Artwork by: Manasseh JohnsonThe Holy Breath of YHWH
There at conception was the tailor of my soul.
He birthed me and guided me, until His story was told!
Six years of my life he gently whispered, “Come unto me.”
Willingly, surrendering, I heard his love story.
Without hesitation, my broken-child’s-heart, responded to the Lord!
I heard Him knocking, so I opened the door!
A breath of fresh air blew into my being…
What is this? I couldn’t believe the wonder I was receiving…
The old life vanished and, in an instant, I was made new…
This is what he had promised when I didn’t have a clue!
Five more years I walked with the life-man, then I heard Him whisper,
“Child, I have someone for you to meet, He will help you understand!
He’ll comfort you in brokenness, guide you through the wilderness, protect you from the enemy, Tell you all about me. He’s gentle and caring, he won’t force his ways on you. But lovingly and tenderly, He’ll show you, how to live this life with grace and gratitude.”
“Oh yes Adonai, I’d love to meet him too!”
His name is Holy-Spirit, full of Power, Love and Self-Control, He longs to live within you and make you completely whole! One with the Father, One with the Son, open your heart child and Holy-Breath and Fire will come!
The encounter…
Seeking, the Way-Maker, Truth-Teller, Life-Sustainer, I humbly pray. Jesus, I love you I’ll do what you say!
Overcome in Brilliant-Light’s-Flow, languages I did not know…it fills my mouth and takes control…Heavenly words on thee, I bestow! A power so intense I cannot comprehend, covers me inside and out…Oh, let this never end!
He’s been a friend that has never left me, and He never condemns. He’s taught me about love, patience, longsuffering, joy, gentleness, faith, goodness and self-control; all these are his character straits, I too, can have these, when I’m humble, yet bold!
He’s healed me, delivered me, shown me mysteries and has loved me even when I was not so lovely… Oh do not grieve him in unbelief…
But ask him and he’ll show you how to believe!
He will never, ever leave me, won’t desert me, or cast me upon life’s tattered shore!
He’ll comfort me and guide me, to Heaven’s open door…
Then, I will see Him face to face, Gracious-Holy-Spirit-of-Truth and His Amazing Grace!
I’ll see Jesus and Papa God and Mama and all the rest…
And worship with the Angels in blessed holiness!
Until then, I will continue to let Him dwell within!
~Marla Shaw O’Neill March 1, 2023
“I’m telling you these things while I’m still living with you. The Friend, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send at my request, will make everything plain to you. He will remind you of all the things I have told you. I’m leaving you well and whole. That’s my parting gift to you. Peace. I don’t leave you the way you’re used to being left—feeling abandoned, bereft. So don’t be upset. Don’t be distraught. John 14:26-27 The Message
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8 New International Version
A Sound Like a Strong Wind When the Feast of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Without warning there was a sound like a strong wind, gale force—no one could tell where it came from. It filled the whole building. Then, like a wildfire, the Holy Spirit spread through their ranks, and they started speaking in a number of different languages as the Spirit prompted them. Acts 2:1-4 The Message
While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God.
Then Peter said, “Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” So, he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days. Acts 10:44-48 New International Version
Jesus Promises Another Helper “If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.
Indwelling of the Father and the Son “A little while longer and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live also. At that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you. He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.”
Judas (not Iscariot) said to Him, “Lord, how is it that You will manifest Yourself to us, and not to the world?”
Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me.
The Gift of His Peace “These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. Peace, I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. You have heard Me say to you, ‘I am going away and coming back to you.’ If you loved Me, you would rejoice because I said, ‘I am going to the Father,’ for My Father is greater than I.
“And now I have told you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe. I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming, and he has nothing in Me But that the world may know that I love the Father, and as the Father gave Me commandment, so I do. Arise, let us go from here. John 14:15-31 New King James Version
YHWH-Just Breathe
Day is done…
Sun is set…
Mind still racing, I want to forget…
All the pain of the past…all the regret…
Bowing my head,
I open my heart.
God, this is where you and I start!
Honest confession is good for the soul!
So, Papa God, let me just be bold!
Sinner, Saint, it doesn’t matter…
As long as I am honest with you.
Nothing anyone else, can say or do…
Will keep me from bearing my heart to you!
You are the Son of YHWH (Spoken in a Breath)
You bear all my sorrow and all my shame.
I am made brand new in Yeshua’s name…
No shadow of turning or brokenness,
Can shatter my soul and leave me in emptiness.
Take all of me, Dear Lord I pray,
My fear, my doubt, and anxiety it has to go,
It cannot stay.
In the presence of your Holiness, I bask in blessedness.
At your right hand are pleasures and joys forevermore!
Your love comes rushing in, Jesus, let new life begin…
In solitude and humility, I offer to you, all of me!
And when those times of despair and unbelief try to rob me and give me grief…
Lord, may I remember just who I am!
I’m a child of the Living God!
And on the Solid Rock I’m found
Standing and standing still, I’m Jesus bound…
Tied to the cross of Calvary!
With all my heart I offer thee
Total surrender, completely sold out, I’ll persevere…
For Jesus I know beyond a doubt
YOU ARE HERE WITH ME!!!
I will not fear nor be afraid…
I am God’s child to live and breathe in Victory!
No death nor life, nor things seen, nor unseen, nor angels, nor demons, can separate me, from Your Love! Amen and Amen!
~Marla Shaw O’Neill February 28, 2023
38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39 New International Version
24 “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” 1 Peter 2:24 New International Version
The Sweet Spot
Painting: Artist Unknown
The sweet spot is the place where my heart merges with Jesus and there is a quiet contentment~
A stillness, a peace, a Holy Silence, waiting on God.
The world fades away, worries cease, storms die down, winds are still, as we enter the throne-room of God.
Angels are standing in a worshipful stance~
Seraphim and cherubim watch the romance~
A daughter of the beloved, draws near~
No more wandering, or wondering, why and what for?
She’s entered the sweet spot with her sovereign Lord!
Exuberant joy is released in the room…
Freedom from the solitude, doubt and gloom…
Radiant beauty breaks forth in song…
The sweet spot has been there, all along~
All she needs do, is surrender to His will
Daughters of the King need only be still.
To enter the sweet spot, simply say, “Yes Lord, I will!”
Marla Shaw O’Neill February 14, 2023
More to be desired are they then gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. Psalm 19:10 ESV
Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body. Proverbs 16:24 ESV
How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Psalm 119:103 ESV
Heaven’s Rain
Traveling on my journey, I’m tired, parched and dry.
Walking towards a precipice I rest for a moment, then sigh.
All alone in this solitude, how much farther, Papa, I cry?
Then bending low, a steady flow, of water I see as I pass by~
Ah, cool, refreshing water, I drink my fill knowing up ahead, I’ll be climbing a Steep, lonely, narrow hill~
Leaving all worldly possessions behind; my family, my friends to eagerly climb, to the sanctuary there to find~ peace like a river, joy that passes understanding, I stop, and I listen…
A call from the Master is heard,
‘Come away with me my lovely one, to a place where you’ll be washed, in heaven’s rain.
Skipping on the plains like a gazelle in flight~
Splashing in the water-brooks like mallards in day light~
Swan’s necks, connected, in loves blessed plight~
Come, come away with me.
Laughter on the wind, as it blows and sends, wildflowers waving in a field of grace.
The sound of singing, while tiny birds call, for heaven to send the rain.
They wait… Heaven opens her gates as rain pours from the sky.’
This place is where I’m bound to go, climbing over rocky, hardened terrain~
To still away in the holy place, of heaven’s blessed rain!
Alone with the Master, all burdens fade away this is what I gain…
Strength to carry on the message~
Love that never fails~
Truth to set people free~
It’s Jesus he does this for you and for me!
Come, come away with me and enjoy…
Heaven’s rain!
Marla Shaw O’Neill February 7, 2023
…but the land, whither ye go to possess it, is a land of hills and valleys, and drinketh water of the rain of heaven Deuteronomy 11:11 KJV
God Give Me Grace
This is my new book, ‘God Give Me Grace.’ It’s a historical fiction story about a woman in the Bible known as Anna the prophetess. She was at the temple when Jesus was presented as a baby for dedication. There’s not a lot we know about Anna’s life. I wrote the story of how I thought it could have been. If you’re interested in reading it, it is now available on Amazon.com and Kindle.
I was inspired to write it six years ago but the death of a dear friend, caused me to put it aside. Her name was Grace, she was a mentor and a beautiful friend. I hope you will check it out. It’s not a very big book but I believe the story is huge! Thank you for listening and for being part of my life! I hope you will enjoy it!
Love you always,
Marla Shaw O’Neill
The High Places
LORD, take me to the High Places, the places where you dwell.
Let me walk and do not stumble, nor grow weary, let me sail…
Where gentle breezes lift my spirit to paths where only few have trod
I’m on my way, none can stop me from seeing the face of God~
Upon the High Places where I look on the world below,
Sights and scenes from heaven, Oh Abba, I am desperate to go…
In solitude and quiet, over rocks and stoney trail…
To the High Places, take me there and let me dwell…
Where only those who dare, go, want to honor you and bestow~
Kisses of adoration, songs of deliverance, worship in spirit and in truth
Because there, I know, you give secrets to your loves, those who long to stay~
Close to you in heaven, LORD I pray…
Take this life you’ve given me and do with it as you will~
Only help me Jesus to walk to the High Places and there be still!
One true and blessed creator~
One maker of heaven and earth~
One keeper of my soul, even from my birth…
On the High Places, I will bring the sacrifice of love and praise and life!
Take me higher blessed redeemer so that I am restored…
To go to the low places, to tell others, you are the Highest LORD!
Only on the High places can we truly see, the world is so much bigger than you or me!
Climbing always upward there are obstacles I will meet; I’ll rest, for a little while, at my Savior’s feet…
Joy will come in the morning; there I’ll take my seat!
What splendor! As far as the eye can see…is more than I’d imagined it would ever be.
The High Places with Jesus is only the beginning, of what’s in store for you and me.
A city placed upon a hill cannot be hid. Jerusalem, the city of our God, set upon a high place. Jesus was hung on Golgotha’s hill, a high place. It takes strength, courage, determination, perseverance, and an unsatiable hunger, for more of God, to make us climb the high places. But oh, the joy, the ecstasy of the journey when you stand upon the High Places of God, it cannot be taken from you. ‘Come away with me my beloved let us walk upon mine high places…’
~Marla Shaw O’Neill January 24, 2023
Matthew 5:14 New King James Version 14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.
Song of Solomon 2:10-13 New King James Version 10 My beloved spoke, and said to me: “Rise up, my love, my fair one, And come away. 11 For lo, the winter is past, The rain is over and gone. 12 The flowers appear on the earth; The time of singing has come, And the voice of the turtledove Is heard in our land. 13 The fig tree puts forth her green figs, And the vines with the tender grapes Give a good smell. Rise up, my love, my fair one, And come away!
Habakkuk 3:18-19 New International Reader’s Version 18 But I will still be glad because of what the Lord has done. God my Savior fills me with joy. 19 The Lord and King gives me strength. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer. He helps me walk on the highest places.
Courage
“Courage,” said the cowardly lion, “I have no courage! I’m afraid all the time…”
Timidly he whines.
Crying, the lion crumbles in defeat…
His three new friends console him, “Oh do not fear Friend Lion, for we are on our way to meet,
Someone we believe has answers and will make us all complete.”
“I have no heart,” said Tin man.
“I have no brain,” Scarecrow peeps.
“I’ve traveled from far and I don’t know my way back home,” Dorothy weeps.
“Come with us to the Emerald City, where dreams come true, you’ll see what we mean.”
“But I’m afraid of everything, I hide when someone screams…”
“We’ll be at your side every step of the way, come on now while it’s still day…”
Linking arms, they skip away with hope renewed come what may!
Are you afraid of what seems real?
Do bumps in the night cause panic and kill, the faith that gives you courage?
I’ve learned in my short time here on earth, that even though my knees may knock, demons lurk and spit and mock, but with the help of my loving friend, Holy Spirit always wins…
I do it anyway…
Stand bold and brave and do not give way to the fear that tries to chase you away…
For greater is He who lives in you than He who is in the world!!
Courage is not the absence of fear, it is the boldness to stand firm no matter what, look fear straight in the face and proclaim, I can’t, but God can! Have courage anyway!
~Marla Shaw O’Neill January 17, 2023
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 New International Version
Be strong and courageous; don’t be terrified or afraid of them. For it is the Lord your God who goes with you; He will not leave you or forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 Holman Christian Standard Bible
“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart! And the peace I give isn’t fragile like the peace the world gives. So don’t be troubled or afraid. John 14:27 Living Bible
Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord! Psalm 27:14 New King James Version
The Prayer Warrior
Many times, I have wondered. is someone praying for me?
Does anyone know my sorrow, the times I’m in misery?
Do they see me when I struggle with self-doubt and unbelief?
Crying tears of hopelessness, at the Master’s feet.
Do they know that I am trying to do all that I can do
Just to wake up in the morning and face the afternoon
Night comes and I start all over again…
Lord, are you listening, please take away the gloom.
Lifting my head I see Jesus, he looks straight at me, he smiles and then he says,
“Child of mine I see you and I hear your deepest cry
I’ve seen you when you’re struggling, I know you try.
I haven’t forgotten you; I listen when you pray
Little one, there’s not a time when I’m too busy in the day…
To whisper words of comfort, my peace is here, if you’ll obey.
Cast all your cares upon me, they’re not heavy for me to carry…
When you think that no one cares or understands your broken heart…
sickness, worry, never ends, never parts…
“No rest for the weary,” your constant companion complains
Remember what I’ve said, My words are ever true…
Child, I’m in heaven and I’m praying for you!
I, AM, The Prayer Warrior, interceding constantly
There’s not one single moment I’m not thinking of thee…
My Father in his great mercy hears and sends reprieve,
Be encouraged precious one…
You are not alone
Take up your cross and follow me,
Let My perfect love cast out fear, darling one, you are free!
Rejoice in knowing you’re redeemed!
Dry those tears for you are seen,
Don’t stop believing for we are a team…
Pray without ceasing, come along with me!
Prayer warrior’s interceding…
My Grace is sufficient for every need!”
~Marla Shaw O’Neill January 5, 2023
Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Romans 8:34 New King James Version
My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world. 1 John 2:1-2 New King James Version
Therefore, He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. Hebrews 7:25 New King James Version
The Day of Your Birth
A few thoughts from my perspective…
Yesterday was the day of my birth, Sixty-nine years. Now, for some, that is pretty old but for others I’m just a spring chicken…LOL!
“They” say age is just a number and to some extent that is true. My granny was in her eighty’s, and she’d say, “I’m sweet sixteen and never been kissed!” I didn’t understand that when I was a kid.
When you’re young you kind of take life for granted. You don’t think about how you’re going to get up off the floor when you’re down there and sounds you’ve never made come out in loud grunts and groans. When you enter another room, you don’t think about, “What was I going to do?” You don’t struggle with walking in the grocery store and carrying the bags of groceries into the house. For the most part your eyesight is 20/20 and driving is second nature. You don’t have to lose your patience because you can’t hear what is being said. And your diet isn’t made up of fiber and more fiber, you can eat just about anything and everything your heart desires. And sleeping, well forget that you may get three hours of sleep on a good night. Don’t get me wrong, being young is a blessing but you don’t realize it at the time.
It’s only when your much, much older that your think, “I sure wish I had taken better care of my teeth. I should have listened when mom and dad said, brush your teeth and be sure you floss.”
The time you used to play and do whatever you desired is spent in doctor’s offices and pharmacies. You console yourself with, “Well, at least I’m still alive! It’s just part of life!”
I’m grateful and thankful for the days, months and years I been given. I pray I’ll have many more even if my body is tired, sagging and slow. My spirit is strong and vibrant and alive and that is what’s going to live forever. The body fades and becomes fragile and frail but when you’re a child of God, your spirit is renewed like the eagle, and it soars in places only Angel’s soar.
Don’t take your time here for granted. Live each day in the moment. Young or old. Because one day the body is going to lie down and be buried. In the meantime, take walks, spend time with loved ones and friends. Pray and rest. Read or listen to a good book. Keep moving even if it’s slow, otherwise you become stiff.
Be GRATEFUL for even the difficult times. Don’t dwell on sad things. They will come but don’t let them linger. Listen to good music. Dance even if you just bob your head and wiggle your toes do things that bring you joy!
Tell your grandchildren stories they will love that and will remember them long after you are gone. Help a neighbor without asking for anything in return. Even if it’s just a friendly smile.
If I can leave you with anything, young person, adults, don’t get too busy that you forget to call your mom and dad (not a text) and just say, “I love you!” They love to hear your voice. When they are gone, it will change your whole life. You’ll be old one day if you’re blessed with old age and then, you’ll know exactly what it is all about!!
The day of your birth is a miracle don’t waste it! Eternity is a very long time, it never ends!
Psalm 103:4-6 Amplified Bible
Who redeems your life from the pit,
Who crowns you [lavishly] with lovingkindness and tender mercy.
Who satisfies your years with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the [soaring] eagle.
The Lord executes righteousness
And justice for all the oppressed.