Bethlehem Blessing

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  • Jesus Keeps Us Safe

    Not too long ago, I was in fear. I was afraid someone might take my possessions or do things to sabotage me, or to ruin things for me in general.

    I did some meditation and deep breathing, and that helped. However, what really calmed me down completely was the Bible verse Psalm 121:7-8. It reads The Lord will protect you from all danger; he will keep you safe. He will protect you as you come and go now and forever. The Good News Translation Bible (GNT).

    Breathing for me now is relaxing. I am at peace as I sit in front of a large window with the sun shining upon me. I am writing in my journal. I am feeling free. I am not hiding important items. I am no longer concerned about being safe. I know that I am.

    I am looking forward to the amazing weather that’s on the horizon. I am so comfortable that I even made a “To Be” list. It’s a list that helps you become the person you want to grow into. It identifies who we are becoming, not what we have to do. Yes, you feel you are moving forward to an improved version of yourself. We are developing a new identity. It’s about being the type of person who does the type of things on this list.

    I started moving toward my newfound identity when I decided to make sure I was the type of person who does things promptly. The first change I made was to get up right away to visit the ladies’ room when I woke up at night. I had been instructed to “go” quickly by a doctor.

    Now, I try to accomplish my desires when I think of them without procrastinating. You can ask your doctor about this if you need to.

    Thank you for reading.

    Much love,

    Lisa Brown

  • Become Like a Child

    It was a while ago when I decided to stop by the toy store and pick up a teddy bear. I found a small bear and named him Clark. He became a loved and cherished animal in my life.

    One day, I saw someone who needed help. I wasn’t sure what kind of help would work, but I gave him Clark.

    On a sunny afternoon, I found another teddy bear for myself. I gave him the name Pete. I cuddle him each time I go to sleep, I nestle him in my arms, and we both surround ourselves with a special blanket. Pete offers a comforting presence. Feeling the soft, furry texture of Pete and the blanket soothes me.

    I began sensing that I had become like a child. At first, I wondered if that was okay. But then I realized the benefit of Pete’s position in my life. I sense that all is right with life when I am petting him.

    And just like I rely on Pete and my blanket for security, I rely on Jesus. We are his children. And as I have come to know him, I see that it is rewarding to behave as a child would with him. When I first heard someone mention that it’s good to receive the help Jesus offers to us, each moment of our lives, I thought “Is that possible?” Is it possible to rely on him moment by moment?

    The answer to that question is yes. Yes, it is. For everything. Like a child.

    In Matthew 18:3, it says “and said, ‘I assure you that unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.’” The Good News Translation Bible {GNT}

    Thank you for reading.

    Much Love.

    Lisa Brown

  • Strength After Suffering

    I had been feeling out of sorts. I had reestablished a relationship with someone I’d had a long- term standing with. Then, after a short time, I felt back in the same position I had been in when I left the last time.

    I wasn’t getting any work done. I couldn’t get cooperation going, and I felt like this person really didn’t even like me or appreciate me. I began sinking down into the pit they ended up in. I am very happy, so this bothered me. I like the people I surround myself with to feel optimistic.

    I truly recognized a sensation of suffering in the place I had been with this person. I even began to think of terrible scenarios that might result from staying in this relationship any longer. No, I wasn’t going to do anything rash, yet at the same time, I didn’t feel like I was swinging in a tire swing under a giant oak tree

    Well, I left the negativity, and things got worse. After a night of little sleep due to worrying, I gathered my things, but not most of them. And ventured out to find some peace. What I found immediately was pressure, stress, and aggravation.

    I kept my mind set on Jesus as I ran around trying to get some relief. As I sat down later, I found a Bible verse that put my thoughts in a better place. In 1 Peter 5:10, it says, “But after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who calls you to share his eternal glory in union with Christ, will himself perfect you and give you firmness, strength, and a sure foundation.”

    I did have strength and a sure foundation. Upon listening to the Holy Spirit guide me into writing this piece, I transformed. What had been a time of way too much turned into a way to assist others who might be involved in something similar.

    Thanks for reading.

    Much love,

    Lisa Brown.

  • When I Didn’t Know What to Do

    I had thought I knew what I was doing and what to do next. I was ready to take action that would resolve an issue that had been causing me anguish, yet I felt terrible. I had a headache, a stomachache, and could not think straight. I kept thinking that the pressure and pain were due to being in the middle of two places in my life. I thought that when I took the action I had planned, things would improve.

    Through frustration and tears, I called out to Jesus. The Bible verse Luke 22:42 TEV was appropriate in this case. One of the most powerful things to do is to pray Bible verses back to Jesus, add a thank-you, and pray them in Jesus’ name.

    Luke 22:42 TEV says, “Father, “he said, “if you will, take this cup of suffering away from me. Not my will, however, but your will be done.

    After I spoke to Jesus, I instinctively knew what to do. The Holy Spirit inside of me prompted me to take an action that was the opposite of what I had planned. It was a strong gut feeling that actually made my stomachache go away. In this case, I had to speak with someone about something that ultimately redirected the course of my life. As I began to speak, the uncomfortable mixed-up feeling I had had disappeared. I felt reassured that following Jesus will was the right thing to do.

    I know that in every situation I encounter that needs expert attention, I can rely on the Bible and Jesus words.

    Thank you for reading.

    Much love,

    Lisa Brown

  • Understanding My Calling

    In Matthew 12:20-21 (TEV), it says, “He will not break off a bent reed, nor put out a flickering lamp.” He will persist until he causes justice to triumph, and on him all peoples will put their hope.

    I have been listening to the Holy Spirit for the last six years, and I do feel that it is my purpose on this planet to help people by giving them hope. I had wondered just how I was to accomplish this for a while. Now, though, I know it is to tell others my stories. To let them know what I know by writing my blogs, podcasts, video scripts, nonfiction books, and fiction books, and to advance the gospel.

    The nonfiction I write is about real-life happenings I’ve encountered that have helped me learn.

    I hope you enjoy the creativity I am projecting out into the world. I will be on Substack with a podcast, on YouTube with videos under the name Hope Full, on Printful.com with paintings and photography, on DistroKid where the music will go out from there into the world, on Amazon KDP, and on my website: bethlehemblessing.org.

    May Jesus bless you as you navigate your life.

    Much love,

    Lisa Brown

  • All That I Need

    Last week I left my art studio, where I had everything I needed to paint with mixed media supplies, watercolors, acrylic markers, acrylic paints, pastels, and colored pencils. I had canvases, paper, water containers, and drop cloths. I had sparkly things, mediums, gold leaf, and a rechargeable paint dryer.

    After I got where I was going, I had nothing to paint with. I felt I couldn’t even begin to think about designing anything. I felt lost, alone, and hopeless. Then, when I decided to upload my first art blog, I searched for a Bible verse to encourage me. As soon as I found 2 Corinthians 9:8 TEV, which says And God is able to give you more than you need, so that you will always have more than you need for yourselves and more than enough for every good cause. I relaxed,

    I called a hobby place up the road and then figured I would get what I could there, and pick up additional items at the dollar store, like canvases,

    Normally, I’d stock up on paints and things at a big craft store that is a little more expensive. However, considering that I now have strict financial restrictions, I must be careful with my purchases.

    And will also be painting outside under a huge pine tree, as long as it’s not 22 degrees. When it comes to photographing the art, I will lean it up against the substantial trunk of the pine and hope my phone’s light illuminates it well. Back at my former studio, I had a special light with a cover for glare that sat on a tall tripod.

    I have gratitude for my make-shift art setup. I thank Jesus.

    Work with what you’ve got.

    Thanks for reading,

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