a Prayer Save America?
During the Civil War, a friend of Abraham Lincoln was a visitor at the White House. "One night I was restless and could not sleep...From the private room where the President slept, I heard low tones. Instinctively I wandered in, and there I saw a sight which I have never forgotten. It was the President, kneeling before and open Bible. His back was toward me. I shall never forget his prayer: 'Oh, Thou God that heard Solomon in the night when he prayed and cried for wisdom, hear me...I cannot guide the affairs of this nation without Thy help. Hear me and save this nation."
When the leaders of our country assembled to write the Constitution, Benjamin Franklin proposed that each session be open with prayer. Franklin said, "I have lived a long time, and the longer I live the more convincing proof I see of this truth--- that God governs the affairs of men."
Our nation is great because it was founded upon God's Word and prayer. But today prayer has been replaced by political intrigue, materialism and a mistaken notion that our private and national affairs can be run without God.
Be here and there throughout America voices are heard, as individuals and groups begin to call on God in prayer. But this whole nation must be moved to prayer. So great are the dangers, so grave the perils, so tremendous the problems, that it is imperative that we lay hold upon the Lord God in prayer for His will.
Prayer can save America. There is only one way out, and that is up! If we do not turn to God, we will be overcome by the godless. It is either revival or ruin! It is now or never! The answer will not be found by the UN or NATO. The answer will be found only when we call upon the Lord God. Spiritual values must be restored. We must return to the faith of our fathers and to family prayer and the Bible.
Christ's death and resurrection make it possible for you to have victory over sin and a vital relationship with God. Only then can He hear and answer your prayers...both for America and your own personal needs. Receive Him today. "For as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name."
Then you can claim God's promise: "If My people, which are called by My Name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal the land."
THE AMERICAN'S CREED
I believe in the United States of America, as a government of the people, by the people, for the people; whose just powers are derived from the consent of the governed; a democracy in a republic; a sovereign nation of many sovereign states; a perfect union, one and inseparable; established on those principles of freedom, equality, justice and humanity for which American patriots sacrificed their lives and fortunes. I therefore believe it is my duty to my country to love it, to support its constitution, to obey its laws, to respect its flag, and to defend it against all enemies (and to pray for its leaders).

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Flu and them some

I can't believe I got the flu! What in the world are flu shots for? Last Sunday, I was insisting it was allergies. I never get the flu. By Monday night, I was overwhelmed. Goodness gracious - or as Mom used to say - goodness gracious godness agnes! Did you get the flu this year? I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy.

After writing my last post, I searched a bit more for my step-family. Thanks for all the suggestions. I still hit dead-ends. I got discouraged and gave up. I figured I could at least find ONE of his 4 children or his ex-wife. Their names showed up . . . nothing current. Then a few days ago, my grandson Doug calls.

"Grandma? Chris passed away."

Chris was my late husband's firstborn. He had a lot of problems. He gave the world 3 wonderful children. He died from a blood clot to the lung. He'd been treated for clots in his leg, but couldn't afford the blood thinning medication to save his life. He died alone and unknown. By a fluke the coroner managed to find Chris's oldest son Andrew. I had looked for him, too.

I hadn't spoken to Andrew for many years. He came to visit on the year anniversary of his grandfather's death. I was ill and not much help to a young man looking for answers. We kept in touch for a little while then he seemed to disappear. He called. He's married now and in the military. He and his wife have a 7 month old son. Can you say great-grandma? The joy of reconnecting with him is a bit tainted by his father's death. Andrew has taken the responsibility for the arrangements. He wants to find his other grandmother and his aunt and uncles. He believes as I do that the family would want to know.

I wonder why people disappear like that? I would never have found Chris or Andrew. Andrew changed his last name. I try to keep myself out there just in case. Say my dear friend from high school wants to find me. I'm out there with my maiden name and current name. I guess it's hard for me to understand. Are some of you out there being anonymous and unfound? Can you explain to me? I really want to know. Then perhaps I will be more clear.

I wanted to put a picture of my new great grandson here, but I forgot to get permission from them. Their myspace page is set to private and I don't want to violate their trust. Maybe next time.

It's been raining here. Finally. I doubt that this 2 - 3 days of rain will make a difference in the California drought, but it's a start. I really like the rain. Everything seems new and clean when the sun comes out. Little birdies in the nearby trees sing incessantly. Sunshine makes everything sparkle. Just beautiful. I see God's hand everywhere in creation. And some people think it was all a big bang. I wonder what sound was made when God created the heavens and the earth? BANG!!!??? I wonder if it suddenly rained stars and suns and planets as we see drops of rain today?

Rob is making me Sunday brunch. I love this man! His first thought after Jesus is me. I've been cooking more lately, but it makes me feel so very special when he caters to me. I know he is commanded in the Bible to love me ("Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her . . ." Eph 5:25), but that doesn't always happen. I know ~ I've been married a few times. I am so grateful to have had this kind of love not once but twice. Cool, huh?

Even though I don't post as often lately, I still think of you often. I read blogs and sometimes comment, but find myself "lurking" more often than not. I pray for each of you and for all of you. Blessings to all in Christ,