Bridges in U.S.A.

There are many interesting bridges across the U.S.A. Some of which are: 

 

The Golden Gate Bridge is a suspension one-mile-wide bridge connecting San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean.

 

The Brookyn Bridge is a cable-stayed/suspension bridge in New York City which spans the East River between Manhattan and Brooklyn. It was the first bridge fixed across the East River. 

 

The Manhattan Bridge is a suspension bridge which crosses the East River in New York City. It connects Lower Manhattan at Canal Street with Downtown Brooklyn at the Flatbush Avenue Extension. It has a length of 6,855 feet. 

 

The Bridge to Nowhere is an abandoned bridge on a washed-away road in the San Gabriel Mountains that spans across the East Fork of the San Gabriel River. A trail uses several river fords to reach it. Expect an extended outdoor hike to reach this treasure.  

 

The above are just a few of the man-made famous bridges that could be described and discussed. However, there is another bridge of more importance. It is not man-made! It is the bridge on the highway to Jesus Christ. That is the one I want to travel. There is only one way to get there, and the path is mapped out in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life.” 

 

 

 

 

 

Love

      "Love is patient, love is kind, and is not jealous, love does not brag, and is not arrogant." We would all do well to remember this verse in our daily activities.  It is so easy to be loving and forgiving of  our family members and close friends, but what about strangers, their rudeness and their hostility which causes us to react in kind? They know nothing of our problems and what we face, but then we know nothing of theirs. 
     Love means giving someone a hug when we have no desire to do so. Love means opening our hearts and minds to overlook bad behavior. Love means victory -being positive over negative reactions. Love might just mean Everything to someone who is having a very bad day. 

   L ove anyway

   O pen arms to the hostile

   V ictory over negative reactions

   E verything to someone having a bad day 

Love needs to be passed around..."FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD..." John 3:16 

Love and the Cross

     We often read stories that warm the heart.  Usually, most are the result of courage and love.  That's as it should be, for one of the greatest characteristics we can develop in life is love. 

     1 Corinthians 13:13, "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." 

     Within the same chapter we are told just what love is:  " If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 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. 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. ..."

Other people have said:  
     "Love is when the other person's happiness is more important than your own."
     "Love isn't love until you give it away."
     "Love will find a way."

     The above quotes are all good characteristics of love, but the one true example of love was when Jesus loved everyone enough to spread out His arms and allow the nails to pierce His hands.  What we have to remember is that Jesus was not forced upon the cross. 

     John 10:17b-18,  "I lay down my life—only to take it up again. ¹⁸ No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.” 

     His death was planned,  His method of death was planned, and His place of death was planned.  It was all pre-appointed! 

     John 3:16,  "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

Believe

     Jesus said in John 3:16-18, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  For God send not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.  He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God."
     I love this scripture!  It is all about salvation through faith.  Even though we have not seen God in person, the Christian has felt His mighty presence and seen His works in their lives and in the lives of others. 
     Other synonyms we can use for "believe" is to rest assured, be convinced, to have confidence in, to affirm, to give credence to, and to accept.  We accept that Jesus died on the cross to save us from our sins and to give us eternal life, and by accepting, we rejoice in the truth of the cross.  With our acceptance, we obtain the living presence of the Holy Spirit.  We obtain peace, joy, and love. 
     For those who have heard but not believed, and have chosen to use antonyms like; reject, dispute, discard, and ignore, rest assured there will be will be a future, either in heaven or in hell.  What will be your final decision?  Is it worth the chance?  Is it not time to let God enter your heart so that heaven can be your final destination? 
     Here in "A Friendly Shade", I rest assured that the Bible leaves no doubt there is a life after death, and for me, it will be heaven; my final home which will be filled with light, "for the glory of God will lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. "  (Revelation 21:23b)    

Fear

     Fear seems to be a natural occurrence in the heart of anyone who anticipates danger, faces illness, or unknown circumstances.  I have to remind myself continually about releasing my fear to the One who is in control.   To do this I have to return to scripture:   

John 14:27   " Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Psalm 23:4 "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."

Psalm 34:4 "I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears."

Isaiah 41:13 "For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you."

     I know that God alone can give me peace when I lift up my voice to Him in prayer.  I don't have to remind myself of God's peace through scriptures.  All I have to do is pray to find it; however, the following are some of my favorite scriptures of his promises.

John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

Philippians 4:7  "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

1 Peter 5:7 "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."

     As I sit here in "A Friendly Shade" and face an unknown situation which recently cropped up in my life, I find myself relying more and more on my God who sent His only Son to die on the cross for me.  If He loved me that much, how much more will He do to keep me and my loved ones from harm?   My peace comes from Him.  He is the living presence in my heart; His peace truly "transcends all understanding." 

      If anyone does not know the God of peace, you can find Him through accepting Jesus as your Savior.  John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

 

   

A Picture

     "A picture is worth a thousand words!"  This is an English idiom referring to the notion that an image is very effective in grabbing your attention in order to portray an idea which is probably why a Facebook posting grabbed my attention long enough for me to listen to a sales pitch for a product.  It was about a life change promising free information.  The salesperson was rapidly drawing images to go along with "free" information; however, at the end there was a cost involved in order to obtain the product which would provide this new healthy life change.
     Images do have a way of grabbing our attention even though we quickly get turned off when the price of the product is finally revealed.   Yet, I have experienced and do know about a life change which comes at no cost!
     Close your eyes for a moment and imagine a child born and laying in a dirty animal crib.  The scene takes place in a barn filled with smelly animals.  It was cold and the only warmth was a bed of dusty hay and a small thin blanket. 
     Now envision this child all grown up.  He chose to leave a home where he was nurtured with love to travel the countryside sharing about hope for a life changing event.   His only mode of transportation was by foot with maybe an occasional donkey ride or in a fishing boat. 
     Was this simply a sales pitch that would end up with a cost to the crowd which followed Him?  No!  This life changing event was free to all except Himself.  He was the One going to pay the cost.  Many chose to listen, while others scoffed and spit in his face. 
     Finally, picture a cross.  Upon that cross is a man with nails hammered through his hands and his feet.  Blood runs down his body.  His head is hung in agonizing pain.  This is the cost the man paid.  In the end, as he had foretold, there was no cost to anyone.  It is truly a life changing event with no cost if you choose to accept Jesus as your hope and Savior of the world.   This is a package deal providing hope, peace, joy, and life. 

John 3:16  "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved."

      

Only Know!

     The Bible instructs us in love.   We are to "love God with all our heart and mind."  We are to "love our neighbors as ourselves."  Not only are we told to love, but God shows us His own great love in John 3:16.  "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."  

Romans 5:8, "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 

 

1 Corinthians 4:21  "What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod of discipline, or shall I come in love and with a gentle spirit?"

 

Ephesians 3:17-19 "So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

 

We are to dwell in God's love. 

 

      Only Know

 

Only know,

  within my love I give you life;

With me, you are predestined to be. 

I am your breath; your soul;

  a love which will make you whole,  

running deep and wide.

In your struggles I walk by your side.      

 

Only know,

  within my love there is compassion;

A love which will not fail, though you are weary and frail.

I am your protector, faithful forever;

  not leaving you. No never!

I am the One who sends blessings galore;

Seek them out and count them more. 

 

Only know,

  within my love there is patience and kindness;

I send increase; give joy, and peace. 

I loved you from the cross in my pain and my thirst;

I loved you though I was cursed.

My love reaches around the lands;

Believe in the cross and my nail-scarred hands. 

Seek the love I give;

Accept me and live. 

                  Mary Crisp Jameson - 4/17/2016

 

Christ In Me!

     As I enter the new year of 2016, I do not know the way I may be going or what my future holds, but I do know my Guide.  He is the One who has promised to never leave me or forsake me.  He is the Vine that trims my branches so I may grow in spiritual maturity.  I am so thankful I have Christ in my life, and just pray that He will be tender with me, yet prune me as He sees fit.

CHRIST IN ME!

Christ in me-
A pillar of cloud by day,
  directing to show the way;
A pillar of  fire by night,
  guiding toward what is right.
Christ in me-
A Gardener pruning the vine,
  tending the branches to align;
The true Vine, absolute,
  living, breathing, producing fruit.
Christ in me-
Joined as one,
  a Savior, God's own Son;
A pillar of cloud by day,
  beneath my wings, a vibrant ray;
A pillar of fire by night,
  the Holy Spirit whispering quite.
Christ in me-
  talking, walking, guiding true;
The One I look to.
Oh, halleluiah!  Christ in me!
                           Mary Crisp Jameson

John 15:1 TLB   "I am the true Vine, and my Father is the Gardener."
John 14:20 TLB "When I come back to life again, you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you."

Oh! Jesus Love Me!

      I’m keeping it simple in “A Friendly Shade” today. What is more simple than knowing that Jesus loves me? There is no need to dig through science books. There is no need to analyze or rationale it. All I need is faith, belief, and a heart that I’ve asked Jesus to come into and dwell with me. 
 

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

 

     Oh, Jesus Loves Me

 

Jesus loves me when I’m sad,

All He wants is to make me glad.

Jesus knows just what I need;

He will supply it all, guaranteed.

 

Oh, Jesus loves me –

Oh, Jesus loves me.

  This I know, as onward I go,

  For the Bible tells me so.

 

Jesus loves me when my days are grey,

He is in my heart to stay.

Jesus loves to walk with me;

He will hear my every plea.

 

Oh, Jesus loves me-

Oh, Jesus loves me.

  Listen to the voice calling out,

  Listen to the angels give a shout.

 

Jesus loves me all day long,

He will keep me going strong.

Jesus wipes away my tears;

He is there through all my fears.

Oh, Jesus loves me-

Oh, Jesus loves me.

  Listen to the scripture telling me so,

  Given to the people so they’ll know.

 

Jesus loves me through the night.
I am precious in His sight.

Jesus loves me young or old,

He’ll embrace and tightly hold.

 

Oh, Jesus loves me-

Oh, Jesus loves me.

  Get saved today, and you will see,

  Hearts will heal- we’ll shout with glee!

Oh, Jesus loves me-

Oh, Jesus loves me.

  How do I know? Oh, how do I know?

  He’s the One who tells me so.

Choose The One You Cannot Live Without

     Don’t make your life with someone you can live with, but make your life with someone you cannot live without.” At the time I saw this saying, I thought, "I do not necessarily agree with this." A person would be extremely blessed to be able to find that special person whom they simply could not live without as long as they were, at the same time, one you could live with. By that I mean, kind, gentle, understanding, and always there for you without the ups and downs of quarreling, sulking, or constant disagreement.
     Then it hit me! Wow! How profound?
     I have actually been living with that One person I simply cannot live without since the age of ten. In fact, I cannot imagine my life without Him. He is kind, understanding, loving, protective, and always there for me.
     After I was saved, I remember being afraid of the thunder and lightning. My mother reminded me one night during a thunderstorm that God could take away my fear if I would just say a little prayer to Him. Since that time I have been able to peacefully sleep through many natural storms and, also, other storms in my life as I remember the words, “for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
    When I wonder how God can forgive a sinner like me and still love me in spite of it, I think about how He loved the thief on the cross who chose, at the end of his life, to believe in Jesus. Jesus answered him as He, himself, hung there bleeding for the sins of the world, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
     There have been so many times in my life when I have neglected to pray for guidance, to thank Him for blessings, and to walk in the path which I knew I should. I have made so many mistakes and have so many regrets, but God loves me still. He is the One I talk to when I am lonely, when I am sleepless during the night, and when I struggle with problems during the path of life.
    When others may choose to condemn me, God loves me. How can He do this? My answer comes from Isaiah 55, “Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways.”
     If anyone desires a life-long partner whom they simply cannot live without, and One who will provide eternal life, choose God. I am so glad I did.
     John 3:16   " For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
     John 6:47  "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life."

 

 

 

 

Merry Christmas!

     Luke 2: 7, 13-14   “And she brought forth her first born son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manager; because there was no room for them in the inn….And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”

     As we celebrate Christmas, let us remember the new born Son of God.  Let us rejoice with the angels, praising God.  Let us proclaim, “Glory to God in the highest.”  Let us look to the cross and accept the love of the One who died for us. 

     John 3:16  “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

    Wishing all my blog friends and followers a very “Merry Christmas!”

Fairytale Story

     Most all of us enjoyed fairytale stories growing up.  Many of the stories started with “Once upon a time,”  and ended with “And they lived happily ever after.”    These stories led a lot of us to believe that life would end with happiness and success.  Along the way, some have been disappointed.   
     As we grew into adults and tackled the world outside our fairytale stories we learned there was more to the in-between parts; that is, how the prince lived while he was a toad and how long Cinderella had to  scrub floors in hand-me-down rags.  Many of us wonder if we will ever make it from rags to riches.  We are always looking for that silver lining thinking that money will make us happy. 
     Then there are those who live a lowly life, but find the happy ending simply by accepting the fact that God made us beautiful in whatever situation we are living.  Focus is on the greater things of life, which is their spiritual walk.  They have learned to enjoy who they are in Christ.  Their hearts are joyful because they have created, through God, their own happy ending.  They are not standing around complaining, waiting to be kissed by prince charming. 
     I believe God opens the windows of heaven and pours out stardust every day.  It is up to us to catch it and enjoy life.  When I read the last section of Malachi 3:10, I could envision the windows of heaven opening and all that stardust, in the way  of blessings, pouring down upon my head.   I just have to do my part to receive it.  I need to give Him my  praise, my time,  my witness for Him in whatever ability He has bestowed upon me, and just return to Him a small portion of what He does for me every day in order to be able enrich my fairytale story and make it become a reality.  
     Actually my story is no fairy tale.  It goes like this:   "Once upon a time" there was me, without God in my heart.  Then I believed.  Jesus came into my life and I  "live happily ever after."
     Malachi 3:10,  “ Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.”
     John 3:16, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 

 

The Perfect Diet

     The perfect diet has been researched for years, but people still struggle with weight control.  As I sit here in “A Friendly Shade” I feel myself getting complacent and putting on weight.  Maybe I do need a change of diet; one that fills me up and does not leave me with cravings. I need to change the “bread” I consume.
     Thinking on this, I remember one of my pastors telling about the time he was determined to fast for 21 days.  He was doing pretty good until one day when he became extremely hungry.  He was about to break the fast but then heard a voice saying, “You have not had your bread today.”  Immediately the pastor dropped what he was doing outside, went into the house, and picked up his Bible.  He needed the “Bread of Life.”  After finishing the Bible reading he stated he was no longer hungry.
     Once again I can relate to the “bread” I consume as I remember what a friend told me about a class of children she was teaching.  The friend was explaining to the class how religions practice their faith differently, but they all believed in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life”  The lady then asked one of the children, “How do you practice your faith?”  The child replied, “Well I am a Missionary Baptist and we eat.”   The lady asked, “What do you mean?”  The child continued, “Every Sunday we go to church early and we eat.  Every fifth Sunday we have potluck at church and we eat.  Then every second Friday night our church has a gospel singing and we eat.  So that is how we practice our religion.”    
    Sounds like my kind of church!  I am sure the “Bread of Life” is watching over that congregation.