Be Courageous Be Bold Hebrews 4:16

Drawing by Marla Shaw O’Neill

A crown of thorn and thistles

Placed upon my head

A lowly life and surviving is all I knew

Hungry beggar living in the streets

Unwanted, no one greets

Alone, destitute, dirty with no place to sleep

Wandering, meaningless no longer weeps

This was the way of the transgressor in the dark, filthy streets

Picking through the garbage for food, a book caught my eye

It was torn and worn and pages gone, just like me, so I took it home

Home to Vagabond Lane

I learned to read from a bag lady, she, once had been a teacher in society

Hard times came and she was left to fend for herself just like me…

Down the Alley of Tears, I found a quiet place

Opened the book and stared straight into the face

Of a man who wore a Crown of thorns~

It said, they took his clothes and beat him beyond belief

Then shoved the crown into His head~

They called Him, “King of the Jews!”

The crown I wore was nothing compared to the one He wore, and so,

I read on from the stained pages of the book…

This man, a King, had suffered many things~ but His life had meaning~

I read on and saw that this King was kind, full of hope and did the most miraculous

Things~

He had not come to serve, but to serve~

He loved, and they killed Him for it~

Then there on the pages of this worn old book~

I looked and saw these amazing words, and I shook~

Jesus was not dead, but alive~~

Right there in the Alley of Tears, I finally understood

It’s not how destitute my life had been, how broken and lost or pain within

And in my heart I took a long, hard look~

That very moment Jesus took…

My crown of thorns and brought me to Him~

He took His Crown of Favor and gently placed it on my head~

And then He said, “Take up your cross and follow me~

The road will be rocky, but in the end, there will be no more suffering~

In humility I stood with my new crown of Favor and walked down

The Alley of Tears to the street called, No Fear~

A man on the corner said, “I see you’ve met the King, you’re wearing His

Crown of Favor~

You’re coming home with me…

You see…

When you say yes to King Jesus, favor’s your best friend

No longer vagabond, or transgressor~

You’re royalty in the family of God~

~Marla Shaw O’Neill April 12, 2019

Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation. Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:4-6

The soldiers assigned to the governor took Jesus into the governor’s palace and got the entire brigade together for some fun. They stripped him and dressed him in a red toga. They plaited a crown from branches of a thorn bush and set it on his head. They put a stick in his right hand for a scepter. Then they knelt before him in mocking reverence: “Bravo, King of the Jews!” they said. “Bravo!” Then they spit on him and hit him on the head with the stick. When they had had their fun, they took off the toga and put his own clothes back on him. Then they proceeded out to the crucifixion. Matthew 27:29-31

 My mama used to say, “Little is much, when God is in it.” This morning I was reading a book and it spoke loud to my heart…I began to cry and say, “Father, was my life wasted? Did I waste my life LORD?” Then without hesitation I heard Him say… “No, child, a life is never wasted. Who you have become has blessed me beyond measure.”

But Lord I feel so insignificant and now I’m old and there is so much more I want to do for you. I want to be able to touch more lives, to make an impact on people and to show them your great love. What can I do now Lord? How can I serve you better? I don’t have much strength physically but God my heart is passionate for you.

“Child I gifted you with that passion~ I gifted you to pray and to write~

Write for me child. Write and others will see me in your words for they are my words…you were young once and now you are old, but with that you’ve become bold…use what you have to bless me and you will be truly blessed and you will fulfill the call on your life.

Don’t look at what you don’t have

Don’t look at what others have

Use, what you do have for me and you will have everything you need, because your heart is centered on me.”

Never underestimate the little things!

Little is Much when God is in it

A young woman

A word

A donkey

A cave

A manger

A shepherd

A star

A lamb

A carpenter

A few fish and some bread

A boat

A net

A fisherman

A tree

Some nails

A tomb

Twelve men

And me!

Jesus used a blind man to bring glory to God. God used a donkey that talks, to save a man’s life. Jesus took pure water and turned it into wine…little things, make big things, and it changes lives, in the hands of God.

Whoever you are, whatever you’ve done, God loves you and wants you to know that you are not insignificant; in His eyes you are adored.

~Marla Shaw O’Neill April 10, 2019

John 9:1-12 The blind man.

Numbers 22:28 The talking donkey

John 2:1-11 Water into wine

Colossians 1:16 God created all things

Wading through the desert with staff in hand

Each step laborious, but I know, I can

Make it to the well, that’s just up ahead

Help me LORD…prayers, said…

The journey is long; it’s hot and full of dread…

Sun scorched, and parched, has become my daily bread…

Looking to heaven I lift up my head…

To Praise Pathway…then my heart begins to sing…

Straining to open my mouth, I will praise my King…

Spring up O well; sing, let the living waters bring…

Shouts of blessings while God heals the sting…

As I walk Praise Pathway it cures my grief and woes…

My steps are lighter and so is my load…

No longer burdened by the long weary trail…

I’m running now on Praise Pathway, and delivered from hell…

Out of my belly, living waters flow…my cup runneth over as onward I go…

The dry, empty wasteland, I no longer see,

Springs of living waters are rushing over me

I’m light as a feather; no I will not hush…

Praise Pathway is my way of life, it’s not just a wish, it’s a must…

I’ve become a joyful worshiper; praising the LORD…

I lift my weary heart and tie the three stranded cord…

With God the Father, Jesus the son and the Holy Spirit

I adore…

Now this desert has become nothing more,

Than a way, to walk, in obedience, today

Dry places come to the child of God…

But it doesn’t have to be walked in defeat, as we trod…

Praise Pathway leads us straight to the cure…

While treading on scorpions and lizards, over sun dunes and cacti, dried up springs and broken cisterns, when we begin to Praise we will endure…

Open your mouth and let praises ring…

Sooner than later, and your life will spring

Into wells of living water where we will tell,

Death, you cannot hold me, for I’m living in God’s well

Walking Praise Pathway in these living waters, dwell…

Child of God, walk, on Praise Pathway and see…

God is waiting there for thee…

Open your mouth with a holy shout…

The dry times of worry, anxiety, and doubt…

Will be quenched by your praise in the lonely desert place,

Then you will know, that Praise Pathway, leads to the Holy Well of Jesus that will spring up from your soul…

Spreading living waters wherever you go!!!!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill April 9, 2019

When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue is parched with thirst, I the LORD will answer them; I the God of Israel will not forsake them.

I will open rivers on the bare heights, and fountains in the midst of the valleys. I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water. Isaiah 41:17-18

Therefore it is said in the Book of the Wars of the LORD, “Waheb in Suphah, and the valleys of the Arnon, and the slope of the valleys that extends to the seat of Ar, and leans to the border of Moab.”

And from there they continued to Beer; that is the well of which the LORD said to Moses, “Gather the people together, so that I may give them water.” Then Israel sang this song:

“Spring up, O well!—Sing to it!—(sing to your well)

the well that the princes made, that the nobles of the people dug, with the scepter and with their staffs.” Numbers 21:14-18 ESV (Beer means, well)

Painting by Katie Berggren

There’s a light in the window

But no one is home

They went to the river

To romp and roam

Three little ones

Not wanting to go home…

Let’s stay a little longer mommy

I want to see the birds, and listen to the whistle of the wind in the trees

Take my hand mommy and skip along with me…

We’ll chase the butterflies

And jump like the frog

Sit here a while longer, mommy, on this old hollow log…

Twenty years come and go

There’s a light in the window

But no one is home…

Now I sit by the river all alone

Sit with me just a little longer

Sweet children of mine

Mommy is waiting; it’s been a long time

Off in the distance

A car horn blows

Could it be they have come?

Oh say it’s so…

Laughter and giggles joyfully fill the air

Little ones go and look over there

Grand mommy’s waiting to play with you where

We once loved to wonder and share

Butterflies and river-rides

Leap frog and an old hollow log

Come on mommy, let’s stay awhile

Sitting by the river side

My heart skips a beat…

For my grandbabies have come and they’re oh so sweet

No longer lonely

My life is complete…

So when you’re tired and dead on your feet…

From chasing little ones and don’t get much sleep

Remember they grow up and are out of sight…

One morning they’re gone but it’ll be alright…

Take each moment and hold them and when they repeat

Let’s stay a little longer and take a seat

Playing leapfrog, then,

Sit on the old hollow log…

And stay as long as they…

Would like!

There’s a light in the window but no one is home…

They’re down by the river side…

Now grand mommy is gone…

~Marla Shaw O’Neill April 8, 2019

Martha replied, “I know that he will rise [from the dead] in the resurrection on the last day.” ²⁵ Jesus said to her, “^[a]I am the Resurrection and the Life. Whoever believes in (adheres to, trusts in, relies on) Me [as Savior] will live even if he dies; ²⁶ and everyone who lives and believes in Me [as Savior] will never die. Do you believe this?”  John 11:24

Watercolor by artist: Marybeth Stafford

When the rug is pulled out from under you; when life throws uncertainties and death lurks in every corner. When shadows surround you and evil stalks you and terror screams at you in the night…when sleep mocks you…and peace is only a word, found, somewhere far in the distance…that’s when you hold-on to hope…

You hold-on to hope, because, hope is all you have…

You hope that God is hearing your cries…

You hope that all the pain and the anxiety will be over soon and you can live again…

Hope is a powerful weapon against the enemy of your soul…

We don’t hope as the world hopes…they have no assurance and no personal relationship with the Savior, Jesus. So their hope is in vain…their hope is an illusion…

But our Hope is eternal and never ending…our hope is immovable, set firm…Our Hope is in the Lord!

It is a gift from God…Hope says, there is a way out…

Hope says, even in this sickness, even in distress and this heart wrenching despair, I know I can trust Him…for He does not lie…

Hope destroys the lies and brings truth…

Hope gives and does not take away

Hope restores faith to the soul so that we do not give way to panic and death

Hope makes alive

Hope saves

Hope transforms

Hope steady’s the ship, being battered by the waves in the sea…

Hope gives courage even when our hearts shake in fear

Hope delivers and brings peace in the deepest darkest pit…

Hope is in the Lord Jesus Christ…

Hope says do not be afraid the answer is on the way…

Hope is God’s word that is sharper than a two-edged sword…

Hope gives light, that chases the shadows away…

Hope is grace

Hope is Love

Hope is peace

Hope is praise

Hope is an anchor, stedfast and sure…when tossed to and fro on the waves of confusion and doubt Hope says, believe and have faith in God…

Hope is our song of deliverance…

Hope is beauty for ashes and a spotless garment for a spirit of heaviness…

Put on Hope, and arise in triumph and victory…for our Hope is in the Lord!

Without hope we would surely perish, but with Hope we survive and thrive, knowing God is our hope…He is our desire and while we are not without suffering…Hope brings us to the place of obedience where we see the hand of God, that bring us to His side…

Abide in hope for hope will guide us to faith, and love!

God’s blueprint for peace!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill April 4, 2019

Habakkuk 3:17-19 The Message (MSG)

Though the cherry trees don’t blossom and the strawberries don’t ripen, thought the apples are worm-eaten and the wheat fields stunted, though the sheep pens are sheepless and the cattle barns empty, I’m singing joyful praise to God. I’m turning cartwheels of joy to my Savior God. Counting on God’s Rule to prevail, I take heart and gain strength. I run like a deer. I feel like I’m king of the mountain! 

To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Colossians 1:27

Delayed hope makes the heart-sick, but fulfilled desire is a tree of life. Proverbs 13:12 HCSB

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. I Corinthians 13:13 NIV

 

 

Millions upon millions, standing in applause,

The atmosphere exploding

With roars of praise to God

The King is approaching, scepter in His hand

The light of His glory, kings, understand…

Lord’s bow in humility, kneeling at His throne

Crowns are cast before Him…

Worshipers we belong…

In majestic ovation, roars pierce the air…

The King is exalted for this is where…

Father, Son and Holy Ghost bring celebration to share…

All the host of angels and His children declare…

He is The King of kings, and LORD of lords…

We shout a holy roar…

To Christ our redeemer, on eagle’s wings we soar…

Souls made new, creation restored…

Come, children, and dance before the LORD!!

Let timbrel and harp and trumpet, blast…

Forever in His presence; death is past…

A jubilant expression fills our hearts as joyfully we sing…

Throughout eternity we celebrate the King…

We are kings of His kingdom

So rejoice and let us bring…

A Holy Roar to Jesus, our, triumphant King!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill March 28, 2019

But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God’s OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellences of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 1 Peter 2:9

So the ransomed of the LORD will return And come with joyful shouting to Zion, And everlasting joy will be on their heads They will obtain gladness and joy, And sorrow and sighing will flee away. Isaiah 51:11

Then I heard something like the voice of a great multitude and like the sound of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, saying, “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns. “Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready.” And a voice came from the throne, saying, “Give praise to our God, all you His bond-servants, you who fear Him, the small and the great.” Revelation 19:5-7

Through this trial one of the tremendous things I learned was to listen to that still small voice of my Jesus and one night, in the heat of the battle I heard Him say, “Come walk on the water with me child. Keep your eyes on me!”

I had come across this picture of Jesus walking on the water by Abraham Hunter…I printed it and every time, doubt tried to take over, I remembered His words and I’d look at the picture…and receive peace! Today I wrote this poem.

‘Keep Your Eyes On Me’

How long O God, how long?

Will you leave me in this dark place?

A place where only dark shadows and creeping things slither and bring me to disgrace…

I’ve known your deep compassion and your never-ending love

I’ve tasted and seen the gentleness of your spirit, light as a dove

And yet in this trial Lord, I thirst and cannot see…the light of your face

Giving grace to me…

I know it’s there…because you cannot lie

How long God, will I carry this thorn and in this trial, cry?

In the stillness of midnight, lying on my bed, I hear your loving voice reminding me to lift my head…

Come walk with me on the water, child, and keep your eyes on me…

I have never, and will never, ever, abandon thee…

You see,

The demons tremble at the mention of my name

They run away in terror for they can never proclaim

Freedom from the darkness or the resurrected life…

All they can do, is, try to steal, kill and destroy…

But they have no power over you…they cannot take your joy…

My blood is the cure for the sin filled life…

One time, for all time, accepting it ends all strife…

Of pride, and confusion, yes, my blood cuts like a knife…

Through bone and marrow, sharp and precise…

Open your eyes child and realize…that my blood gives new life…

You ask how long…Let me tell you

The moment you lift your head and decide

That I am by your side…

The moment you pray believing that’s when you’ll see the tide…

Turn and watch it rush out to the sea, trial over, there’s Victory…

Speak words of life and then you’ll be totally, completely, set free!

Do not look at the storm child; Keep your eyes on Me!!!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill March 26, 2019

Matthew 14:27-29 But immediately He spoke to them, saying, “Take courage, it is I! Do not be afraid!” Peter replied to Him, “Lord, if it is [really] You, command me to come to You on the water.” He said, “Come!” So Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus.

I Peter 5:7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

Last Friday Bob took me to one of my favorite stores, Hobby Lobby because I wanted to get some picture frames to display my grandbabies. So I went to the frame section 50% off by the way…I looked at different ones. Bob went to another section, he knows how I love to look and look and look until I find exactly what it is that speaks to me. So I chose the ones I wanted and put them in my buggy. Then I proceeded to browse down some other aisles…I came to the one where there were displays of different crosses, some had scripture verses and different familiar quotes and cute sayings like, Be still…and The Lord is my Shepherd, God bless our home, etc., all of them were very nice and it gave me a sense of peace as I read them. Then a young woman with a buggy who had a little boy riding, came around the corner…the boy was maybe six years old and he said, “Look mommy, God made these just for us! I like the one with the heart on it.” The mother didn’t say anything. I don’t think she realized what her son had said. He was trying to tell her that God had written those words just for them! She didn’t get it. But I did!

Then I took my time and strolled up and down the aisle reading each word that God had made just for me. I would have missed the Holy Spirit’s message had I not listened to a little boy talking to his mommy. God uses so many opportunities to speak to us, if we will just open our ears and eyes and hearts to His voice no matter what the source.

He used a little boy to feed five thousand. He used a little girl to show his glory by raising her back to life. He used a storm to teach his disciples to have faith. In each trial we go through he uses it to teach us to depend on Him. And he will use everything around us to let us know, He is with us and His grace is enough.

You reading this right now, look!

God made all this just for you!!!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill March 18, 2019

Psalm 23

The Lord is my Shepherd

I shall not want

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures

He leadeth me beside still waters

He restoreth my soul

He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness

For His name’s sake

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil: for thou art with me;

Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:

Thou anointest my head with oil;

My cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

I was there at the beginning…

Known as the Word…

I’m the breath of life…

Where dust and soul unite

I threw the stars across galaxies, shining the light for all to see

I formed the sun and the moon so that the day would bloom

And the night would swoon, as true love meets, bride and groom

I blew upon the waters and designed oceans and seas

Where tides roll and creatures of the deep

Run and play unafraid, laughing, no need to weep

While water-colors swirl, and all living things are sweet

Heaven is my throne-room, and one day we’ll meet.

I’m the architect of heaven and earth

Hurling mountains; telling them to stay

Scooping out valleys, where still-waters obey.

The birds, and beasts of the field, draw near when I say…

Be fruitful and multiply…what a glorious display

I’m the musician; where my melody is heard

Deep within the soul; without speaking a word…

I talked with Adam, ‘Twas our delight…

No unbelief was in him, he was intelligent and bright…

Made in my image, this was good, this was right!

Yes, I was there in the beginning, and I am in the here and now…

I’ll hold you in your sorrow, in each new dawn, on the morrow…

And you will see, I am here for thee, my perfect love cast out fright!

I provided the ram for Abraham; his faith made him my friend…

I closed the mouths of lions; I was there, setting Daniel free in the end…

I was in the fire with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego

There was no smell of smoke on them when they were let go.

I walked with Moses through the desert of woe

I instructed Samuel when he anointed David as king…

I am here right now, are you listening?

You see, going through these tests, brings about your very best

And sets the captives free…

Will you walk with me?

Will you abide and not flee?

Will you believe when you walk through your trials?

No matter how long, or, how many miles?

Will you trust me in the desert?

Will you believe me crossing the red sea?

Will you take up your cross and follow me?

Will you believe I am with you when the night is long?

Will you be strong, when everything looks completely wrong?

Will you raise a war-cry of praise and sing a worship song?

I am past, present and future…the beginning and the end

You see, even in the desert, in the ocean and the fire

Even in the heavens you are my desire…

I’ve loved you then and I love you still…

Trust me child, I always will…

My word is steadfast; my word is true…

Have faith today and see your trial through

I’m here right now; I’m waiting for you…

Don’t look to the left; don’t look to the right…

Stay focused on me, get ready to fly…

I’ve got you child, in the raging storm

Peace, be still, oh do not mourn…

No need for tears, no need to cry…

All who believe in me will never die!!!

~In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit…Amen!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill – March 13, 2019

Daniel 3:16-28

Genesis 2:8

Break forth in an explosion of Praise

Tears streaming

Loud and unrestrained cheers, faces beaming

In an exuberant display

Stars giving way to a brand new day

Light filling the earth with Praise

Good morning child, you’ve found the Way…

I don’t move, in the when,

I move, in the Now…so suddenly is How…

You perceive my answer to be…

Waiting patiently, this is a virtue for you

My word is true…

Live in the now where I exist

And healing and deliverance, you will have this…

Because, Now, Faith is

The substance of things hoped for

The evidence of things not seen…

For human eyes and humanness

Cannot explain all that exists…

For I am Spirit and I am Now

Break forth in pure Praise…

Now, is the day of salvation!

Now, is your healing seen!

Now, is faith believing, that,

I Am!!!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill March 12, 2019

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1 KJV

(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) 2 Corinthians 6:2 KJV