Grace Like Rain

Grace Like Rain Lyrics
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost but now I'm found
Was blind but now I see so clearly

Chorus:
Hallelujah, grace like rain falls down on me
Hallelujah, all my stains are washed away, washed away

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed

Chorus

When we've been there ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun
We've no less days to sing Your praise
Than when we first begun

Chorus

When We Are Slaves Of Sin

I believe you have an idea of the size of this bird. It is a Blue Tit bird. Unbelievable, but it was in the house. It was terrified as it was in a cage. Hiding under the television, flying against the window, trying hard to get its freedom back. It was not easy as it got in through a very small window in the conservatory.
I had to catch it carefully with my hands, give it some cuddles and through the same window it came in, it flew away in the garden. At last freedom again .

As the bird, we need freedom to live.

How can we live free, if we are prisoners of our sins?

According to the Bible, the sin puts us away from Lord. The sinners, as the bird in the house, are also petrified, scared all the time, with no peace, no freedom. The cage is like the sin that make us prisoners.

Romanos 6:20-23

"20When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness. 21What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death! 22But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. 23For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

But Jesus is eternal life.

An Eternal Friendship Love

I use to say that my friends are for life. And I have so many, all of them are so special, but different in some aspects. Usually, they all teach me something through the way they are, the way they make a decision to live their lives. There is one that has been my friend for more than twenty years, and as a coincidence we like the same things, she says that I am her sister, that one she doesn't have, I mean, a real one.

Last week, I got an email from her, after a long time without any news. Since we met each other for the first time it has been like this, weeks, months, or years without seeing each other, and now in special concerned to the distance we live...thousands miles away...we can realize how much our heart and thoughts are side by side, connected in so many circumstances. There is one thing that I love in her personality, it is the simplicity and single nature she sees what she has got in her life. I mean, all about material stuff, family, friends, health. It's very hard to see her sad or disappointed for some reason. When something is not good, she says:

" I often look around to understand and see that I am very fortunate , and blessing for everything I have and the way I live. God is generous with me, and so, I thank him for this experience, because I believe He is making me a better person. Even, if I can't understand what is going on right now, I am sure He is teaching me, and I'll understand it in the nearly future. God has always a good purpose for everything, and I know He has one for me too!"

I have heard those words through the time we are sharing our life experiences. It's amazing!! She always has a tight hug, a kiss, and an spontaneous word to uplift my mood.

My friend you have a big heart!!!

In Samuel 18:1-3 we can observe this love between Jonathan and David. It's an eternal friendship love.

"Saul's son Jonathan was deeply attracted to David and came to love him as much as he loved himself.

...

Jonathan swore eternal friendship with David because of his deep affection for him."

This is only an example of one of my friends. I am sure you can see something special in your friends as well. Have you already thought about your blessing friends? The ones God has put in your way?

The Idolatry and God's Word

As a Christian I need to mention what the Bible brings about idolatry, and so, we need to understand the meaning of this word.

Idolatry can be defined as "worship or reverence given to any created object or person." It actually takes many forms, not just the "praying to statues" that many people think of when they hear the word "idolatry." Although, statues and religious images are the most common and obvious examples, there are some other forms of idolatry as well as; fetishism; the worship of nature and its power, and heroes worship.

The Bible is the word of Lord, and as Christians we should follow, obey and worship only one, God. Listen to Him:

Leviticus 26:1

Ye shall make you no idols nor graven image, neither rear you up a standing image, neither shall ye set up [any] image of stone in your land, to bow down unto it: for I [am] the LORD your God.

Exodus 20:4

You shall not have other gods besides me.
You shall not carve idols for yourselves in the shape of anything in the sky above or on the earth below or in the waters beneath the earth;
you shall not bow down before them or worship them.

Deuteronomy 27:15

“‘Cursed be the man who makes a carved or cast metal image, an abomination to the Lord, a thing made by the hands of a craftsman, and sets it up in secret.’ And all the people shall answer and say, ‘Amen.’

In the name of Jesus I ask you my Lord, give us knowledge to understand your HOLY WORD through your HOLY SPIRIT. Amen

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Open Your Heart For God's Word

Reflecting about 2 Chronicles 17-20, when Asa died, his son, Jehoshaphat became the king. According to the Bible, The Lord blesses Jehoshaphat because he followed the example of his father's early life and did not worship Baal.

"He served his father's God, obeyed God's commands and did not act the way the kings of Israel did. The Lord gave Jehoshaphat firm control over the kingdom of Judah,..." 17:4

"He took pride in serving the Lord and destroyed all the pagan places of worship and the symbols of the goddess Asherah in Judah." 17:6

"They took the book of the Law of the Lord and went through all the towns of Judah, teaching it to the people." 17:9

"The Lord made all the surrounding kingdoms afraid to go to war against King Jehoshaphat." 17:10Many battles he won, because The Lord was with him, and he was with The Lord, he heard The God's word."Honor the Lord and act carefully, because the Lord our God does not tolerate fraud or partiality or the taking of bribes." 19:7

"You must perform your duties in reverence for the Lord, faithfully obeying him in everything you do. Whenever your citizens from any of the cities bring before you a case of homicide or any other violation of a law or commandment, you must instruct them carefully how to conduct themselves during the trial, so that they do not become guilty of sinning against the Lord." 17:9

Theses words bring us to reflect about our behaviour. There are so many examples of simple acts in our lives that place us very far from Lord's presence. How many times we accept a bribe, or a lie, and tolerate fraud, even simple acts that we are not supposed to agree with, because they are not according to The Lord's acceptance. Jehoshaphat didn't want to try The Lord's anger, and so us as well.

Let's pray;

Lord, our Saviour, keep us in your way, give us strength to not be persuaded to the corrupted world, because we are weak, we know that, but we can become strong in your presence. You are the Loyal true love. We depend on you every day. Stay with us. In Jesus name, Amen

Our Loyalty Toward God's Care

In the Old Testament, we can read many stories of battles, conquers, and how was the relationship between a king and God. For a long time Israel had lived without the true God.

"In those days no one could come and go in safety, because there was trouble and disorder in every land." 15:5

In 2 Chronicles 15, it can be observed that Asa, Juda's king, heard the God's prophecy, and it changed the away he ruled his kingdom.

"Listen to me King Asa. ...The Lord is with you as long as you are with him. If you look for him, he will let you find him, but if you turn away, he will abandon you." 15:2

"They made a covenant in which they agreed to worship the Lord, the God of their ancestors, with all their heart an soul." 15:12

As Asa did, we are supposed to do, to worship God, to be loyal to His commands and His wishes, we need to be with God, so that He is with us. Furtheremore, we have to watch our behaviour in all aspects, because as a human being, we are weak, and sometimes the world speaks louder in our ears, persuading us to forget Lord's love and care toward our lives. It is not easy to be loyal, as Asa was not. Asa forgot God's promises, and he also forgot that The Lord keeps his eyes upon us, and in every where.

"The Lord keeps close watch over the whole world, to give strength to those whose hearts are loyal to him." 16:12

When Asa became a strong and powerful king, he started acting foolishly. He forgot God's prophecy, and so he was always at war; he became angry and began treating some of the people cruelty. He also got ill of a severe foot disease, but even then he did not turn to the Lord for help, but to doctors. He died.

Have you reflect about the battles that we face in our daily life? Are we looking for Lord and hearing his words, his promises, his love, his care, or, we are looking for people's advice?

Listen to The God, the Saviour Lord with all your heart and your soul!!!

Friendship

Today I would like to write about "Friendship". I am really blessed with friends around the world, and there are many that I don't know in flesh, because they are from this virtual world. I know their pictures, some of their thoughts, believes; I would say, I have an overview of their lives, and this is absolutely great!

Some years ago, I had a chance to meet Linda, a Swedish girl who worked with me in Brazil. Our relationship is very close, and for many times you had that special time for a cup of coffee, and for Linda, always black, strong, and no sugar. And for me? On the opposite, always very sweet, and not so strong, please.

I moved to Scotland, and we still share so many things. Linda introduced me to the Blog World, as she is the one who has six blogs, an expertise in the subject.

Now, she is celebrating the newest one Mamma's Coffee Corner, and there is a contest on joined with her friend Revka, RS Designs, who made its new hearder. Congrats!!! The site is absolutely delicate!!! Well, I hope I can win a header for my blog very soon.

This post is all about love. You win, I win, we win, because we love each other, and this is the love of God...

Love is patient,

love is kind and is not jealous;

love does not brag and is not arrogant,

Corinthians 1:13-4

A Prayer For Help

I have heard a lot about "bullying" lately. Maybe, people don't have an entirely clear conception of what it means, like me. When I heard about it for the first time, I had to search on the internet to find out the real meaning and an explanation for this kind of behaviour in school and in the work environment.

First we need to understand what is bullying. Children and young people have described bullying as:

being called names;
being teased ;
being pushed or pulled about;
being hit or attacked ;

having your bag and other possessions taken and thrown around;
having rumours spread about you;
being ignored and left out;
being forced to hand over money or possessions;
being attacked or teased or called names because of your religion or colour;
being attacked or teased or called names because of your sexuality;

Many people can be so worried, scared, upset, and devastated that they can't work well at school or in their jobs. It can make them feel they are no good, that there is something wrong with them, and it can also get them away from social communities as well as to extreme ends such as suicide.

Yes, the Bible helps us and teaches us how to pray. I don't know who all my readers are, but I hope It can help anyway.

If you do not know what to say, or how you can cope, just let Jesus do the whole job.

The PSalm 70 is a Prayer for Help

"O God, make speed to save me; •
O Lord, make haste to help me.
Let those who seek my life

be put to shame and confusion; •
let them be turned back and disgraced

who wish me evil.
Let those who mock and deride me •
turn back because of their shame.
But let all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; •
let those who love your salvation say always, 'Great is the Lord!'
As for me, I am poor and needy; •
come to me quickly, O God.
You are my help and my deliverer; •
O Lord, do not delay.

O God, our helper and defender,deliver us in our weakness, answer our pray, that we may see your glory in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

You Are Loved, Don't Give Up

JOSH GROBAN LYRICS You Are Loved (Don't Give Up)

Don't give up
It's just the weight of the world
When you're heart's heavyI...
I will lift it for you
Don't give up
Because you want to be heard
If silence keeps youI...
I will break it for you
Everybody wants to be understood
Well I can hear you
Everybody wants to be loved
Don't give up
Because you are loved
Don't give up
It's just the hurt that you hide
When you lost insideI...
I will be there to find you
Don't give up
Because you want to burn bright
If darkness blinds youI...
I will shine to guide you
Everybody wants to be understood
Well I can hear you
Everybody wants to be loved
Don't give up
Because you are loved
You are loved
Don't give up
It's just the weight of the world
Don't give up
Every one is to be heard
You are loved

Don't Give Up, You Are Loved

Gratitude

Everybody has a routine to follow, and with me it is no different. Everyday, I wake up about seven o'clock, prepare breakfast, watch the news, sometimes ironing, washing clothes, usually doing some house chores. I have also spent many hours on the Internet reading emails, posting, looking for interesting sites, and new opportunities as a WAHM. Lately, the blogging world has fascinated me. It brought some excitement to have my own space, in fact three, to write about my Christian life.

Today is special, the sun is shining in the blue and bright sky, with no clouds. I couldn't stay at home. I changed my clothes in a flash, took the dog and we went for a walk. I love being outside, walking, smelling nature, meeting people and some other dogs. I need to tell you that I have a Walkman radio I got at Christmas, and I take with me all the time, so that I can listen to music, hear discussions in order to improve my English. Some other times, I take it with me, but I generally take the chance for praying, so I put the radio off, since I don't want to break the level of that very special spiritual moment.

Anyway, this morning I prayed and right after I put the radio on, the first song I listened to was a beautiful one that cheered up my heart. As well, a person started speaking about "prayer", which I was not expecting, and then the song "You Are Loved, Don't Give Up" (Josh Groban).

It is wonderful to realize that everything was in the same level, GOD'S LOVE, and from my heart I can say that I feel gratitude for the life I am living.

I thank Lord for His care, His love in every single detail, from the time I open my eyes in the morning, to the time they are shut.

I love you my LORD

"O Lord, our Lord, your greatness is seen in all the world!

Your praise reaches up to the heavens;

...

When I look at the sky, shich you have made,

at the moon and the star, which you set in their places-..." PSalm 8:1-3

My Message To Every Mommy

Today is Mother's Day in Brazil.

I would like to say that every mummy deserves the respect and love. To all my mummy friends do teach your kids with much love, they won't forget you.

And for every daughter and son, show how much love you have for your mummy. It is a comfort to know the kids are around and close in our lives.

Proverbs 22:6

" Train up a child in the way he should go;even when he is old he will not depart from it."

Sister Act 2 - Oh Happy Day

Have a Happy Day you all!!!

Inspirational Dreams

According to the note in the site Scientific American Digital, some scientists have been studying the psychological and neuroscientific explanations for dreams, while some cultures have interpreted dreams as inspirational, curative or alternative reality. In the Bible, for instance, "Joseph's elucidation of Pharaoh's dream averted seven years of famine." On the other hand, Sigmund Freud proposed that dreams were the "royal road" to the unconscious; revealing the deepest elements of an individual's inner life. On the contrary, dreams have been characterized as meaningless, the result of random nerve cell activity. Furthermore, dreaming has also been viewed as the means by which the brain rids itself of unnecessary information.

You can consider or not all these factors. But for me, it is quite evident that the interpretation of dreams brings us to a level of awareness that espouses harmony and subsistence with ones spirit and soul.
I usually have some dreams that seem to be very real, and meaningful, and I take them very seriously. Sometimes, I think some of them might be inspirational, advisable, curative, exhortation, or an alternative for the reality. When I wake up in the middle of the night after I have had a dream, I try carefully to review all the details through it, meditating and reflecting thoughtfully. Commonly, they bring a message for my heart.

Jacob's Dream at Bethel - Genesis 28:12

"He dreamed that he saw a stairway reaching from earth to heaven, with angels going up and coming down on it. And there was the Lord standing beside him. "I am the Lord, the God of Abraham and Isaac," he said. "I will give to you and to your descendants this land on which you are lying. "

A Simple Kiss

I don't know if I have mentioned that I am Brazilian living in Scotland. Anyway, Brazilian people are accustomed to greeting each other informally with a kiss on the side of the face. It is very friendly and lovely. In some States, like Rio de Janeiro, people usually give two kisses. I prefer just one, in case you meet lots of friends in a party it is going to take you more time to say hello to everybody. It's cultural. But, I need to tell you a new experience I had this morning.

I was in a classroom involved in an activity which everybody has a stick note on his back and where we were supposed to write a positive comment or an uplifting word about every person in particular. You were only allowed to read the note after everybody had finished.

You can imagine what kind of words we were expecting. For instance:

You are smiley, friendly, nice, funny, practical, sweet, ...but I was not waiting for this:

"You are the only one who kisses me!"

That comment brought me a big smile, and then, I have just realized the importance of that kiss. Yes, it is a friendship kiss, with all my love and care.

Have you kissed a friend today? If not, do it...show your affection...he or she might need it...

"I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him and he [will dine] with me." Revelation 3:20

How Is Your Faith

Today, I want to rewrite some Bible verses that I registered in my notebook in September 2004.

Isaiah 59:1

"Don't think that the Lord is too weak to save you or too deaf to hear your call for help!"

If you are claiming the Lord's help, just wait. He is the saviour, and He hears every time you call for his help...

What a relief !!! It is absolutely wonderful to know that the Lord Almighty God is with his eyes upon us...

Jeremiah 33:3

"Call to me, and I will answer you; I will tell you wonderful and marvelous things that you know nothing about."

I am really pleased to know God will always answer my calling, and He is a Lord of surprises, good surprises...in Jeremiah it is written "wonderful" and "marvelous" things He has for us...

Ezekiel 47

"The stream flowing from the Temple..."

I have already posted this verse. His water flows from the Temple, water of life...

Hebrews 11:1

"To have faith is to be sure of the things we hope for, to be certain of the things we cannot see. It was by their faith that people of ancient times won God's approval."

It is utterly gorgeous to be fed with Lord's words. It was three years ago I read them for the first time, and they have a new strength, new power. How they have renewed my life...like a gust of wind...a breath of fresh air ?...

How is your faith?

Asking For Answers

The silence is the best way to look for answers that your heart is seeking for. In your quietness you know that Lord, The Almighty God is listening to you.

I usually think that I can have everything if He wants the same for my life. So, I really don't want what He doesn't want for me.

Lord my Saviour, I only want what comes from your throne.

I see the clouds are hidden the sun, it might rain and it doesn't matter, because God wants to say that ...the sun is always shining...the sun is always there...

"Don't worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart. And God's peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep our hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6

Lion King Arms Wide Open

This song brings lots of memoreis, in special of my family. Love you and miss you...

Beauty

Do you believe that beauty is in our eyes? I see beauty in a form, in a shape, but not everybody is created equal, there is always someone more attractive than the other. I usually say that my daughter is my princess, because this is the way I see her, sweet, delicate, polite, happy, and beautiful... so, for me her beauty is beyond her form and shape, it is from inside to outside. Sometimes, worried with her appearance, she wants to know if such and such clothes are fitting well, or if the pieces match...you know...woman stuff...but she is not wrong...she wants to feel attractive to her friends eyes. It is very important to feel that we "belong" to a community, in fact, not only to belong, but also that we are accepted the way we are.

The bible introduces some women and their different kinds of beauty; for instance, Esther, Rachel, Ruth, Hannah and many others.

"...Esther-admired by everyone who saw her.

...

The King liked her more than any of the other girls, and more than any of the others she won his favour and affection. He placed the royal crown on her head and made her queen..."

Esther 2:17

I invite you to read ESTHER, a woman of honour, honesty, sincerity, big heart.

What Goes Around Comes Around

The word LOVE is supposed to be lived in a real sense. Look around and observe the nature. What attracts your attention and why? It might be a flower, the sunshine, or a bird. Surrounding our house there is an admirable gorgeous garden, I would say a stunning one. Different species of flowers and trees are blooming, and a large variety of birds come to eat and sing all day long, squirrels and pigeons too. There is a mouse living under the stones that comes everyday to eat the birds food. I can't forget to mention the rabbits...yesterday I saw two baby rabbits...and of course our dog, he is always trying to catch them...it is absolutely wonderful...but believe, our LOVE goes around, picking weeds, watering, transplanting, growing, feeding, planting. What have you been growing lately?

LOVE brings harmony, beauty, peace and more love.

PSalm 133

"How wonderful it is, how pleasant,

for God's people to live together in harmony!"