Bethlehem Blessing

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  • Looking Forward to Jesus’ Blessings

    At a time when I could be thinking that there’s not much to see ahead of me, I know deep down that there is. I will and do believe in the Lord, what he says, and what he does for us. What he says in the Bible is true.

    2 Corinthians 5:5 reads, “God is the one who has prepared us for this change, and he gave us his Spirit as the guarantee of all that he has in store for us.” TEV

    This verse above fires me up. I am ready for what’s to come. What’s to happen in this life soon.

    I can already tell there are plenty of roads I will follow, plenty of income streams that will provide what I need to succeed. It is all very exciting. One path that scared me years ago was public speaking. Now I keep thinking of it, and I am feeling I will be good at it, and it just may help some people. I am not sure, yet which subject I will be speaking about, but I have a few ideas.

    I think in some way I would like to encourage women who have lost their way for one reason or another. I say that because I lost my way, and now I am back on track. In the Bible it talks about us being able to help others with the same help Jesus has given us.

    2 Corinthians 1:4 reads, “He helps us in all our troubles, so that we are able to help others who have all kinds of troubles, using the same help that we ourselves have received from God.” GNT

    I love working for the Lord. It is a purpose in this life. For a long time, I did not know what I was supposed to be doing with myself and my time. Now that I do, I am enjoying living much more.

    Another thing I am considering off in the future somewhere is coaching. I think all of us could use a good life coach. Who wouldn’t want someone in their corner just like the boxers have in the ring. Although, most of us aren’t punching anyone, I think it would be nice to have someone to tell us we’re doing a good job on a regular basis.

    Of course, everything I do, no matter what it is, is grounded in the word of God. I think when we follow the Bible and Jesus, we can live wonderful and productive lives. Success can be ours, and we can be happy.

    I pray that you find fun and fabulous paths to walk on. And that you are able to find success in all that you do that’s good. Amen.

    Thank you for reading.

    I love you,

    Lisa Brown

  • Jesus Knew What I Needed

    Last night when I finally got home and sat down, I felt weird. I could not explain it. I didn’t know what was wrong with me. I just knew I had nothing left to give, and that I couldn’t even do the smallest of things.

    I looked up at the painting I have of Jesus and asked him to help me. I am not even sure if I put it in the form of a prayer as I usually do. I told him that I did not know what I needed. I was so sad that I broke down in tears. I was really upset.

    Maybe it had something to do with the fact that my life was previously in a shambles. It was a mess. And maybe it was fallout from that. It could have been residual effects. Lingering trauma. Bad vibes that hadn’t died. I really wasn’t sure.

    Then for some reason, I picked up a pen and paper. I wrote down the day, time, and the date. Then one by one the events of the day popped into my head. It was as if the Lord was reminding me of what a good life I have now.

    The first thing I wrote was that everything is okay and good. Next came the following: I ‘m going to feel better soon; I have nothing to worry about; someone who’s happy in their life will be visiting me tomorrow; they love me; I talked to one of my brothers today for quite a while; another brother is helping me with one of my songs; I am picking up a custom-made family photo next week; I will be earning from a screenplay I’m writing, from my nonfiction books, and from my art; eventually I will be able to help people who are in need; I am healing more each day; and most of all, Jesus loves me.

    Moment after moment as I wrote I felt the pressure lift off of me and I felt stronger. I even got hungry. I was cured. And all of this was in a very short period of time.

    Jesus works miracles. This was one of them.

    I picked up what looked like the contents of a whole box of tissues off of the floor, tossed them out, and headed for the microwave to heat up some pasta.

    A good part of the day today, I spent thanking the Lord for fixing me up. I said I don’t know how you did it, I just know you did it. Thank you so very much for that.

    Isaiah 40:31 reads, “But those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not grow weary, they shall walk and not faint.” NRSV

    Thank you for reading.

    I love you,

    Lisa Brown

  • The Path Ahead is Clear

    I have been in a season of problem after problem. No matter how hard I tried to move forward it just wasn’t happening. And even lately leading up to this very day, I have been fighting to remain positive.

    When some of Jesus’ prophets let me know that everything was going to be different and better from here on out, I couldn’t believe it. I wondered if it were a joke or something bad. But, since I have been behaving myself and staying away from sinful actions or thoughts, I am coming to think I am in store for a beautiful rest of my life.

    One of the prophets relayed the following Bible verse for those listening.

    Hebrews 10:35 reads, “Do not lose your courage, then because it brings with it a great reward.” GNT

    I am thinking that because what has been prophesized is about some new avenues of work for me, that this is right on the mark. I do have to have faith and be brave to do what it is that I want to do. These jobs are some that I have never done but have always wanted to do. And doing them does require learning a lot and preparing for them too.

    Since it has been a while since I have done something new and different, I’ll admit it is a little scary. I am trying not to fear though. It says some form of the words, do not fear 365 times in the Bible. And I know that is because with Jesus we have nothing to fear, no matter what’s up. He will protect us and guide us along wherever we go.

    Isaiah 45: 2 reads, “I will go before you and make the crooked places straight; I will break in pieces the gates of bronze and cut the bars of iron.” NKJV

    So, no matter what type of adversity lies ahead, Jesus will take care of it even before we come upon it. And that does make me feel safe. It creates a feeling inside of me that’s ready to act, to forge forward, and to be confident.

    I will have my green tea, meditate, and take several deep breaths and go for it. I don’t care if someone criticizes me, laughs at me, or makes fun of me. I have been in more challenging situations.

    One time I was in a skyscraper building, being afraid of heights, I got nervous at about floor number ninety while on the elevator. You could see the boats below in the river looked like pin dots. I was going to say, somehow, I made it through the heights. But it wasn’t somehow…. It was with Jesus’ help. At the time when I was 17 years old, I did not know of Jesus, but he kept me safe anyway.

    Thank you for reading.

    I love you,

    Lisa Brown

  • Saved From My Enemies

    I was taking forever to get myself to just do something as simple as to go out and get my mail. You might wonder what the problem with that could possibly be. Well, it was that out there, there were always a group of evil types gathering and getting ready to pounce like lions in the jungle.

    And that’s not all. More evil lurked out near the trash cans, and over by the gazebo. Not so nice situations were coming at me from all around. I couldn’t breathe a comfortable breath.

    I don’t know why I didn’t turn to prayer at once when these situations first occurred. I just don’t know. What I have learned though is that no matter what I should pray. No matter if it seems like there is no hope and nothing could be done, I will pray anyway. According to the Bible, all things are possible with God.

    So, I prayed. I prayed that these people would leave me alone. And I went a step further. I prayed that none of them would be around when I went out to take care of anything I needed to do. Also, that I would not see them and that they would not see me. I will tell you, I know it seems like that is impossible, but it’s not. I can see that. In the past few days none of them have surfaced. Not even for a second. I feel free!

    I am thinking that maybe the Lord Jesus had the above happen so that I would know for sure that prayer works, and that is our defense when it comes to things like this, and for all that we need.

    Thank you, Jesus, for giving us the ability to pray, and the major blessing that it is. You are so very awesome. You think of everything. Amen.

    After all of this, I know I can go forward with all that is on my agenda. All that I want to do in this life. I will stop before I do anything, think of what’s involved, and pray. We don’t need to say elaborate prayers. They can be short.

    I pray that you have no fear with regard to saying your prayers. Pray, and believe without doubting. Amen.

    Psalm 18:3 reads, “I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I have been saved from my enemies.” NIV

    Thank you for reading.

    I love you,

    Lisa Brown

  • Write it Down and Watch it Happen

    You know when I write my blog and speak about things that I have planned or things that I hope to have happen, eventually they do happen.

    I had been thinking that this was because I had it in my mind or something. But that’s not it. It is because in the Bible it talks about what will come after we write down what we see in our mind’s eye.

    Habakkuk 2:2-3 reads, “The Lord gave me this answer: ‘Write down clearly on tablets what reveal to you, so that it can be read at a glance. Put it in writing, because it is not yet time for it to come true. It may seem slow in coming but wait for it; it will certainly take place, and it will not be delayed.’” NIV

    This verse creates a desire in me to write down everything I can think of about the future as I see it for myself. It makes me feel like I have a certain amount of control over my life. I do realize though that it is Jesus who orchestrates our lives and all that takes place for us. So, it is with the Lord’s divine help that what we want happens, and of course it must be within his will.

    Jesus wants us to do what is lovely, kind, noble, and good. And when we follow in accordance with his instructions, we can have good lives. Problems will arise, but in my opinion, they show up to help us have more faith, and to convince us that prayer is the way to go not matter what is going on.

    We can write down our objectives with regards to what we see ahead of us, and Jesus will direct our steps that lead us to being successful. When we write out our plans as well as when we pray, we can put forth our views, our needs, and our desires.

    After I am finished here with this blog, I am going to locate a pretty little notebook, write down what I want for myself: Where I will live; what style of house I will have; what friends I will keep in my life; what kind of friends I will add; what I would like to have with my forever man, and what I want for my career.

    I say I will keep the above thoughts and wishes, and desires, and prayers in a little notebook so I can read it at night before I go to sleep. It will have a spiral edge so I can read it every night. I do believe what we read before sleep and first thing in the morning seeps into our subconscious. And it is there that our actions spring from.

    I pray that you will get what you need and want in this life, and that you will continually pray for it all. Amen.

    Thank you for reading.

    I love you,

    Lisa Brown

  • Narcissists Subtlety Manipulate the Unsuspecting

    The easiest way to clue you in on what a narcissist is, is to mention some of the ways they take advantage of people.

    One of the sneakiest techniques they use is what is called “breadcrumbing.” It’s where they provide others with just enough positivity to convince them, that they are kind. But for narcissists it is all fakery, and dishonesty. They aren”t even a little but truly nice. The term about the breadcrumbs comes from the idea that they deliver niceties a little at a time.

    When they give out things that create happiness in huge amounts, it is what’s called “love bombing.” It can be done in a romantic situation in the form of expensive jewelry, dinners, or trips as well as saying “I love you, too soon. It can also be done when they do anything above and beyond what’s considered normal.

    Because these narcs are too proud to ask for things, they often cajole you into doing services for them. like fetching items, cooking, cleaning, errands, laundry and any type of work. An example of this is hearing them say “I am going to go out and clean the garage.” What they’re trying to manipulate you into is cleaning the garage for them while they watch the game on TV.

    Also, they demand to have their egos stroked. That is being told how great they are, how good they look and such. If you don’t bow down to them, they’ll find other sources–other people who will and leave you in the dust.

    A narcissist crossed my path when I moved. Someone living nearby kept stopping me, interrupting what I was doing and insisted on telling me long twisted stories about how they had been wronged out in the world. The cajoling began almost immediately. It came in story form about a drug store messing up some prescriptions. It was one complaint after another. It was designed to get me to mention whether or not I took prescription drugs. This person was attempting to judge me as a candidate for dating them.

    Right after the conversation about the pills, an attempt to create a level of jealously in me, arose. It was a series of questions about another person who was absolutely beautiful and in great shape. I didn’t know who they were talking about after the first few descriptions of the stunning woman. Then in typical narcissistic manner, this guy’s Mr. Nice Guy’s mask fell to the floor. He suddenly became angry with me for not knowing who this woman was. And he had a snotty look on his face while acting like he was some kind of God, and in charge of the whole planet, and everyone in it.

    I ignored this man the next time I was outside, and each time after for a while. Then, he tried to gift me with something. He told me he’d give it to me and didn’t. Narcs like to punish the people they manipulate too. I think he wanted to make me mad because I had ignored him for so long.

    I am not going to let him get away with bothering me again. I am going to tell him; I am not on the market for anything or anyone. Telling him that I don’t even like him is what’s coming out of my mouth the next time I see him.

    He is a swindler, and a rotten person who claims to be a church member who obeys the word of God. But he does not practice what he preaches.

    The Pharisees in the Bible did not practice what they preached either.

    Matthew 23:3 reads, “They tie up cumbersome loads and put them on other people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.” NIV

    Thank you for reading.

    I love you,

    Lisa Brown

  • Celebrate God

    I talk to God even in the middle of the night. I keep Jesus’ picture propped up against a pillow on the side of my bed. I like seeing him when I wake. I know he is always there even if I can’t see his picture though.

    I talk to the Lord about everything. Whatever is on my mind is what I have a conversation with him about. I don’t wait to go to church to say anything. I just go for it.

    I celebrate him all of the time. In fact, I have what I call his “birthday lights,’ which are Christmas lights, on my silk Ficus trees. I put them on whenever I am going to be in the living room. And, I have another set of them in the bedroom.

    One year on Christmas Day, I baked him a cake. Then I saw a Bible verse about not doing human things for him or something like that, and decided I better not bake him cakes. But he is so nice and kind he probably wouldn’t mind if I did it again.

    The things God does for me are amazing. He is awesome. I even prayed about meeting friends. I prayed and asked if he would let me know if certain people were the type I wanted to hang out with. When I meet people, I am going to listen for the Holy Spirit telling me through what seems like intuition, what is right to do.

    Jesus is in charge of everything, so I know he cares about it all. Nothing is too small for his concern, and nothing is too big either. He does want us to step with him moment by moment like little children, and I do.

    When I first heard about staying that close to him, I wondered how a person could do that. It’s easy though. And I feel safe always that way. When God is directing your steps, you don’t have to worry, fear, or get upset about things that would normally cause problems.

    People of all kinds like to celebrate God. My neighbor lady just brought me over a set of crystal glasses because someone told her I was religious. She is appreciating God in her own way. It’s beautiful.

    I will sit here tonight and take in the glistening disco balls on my Ficus trees with the lights shining on them. I am celebrating.

    Philippians 4:4 reads, “Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him!” MSG

    Thank you for reading.

    I love you,

    Lisa Brown

  • Give Thanks Always

    Saying thank you to my favorite young person helps her to realize it is good to have gratitude. Then when I hear it coming back my way I smile.

    When it involves the Lord, I have much gratitude. For he is responsible for everything. He created it all and gives it all. So, for him I say thank you all day long. I don’t care if it’s the vitamins I take, I say thank you.

    And he says every good and perfect gift is from above. That means no matter who it comes from, it originates with Jesus.

    Gratitude works a couple of ways. Yes, we’re giving thanks, but we also get a benefit. From feeling grateful, we avoid feeling a host of other less than wonderful things. While we’re thankful, we can’t be sad, because we have a stronger emotion taking its place in our minds. Even if we do sense some discontent, and are given a hug for example, it changes up what’s going on in the brain.

    The same is true if we’re not happy about an occurrence. That’s because God works all things together for good for those who love him. And in the case of a thing causing us a negative jolting, we have to know that some good is going to come out of it. Maybe we can’t see it, or even imagine it, but some will. The way Jesus works is different than we humans do.

    There have been times when I said thank you Jesus for a happening when I could not decipher anything positive following it. On a few occasions goodness arrived soon, yet on others, it took quite some time. I guess for the ones that took longer, it just wasn’t God’s time to act.

    On a regular basis, I want the Lord to know that I feel gratitude for what he gives me. I figure that may make some difference when it comes to the next item or event I pray for. I know that we can’t do anything to garner blessings or grace from God, but it seems to me that he appreciates our thanks anyway.

    1 Thessalonians 5:18 reads, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” ESV

    Thank you for reading.

    I love you,

    Lisa Brown

  • Investigating the Interests of Others

    Often, we stick with our pastimes and disregard what other people are doing with their time.

    What I have discovered though is that it is interesting to take a look at the avocations and vocations of the people around us. At one time I completely avoided sports of any kind. I didn’t play sports, or watch any either.

    Then one night I was watching TV with a known sports enthusiast, and the NFL draft pick show came on. All of a sudden, the athletes paraded across the screen dressed in their tuxedos and finery looking amazing. It was like a fashion show for men. I was impressed. I really enjoyed it. As the men strutted up to the podium to accept their pick assignment, I felt like I was in New York at a high society designers show.

    Just after each athlete accepted their nomination, they ran videos of them in action on the field. Watching them catch passes that spanned over 70 yards and make touchdowns where they ran almost the entire length of the field, took my breath away. I had become a fan of a sport, I had no interest in before,

    Another time I reached out to the pastime of another, was when I took a look at cooking. It was my great grandmother’s favorite hobby next to tending to her massive garden. It was years after she taught me how to cook that I actually jumped in and began mixing up the baking soda, salt, flour, and cocoa powder to make a chocolate cake. Or to get out a giant roasting pan with a lid to bake an Amish chicken. But I did it. Then I could see why she loved this activity so much.

    Going back to the sports for a minute, I will say that the sport of golf never intrigued me. I couldn’t understand why people would do something so boring. The game just didn’t seem to move fast enough for me.

    Now that I have relaxed in my life, I am thinking of taking up golf. Maybe at first I will only stop by the driving range, and the putting green. Eventually, I may even get out on the course. I appreciate nature these days.

    Philippians 2:4 reads, “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” ESV

    Thank you for reading.

    I love you,

    Lisa Brown

  • When Evil Strikes, We Pray

    Someone who evil touched, took it out on me. I would say at first, that maybe they couldn’t help it. However, almost at the same time they were able to smile, act kind, and seem in a normal realm. This gives me the idea that they can control themselves when they want to, or when someone else is watching.

    So maybe I am a bit conflicted as to whether I should be praying for someone who was mean to me. Someone who manipulated me, and tried some other tactics that were anything but nice.

    However, Jesus tells us in the Bible we are to pray for our enemies. Here’s the prayer. It’s a Bible verse.

    Luke 10:19 reads, “Behold I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” NKJV

    The above verse is a prayer for the evil-touched one. I suppose it matters how you feel as to what you do. But, the Lord, wants us all to avoid going to hell, and to have a chance to go to heaven.

    It’s hard to function after people have hurt you, let alone do something productive. But, when we pray, it does help relieve anxiety, and it puts us in a more optimistic frame of mind. So, while we’re at it let’s say a prayer for ourselves too.

    Ephesians 6:13 reads, “So put on God’s armor now! Then when the evil day comes, you will be able to resist the enemy’s attacks; and after fighting to the end, you will still hold your ground.” GNT

    Ephesians 6:13 is a good prayer to pray day and night. I pray Ephesians 6:11-12 each morning and each night to ward off evil spirits.

    Thank you for reading.

    I love you,

    Lisa Brown