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Encouragement From The Heart
The Master's Garden
Come into the Master's Garden and find refreshment from the busy
world around you. Here you'll find Poems, Stories, Scripture, and
Etc to encourage you in your walk with Jesus. This is the time to
be still and know that He is God, and that He longs to refresh
your weary spirit. Come, "Enter His gates with thanksgiving,
and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him; bless His name.
For the LORD is good; His lovingkindness is
everlasting, and His faithfulness to all gernerations."
Psalm 100:4-5
Current Contents:
Jesus Has Set Me Free
Psalm 1:1-3
Set Free By The Light
The Power Within Us
My Little Angel, You'll
Always Be
Turn Your Eyes to Jesus
Christmas Present
Rejoice Always
That I May Be Seen In You
The Gentle Giant
You
Did it All, I Can Do No Favor
Happy Anniversary
Unto You Oh Lord
One God In Three
A National Prayer
Thank You, Lord
Lovingkindness
A Mere Branch
Jesus Has Set Me Free
Jesus has set me free,
free for all eternity!
He loved me first - tis true,
and now I'm able to love you too.
His love for us never changes - you see,
He died for all men to set them free.
Free from the bondages of sin,
and over the devil we win.
Give glory to His Mighty Name,
boldly proclaim Him with out any shame.
The earth He created and all with in,
He came in flesh to die for our sin.
Greater is He who is in us - tis true,
He died for me and also for you.
Don't harden your heart as you hear His voice,
You have free will and are given a choice.
Eternal life or eternal separation from Him,
choose to follow Him, in this you will win.
Trails and tests will still come,
but victory is ours through the Holy One.
Lift up your hands and give praise,
for we are living in "these last days."
His promise is true and He'll return for His own,
so keep your eyes heavenward - our real home.
by April Correia 11/20/98
Psalm 1:1-3
1 How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers!
2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night.
3 He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers.
Set Free by the Light
As I watched one of our six baby Emu's hatch late
last night, I couldn't help but reflect on what I was before a
life-changing event came into my life.
I was enclosed in the darkness, nourished only by the little that
was provided there. My mind was so narrow with no thoughts
outside my dark enclosure. All I could see was the blackness all
about me. Then one day, after someone's many prayers, a hole was
chipped into my shell and a ray of light shone through. I'd never
seen anything so bright and appealing before, yet part of me was
afraid-- for I'd grown quite comfortable in my own little world.
It was familiar to me. So I turned away from the light.
Yet, day-by-day, my curiosity grew. So I pecked, only a little,
but enough to allow the light to illuminate the darkness of my
shell. No longer did I want to stay in the darkness, for the
light was bright but appealing. I tried chipping away at my shell
in desperation to get to the light. I cried out, "Help me!
Can anyone hear me? I don't want to be in the darkness anymore. I
want the Light, the appealing Light. Oh, please, someone help me!"
Then, a firm yet gentle hand took hold of my shell. All of a
sudden, I COULD SEE. Oh, beloved, how magnificent it is to be
free and see! Free from the bondage of my shell. Free, longing to
share with others who are still in their little dark "shells."
The life-changing event was Jesus Christ. Thank you heavenly
Father for the new life You create in us when we accept Jesus as
our Lord and Savior. Thank you that You are faithful to take a
firm hold of our "shells," showing us Your wonderful
Light; freeing us from the bondage of... (you fill in the blank).
By April Correia
(DW Article)
The Power Within Us
God gave us His
Spirit as a pledge,
To comfort, teach, and protect us as a hedge.
This same Holy Spirit raised Jesus from the dead,
and now dwells with in us; guiding us in the way we are to tread.
Resurrection power to guide us on our spiritual journey,
granting us discernment, His wisdom and forever we are learning.
For His ways are not our ways, and His thoughts are not our
thoughts,
learn to understand our Father's ways, it's through His Son our
lives are bought.
We can do all things through Him who gives us strength,
so stand firm and fear Him who has the power over our lives
length.
Put on the full Armor God has given each of us to wear,
it will protect you from the flaming missiles of the enemy as
well as his snare.
Rely on God's Word and the power He has placed within,
keep your eyes on Jesus and over the enemy you will always win.
by April Correia
My Little Angel, You'll Always Be
It's hard to believe we've been together for 23
years,
through that time we've have some great times along with many
tears.
You're all grown up, what can I say,
Do you remember the time when you were little and we prayed?
We asked God for you a daddy, and for money for some food,
I think you even asked for help with your selfish attitude.
He provided, and cared for us beyond what we could measure,
Then he sent us John, your Dad, a truly blessed treasure.
Somehow I strayed from my relationship with God, and with you,
then rough years came but I believe He carried us through.
It's been over four years now since we re-gave Him our lives to
lead,
Through that time there's been many a need.
But through them all, the great and the small,
God has once again carried us through them all.
Keep your eyes on Him, and don't drift from His love,
He's right there beside you, not a distant God in the heavens
above.
Raise, training up, your children in the way they should go,
and His fruit through them will abundantly show.
I place you into the Father's tender loving care,
He can help you through anything, yes, anything you'll bear.
Because you have a loving God whose love is deeper for thee,
But know this sweet Angel, my little Angel, you'll always be.
By April Correia 10/11/98
"The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know Your name will trust in You, for You, LORD have never forsaken those who seek You." Psalm 9: 9,10
Turn Your Eyes to Jesus
When our minds are weighed down and relief
seems nowhere in sight, turn your eyes to Jesus, our protector,
our refuge, our shining great Light. Just call Him by name for He's
always the same, This evil world and all it contains, only He can
make to feel their shame. Seek His grace, He will never forsake
you, He wait's with open arms your spirit to renew. I encourage
you, just turn your eyes to Jesus -as the song says, then
things of this world will grow strangely dim, in the light of His
glory and grace.
By April Correia
Christmas Present
You came to us knowing you'd die,
it's so hard for me to fathom why.
You were born of a virgin, a baby, born in a lowly stable,
You did this all because of love - You knew only You where able.
We're wicked, Lord, a perverse adulterous generation,
yet for our sakes You allowed Your physical (temporary)
termination.
Your gift to us was to hang on a special Christmas tree,
a tree that was raised up at Calvary.
The meaning of the word, Christmas, is "Christ-is-sent",
I'd like to thank you, Father, for our Christmas "present".
By April Correia 12/25/98
Rejoice Always!
It's now been 30 days of scorching temperatures
above 100 degrees; here, at our home the daily average has been
105 - 107, climbing a couple times up to 112 degrees. Yet
despite the intense heat the birds still sing their praise, the
tree frogs, crickets, acaidas' and grasshoppers along with many
more I don't recognize join in their individual songs of praise.
In Psalm 148 we learn that ALL God created sings praise to the
LORD, "for He commanded and they were created.
He also established them forever and ever; He has made a decree,
which will not pass away. His name alone is exalted; His
glory is above earth and heaven." (verses' 5b, 6 & 13)
Let us learn from all creation around us. Being obedient to
the words of the apostle Paul when he said, "Rejoice! in the
LORD and be glad, again I say, Rejoice!"
My great friend, Jodie, pointed out the birds to me the other day,
inspiring this encouragement. Now as I walk outside instead
of complaining about the severe heat, I turn my focus on the
"songs of praise" from the creatures all around me and
I join them in their praise - rejoicing in all God has created.
By April Correia
That I May Be Seen In You
Lord what is it that you'd have me to do?
For I long so much to please just You.
For You alone did it all.
You died for us, the great and the small.
The moment You cried "it is finished" and surrendered
Your spirit to the Father,
Life anew poured out to those who'd accept it, and no other.
For it's your gift and no one can earn it.
So tell me, Lord, What can I do for you?
Go forth and share the good news I have given
to those far and near, those who will listen.
The fields are white for harvest, but the workers are very few.
Go forth from your comfortable chair, go forth from your alter
and pew.
Share with those who have not, love the unlovable too,
stretch out your hand, and understand, it's the least that you
can do.
For when you've helped the least of these,
it is Me that you will truly please.
Remember, you are not from here - your home streets are paved
with gold,
do what I have commanded of you and to the devil don't allow
yourself to be sold.
He's the father of lies and seeks to destroy your very soul,
But you are Mine, My precious one, I have made you whole.
Keep your eyes on Me and let Me lead you now,
the way that takes you through the narrow gate, you ask "how?"
Through prayer and special time with Me,
this time is usually spent on ones knees.
Read My word for your directions in life,
for it will keep you free from worry and strife.
Seek My will and not that of another,
conformations sometimes comes from a brother.
Set your heart and mind on the things of heaven,
not here and now where you are livin'.
For this will all pass away, and behold I will make things new.
So keep your eyes on Me, My precious one, that I may be seen
through you.
By April Correia
The Gentle Giant
A tribute of thanksgiving for the gift of David Robinson
In a world of anger, fear and confusion stands a
gentle giant. A man who, by the average man standards, is
famous. He races up and down a basketball court with ease
and grace. I am sure he is noticed everywhere he goes as
the "Admiral", of the San Antonio Spurs. If not
that at least his some seven foot tall frame.
I do not personally know this gentle giant. I only know
what I have seen in the last year. No not on the basketball
court or T.V. news. These things I have seen in his Fathers
house. You say, Wow! you know his father? I certainly
do. Oh no! not his earthly father but his Heavenly Father.
It is in a time of worship you will see a giant humbly bow his
head. I think to myself does he ever have a private moment
out in public with his lovely wife, and oh so cute children.
He gives a testimony to an overflowing crowd on a Friday night.
With such ease he told of his love for his wife, children and
ultimately his Savior. He tells all this with humor and truth.
I wonder, does he know how many lives, old and new, he has just
reached for the kingdom?
I see him load his son into the car, saying, "Daddy!
Daddy!, look at the dinosaur." As I smile to myself
and think how wonderful, he only sees him as his daddy, not as a
famous basketball player. I wonder do we see our Heavenly
Father as some famous far off Father? Or do we see Him as
our Daddy our Abba Father?
I see this Gentle Giant take the time to shake my 17-year-old
nephews hand. Does he have any idea what this means to my nephew
who now lives with me? A young man who has had way to few
positive role models in his life. A young man who wants to
be a pro baseball player. For him to see it is important
for this gentle giant to attend church I say a quiet prayer of
thanks as my nephew walks out with a huge smile, I seldom get to
see, and loaded with questions from the sermon.
I look over my shoulder to make sure I have not left anyone for
the 45 minute journey home. I see this gentle giant sitting
in a chair surrounded by young children asking hundreds of
children questions. He smiles shakes their hands and
patiently answers each question.
For a brief minute I shake my head, hold back my tears and think,
surely I have just seen JESUS through this jumble, gentle giant.
Thank you, Jesus for being our Savior, thank you for the gift of
a Gentle Giant.
By Jodie Jarzombek
You Did it All, I Can Do No Favor
Another day has come and gone,
tomorrow I will sing for You a new song.
For every day I will praise you and extol Your name,
I will never forget from where I came.
Your love set me free from the bondage sin,
I'll always remember - Revelation - You win.
To You I lift up unworthy hands,
looking at the stars that number like the sands.
Your faithfulness and righteousness are promises to me,
It's You and Your word that sets men free.
For Your name's sake, O LORD, show mercy to those lost,
may they find true salvation and count the cost.
For Your blood flowed freely with mercies galore,
I'm in Your crucible - a small sample of silver ore.
Stay close to the fire, my Refiner so dear,
give me hope when You see that I'm shedding a tear.
And grant me strength to endure the trials and pain,
may I always remember it's - to heaven - my gain.
Eternity with You my Heavenly Savior,
Thanks that You did it all and I can do no favor.
By April Correia
Happy Anniversary
Today is our fifteenth anniversary, wow, how the years
have flown by. Seems like yesterday we said, "I do."
So much has happened in those short years. Good times,
laughing, candlelit evenings just me and you. Hard times,
saying goodbye to friends and family to move on to where the Air
Force sent us. Challenging times that tested the "for
better or for worse" with the worse seeming unforgivable at
the time. Yet through it all I wouldn't change a thing.
For all this brought us to a place in our lives no person on
earth can understand except for those who a counted in His plan.
I praise God that we "walk in Him" and the many
blessing He's poured out on us our whole married life through.
God knew I needed you and your disciplined character, your
strength, and your love. I thank Him for it all, the better
and the worse - I couldn't change a thing. If I could have
it wouldn't of brought us to the place where we knew we were
sinners in need of God's healing grace, and that's the most
precious gift we've gained - our salvation. No, I wouldn't
change anything.
John, I love you. Happy 15th Anniversary! (1998)
Your Loving wife,
Mrs. John Correia
Unto You Oh Lord
Unto you, oh Lord, I give my heart
I take up my cross ready for my new start.
The road is rough and the way unclear
But I look forward to me in a year.
My spirit will grow and my mind expand
your love will pour through, not just me, but
throughout the land.
Rejoice! I say to all around me
The time has come for us to go to Thee.
For the Lord loves us so much,
You think he's not there, then you feel his touch.
He gave his son for your sin's to be freed
The least you can do is show no greed.
Be merciful, kind and give God his share
Your lives will improve with answers to prayer.
Lift up your voice give praise to His name
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! to the Holy King.
Amen.
by April Correia
So much has happened since this poem was written in 1994.
The LORD is so
faithful. I look forward to seeing what He has done in my
life as well as
those around me in the next year.
Elohim, Elohim
One God in three
I didn't understand
How it can be.
But through your love you showed me how.
You give me guidance and direction,
Security and protection.
You love me as only a
Father can.
You tenderly care and
nurture me
You help me grow
to be all I can be.
You love me as only a
Mother can.
Through life's cares
You walk with me.
Comfort, hope and company.
You love me as only a
Dear friend can.
Elohim, Elohim
One God in three.
Father, Mother, Friend.
You're all I'll ever need.
Elohim, Elohim
One God in three.
Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Blessed Trinity.
And through your love
You showed me how.
by Nikki Myhand
A National Prayer
Almighty God, who has given us this good land for
our heritage, we humbly beseech Thee that we may always prove
ourselves a people mindful of Thy favor and glad to do Thy will.
bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure
manners.
Save us from violence, discord and confusion, from pride and
arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties,
and fashion into one united people the multitude brought hither
out of many kindreds and tongues.
Endow with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in Thy Name we
entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice
and peace at home, and that through obedience to Thy law, we may
show forth Thy praise among the nations of the earth.
In time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and, in
the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in Thee to fail; all of
which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
prayer by Thomas Jefferson
(in 1801 he was elected third president of the USA; he served two
terms)
Our Country is in great need of prayer, sincere prayer as Thomas
Jefferson's
prayer above.
Thank You, Lord
Thank you for the bountiful rain
and Your covenant bow above,
The grass and the trees,
the flowers and bees,
sing their praises of your love.
Before the rains came, there was much pain,
with trees dying, grass and flowers all gone.
But You showed mercy and answered our prayers,
and now Your creation sing You their song.
May our hearts give praise,
as to You our hands raise,
to give You glory and honor You're due.
And may we never forget,
that it's you who set,
His bow in the heavens above.
For it was You who came,
and bore our shame,
and gave Your life all because of love.
by April Correia 8/25/98
Thank you for loving me first, Lord Jesus.
Lovingkindness
It was Lovingkindness that put on human flesh and dwelt among us,
being the perfect example for us to follow.
It was Lovingkindness that was nailed to the cross,
paying for our sin so our hearts would no longer be hollow.
It was Lovingkindness that rose the third day,
overcoming the power of death and setting the captives free.
It was Lovingkindness that ascended into heaven,
Comforting us with the promise He'd be back for you and me.
Perfect example .... Spotless Lamb .... Conqueror ....
Coming again,
Lovingkindness, we give you honor, glory and praise.
Glory, glory, glory hallelujah to the Ancient of Days!
by April Correia 12/8/98
all glory and honor to Christ the King!
A Mere Branch
A mere branch am I, in a hostile land,
yet the sap that flows through me is of the slain Lamb.
The fruit that I desire and choose to bear,
is produced by the Holy Spirit with great care.
Totally dependant on Him, I desire to completely be,
for through the slain Lord's blood, I was set free (for eternity).
by April Correia (c) April L. Correia 2000
all glory and honor to Christ the King!
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