Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new 2 Corinthians 5:17
NEW SERIES ~ RICHARD FUNNELL~
A Love Song To The Son I Never Knew
1PETER 2:2-3
AS NEWBORN BABES, DESIRE THE SINCERE MILK OF THE WORD, THAT YE MAY GROW THEREBY: IF SO BE YE HAVE TASTED THAT THE LORD IS GRACIOUS.
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July/August New Life 2011
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He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. 3 And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.
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July/August Issue Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8 CopyrightŠ 2007-2011 Embracing the Rain All Rights Reserved Contact webmaster - Jackie Dennis Photos in articles and used in web design are from Fotolia or copyrighted by perspective owners and are not to be copied or reproduced in anyway. Copying these photos is a violation of the law! Articles may not be copied, reproduced, distributed or publicly displayed without the consent of the author or copyright owner. copyrightŠ 2007 Embracing the Rain. Some articles are from FaithWriters All rights reserved.
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July/August Issue Looking for Mister Right Nancie Armstrong What are you looking for in a relationship? page 8
His Clandestine Sin Are you struggling with porn and the internet? page 10
Did I say that? Verbal abuse is ABUSE! Lisa Freeman page 26
Richard Funnell A special tribute to a wonderful poet and writer Plus-a series on his miracle healings page 31
A Love Song To The Son I Never Knew One man’s pain from the results of an abortion by Wayne Auman Page 13
Special Interview Louella Jamerson Undiscovered Treasures; God‘s Take on Multicultural Relationships page 6
Music: Bree Noble (listen online!) page 24
Love in Deed Ministry in India Vision-Shaping each child to become a fruitful citizen for country and for God. page 22
Art Katerina Koukiotis a traditional artist from NY. page 34
Poetry Reader Submitted Poetry page 18
Louella Jamerson-Author Undiscovered Treasures-for Christian singles FLINT, MICHIGAN – Louella Jamerson‘s Undiscovered Treasures uses Biblical scriptures to encourage singles to develop a paradigm shift when thinking about selecting a mate. According to Jamerson, many Christian singles miss out on an opportunity to find true love because they are locked into the notion that God is against interracial relationships. The author‘s goal is to elevate the reader‘s thinking beyond the barriers of color and culture lock. She desires to shift the reader‘s thinking from skin color to character when looking for a mate. Undiscovered Treasures; God‘s Take On Multicultural Relationships is written for singles who haven‘t given up on the reality of finding that someone that they want to be with for the rest of their life. ―In order to do that, one must be free from mental and emotional bondage that comes from being culture locked.‖ says Jamerson. She wants Undiscovered Treasures to be used as a tool to remind the body of Christ of their responsibility to reject and dismantle the spirit of racism, prejudice and discrimination. She feels that when this is done, singles in the Kingdom of God will find that priceless treasure for their lives. Jamerson is a resident of Genesee Township, Michigan. She is a member of Higher Dimensions Ministries in Flint, Michigan. Jamerson is currently holds a Certificate in Biblical Counseling through Light Learning Institute, is a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors and a former Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Caseworker, she is Founder and President of Undiscovered Treasures Ministries. Undiscovered Treasures is her first book. Undiscovered Treasures; God‘s Take On Multicultural Relationships is available for purchase at Family Bookstores, Barnes and Noble Bookstores, and all major Christian Bookstores. It can also be purchased online at Amazon.com, Barnesandnoble.com, Borders.com, Booksamillion.com and other major online bookstores. For additional information about the book or to arrange an interview, please contact Ms. Jamerson at 810.640.1450 or E-mail: UnDTreasures@aol.com
Embracing the Rain's interview with Louella Jamerson 1. What do you feel is the greatest issue facing single adults today? The greatest issue, I feel, facing singles today is how swiftly and dramatically the numbers are increasing. Some statistics say that by the end of 2007 there will, for the first time in history, be more singles than married persons. With that kind of predicted increase I think it tends to cause some feelings of hopelessness in many. 2. What advice do you give to single adults entering into the dating environment today? Well, the first thing I would suggest is to pick up a copy of Undiscovered Treasures; God's Take On
Multicultural Relationships because it is a sort of "cover-all manual" for today singles of all ages. If they were not able to do that I would say position yourself spiritually with God in a place where you live a happy and complete life each day of your life. That way you are not living your life on the edge, so to speak, of living to find someone and marry. Singleness is only one segment of a Christians life. Discovering and walking in your real life's purpose is the more important thing. As Jesus said that is "the good part." There are still people who need what God has placed inside of you and He's about reaching people and changing lives. Find your place in the Kingdom and God will add the rest. 3. Who is your greatest Christian inspiration today? My greatest Christian inspiration is my Pastor and Mentor, Elder Sammie L. Hall, Sr. He not only is my Pastor but my friend and has helped to shape and point my life more than anyone into the place of prayer and complete surrender. His ability to teach strategies for victorious living on such a practical level has transformed my life. 4. Where do you see yourself in 10 years? In ten years? Wow, that is something to ponder. In ten years I see myself as having completed my 4th or 5th number on best selling book. Also, my Undiscovered Treasures Ministries established as a worldwide ministry of encouragement and inspiration to Kingdom singles. 5. What trials has God brought you through and how do you feel you can help single adults facing these same trials today? God has brought me through too many situations to mention in this setting. Probably the most difficult situation to date is being diagnosed with a debilitating muscle disease in 2000. I lost a lot of things, my job, my vehicle, the ability to provide for myself financially and more importantly the ability to care for myself and my independence. The story is too detailed to lay out right now, but God has walked with me through every single moment and aspect of this life changing segment of my life. I lost a lot of things but I what I gained in the interim far outweighs the losses. The book Undiscovered Treasures; God's Take On Multicultural Relationships can out of walking through the disability as did a greater love and appreciation for the Father. 6. What inspired you to write on relationships and dating issues to young single adults? The inspiration initially came from the heart of the Father for His kingdom singles. A lot of my inspiration comes from years of seeing my friends in the church pining away and living half a life waiting for a mate to come along, or leaving the church all together to "find" somebody they could marry and hopefully, bring back into church with them. Also, those who have been waiting so long it almost seems like an impossible dream or those who married and now are no longer together. There has to be reasons and solutions for each of these situations and I believe Undiscovered Treasures provides thought provoking answers for God's kingdom singles everywhere.
If you would like to order Undiscovered Treasures click here Amazon Books
Finding Mister Right By Nancie Armstrong So you‟re out there. You know what I mean. You hide in that empty cell of a house and wait for nothing. The days turn into weeks and the week turn into months and the months turn into years. Then one day, just by chance you meet him. That devastatingly, ruggedly, handsome man. He tells you everything you ever wanted to hear. When you are with him you feel invincible. He smells good, he looks good, he talks the talk but does he walk the walk? Yes, he does look good from a distance but when you really get to know him--I mean really know him--he is not so good. You try to dismiss that little voice that says DANGER AHEAD. First he says that cutting remark that makes you feel like you just got hit by a mack truck. Oh, he is just having a bad day, you say. Next comes the ignorance is bliss disease. He didn‟t call because he fell asleep on the couch. What underwear in the back seat of my car? I never saw it before in my life. The number on the pager that keeps coming up. He is going out of town with his “War buddies.” When he comes home with a gift T-shirt from his “trip” you stumble upon a phone number he carelessly leaves on the counter. Then the staged arguments and he stays away for a couple of days. He calls and tells you he is sorry and that he just needed some space. But you are so thrilled to have a chance with a man like him, who just rocks your world, that you forgive him. The sad thing about it is that he may have a different face than the previous guy but he is that certain type of man that just turns you on and on. The one who breaks your heart and takes your soul. Being in such a chaotic situation will keep you so wrapped up that you don‟t see the forest from the trees. You won‟t be able to tell that as a godly woman you have just fallen into a trap that Satan led you in. You are allowing the cares of this world to steal your joy. You may even feel mad at God thinking that if He really loved you he would have dropped that perfect man into your lap. But God is not interested in you being comfortable. In fact he wants you to be uncomfortable. He wants you uncomfortable enough to start depending on Him and nobody else. He wants to perfect your character. He wants you to receive Jesus as your savior. Jesus is your Mr. Right. Develop a relationship with Him because he created you, and He is your Father, your brother, your friend, your confidant, and mostly He is your husband. If you look to Him first the rest will be a piece of cake. If you get to know Him you will be able to identify that godly man when He comes into your life. Jesus was a responsible man. He took on the job that God gave Him even unto death. Your earthly man should be responsible with his time, money, talents, and job. He should be your protector, fearlessly defending you at all costs. He should be even willing to die for you. Jesus had purpose. An earthly man should know why he was created and use his God-given purpose to serve God. If his purpose in life is hunting or fishing then it is safe to say that he has no idea why he was created. I am by no means demeaning those sports, all things are good in moderation. Jesus prayed. Your man must be a man of prayer. He should spend quality time in the word of God and in prayer. Jesus was honest. You don‟t want to become involved with someone who lies or can‟t follow through with promises. He should be trustworthy. Jesus loves us. He was compassionate. If your guy is hard as nails with no compassion when you are sad or ill drop him like a bad habit. If he is narcissistic, run. Look for someone that puts your needs in front of his own. If being with him leads you to Christ instead of away from Christ you know you have someone who loves you. Jesus was kind. Look for a man that loves children, animals and women. Watch how he acts towards significant women in his life. If he shows concern and kindness towards them then chances are he will be the same towards you. Jesus was a good communicator. Your guy should be able to talk freely to you. Look out for someone who is guarded and doesn‟t want to talk about his childhood or seems to keep family secrets. Chances are if you encounter this you will find some skeletons in that closet. Jesus quoted scripture. If your man is one
who knows scripture and isnâ€&#x;t afraid of using it then the two of you can spend many wonderful moments in the word getting closer to our Lord. A danger that I would like to warn you about is donâ€&#x;t spend all your waking moments desperately looking for a mate. Focus on changing yourself and see what God can do if you turn over your situation to Him. He will allow you to grow and have a deeper and more meaningful relationship with Him. You will get strong and you will wake up one morning and realize that the desperate little girl you once were has turned into a godly woman. You have all of eternity to know God and there is so much to know. Love Him with your whole heart, soul and mind. He will make all the wrongs right. That is when you will know you found Mr. Right.
Are you alone? Debbie McManus Hebrews 13:5 "I will never leave you or forsake you." The word loneliness means isolated or separated. Many will feel alone from a broken relationship or feeling separated from God. Some may feel separated or physically removed from those you love and know. Some may feel their talents are unappreciated; you may feel like an outsider. These are only some of the causes loneliness, but whatever the cause between 75 and 90% of Americans experience loneliness. But we have to remember God is always there with us, we have a friend who will never leave or abandon us. The pain we go through in the time of loneliness will help us to enhance our walk with God. When one door closes he always opens a new that is better. We don't need a husband or wife to cure that loneliness, God will love you and protect you.
Now if you experience loneliness what can you do. The secular world says to communicate, get involved, and these are not always the answers they are just the easy way out. The answer is to turn towards the church, confess your sins, and forgive others, and function in the ministry where you can use the gifts God has given to you. This will be the most inspirational and uplifting solution you can find; turn towards the Lord in time of loneliness and ask him for protection. He will be the best friend you could ever have.
His Clandestine Sin by David Story Be careful! Watch out for attacks from the Devil, your great enemy. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for some victim to devour. - 1 Peter 5:8 (NLT) A man is alone in his office at his home, sitting at his computer. Charts and books lay in front of him on his desk. He looks intently at one of the charts he brought home from work, then gazes back at the computer screen, focusing on the image being displayed. He continues his search... A knock comes on the door, causing the man to 'jump.' Regaining his composure, he calls out. "Yes?" "Daddy." It's his little girl. "I need some help with my homework. Can I come in?" He hesitates before answering her. "Daddy's working right now, honey, go ask your mother, okay?" "Okay," she yells back. The man listens as he hears the patter of footsteps fade, then he folds his arms and lays his head down on his desk, ashamed. The image on the computer remains. Resist the Devil, and he will flee from you. Draw close to God, and God will draw close to you. - James 4:7-8 (NLT) Ashamed but not yet abandoned to his Maker, the man draws his attention again to the computer and the image on the screen. His search begins again, and his hungry eyes dart back and forth as picture after picture appears. In silent desperation he finally calls out. "Help me God, I can't stop this on my own." An invisible hand touches his shoulder, and at the same time the man hears a quiet, small voice. "Just turn it off. Now! Walk away. I am here with you; I will not leave you or forsake you. I love you, and I forgive you." The man tries desperately to pull away. "I can't." "You can. Be strong. Concentrate only on my love for you, and turn the screen off." Finally, in tears, the man slowly reaches his hand to the monitor, and with one quick motion, he turns it off. Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. - Philippians 4:8 (NLT)
He walks down the hall, poking his head into his daughter's room. She sits at her little desk, pen in hand. "Hi, Daddy." She smiles as she looks at him. "Hi, honey." The smile almost melts his heart. "Did mommy help you?" "Yes. I'm sorry I bothered you." "It's okay." He starts to leave, and then sticks his head back in the doorway of her room. "I'll tell you what. From now on, I'll keep my office door open, and if you need anything you just come on in." "No knocking first?" He smiles back at her. "No knocking first." Walking down the hallway towards the living room, he stops for a moment, taking a deep breath. He finds his wife on the sofa, watching TV. He sits down besides her. "You're through with your work already? You usually stay in there all evening." He nods as he takes her by the hand. "You know, I was thinking maybe I'm spending too much time in there. Think I'd like to spend more time with my family than cooped up in that office all the time." She squeezes his hand. "Your family would like that very much." He's close to tears now, but he's not letting them show. Still she notices the look on his face. "Are you okay?" He bends over and kisses her on the cheek. "I am now." Smiling, he nudges even closer, and turns his attention to the television. Silently he thanks God, and asks Him for the strength to overcome in the days ahead...
Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT) Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com
Check the verses at Biblegateway
Promises in Poetry JOHN 16v33. You say you are tempted, you just can't go on, That the devil is singing his victory song. But I too was tempted on that desolate plain, And I had the victory o'er temptation and pain.
Heb.2v18.1Cor.10v13. Ps.34v19.Jms.4v7. Lk.4v13.Ps.91v11-12. Heb.2v18.
You say you are broken, your spirit is low. Pushed and rejected and bruised from each blow. But I too was broken, I bled and I cried, As they whipped me and stripped me and laughed till I died.
Ps.51v17.Mat.12v20. 2Cor.4v8.Isaiah 42v3. Mat.27v46.Isaiah 53. Mat.27v31.
You say you are hurting your heart broke in two, Because of what others are doing to you. But I too was hurting, my heart broken too, But I CHOSE to suffer all sorrow for you.
Rom.5v3.Ps.34v18. 1Cor.13v1-7.Rom.12v9-21. 1Ptr.2v24. Jn.10v17-18.Mat.26v38.
You say that you love me, you invited me in, And working together we won't lose, we'll win. Stand firm and be steadfast for the battle is mine. Behind you your past life, ahead of us time.
Jn.5v24.Eph.2v8. Jn.14v14.Jn.8v31-32. Ex.14v14.Rom.8v31. 2Cor.5v17.2Cor.4v17-18.
A crown for you is waiting at my heavenly door, For your testing and trials will be over-be sure, Your crown will be golden, your faith will be firm, And all my "WORKINGS TOGETHER" you surely will learn.
Jms.1v12.Mat.7v7. Jms.1v2.2Cor.4v17. Heb.11v1.Ps.18v2. Rom.8v28.Jn.8v32.
For now you see nothing, the glass is unclear, But be certain my child you have nothing to fear. For you are held safely in my loving arms, Protected from satan and all of his charms.
1Cor.13v12. Ps.27.Isaiah 40v11. Heb.13v5b-6.Ps.139v10. Jn.10v28.Eph.4v27.
Just look unto me, your burdens I'll bear. And when you are crying I'll wipe every tear. I'll send you THE COMFORTER, for I have many plans, Be sure none can pluck you from MY loving hands.
Isaiah 55v6.Mat.11v28-30. Rev.7v17.1Pet.5v7. Job.42v2.Jn.14v26. Jn.10v28.Rom.8v35-E.
So banish all doubting, your sorrows I'll bear, For all of your future I've planned out with care. I love you my child, come nigh unto me, And if you look closely, your true home you'll see. A mansion I've built in my heavenly home, So watch child and listen, I'll come, yes I'll come.
Words by the Holy Spirit. Isaiah 43v4a. Email Gina
Mk.11v24.Heb.11v1. Jn.6v47.Mat,6v25. Eph.3v17-19.Jms.4v8. 2Tim.3v16.Ps.27v5. Jn.14v2.Ps.27v4. Mat.24v42.Mk.13v26
A Love Song To The Son I Never Knew by Wayne Auman
This tragic story occurs in 1981. I was going steady with a wonderful girl, and we planned to eventually marry. She was 17, I was 21. We had been together over a year, and we were crazy in love. We were both "good" kids in a conservative southern town in the early 80's. She was a National Honor Society student and quite popular at her school. She had aspirations of becoming a pharmacist, my wife, and the mother of our children, at "the right time." Then one September day she approached me with tears in her eyes, and when I asked her what was wrong, she was afraid to tell me. After much coaxing, and reassuring her I would love her no matter what, she told me she was pregnant. Well, you could have knocked me over with a feather, I was so surprised. We both agreed months before if faced with this scenario that abortion was unthinkable, and that we'd get married quickly and have our baby. So when she gave me the news, though stunned beyond comprehension (this kind of thing only happened to other people, right? This couldn't actually be happening to US !), I immediately suggested that we accelerate our timetable to accommodate our baby. I wanted to marry her that weekend and start planning for our child, but she tearfully refused. She was focused and determined to not let this ―bump-in-the-road‖ slow down her college and career goals. She also said that she was afraid of what her parents would do to us when they found out she was pregnant, and that she didn‘t want to start our marriage that way. She said she would take care of the "problem", and that we'd have kids, but after college and when her career was set. It was one thing to discuss the possibility of an ―accidental― pregnancy, but an entirely different issue when it actually happened. I saw a side of my beloved that I never knew existed and it shocked me. I told her that it wouldn‘t be so bad, that she would love our baby so much. I also suggested how much our mothers would love and help us with our child, even pointing out how they would practically raise our baby for us, they wanted grandchildren so badly. My girlfriend wouldn‗t hear of it. "How could you just throw away our child so easily?," I remember asking. "How could you even consider murdering our baby?" She begged me to stop, telling me it was her body, her choice, and that this was the ―easy‖ solution to her ―problem‖. She cried for me to stop, saying that it was hard enough without me preaching to her. I was making an ―easy‖ decision more difficult…
In retrospect, I didn‘t preach nearly enough. If I had tried harder, she may not have gone through with the worst mistake of our lives, and my son would be alive today. I will always regret not fighting harder to save the life of my son. In fact, her decision was already made. She had made an appointment at the abortion clinic for the following week, without telling me. (I know, it's her body, her choice, but he was OUR baby.) I was willing to have our child adopted if it would save his or her life, but her mind was set. When the day came to do the procedure, I was depressed and scared. I was also worried about my girlfriend, who had become increasingly distant as the day grew nearer, and refused to talk about it. I insisted on going with her to the clinic, against her wishes, hoping and praying for a last-minute change of heart. Upon entering the non-descript office waiting room, I felt a dozen pair of female eyes suspiciously evaluate me, quickly averting their gaze when I looked their way. I was an unwanted intruder into a secret, horribly loathsome place; a bitter reminder of why these young girls were there. The atmosphere was incredibly dark, dreadful, and depressing. The feeling of overwhelming shame was palpable. Not a sound was made by any of the waiting patients, save for the occasional turning of a magazine page. Muted whispers and muffled sobs eventually were noticed in the far corner, where a Mother and her young teen daughter were huddled closely. The stern, clinical demeanor of the ―support staff‖ was of no comfort, and the aura of death permeated the antiseptic air.
As I tried to comfort my girlfriend, I told her it wasn‟t too late to get out of there, and for the first time, I saw tears in her eyes. She was so afraid, yet so determined to “fix” her problem the quickest way she knew how. I‟ll never forget the look in her eyes when she refused my offer of escape. The look was a pleading, agonizing glimpse into her soul, and at that moment, during her war with her conscience, I should have taken the initiative, grabbed her, and run out of there. But I didn’t. I hesitated. And all too soon, the window to her soul closed tight, and she steeled herself for her ordeal to follow. Her eyes grew distant again, and my best opportunity to save the life of my precious baby son was lost. Additionally, I was so concerned for my girlfriend‟s physical, mental and spiritual health, that I was frantic. Trying to pray, I felt as if my words, pain, and despair were just bouncing off the ceiling, and because of my horrific acts, God would never again hear my prayers, much less relieve us of our pain. I felt that I deserved the tortuous pain that was devastating me, and I knew in my heart there would be a high price to pay for our actions. I truly felt we were committing an unforgivable sin. Only by God‟s Grace was I wrong. During the time she was gone, the room was startled by a loud, piercing wail of pain from the “procedure” room. I will never forget the desperation and agony of that scream, which was quickly muffled somehow. I immediately feared that it was my girlfriend, and my emotions transformed from grief and guilt to panicked concern for her safety. I got up to ask a staff member about the scream, as the other patients exchanged nervous glances with each other. I was curtly instructed that I was to sit down and wait quietly, and when I insisted that someone check on my girlfriend, I was answered with a contemptuous glare. Eventually, someone did check on her, called me to the window, and stated that it was not my girlfriend who cried out. That was of little comfort, as I was imagining the horror that she was enduring, and my heart wept for her. After nearly an hour, she emerged. Her posture and demeanor were frighteningly transformed. Hunched over, clutching her purse and prescription, she shuffled slowly into the waiting area, and stifled a moan of pain. What
was most unsettling was the complete absence of light and life in her eyes. She was like a zombie. Like walking death. Upon seeing her, my heart broke into a thousand pieces, never to be whole again. I mourned for her, her pain, her wounded soul, but most of all, for our dead child. A child we knowingly, deliberately, murdered. And for what? So she could be a college student, and have a career, unencumbered by the responsibilities of raising a child? Pathetic. Simply pathetic. When there are so many wonderful, loving couples desperately longing to adopt a child, abortion makes even less sense. The after-effects of the abortion were traumatic and long-reaching. My girlfriend stayed in bed for a week, and experienced heavy bleeding, severe abdominal pain, cramping, and anemia. She was physically affected for months afterward, and is spiritually affected to this day. Once a vivacious, fun-loving, free-spirited girl, she now carried with her a burden of extreme sorrow. She refused all attempts to talk about our ordeal, and by her words and actions, I realized that she experienced something so much more profoundly horrible than she expected, and she didn‟t want to ever be reminded of it. That meant that I would have to deal with my tortured emotions alone, as we agreed not to tell anyone of our act. This proved to be too much for me to bear, and our relationship was never the same again. One murderous act succeeded in killing not only our child, but the incredible love we had for one another. After writing the song, “I Wonder,” I knew I had to contact her again, as I didn‟t want her to be surprised if she read or heard the song without being prepared. After 25 years, she was finally able to open up and talk about her ordeal, and she shared with me the regrets of her heart. She told me that it was the worst mistake of her life, and that she too, wonders each day about what our child would be like today. She admitted that she almost ran out of the clinic when I gave her the option, but something in her told her that her life would be ruined, so she hardened her heart, and stayed. She also confided that she was terrified of the physical act of childbirth, but that she would trade anything to go back in time and run out of the abortion clinic when she had the chance. That one split-second decision changed her life forever, and she‟s forever sorry for going through with the abortion. She has paid a great price for her “easy way out”, and has battled severe depression ever since. She admits that there‟s a wound in her heart that she knows will never be healed, at least in this life. Fortunately, she now has two wonderful young sons and a loving husband, but she is reminded every day of what could have been. As for me, I was deeply affected for many years, convinced that I had blown my best chance for happiness, and was sure that God could never forgive me for such an inhuman crime. The guilt and shame was overwhelming, and literally ruined my life for over a decade. I praise the Lord that now I am blessed beyond my dreams with a Godly wife and three incredible sons, 11, 8, and 5 years of age. I am grateful to God that I have found forgiveness and restoration through the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. I will never forget, however, the life that God intended to be born, I helped to murder. Don‟t let anyone tell you that abortion is a quick, easy solution to an unwanted pregnancy. What appears to be an easy solution has life-long, even eternal, consequences that are devastating and life-ruining. Even after 25 years, I am still haunted by the memories of that day, and the lost life of my beloved son. Every day of my life, I know that I‟ll wonder. If you are considering having an abortion, don‟t do it. I know you‟re scared, in so many ways. Stop worrying. There is hope. There is help. There are counselors near you that can help you through this difficult time, and the end result will be a wondrous, incredible gift of life. More love and blessings than you can possibly imagine. You will love your baby with a love so powerful that you would gladly give your life if necessary to save your child. It‟s a perfect God-given love that defies description until you experience it first-hand. You‟re in for a wonderful,
life-enhancing experience if you choose life. On the other hand, if you choose death, I can‟t emphasize how horribly traumatic the experience is, and the long-term consequences are intensely painful. Take a look at a priceless newborn baby, then imagine a “respectable” doctor senselessly ripping that infant apart, limb from limb, as that precious baby screams in agony. It‟s a terrifying, repulsive image, isn‟t it? It‟s hard to even comprehend such blatant evil against such a pure, innocent, helpless baby. © Olivia Lowry Cook
Abortion is the same thing. Murder. Cold-blooded, heartless, unbelievably evil murder. Abortion is the same thing. Don’t do it.
Hurting from Abortion? You're not alone.... The National HELPLINE 1-866-482-LIFE You can email Wayne : w.auman@hotmail.com
On the 25th year anniversary of the abortion, Wayne composed a ballad called "I Wonder: A Love Song to the Son I Never Knew"
View the video and lyrics here Will open new window from our old site. Photos © Tomasz Trojanowski
Copyright© 2007 ©Wayne Auman /Embracing the Rain photos=fotolia All Rights Reserved Contact webmaster - Jackie Dennis
Heard it @ Church Many times we hear jokes, household tips or a good recipe at church. Here are a few things we would like to share. If you have a joke, tip or recipe to share, let us know Contact Embracing the Rain
Creation of a Wife At Sunday School they were teaching how God created everything, including human beings. Little Johnny seemed especially intent when they told him how Eve was created out of one of Adam's ribs. Later in the week his mother noticed him lying down as though he were ill, and said, "Johnny, what is the matter?" Little Johnny responded, "I have pain in my side. I think I'm going to have a wife."
Summer time and it strawberry time!
Summer Time!
Strawberry and Spinach Salad Salad 1 bag of baby leaf spinach (wash/dry good before mixing) 1 quart strawberries 1/2 cup slivered almonds Optional thin sliced ½ half red onion Dressing ¼ cup of sugar ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar ¼ teaspoon of paprika ¼ teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce 2 teaspoons of poppy seeds ½ cup of olive oil Clean spinach and dry, clean strawberries, core and slice Mix spinach, strawberries, and almonds and if wanted red onion in a large bowl and refrigerate. Mix all dressing ingredients in a bowl and whisk slowly. Pour over salad and refrigerate 30 minutes.
Freeze grapes and use them instead of ice cubes. They taste great just eating the frozen also! Wet a bandana and roll it up and tie loose around your neck, this helps to keep your cool. Use a small spray bottle (found in beauty isles of stores) fill with water. Put the nozzle on soft spray. Spray it on your shirt. This is also great for removing wrinkles from clothing when traveling. Just spray on fabric, give a little tug in each direction and the wrinkles are gone on most fabrics! Always use sunscreen especially on the kids. Have a great summer!
Poetry
Embracing the Rain asks you to please support the artists by visiting their websites. We thank you all for blessing us by sharing your wonderful talent with us all!
Poems to encourage All work is copyrighted by the poet. Please do not redistribute, copy, or use in any other way without contacting and getting permission from the poet or the webmaster of this site. Thank you.
Submit your Poems here
The Little Princess
On the day you were born God whispered softly in your ear. Telling you a lifetime of secrets, that no one else could hear. Every day since that time, as you've continued to mature and grow. You've been walking down a chosen path that only you and God can know. Upon that day he gave you many precious gifts, the ability to laugh, to dance with joy and a beautiful voice to sing. He instilled in you the ability to dream, create and imagine what your life will bring. As God looks down upon you from heaven, this is what he will surely see: A fairy tale princess with her jeweled crown and magic wand is playing make-believe today. A little girl playing dress-up with her pink feathered boa and high heel shoes, is hurrying on her merry way. A young girl with a pair of "ruby red slippers" dangling from a necklace, as an ever present reminder that life can be fun. A young lady growing up with a world of possibilities before her and knowing that her life has just begun. God smiles down at the little girl knowing her life will be filled with hope, joy and love. And at that very moment the little girl smiles, knowing with complete confidence that she is truly loved. Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com
I Heard the Stars Sing "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth His handiwork." ~ Psalm 19:1 ~ (KJV) Have you ever heard the stars sing; Beheld a brilliant moon when it beams? Or seen the gazelle leap for joy, As if a tightly wound up toy? I've seen clouds dancing with the breeze, Kept in time by the directing trees. Sunlight floods every fiber and pore, As plants raise their heads to ask for more. Birds add their voice to the orchestration, Playing every day, in every nation. Have you ever heard the twinkling stars sing, Praises and honor to an All-Wise King? "Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night showeth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard." ~ Psalms 19:2, 3 ~ (KJV) "Like the Lily of the Valley." By Jason Kirk Bartley Like a yellow lily in the valley, you take care of it so well. You've rescued me from myself. I've escaped the bonds of hell. How much more to you am I than a lily, oh Lord? You supplieth my every need. I praise your mighty name, 'cause you constantly water this seed. Since I am a Son of God, your spirit dwells in me. My eyes are stedfast on Jesus. I'm able to see. I push forward 'O God. It's the least I can do for what you've done for me. I'll be with you someday for eternity.
I WILL FILL THE VOID My child, whose heart has been so abused and torn. Know that I have been with you as this loss you had to mourn. My hand has been upon you when the nights have been so long. My healing of the heart will come and you will sing a new song. Don't look at others whose lives seem so bright. Inside the hurt and abuse is really a sight. You've opened your wounds for the world to see. Others have lifted you to the throne for mercy they plead. I hear their prayers as they are sent as shafts of light. I will answer and in it you will see my gracious might. You had to reach the place of complete rest. And realize that I would move when it would be for your best. Rest in me my Child and know that I have my hand upon you. Your witness of my Grace and protection will witness to more than just a few. You allowed me to touch you and heal your broken heart. Now my daughter, press on for you there will be a new start. ~~ Sharon Lambkin ~~ Š1999
LOVE IN DEED MINISTRIES INDIA
Children Home Beginning Love in Deed Home is a home of Love in Deed, started by Sis Rehsmi and Stephen. The Children Home was started in Hyderabad City, the capital of Andhra Pradesh, India with the strength of 5 Children on January June 1st , 2010, with the aim of helping poor and needy children.. Today each child in the Children Home has a heart moving reality behind him/her - parents died out of HIV / AIDS, illegal relationships, family strives, poverty, suicide cases, and drunkenness and so on. Once they are in the home it is a different atmosphere Motivation: Sister Reshmi and Stephen a resident of Kalyanpur Colony ,Secundrabad, Andhra Pradesh , South India. I have been ministering Gospel service and worship of Lord for several years. Since my parents born in Christian family, I was greatly insisted to serve for the human kind with the same inspiration. I was called by His grace to do something for the welfare of the little kids and orphans while we go on with Gospel out reach service in different rural villages, we have observed some children just roaming in streets like wagabonds with no support. These children parents were killed in some assassinations such as fire accidents, cyclones and the attacks of anti Christian community people in their respective areas. Thus the children are left helpless and looking forward for any lift even their relatives also have neglected them to bring up the living hood of these kids. They can near forget the child hood sufferings that they went through. They always thinks about it. When ever they sees an orphan or street child their heart moves with compassion and just remembers their fast life of suffering. That made them to start Children Home. Their aim is to become the father to those come to this Home. And they will be his children. That is why; he does not want to call it as orphan home. He calls it as Love in Deed Home. Vision: Shaping each child to become a fruitful citizen for country and for God. Mission: To build the life of a child with moral and spiritual values by introducing him/her to the creator and by providing the basic amenities. This Home is intended to nurture, protect and care the destitute children who are left in the streets and also children from poor and broken families. Its purpose is to promote the total development of children through loving care in a homely atmosphere with adequate nutrition and healthy social interaction and to educate all children till they are old and mature enough to venture out independently.
Objectives To establish children’s home to help poor and orphan children irrespective to their sex, religion, creed or community and to provide them with food, accommodation, medicine, cloth, education facilities and vocational training, free of costs. To provide financial assistance for education and clothing to other children who are not residing of Divine Children’s Home, irrespective of their sex, religion, creed or community. To provide training to the deserving children irrespective of their sex, religion, creed or community, develop their talents in art, science, sports and cultural activities and to conduct arts and sports competitions for children. To conduct awareness classes, film shows, music programmes and medical camps in different places for the benefit of deserving children irrespective of their sex, religion, creed or community. To establish hospitals, de-addiction centres, counseling centres, charity homes, orphanages and educational and training institutions to help the poor, handicapped and destitute children. Provisions: Each child is taken care with: Love and Care Family atmosphere Accommodation Food and clean water Medical care Educational opportunities Important life-skills training Most important of all, Child will hear about Jesus Christ and be encouraged to develop a lifelong relationship with God.
Some prayer Requests of Love in Deed Ministries India 1. Please Pray for the Our kids and for the regular Sponsors. 2. Pray for God’s protection 3. Pray for Love in Deed Ministries to have a Gospel Van for the Gospel work as well as for the Orphans to carry them to school and for the Church and some other places, we need a Van or car, since we don’t have we are suffering a lot when we wanted to take our kids. 4. Pray for good sound System for the Ministry. 5. Pray for place and Own building for Orphanage, since we stay in rented house 6. Pray for Own Church building for Love in Deed ministries. 7 Pray for Computer for Kids education, as they have computer subject they need practice at home, we don’t have at present. 8. Need one camera for the ministry. For more information contact Stephen Love in Deed
Did I Say That? Lisa Freeman It‘s strange how just one or two hurtful words can turn a relationship upside down. At times, we‘re all guilty of bashing someone with our words. Unlike physical wounds, that will over time heal, these rude comments and crude cut downs thrown straight at the heart like daggers can fester for a lifetime. Verbal abuse is one of the most vicious, deadly forms of abuse. A spoken word can ultimately kill or heal. There is power in our words. The Bible says that we can speak life or death with our tongue. We can encourage and lift others up, or we can cut them to the quick and disintegrate any hope they had of a future. I‘ve been in relationships where words flew like weapons until one person (usually me) was so badly pierced by the blows that it has literally taken years to recover from. I was told from the time I was 15 that I was no good and no one would want me. So, just wanting to be loved by someone, all through life I settled for anyone who even acted half way interested. Settling will cost you. It cost me big time. I married a man who appeared to love me like none other. He opened the door for me, brought me flowers, and very rarely ever said a negative word. But I heard God firmly tell me not to marry him. I didn‘t listen to God‘s VERBAL WARNING. I went ahead, thinking that after I got married I could just verbally repent and everything would be fine. I definitely repented, and God absolutely forgave me, but after 7 painful years of marriage I learned why God had forbid me not to marry this man—he was addicted to pornography and turned his dreaded addiction onto our three children! (You can read about this is my book: The Pictures That Destroy The Mind) Thankfully, God gave me the strength to get out of that terribly abusive relationship and go on, but it wasn‘t easy. I went through severe panic attacks, agoraphobia, trust issues, and everything else that years of verbal, physical, and even sexual abuse brought on. It wasn‘t until I quit believing the LIES that I‘d been told as a young woman that my life began to soar and have new meaning. When I started believing that God loved me more than any man ever could, that I was beautiful in His eyes, and that I had a purpose in life, I began to heal from the inside out. I cannot tell you how awesome that feels. But I can tell you, that you can experience it too. All you have to do, is give it all to God— all the hurt, pain, and issues you‘ve been struggling with and He‘ll transform your life too. Today, because of God‘s healing I speak out about the abuse I suffered in my past to help others heal. Who knows, maybe He‘ll do this in your life too. We all have a testimony. Every time before I speak I try to pray, Lord let your words come out of my mouth so it will be edifying to others. So, why don‘t you stand with me and put a stop to verbal abuse altogether by encouraging others and sharing the good things God‘s done for us.
The Homeless: Does it really matter if I don’t help? Jesus said in Matthew 25:31-46 (NIV)
“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. 34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, „Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.‟ 37 “Then the righteous will answer him, „Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty 38 and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?‟ 40 “The King will reply, „Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.‟ 41 “Then he will say to those on his left, „Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.‟ 44 “They also will answer, „Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?‟ 45 “He will reply, „Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.‟ 46 “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.” 31
What can you do to help? Try to help if you can. Give and encouraging word and pray with them. Let them know that God loves them and you do to. If you have more clothes than you need, take the ones you don‟t wear and donate them. Bring in food, blankets and grooming items to your local Salvation Army or local church. Anything you can do to help those in need is appreciated.
Hebrews 13:2 (NIV) Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. Show the love of God today! Encourage others! Share your blessings with others!
In January 2007, Bree Noble was named Best Female Performer at the Inland Empire Music Awards in Southern California. Her powerful vocals and commanding stage presence have won over audiences at large venues such as Saddleback Church and Dodger Stadium and at intimate venues like small town churches and coffeehouses. Her fans will tell you that she has the unusual ability to sing anything from Rock „n Roll to Opera. Whether she‟s performing her signature lyric-driven pop/rock or a sensitive acoustic ballad, her vocals communicate deep emotion. This classically trained vocalist may even throw in an occasional offering by Bach or Mozart to display her vocal and artistic diversity. Although Bree‟s vocals are always compelling, they are not her greatest asset. Songwriting is her real signature as an artist. Her style has been compared to Nichole Nordeman, Ginny Owens & Sara Groves. Musically it is a blend of Contemporary and Adult Alternative that is both mainstream and eclectic. Bree likes to think of herself not as a Christian songwriter, but as a songwriter who is a Christian. She writes about specific aspects of her own Christian walk, but she also writes about problems that are universal like greed, homelessness, racism, and family situations. Her lyrics explore common emotional issues: apathy, fear, loneliness, mistrust, and seeking joy in suffering. And then there are those special songs that are her most personal, that convey her heart, not just as a woman of faith but as an individual who has learned to overcome great adversity. Bree has Glaucoma and has been legally blind since birth. With songs such as “Running” and “You Are My Vision” she unveils her most intimate feelings about growing up with a disability and how it has affected her life and her relationship with God. Bree spent her elementary years in Redwood City, CA and then at age 13 moved to Modesto, CA and became very active in the music department at Thomas Downey High School. She attended Westmont College in Santa Barbara, CA and earned degrees in Vocal Performance and Business. In 2007 Bree was honored with an article about her music in the Westmont College Alumni magazine. She has called Southern California home for the past 13 years and has been active as a classical soloist, worship leader and performer. Bree has performed with several bands over the past 15 years including Zephaniah (Westmont College touring ensemble), Day One, and the all-female Alternative Rock band Not Martha. In 2002, she released her first solo album, Overwhelmed, on the MP3.com independent label. Many of the songs from the album placed in the top 10 on the MP3.com Christian charts. Songs from the CD were also featured on other compilation projects. The song ―Reason To Smile‖ was featured on a benefit CD called ―Hold On Baby Jacob‖, while the title track was featured on a CD called ―With My Song‖ put out by the website WeAreChristian.com. By popular demand, the album Overwhelmed was re-released in 2005 on Gevania Records LLC. Bree took some time off from performing after the birth of her daughter Julia in April 2003. During her pregnancy, Bree was a chief collaborator and vocalist on a new Broadway style musical called Little Italian Girl. She enjoyed writing music to fit the storyline and weaving some of her older material into the fabric of the story. The result was a CD of highlights from the musical released in 2003 as well as a CD of Bree‘s best solo work from the project called Can You See The Stars released on Gevania Records LLC in 2004. Now that Bree is a mother, she has found great joy in fellowshipping with other mothers of young children in her local MOPS (Mothers Of Pre-Schoolers) group. God has recently opened the door for Bree to minister to young mothers like herself in MOPS groups throughout California. Her presentation called ―You Are My Vision‖ is a narrative and musical journey through her life. Bree hopes this presentation will help and inspire other mothers to trust God in all things and to lean on Him in times of struggle. Bree received recognition for this ministry in Dec, 2006 in an article for ―Amazing Mom Stories‖ on the MomsOnTheMove.com website. Bree enjoys collaborating with other songwriters and lending her unique vocals to projects by other artists. She appears as a guest vocalist on several other projects by Indie artists including David Aucoin, Jerry Allen, Allan
Licht and Michael Borges. Recently she has signed contracts with Victoria Lane Publishing and Allan Bradley Music Publishing. Bree‟s 3rd solo CD Healing Waters was produced by veteran CCM & AC producer Allan Licht. Released in September 2006, Healing Waters has generated stellar sales and reviews from sites like ChristianMusic.Suite101.com, DepotRadio.com and Channel Z‟s “The Zeph Report”. In July 2006 Bree was honored to perform the national anthem in front of 56,000 people at Dodger Stadium. Bree performs solo and with her band throughout Southern and Northern California at churches, special events, coffee houses and festivals. Embracing the Rain interviewed Bree and you can read that interview below, just click the link and it will open and new window to our main site but you can still have the magazine open!
Check out Embracing the Rain’s Interview with Bree Noble Interview with Bree Noble Click link
Listen to our online E-Pod player and hear Bree Noble Healing Waters listen to her song from her album Healing Waters (will open new window on our web site)
Buy her album or check out her other albums at indieheaven Learn more about Bree Noble's Website
Richard Funnell
Richard Funnell Richard Funnell’s poetry and writings have been such a blessing in not only my life but many others. His poetry has helped both my sister and me during our battles with cancer and other illnesses. He even was kind enough to send me a birthday gift of a book filled with encouraging writings and poems. We didn’t know him personally but as one of my parent’s neighbors, he reached out to both of us and sent us many of his delightful and reassuring poems/writings. I can’t tell you how much it meant to me to read his writings during some of my most difficult times. My sister also was blessed with his writings and we would often talk about how they inspired us to fight the good fight of faith. His writings helped us to understand that life has many twist and turns but God is with us through them all. I treasure his book and I keep it near-by and read to help me grow in God’s wonderful love. Richard was kind enough to continue to submit writings and poems for Embracing the Rain’s ministry. We would like to honor him in our next few issues. Richard sent us a few miracle healings testimonies to share with you. We hope you enjoy them. To Richard, Thank you and God bless you for sharing your God given talent with all who need a word of hope. Jacqueline Dennis Embracing the Rain Ministry
MY FIRST MIRACLE HEALING by Richard Funnell With thoughts of the agonies of Jesus and Easter I feel compelled to give a praise for what God has done for me. To give a testimony is one way to witness for God. My testimony begins when I was 3 days old. I was adopted by Christian parents. God sent me to the best parents He had in His earth inventory. Mom taught me to read from the Bible and explained passages to me. She had a unique way to explain the Holy Spirit to me. She asked me to look outside where the wind was blowing leaves off the trees. She took me outside and asked me if I could feel the wind. My answer, of course, was yes. Mom explained that we can feel the Holy Spirit and we can see the results of the Holy Spirit but we just cannot see the Holy Spirit just like we cannot see the wind. God called my parents home when I was 24 years old. That next Mother’s Day was one of the worst days of my life. No mom to send candy to. No mom to call on the phone and say I love you mom. Life was like living in a vacuum. With no mom on Mother’s Day I parted company with God for about 14 years. A big mistake but God did not part company with me. It was me who parted company with God. Now my first miracle healing. We were living in Mississippi while I was serving in the Air Force. After Hurricane Frederick in 1974, I was cutting up branches with a chain saw and digging out tree roots and had a severe pain in my abdomen which I thought was a pulled muscle. The Air Force ER doctor said I had a huge hernia and required immediate surgery the next morning. After years of being away from God, while driving to the hospital, I sheepishly prayed to God for His help that I did not deserve. I reported for surgery and the pre-op exam revealed I had no hernia to repair. God healed me in spite of the distance I had put between Him and me. I thank God that He does not give me what I deserve. He gave me LOVE even though I did not always return that love. What a God we serve! He cares for His children regardless of our indifference. In the Air Force I had people ask me why I did not court martial people for wrong doing. My answer was my mom taught me to love people and give them second chances the same way God gives us second chances. A good reply but definitely the wrong answer to that question. This was the perfect time to witness for Jesus and I failed God again. Yet God loved me and forgave me and gave me another chance to witness for him and here it is. Without God I can do nothing but sin. With God all things are possible. REPENT today for tomorrow may be one day too late. Richard Funnell
Embracing the Rain asks you to please support the artists by visiting their websites. We thank you all for blessing us by sharing your wonderful talent with us all! All work is copyrighted by the artist. Please do not redistribute, copy, or use in any other way without contacting and getting permission from the artist. Thank you.
Want to submit your inspired work? Email your submissions webmaster@embracingtherain.com Share your artistic talent to inspire others! This month’s artist
Katerina Koukiotis Katerina Koukiotis is a traditional artist from NY. http://www.katerinaart.com Featuring original art, prints and commissions.
Please check out Katerina Koukiotis web site and show your love and support for her amazing artwork!
Away In A Manger
Jesus as a boy
Tears in Heaven
Baby Jesus
Acts 2:17 In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22
Share what God has done in your life, inspire others! Want to share with us? Share your testimonies, poems, stories, art work or photos. Share in the good works that the Lord has done in your life. Embracing the Rain is many Christians sharing in their talents to help others see that God is alive and well. Please contact us at Embracing the Rain at Webmaster@embracingtherain.com We like to thank everyone for their submissions and support. We are non-profit and we give all the Glory for this issue to God.
Get your Free Gift
A Christian is not just a religious person or merely a member of a church; a Christian is one who has been forgiven of his or her sin and has an ongoing personal relationship with God. Not only this, a Christian is someone that Jesus Christ lives in, one that has been born again (John 3.3) and lives in the assurance that Jesus paid the price for them to be right with God and go to heaven. The Good News of Jesus Christ is . . . 1) God loves everyone and wants them all to live forever in His presence. John 3.16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” 2) We are separated from God by sin. The Bible defines sin as things we do that are displeasing to God. As humans, not only have we done things that displease God, we cannot stop doing those things on our own. This is why the Bible calls us “sinners.” Many sincerely believe that performing good works or religious acts will cause God to cancel out the wrong things that they have done. Spiritual and physical death came into our world because of sin. Physical death is a separation from loved ones on earth; spiritual death is separation from God. Romans 3.23 says, “ . . .for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” 3) Sin brings death. Romans 6.23 tells us that “ . . . the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Physical death is separation from loved ones on earth; spiritual death is separation from God. 4) Through Jesus, God has provided the way for us to come to Him and be forgiven of our sins. Romans 5.8 says, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” God sent His Son, Jesus, to die and pay the price in full for all the wrong things we have done. We no longer have to be separated from God! 5) We must individually admit to God that we are sinners and in an attitude of repentance, personally ask Him for forgiveness, the free gift of eternal life and to come into to our lives. Simply talk to God and say something like this: “God, I know that I have sinned and have done things that have hurt You, others and myself. I am a sinner; please forgive my sins. I turn away from my old life and ask you to give me the gift of eternal life. Please come into my life and save me from the punishment that I deserve. I put my full trust in what you did for me on the cross, Jesus and I take you as my Savior. Amen.” If you have prayed this prayer, then we rejoice with you and welcome you to the family of God! As a new Christian, we encourage you to obtain a Bible and get baptized You should be baptized in obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ as a public testimony of your salvation, and then unite with a Bible-believing church without delay. “Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord...” (2 Timothy 1:8). Start talking to God and reading the Bible at a regular time every day (morning works best for many people). We would also strongly recommend that you to find a church in your community that shares the Good News of Jesus and is making disciples. , We encourage you to begin attending a growing church that is making an impact in your community. Taken from www.pcg.org
About us: Embracing the Rain is a positive and encouraging online publication for Christians. Embracing the Rain is created for and by people who were set free by Jesus Christ. We now live with hope, love and joy in our lives. We want our light to shine for all the world to see! The walk sometimes is not easy. But that is why we are here. To encourage one another and maybe show someone else that they too can be set free. Free to enjoy life, free to enjoy God’s rain! Could you use an encouraging word? Or a scripture for a job interview, or just express yourself in poetry. Embracing the Rain is Christian publication where all can share their testimonies on how God changed their lives! We share in word, poetry, music and art to show you that God is real! We invite you to see how God's rain is falling in people's lives!
What is God's Rain? God's rain is His mercy, blessings, love and all gifts that God gives his children. We need to embrace these gifts and encourage one another to by sharing what God has done in our lives. Staying in the joy of the Lord is sometimes not easy, here at Embracing the Rain you will find stories and articles that will keep you in the joy of the Lord and learn to embrace the Holy Spirit! We want to embrace God's living waters that come down like the rain. We should share the good things that God has done in our lives with others! We hope you enjoy our pages and maybe submit your testimonies or any God given talents that you have to share with everyone!
Let’s live in the rain!!! Let’s us embrace it!!! Hosea6:3 "Let us acknowledge the LORD; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth."
I was lost you called my name; you came and rescued me. My soul was dry, you sent the rain, and you poured it over me. You gave me new life, and made me your own; and sent living water from your throne. Let your rain fall, let it cover my soul; let your living water make me whole. My spirit is sustained by that living Holy rain; I thirst for nothing plain, let your rain fall Endless Worship
We thank you for checking out Embracing the Rain. We hope that people who share stories, testimonies, art, music or poetry will encourage you to believe that if God did it in their life, God will do it in yours! We hope these articles help you find what you desire in a relationship with God. Some people don’t attend church and maybe the internet is the only way they can learn that God loves them no matter what they have done. As Christians we need to reach out and tell of the good works the Lord has done in our lives. That knowing Jesus Christ will help you in times of trouble, doubt, and sadness. He is with you always. If you have anything you would like to share with others, then we would love to hear from you. If you have a gift of a story, testimony or art/poetry to Glorify God, drop us a line. We pray this publication hopes to touch the lives of so many hurting and looking for answers. We want to thank all of the sisters and brothers who help with the creation of this publication and for submitting their stories. God Bless you all. To God Be the Glory.
Copyright© 2007-2011 Embracing the Rain All Rights Reserved Contact webmaster - Jackie Dennis Photos in articles and used in web design are from Fotolia, Photobucket and Microsoft Office clip-art and are copyrighted by perspective owners and are not to be copied or reproduced in anyway. Using these photos for commercial use is a violation of the law! Articles may not be copied, reproduced, distributed or publicly displayed without giving credit of authors. Feel free to share because we would like the credit to be given to glorify God but please acknowledge authors. Copyright© 2007-2011 Embracing the Rain. Some articles are from FaithWriters All rights reserved.