Happy Passover!

Lord, we praise you for causing the angel of death to pass over the first-born sons of the Israelites in the day of Moses. Your plagues struck the Egyptians, but not your chosen ones. If the blood of a lamb was painted over the doorway of the house, then the angel of death passed over.

That was a shadow of what was to come. Jesus is the Lamb of God, the Lamb that was slain from the foundation of the world. If His blood is painted over the doorways of our hearts, then spiritual death will pass over us as well. We will be saved from the wrath of God because of our sins. Praise You, Lord!

"Jesus' blood never fails me." Its one of my favorite song lyrics. So powerful is His blood that it saves us from spiritual death. NOTHING ELSE CAN.

Back in Illinois, Joel's pastor was on his death bed. This was one of the godliest men that I have heard of. He whispered to his friend, "His blood is still my only hope." I did attend his wake after he died and it was open-casket. The man's face shined with a supernatural glow. No make-up could do that. He also had this gentle smile of peace on his face. Everyone that saw him either let out a soft gasp or began crying tears of joy.

Blessings on this Passover (yesterday). May His blood be over the doorway of your heart!

Memorial Box Monday: One Rainy Chicago Night

Its time to remember the wonderful works of the Lord!!! For those of you who are unfamiliar with Memorial Box Monday, please visit Linny's blog over at aplacecalledsimplicity.blogspot.com. You know what, just go visit her anyway, her blog is inspiring and blesses so many people... including me!

And so begins my first Memorial Box Monday story...

One rainy night in Chicago, I was walking through the streets with my newly found friend, Joel. We often had adventures together such as the one you are about to read... and they still continue today. I am blessed to now call him my husband. Anyway...

Joel and I had just gotten off the train and it was already dark in the city. And it. was. pouring. I wasn't sure how long my snow jacket would hold out the rain and my jacket did not have a hood. Uh-oh. I think I may have had a scarf which I quickly covered my head with. We strolled along together, not going anywhere in particular, but just listening and seeking what the Lord would have us do. (Another of our favorite pastimes... maybe more on that at another time. ***Note: this practice has led to some interesting situations as well as some divinely blessed situations. Never a dull moment.)

Well, our strolling was beginning to become tedious. And I was hungry. I prayed that around the next corner there would be a place to eat. Mind you, the streets were deserted (probably the weather and time of day). Did I mention it was pouring? We turned the corner and....

No, it was just a Very long sidewalk lined by the thick cement wall of a Very tall building. No doors, windows, and definitely no restaurants. I almost cried. I prayed, "Lord, You know I'm hungry. Please do something!" I also realized neither of us had much money.

As we continued down the Very long sidewalk, all I could see was the cement of the sidewalk and building, the pavement of the road, and the constant rain. Off to my left, suddenly, something caught my eye. It was a paper lunch bag. I don't know why, but I picked it up. As I opened it and looked inside, I felt my excitement growing. "Joel, look!"

Inside the lunch bag was a peanut butter and jelly sandwich cut in half diagonally (just how I like it!) and three chocolate chip cookies (my favorite!) The bag was totally drenched - it had been raining for hours - but the sandwich and cookies were completely dry!!! Yay, JESUS!

What do you think we did? We took our treasure, headed across the street to a park we just realized was there, and gave thanks. We danced in the rain and jumped off cement half-walls in our giddiness - God had provided for us food when we were hungry.

That was the best sandwich and cookies I have ever had. Praise the Lord!

Brittany

Fear Not (even at the grocery store)

"Fear not for I am with you, Be not dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

~Isaiah 41:10

This was the first verse I ever memorized. Growing up, I had a sibling who was very fearful and so I think no one thought I struggled with that. True, I had a good measure of boldness and willingness to try new things; however, inside, I think fear still lurked. As a grown woman, this is something the Lord has been addressing in my life. We are NOT to fear anything or anyone except Him. ("The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.") Although I am not yet perfected in this area, I trust that He will complete the good work He started.

Yesterday, our little family shopped at the local health food store and moved into the checkout line. A young, blond woman served as our cashier and she started sharing some current worries and fears with me. I felt like I should I ask her if she believed in Jesus, but I hesitated. Soon, she said, "Have a good night," and walked away.

Well, I was sad at my lack of obedience, and was lamenting on our way out the door, when we ran into her again. I took the plunge and asked her if she believed in Jesus. She said, "Yes, a lot!" Then, she rambled on about how she knows she doesn't need to be afraid because He is with her... ! So, I affirmed what she already knew and asked if I could pray with her. Before it was all over, she was crying and thanking me; we hugged. I praise the Lord for an opportunity to minister!

It has come to my attention that there are many hurting people out there. This precious young woman's pain just happened to be on the surface where I could see it. Just like I wrote in my last post about my neighbors, you never know when people need you and will open up and share their heart. Yes, Lord! Thank You, Lord. Bless that young, blond woman now and free her from all fear! Free us all from fear of everything but You, Lord!

Brittany

Love Your Neighbor (literally)

The second greatest commandment is loving your neighbor as yourself. We know from the story of the good Samaritan that Jesus is saying that everyone is our neighbor. We are to love everyone- yes, even our enemies.

Yet, tonight, the story is not about my enemies. It is about being invited next door for a simple outdoor, spring-weather, evening barbecue. So, my husband and I walked over, carrying our little Zuzu, and joined the crew on the deck. It was a time of light chatter, sharing our daily goings-on with one another and just enjoying the meal. We don't really know our neighbors, but they have been kind to us and we'd like to get to know them more. In fact, I wasn't really sure they believed in Jesus- did we have that foundational thing in common? I had sent them a thank-you card a week or two earlier for the beautiful crib they had given Zuzu and in it, I wrote about Jesus and what He did for them. So I was pretty sure they knew where we stood. How they received it was another matter.

As dinner was wrapping up, my neighbor states that she has to get her granddaughters bathed before bed and I signaled my husband that it was probably time to go for our evening walk around the block. We all got up and went into the house and just as we were saying goodbye, all of a sudden, something broke in the spirit realm. Something in the atmosphere just opened up and hearts were shared. Pain, deep pain, was spoken and hugs were given. Prayer was sought and encouragement given. Wow! The Lord just broke in and we were trusted with the sensitive issues of personal lives- I am honored. I now have the privilege of praying for these neighbors and loving them in a more specific way. Thank You, Lord! You are good.

Crazy Love: Debts Demolished

In response to Linny's post at aplacecalledsimplicity.blogspot.com, I am writing on behalf of my (Brittany's) family and Francesca's family (we share this blog).

First off, we do tithe to our local church. :) My husband is working hard to pay off our school loans so we can"let no debt remain outstanding" and... so we can adopt! Soon. Our original plan would have taken 10 years. We revamped so it would take only five years... then three. Now, our goal is to have our debts paid in full by May of next year. That way, we can get on to important things like adopting!! We have one daughter almost five months old and I have the privilege of staying home with her. We are longing to be a forever family to one... two... however many little ones! Adoption cannot happen until we get out of debt! If anyone would like to help, I thank you and the Lord bless you. Thank you so much. Please email whitewings61@gmail.com for the address.

This is my daughter, Zuzu, at about 3 months old. Looks like she wants a hug!

Francesca's family of four could use a love gift as well. Her husband is an anointed worship leader and their 3rd baby is due in a couple weeks! The Lord knows their needs and I do not feel free to share specific things on here, but if you send a check for them made out to them, I will send it on. Thank you! Or you can email for their new address (they just moved).

Bless you in Jesus' name,

Brittany

Heavenly Mindset

"If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory."

~Colossians 3:1-4

Let us not live for the things which are temporal, but for that which is eternal! This message has been highlighted to me in various ways these past weeks. I am thankful for "The Journal of the Unknown Prophet" which can be purchased at amazon.com or god.tv. My reading from the book yesterday revealed that when we on earth begin to live for only that which can be seen, those things of this world, then our hearts have grown cold.

And what is eternal? What shall we set our minds and hearts on? To feel and know His Presence in prayer and in worship. Let us be like Mary and sit at His feet... listening. His Word as written in Scripture. His commandments which David said he loved. And people. Our husbands and children. These are eternal investments! Let us give freely of our time and affection and strength in serving those closest to us for we have freely received. Let us watch well over the affairs of our households, that the devil may not gain a stronghold. And when we have set our minds on things above, remembering the reality of Heaven and remembering the Lord, we will be so glad and rejoice in that day when we appear before His throne.

Other resources for remembering Heaven: "Heaven Is So Real!" by Choo Thomas and "Heaven Narrative I and II" by Freddy Hayler.