"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!

"Sing to the Lord. . . . Who covers the heavens with clouds, Who provides rain for the earth, Who makes grass to grow on the mountains." Psalms 147

Well, I have begun. Again. To plant grass seed in a very stubborn spot in our yard. I call it stubborn because last spring and summer I dug out all the weeds by hand, planted seed, watered, fertilized, pulled more weeds, treated it with herbicide. . . . trying to give the small grass shoots a chance to grow. But, the weeds eventually overtook it.

So, in the fall, I dug up all the weeds again. This time I requested a tiller from my hubby. He agreed and he tilled the soil for me and helped me spread seed. We watered and we waited but the stand was minimal. Turns out that I was the one who is stubborn!

The first time I walked to the spot this spring, I jokingly said to myself, "Here I am again - same spot, same weeds, only next year!" I asked God.,"What are you trying to teach me here? There has to be some lesson in all of this."

Since sod is not an option hubby says, I decided I would get some advice from a lawn expert before I even began. I quit being stubborn and I started to become wise - by asking for help!!!

Surprisingly, he said we had to get a different sprinkler first and foremost - one that is just like a gentle rain. Like God's :-) The walking one we had used is the worst, he said - it spreads too big of droplets on the ground, washing the seed away or disrupting growth. He also advised that I should water three times a day. I admit - I had not done that before and it is a very sunny spot. No herbicide until late summer either, he advised. I probably loaded that area with way to much of the stuff!!! I was determined to get those weeds! And he highly recommended a seed conducive to our area - "Tuff Turf".

So today, I planted a small spot and tomorrow I will continue - we had to remove weeds first though and prepare the soil. If God sends some rain, well, that would be wonderful - I won't have to be dragging hoses and moving the sprinklers around every day.
If only I had asked a professional last year I could have avoided a lot of work, time and money. God gives us helpers along the way - we only need to ask.

As I reflect upon this experience, there are other spiritual insights to gain. These are just a few: (1) Read His Word to gain wisdom on how to live - He's the expert! (2) Let the Son shine His light on every situation- you need spiritual vitamins to stay healthy. (3) You'll have less sin (weeds) to deal with if you let His living water flow through your soul -ask for forgiveness and/or forgive at least three times a day. Or 70 times seven:-) He'll gently wash those sins away and make you clean inside! (4) Ask for His help through prayer - how many times do we do it our way only to find out there was a better way. . . . . if we had only asked, only listened.

Which brings to mind another experience I had this week. While driving home after doing errands in town, I saw a boy - probably around 11 or 12 - walking along the sidewalk and he was quite upset. Every once in awhile he would stop, throw his bike, growling deeply, his face as red as an apple. He would walk a short distance - only to toss his bike a few feet in the air again. His angry expression and growls continued all the while. I thought to myself - I think something must be wrong with his bike and he is really mad that he has to walk home, backpack and all.

A storekeeper stepped outside her shop as she heard the deep growling which sounded more like an animal than a boy. She hurriedly went back inside. I decided to drive around the block to see if I could help. I stopped my car near him in a parking lot, rolled down the window and asked him if he needed help. Perhaps I could load his bike and drive him home. That kind of thing. I was afraid he would hurt himself or someone else. But he only glanced at me and growled louder. And he kept walking.

I asked the Lord, "What should I do?" Light bulb moment. . . . . .This is obviously a situation I am not capable of handling. Someone with experience and knowledge of such a dramatic and unusual response needed to help him and it wasn't me. I prayed for the boy. But that didn't seem enough.

Then I called 911. After giving them the location and what was happening, they said they would take care of it. I was so relieved.

Then I reflected abit . . . . . . . what if I had gotten out of the car and he had reacted in a way that would have hurt both of us or someone else? Or what if he had accepted my ride, only to throw a fit and cause an accident? The "what ifs" just flowed through my mind. I was so glad I listened to the Lord's leading. And thankful that someone who knew what they were doing and how to handle such situations was there to help him.

So, lately, I think the Lord is teaching me a few things. Of course, He will continue to teach me - life is a growth process. I am glad He is with me. My times are in His hands and I rejoice they are!!

Have you had any growing experiences lately?

"But thanks be to God! For through what Christ has done, He has triumphed over us so that now whevever we go, He uses us to tell others about the Lord and to spread the Gospel like a sweet perfume." 2 Corinthians 2:14 LB

As I write this, I am listening to the recordings of the first three CDs I recorded recently - the fourth is soon to come.  Now I must ask my Lord for direction on how to share these melodies and lyrics that are all about Him!


My husband just came in from the field - he's been planting corn today.  He sat in our kitchen and listened to a few of them. Although most of them have lyrics, this first set does not include the vocals.  That is another project all its own.  It was interesting that he could describe what the song was about by just listening to the melody- I was astounded actually. 


Through the years I have shared them in various churches, at home with family, and for a community celebration.  At one time I led a children's choir who sang some of the songs God has graciously given me. My older sister Marilyn, who is a soprano, sometimes sang my songs for special services as did other "sisters in Christ".  My daughter Melissa and I have sung my compositions together - i.e - on Christmas Eve and for a pastor's ordination service.  Both were special experiences!


Sunday school students who are now adults learned them years ago in VBS and Sunday School opening exercises.  They also performed songs I wrote for a Christmas musical - my friend had written the play and speaking parts and I then added the lyrics and melodies - it was a great time!  Thanks Lord:-)

Just recently, one precious child of God beautifully sang one melody for our congregation.  Another blessing to count.


God has been good.  But I sense He wants me to do more with this music He has given to me through the power of the Holy Spirit.  I certainly did not write them on my own!  And they are to share -  to spread these melodies like perfume for they are full of messages from God!


 There are so many ways I could go - produce a CD on my own, which has become very popular and is not hard to do but could be expensive.  Go the publishing route - send query letters and samples of my music to possible music agents and/or publishers to get the music in song books, hymnals, or whatever the Lord may have in mind.


I know there are some who have started a ministry using music God has given them - two such people have been to our church. That may be an option.  However, the thing is, I am not the best soloist in the world - the piano is my voice and my expression of love for God.  I would need a traveling singer:-)


One thing for sure, I do not want to bring glory to  myself in any way.  But give God the glory and the honor.  My picture will not be on any CD - in fact, I have an 11 year old granddaugther who just may be able to design a label for me:-) Wouldn't that be awesome?

 My mission is to share the Gospel so that others may know Him as Lord and Savior.  My prayer is that the notes I play will touch souls, will bless people; calm, uplift and encourage them and to help them feel the presence of the One who loves them so. 



I have a huge responsibility to my Savior if this music should go out into the world at large. And I will guard what He has given me well - the music must be included in Biblical based material or published/used  by a solid Christian organization or company- unwavering in their core values, Christian principles and devotion and love for God.

Right now, I have some ideas but no real sure sense of what direction to take or where to go for assistance. I feel abit overwhelmed.  But I know God knows and has a plan.  I only need listen and watch for open doors.

Please pray I will be open to His leading. 

Thanks for visiting my post.  I wish I could share at least one of my songs with you on this blog - perhaps my computer expert daughter can help me with that one!

Melodic Blessings to each of you this week. 



Where will the melodies God has given me bloom?