Bethlehem Blessing

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  • Miracles

    There is a good sensation coming into my being from the Holy Spirit. I feel it in my gut, and my mind is sparkling with positive energy.

    Recently, I’ve seen miracles happening. I had been spinning around, not sure of myself. After I prayed a series of prayers for life to improve, it has. I thank the Lord for what he’s accomplished with me.

    And now, the sparkles in my head, and the knowing I detect indicate that Jesus is not finished doing good things. I have seen open doors, and I believe additional doors will open

    The level of happiness surrounding me is great. I am filled with gratitude for Jesus.

    I think of the Bible verse Matthew 16:9. It reads, “Don’t you understand yet? Don’t you remember when I broke the five loaves for the five thousand men? How many baskets did you fill?” The Good News Translation Bible (GNT).

    Thank you for reading,

    I love you,

    Lisa / Soon to be Lisa DeWitt

  • From Trapped to Free

    After I escaped a situation that interfered with my job, I began to get excited about making things happen. About doing the work I am called to do by Jesus.

    I had so many other responsibilities I was exhausted, burnt out, and unable to conduct the business of the business I had started.

    I had to tell my accountant that I didn’t need him for business tax season because I didn’t earn any money last year.

    It was embarrassing. I knew something was wrong with that picture, or rather, the state of things.

    When I thought about it–the lack of doing business, that is, I felt like I had failed. Yet it was not of my own doing. I had other people taking advantage of me, using me, and dumping on me.

    It took me six attempts at freeing myself of this unjust situation. but, finally, I succeeded.

    Peace came over me almost immediately. First, I began writing these blogs.

    My job in this world is to advance the gospel— to share Bible verses and tell my stories to help others understand what Jesus’ words mean.

    I also paint Christian art and sing Christian songs. I am thrilled to do this. It’s like someone gave me a set of finger paints, some number two pencils, and took me back to grade school music class. Everything I do is like play.

    The Bible verse John 15:16 speaks about all of us bearing fruit. We work, produce, and earn.

    John 15:16 reads “You did not choose me, I chose you and appointed you to go and bear much fruit, the kind of fruit that endures. And so the Father will give you whatever you ask of him in my name.” The Good News Translation Bible (GNT).

    Thank you for reading.

    I love you,

    Lisa/ Soon to be Lisa DeWitt

  • Jesus Will Always Win

    I woke up today, and things started to grow for me.

    Before I even got out of bed, I was feeling like the things I had hoped for were not going to happen.

    Actually, negative thoughts have been bothering me since the night before. I went to bed all worn out and not flourishing.

    Shortly after rising and praying that I would shake off the negativity, something good happened. It was as if someone were reading my mind. A shift of positivity shone on me like sunshine at the beach. I became illuminated and grateful. All of a sudden, overnight, things improved.

    The Bible verse Mark 4:27 reads, “He sleeps at night, is up and about during the day, and all the while the seeds are sprouting and growing. Yet he does not know how it happens.” The Good News Translation Bible (GNT).

    Maybe I don’t know how it happens, but I do know who did it.

    A turnaround so fabulous could only be attributed to Jesus. I praise the Lord, I love him, and I thank him.

    Thank you for reading.

    I love you,

    Lisa/ Soon to be Lisa DeWitt

    .

  • Hope and a Future From Jesus

    I needed hope and to believe that I have a future.

    When I go to bed at night now, on someone’s love seat, I hold my teddy bear. I always hold him at night, but lately I am holding on tighter. I am in a position of transition. I am in the middle of something a bit confusing and a lot frustrating.

    I don’t know where, how, or when things will happen in my future. However, I am blessed to know the why. My purpose in this life is to advance the gospel. I know that for sure. The rest is up to Jesus.

    I am not sure how I will support myself until I begin earning with the business I am starting. I do have hope, though. It is because Jeremiah 29:11 reads, “I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for.” The Good News Translation Bible (GNT)>

    While the events in my life seem problematic, I am hopeful because of the above verse. And I can see that the Lord, Jesus, has bestowed his abundant grace upon me. He sent me a beautiful soul, a person who’s a real estate broker. The person had been in the same situation I am in, not too long ago. Empathy from this God-delivered saint showered me with loving kindness, reassured me, and has a plan to help me.

    After talking about what is on my doorstep, I regained my vitality, my lively spirit, and I smiled for the first time in a while. I got cleaned up, put on makeup, and did some work.

    What’s in the Bible is true. The promises of the Lord are encouraging, and I can depend on them. I believe in Jesus and what he says.

    Thank you for reading.

    I love you,

    Lisa/ Soon to be Lisa DeWitt

  • Thank Jesus Always

    I was trying to be organized and make sure I wouldn’t lose the cord to my new computer. So, I pulled out a large plastic bag, labeled it, and put the cord inside and zipped it up. I didn’t put the computer in my briefcase, though.

    The next time I wanted to use the computer, I found it leaning against a wall, with the cord nowhere in sight. I began to think someone had done something with it. I had a friendly relationship with the person I thought might have taken it.

    I guess I got a little ticked off. Because I felt it was the last straw, so to speak. I had had it. Things had not been going well with this person in the last little while. So, even though I know they didn’t take the cord, I am glad I thought they did. At the time of the misunderstanding, I was not grateful. And I did not thank Jesus.

    I had read the verse 1 Thessalonians 5:18 about a year ago, When I did, I thought, why would I thank the Lord for something that I believe is not good?

    1 Thessalonians 5:18 reads, “be thankful in all circumstances. This is what God wants from you in your life in union with Christ Jesus.” The Good News Translation Bible (GNT).

    It wasn’t until about a week after the cord went missing that I became thankful.

    The Bible verse Romans 8:28 reads, “We know that in all things God works for good with those who love him, those whom he has called according to his purpose.” The Good News Translation Bible (GNT).

    The above verse became true for me. The missing cord was a catalyst. It prompted me to start working on my creative business. I launched my website about eight months ago and have only just begun to do the work necessary for it.

    I am doing my job, having fun with it, and loving it.

    Thank you for reading.

    I love you,

    Lisa Brown/ Soon to be Lisa DeWitt

  • Jesus Gives Us More Than We Need

    As I sit here thinking about what is ahead, I am trying to stay positive. Worry about rent, car repairs, dental needs, and food has crept into my thoughts. Although I know it is the evil one who brings doubt about what Jesus says, I forget.

    I can see it is extremely helpful to remain grounded in what the Bible tells us. Jesus wants the best for all of us, and he brings that to our minds in 2 Corinthians 9:8. This verse says, “And God is able to give you more than you need, so that you will always have all you need for yourselves and more than enough for every good cause. The Good News Translation Bible (GNT)

    When I read the above verse, I knew things were going to be wonderful. I have a dream of starting a foundation designed to assist women who are in transition from abusive homes to good lives. I want to give them housing, job training, and food. clothes, and teddy bears.

    With what Jesus tells us, I will be able to help these women who need understanding, compassion, kindness, and support. I have been in a situation like theirs, and I know it hurts when there is nowhere to turn. It just doesn’t seem right when all they’ve done is fulfill their roles as wives and mothers. No one gave them a paycheck for the work they’ve done. After all that, to be left homeless, without money, cars, or jobs, or support, is an injustice. Along with the above assistance, I want to give these brave women the ability to create new identities. New outlooks. New style. And everything many of us take for granted.

    Jesus saved me from an abusive man when I was just 17 years old. He drank, sold drugs, ran around with married women, had all kinds of guns, stole my money, and beat me.

    I got away from him, by the grace of God, and I know because the Bible says all things work together for good. I am planning to help those who are in situations like this.

    Thank you for reading,

    I love you,

    Lisa Brown/ Soon to Be Lisa DeWitt

  • Jesus Gave Me Hope

    On a dreary and rainy day, I found myself with my bags packed and nowhere to go. I didn’t have a car, and I thought no one could help. I was homeless, confused, and not my optimistic self.

    I stood in a lobby somewhere with people all around me. I had been speaking to someone who lived hundreds of miles away, on the phone. They couldn’t help me. I was lost with no hope of ever belonging somewhere again.

    I felt the world was against me, and I was afraid, wet from the rain, and I didn’t know what to do.

    The person on the phone with me suggested I call the only person who might be able to help me. I had been feeling that they wouldn’t offer help because I had asked multiple times before. I pushed the numbers on the keyboard, thinking I’d be sleeping on a park bench in the storm.

    When the angel that Jesus sent for me answered, I asked for assistance. She said, “Yes, come on over.” Tears streamed down, making my glasses slip. The relief I felt was clouded by the fear that had overwhelmed me moments before.

    Once I settled down in the woman’s home, I pulled out my Bible and my iPad. Next, I asked google for a Bible verse about “hope.”

    Google gave me Jeremiah 29:11. It reads, “I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for.” The Good News Translation Bible (GNT),

    Since then, I have discovered the hope and prosperity Jesus spoke of. I am going to move into my new home shortly. I will have a place to house my art studio, music studio, and writing office.

    Jesus means what he says in the Bible. It’s good to believe in him.

    I am holding on to the Lord’s hand as I wait.

    Thank you for reading.

    I love you,

    Lisa Brown/ Soon to be Lisa DeWitt.

  • 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.