The Letter
This story was on my Facebook Memory page today. It still blesses me even now when I need it more than ever. Thank you, God, and thank you Mom! I love you. July 16, 2015, the anniversary of mom going home to Heaven.
Good morning precious friends, brothers and sisters,
I’ve been struggling with some things lately and I’d like to share this with you if you don’t mind.
A few weeks ago, I watched a movie and in this movie the mother had died but she had written letters and left them in various places she knew each child would find. I thought how wonderful that would be and I wished that my mom had left a letter for us and I would like to do that for my children. Then I thought, oh well what better message could mom have left us than the way she lived her life. Still, it would have been nice. So, I picked up her Bible and read it, but no letters were there. I wondered if maybe she had written something in some of her other journals, but I’ve gone through all of them and didn’t find anything for us personally.
I have not felt very good lately, physically and emotionally. Missing my mom and my family it’s really difficult at times especially when you are growing older, and time seems to fly by so quickly and yet at times as if it is standing still. But you know what? God hears us even when we whisper the simplest request…
Over the last four days I began having heart palpitations and so very tired, so on the third day I went to see the doctor. He said it wasn’t life threatening and he would order a heart monitor and we’d go from there. I have been sleeping a lot because I just don’t have any energy. This morning I woke and felt stronger, I know prayers have been going up for me. God is faithful.
So, I ate some breakfast, let me back up a minute. About a month ago the Holy Spirit spoke to my spirit and instructed me to read from the Bible the Epistles; I read some and then got distracted. This morning He reminded me to go back and keep reading the Epistles. I decided to read from a Bible called Women of Faith Study Bible, I had not read from it in years. I read my Spirit Filled Bible, but it was by my bed.
I read the book of 2 Peter and onto 1John when some papers fell out of the back of the Bible. It was an email from November 2007, which my sister Barbara had sent to me when I was working. I guess I had tucked it in my Bible. It was about being an old person. I noticed there was something handwritten on the back and so I opened and read…
Dear Marla,
By mistake Clyde brought your Bible up here to the hospital thinking it was mine. Today is Feb. 26, 2010, the anniversary of Mama’s passing, this note reminded me of her and the way she thought. It brought a little tug at my heart, but peace too. Because I know someday, I will be gone too. But not forgotten. The last phrase got to me, like not wasting time about the past. Like Sister Nora always says, “flush it” Please forgive me for writing on your letter, but I need to tell you that you and Barbara mean the world to me, and I’ve always been proud of you. May God bless you with Wisdom and Understanding and Much Peace. Know too that there are not perfect people “only forgiven.” With God’s mercy and help we will make it.
In your Bible I read this written by:
Alice Cary-1820-1871
There are briers besetting every path,
Which call for patient care;
There is a cross in every lot,
And in need of earnest prayer,
But a humble heart that leans on the Lord
Is happy anywhere!
Love you darling girl be happy!
It was a message especially for me from my mom. It was no mistake. I burst out crying because God had heard my heart’s desire and just when I needed my mom the most there, she was telling me to be happy.
You cannot tell me there is no God. You cannot tell me he doesn’t answer prayer…too many times…he’s spoken to me and shown me his grace and love and help. Even to give me a simple letter from my mother who has since gone to heaven July will be two years. It was no mistake that I picked up that Bible. God knew the letter was there and he had wanted me to find it and today as I obeyed his prompting his precious gift was there waiting for me.
Tears are flowing, tears of joy because mom had left me a special letter after all these years it was there waiting for me to find it on this day when I needed her encouragement and love. No, she will never be forgotten…I love you mom! And God, I love you beyond life!!! Thank you! Amen.
~Marla Shaw O’Neill June 29, 2021
Habakkuk 2:1-3 New King James Version
The Just Shall Live by Faith
2 I will stand my watch And set myself on the rampart, And watch to see what He will say to me, And what I will answer when I am corrected.
The Just Live by Faith
2 Then the Lord answered me and said:
“Write the vision And make it plain on tablets, That he may run who reads it. 3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry.
The Crazy Train
If you’re living on the crazy train and it’s taking you round and round…
Get off at the next stop…you don’t have to be Hell-bound…
We’ve bought the ticket, and given in, to the ride that seems to never end
But just around the next bend is the crazy train’s last stop
Gather your belongings, your family and friends and let the crazy end…
You’ve been spinning plates for far too long
Juggling family, and work no play, no happy song…
Living on the crazy train, keeps you locked in guilt and shame
It’s up to you, now, to get off this train…
You’ve tried before you’ve even begged the Lord…
But you never ever opened the door
To let Him in to stop this crazy insane ride
Listen, there’s more…
People driving way to fast, they don’t stop, they step on the gas
They can’t stop even if they tried, the devil’s got them on this crazy slide…
It’s a ride to indecisions, sunk beneath an avalanche of bills, divorce rampant, hate fueling the flames
This is no game…demons laughing, all the while keeping you on this train…
There is One though, who can save you, and it’s in His Name
Every knee will bow, every tongue will confess, That Jesus, is, God’s Son.
It’s by His power we overcome…
Pull the cord and stop the train…
Life is more than torment and blame…
Next Stop, Victory Depot…
Last chance to pull the cord…
Listen to the voice of the Lord…
Oh, things may not change over night
But child, I can tell you, everything will be alright
When you get off the crazy train and trust in Jesus Holy Name
Read His word, keep Him in your heart…
He’ll give you direction and a brand-new start…
Where crazy has to obey his command
When you ask, seek, knock and stand
Firm on the solid rock not sinking sand…
The crazy train comes to a stop
Let me off, this is where I drop
All my cares and worries and fears
There at Victory Depot I hear laughter and cheers
Living by faith and no longer by sight…
The crazy train departs, I’m no longer a passenger
I’m given wings for a whole new flight
Waving good-bye, embracing my life,
Resting in the Holy light!
Good night!
~Marla Shaw O’Neill June 28, 2021
Hebrews 12:1-3
New International Version
12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
PEACE
Quiet your spirit; come dwell in the secret place
The place of shalom…
Silence…
Shhh…
Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord!
He is, Prince of Peace…
Let His Holy breath fill your lungs
As life is renewed and restored!
Come with me into the Holy of Holies…
There is no fear, no anxiety, no troubles, no rejection…
In the Holy place you’ll find Jesus
He’s within you and leads you into all truth
He will not let you fall…
In the Holy place you’ll find peace, because He is peace…
Do not let your heart be troubled
Let go of all anxiety and enjoy this moment with the giver of life…
He is the river, that is constantly flowing, bringing life to everything in the river
The trees are stronger and greener, the fish are innumerable, the foliage is vibrant and thriving, the water, clear and clean and cool…drink of the river of life and you will never be thirsty again…
Like the wine he made at the wedding at Cana, this river is unpolluted, it’s nutritious, like nothing you’ve ever drank before…you can drink anytime and be refreshed…
Peace, like a river flows…it is flowing right now…Come and drink!
Let His Peace immerse you and surround you…like dolphins swimming in the sea…giddy and joyful, jumping in and out of the water with total innocent delight…
Enter into the sea of peace!!
Jesus, Jesus…
Shalom-Shalom…
~Marla Shaw O’Neill June 25, 2021
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” –Numbers 6:24-26
These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. –John 16:33
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. –Matthew 5:9
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. –John 14:27
The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace. –Psalm 29:11
How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” –Isaiah 52:7
Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all. –2 Thessalonians 3:16
John 7:37-39
The Passion Translation
Rivers of Living Water
37 Then on the most important day of the feast, the last day,[a] Jesus stood and shouted out to the crowds—“All you thirsty ones, come to me! Come to me and drink! 38 Believe in me so that rivers of living water will burst out from within you, flowing[b] from your innermost being, just like the Scripture says!”[c]
39 Jesus was prophesying about the Holy Spirit that believers were being prepared to receive.[d] But the Holy Spirit had not yet been poured out upon them, because Jesus had not yet been unveiled in his full splendor.[e]
Footnotes
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7:37 When man’s feasting is over there is still thirst. Jesus comes at the last day of the feast to satisfy the thirst of those who seek God. Only the Lord Jesus can quench the spiritual thirst of men by giving them his living water.
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7:38 The root word used here is the same as the River Jordan, which means “flowing” (down).
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7:38 Or “rivers of living water will flow from his throne within.” See Isa. 44:3; 55:1; 58:11; Ezek. 47:1; Rev. 22:1. A drink becomes a river!
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7:39 As translated from the Aramaic.
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7:39 This splendor included the splendor of the cross, the splendor of his resurrection, and the glory of his ascension into heaven. Just as water poured out of the rock that was struck by Moses, so from the wounded side of Jesus living water poured out to heal, save, and bring life to everyone who believes. The Holy Spirit poured out of Christ and into the church at Pentecost.
The Gift Giver
Looking for that special gift to give with awe and surprise
Knowing when they open it, tears of joy will fill their eyes
Crafted and chosen especially for them,
The Gift Giver waits for just the right time…
Knowing what this person desires, and they have no clue
What’s waiting, all wrapped up, in love for you.
The Gift Giver extends his package with care
And right then and there…
Eyes wide open, it’s a glorious surprise
“What’s this,” you ask, as he smiles and replies
I am the Gift Giver this gift is for you…
It’s something you’ve longed for, there’s nothing more to do…
Open the gift and all will be revealed…
You’re excited and thrilled as you open and find…
Love pouring out, of a supernatural kind…
Joy so full you cannot speak
Peace for the journey; you are awe-struck and meek
Wrapped in angel cloth you unfold and see
Ten thousand tiny prayer-wings all glittering…
These are the souls of the prayers you have given
The Gift Giver pauses, then takes a breath, they are all now in heaven…
Because you prayed and gave faithfully
This gift, is for you, it’s given gracefully…
You live your life as a sacrifice, holy and acceptable to me…
The Gift Giver was sought, not for what he had brought…
Miracles and daily bread…
You found me as you bowed your head…
You gave me away each morning and night
Souls for the Kingdom, you let your light
Shine in the darkness when no one else would.
Take these gifts as you travel on the straight and narrow road
Let go of the burdens give up your heavy load…
And as you give my gift away
Love will always find you; it will forever stay…
I am the Gift Giver; I have given you this to hold…
As you live by faith all will unfold.
This passion for the one who loves you most
Is Papa God, Jesus and the Holy Ghost…
Humbled and elated you lean in and kiss the Gift Giver.
Thank you, for all of this!
~Marla Shaw O’Neill June 23, 2021
John 3:16-17 The Passion Translation
16 For here is the way God loved the world—he gave his only, unique Son as a gift.[a] So now everyone who believes in him[b] will never perish but experience everlasting life.
17 “God did not send his Son into the world to judge and condemn the world, but to be its Savior and rescue it![c]
Footnotes
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3:16 Or “God proved he loved the world by giving his Son.”
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3:16 Or “believe into him.” Salvation and regeneration come only by faith. True faith (Gr. pistis) contains a number of components: acceptance, embracing something (someone) as truth, union with God and his Word, and an inner confidence that God alone is enough.
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3:17 The Aramaic is “so that they shall live by his hand” (of power).
Broken
An alabaster box was broken
So that sweet perfume could fill the air anointing the Lord!
Broken stones written on by God, were broken
So that God’s word could be heard.
Bread and fish were broken
So that five thousand could be fed and led to know that Jesus
Is the Son of God.
Trumpets were blown and pitchers were broken
So that the walls could come down not a word was spoken
Shouts of praise hit the mark…
Jesus’ body was torn his heart broken
So that we could be made whole!
When we are broken, we are humbled
So that when we are put back together
We become a sweet-smelling savor to the Lord!
Not the same, there is a difference
Brought about, only, by brokenness!
~Marla Shaw O’Neill June 15, 2021
Psalm 34:18 Nothing helps a broken heart heal faster than unconditional love.
Matthew 5:4 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Isaiah 40:31 31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.
Broken But Not Forsaken
Broken, shattered, we move through life in a misty fog
Praying, “Where are you God?”
In our minds we feel alone, afraid and disconnected from the human race…
He has not left us; his arms are around us, filling us with his love and grace…
We can’t feel him, we can’t feel anything only a numbness, like the walking dead
We go through the motions of living but we are not alive.
Not emotionally, mentally or physically…
People looking at us can’t tell
We may wear a smile, go to work, do the every day things that look like living
But we have shut down on the inside…
In the night hours when others are sleeping, we lie awake in the dark weeping…
Hear me broken one, you are not alone
I’ve come to comfort you and bring you home.
Lift up your head, you are not dead…yes, pain is real, but I’ve come to heal
Your broken, down-cast spirit.
Open your heart, open your eyes, open your ears
Can’t you hear it…
Sorrow is for the night but joy comes in the morning!
It’s morning Child…put on the garment of Praise for the spirit of heaviness
My love is measureless and I am pouring my Spirit into your life…
Come alive!!
And when you are restored do what I’ve chosen and called you to do!
You will be like the balm of Gilead
Restoring others to life in me!
~Marla Shaw O’Neill June 15, 2021
ISAIAH 61:1-3
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.
All You Need is Love
Lil story I have to share with you! My daughter-in-law(love) Mary, sends me little recorded text messages of the babies doing different, cute little things, she knows I will love.
Today as I was preparing for our ladies group meeting I prayed and I really wanted the Lord to fill our hearts with his love. This was our very first gathering for this season and I had not met all of the ladies attending but I knew in my heart God hand picked them for this specific gathering, time and place.
As I was preparing everything I was filled with joy and happiness as I was getting everything ready. It was like I was preparing for the royal family to arrive. And in fact we are a royal priesthood, a chosen generation, a Holy Nation…family of the King.
I heard a ding on my phone so I opened it and I was elated with such joy and delight. My 6 year old grandson Elias. His mom said she recorded him singing in the shower…I laughed and cried tears of joy as I heard him sing…”All you need is love…dah dah dah dah dah…all you need is love…dah dah dah dah dah…all you need is love, love…love is all you need…love is all you need…love is all you need, love is all you need…
All we need is Love!!!
After the royal gathering…I saw the Love in each lady that shared their story and truly all we need comes from the greatest of loves…our Papa God…Love is all we need!
Thank you Mary for sharing this with me…my cup is truly overflowing!
~Marla Shaw O’Neill June 8, 2021
1 Peter 2:9 New King James Version
9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;
Friend of the Angels
To be a friend of the Angels
Means you live by pleasing God…
Walking on higher ground,
Where the streets are made of golden sod…
Oh, you live in earth’s atmosphere
But there’s a place, where life is more real
Without doubt and without fear
In a realm where the Angels trod…
Bringing messages from Papa God.
Inhabiting your praises, the Angels draw near
To listen to your heart, so kind and sincere.
You feel the wind of their wings, as they flutter close by
And you began to sing joyful songs, not needing to know why.
You’re a friend to the Angels, they know you by name…
In the presence of your Savior, drawing near to him, they came…
To hear you worship, as he gives you your daily bread;
Loving Jesus and others too…brought the attention of the Angels, who,
Now, call you friend…
Being a friend of the Angels is an honor and a delight…
That comes only from staying in God’s glorious light…
To be a friend of the Angels…is a gift we can’t deny…
All because of Jesus, on a cross where he died…
The friendship of the Angel’s takes us to His precious side…
Faithful are the wounds of a friend…and in the end…
Love never dies!
~Marla Shaw O’Neill May 25, 2021
Hebrews 13:2 King James Version 2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
John 15:13 New International Version 13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
Freedom’s Call
I received this poem from my Aunt Rose in honor of Memorial Day. Aunt Rose is 87, she loves the Lord and has inspires me all the time. I love her dearly. I hope you enjoy her writing and that you, too, will be encouraged and blessed as you read her poem.
