"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever." Hebrews 13:8

 "Sprinkle me with the cleansing blood and I shall be clean again. Wash me and I shall be whiter than snow."  Psalms 51:7

Amid a life of many transitions, I rejoice that Jesus, my Lord and Savior never changes. Nor does His Word.

One of those transitions for me recently has been searching for a home church.  Anyone who has experienced this may know that it is not an easy process.  Especially in this day and age when many churches have dramatically changed the manner in which they worship the Lord.


I am having quite the struggle with some churches who seem to have become more like the secular world.  In Romans 12, Paul tells us "Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but be a new and different person with a fresh newness in all you do and think."  

Some may call me old fashioned and I don't mind if they do. I don't think I should be entertained when I go to worship the Lord.  And I desire a time of reverence and quiet reflection to confess my sins - on my knees, if possible. Following one service I attended recently, I came home, lit a candle and read my Bible to have a quiet time with God. There was just no time at the service to do so.  Not that I am saying worship services should be completely quiet! 

The balance of joyfulness and reflection seemed to be off at this particular church and in others I have visited. I have asked myself, are some churches seemingly becoming like the world to reach people for Christ?  If so, is He, Himself, the living Christ, not sufficient?  Did he not warn us not to do this?  In the book of Matthew, Jesus said "You are the world's seasoning, to make it tolerable. If you lose your flavor what will happen to the world?"

There's always been some differences among bodies of Christian believers - how they want to worship and what they believe.  I respect those differences.  Therefore, we do have a number of denominations across the United States. The various interpretations of the Holy Scriptures seems to have been a contributing factor.  But the basic truths of God's Word still remained a common thread.

However, during the last three or four decades, that thread is weakening. Some Christian churches have went through extreme change -not only in the way they worship the Lord but in their doctrine. Some are turning from the truth of God's Word and bringing worldly ways into their sanctuaries. This brings great sadness to my soul and concern for the future of the chruch.  And thus, I struggle to find my spot.  Where does God want me?

Sometimes I wish I could walk into a country church along the prairie in the 1800's where the Old, Old Story is being told including some reference to that word.  That word that seems to be missing in many churches today. Sin. Yes, that word that is mentioned in the Scripture many times over.  I asked some Sunday School children about sin recently and they did not know what it meant.  That was an eye-opener.   

It is true that God hates sin. People never have liked to hear about it and still don't, me included. So, in order to keep people filling the churches, could it be that some pastors and leaders are choosing not to mention it much? It appears we all want to feel good, have an uplifting worship service, experience the wonderful love of God and fellowship with one another.  

That is all well and good but does not cover all the bases.  Now days, it takes a very brave pastor to preach about what they used to call "hell and brimstone."  But if your pastor does, it is because He loves and cares for his sheep as Christ cares for you.  Rejoice!!!

If you really think about the core of Christianity -if we had never sinned there would be no Christian faith.  Yes, God is a God of love but He is also a God of justice and guidance.

  As I reflect upon the Ten Commandments, each is related to a sin that God warns us not to do.  Why?  Because He loves us.  He wants our lives to reflect His guidance and for us to experience abundant life only He can provide. 

Ultimately, He knew we would fail and sin.  Sinful people cannot have eternal life. But God loved us so much He made a way for us to become holy (or without sin) so we can enter heaven and live forever.  Thank you Father!

He sent Jesus to earth as a man. Jesus taught people about love but He also made it plain that all of us are sinners. He spoke about true repentance, telling us how we could be born again. How struggling with sin would be a never ending battle while on earth and to expect it. But, assuring us that He would be here  to help us through the power of the Holy Spirit and we could be forgiven when we sin.

But we have to do our part. We have to believe Jesus died for our sins, and accept Him as our personal Savior. To repent and confess our sins and to accept His merciful forgiveness. And we have to be willing to change our sinful habits and live as Christ would want us to for we have been made clean through the blood of His one and only Son, Jesus Christ. It is that plain and that simple.

I started to read and study the book of Acts in my quest for a body of believers that are Bibilcally solid and where I can serve and worship the Lord.  It has really been a blessing.

I am reading about how they often met in small groups in homes, took communion together and were filled with the Holy Spirit. I am learning about the boldness the apostles had when they shared the message of Christ.  It took courage. Stephen was remarkable.(Acts 7) He told it like it was. And he died for it.  As I reflected about his experience I had to ask myself, would I be willing to die for the sake of Christ and the Gospel?  Would you? 


Where can I serve the Lord with the gifts He has given me?  Where can I worship Him in a way that is respectful, reverent, honorable and gives me the opportunity to lift my hands in praise but also kneel to confess my sins?

God knows and I am trusting Him to show me:-)

Blessing to you, thank you for visiting my blog.:-)

How about you, do you have a home church? 

        How do you worship the Lord?

Treasures

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth, nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal."  Matthew 6:19-20

A glimpse of one of God's treasures He has

given us to enjoy.

Photo by Carole S. Amateis-Lebruska 2011

    













I was organizing storage space in one of my closets the other day - since I was putting my Christmas decorations away, it seemed like a good time to put some other things in their place as well.

Having moved recently, the combination spare bedroom and office has been bugging me.  Boxes and plastic containers from the move were still there and I have more or less, been working around the clutter which is not my cup of tea!

However, it has not been on the top of my list of priorities.  I've been busy working as a substitute para educator at a local school.  It has been fun working with the elementary kids but has taken a lot of energy.  The last thing I want to do when I get home from work is tackle that mess!  I also do some writing projects in one corner of the room to make some extra income.  God has been good in providing me work and I praise Him for it.

A week off from school duties provided an opportunity for me to clean up the room. As I worked the other day and tried to get all the boxes into the storage space, I became increasingly frustrated.  With the shelves situated the way they were - the big totes were just not going to fit.  I tried several different combinations and switched some items into smaller boxes. 

At one point, I was lifting a plastic container that held my Christmas glassware and cups to one shelf. Standing on my nifty step ladder, I was caught off guard when all of a sudden the lid popped off.  Down went the box crashing to the floor - glass flying everywhere.  It took me a second to absorb what had just happened - hadn't I just packed that box carefully so nothing would be broken?  And, yet, in a spilt second, at least half of it lay in pieces on the floor.

At first I was heartbroken.  But as I cleaned up the broken glass, I thought, I just have too much stuff.  This is ridiculous. And I was able to put it in perspective - this was just a box of glasses and cups - that is all. Sure, some had memories attached, but I still have those memories even though the items are no longer.

The words that Jesus spoke are so true.  We store up so many treasures on this earth and for what?  We can't take them with us when we enter heaven.  Needless to say, I got rid of some of my belongings after that episode and plan to get rid of some more.

I truly have all I need. Later, I reflected, maybe I should concentrate on storing up treasures in heaven instead of here on earth.......like Jesus said.

What are some of those treasures?  For me, it's. . . . . .

• Walking among nature to appreciate the treasures God has given us
• Spending quality time with family and friends
• Listening to the laugh of a blind boy as I push him in a swing
• Playing the piano for a Christmas Eve service at the church
• Keeping in touch with friends who are in need of someone to care
• Helping a special education student learn their multiplication tables
• Praying for friends and family and people I don't know as the Holy Spirit directs
• Writing insights about life in my journal that may help others some day
• Giving a personal gift that can't be bought with money
• Doing an unexpected favor for someone
• Taking time to write a thank you note
• Reading my Bible and talking to God 
• Striving to live as the Scriptures teach - not an easy one:-)
• Smiling at someone who is having a bad day and then praying for them
• Remembering to give some of what God has given me financially
• Fulfilling a need someone may have, expecting nothing in return

The New American Standard Life Application Bible explains storing up treasures well.  "Our intention should be to seek the fulfillment of God's purpose in all we do, not merely what we do with our money."

So, in a world that emphasizes what we have and encourages us to get more treasures than we will ever need, the words of Jesus are refreshing. 

One incident, on a winter day, as I was working on a storage project turned out to be a blessing.  Why?  Because it reminded  me of what is really important in life.  Material possessions aren't it - and the older I get, the more I realize this truth.

How about you.  Are you storing material treasures on earth or treasures in heaven?  It is something for all of us to consider.

Blessings to you in the New Year!

"For God so loved the world that He have His only Son so that anyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16



Photo by Carole S. Amateis (c) 2011

Do you truly know my Lord?

Please stop by and reflect upon these lyrics as you ponder your relationship with God and His son Jesus Christ, our personal Lord and Savior.

Do You Know Him?



Do you know Him, do you know Him, 

Do you know my precious Jesus?

Do you know Him, do you know Him,

Do you know my Lord and King?

Oh, my Jesus, He has sunshine,

He has sunshine for your soul;

And the Light, when it's within

It makes you whole.

Oh I love Him, how I love Him,

How I love my Savior Jesus.

Oh, I love Him, how I love Him

How I love this friend of mine!

For, my Jesus, He has never,

No, He's never let me down

I'm so thankful for this new love

I have found.

Have you given, have you given

Have you given Him your tired heart?

Have you given your life a brand new start?

Take His hand, take his hand now

He is waiting here to lead you

And He'll walk with You

All your life through;

Yes! All your life through!

Lyrics and music by Carole S. Amateis  1973

This is the first song I wrote when I used to rock my three babies to sleep - now all in their 30's!  It is quite simple really compared to some I now write.  But it has a profound message.  An important message for the world.

My sister Marilyn also sang this as a solo for church services and I taught it to Sunday School children.

Some day I hope to include the actual melodies that I have on CD on my website.  But for now, I hope the lyrics have blessed you and spoke to your heart and soul.

Until next time, God Bless. 

Do you  have any lyrics or poems you would like to share about the Lord?
 Or what the Lord means to you personally?

"Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving." Colossians 4:2

Experiencing the Power of Prayer

(c)Photo by Carole Amateis-Lebruska 2011

I believe in the power of prayer more than ever.  More than I did a year ago, more than even a month ago.  The Lord has taught me much about the divine privilege He has given each of us: the ability to communicate with our Heavenly Father, the God who created heaven and earth and you and I.

When one experiences a personal crisis, God is always at work. You can count on it. Such a struggle is kind of similar to climbing  a mountain like this.  Seemingly almost impassable. But, with one step at a time, prayer helps us to climb onward.

 God is constantly active, not only in the person who is living through it but for those brothers and sisters in Christ who are praying fervently.  He has a message for everyone - even those watching from a distance.

During the last two and half months, I have been in a struggle - recovering from surgery, the unexpected and sudden end of my marriage, and literally having no place to call home.  I am still working through the shock of it all.  Each day I think I get a little stronger.  And since the beginning  -  from the days leading up to my surgery to now, I have felt the prayers of God's people.

It is as if the Lord has literally carried me at times.  I do not even know how I got through some days - it is somewhat of a blur.  But every day - I mean every day, the Lord walked beside me.  He knew exactly what was happening - it was no surprise to Him.

I could probably write a book on the marvelous ways God has answered prayers in just this short time.  But here are just a few examples of how God was a part of every day life.These happenings are what I call a "God thing" -that is to say, He was very much involved :-)

In July, I canceled a surgery that was to be done in one hospital and went to one far from home. It was good that I did; not only did I have a hiatal hernia but further tests ordered by my doctor showed that it was large and it was twisting and could cut off my air supply. The day I was to have that test, I woke up with a massive migraine - but I had to fast for 12 hours and could not take any medicine for it.  Somehow - through the power of prayer - I drove myself through heavy traffic to the medical imaging facility and got through the test, then drove back to my son's apartment where I hit the bed after taking meds for the nausea and excruciating pain. Thank you Lord for getting me through that one.

The surgeon saw me on one day and the procedure was done the next morning.  He said it would probably take about two hours or so and I may have a tube inserted in my abdomen.  It took just a little over an hour and no tube had to be inserted.  People were praying.  Four days later, I drove myself home - across the entire state, stopping to walk about every hour or so to prevent blood clots. I made the trip just fine. People were praying. 

I was on a liquid/soft diet for six weeks.  I was supposed to have trouble swallowing but have not. I have healed much more quickly than I ever imagined. God's servants  have been praying.

When my marriage began to fall apart, the phone rang - family and friends were there for me - their prayers and counsel got me through some really painful and difficult days.  I did not know what to do and I was still not well.

Through the power of the Lord, I had the strength to move when my marriage collapsed; I was advised to take things with me if I left.  Not that I did it alone - in fact, the Lord sent wonderful Christian friends and family to help me - I mostly directed them as they packed my belongings into a storage unit.  I felt rather helpless - it was hard not being able to do much. But they were so loving and caring - often reminding me to go rest and not lift anything heavy so I would not hurt myself or undo the surgery.

Still in shock, I left the storage unit.  Leaving my belongings and the life I had known behind, it hit me.  I have no home. I have no job. My husband had told me I did not need to work outside the home.  I had little savings. The Lord brought to mind that Jesus had no home during a time when he was on earth.  He did not fret - He knew His Father would take care of Him. That knowledge was a comfort.

A longtime friend and dear sister in Christ and her husband opened their home to me.  Another answered prayer.  I stayed there for almost two weeks looking for places to live, swallowing my pride and lining up at the Health and Human Services for assistance.  It was there that I saw others - so many other people who needed help.  It was an eye opener. As was my time at the job service agency. People from far and near looking for jobs. It was something I needed to experience.  I know God will use it somehow in my future - hopefully to help others.


Even though my husband agreed to take care of me for one month, I knew I had to find a source of income soon. For days, I searched for work and a place to live.  Family and friends continued to tell me - I am praying for you.  I knew it - I felt it.  Friends, former classmates and family across the miles called.  Cell phones and the Internet can be wonderful tools to bind hearts and lives together - another  blessing from the Lord.

Then one day I walked into a job agency.  I was put to work that afternoon as a medical records clerk.  It was temporary but I was thankful just the same - another answer to prayer. Could my body endure the work?  My doctor gave me the go ahead.

The same day my wonderful Christian friends who had previously been my landlords said I could rent the very same apartment I had six years ago.  It was a miracle!  And the power of prayer in action again. I praised and thanked the Lord.

Today, the temp job has ended. I continue to search for work and to unpack boxes - which were moved by another group of Christian friends while I was at work (some the same as who had moved me the first time). Can I ever repay them for what they have done?  I will pray that the Lord blesses them in special ways, for one thing.

 One of those dear friends, a pastor, shared some of his earnings with me when my marriage first ended.  The money had been a gift to him from another Christan - he just passed it on to me.  A true blessing from the Lord.  I spend it very decisively - for I look upon it as from the Lord Himself.

 Another dear friend has hooked up my washer and dryer and done numerous things for me around the apartment that I could not do myself.  This friend has added a lot of joy to my life through humor and other friends have invited me out to eat with them to ease my loneliness.  Answered prayers.
All are God's servants.  All a part of answered prayers.

I do not know what the future holds but I know Who holds my future.  I am trying very hard to listen to the Lord's leading.  I have music to share and writing skills to put to good use for Him.  But I also have to make a living and I am no spring chicken!

And through this all, as God has taught me much about the power of prayer, I have prayed for others and continue to.  Because I know prayer has power and is one of the truest expressions of Christ-like love.

 If the Holy Spirit is prompting you to pray for someone, do it.  And keep praying as He told us to - without ceasing.  God always answers - in His time.  He may answer in ways you do not expect or say "wait awhile" or perhaps His answer may even be "no" - but He will answer, according to His divine will. 

And if you need prayer - ask for it.  Do not be ashamed or too proud to ask for help.  God has provided this gift to us - receive it and be thankful. 

Have any of you had the opportunity to see prayer at work in your life?

"I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty." 2 Corinthians 6:18

Windmill At Rest
(c) Carole Amateis Lebruska 2011

Time has flown since the end of May when I developed some health problems. . . . . a week ago today I had surgery and am now recovering. Thus, no blog post for awhile. And this one will be brief.
The small garden plot I previously wrote about is yielding a harvest of fresh veggies in abundance, although I cannot eat much of it nor care for it now as I allow my body to recover.  But my hubby can:-)
A period of six weeks or so will require a soft, liquid diet, no lifting anything over 10 pounds or straining, lots of rest and lots of walking.
It will be a test in patience:-)
I was incredibly blessed during this experience and am so thankful to be a child of God.
Stay tuned for more later.  I have so much to share.
I hope this verse from 2 Corinthians encourages you in some way. . . . whatever you are facing, remember, if you are a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ and have accepted Him as your Savior, you are a child of God. You  are his son or his daughter - how awesome is that?
 He walks with you every single day of your life and is a constant abiding presence.  I have experienced His strength, His peace, His counsel. I can say, without a doubt, that I have felt the prayers of His people and continue to.
  And, I am more determined than ever to make a commitment to serve Him via the music He has given me. To take it out into the world to minister to those in need of comfort, peace, and joy. Beyond the walls of Sunday School classrooms and sanctuaries where worship services are held. 
But right now, I must be patient and let my body heal from the trauma surgery entails.  I rest in the comfort that I am His daughter - and He will continue to be my Father. . . . forever!!
Until next time - hopefully soon, take care and blessings to each of you.

"He causes the grass to grow for the cattle, and vegetation for the labor of man, so that He may bring forth food from the earth......" Psalms 104:14

Sometimes God surprises me! I never thought I would enjoy a garden because I have tried large gardens before and they are alot of work especially when it comes to weeding.  I am not typically an outside person when it is hot unless I am in a swimming pool:-)  I don't sweat much so I get over heated really easy.  So, most of my time to work outside in the summer is early morning or evening.

But, this year my hubby and I planted a raised garden in a small plot. Now, this idea, that I saw in a magazine, was a stretch for him.  "We have acres and acres of land around us and we are going to plant a garden in this small space?", he said. "Well, it's all about managing it," I replied, since I was the one who was going to be taking care of it.  He has a huge sweet corn garden that he maintains mostly with farm equipment and irrigation water.  That is about all he has time for in the summer with all the farm work.  I love to flower garden but huge spaces filled with veggies is not my cup of tea.

Our little garden is soo cute!  We have rows of lettuce, onions, green beans, peas, carrots and kohlrabi.  Also some tomato and pepper plants and two hills of bush cucumbers!  Everything is growing nicely and I am keeping the weeds down by putting mulch in the rows and around the plants. And I am actually enjoying it.  I walk out there every morning to see how much it has grown and if there are any weeds popping their ugly heads up and if so, I just pull them by hand. (no hoe required - yes!!!)  I am surprised by how much it grows in one day alone.  It has been a true blessing to have this veggie patch in the yard of our country home.  Water is just a few feet away too!  

We have enjoyed fresh lettuce in our dinner salads so far - it has been a long time since I have eaten lettuce grown in a home garden.  I enjoy picking it and so far, no rabbits have discovered it!  I can't wait to eat the fruit from the other plants. 

When we planted the seeds it was just some dirt surrounded by wooden logs.   I know people have been doing this for ages but for me to see little seeds pop up from the rich earth and turn into plants was amazing to watch. And a reminder of how grand God has made the place we call home. He has really surprised me - I never thought I would enjoy a garden in a million years.

Planting, growing, harvesting. . . .is somewhat of a miracle my hubby and I decided as we glanced over fields of corn, sugar beets and dry edible beans all around us.  The very fact that man can plant a seed and it turns into a plant and then it becomes food for our bodies.  God had a great plan when He formed this earth. And the miracle - well, perhaps  it is something we take for granted too much. 

How many times do I go to the grocery store not even giving it a thought where the food came from - who grew it or where it was grown?  Someone else's labor has provided food for me many times over and God is the Head Gardener.  Have I remembered to thank Him?  To ask Him to bless those who provided it by their toil? Not often enough.


How about you?  Have you thanked Him lately?  Do you have a veggie garden and has God surprised you in any way lately?   

"Great is the Lord and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite." Psalm147

Lately, my understanding of why things happen as they do is being tested.  I recently lost a dear friend who had plans to work with me on my music and had previously illustrated two children's books my daughter and I wrote. The books were distributed to every school in the state of Nebraska as part of an educational campaign for the Nebraska Dry Bean Commission.  For awhile, my daughter Melissa, Randy and I toured and promoted the book and formed a company called Benjamin Bean Productions.  But, eventually, other projects led each of us in different directions. 

Randy was young - in his late 30's.  I had just talked to him weeks before his death about how we could get together and explore ways to improve my musical compositions and submit them for publication and possibly put them on the Internet.  Now, that will not be happening. Why did I tarry?

Randy was so brilliant in so many ways.  And he was humble about it.  He could write music in his head and pen it on paper - not just one instrument but many.  Another Mozart in a sense.  His artistic endeavors were amazing. The details he drew in the pages of our books could not go unnoticed - they were unique - some included bits of  humor and imagination coupled with the reality of a true story.

He was getting closer all the time to being recognized for his talents - to get them out "there" so to speak and to share with more than just a few.  In fact, I am confident he would have, if only he were still here on this earth.

It has been nearly a month now since he has passed into the arms of God.  And I still find myself thinking of him.  I just got most of my compositions recorded on CD and Randy was anxious to hear them and so willing to help me. I had been sitting on this project for ages.  God has given me these melodies to share with others which I have done over the years as Randy did.  But I know God wants me to do more.  I keep dragging my feet.

But after Randy's passing, I was determined to do something with my music.  I sent one song I wrote to a Gospel Music contest in Nashville.  It's like, my tribute to him.  His death was not in vain in just this one sense, for it got me going on my project.  He would be so excited for me - he was just that way.

I don't understand why he had to die when he did.  His future looked so bright even though he had been through lots of struggles in life.  I felt God was refining him and preparing him for a greater work..

Now I think of him in heaven, playing his classical pieces for God on his guitar and drawing pictures of heaven.  I have to trust in God's infinite wisdom.  God knew it was Randy's time to be with Him.  It doesn't make sense to me but it does to God.  I must leave the questions, the whys in His hands and believe that He had a reason.

I look froward to seeing Randy in heaven some day.  I was so happy to hear from one of his friends  and former classmates who told me the story of how he had continually witnessed to him about the salvation of the Lord.  And Randy had accepted Christ as his Savior.  

I praise God for the hope He gives us all.  Do you know Him as your Lord and Savior and do you plan to be in heaven one day?  Life is fragile.  Be sure you are headed in the right direction.  I am so glad I decided to follow Jesus when I was a teen, many years ago.  He has walked with me, carried me, and kept loving me even when I did not understand.  Thank you Jesus.

And thank you that I had the opportunity to know Randy and to work with him on creative projects.  It was truly a blessing.  See you again some day friend!