"LOOK UP YOUR REDEMPTION DRAWETH NIGH" is a scripture that I have heard from childhood. When these things (wars, rumors of war, earthquakes, famine, nations rising against nation, deception, rebellion, lawlessness, false leaders, etc.) start to happen in the world we are to stay strong and true because Christ is getting ready for His Return.

One of my daughters asked me last summer what we should be doing during these times. I sat down at my computer and searched my mind from all of the teachings of my mother, my pastors and God's Word. I came up with a simple list for believers to follow:

1. The outlook is not good for all Nations, BUT we have HOPE.
2. We should be prepared at all times, perhaps getting supplies in for a month.
3. The Bible says we will know a prophet's message is right if it comes to pass. So I don't really pay much attention to specifics from "so called prophets" making specific predictions. I look at the warning signs and prepare from them.
4. We need to make sure our lives are right with God.
5. We need to pray for our nation and leaders.
6. We do not need to fear, because we've read the book, and it is happening just like it said. God is in control! He is orchestrating it all!
7. We don't know the time, neither does anyone else. Change is here, and we will deal with it. Our world is getting into a position where the Anti Christ will be welcomed to solve it all and bring peace. This we know is coming, and the Bible says when we see these things coming to pass, "LOOK UP FOR YOUR REDEMPTION DRAWETH NIGH."
8. When we see "red flags" (warning signs) we need to pay attention. Warning signs are all around us.
9. We need to get our finances and house in order - no matter what!
10. God has promised throughout the Bible that He will take care of the righteous. We live day by day, doing the best we can.

The End of This Age need not be fearful if we are at a place with God that Trust & Hope surround us. When Joshua was about to take over leadership, change was evident, God told him to "Be Strong and Courageous, Strong and Very Courageous and be careful to OBEY the Law" (which is God's Word)

This is an exciting time. If FEAR is in your hearts, search the heart of God. He HAS NOT GIVEN US THE SPIRIT OF FEAR, BUT POWER, LOVE AND A SOUND MIND. Perhaps it is time to get "your heart and house in order".

A poem written by Audrey Hepburn which was read @ her funeral!

For attractive lips, speak words of kindness. For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people. For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.. For beautiful hair, let a child run his/her fingers through it once a day. For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone. People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; never throw out anyone. Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you will find one at the end of each of your arms. As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands; one for helping yourself, and the other for helping others.

Share this with all the women you care about!

PRAYING 'PSALM 23':

The Lord is my Shepherd-Relationship;

I shall not want-Supply;

He make me to lie down in green pastures-Rest;

He leads me beside the still waters-Refreshment;

He restores my soul-Healing;

He leads me in the paths of righteousness-Guidance;

For His namesake-Purpose;

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death-Testing!

I will fear no evil for thou art with me.Your Rod & Staff comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil, my cup overflows. Provision, Satisfaction & Consecration"

Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life. Constant help,kindness and support

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. My future has been planned & prepared for eternity.

We are all on a journey, some are in the midst of turmoil, still others have gone from the Valley up to the Mountain Top. A friend of our daughter wrote the following poem with thoughts from God's Word. Judy's husband is fighting for his life, say a prayer for Keith today.

I am cracked,
But I am not broken.

I am bruised,
But I am not bleeding.

I am splintered,
Yet I am whole.

Because of who He is.

For under my cracks
Is the Foundation,
The Foundation that cannot be shaken.

Under my bruises
Is the One who heals,
The Healer who holds my pain.

And under my splinters
There is a smoothness,
Brought about by the One who calms.

In His perfect timing.

I am tired,
But He gives me strength.

I am weak,
Then He fills my cup.

I get scared,
And He comforts me.

Because I am His child.

I am pressed,
But not oppressed.

I am pushed,
But to a deeper level.

I stumble
And fall in His arms.

Because He is there.

He is always there.

I smile
Because I am not alone.

I laugh
Because I am not forsaken.

I have joy
Because there is hope.

This is who He is.

In the midst of pain,
He is with me.

When my path is filled with uncertainty,
He holds my hand and guides me.

Where others only see tragedy,
I see the hands of the Lord.

And He never leaves me.

He asks me to trust
So I will.

He tells me He’s good
And I believe Him.

I have seen this firsthand.

Though the waters are deep
I will not drown.
He will provide me with what is needed.

Though I am unaware of His plan,
I know there is one.
And in that I find comfort.

For He is good.

All things good.

Though not always visible,
The Lord is shaping me.
He is shaping me with His own hands.