COLD WEATHER ON THE NEW YEAR'S EVE

These pictures are from good memories. A shy, cold sunshine in Arbroath, Scotland. Such beautiful nature!!!

Missing Brazil, warm weather, but in five minutes of walking, some chatting in Portuguese sounded as if I was home.

I want to praise Lord for 2007. I am a person who always looks forward, and I want to say that this year was truly remarkable, a blessing year, with so many gifts from Lord. I am very glad, pleased, emotional for so many beautiful moments.

I hope I can eternalise some of these moments through these pictures.

1 "But now listen, Jacob, my servant,

Israel, whom I have chosen. 2 This is what the LORD says—

he who made you, who formed you in the womb,

and who will help you:

Do not be afraid, Jacob, my servant,

Jeshurun, whom I have chosen. 3 For I will pour water on the thirsty land,

and streams on the dry ground;

I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring,

and my blessing on your descendants. 4 They will spring up like grass in a meadow,

like poplar trees by flowing streams. 5 Some will say, 'I belong to the LORD';

others will call themselves by the name of Jacob;

still others will write on their hand, 'The LORD's,'

and will take the name Israel.

ISAIAH 44

NEW YEAR IS COMING

Christmas has gone, and a new year is going to begin.

It is time to make a review of the past year. 2007 is the year for my life.

You might be thinking, which part doesn't belong to my life? You are right. Every single second is just part of my life story, of my existence in this world,and I don't want to forget any bit about it. I know, that some pieces would be better if we really could forget. But, what is the point? How can I make my story? Simple as it is...join everything... and put all together in words.

CHRISTMAS EVE

“So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.”

Luke 2:16-20

My friend from Brazil lives in the capital, Brasilia, and her family lives in the south, about 3000km far, which means 3 days traveling. It is a very tiring trip, but it all worthies to be with ones we love so much.

One thing is very true when we are lonely, in a quite place and far from all the movement of Xmas season brings, you have your own time to think about this celebration.

My friend said she wants to read something good, to meditate about Xmas,so that she can really live the nativity. I believe she is right.

It is 9pm in Scotland, all the presents opened, meal eaten, we are now getting ready to go to the church.

I wish God opens my eyes, my ears, and prepares my heart to receive his words. I hope He can use me to take comfort to the ones in need.

LOVE

1 Corinthians 13

1 "If I speak in human or angelic tongues, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body [to hardship] that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. "

CHRISTMAS TREE

This is our 2007 Christmas tree in Scotland.

People are so excited this time of the year. Shopping, gifts, holiday, beautiful meals, cards, chocolates, peace and quiet time or very busy and noisy. We have received quite a lot of cards, bought some presents, and already decided for our meals.

Our Christmas is going to be celebrated just like couples do, but all that really matters is being with ones we love so much. I can't have all my family reunited at this time of the year, but my heart brings each of them so close. North or South we are all together in the true love of Jesus Christ.

MY TREASURES

MY DAUGHTER ALANA, MY SISTER SUZE, AND MY SON IGOR.

LOVE YOU MY TREASURES.

A GIFT FROM HEAVEN

“And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven”-

"Luke 1:76-78"

When I think about Christmas, I usually compare Brazilian and Scottish celebrations. Generally as every where, people go shopping and buy, and buy, and buy. That is absoulutely beautiful for the economy of our countries. But, the true meaning of this date should be in our heart.

Give...just give without waiting anything back. Because it is better to give than to receive.

Love...because love cures the pain.

Laugh...because a good laugh is better than cry.

Cry....because if you are happy, a tear that rolls from your eyes makes me pray.

Pray...because you are chosen by God. And it is a blessing.

POSH PORTO FINO

Do you think this place is enough for everyone?

BIRTH OF LOVE

I hope the birth of Jesus and all the celebrations surrounding Christmas bring a new birth for our lives.

I am including myself.

I wish Lord takes my heart, my mouth, my actions for His own purpose.

All the sacrifice Jesus suffered in that cross is not useless. HE, the God Almighty, gave us his only son to die for us. But HE lives and HIS kingdom is forever.

You know every heart, all my friends, my family. Please DAD, give us your blessings, look after us everyday, until the last day of our lives. Amen

JUST DO IT

Now that I am relaxing at home, and checking my blogs, I see:

Yesterday, when I posted, I was trying to find Isaiah and Mathew, and for some reason I was not successed. So I posted Luke 1: 30-36 that is exactly part of my today's reading.

Do you believe in coincidence?

I was there in that pulpit because I was supposed to be there, and it doesn't matter which word I had to read. I just had to do it.

So, if you have...just do it.

I am emotional at the moment, and I believe God has a purpose for us in this life.

I worship Lord for his strong presence in my life.

Thanks Lord. Amem

THE BIRTH OF JESUS FORETOLD

Many weeks ago, a lady from the church invited me to read the words on the 23rd of December. Of course I accepted. It is an honour for me. It was supposed to be Isaiah 7:10-16 and Mathew 1:18 to the end. Brilliant! But for some reason she changed the date from the 23rd to 16th. It was fine as well, and to be sure the words were corrected, I contacted the lady, which were confirmed.

So, today, the 16th of December, I took my old Bible to the church, but it is Today's New International Version, and very confident I was looking forward to reading, when the minister announced:

"Today the reading will be done by Suzel, who is such and such, which is a long passage, from Luke 1: ..... " I couldn't hear him properly, it was not the chapter that was told.

"No panic, I thought, you will be fine."

I looked for the words and toward to the pulpit I made my reading.

Luke 1:26-38

The Birth of Jesus Foretold

26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you."
29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."
34 "How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?"
35 The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail."
38 "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me according to your word." Then the angel left her.

Amem.

HE IS THE KING

It is certain that Jesus is the King of the kings. A long time ago was said that his kingdon is forever....it will never end.

HE IS MY KING


“But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.”

Luke 1:30-33

HE IS MY SHEPHERD

“When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. "In Bethlehem in Judea," they replied, "for this is what the prophet has written: " 'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.”

Matthew 2:4-6


Jesus is my shepherd. Thank you Lord for this gift in my life

NAMORAR

Yesterday I watched the movie "Brave Heart". It was probably the third or fourth time, but when the film is good I really think that it is a pleasure to review the story, the context, the pictures. I enjoy it. I can have a very great time watching a movie.

It means "namorar".

Let's see if I can express better the meaning of this Portuguese word.

Namorar means to have pleasure in what you are doing. It takes your mind, it gives you a spirit of rejoice. It is like a love at first sight. You live that moment at maximum of an excitement.

This is what God makes in my life. It is the most beautiful feeling you can ever have.

I know many people are looking for a meaning for LIFE. They think life is one day after other. Lots of stress, depression, no excitement at all.

This is the key word "excitement". Lack of "LIFE" in your LIFE.

Everybody needs to be "enamorado". "Enamorado" by someone, "namorar" someone, "namorar" something.

JOHN 14: 6

“Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

BATTLES

As I am Brazilian, I think much more in Portuguese than in English, and sometimes the words just fly away. Incredible!

Think about this word "BATTLE".

How many battles have you fought this year?

Have you been succeed?

Have you thought about it carefully?

How many times have you invited Jesus to be your guide, your light, your judge, your doctor, your friend?

How is your life?

Are you happy, sad, disappointed, or what?

Questions are made, because I would like to invite you to pray with me for everything you have been living.

JESUS, SON OF GOD. THE ONLY SON. WE ARE ON OUR KNEES WITH OUR HEADS BOUND, TO SAY THANK YOU, TO ASK YOU MERCY OF OUR LIVES. WE HAVE BEEN FIGHTING OUR BATTLES EVERY DAY, AND WE HAVE SUCCEED IN MANY, LOST SOME, AND WAITING FOR SOME MORE WE WANT TO FINISH. BUT WE WOULD LIKE TO INVITE YOU TO BE WITH US , BECAUSE YOU ARE OUR ROCK, AND WE WANT TO WIN, AND WE BELIEVE WE ARE WINNERS IN JESUS CHRIST.

THE SCOTT MONUMENT

"This huge Gothic tower was built to commemorate the work of Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832).The foundation stone was laid on August 15th 1840 and it was completed in 1844 at a cost of little over £16,154.00.

Rising to 200ft 6 inches high it contains a spiralling staircase of 287 steps and offers magnificent views from the top spire.

Built of light sandstone, the pollution from traffic over the years has darkened it considerably.Seated under the huge arches of the tower is a solid marble sculpture of Sir Walter Scott with his beloved dog ' Maida' carved by sculptor John Steell. "

I believe it is a very well known building in the world. I knew from a post card, and when I saw it for the first time, I recognized it straight way. Very gorgeous. I little dirty I admit, because of the pollution, but very beautiful.

I have had some opportunities to visit different places, and I really appreciate it.
Internet brings us very close to the world we don't know yet. Beautiful shots really worth to be published.

This is in Scotland, Edinburgh. It was a very pleasant weekend.

"In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe.” Hebrews 1:1-2