Be Courageous Be Bold Hebrews 4:16

The darkness moves at a sloth’s pace, it seems it will never end~

Then, you see a tiny speck of light and you smile~

There’s hope and you have the faith to live one more day.

Holding onto that light your soul is restored, the darkness isn’t so dark anymore~

The light dispels the darkness~

The sloth fades away as the darkness is overcome by the light of day.

Life, renewed!

And even though, the sloth may return, hold onto what you’ve learned~

Stay anchored in the Light!

I Dedicate this to Garry Wilder (The speed of dark)

~Marla Shaw O’Neill July 21, 2023

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

 

Dedicated to my brother, Regan Shaw July 18, 2023

I felt the wind as I heard their wings, stirring, all around me…

The sound was like tinkling glass, notes of a heavenly kind,

Vibrating into a cathedral of a great thundering blast!

Then, silence.

I waited in the stillness…

Ready to try…

Then stepped off the mountain-top and began to fly!

High above the mountains, air cold and dry.

The heavens opened, full of stars, I gasped, Oh my!

Faster and faster my flight’s delight.

As my day turned into darkest night.

I flew the expanse of a thousand years~

‘til eternity became infinity, I had no fear…

I felt the wind,

And heard their wings!

Traveling beside me there was no end…

Millions they were!

Angels, my friends!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill, 2007, (edited 7/18/2023)

2 Kings 6:15-20 New International Version When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” the servant asked.

 “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”

 And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

 

I have to pray!

I need to talk to my Jesus!

Prayer is the highway, it’s the airway, that takes us into the place where He, lives…

My friend, Holy Spirit is saying,

Come on, let’s go to the house!

Let’s sit down at the table and have a cool refreshing drink of water with the Living Water…

You can be yourself, take your shoes off, let down your guard and just be real…

A face-to-face talk with your brother, Jesus and your Papa God…

Open up and have a heart-to-heart conversation with Them!

I’m here to help you. What’s on your mind?

Well, I don’t really know where to start.

Can I just pray in my prayer language first?

Of course, you can. I’ll help!

… ….. ….. …. ….. ….. … .. . . . . . . . . ……… .. ……. . …. .. . …!!!!!!!!!!!!!

From your lips to my lips, Oh God.

From your heart to my heart precious Holy King.

From your ear to my ears let me hear, what the Spirit is saying~

From your life to my life let me walk.

From your house to my house Papa God.

Let me live and share your salvation to all those souls that are lost…

Let not one be lost,

All those you have entrusted to my care, bring them to the cross.

Let your light, shine upon my life, to give sight to those in darkness…

May the time you’ve given me, be spent continuously abiding in you

and praying that all will be fulfilled and that nothing will be wasted.

Right now, is all I have, let me bring you my highest praise,

to give you glory and honor, Oh God!

Forgiving and believing that nothing is impossible with you!

Pouring grace into the wounded!

Giving hope to the hopeless!

Extending mercy and peace to the hurting!

Showing who you, are, by the way I live!

That your truth is the only way to live life!

I give freely to you, all that I am and all that I will ever be!

You are my best friend, my savior, my life-guard,

my perfect peace, my strength, my joy, my reason to live…

Obedience is better than sacrifice…

May I never bring you shame…

To live is Christ Jesus and to die is gain!

So, while I’m still breathing, in the here and now,

let my life be known as one who walks with Jesus, friends always!

Amen!!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill July 14, 2023

“I’ve told you these things for a purpose: that my joy might be your joy, and your joy wholly mature. This is my command: Love one another the way I loved you. This is the very best way to love. Put your life on the line for your friends. You are my friends when you do the things, I command you. I’m no longer calling you servants because servants don’t understand what their master is thinking and planning. No, I’ve named you friends because I’ve let you in on everything I’ve heard from the Father. John 15:15 The Message

This is written with the thoughts of a lost soul who has lived a very difficult life but who responds to Jesus’ call because someone prayed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tormented and shattered, life has no meaning.

Year after year you wonder why your heart even keeps beating…

Thoughts of ending your existence flood every waking minute.

No one cares that you’re even in it…

Family detests you for the choices you’ve made.

No do-overs, no takebacks, emotionless and numb,

Go ahead, do it, you’re just a ridiculous bum!  The enemy hisses at every turn.

But why? They never even asked why, you turned out the way you did…

Now it doesn’t matter, your life has slid straight into a pit of despair…and so, you’ve come to this place where, there’s no turning back, it’s too heavy to bear~

One last glimpse, one final task…and all will be ended. No one will ask, where you went…you’re nothing, a nobody…a useless life just taking up time and space, a person without a face!

Tattered woman. Hair matted and diseased. No one wants you, not one of these…

But someone, was praying, that somehow, He’d come, and dispel the darkness that was pulling you into the abyss~

Jesus calls your name; you try to resist~

NO! OH NO! I’m not worthy of this…

Standing still, he gently speaks…Miriam, little one, come unto me…

Turning around you gasp at His words…

How did you know my name? I am nothing but scum!

I knit you together in your mother’s womb, YOU ARE MINE!

I’ve redeemed you; don’t you know you are one of a kind?

The atmosphere changes, all the darkness becomes light as the love that you feel, lights up the night…

Forgiven! Restored! A new name I’ve been given!

Embraced by Him, the Savior of heaven!

No longer unclean, nor diseased I am healed!

Delivered from death, my life has been sealed…

Redeemed, by Jesus, the only true King!

Broken one, addicted, tormented and undone…

Do not run away…

I have prayed for you, surrender your life today.

The Prince of Peace is calling your name…

Stop! Listen! Turn around and come to Him!

Insert your name, everyone, all over the world…He is calling…

No matter the hurt, or pain, or addiction, whatever has you bound,

Jesus wants to redeem you and give you a brand-new life~

Why? Because Jesus loves you!

He is the blood sacrifice that bought you back from sin and death~

And if you will open your heart and say, Yes to Him,

I promise everything in your life will change and it will be good!

It is your choice…choose faith over fear, trust over guilt, life over death…

Just take a breath…

Jesus says, I have called you by name, You are Mine!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill July 12, 2023

Isaiah 43:1-4 The Message

When You’re Between a Rock and a Hard Place

But now, God’s Message, the God who made you in the first place, Jacob, the One who got you started, Israel: “Don’t be afraid, I’ve redeemed you. I’ve called your name. You’re mine. When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you. When you’re in rough waters, you will not go down. When you’re between a rock and a hard place, it won’t be a dead end— Because I am God, your personal God, The Holy of Israel, your Savior. I paid a huge price for you: all of Egypt, with rich Cush and Seba thrown in! that’s how much you mean to me! That’s how much I love you! I’d sell off the whole world to get you back, trade the creation just for you.

Stand your Ground solider of God…

We have an enemy…

He is strategic and powerful…

Ancient in years…

Destroyer of all that is good and pure and true

Kills all in his path

And steals everything and anything in his grasp…

He is the prince of the air…

If not for the hand of God…

He would annihilate every living thing…

Do not think you can out-smart, out-shoot, out-live, or conquer this foe…

On your own…

He is not one you want to do combat with…you will not win…

But…

By the authority of God and the Name of Jesus and by the Power of the Holy Spirit when we stand with Them…all demons tremble…all hell freezes…and God by his Majestic, Omnipotence, Omnipresence, and Omniscient…we WIN!!

When He said to put on the FULL armor of God…that is exactly what we must do…it’s God’s armor, not ours that will keep us safe…

So, Stand…

Wearing the girdle of Truth, speak God’s words, the devil is a liar…

The breastplate of righteousness, To protect your heart the place where Jesus lives…

Having your feet fitted with the preparation of the Gospel of Peace, where you walk by faith and not by sight…

Take up the Shield of Faith, it protects you from the enemy’s lying darts…

Put on the Helmet of Salvation, Have the mind of Christ…

Using the Sword of the Spirit, it cuts through bone and marrow and sets captives free…

And Pray in the Spirit…A Holy language known only to God and His angels. Because it is Holy Spirit praying for unknown things, people, places in earth and heavenly places…and builds us up in our most Holy Faith!!

These are the weapons of our warfare…

You have the Holy Spirit within you; he gives wisdom and discernment and is more powerful than a locomotive, able to leap tall buildings in a single bound, more powerful than Superman…He is the Superman…He is more strategic than any demon or any foe…

So, be Filled with the Holy Spirit and let him lead and guide your thoughts, your body, your soul to walk you through the minefields that the enemy has hidden before you…that’s where your feet must have on the gospel of peace…

He has night-vision so he doesn’t walk blind in the darkness…and he has artillery to shoot the enemy using the Word of God…

And the shield of Faith protects you from all the fiery darts of Satan…

Soldier, stay alert…be watchful…be diligent…and fight standing in prayer and fasting…with the power of the Holy Ghost…

He goes where no one has gone before…

He Is The Only True, Superhero…

This is how we win the war, by keeping in close contact with, God the Father, Jesus the Son and Holy Spirit and fire…

God is for you, no one or nothing can stand against you with Him by your side…

Because, He, is In You!!!!

Activate your Faith!

Be fully clothed in God’s Holy Armor…

We fight in the Spirit realm by the Power of the Spirit of God!

No fear! No retreat! Face like flint…FULLY ARMED! IN THE NAME OF JESUS!

WE FIGHT! AMEN!!!

~ Marla Shaw O’Neill June 8, 2017

Edited July 12, 2023

Finally, my brothers, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For our fight is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, and against spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the whole armor of God that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your waist girded with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, having your feet fitted with the readiness of the gospel of peace, and above all, taking the shield of faith, with which you will be able to extinguish all the fiery arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Pray in the Spirit always with all kinds of prayer and supplication. To that end be alert with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints. Ephesians 6:10-18 Modern English Version (MEV) The Battle Against Evil

Check out my new book of 40 poems available on Amazon.com and Kindle now. I hope you will enjoy it.

Thank you,

Marla Shaw O’Neill

There is a flower that grows in the plains of Shar’on in Israel.

Some call it the Rose of Sharon. Some say it is a tulip or lily of the field.

Whatever it is, we know this, that where it grows there are thorns…

Protected from the elements, more beautiful than the robes of kings…

Saturated in waters that flow straight from Emanuel’s veins…

Soil so fertile, the flowers sing, as it is nourished by holy angel’s wings…

Gently it blows and refreshes the air…

Bowing, it kisses the ground that’s found there…

Bees tastes its nectar; butterflies futter within the airstreams…

Love is its gift, here’s what it means…

The beautiful Rose of Sharon appears,

When hearts on fire bring Spirit tears

To wash away every doubt and fear…

As the Rose is crushed to bring us here…

Giving new life in this atmosphere…

Who is this Rose of Sharon?

Jesus, the King of Heaven…

The flower is not as plentiful as it used to be…

Never-the-less it still stands in glorious beauty,

For all eternity…

For Jesus, is, the Rose of Sharon

All who believe in Him will never die.

The Holy Breath beckons you even now,

Come, hear his hearts cry…

Precious daughter, precious son

Today your life has finally begun!

In the fields of Sharon, the flower still grows…

Let me show you it’s beauty and become one of those…

Who chooses Jesus and will always follow… 

~Marla Shaw O’Neill July 9, 2023

I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys.  As the lily among thorns, so is my love among the daughters. Song of Solomon 2:1-2 King James Version

Painting by: Michael Dudash

When the storms in life begin to blow, will you trust me?

When the earth shakes, and the ground breaks will you trust me?

When darkness comes and you can’t see the light, will you trust me?

Will you trust me when, and if, and whatever comes your way, or will you cower and run to hide away…?

Child, that’s when you need to trust me.

I will not leave you; I will not forsake you,

Remember all the times I was right there with you; my love carried you through…

Trust me, even now, as doubt, fear and anxiety try to rob you of your peace…

Remember, what I said, while on the raging sea…

“Peace! Be still! Then watch the storms in life cease…”

There will be valleys of despair

Uncontrollable grief

Trials and tribulations

Troubles increase

Exhaustion and temptations, anger and regret

Fear and endless tears, don’t give up, it’s not over yet…

In the valley, you’ll find your peace

In the grief, joy will overflow

In trials and tribulations, endurance will grow

Troubles come and troubles go, cling to me and see

Exhaustion and temptations, bring refreshing as you cling to me

Anger and regret, will disappear with one drop of my grace

Fear and endless tears, won’t be seen upon your face

Because child, your foundation wasn’t built on sinking sand

Your heart was steadfast as you made a bold, brave, stand

To live and breathe and move, in faith and hope and love…

Knowing Jesus would save you, as He listened from above…

That if he did, or, did not deliver you, your heart was stayed on Him…

Holy Spirit gently whispered…

I Am, is with you!

I Am, will set you free!

There’s nothing broken or shaken…

When you put your trust in me!

Trust me, because I’ve been there!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill May 18, 2023

Romans 8:38-39 New King James Version For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

 

Mark 4:38-40 New King James Version But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?”

Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?”

 

Mama, why does life have to be so hard?

Why do people have to be so cruel?

Why is that when it rains it pours?

There’s trouble and hardship.

Heartaches and bad brakes…

Why Mama? Why’s life so hard?

Sweet child of mine I’ve been right where you are.

I’ve watched many a sunrise and sunset,

I’ve had my share of break ups and break downs.

I’ve gone all the way around,

Mountains and valleys, rivers and long dark paths

Why’s life got to be so hard? I too would ask…

One thing I’ve learned though.

This too shall pass…

When the darkness falls, and it looks like you can’t get up.

When you are drinking from an empty cup

When all you can do is cry, when will it end? How long will it last?

Remember, child,

This too shall pass…

Faith is not on the other side.

Now Faith is, whether we live or die.

Don’t live in the past…

You can’t go back…

Don’t live in the future…

It never arrives…

Live in the right now, take all your fears and let Jesus cast…

All your woes into the sea of forgetfulness…

Because darlin’

This too shall pass!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill May 16, 2023

My mama lived eighty-three years in this world. I’d be going through something, and I’d tell her about it and she’d always say, “This too shall pass.” I’d get so aggravated when she’d say that, but I’ve come to understand exactly what she meant. Now I treasure her words and one of these days I know I’ll be seeing her again…some things in fact many things we just don’t have any control over. But in my lifetime, I see clearly that the many things I was fearful and concerned about did in fact pass.

She’d also say, “Don’t sweat the small stuff!” Life is too short to wallow in self-pity or try to fix everyone else. Jesus said, cast all your care upon him, because he cares for you! That’s where we will find our greatest peace…when life gets hard, and you feel like giving up…Go to Jesus first and these things shall pass! Maybe not always in the way we think but when he does it, it is so much better. Life is hard, but God is good!

Let me tell you just how awesome our God is…

For the last few months, I’ve gone through a severe virus, had a jaw tooth pulled because of pain from a chipped tooth, and because of not being able to eat right, I lost a lot of my strength and I’m struggling to get it back. Today I had to have a squamous cancer removed, it’s close to my collar bone that was fun, not! The really cool thing about that experience though is this, the young lady that was assisting said, “We like to listen to music during the procedure, what music would you like to hear?” I told her, “Contemporary Christian.” In my heart I was like thank you Jesus. I was a bit apprehensive about the surgery.

As the doctor began to cut, this precious song began to play, “Hold onto me,” by Lauren Daigle. How perfect was that? The doctor whistled the tune as he worked and I sang along with the song in my head. They stitched me up and I was good to go. Also, the young girl, Kayla was from south Florida. I asked where she went to church and she said, “Christ Fellowship.” I told her we had attended Journey Church. We both acknowledged we were aware of both of those churches. I told her, Journey Church had their first Freedom Conference at Christ Fellowship in Jupiter. Out of all the dermatologist places in Tallahassee, we could have gone to, God had already prepared this place for me, he knew I was a little afraid, but that I was trusting him to see me through and boy did he ever. Let me back up a minute to tell you the beginning of the story.

One night back in April, I had tossed and turned most of the night, then, for a few hours I slept. Waking just before daylight I began to hear the gentle whispers of my heavenly father. He told me, what a blessing I was to him. That thrilled me more than anything. To hear I was a blessing to him well, that was humbling in itself. The King of the Universe, the one who created all things, the one who spoke the earth into being, spreading the stars across galaxies and formed man out of clay that He had made, said, I was a blessing to him! WOW!! I cried.

He gave me a game plan on how to get my strength back and said some things that if I’d listen would restore me physically, mentally and spiritually and keep me well on my journey. One of the things he said was to start singing again and to learn a Lauren Daigle song. Coincident? I think not! He told me to exercise, eat better and stay off Facebook. Not because Facebook is bad or anything but because for me it was addicting, and I would spend hours there and neglecting other things that were important to my well-being. In fact, last Sunday my pastor from Freedom Church was talking about how the Israelites kept disobeying God but if they’d obey and do all that God told them to do, they would be blessed and find favor with the Lord for generations to come. But of course, they didn’t listen. As I sat there in church, my mind went back to all that God had told me to do by His Holy Spirit, and I had to repent for not doing what God had told me to do. I thought, I only did it a little bit, surly that can’t hurt. But a little leaven, spoils the whole lump. I said, “OK, God, I’m sorry, I will obey you.” And I have listened ever sense. You see if we want the favor and blessing of God, we have to do what he’s telling us to do. It’s not to hurt us but to help us. Like a loving parent, He knows what’s best and if we listen, we will prosper and be in health even as our soul prospers. (III John 1:2)

Through all of this, I chose to trust God and obey him. I want to keep being a blessing to Him. God always confirms his word to us. He is always faithful and honest. If we will do what he says to do, we will have his favor and that is something I don’t ever want to take for granted. Be a blessing, bless God and He will bless you and your family for generations to come!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill May 11, 2023

Exodus 23:11 New International Version but during the seventh year let the land lie unplowed and unused. Then the poor among your people may get food from it, and the wild animals may eat what is left. Do the same with your vineyard and your olive grove.

Luke 11:28 But he replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it!”

John 13:17 If you understand these things, you will be blessed if you do them.