Be Courageous Be Bold Hebrews 4:16

Discouragement and defeat sunk in, as we watched the soldiers bury him…

The enemy had truly won this fight…

The scribes and pharisees were proud of their deed. Satan had planted his evil seeds, and now, Messiah was gone.

It was truly Finished…

What we didn’t realize though, until we saw the glow, Of Jesus standing, talking to us…could we dare believe, it was so?

How? Why? Is it really you?

Doubt, betrayed our hearts…

In the darkness, Satan howled, “I’ve WON!! I’ve killed God’s son…there will be no redemption for man….” Proud of fulfilling his task…He had no idea this was all part of God’s plan!” He screeched and cried out, “BUT I WIN! Not You!” Like a spoiled rotten child, he was torn in-two…I’m not done! Not yet!” He went back into the mist of despair and dung, again he flees from the presence, in protest.

The mystery unfolds as the story goes, after seeing Jesus they now know, that what he said has come to pass. “I will go away but I will come again!”

To the victor goes the spoil…there was no contest…

God will always WIN!

Jesus is ALIVE…

He rises from the depths of death, now life has been renewed!

From generation to generation, friends, this includes you…

Receive New Life and Live!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill April 19, 2025

John 11:25 King James Version ²⁵ Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:

 

Luke 24:36-49 King James Version ³⁶ And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.

³⁷ But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.

³⁸ And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?

³⁹ Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.

⁴⁰ And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet.

⁴¹ And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?

⁴² And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb.

⁴³ And he took it, and did eat before them.

 

Luke 24:50-51 King James Version ⁵⁰ And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.

⁵¹ And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.

 

We couldn’t understand why the Master prayed,

So fervently, in the garden there he stayed, well into the night.

And so, we all fell asleep~

Awakened, three times and then, soldiers came~

In shock and unbelief, we watched Judas, as he kissed, the Messiah, he’s betrayed us all~

Satan hissed; and laughed; to see this, his hand had been well played.

They took the Lord, and before we could comprehend, his words rang in our ears~

We drew back in torment and fear.

Fear, they’d arrest us too!

Oh, what fools~ but it was too late.

Days later our hearts broke as we fully understood~ Judas had been the bait.

Our Messiah had been beaten, disgraced and nailed to a pole.

All the people looked on and said,

“See, he is not the Christ as you supposed~

Your king is dead!”

Worried, afraid, confused, it was done~

They had killed God’s only begotten son.

The door flew open, and Mary rushed in~

Great Joy, was in her words

“Peter, James, John, he’s not in the tomb!”

Gasps all around, we went to see, it was true, this man from Galilee~

Had kept his word and rose again~

He Lives!

The grave is empty!!!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill April 18, 2025

John 16:4 – 21st Century King James Version – ⁴ But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. “And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you.

Matthew 26: 36-40 KJV – Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.

³⁷ And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy.

³⁸ Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.

³⁹ And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt.

⁴⁰ And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?

 Luke 24: 36 KJV – And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.

 

A few days before I went to see the final episode of season 5 of the Chosen. This thought came to me, “Shall these bones live?” I knew it was part of a scripture, but didn’t remember where it was found in the Bible.

Then in the movie, there was a scene where Jesus was in the garden and he walked and saw all these bones piled up and a man said to him, “Shall these bones live?”

Then Tuesday night, at a bible study we attend on zoom, Todd, who teaches the study mentioned for us to read Ezekiel 36-40. I spent the next day listening to it and there in chapter 37 again, was the scripture for, “Shall these bones live?” I was beginning to get the message; God was trying to tell me something. Three times he brought these words to my attention.

What are you telling me, Father?

This morning as is His custom, Holy Spirit began to speak to me. I was very discouraged in body, mind and spirit. I will spare you all my woes…but suffice it to say, I wanted to give up. But my precious friend and comforter, Holy Spirit said this to me.

“You have a choice. You can choose to wallow in self-pity, or, you can choose to live. I gave you a new life, an abundant life and this life is not yours; it is mine. How will you spend my life? Daughter, change your perspective. You are still alive don’t waste my life. Be diligent! Be bold! Shall these bones live again? They shall. Speak to these bones, and say to them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the Lord.

Thus, saith the Lord God unto these bones; Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live:”

So, I say to you today, stop wallowing, and complaining, DO NOT GIVE UP! LIVE! Yea I say unto you, LIVE~ If you are a child of the living God, no matter how old you are as long as there is breath in you, say to these dead bones, “COME ALIVE!” It’s not your life you’re living; it is HIS! Be about The Father’s business, there is no time to waste! Seize the moment. Keep walking. Keep getting up. Keep living. Souls are at stake! That which is dead will live again. Abraham and Sarah’s body could not bring life, but God said…you will have a son.

Lazarus died but he lived again.

Jesus was killed, and buried in a tomb, three days later He Came Alive! The first fruits of the resurrection.

Only one life will soon, be past, only what’s done for Christ will last! Oh, ye dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! New breath I breathe into you today. Dry bones, Live!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill April 17, 2025

Ezekiel 37:1-14 KJV – The hand of the Lord was upon me, and carried me out in the spirit of the Lord, and set me down in the midst of the valley, which was full of bones,

² And caused me to pass by them round about: and behold, there were very many in the open valley; and, lo, they were very dry.

³ And he said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord God, thou knowest.

⁴ Again he said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the Lord.

⁵ Thus saith the Lord God unto these bones; Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live:

⁶ And I will lay sinews upon you, and will bring up flesh upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and ye shall live; and ye shall know that I am the Lord.

⁷ So I prophesied as I was commanded: and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and behold a shaking, and the bones came together, bone to his bone.

⁸ And when I beheld, lo, the sinews and the flesh came up upon them, and the skin covered them above: but there was no breath in them.

⁹ Then said he unto me, Prophesy unto the wind, prophesy, son of man, and say to the wind, Thus saith the Lord God; Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live.

¹⁰ So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood up upon their feet, an exceeding great army.

¹¹ Then he said unto me, Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel: behold, they say, our bones are dried, and our hope is lost: we are cut off for our parts.

¹² Therefore prophesy and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, O my people, I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel.

¹³ And ye shall know that I am the Lord, when I have opened your graves, O my people, and brought you up out of your graves,

¹⁴ And shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land: then shall ye know that I the Lord have spoken it, and performed it, saith the Lord.

The porch-boards creaked, under the young rocker’s feet

Happily singing her song,

Mommy and child, swept away, while the wind gently sang along.

Making memories, they were oh, so sweet.

But time flew by, and the child grew wild

No more rocking or lullabies were heard, no more tender smiles.

And there in the garden, sat the old broken rocker to rot.

Seasons come and seasons go and so,

Vines grew around the rocker’s feet, thorns and thistles intertwined and meet

Silenced the song once sung so sweet…

No longer needed; this was the ole rocker’s fate.

Closed behind the garden gate.

There comes an old man bent, bending low and suddenly,

Low and behold! He opens the garden gate.

Spotting the ole rocker, he gasps with dismay

Remembering the songs with his mother she’d say…

 

Life won’t always be this way!

Darlin boy, you’ll grow up one day…

Remember our songs as you live and pray…

Mommy loves you, sweet boy, rock and play!

 

Eyes fill with blinding tears; he rushes to the ole rocker…

Taking her to his workshop, he repairs, all the broken, tattered tares…

Removed the vines that kept her bound. Fresh paint applied, set free, supplied

With freedom for the ole rocking chair.

Made brand new under the master’s hands…he sits on the porch and sings again…

I remember mama…he holds his hands and prays.

~Marla Shaw O’Neill April 14, 2025

2 Corinthians 5:17-18 King James Version Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation.

I am the Lord’s

And He is mine…

He calls me His own.

He smiles at me and lifts my eyes,

I see the light of His face

In His presence, I find rest

He surrounds me with loving kindness

He gives me His Shalom, Shalom!

I do not fear for He is my shield

He clears a safe path in the wilderness

The beast. the dragon. and the owl. honor Him

Therefore, I walk in blessedness…

I drink from hidden streams in the desert…

He sings over me with the stars at night.

My heart is filled with gladness…

I lie down and sleep

Knowing Elohim is with me…

I am not alone…

I dwell in holiness and fullness of grace…

For I am fully known…

And fully loved by Him…

Forever and always!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill April 4, 2025

Isaiah 43:18-20 King James Version – Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. The beast of the field shall honor me, the dragons and the owls: because I give waters in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people, my chosen.

 

Zephaniah 3:17 King James Version – The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.

She quietly sits among her sisters,

High upon a shelf.

Teapots, fine China and pottery, made by the potter’s hand.

She be the eldest, from a place called, Vintage land.

Used by the Master at his, command.

Blue, like the sky where birds soar high.

White like the clouds, shapes of all size.

They tell a story of the ancients, long days, gone by!

But listen to the teapot as she sings her lullaby.

I’ve served my master well, filled to be poured out

Flavors of the strongest kind; steeped, to be sipped, as he dines.

Time has no meaning, blessed comfort I shall give…

Throughout eternity, I will abide and live.

To do what pleases the master, in love, and gratefulness

Chosen, created, content to be used, simply for this.

Giving joy to all who use me, one tiny kiss,

Poured out and running over, into the cup of forgiveness.

When you use a teapot choose wisely and you’ll find,

That perfect taste comes only from the one who is Divine.

~Marla Shaw O’Neill April 3, 2025

Ephesians 2:10 King James Version – For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

The little sheep, cried aloud, beneath the shepherd’s hand.
Bowing her head, she surrendered to, this tender-hearted man.
“He anoints my head with oil, I am free from pests and I’m clean
So unworthy am I, but he loves me, and I’m seen.
An honor to be chosen from the shepherd’s fold, but for what?
Too old to be sold!
Overlooked and lowly, I’m not at all bold!
Afraid of my own shadow, fear grips me on every side.
Where can I run too? Where can I hide?
Frightened, even when I seek water, from the moving, bubbling, stream.
Yet, He waits for still waters just to keep me calm and serene.
Oh, what love the shepherd offers to one lost sheep…
He leaves all the others to rescue me from the deep…
Caught in a thicket, his rod reaches in and pulls me out…
I’m complete.
He holds me close as I tremble.
He soothes my tattered heart.
He kisses me and holds me, even in the dark.
I was once a young lamb and of not much worth…
I am now an old sheep, still the shepherd keeps…
Rescuing me and when I weep…
He hears my cries and extends my days…
Forever, I will follow him, and dwell with him, always!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill April 2, 2025

Psalm 23:5 King James Version – Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

 

Arriving just in time, to see the glory-parade…

People everywhere of every tribe and nation, shouting, “Welcome home!”

A standing ovation

New arrivals came strolling down the golden street.

Family members greet, the new arrivals. It was Oh so sweet…

The exuberant joy, the abundance of peace…

Laughter and reunions, seemed to increase…

Doves flying all around…

A lion, with a lamb, lying on the ground…

Music played with a majestic sound…

Here on the other side~

Oh, the stories that were told, and as we listened…

Behold!

The King of kings entered!

Everyone cheered…

There was not a single tear…

When He came walking through the procession.

Then a holy hush spread over the multitudes

He spoke and everyone was in awe…

“Welcome, new ones, you heeded the call…

You’re home now, you’ve reached the other side.”

Loved ones, if I could reach beyond the veil, this one thing I’d surely tell,

I’m alive and well!

Make sure you make it to the other side!

There’s only one life, will soon be past, only what’s done for Christ, will last.

Then, I’ll be seeing you, on the other side!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill March 28, 2025

1 Corinthians 2:9 King James Version ⁹ But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

When I started out on this Facebook Road, I had no idea where it would take me or where I’d end up. But on this journey, I’ve met many people, some I never want to lose and some, I’ve had to unfriend, not many of those though.

From 2009, traveling 16 years on this road, there have been many changes, but the avenue remains. New scenes arise and a little of the old ways continue to keep us entertained. I’ve never met the designers or the ones working behind the curtain, I just know they are always working, listening and watching. They’re like the old peddler going from house to house promoting his goods and services. They’ve found a way to penetrate every aspect of our lives and minds, enticing us to tell things we’d never reveal with an eye to eye, real life person. And yet here we are, face to face, sharing our deepest emotions to strangers we call friends.

It doesn’t seem so invasive though, as friendships are cultivated day in and day out.

Humorous memes, family pictures of babies, and pets displayed with great admiration, groups of every walk of life. History shared for all the world to see as it maps places from sea to shining sea…north, south, east and west…a world to explore. Personal stories, along with music, all come alive on this road of secrets no longer hidden within.

Likes and loves and laughs and tears galore, Oh, my! Accepted now, as a way of life.

I don’t know why, but I felt I needed to write something about it today.

You have all, become, a part of my everyday life.

I sit most days contemplating things. I’m 71 years old. I don’t sleep much at night, and I sleep late in the day. My husband, Bob, still works a full-time job at home with his computer, and that’s OK, really. But I can’t seem to find my purpose anymore.

An illness and age restrict me. If I try to explain how I feel to anyone, well, they don’t understand so I keep quiet.

I pray, a, lot and I know He (Papa) always listens, and He blesses me more than I deserve. Still, I feel alone. I know He’s always with me. But like someone once said, “I need a meat, on some bones, someone.” I do get phone calls from people needing prayer and I cherish those times. God is good!

I know we all have our secret desires and thoughts. The elder folk are living in a-space-in-between.

“I’m too old to be young, and too young to be old.” As Evelyn said in, ‘Fried Green Tomatoes.”

I can’t drive anymore. I can’t sing like I use to; horsey throat came along. Sitting too long causes my sugar to go up. So, writing and reading are limited. Walking makes me want to fall down. Yet I know I must move to keep my strength up. I’m caught between a rock and a hard place. I’m not giving up though. I do have a strong will, and Holy Spirit is my helper.

So, I’ll keep going through the motions. I’ll go until I can’t go any longer and then I’ll go home.

I’m not complaining mind you; I just need to vent. And since Facebook isn’t really real, LOL! It is the perfect place to vent.

Maybe some of you can relate.

In my youth, when I’d be around the elder folk. I used to wonder why they walked like they did. Bent, slow and shuffling their feet. Why they were constantly telling stories from their past. Why they couldn’t eat certain foods and why they smelled funny. Well not funny, but different.

I wondered why they couldn’t cut their toenails and why the women wore funky, baggy clothes. Polyester pants with elastic waist bands and blouses with pockets. You’d never see them in blue jeans and tank tops. I wondered why the ladies didn’t want to wear a bra and why my uncle chopped his food into tiny little pieces in order to eat.

Why it was that the elder folk seemed to yell at each other and why they couldn’t get in and out of the bathtub without help.

Why they would make up silly little words, like, blah, blah, blah, when they tried to express themselves and couldn’t remember where they put things. They were constantly saying, “I use to~”

Now, I know.

Getting older is a blessing. It is not for wimps or the faint of heart. It is a challenge every single day just to roll over in bed and getting out of the bed is a workout in itself.

So, I sit in quiet, and solitude and I wait for the hours to pass. Weather I’m here or not the hours will continue to go bye.

Young people, if I could only help you understand. Don’t take youth for granted. Don’t waste precious time. Once time is spent it can never be regained, it’s gone forever.

I used to sing a song, (There is that use too I was talking about.) I’d sing “One day at a time.” It was my signature song. I sang it many times in my youth as a solo in Church. Now looking back, I see it was prophetic.

I’m only human, I’m just a woman, Lord, help me believe in all that I am and all I can be, show me the stairway I have to climb, Lord for my sake, teach me to take, One day at a time.

One day at a time sweet Jesus, that’s all I’m asking from you. Just give me the strength to do every day what I have to do. Yesterday’s gone sweet Jesus and tomorrow may never be mine, Lord, help me today, show me the way, One day at a time.

Lord, I know you remember, as you walked among men, well Jesus you know as you’re looking below, it’s much worse now, than then, pushing and shoving clouding my mind, Lord, for my sake teach me to take, one day at a time.

It’s only at the end, well, maybe not the end just yet, but it’s not until many years later that you begin to realize what life is all about. Where it has taken you and where you are at this point.

Take it from an elder folk enjoy your life. Do the thing, you think you can’t and be kind to everyone you meet. We are all on this journey.

Make your journey meaningful.

You’ll have many, many disappointments. Let it go, forgive and move on.

The choices you make in your youth will determine what memories you’ll have when your youth has been spent. Spend it wisely.

There is absolutely no way for me to stress to you what the elder folk’s life, is, like, because you haven’t gotten there yet, but I can tell you from experience, I know what it is to be young and I know what it is to be elder…please, take my word for it and heed my instruction…enjoy the good times, have faith in the hard times and embrace the moments you’ve been blessed with. It will be gone before you know it. Did you just blink? That is how fast it goes. You’ll be there in a blink of an eye. I’ll be in heaven then.

Now, where did I put my phone, I need to call my boys! I miss them and love them more than all the time in the world or time to come!

Love,

An Elder folk

~Marla Shaw O’Neill March 24, 2025

Psalm 37:25 King James Version I have been young and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.

Ecclesiastes 3 King James Version To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

Tucked within my pocket is a smile just for you

And when I take it out, and share it, like I do…

Joy breaks forth like springtime, birds singing little tunes…

Butterflies giving kisses to each flower they choose…

Animals dancing as they watch~

Eyes brighten as their faces come alive…

A tiny bee in the garden, gathering nectar, for his hive…

Just a little Jesus, is all we really need

To spread a little sunshine, a little Jesus we receive…

You see…

The road often gets bumpy…and our burden too heavy to bear…

But with a little Jesus with hope and love to share…

Our cares don’t seem so heavy, friend, Jesus is always there!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill March 18, 2025

1 Peter 5:6-8 21st Century King James Version

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your cares upon Him, for He careth for you.