"Testimony of God’s Great Power"

There is much pain associated with my testimony. I failed our Lord too many times to number (I thank HIM for forgiveness, for without it, there'd be no hope for any of us).

From the time I was a tiny girl, I often talked with God. It seemed that most of our conversations, though, were often one-sided for the most part.

My parents had a turbulent marriage. Mother was a believer; however, daddy was an agnostic. There were serious conflicts during our ”growing up" years. Abusiveness, both physical and verbal was an ongoing problem. Daddy had a roving eye ~ mother was an unhappy wife. There was much alcohol abuse on daddy's part, too; which certainly didn't help the situation.

Brother and I grew up with MUCH fear, uncertainty, feelings of worthlessness, etc. Daddy went to Law College while working to support his family. He earned his degree, but, before he could set up practice, the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor! Daddy went within the next few days and enlisted in The Marine Corp. During his course of boot camp in California, mother sent brother and me to live with our grandparents, who had a farm in the country.

My beloved grandmother was a loving, precious Christian lady, who took us to church every service. She played the piano for services. As I said before, "country" is where we lived. Therefore, both Methodists (which grandmother and grandpa were) and Baptists, shared our church. Grandmother would play piano for both Denominations. Can you imagine that? "Power in the Blood" ~ Baptist Style :-) and” Blessed Assurance" ~ Methodist Style :-)

The Summer of my eighth year, brother and I attended Bible School at the "big" Methodist church downtown. During this week, both brother and I gave our hearts to The Lord. Now Methodists believe in "sprinkling" for baptism; but, brother and I told pastor we "want to go under the water":-) Praise the Lord for The Baptists! They opened their hearts to us and allowed our pastor to baptize us in their baptistery fount. This was a VERY serious occasion to brother and me. Several relatives attended, some friends and, of course, grandmother & grandpa.

Brother and I both served the Lord during our teen years. We both were involved in music and drama during high school.

I married right after graduation; (disastrous decision on my part.) The man I chose to marry (against my parents wishes) had quite a different agenda planned than I expected. My heart was broken and mother came to move me back home.

Thus began a pattern of rebellion in my life. I became a rebellious child of God AND a rebellious daughter. The world was calling my name and I had not a firm enough foundation in the Lord to resist the call.

Through another marriage, which produced two children, I struggled along. This husband was a womanizer, too, which I could not abide. Back home to mother and daddy I ran with my two precious children in hand.

Many times during those "rebellious years", The Spirit of the Lord was dealing with my heart. I would cry out to Him from my so troubled soul AND, HE would respond. I'd ask forgiveness, repent, get into "church" and for a while, everything was looking UP!

However, much more heartache was in store for me before this "prodigal" truly came HOME to The Father's House!

In 1966, when David was 9 and Dana, 7, I met my "Huggybear" Gordon. He'd NEVER been married and I had been married too many times :-( We dated for eight months before he "popped the question" :-)

We had a lovely wedding. (One lil' side note of humorous nature). David cried during the entire ceremony. Afterward, Judge Treadway said, "David, why are you crying so much" to which David replied, ”I cry at ALL my mother's weddings"! Even then, he knew how to lighten up a conversation :-)

"Huggybear" and I were happy together. We were a family of four. Two years later, we had our baby boy, William. When William was three weeks old, we went to court for Gordon to adopt David and Dana. During this period of my life, I joined the Episcopal church and served the Lord wholeheartedly. I sang in the choir ~ taught adult and youth S.S. classes and, in general, was a dedicated child of God.

In 1973, we moved to the suburbs of Houston, where I attended a Baptist church. Our next-door neighbors invited me to visit their church. It was a "Spirit Filled" church, which exposed me to a completely different sort of worship than I'd ever experienced. Hungry for everything our Lord had for me, I asked for and received The Baptism in The Holy Spirit!

What joy filled my soul ~ what hunger began growing within my spirit. My meetings with our Father began to be so glorious, words cannot tell it! I could not get enough of GOD's WORD nor His presence. He began to teach me about self-discipline. He poured within me such a river of LIFE, as I'd never known.

God began to speak to my heart about the talents and gifts He'd placed in my life. I had written poetry since childhood (all of which got misplaced along the way). One night as I was in the Lord's presence, I asked Him to use my talents for HIS glory. The next morning when I awakened, a poem was bubbling up within my heart. That was in June of 1980. Thus, began the Journey of Joy I am still traveling today.

In 1995, God spoke to my heart about starting a business. It was during a six week's course of calligraphy I'd been attending at a local college. I said, "Why Lord, I don't know the first thing about drawing or painting"! How in the world can I make greeting cards without illustrating them? God said ~ “Do you trust me"? Well, the Lord had His mind made up :-).

In the next few weeks such a hunger captured me to draw that I couldn't believe it. Thus, began Musings by Mary. I drew angels, angels & more angels, trees, flowers, butterflies, lots of nature, all of which I learned to paint with acrylic paints. Talents I had never known began to emerge. Oh, how I wanted to please my Lord. During the second year in business, The Lord decided I should write a book of poetry, which I did. It sold well and, I pray, blessed many folks. Oh, how the Lord has blessed our lives through this act of obedience. Not so much financially, but, teaching me so many things of which I'd been unaware.

During this same period of time, Father began giving me a Christian play. It is a unique lil' play, the cast being articles Jesus handled before and during His Crucifixion. "Cup of Compassion"- ”Bag of Betrayal", etc. This play is about Jesus returning to earth AFTER His Resurrection and ascension to Heaven. Each scene has the characters in the Upper Room, The Garden of Gethsemane, Pilot's Hall, The Via Dolorosa, etc. Father gave me songs for this play, also. Someday, perhaps we will act it during the Resurrection Season. I think it would appeal to children & youth, as well as adults. It's a very tender story with strong characters (also with some humor:-)

In the New Year of 2001, William and Lori gave me a computer for my birthday. Talk about a brand new world opening up! IT DID :-) Me, who'd never known anything about computers, began building WebPages like an "old pro":-) I was ecstatic and knew God's anointing was flowing like a fresh, sparkling fountain.

HOW can God take a broken, useless vessel, mend it and cause it to be useful again? All I know is that HE CAN and HE DOES:-) On Wings of Faith web home moved from its original server when Shirley Miller of Creations of Praise, became my webmistress. She created my new web home and maintains it. Shirley is a precious Christian lady who has helped me in so many ways. I must add here that GOD has sent many angels into my life along the way. Strangers who became dear friends have helped me overcome many obstacles. Oh, I thank them ALL from the bottom of my heart. GOD IS GREAT!!!

Little did I know what our Lord had in store for me next:-) He began to deal with my heart about writing a devotional. Stopped me in my tracks, I can tell you! After three weeks of His nudges, I surrendered to His will and there began On Wings Of Faith Devotionals. He has blessed me with 4500+ members of our angel family (unbelievable to me still)! God is growing me up day by day as I yield myself to Him. GOD IS GOOD!!! He can take a life that's shipwrecked, salvage and restore it ~ and nourish and love it so much ~ it becomes a worthwhile vessel. Oh, praise Him forever!

I give GOD all the praise and glory for His unspeakable gifts!

God healed me from panic anxiety attacks from which I'd suffered over 25 years. I still suffer from several conditions that are quite painful much of the time. But, God has given me strength and grace to carry on with His help.

From tiny girl to great-grandmother, GOD has kept his mighty hand upon me and would NOT LET ME GO ~ oh, how marvelous is our GOD ~ His ways are past finding out !!!

In His love & mine, Maryxo
http://www.onwingsoffaith.com/

“If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen” 1 Peter 4:11

Open My Eyes Lord

I have been pondering and watching a friend of mine in his time of testing. Once He made up his mind to do what was right and be vulnerable opening himself up to be examined and transparent, God then took over and took him on a journey to a better more richer life, not just physically but spiritually as well.

In my observation this is what is speaking to me as well. I have been on my own quest to reach a more intimate walk with my Lord. This morning God began to speak to me in ways that I could understand. My walk has been so covered up with “stuff” that it is of no importance, which hinders my quest to walk into the very presence of God into the throne room.

Yeast leavens the whole lump. It kills, and hinders me to see, feel, and know Him. My heart cries for the time I can hear His voice daily and get into His presence, and go to the very throne room of God.

As I watch my friend I observe the things he is doing to get healthy, the things he needs to do if he wants to see real fruit. No vinegar, bread, white rice, sugar, cheese, mayonnaise and

I am sure other things. These can spoil and cover up the real taste, the Lord has provided for him and us. Stripping off all excesses so the real pure fruit can be experienced, using the very minimum like salt and pepper. This leaves an un-adulterated rich taste.

The Lord says in scripture to beware of delicacies.

Spending time in His presence is what we were created to do. If this is so, then we must remove all that hinders us and weakens our intimacy. Our focus is very easily spoiled when we start to add all kinds of stuff to the original fruit -- just like adding to the Word of God… Or things that keep us from enjoying his presence. We need to be diligent in order to experience the good fruit of that labor.

The Lord wants to make us holy, without spot or wrinkle.

So why is it that we always seem to add or take away from the abundance that the Lord wants so passionately to give us? It must be a matter of control. If we are to get to the richness of His glory and enter the very throne room of grace we must take out all the excessive yeast surrender the things that can cause it to over load our systems and keep us from His presence.

I pray as I watch my friend reach fullness and happiness and confidence, that I, too, will be challenged to get those things out of my life that can keep me out of His presence. I thank God for his love and his mercy in my life, to send me people that set that example.

The Virtuous Woman at Her Job

Spring is springing…It’s time to look at God’s words regarding the Proverbs 31 Virtuous Woman at her job. “Who can find the Virtuous Woman?” Each workday must begin with prayer, regardless of whether we, as Virtuous Women, work in our homes or outside of our homes. We really can pray ourselves through our days and end with a smile instead of a feeling of exhaustion. But how? It’s really not so difficult if we begin our days with prayer. As virtuous women, we actively manage the business of our homes and jobs. We are all part of the working class. It is not a shame to be part of the working class in our homes, as we are home-makers! It is not a shame, if it is necessary, to be part of the working class outside our homes, as long as our families are not being neglected. Most importantly are we faithful? Are we making our homes happy and peaceful and loving places? Everything has its order…God first, as companion to our husbands second, followed by family, then stepping out into the work-world last. God balances our lives as we structure our lives according to His will. Although many of us have to work outside the sphere of our nests, our comfort zone should always remain with family. When it gets out of order, we are out of order.

What about the unmarried woman? This wonderful, precious woman has the greatest of opportunities to avail herself to the church and to the ministries needed at the church. The Bible is full of examples of women who have given themselves over to the ministries of the church and are still occupied in world of the workplace. What a glorious example are these brides of Christ.

What about our qualities as women of virtue? Are we efficient? Are we enterprising? Are we able to counsel our children because we are becoming well-versed in God’s Word? Are we working willingly with our hands showing delight in those things God gives us to do? Part of having willing hands is the hand that reaches out to the less fortunate. Do we sit around and lounge, or do we show worth with the use of our hands? The woman of virtue shows integrity and has a sound mind in thought and deed. Even as we tend to the shopping for our families, we are making wise decisions and performing part of what is expected of us as mothers, wives, and women who can show wisdom in thought and deed.

“She looks for wool and flax And works with her hands in delight.”
Proverb 31:13 NASB
Lord, we thank you that it is you that has given us the ability and the desire to “work willingly with our hands” as unto you…to please you and to be creative in whatsoever way you see fit. Lord, our desire is to be like you, to take pleasure in those things that you have given us to do. Some of us must work outside the home, while many of us are busily providing for the needs of our families as we care for our families, care for our spouses, and take care of our property. Help us to remember to keep our days in perspective, God.

“She is like merchant ships; She brings her food from afar.”
Proverbs 31:14 NASB
Lord, Jesus, praise you, for entrusting to us this task of caring for not only the needs of our families, but to show wisdom in taking part of the decision making. Help us to totally rely on you in these decisions. Menus must be thought up, budgets must be kept, home management must be well thought out. Give us the ability to be wise and discreet.

“She considers a field and buys it; From her earnings she plants a vineyard.”
Proverbs 31:16 NASB
This is a big one, Lord. How can we, as women of God, be given this difficult task? Yet you have entrusted this to us as well because you know we are capable as we look to you for guidance. Help us to spend our earnings wisely to meet the needs of our families and to help our husbands (for those of us who have them), and to balance all that we do. Help us to be those women of virtue, God.

“She makes linen garments and sells them, And supplies belts to the tradesmen.”
Proverbs 31:24 NASB
Once again we see that all we do will be presented before you at the gates, Lord. May our lives reflect our worship of you, our love to our husbands and families, and your love through us to those we come in contact with on a day-to-day basis, and may all we do bring glory to your awesome name, Lord God. We do love you so.

“Give her the product of her hands, And let her works praise her in the gates.”
Proverbs 31:31 NASB
So many of us don’t think we have the ability to do much with our hands Lord, and yet you say right in your word that we can. Help us to trust you and look to you for the capability to follow through and step out in faith. Help us to try new things Lord. Help us not to downplay those things you have graciously helped us create and then to provide them for others. Thank you Lord.

From the Kitchen of...

Deborah Geitner of California.

The following is a recipe provided by our friend, Deborah. This tasty dish is perfect at a pot luck or as a brunch entry and is Excellent when served with a fruit plate while having company!

Hearts for Christ Ministries thanks Deborah for this recipe! Some of us on the team have even had the opportunity to taste it! It is mmmmmm good.

Do you have a RECIPE that you would enjoy sharing? Send it to us here in the Hearts for Christ Ministries Comments Section or e-mail direct: info@heartsforchrist.org. We will be thrilled to pass it along to our readers.

WE NEED TO HEAR FROM YOU

Do you have a quilt block from your online ministry? Please share it with Hearts for Christ Ministries. Let us bond together in patterns of Christian Love. Send your block to info@heartsforchrist.org (size should be approx 130 pixels by 130 pixels).

If you like to work with your hands…check out “She Worketh Willingly” and send in your photo. We will display it lovingly on Hearts for Christ Ministries.

Sharing Hearts One with Another... The following letters are excerpts from the correspondence Hearts for Christ Ministries has been receiving. Dear Hearts For Christ: Many men I know have a hard time with women being pastors. How do you separate teaching and preaching the word. Most men think when a women is pastoring that she does indeed teach the word and the church is attended by men as well as the women. I can see in a Bible study on a Sunday morning or a Wed. night study that a man should teach the word. I am reminded of Jesus sitting in the temple with the other men when he was just a boy there was no mention of women being in the synagoue. Would love to have your input as to the differance between preaching the word and teaching the word in a church Sunday service enviroment. Blessing to you my sister Linda Wyoming Dear Linda: HFC encourages all questions so we thank you for yours regarding women in ministry. Many men AND women have a difficult time with women being "pastors" of a church for several reasons, Linda. I am of a mind that the woman's place is not behind the pulpit unless she is dealing with women BECAUSE of what the Bible says. Where does it say in the Bible that a woman is called to "pastor" a church? (I found numerous ministries for women, none of which were "pastors") What does the Bible say concerning the ministry of women? When the Bible speaks of ministries for women it lists hospitality, comfort, for the anointing of Christ, serving the church, helpers to Paul, prophetesses [for encouragement, comfort, edification, admonishment] for the teaching of (older to the younger) women -- but never in any authority over a church. When you look at every scriptural reference to women do you find ANY that speak of a woman placed over a flock? What IS a pastor? And what is the difference between a pastor, preacher, and teacher? The difference is clarified in the word from the Greek to the English where we will see that a pastor is a shepherd who tends his flock, oversees it, feeds it, nourishes it, cares for it, etc.) In Vine's Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words we learn the Greek definition for the word Pastor is POIMEN which means a shepherd who tends herds or flocks (not merely one who feeds them). Pastors guide as well as feed the flock ...a service committed to elders (overseers or bishops). (See Ephesians 4:11 and Acts 20:28, 17) [Please refer to a Vine's for further references] What IS a teacher? There are several Greek meanings, (depending on where it is located) DIDASKO -- to give instruction (Matt 4:23; 9:35; Rom. 12:7; 1 Cor 4:17; 1 Tim 2:12; 4:11). PAIDEUO -- to instruct and train KATECHEO -- to inform HETERODIDASKALEO -- to teach a different doctrine What IS a preacher? The Greek word is KERUX which means "herald". What does that mean? Heralding or Proclaiming the Good News (the Gospel). Sometimes a preacher is also considered an EVANGELISTES which suggests that he is bringing a message of the glad tidings of Jesus Christ and the invitation to receive him as savior. Some men have the gift of being pastor/teacher/preacher or teacher/preacher which is obvious by the way in which they teach/preach. (Some examples would be Billy Graham who is an evangelist (but doesn't pastor a church) and Chuck Smith of Calvary Chapel, who is a pastor/teacher but never felt called to be an evangelist. The scriptural references to this are immense. I pray this little that I have written will help until you are able to read the article we are putting together on this subject. Because there are so many women in need of the ministry God has given us, I believe we have much to keep busy on touching on their lives and should just stay out of the men's. I also believe men have no business being involved in women's ministry as well. Thank you once again for your challenging and inspiring question. God bless you. The HFC Ministry Team Dear Hearts For Christ: I am very interested in joining your prayer and minister team. Please let me know more information about it. God's blessings, Merri Ann Dear Merri Ann, Thank you so much for your interest in becoming a part of the Hearts for Christ Prayer and Ministry Team. We look forward to getting to know you and will get the information you request off to you as soon as possible. It's a wonderful blessing to be in the service of our Lord Jesus Christ who gave His all for us. Until then, God bless you and keep you, The Hearts for Christ Ministries Team Merri Ann The Colonys, USA (Merri Ann is now one of the team members at Hearts for Christ Ministries. We praise the Lord for this faithful Prayer Warrior!) ******** Pray about joining our Prayer and Ministry Team. We would love to have you! Complete our Co-labor Form to find out how you too can be a part of Hearts for Christ Ministries.

We are ready to Hear from YOU too! What is the Lord doing in your life today? Do you have a question, an experience, or a victory in trial you would enjoy sharing in a future newsletter? Send your comments and inquiries to "Dear Hearts for Christ." Article Submissions and Testimonies should be sent to info@heartsforchrist.org. No names will be included without permission, and the editor reserves the right to edit submissions.