Bethlehem Blessing

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  • Prayer Gives Us Choices

    Since we have been given the choice to pray, we have something to say about what goes on in our lives.

    Yes, of course, when we pray, our prayers do have to be within the will of God for them to receive an answer. However, we can pray about anything. I have prayed about things that no one would think our Lord would even think of let alone let us pray about.

    I like the notion that we can alter what happens to us through prayer. Jesus respects us as human beings enough to let us choose some things for ourselves.

    And, if we, and because we, pray we don’t have to get all bent out of shape when adversity comes our way. We can just get quiet, say a prayer and believe it will be answered. We can relax knowing that we are in the arms of God, he cares for us, and he wants us to be happy all the days we are on earth. In addition, all the days we are living in eternity in heaven too.

    When I was little, I didn’t know the power of prayer. We said our good night prayers, our prayers before we’d eat, our, Our Father’s in church and didn’t think too much more about it. But now that I know to pray often, I pray about everything.

    You might think this is funny, but I did it. I said a quick prayer before I wiped my cat down. He was a tad stinky, and at first, I thought he had gas, but no. He had a little residue on his butt that he obviously couldn’t get off. Well, a while back when I tried to assist him, baby wipe in hand, he ran away. So, that’s why this time I prayed a quick prayer. I am not kidding when I say, he stayed there, let me clean him up and hardly said a word. I think Jesus speaks to the animals too.

    Philippians 4:6 reads, ” Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” NRSV

    Thank you for reading.

    I love you,

    Lisa Brown

  • Helping People and Writing it Down

    I realize that writing a vision statement down on paper or on a device is a good thing to do. Something I wrote down longhand years ago is going to happen for me in my future. Right now, I have ani inkling from the Holy Spirit about what’s to come, and it’s very exciting. When I wrote it down it was not completely shaped up, but now I can see it is already in the works and will occur.

    Habakkuk 2:2-3 reads, “Then the Lord replied: ‘Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it. For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.” NIV

    I have heard of writing things down that we wish to happen before. I do believe it is called scripting. So, I’ve got something important to write down here.

    You might have heard me speak of the Foundation I am going to be starting. It is still in the brainstorming stage at this point, but eventually it will be a reality. The Foundation will be designed to help victims of human trafficking. What needs to be addressed is that these people need somewhere to go, to get shelter when they get free from those who have enslaved them. So, our organization is going to help them with that.

    In addition to providing shelter, we will be helping the victims of human trafficking re-establish themselves back into society and the world.

    I wanted to write this above information down and make it plain so that it does happen. These people who are suffering beyond what anyone could even imagine need someone to consider their needs. And that is what we are going to do.

    You will hear more about our Foundation and its objectives as we solidify our vision.

    Proverbs 3:27 reads, “Whenever you possibly can, do good to those who need it.” GNT

    Thank you for reading.

    I love you,

    Lisa Brown

  • Peace Even When Things Aren’t Perfect

    There have been a lot of changes in my life recently. And I do have several more upcoming changes on the horizon. I am excited about what Jesus is bringing into everyday existence for me, yet I had been concerned about how things were going to play out.

    I do know that from past experience with the Lord, everything does work out for the good eventually. Even things that seem problematic work out since Jesus works all thing together for good.

    I am taking action to go along with my prayers, and I do see advancement on many levels. So that gives me encouragement to hang on for the rest of what needs to be worked out. In the meantime, I am staying close to Jesus, believing what he speaks about in the Bible, and remaining positive.

    Isaiah 26:3 reads, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” NIV

    As I remain patient about what’s ahead, I feel the peace the Lord speaks about. It is true that if we stay connected to him, we’ll feel calm, relaxed, and safe. And I do.

    I have been watching delivery men drop off some furniture to some of my neighbors. As I sit here, I think it would be nice to have a regular couch for my living room. Right now, I have a pretty sturdy reinforced 18″ air mattress with a futon cushion on it, for a couch. I just tossed a comforter over it, and I am happy with it. While I wait for the day when I can afford a real couch, I will remain with a giant amount of gratitude for the makeshift one that I have. I will be at peace with it.

    It is a beautiful sunny day, the sky is blue and Canada geese fly overhead. My cat sits comfortably in the window waiting for small birds to land in a nearby tree. Live doesn’t get any better than this.

    Thank you for reading.

    I love you,

    Lisa Brown

  • Jesus is Amazing

    I started out the day yesterday in an ordinary way. I got up had coffee and went for a walk. It was a little bit later that I got to thinking about something that disturbed me. From there, my mind took a dive into a place where I couldn’t stop the sorrowful sensation I was having.

    Later, I felt the Holy Spirit encouraging me to go for another walk. I did and it helped for a while. Not too long after that I chatted with someone and was distracted, but by bedtime I had had it.

    I went to sleep and woke up around three a. m. I felt rested but I still was not feeling right. Then all of a sudden, I felt the Lord’s presence. It was as if he were standing beside my bed putting a cold compress on my forehead. I sensed he was letting me know that everything was going to be okay, that even though I had no idea what was wrong with me, he did. And he was going to take care of me.

    When something like this happens, I am glad that I keep in close contact with Jesus. It’s because I know he cares about everything, knows everything and is generous.

    I think at times people might think Jesus is always serious, judgmental, and ready to smack the proverbial hand. Yet he can be soft, and kind. Loving and caring. And encouraging and supportive too.

    Yes, the Lord does instruct us on how to behave properly, but he does want us to feel good and go about our lives in a way that is fulfilling and happy.

    Psalm 147:5 reads, “Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit.

    Thank you for reading.

    I love you,

    Lisa Brown

  • Let’s Get Enough Rest

    Today I drove to a remote spot to record my first song. I had to go somewhere where I could sing as loud as I wanted. I live in a place where I have to keep things at a quiet level so as not to disturb the neighbors.

    When I got where I was going it was hot, and there was some traffic noise that I did not want on my recording, so I was ready to strike out even before I got started. But I pressed on and recorded my song anyway.

    In the end I did not like the tone of my voice, or the way my nerves were making it sound. I sounded bothered. And I was singing a praise song and wanted to get the feeling of relaxation across.

    I drove home after I picked up some groceries and proceeded with my day. I had some tea around two or three in the afternoon, and that often signals a relaxation time for me. In the case of today, it didn’t. I just kept going. By seven in the evening, I was frazzled and I was frustrated when speaking to an AI person on the phone.

    The conversation wasn’t going well due to it breaking up due to a bad connection. I was worn out over the situation. I know if I had rested earlier, I would have had more patience and done a better job of communicating. I told the person on the phone I was sorry and that I did not mean to keep having them repeat themselves.

    From now on, I will rest around three p.m. so I can withstand whatever comes my way later in the day. I always meditate before I rest and it resets my amygdala, (the part of the brain that goes into overdrive when things are a mess with our thinking).

    I know why I used to put my child down for an afternoon nap when they were little. After waking it was like a had a new little person running around the house. Happiness was the tune of things for the rest of the day.

    Mark 6:31 reads, “And he said to them, ‘Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.’ For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.”

    Thank you for reading.

    I love you,

    Lisa Brown

  • A Reason for Living That is Good

    I remember a time when I was walking through the living room and thinking “Is this all there is?”

    I had been in a transitioning time in life and did not really know why I was born. At the same time, I felt there had to be more than making chocolate zucchini bread. More than making BBQ ribs, and scrambled eggs.

    It’s not that cooking is a bad thing. It’s a creative pursuit that I love actually. Often, I do it just to have fun.

    That being said, I sensed on that day in the living room as I looked up at the ceiling, that there had to be more. At the time, I didn’t even know that there was a God in heaven. Oh, sure I had heard of God, but I didn’t know he was real, or even around to be found.

    So, it is funny that I had raised my eyes upward. Especially when I did not know who Jesus was. I certainly didn’t know he is God.

    It was about ten years later when I discovered God. I had been in a place that I was not happy in. In fact, I was beyond unhappy. The whole world had turned on me. I was hated by someone who professed to love me, and I had no way to escape the hell I was in.

    Not long after finding Jesus, I learned from the Holy Spirit who teaches you all things, that I had a purpose in life–a reason to be on earth.

    Since that time, I have begun to delve into what it is that I am destined to do for my calling. For me it is a multifaceted job. I say “job”, but it is really like play. That’s because what Jesus has called me to do is actually fun. I will say as of late though, part of the action I am taking is quite serious, but it is creative.

    The one part of the multi-purpose I have that I have not expanded beyond a surface level is now going to have light illuminating it like a full moon on an autumn night above a pumpkin patch. I have had to reach down inside of myself to grab on to the bravery to undertake this endeavor. It is putting myself out there into the world. I say this, this way because I have been isolated for a while now and being front and center is a little scary. But I am doing it.

    1 Timothy 4:14 reads, “Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you.” NIV

    Thank you for reading.

    I love you,

    Lisa Brown

  • Nothing Will Be Impossible for You

    Matthew 17:20 reads, “It was because you do not have enough faith,” answered Jesus. “I assure you that if you have faith as big as a mustard seed, you can say to this hill, ‘Go from here to there!’ and it will go. You could do anything!” GNT

    When I first read the above verse, I was not sure what to think of it. I wondered if it could be true. But after seeing Jesus’ promises come to life, I believe in all the Bible says. I have seen him answer prayers for me that were impossible for me to accomplish on my own.

    He took me from a place of sorrow and pain to one of beauty, peace, hope, and favor. He works all things together for good, so I know the hardships I have encountered will result in progress and will help others.

    The level of faith I have now is moving me forward with a good attitude and a perspective that will lead to success in every area of my life I pray about.

    I am currently embarking on a plan that will change the course of things for me. I believe what the Holy Spirit has conveyed to me about what is to take place as I advance in my career. However, I must believe the above verse with all my heart without doubting. If any doubt comes into my mind via the devil, I quickly remember that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

    I will carry on with my head held high, remain humble, and follow Jesus.

    Thank you for reading,

    I love you,

    Lisa Brown

  • Moses Lived Until He Was 120 Years Old

    Since Moses lived 120 years, I think any of us can. I’ve got some things to do on this planet, so I need plenty more time.

    We can pray for anything, and if it’s in God’s will, we will receive it. So, I am praying that I will live at least 120 years. Amen.

    Moses was healthy when he died, and I am going to be too. I do and have done actions to go along with the above prayer. I exercise, walk, do aerobics. lift weights and do calisthenics. I eat bran, chia seeds, kale, healthy fats, protein, carbs, and lots of fruits and vegetables. I do deep breathing, I meditate, read positive literature, and study the Bible.

    I am not perfect, but I try.

    Moses had a purpose, and he lived long enough to fulfill it. Before he went to heaven, he turned the reins over to Joshua. I plan to have people in place to carry on where I will leave off in this world. Because I want my endeavors to last.

    I do see, though, that it is important to enjoy the process of living while we are here. And that we need to have fun and enjoy our fellow man. Being kind and loving is something I strive to do with the help of our Lord Jesus Christ.

    Being patient and noticing art in its many forms is a value. As I tend to my bonsais, nurturing them as they sit still, grow, and flourish, they teach me to be quiet and wait on Jesus to lead me through this life.

    And each day I watch my cat Jake as he has fun playing with his catnip and his toys. It is the simple pleasures that sustain us.

    Deuteronomy 34:7 reads, “Moses was one hundred and twenty years old when he died. His eyes were not dim, nor his natural vigor diminished.”NKJV

    Thank you for reading.

    I love you,

    Lisa Brown

  • Recognizing Bad Fruit

    Bad fruit at the market often is bruised and dented. However, when Jesus speaks of bad fruit it can be that of a person’s actions.

    A long time ago, I met someone who was like a wise adult figure to some of the people around me.

    I should have known at that time that this person was someone who produced bad fruit, because when I tried to see them as an authority figure, they ignored me, put me off, and totally disregarded what I had to say.

    Over time, this person, whom we’ll call Shawn, seemed to care. But I think I was thinking of how Shawn treated others, not me. They spoke of him in a positive light, so again I was fooled.

    Then, about five years ago, I saw Shawn and began to tell him of my most recent accomplishments. During our short conversation, he kept edging away, placing his foot at an angle toward the door as if he were in a hurry. We were at a large event, so everyone was talking with everyone. Except he didn’t seem like he wanted to speak with me. Thoughts of my friends telling of this man’s niceness echoed in my mind. Not for a second did I think he was of the bad fruit variety

    During the summer, at a gathering, I saw Shawn again. This time, he didn’t respond to the lovely and positive news I had. Not at all.

    An hour or two into the party, I got an inkling from the Holy Spirit about Shawn. I then realized that he had been speaking negatively about me to someone we’ll call Frank.

    He had told Frank not to speak to me. It was about some trouble I had had with someone, and I was asking Frank for help. Shawn told Frank not to talk to me and had no idea what my concern was. He just thought he’d play God in this case.

    Well, this was an issue due to the notion that Frank had just been diagnosed with a serious disease, and I wanted to support him. Because of Shawn’s being judgmental without knowing my whole story, I cannot give Frank the kindness he really needs

    Shawn acts like someone he is not. He is not the objective person he pretends to be. He is like the rotten, wilted grapes on the vine. They’ve been there a while, but haven’t made it to their grave yet.

    Matthew 7:17 reads, “A healthy tree bears good fruit, but a poor tree cannot bear good fruit.” GNT

    Thank you for reading.

    I love you,

    Lisa Brown

  • We Must Protect Ourselves

    A long time ago someone came into my life. It was like they were dancing on a cloud with glitter droplets sprinkling where they walked. It was as if they had rays of light emanating from within. I was mesmerized and enchanted.

    As I glided across the ice rink where we met, I was happier than ever. He laced my skates, hugged me as we warmed ourselves by the heaters, and took me out night after night.

    It seemed like I was in heaven on earth and had found my soulmate.

    I was young and had never been in love before. I knew this was it. For a while.

    I didn’t know I had to guard myself, and that wolves lurked out and about. Then one day, I was over his place and he struck me. I ran to the bathroom and ended up standing in the tub with my clothes on. I couldn’t run far enough.

    I had been on my way to work and had stopped over for a coffee. He turned on me like a monster and beat me up. I cried and ran outside, grabbed my 10-speed, and rode to work with my makeup all messed up. And I am pretty sure there was blood on my clothes.

    After about an hour, he showed up at the pharmacy where I worked, trying to talk to me as if nothing had happened. I escaped from the aisles where I was shelving some products to behind the counter, and my boss intervened.

    Soon after that scene, I left him. As I went along in my life, I vowed never to give someone like him the time of day. So, when I met another sweet talker, I thought he was nice and almost fell for the crap all over again. But this time I was walking with Jesus, and I prayed about it. I then felt the Holy Spirit communicating to me to beware. I turned down this person’s invitations and avoided all encounters afterward.

    Proverbs 4:23 reads, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” NIV

    Thank you for reading.

    l love you,

    Lisa Brown