"Let not your heart be troubled. You are trusting God, now trust in me." John 14:1

As I reflect upon worship services I have attended through the years to celebrate the Resurrection of my Lord and Savior, many memories come to mind.

While raising our family, there were many Easter Sunrise services we attended early in the morning - it wasn't easy getting up from a warm toasty bed only to be greeted by a dark, cold morning.  And waking up three children to accompany us was kind of a hassle.  But, I don't think there was ever a time when we were not blessed by attending one and were so glad we had taken the time to remember what the Lord had done for us.  

Some sunrise services we attended were just down the road from our farm.  On a grassy hilltop stood an old rugged wooden cross our neighbor and brother in Christ had made and placed there.  It was a perfect location because just as the sun rose, it peeked over the hill and shone on all of us believers standing near the cross - as if we were bathed in the light of the Lord himself.

Wrapped up in blankets and stocking caps, we worshipped the Lord on that hilltop. We sang hymns, we listened to the Word, prayed and took communion. Some sat on straw bales, or lawn chairs and others stood. There was a brief message to ponder and sometimes special music, readings or skits.

 Two particular services at this spot stand out in my mind.  One included a reenactment of Christ carrying the cross up the steep hill - accompanied by some powerful dramatic music.  It was very touching because a few men from the church struggled to carry the heavy structure  - none of them could carry it alone.  They had to help one another to get it to the top.  But they would not give up - they got it to crest of the hill and positioned it in the dirt - it was hard work. And it was just a tiny glimpse of what  Jesus chose to endure to carry out His Father's mission. . . . for you and for me.  The whole scene brought tears to my eyes.

Why?  First of all, their determination reflected God's love for us and their devotion to the Lord and one another. What if they would not have made it and gave up?  But they didn't and neither did God.  He did send His only Son to die for us so that anyone who believes in Him will be saved and not perish. And Jesus willingly carried out His Father's mission even though He could have asked a thousand angels to rescue Him from the pain and agony. But He chose not to. Have you ever thought about that?  

Second, as I watched the men strain and labor, I thought of how that struggle reflects men's battle with sin  And how Jesus who was without sin, took the sins of the world upon Himself, so that we could be forgiven and not have to wrestle with sin alone. In fact, we can be free from the strife sin can cause if we can give it to Christ and leave it there. That is sometimes a challenge but Jesus is there for us. And once we believers reach eternity - no more sin at all - how wonderful that will be!

Finally, when the men from our church finally reached the top, the great reflection of our Lord's victory over sin and death  - the fact that the cross was empty made an enormous impression. He was no longer hanging on a cross or in a tomb - He had risen from the dead and was no longer there. In fact, through the power of the Holy Spirit, He was right there with us - amazing!

Another touching service at this same location was when we wrote down sins or burdens we were struggling with on small pieces of paper.  Then we were given nails and each one of us nailed those paper notes to the cross, believing that God would give us the strength to overcome them, to be forgiven and have a fresh start. Literally giving our burdens to God.  As I reflect upon that, I think a sense of peace came over the group as one by one, they gave their troubles to the Lord.  We left those notes on that cross and only God knew what they said.

After each service, we all joined together for a warm breakfast back at the farm house - it was wonderful fellowship and a time of rejoicing. All because of what Christ did for us and the promise of eternal life in heaven one day!  Praise and thank you Jesus!

These are just a few of the experiences I have had.  What reflections do you have of past Resurrection Sundays?

God's reflection of our heavenly hope in a cross shaped pole of foilage.

Photo

Copyright Carole S. Amateis Lebruska 2011

"Wake up, O harp and lyre! We will meet the dawn with song." Psalms 108

It has been said that "music touches the soul like nothing else" and  also "music is the same in any language."   That is so true!   I, for one, am so thankful God gave us this marvelous blessing in this temporary place we call home.

Have you ever noticed how the music you listen to or play affects your mood?  This is how deeply it affects the human soul, your body, and feelings.  In fact, there have been studies done on how music can calm an anxious or depressed spirit much like David's playing of the harp comforted a distressed Saul. A melodic flow of notes from the scale can actually help bring relief from physical pain or help one sleep. Pretty remarkable!

Music certainly plays an important role in my life's journey. It's been a part of my life since I was a child, as my mother played the piano by ear and she made the keyboard on our old upright piano come alive and fill our household with music! These are fond memories!

And it probably made more of an impact on me than I realized.  Now, for example, if I am struggling to exercise, whether it be simple walking or riding a stationery bike, if I turn on my CD player and listen to upbeat music, it definitely makes a positive difference.  My body seems to get more energized, I feel like moving and before I know it, 30 minutes or more have passed.  Silence in this case, would make my exercise session drag and a 15-minute ride would seem like an hour!  But if walking, there is one exception- when strolling through nature - songbirds chirping among the trees can offer quite abit of  inspiration to take more steps than you may have planned.

I can be driving to town and listening to a favorite CD - most classical music just soothes my soul and I am one relaxed, calm driver.  The miles just fly by. The sky looks more blue, the sun is more bright and the world outside my car windows seems so peaceful.  I even look forward to running errands that I might otherwise dread.

Bluegrass and Irish upbeat music can make me feel like dancing as does some rock and roll.  If I listen to hard rock, I feel chaotic inside and beyond uncomfortable. Love and Gospel songs with meaningful words stick in my memory bank -  each word, each note, bringing feelings to the surface that were perhaps hidden before.

Some music makes me excited, other compositions, sadden my heart - even bringing tears to my eyes.  Still there are melodies that just bring an instant smile to my face and joy to my soul. Some songs from the past spark memories.

I have, with the help of God,  written quite abit of music over the years.  Right now I am in the process of recording it on CD.  Some of the songs I composed on the piano were during difficult struggles I was experiencing at that time in my life - you can hear the sadness and strife in the melody lines.  Others are happy and upbeat when days were brighter.  Some are simple lullaby's that I sang to my babies (now all in their 30's) .  Many are songs I wrote for Sunday School kids and children's choirs to sing, with catchy rhythms.  And they tell about the love of the Lord and God's plan of salvation via tunes and lyrics.

There is one particular instrumental I have written that  has brought tears to more than one person who has listened to it as I play it on the piano or clavinova.  Those notes and how I express them on the ivory and ebony are touching souls in a special way.  I would say this is through the power of the Holy Spirit - who worked through me to compose the melodies in the first place. I give Him all the glory!

It is definitely true that music can define our mood for the day, the hour, or even the minute. Next time you watch a movie, listen to the music and what an impact it has on the storyline and on you.  Imagine a scene with different music or no background score at all.  It is a  real eye opener!

Let's face it - music is one of the most awesome gifts our Heavenly Father has given us.  It is powerful.  And it influences us when we do not even realize it.  That is why it is important to listen to music that is good for the soul and what God would want us to listen to.

  I used to emphasize this fact to my Senior High Sunday School students and our youth group who are exposed to music probably more than any other age group. Our brain does not forget what we hear and without even realizing it, it is planted in our conscious. For example, think of commercials - I can repeat several words and jingles from radio or television word for word just from listening to them day after day.

 Some music and lyrics are not the best for our moral convictions - we have to be aware and make good choices.  Choices God would want us to make.  Not en easy thing to do when the radio is blaring in our car stereos.  And some of what is "out there" is okay and other music is "of this world" and does not honor our Lord.  It is so important to make good choices - and feed nourishing music to our precious souls and minds.

Something to reflect upon. . . . . can you imagine the world without music?  What would it be like?  And what kind of music lifts your heart?  What kind of music will you choose this week?

"Guard my words as your most precious possession. Write them down and also keep them deep within your heart." Proverbs 7:2

As I reflect, God is giving us wise advice in this portion of Scripture; it could also be understood as a command from our loving Lord for us to obey. Even a warning, perhaps.

According to Webster, the word guard, as used in this context, means to protect or defend.  Some other synonyms include to shield, shelter, to watch over, keep safe, preserve, save and secure.

I have found in this day and age, that the language of our culture and the teachings of some Christian resources challenge us to apply this precious counsel more than ever before.

In my 50 plus years on this earth, swear words that flow from the mouths of people of all ages has changed dramatically- both among Christians and non-Christians.  When I was a young girl, growing up in the 1950s and 1960s, tolerance for swearing was low.  I remember adults threatening to wash out their children's mouth with soap if a cuss word was even uttered from their lips. If in school, you were sent to the principal's office.  And no teacher ever spoke in like manner.  Profanity was simply not allowed on television shows or in movies.

 Spin ahead to 2011 and those same words are tolerated by the public at large and the thought of punishment seems lost in the corridors of our minds.  I am confident there are Christian believers out there who are still "guarding" the word of the Lord and the principles He teaches.  Yay for them!!!!!  Because today, it takes courage and fortitude to be different, as Christ instructs us to be.  In Matthew 5 He said,"You are the salt of the earth; but if your salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned?""   

Some may call me old fashioned and not up to date on the latest trends in cultural language development.  I am solid in my convictions and content to rely on the Word of God and not those of professors and researchers (who have studied the world and people He made but for a brief time).  If I were in a college language logistics class, I would probably not agree with what they call logical/reasonable conclusions.  Just from my recent research, around 20 references in the Holy Scriptures proclaim swearing is a sin.  Period.  Using God's name in vain is probably the most noted but certainly not the only one.

Along this same vein of thinking, guarding God's word's as your most precious possession has many other benefits. Just having it in your thought processes is remarkable !  And it is amazing to me how the Holy Spirit brings a verse to mind at just the right moment - to comfort, to give counsel, to remind me of God's abiding presence and love or perhaps to help minister to a friend in need. It is indeed a precious treasure to have within oneself - the very Word of God. Think of it!!  Reflect upon this reality.

It is also a helpful and important tool in this day and age.  I have become more keenly aware of this fact in the past ten years.  The Holy Spirit has warned me many times.  And  because I have some knowledge of what the Scriptures teach, red flags pop up in my head, so to speak, when I hear or see something that just doesn't fit with what God teaches. Unfortunately, during one such experience, those warnings came about in a Christian atmosphere.  I heard swearing and I heard sermons that were not based on Biblical facts but on men's ideas. It grieved my soul greatly and was hard on my faith.    

For some reason, some believers think we must move ourselves into the world's value system in order to reach others for Christ. We must become like them, entertain them, feed them, let them color our world instead of us coloring theirs.  That simply is not true and not Biblical at all. I believe a swaying from God is happening more and more in our society.  And thus the warning - "guard my words as your most precious possession."

Last week I was preparing a Sunday School lesson for middle-aged children.  The curriculum seemed Christian based.  Once I got to digging into the lesson I realized the author had written something - a concept the entire lesson was based on - but it was not found in the Bible.  I researched several versions of the Bible, along with footnotes, to distinguish this error.  I believe the Holy Spirit was also helping me. I struggled for hours over this lesson. Finally, with much relief, I decided not to teach it - for it was not based on the truth. My point being?  Check out what is "out there" against the teachings of the Scripture.  Guard what God has given us.  Stick to the truth like glue!!!

I believe we, as followers of Christ, must be alert, educated, filled with the Holy Spirit and courageous in the days to come.  God knew.  That is why He included such wisdom in His Word.  He knew we would need it in what some Christians are proclaiming are the last days. 

 There are some signs of what the Bible foretells as the last days of the earth as we know it.  But I truly do not know if we are living in that time - only God knows.  I leave it in His hands.

In the meantime, I am on guard.  Reflect upon this verse as you walk with Christ, your Lord and Savior."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."  Romans 12:2a

p.s. And some encouragement -  "Don't hide your light, let it shine for all." - words of Jesus as noted in Matthew 5 


 Remember . . . . . . .God is with us!

What are your reflections on this topic?

Love Is An Everlasting Melody. . . . . . . . .

"You shall love the Lord your God will all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might." Deuteronomy 6:5


This rock formation is as if God drew lines down
its' side with His pencil. What does that tell us about God?

(c) 2011 Carole S. Amateis-Lebruska  
                                                                  
I've Never Been To Heaven                                        

 No, I've never been to heaven
But I see Him every day!
He is always here beside me,
And He listens when I pray.

I can see Him in the flowers,
I can see Him in the trees,
I can see Him in a sunset
In the soft and flowing breeze.
 (C) 2011 Carole Amateis-Lebruska


Reflections of God are all around us. As I think of those aspects of life that I love, I realize that what I love reflects the character of my Father in Heaven. And thus my love for Him. This is a sample of a few of my loves. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

I love........the fresh, clean smell after a gentle falling rain

 a sunflower's bright shade of yellow

 tiny birds gathered around a frosty birdbath to get a drink

squirrels playing chase in our big black walnut tree

the laughter of children

breathing in the fresh scent of sheets dried on the clothesline

puffy white picture clouds tucked in a baby blue sky

a gentle snowfall displaying huge, defined snowflakes

the smile of another, and then returning ita giant orange harvest moon

the first signs of spring, budding trees, green grass, blooming tulips

tomatoes and sweet corn fresh from the garden

divine melodies played on an instrument

reading words actually written by God

my family and my brothers and sisters in Christ

the wonder and innocence in a baby's eyes

a hug from a family member or friend

the sound of a thunder storm and the flash of lightning

a wooden cross as the focal point of a church sanctuary

the sight of a radiant rainbow after a summer shower

communicating with God, family, friends and strangers

pretty horses grazing on the prairie

the soothing sound of birds singing from the treetops

smelling fresh baked bread made from the fruit of the earth

crickets chirping, frogs croaking on a summer's night

the black velvet fur of a new born calf

shelter from the cold, and when it is hot; cool breezes and shade

These are just some of the things in life that I love that also reflect my Lord and who He is.

 What/whom do you love? And how does each one reflect God?

HAPPY REFLECTING! 

(c) Carole Amateis-Lebruska 2011 

"Sing a new song to the Lord! Sing it everywhere around the world! Sing out His praises! Bless His name. Each day tell someone that He saves." Psalms 96:1-2

  I have set a goal for the New Year - a goal I have been wanting to achieve for some time - to record all the compositions I have written on CDs.  I have a source that has willingly agreed to help me at a minimal charge - for which I am soooo grateful.  I started the project this month and I am finding that it will probably take longer than I expected. 

With over 60 songs written - some with lyrics and some not, I am familiar with most but some series of notes are lost in my memory bank.  After all, some were composed when my children were babies - I used to sing some of the tunes to them as I rocked them to sleep.  Precious memories!  Now all three of them have become adults and are in their 30s!  My how "time flies", as the saying goes.

Through the years, I have shared the tunes with fellow Christians at numerous churches - some in Sunday School, others for VBS, others were used as solos or duets during worship. Some are Christmas songs written for a musical. A couple were used for calls to worship.  God has been good. 

 But it seems He is tapping me on the shoulder and telling me - "Get with it servant, it is time to get them out in the world so more will know Me." Following my recent birthday, I realized my life on this earth is limited even if I live to be 100 - unlikely.  I am getting older, how much time God has planned for me to stay here is not known - I must get this done before I leave and am heaven bound.  And I  must have faith that God will lead me to a publisher. 

The featured photo on this blog posting is the actual piano where I have written songs for nearly 40 years.  It is very precious to me. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, I have been able to put notes together in my head and move my fingers on the ivory and ebony keys, creating glorious melodies. Songs that tell about the love of God, His plan of salvation and teach Biblical principles. 

I am still writing melodies to this day. How do I achieve this? Only through Him Who has graciously given me this gift and so, there is no question - I give Him all the glory and honor for without Him, it would not be possible. Most of the melodies are in my memory bank - some are written down on paper and some on cassette tapes.  Now, my goal is to get them categorized and on CD.

I pray I will stay focused and accomplish it early this year.  Please pray I will be able to do this.

Are their any gifts God has given you to share with others on this earth?  If so, how are you doing with your God-given mission?  Could you use some prayer too?  Let me know:-)

Melodic Blessings To Each of you!

The greatest of these is love

". . . We can see and understand only a little about God now, as if we were peering at his reflection is a poor mirror; but someday we are gong to see Him in His completeness, face to face, now all that I know is hazy and blurred but then I will see everything clearly, just as clearly as God sees into my heart right now.

There are three things that remain - faith, hope and love and the greatest of these is love."  

  I Corinthians 13: 12-13.


Yesterday I sat down at my kitchen table where my advent wreath sits before baking cookies and making candy to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior. I lit each candle, one stood for joy, another peace, another hope and the last one, love.  

 I opened my Bible to read the devotion for the day.  As I glanced at the candles, I noticed they were all brightly burning except the one that stood for love.  It was having a hard time producing a flame.  I thought, perhaps I should blow it out and start again, but I decided to leave it as it was for awhile.

I read my devotion which was all about love.  It said, as different as we all are, God loves us all the same.  The writer emphasized that God's love is eternal - unconditional, even loving us when we commit sin and willing to forgive.  His love is limitless and far beyond what we human  beings can comprehend or understand. 

The devotion noted loving others as God loves us and that those around us should see Christ in us because of how we love and who we are. 

As I read, I glanced at the love candle - it was still struggling to stay lit.  This does not represent God's love I thought to myself.  But I still let it be.

I began to pray - thanking God for His Word, asking for forgiveness, praying for others and praising God for his wonderful love.

When I opened my eyes from my prayer time, I looked at the love candle once more.  A smile radiated from my lips.  There it stood, the pink Christ Child candle.  Glowing brightly - bringing even more light into my surroundings than before.  It was like God was saying, "Yes, my love is strong.  You can count on my love.  It is a love that will glow inside you when hard days come or when you are feeling joyful.  My love will love you in spite of your sinfulness.  My love is so great that I sent my only begotten Son so that you could have eternal life.

A simple reflection from a simple candle on a wooden advent wreath.  But it touched my heart a lot and was a great way to begin my Christmas baking in my quaint farm kitchen.

Thank you Lord for this blessing I said, as I completed my special time with Him.:-) 

 And then I pondered, do people see God's love in me as Christ's child? It was another way to prepare my heart for the celebration of His divine birth.

May you experience God's wonderful, awesome LOVE this Christmas and throughout the New Year and may others see Christ in you:-)

Spiritual preparation for Christmas

This Good News tells us that God makes us ready for heaven - makes us right in God's sight - when we put our faith and trust in Christ to save us. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith." - Romans 1:17

Advent was introduced to our family by a dear Baptist pastor at a quaint church in Western Nebraska. According to Webster it is derived from the Latin word adventus which means "a coming". The use of the advent wreath can be traced to the German Christians of the 1500s and is still used in many churches and homes across our nation.

When my three precious kids were growing up, we would have an advent service each week around our dining room table -the advent wreath we used is in this photo. The first purple candle was lit four Sundays before the celebration of Christ's birth, then a second the next week, a third was added and finally the beautiful rose candle shone bright on Christmas morn. It stood for the coming of Christ Jesus and our promise of salvation through Him.

Each week we did something different to prepare our hearts for the celebration of Christmas during this family time together. We read devotions about hope, joy, peace, love and faith. We prayed together. Once we each drew pictures related to His coming and shared them with each other, another time we made Jesus a birthday cake complete with green and red jello. And we always included the reading of Scriptures and sometimes sung a song:-) Dad and the guys weren't too keen about the music but they participated. These special times kept our eyes on Jesus with all the activity and commercialism about us.

Now my kids are adults and on their own. I pray they remember the advent wreath and how it helped us bring Christ into clear focus among the presents, lights, programs, and yummy food. I hope they use one in their own homes.

Today, I still prepare myself spiritually for Christmas. I open my Bible, I read a devotion (my booklet from my church is helpful), I light a candle and I pray. It is a gentle reminder of what Christmas is all about and I need that, how about you?

If you have not prepared your heart yet and would like to start - begin with an Advent Wreath. You can make your own or buy one at your local Christian book store. They may also have a selection of advent books or devotions to use along with your Bible, of course.

Blessings to you as you keep Christ in "Christmas"!