Inspirational

GUIDANCE

Posted on by Marla

6 Samuel was displeased with their request and went to the Lord for guidance.
1 Samuel 8:6New Living Translation (NLT)

G U I D A N C E –
God, U and I Dance!
I’ve cried off and on for two days, gentle tears but steady…I can sense her presence all around me. I miss her. So today I was reading something she wrote. Mom loved to take words, rearrange the letters and get a message from them…
Like my name. She looked at the word alarm on her alarm clock, rearranged the letters and came up with Marla. That was in 1954. There weren’t any names like that in Alabama when I was born. Today I have many friends, named, Marla. They are everywhere. LOL!
So in one of mom’s sermons she took the word guidance and saw in it…God U and I dance. I don’t know if she read it someplace or if she saw it herself. But however it was found, God brought it to my attention today.
Can you imagine dancing with God? When my boys were little I’d have them stand on top of my feet and we’d dance together to God’s music.
Today I will stand on top of my Father God’s feet, letting him lead, and guide me as I rest in his embrace. We will dance together all around His throne room. I will also imagine that my mom is dancing there even now and I will let that vision fill my heart with JOY, knowing all is well in the presence of God!
God together You and I Dance!
By: Marla Shaw O’Neill 9.20.2015©
Inspirational

Forgiven Much; Love Much!

Posted on by Marla
‘Adonai…’
The room grows silent…
The woman bows to the floor, before the master and begins to weep.
Her tears wash His feet as love is poured from her heart
She breaks the alabaster jar…a years wages…
Fragrance permeates the air…gasps from the others staring in disbelief
As the woman touches the Rabi’s feet anointing them with costly oil…
A woman of sin, unclean. She must not touch him.
‘Adonai my fair one, lover of my soul I adore thee.’
Tears flow from her eyes; eyes that have seen such heartache, rejection and pain
Broken and alone…she finds love she’s never known. She kisses his feet.
She gently touches them with her hands, tender and with reverence … then she wipes them with her hair…not knowing that soon they will be pierced and nailed to a tree….
The others watch in disgust at the spectacle she makes of herself…
Jesus looks at the woman he does not reprimand her but allows her to honor him…
He looks at his host.
 “Who of you offered to wash my feet or kiss me, when I entered your home?”
Jesus knew the hearts of everyone present…He knew their sin….
To the woman he says, “Your sins are forgiven.”
When you are forgiven much, you love much!
Adonai is the plural of Adon, meaning Lord, LORD, master or owner (the word Adon derives from a Ugaritic word meaning “lore” or “father.”)
Luke 7:36-50 New Living Translation (NLT)

Jesus Anointed by a Sinful Woman

One of the Pharisees asked Jesus to have dinner with him, so Jesus went to his home and sat down to eat. When a certain immoral woman from that city heard he was eating there, she brought a beautiful alabaster jar filled with expensive perfume. 38 Then she knelt behind him at his feet, weeping. Her tears fell on his feet, and she wiped them off with her hair. Then she kept kissing his feet and putting perfume on them.

When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know what kind of woman is touching him. She’s a sinner!”

When Jesus answered his thoughts. “Simon,” he said to the Pharisee, “I have something to say to you.”

“Go ahead, Teacher,” Simon replied.

Then Jesus told him this story: “A man loaned money to two people—500 pieces of silver to one and 50 pieces to the other. But neither of them could repay him, so he kindly forgave them both, canceling their debts. Who do you suppose loved him more after that?”

Simon answered, “I suppose the one for whom he canceled the larger debt.”

“That’s right,” Jesus said. Then he turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Look at this woman kneeling here. When I entered your home, you didn’t offer me water to wash the dust from my feet, but she has washed them with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You didn’t greet me with a kiss, but from the time I first came in, she has not stopped kissing my feet. You neglected the courtesy of olive oil to anoint my head, but she has anointed my feet with rare perfume.

“I tell you, her sins—and they are many—have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love.”  Then Jesus said to the woman, “Your sins are forgiven.”

The men at the table said among themselves, “Who is this man that he goes around forgiving sins?”

And Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

(Greek 500 denarii. A denarius was equivalent to a laborer’s full day’s wage.) These men sitting at the table said among themselves, “WHO IS THIS MAN THAT HE GOES AROUND FORGIVING SINS? Luke 7:49-50

They didn’t know him…they didn’t know they were sitting in the very presence of God…God they professed to be following. They had the look, the wealth, the clothes, the house, they were clean on the outside but inside they were lost, empty and blind. Jesus knew their hearts. What did he do? He told them a story.
Then He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you, go in peace.”
Prayer: Jesus, help us today to sit at your feet and wash them with our tears. Let us kiss you and love you with a pure heart. Help us to love you by loving others. Not for what you can do for us, but because you are worthy to receive all honor and all glory. Amen
~Marla Shaw O’Neill September 20, 2015©
 
Inspirational

Inside Out

Posted on by Marla
 
Tiny cracks within the rock
I’m looking from the inside out
Brightest light of middle day
Burst; revealing; heart is true
The only one who sees, is me
Holy Spirit born of thee
Breaks the rock and sets me free!

By: Marla Shaw O’Neill ©September 17, 2015
 

Inspirational

Sarah what will you do today?

Posted on by Marla
An excerpt from my book…’Sing Sarah Sing.’

“Sarah what will you do today?” God asked.

“Lord what would you have me do?” asked Sarah.

“Sing for me Sarah, sing the Angel Song.” God’s light shot out in every direction as He smiled.

Sarah closed her eyes and sang out through heavens portals.

Philomel spread her wings wide as she glided to the floor and escorted Sarah into the throne room. She smiled, stood to one side for Sarah to walk ahead, and said, “After you Sarah.”

A procession of angels stood with their wings spread out creating a radiant canopy over Sarah as she walked past each one. There was Rose-el, Sage, Garth, Stephan-Arrow, Zarta-el all the guardians of her life. Fifty generals, seventy musicians and one hundred infantry angels gathered on each side of the golden street; bowing their heads as she walked past. Showing honor and gratitude to a servant of God! A life lived in service for His Majesty the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Everyone in one accord began singing The Angel Song as Sarah entered into the very presence of the Lord!

She looked at her hands there were no wrinkles or crooked fingers from the arthritis; she stood without being bent or in pain. She didn’t hesitate she was giddy, she was young, her skin wasn’t brown or white…it glowed with the radiance of the master. Twirling in a dance of tremendous joy she could not contain her happiness. Her pure white robe an abundance of fine linen flared out in a circle around her like a ballroom dancer, she abandoned all thought of self …suddenly realizing she was in the presence of a heavenly host, she stopped. Standing before her was a glorious throne. Cheri bums and Seraphim fluttered around the throne joyfully. The music was energizing as it permeated the air around her. Then everything got very still. Sarah threw herself, face down on the floor as she recognized the master.

Inspirational

Unseen Hands

Posted on by Marla

Unseen Hands
Lying prostrate before the Lord, she’s alone praying in the stillness…
Tears of loss and tears of hope; rise before the throne…
Unaware of the angels presence, and the hands that hold her near,
They listen to her hearts cry, and this is what they hear…
‘Gracious, Loving, Heavenly Father,
Wash my heart today; I come humbly before you, please hear what I have to say,
There are so many dying, afraid, and fearful, they want to run away…
The pain and suffering in our world, grows stronger every day…
Savior, Healer, Provider; Maker and Keeper of all…
Draw them by your Holy Spirit, and do not let them fall,
Into the hands of the evil one, he kills their dreams and lives, steals their joy and salvation, then
destroys hope and sends despair.
Holy One they are blinded and lost without, a prayer…
But you my God have given me a heart of Warrior prayer…
A burden for lost souls, please grant grace, for their welfare…
I am only one, a warrior down on my face…before your throne O God,
give me mercy and give me grace…
Pray without ceasing….Hear the battle cries…
Save their dying souls Jesus, there’s no need to question why…
Into your loving unseen hands, is where our victory lies!
The angels wipe her tears away at the anguish of the fight…
And in the midst of the climax they, SCREAM…
‘GOD HEARS, AND WITH UNSEEN HANDS, DEFEATS THE DEVIL’S SCHEMES…’
You cannot see the fighting, going on in the spirit realm…
But unseen hands are there guiding, protecting; because of prayer fought on the ground…
His sword is drawn, He strikes His mark…
Prayer, He’s heard, from His warrior in the dark…
She’s on her face…before Her King…prayer destroying yokes of bondage, by His hands
unseen…
Fighting the demons, while on her face, she wails…the battle rages on, freeing captives, battles
won…
Never let go of God’s unseen hand, even though, you don’t understand, His strategic battle plan…
The grace, the mercy, the heart of God; beseeched in prayer by the warrior true; conquered demons to
set souls free…
unseen hands are fighting for thee!
~Marla Shaw O’Neill September 9, 2015©
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, and against the worldly governors, the princes of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness, which are in the high places. Ephesians 6:12.1599 Geneva Bible
Inspirational

Hidden Treasure

Posted on by Marla
Hidden Treasure
 
Driving down an old dirt road, something I see catches my eye…
I stop to investigate, and there I see a broken vessel and so I sigh…
Weathered by dirt and years of old paint, broken furniture full of decay
I’ll pick it up, take it home, since no one wants it anyway
Hum, says I… picking up this old piece,
I think to myself, well, wonders never cease…
Stripping away years of white paint, lacquer, varnish, dirt and mold
A treasure I see, as I behold; oak in its solid state
Sanding and stripping the wood I find…
What beauty lies beneath…?
Taking it to its original grain…no more covering with paint, no more awful stain…
Years of use, the memories of life, it must contain…
Stories of lives, silent, remain, buried within this old chest…
Thought your days were finally done, but no, it was just a test…
Resting awhile but nothing was won…
The journey’s not over it’s just begun…
Taken the old and made brand new
I still have a place in this world for you!
Don’t think for one minute your life is through…
Just because someone gets rid of you…
What treasure we miss, when passing some by
With one look closer you may find a surprise…
Be willing to invest in someone disguised…
You’ll miss God’s mercy if you are unwise…
He empties the vessel to start something new…
Looks past all the layers, caked inside of you…
Ripping and stripping with each swipe of His hand
The carpenter Jesus always understands…
You may be old and thrown away, but God has sent
His carpenter, for you, today…
A treasure more precious than rubies or gold…
Is seen underneath all that dirt and mold…
A vessel of honor you’re called to be…
As the old is removed, and your story is told;
Even if you’re left, beside an old dusty road!
By Marla Shaw O’Neill ©September 3, 2015

Inspirational

All I Ask

Posted on by Marla

 

Rising early in the morning I watched the sun, rise.
Its warmth and beauty filled my soul as I heard the seagull’s cry.
I walked along the seashore as a breeze gently blew.
And in that precise moment I felt his presence and knew…
The day was almost over, time does not stand still.
I asked my heavenly father to show me his perfect will…
He whispered softly to me, are you ready for that my child.
I answered a most assuredly, Yes Lord, and stood quietly to hear…
Love others without question, stick closer than a brother,
Honor your father and your mother.
With all your heart, delight yourself in me.
My perfect will is this child; that all mankind would know.
My perfect love is what I give, because I love them so…
Oh, open your eyes and see beyond the curtain, life is waiting for you now!
I only ask that you seek me; with your whole heart kneel and bow…
I loved you from the beginning and I love you now…
Lift up your eyes from whence cometh your help…
See me from the inside out…
What more can I do I’ve given all; give your life, and take the call
I’ve called you to serve, stand humble yet tall.
I am God; I am your Abba; The First and The Last
Give me your heart that’s all I ask.
~Marla Shaw O’Neill 7/7/15

 Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4 (ESV)

Inspirational

Mommy’s Rolling Pin

Posted on by Marla

 
Mommy’s Rolling Pin
My mommy has a rolling pin
I watch her roll the dough
Making my favorite pastries
The ones that I love so
The rolling pin is made of wood
I watch it as it spins
She adds the nuts and chocolate chips
Eggs and vanilla all filled within
Spinning over the mixture I see
What a delight she’ll be giving me
I watch the wooden rolling pin; spin, spin, spin.
If not for mommy’s rolling pin
No pastries would I savor
Of dough that holds delicious nuggets
Full of freshly sweet, baked flavor.
My mommy’s wooden rolling pin, now sits upon my shelf
And just for the fun of it…I’ll roll some dough myself!
By: Marla Shaw O’Neill 7/6/2015©
 
Inspirational

My Teddy Bear Moe-Care

Posted on by Marla

 

My Teddy Bear
Sitting there upon the shelf the one I made all by myself
Is a fluffy, little brown bear, whose name is Moe-Care.
Moe-Care and I were the best of friends
He’d go wherever I’d go…
A trip outside in my wagon, Oh, I love him so…
At nighttime, my companion
He’d chase the woolies away…
Woolies are the scary ones they don’t come out in the day.
Shaking under the covers they hope to make you cry…
They tickle your toes and wiggle your nose, while all you do is sigh
But Moe-Care and I, we’d snuggle tight when the lights went out at night…
And just when I thought, I’d be swallowed up, by the woolies in my room
Moe-Care with courage, fought strong and true, to chase away the doom
So if you have a teddy bear that’s worn, whose coat is bear…
Keep him up upon the shelf…
Telling Woolies, “You better Be Wear.”

By: Marla Shaw O’Neill 7/4/2015©