Hewn out of the rock, steep mountain flows with waters as tiny crystals dance…
Rainbows bow, in the sun…
Forest creatures sneak about to catch a glimpse of day-light
The cedars reach for the sky, while birds sing in sweet delight…
The dawning of a new day accepts the kiss of peace as life,
Awakens, yawns and begins again.
Our creator looks on with confidence, knowing we are His…
A sound so melodious pierces the quiet, His joy is heard in every heart…
God touches the earth with the kiss of peace…
Troubles cease…
Pain leaves…
Loneliness and doubt bends to the perfect will of God!
He places the kiss of peace on each cheek, smiles and says,
“Do not fear nor be afraid, for I am the Prince of Wholeness!”
~Marla Shaw O’Neill October 27, 2021
Psalm 29:11 The Passion Translation
11 This is the one who gives his strength and might to his people. This is the Lord giving us his kiss of peace. [i]
Footnote: i 29:11 In Jewish synagogues this psalm is read on the first day of the Feast of Pentecost. The Christian church was born on Pentecost two thousand years ago when the mighty “storm” of the Spirit came into the upper room. See Acts 2. The last word of this psalm is “peace.” It begins with a storm, but God brings his people peace even in the midst of storms.
Isaiah 41:10 New International Version
10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 9:5-7 The Message
2-7 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. For those who lived in a land of deep shadows— light! sunbursts of light! You repopulated the nation, you expanded its joy. Oh, they’re so glad in your presence! Festival joy! The joy of a great celebration, sharing rich gifts and warm greetings. The abuse of oppressors and cruelty of tyrants— all their whips and clubs and curses— Is gone, done away with, a deliverance as surprising and sudden as Gideon’s old victory over Midian. The boots of all those invading troops, along with their shirts soaked with innocent blood, Will be piled in a heap and burned, a fire that will burn for days! For a child has been born—for us! the gift of a son—for us! He’ll take over the running of the world. His names will be: Amazing Counselor, Strong God, Eternal Father, Prince of Wholeness. His ruling authority will grow, and there’ll be no limits to the wholeness he brings. He’ll rule from the historic David throne over that promised kingdom. He’ll put that kingdom on a firm footing and keep it going With fair dealing and right living, beginning now and lasting always. The zeal of God-of-the-Angel-Armies will do all this.
A little girl was born, I’ll call her Surely, because, she will live without danger or risk of injury or loss. She will cause everyone she meets along her way to be safe. She was sent by the Good Shepherd, Yeshua.
Two years later another little girl is born. I’m calling her Goodness, it’s the sixth fruit of the Spirit, which actually means holy, pure and righteousness. She will follow God with godliness in the way she lives her life with a heart that is pure.
And now a third little girl is born. I will call her Mercy. Mercy will walk with an attitude of forgiveness. When wronged or mistreated she will extend mercy, she will forgive, seventy-times- seven, because, her example is the Prince of Peace, Yeshua. And so, here is my story.
I walked alone in a desert place
Where life was hard and without a trace, of safety, love or grace.
My enemies lurked on every side. And had I not been Spirit filled,
I would have most certainly, died.
But Surely, followed me, keeping me safe…
Along with her sister’s Goodness and Mercy!
Goodness was pure and sweet.
Never a stranger did she meet.
For God dwelt within her.
All she’d meet was in awe.
They wanted to know this godly one, who followed me, in the darkened streets.
Mercy, was a gentle soul, but she was also, strong, holy and bold!
She followed me in solitude with quiet repose, forgiving all those, who dared to mock our God!
Forgiveness is a rare thing these days,
But in all our ways…when we forgive, we’ll be forgiven.
And as I live this Holy life, I’ll never be alone…
The house of the Lord is where I dwell, it will be my final home…
While, Surely, Goodness and Mercy, follow!
~Marla Shaw O’Neill October 20, 2021
I dedicate this poem to DeniseRenee Rand Dahlheimer
Psalm 23:6 New King James Version
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me, (Marla), All the days of my life; And I, (Marla) will [a]dwell in the house of the Lord [b]Forever.
Psalm 23:6 Or To the end of my days, lit. For length of days
Definitions of Surely, Goodness and Mercy
1: in a sure manner: a archaic: without danger or risk of injury or loss: safely.
The sixth fruit of the Spirit is goodness. … But the Bible tells us that the word ‘good’ actually means holy, pure and righteousness. Literally goodness is godliness. Goodness can often be seen in our actions, but our heart also has to be pure. The goodness of Christ is to be demonstrated in our lives every day. Sep 2, 2020
As Pope Francis writes in the very first sentence of Misericordiae Vultus,
“Jesus Christ is the face of God’s mercy.”
At its core, mercy is forgiveness.
Fill in your own name…
The Lord is Marla’s Shepherd
Surely, Goodness and Mercy will follow Marla all the days of her life and she will dwell in the house of the Lord forever!
Safety, purity and righteousness, as well as forgiveness…will follow me all the days of my life…
Gently nudging me to be still, so I can hear him say, “Child, I love you.”
Our small group has been studying “Frequency, Tune in to hear God” by Robert Morris. Today after the ladies and I met, I was going to write something about the Voice of God… so I typed in theVoice of God on Google and this beautiful song came up on YouTube.
The next few minutes turned into a precious time of worship and adoration with the Lord!
God is speaking all of the time, but in our busyness, we can’t hear him. We have to be intentional and quiet ourselves, and then listen. Sometimes he speaks through a friend, or, a foe. Sometimes through a Bible verse or a message preached. Sometimes he speaks through a stranger. Sometimes he speaks through a book or a song…but he especially loves to speak to us in a whisper. Because you have to be tuned in to hear him.
If you tune into the right frequency all the static ceases, all the worry and anxiety go away. The circumstances of life grow dim and is unimportant. When you hear that still, small, voice, in Hebrew it means, whisper. You know, that you know, it is the voice of our loving Heavenly Father. There’s a peace like no other sound. It’s the sound of peace. You’re in the space in between and God meets you there. By His Holy Spirit we are fed. We are led. We are whole and complete. The breath of God breathes on us and we are restored with new life!
Be still child of God and listen…God is speaking.
He wants to give you a revelation, something specifically for you today. Lean in to His whisper!
~Marla Shaw O’Neill October 19, 2021
1 Kings 19:11-13 New King James Version
God’s Revelation to Elijah
11 Then He said, “Go out, and stand on the mountain before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake;
12 and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire [a]a still small voice.
13 So it was, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave. Suddenly a voice came to him, and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”
My Children in whom I am well pleased. Your Worship is music to my heart and health to my bones (Spirit). You are loved, so deeply loved. You call me the Darling of heaven but you are my darling’s. Your praise is a sweet, sweet fragrance to my heart.
Do not be cast down. Do not lament and cry. Rejoice in me and know I’m taking care of all of it! I am moving on your behalf because you have loved me and followed hard after me. I am doing, I am moving in heaven and in earth to perform my will in your life through this life!
Worship brings fellowship…Worship brings the angels into your presence for you are in my presence because they are in my presence and that is where they dwell.
Stay child…stay a while longer and see, watch as I do abundantly more than you can think or imagine…I love you!
My darling’s you are mine and I am yours…
Rest in my shalom; wholeness, complete nothing broken, nothing shaken~
Whole in me!
Love, Papa God…
My son’s blood washes and it cleans, it refreshes and it sets free, it makes all things new…it removes all separation between us and we have perfect fellowship because of Him!
Nothing is to hard for me…says the Lord~ Have I not said and shall I not do it! Restore! Heal! Make new! Change the atmosphere to my sphere…Holy of holies…the hidden place made open to those who are mine…?
Be still for in the stillness of my presence there is Joy! There is healing! There is the message of Hope and Life! In My stillness you will receive refreshing and grace to live in this earth and live Victorious, without fear! No anxious thoughts can touch you in My stillness~
I bear you up on eagle’s wings to soar and not grow weary…to walk with me and you will not faint…I Am your Sustainer! I Am your Rock! I Am your Fortress and High Tower! I am your Hiding Place! Dwell in the stillness of My presence and receive all that is pure!
You reached out to me and I Am Glorified in your life! I am your everything. Provider, Deliverer, Redeemer, Holy Sacrifice, I Am your Light and Life, I Am your Savior and King! Only be still and you will see my salvation…says the Lord!
Yes, there is much to be accomplish and as you abide (stay in Me) We, together will accomplish all that you’ve been sent here to do in your life span. Stay humble and walk with me and you will not fail. I’ve got you in the very palm of my hand. Have faith and do not doubt for I have created you and called you and prepared you for this life!
Stay in Me and let Holy Spirit teach you, guide and comfort you all the way home.
For You Shall Live and Not Die and you will declare my wonderful works.
In Jesus My Son~
So be it!!
~Marla Shaw O’Neill
Song of Solomon 6:3-5 New King James Version
3 I am my beloved’s, And my beloved is mine. He feeds his flock among the lilies.
Praise of the Shulamite’s Beauty
The Beloved
4 O my love, you are as beautiful as Tirzah, Lovely as Jerusalem, Awesome as an army with banners! 5 Turn your eyes away from me, For they have overcome me. Your hair is like a flock of goats Going down from Gilead.
“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” 1 John 3:1
“What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. In the same way, your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish.” Matthew 18:12-14
“Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” Matthew 7:11-12
“If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth.” John 14:15-17
“The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” Romans 8:15-16
What does it look like, to live a life, for Jesus…?
Is it attending church regularly?
Is it praying without ceasing?
Is it helping the widow and orphans?
Is it traveling to foreign lands?
Is it giving money and time sacrificially?
Is it helping the people who are lost and needy?
Is it telling bible stories?
Is it preaching the good news?
Is it worshipping?
Is it singing songs?
Is it teaching, and exhorting…?
Is it witnessing for Jesus?
What does it look like, in the life of a believer, to live for God?
I thought about this and those questions came to mind. Then I thought some more and asked the Holy Spirit to show me what it looks like.
First it takes humility.
It means letting go of fear and anxiety.
Putting down pride and going to the Lord. How do you go to the Lord if you don’t know him? Glad you asked.
You seek out someone who does know him. Or, you just ask him.
“Lord, show me!”
Start with surrender. Realize you’re a sinner, meaning you’ve missed the mark with God. Then ask him. You can say something like this, “Jesus come into my heart, forgive me of my sins and be the Lord of my life. Show me how to live for you.” Then pick up a Holy Bible, the Word of God and start reading the four Gospels. There are different translations find one that you can read easily. Maybe the New International Version (NIV) or New King James (NKJV).
There is The Old Testament (OT) or (Covenant), located in the first part of the book. The second part of the book is called, The New Testament (NT) or (Covenant.) The first four books of the NT are Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. They will tell you the story of Jesus’s life.
Before long you’ll begin to know and understand what is expected of you. Become a student of God’s word don’t just read it, study it. You’ll find that Jesus says, do not put off gathering together with other believers on a regular basis. The believers are those who are of the family of the Lord Jesus Christ, which by the way, welcome to the family. You may ask why you do this? Well, because meeting together and reading God’s word, will help you with instructions on how to overcome the struggles in your life. You will encourage one another in the faith, and as you go from day to day, you’ll begin to mature and understand what being a child of God, is all about. You’ll begin the process of being transformed into His likeness.
You will want to be, more like Jesus. You’ll take on His likeness. You’ll become kind and gentle and patient and faithful. You’ll love people even when they don’t love you back. The world’s attractions won’t entice you like they once did. And you’ll want others to know Jesus too.
Your character will change. You’ll go from being angry all of the time to being calmer. You won’t be perfect, remember it’s a process. But your attitudes will change. Circumstances may not change at least not right away, but things will be different inside of you. And, also remember it is by faith through grace that we live. We couldn’t earn salvation or deserve it. It is the free gift of God through Jesus Christ.
You’ll discover that He has given you gifts to use in His service. Maybe become a teacher or preacher or an evangelist. Maybe a missionary. Or maybe just a better you at what you do.
What does it look like?
For everyone it is different but I promise, you will not be the same, because the Holy Spirit now lives inside of you. Full access to our loving Holy God, who loves you without limits. You are unique. You are an individual. God doesn’t make robots you still have a free will to make up your mind you have a choice. But as you grow closer to the Lord, you may say how do I do that? By having a quiet time to talk to the Lord and let him talk to you. He talks to us through his word. Through others. Through a song. You’ll begin to recognize when it’s him and when it’s your mind or the enemy. Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you about that. But as you read God’s word, you’ll discover many things. But we won’t go into that right now.
Just keep it simple. Pray, which means to communicate with Jesus the Holy Spirit will guide you. Read the Bible. God’s word. Stay in the four gospels at first, because it is less confusing that way. And attend Church, to worship and fellowship with other believers. Do those things and before long you’ll discover what it looks like to live for God! It’s not a bunch of rules this journey with Jesus is a way of life. Fall in love with Jesus and you’ll know exactly what to do and what it should and should not look like.
God bless you on your journey!
~Marla Shaw O’Neill September 29, 2021
Romans 10:8-11 New King James Version8 But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith which we preach): 9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
1 John 1:9 New International Version9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Hebrews 10:25 Living Bible25 Let us not neglect our church meetings, as some people do, but encourage and warn each other, especially now that the day of his coming back again is drawing near.
Oh, hear my heart today…if you are struggling with fear, doubt, unbelief, mistrust, if you are angry and don’t know why, if you’re frustrated and complacent, if your just plain tired…Listen, God wants to talk to you.
My Dear Child,
Don’t you know that you are loved beyond measure? That means there are no limits to the love I have for you. There is no disease, weapon, enemy, demon, virus, hate, there is nothing that can take my love from you. YOU ARE LOVED! Don’t look at the world’s chaos and think there is no hope. You, as my child, have hope. Your Hope comes from the LORD the Maker of Heaven and Earth. Do not be cast down. Do not become discouraged and lifeless. I have given you New Life through my Son, Jesus. Do you sense the unsettling condition in the atmosphere? I told you, in my Word, there would be wars and rumors of wars. I told you there would be trouble in the world. But to be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world. Have you forgotten who I Am? Have you believed the lies for so long you don’t remember the truth?
It is I, who holds the whole world in my hands and MY Hands are not small…with my own hands I created you. It is I who gives you, life, to live, and not die.
Do not fear, or be afraid of what man, says, he can do to you…yes, he can kill your body but he cannot kill your soul. You are an eternal being and you are mine.
You are worried and troubled about many things…but listen…draw near to me, (God), resist the devil and he will flee from you.
Like the song Champion says, When you open up your mouth, miracles come breaking out…you have the authority…
I have given you my Authority to throw the demons out, to heal the sick, to even raise the dead all it takes is faith in me!
I will tell you this, times are changing in the earth but I am still in control…
All I ask from you is that you do not let fear rob you of the life I have given you. Use wisdom, be wise as a serpent but harmless as a dove. Fight the good fight of faith and keep your heart and mind stayed on me; because you trust in me. I have given you my peace that passes all understanding. I don’t want you to live in fear. I want you to thrive and grow and tell my good news to others. All over the world my children are praying…some are sick and some are dying. You see, this life is only a stopping off place. A place to learn and grow and teach others that they have a savior and a friend forever. I will never, ever leave you. And when you draw your last breath here on earth, you will take a new breath in a new place I have prepared for you. Stop fretting. Stop crying. Stop complaining. Stop hating. Just Stop!! Get cleaned up, take a Jesus-bath, and worship. Hear me loud and clear child, I Am With You All the Way!!!
Hear and now, live, and don’t think for one moment you are alone. For I Am with you! See, the miracle of life. Watch the sunrise and sunset. Listen to the birds singing. Walk in the rain and climb mountains. Hear the Good News, And when you are driving in traffic, pray for the other drivers on the road. They too, are struggling. You, be the example of my love and know that I am taking care of it all.
Let my love, my perfect love, throw fear as far as the east is from the west and walk in the authority and grace, I have shown you. Love one another.
~Yours forever Papa God…
~Marla Shaw O’Neill September 28, 2021
38 So now I live with the confidence that there is nothing in the universe with the power to separate us from God’s love. I’m convinced that his love will triumph over death, life’s troubles, fallen angels, or dark rulers in the heavens. There is nothing in our present or future circumstances that can weaken his love.39 There is no power above us or beneath us—no power that could ever be found in the universe that can distance us from God’s passionate love, which is lavished upon us through our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One! Romans 8:38-39 The Passion Translation
Just me, sweet-tea and Jesus, with my Bible and Joe…
Joe yawns and scratches his hind leg, then lays his head back down,
Lazy in the sunshine watching birds fly all around.
Butterflies fluttering, flowers all in bloom
I sing out into the open skies on this pleasant afternoon…
Sweet-tea and Jesus is all you really need…
“Rock of ages cleft for me, let me hide myself in thee!”
~Marla Shaw O’Neill September 21, 2021
Psalm 34:8
The Message Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see— how good God is. Blessed are you who run to him.
Psalm 34:8
The Passion Translation Drink deeply of the pleasures of this God. Experience for yourself the joyous mercies he gives to all who turn to hide themselves in him.
In the stillness of the morning just before the dawn,
I hear him gently whisper
Child, awaken, I yawn…
He speaks in quiet whispers
I lean-in, to catch each word…
Raptured in His presence, tis the sweetest sound I’ve ever heard…
No interruptions as I listen
No hurrying at this time…
Loving, caring conversation, of the supernatural kind…
From the heart of my blessed savior, I know he’s all mine…
Ears alert, heart tuned in,
Every fiber of my being transcends beyond space and time…
Instructions, sometimes correction as a loving father would give…
These words of life I’m given, helps me to live…
Bold, steadfast, immovable, Holy Spirit my guide
Hearing Him whisper, as he speaks here, by my side…
Listen, and you will hear, His quiet, loving voice,
In the stillness of the morning make Him your holy choice…
Awaken from your slumber, within the quiet place,
In the coolness of the day
Wait…and when he’s finished speaking, simply, obey…
You see, you won’t hear Him in the mighty wind,
Nor in the quaking earth, He won’t be in the raging fire…
But, may your deepest desire, find Him in His still small voice
He’ll come to you in the morning, just before the dawn
Like a quiet, peaceful fawn…
Whispers of the Father…whispers, whispers, whispers…
I awaken and yawn…Shhh…. I whisper, good morning, Papa
~Marla Shaw O’Neill September 20, 2021
1 Kings 19:11-13
New King James Version
God’s Revelation to Elijah
11 Then He said, “Go out, and stand on the mountain before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; 12 and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire [a]a still small voice.
13 So it was, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave. Suddenly a voice came to him, and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”
This incredible world, we’ve come to love so much.
Kissing babies and petting pets, helping others, not dread but let’s,
Come together, holding hands, building God’s kingdom on the solid rock, not sinking sand…
There are faraway places some will reach, but draw near to the Savior and only him preach
His word and truth are all you need, you are the light, go plant the seed…
And when you boast, let it be of him…
Showing His love to all of them…
Far and wide and seek Him most, let Him fill you with the Holy Ghost!
To serve; not to be served…
To give and not to take…
To bless, when all around us people want to hate…
Soar above the chaos, for all who wait
Will mount up with wings like eagles
Child, don’t hesitate…
Lord, they spat upon you, and tore your beard,
They plunged your side, with a sharpened spear
Their lies, caused hearts to tremble with fear…
Listen to the message and draw near…
It was for this cause, Jesus bled and died…
Freely, He gave up His life…
Forgive them Father, was your reply…
So that you and I, would have eternal life!
Let go of the distractions, the noise and busyness, take action…
And as you travel through this journey…
Pray…
Lord Jesus, save me, so that I can show others, You, are the way!
Though storms arise and fire, fall, though homes and lands cease,
Though death and heartache have shattered your dreams…
This is not the end…
Remember, the journey is not what it seems,
By faith, be bold and courageous, stand true for Jesus Christ
For it’s in His name we move and breathe and have our being
What awaits is beyond the seeing…
Oh, the love that God has prepared for us, as we walk with him in trust…
The devil’s due is coming soon, His evil will be crushed…
For the joy that comes in the morning light…
Will be worth this worldly fight!
Oh, victory in Jesus, my savior forever, He sought me and he bought me with His redeeming love!
He loved me ere, I knew him and all my love is due him. He plunged me to victory, beneath the cleansing flood (Lyrics by E.M. Bartlett) ….
~Marla Shaw O’Neill September 16, 2021
Matthew 5:14-17
New International Version
14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Painting by Altusfineart.com
