GIGGLING GIFTS

Christmas 2009 at Miss Sheri's. Sheri sold us our Galt home in 2012. Sheri Midgley hosts her annual gift exchange on 12/14/13. A fabulous sit down dinner is wonderfully prepared by her son Michael Midgley, the TOP CHEF reality TV star! Her smile lights up the room along with Christmas decorations that spin, chime and sing! CLICK the PHOTO and it enlarges - how many santa's do you see? Her Old Fashioned Tudor home was part of the 2009 Christmas Lights Tour to raise money for AIDS. This fa la la event has been going on for at least 10 years now and each year the laughter and joy increases with new first time guests! Debby Larsen was also lit up and overflowing with praise for her daughter, the soon to be published author of a new childrens book series! Snippets of the first of five adventures can be read online. Just google the main character named ADAM WESLEY, or become a fan on Jenelle Maloy's facebook. What a grand group of mostly single women who all have so much to be thrilled about! A birthday club of these amazing Mavericks started more than 10 years ago. Sheri, Diana, Debby, Kathy, Terry and Barbarito all went to Capitola in June for Diana's 60th! And for Barb's 60th, the party will be in Ajijic! Today Diana Cloos beamed joy for having been accepted into Jenelle's exclusive writing group as she begins to author her first book in 2010! Today Katie took home the giant reindeer as the most coveted gift! There was at least 20 santa's and 10 snowmen that were gifted, stolen and retired! Christina, Ellen, Kathy, Sheri, Diana, Debby and Barbarito sat giggling together and marveled how time flies!

Soul Surfer

In the movie Soul Surfer, Bethany Hamilton’s youth group leader—played by Carrie Underwood—plays a key role in the teen’s recovery from a 2003 shark attack. In real life, youth pastor Sarah Hill’s role was even more prominent. Reflecting on the journey that brought her from ministering to kids on the North Shore of Kauai to a New York City movie premiere, youth leader Sarah Hill said she feels a sense of awe—but not surprise. “I really believe that the Lord painstakingly prepares you for things in your life so that you can have a greater testimony to bring Him glory,” she said in an interview after the April 6 premiere of Soul Surfer. For Hill, that preparation involved tragedy and pain. “I was raised in San Diego by a single mom with five kids who has fought a long battle with cancer,” she recalled. “My dad was in and out of the picture, in and out of jail. He was abusive—physically and verbally—and he abused drugs and alcohol.” In addition to enduring emotional pain, Hill experienced physical trials. “I had several surgeries growing up and a lot of illnesses,” she said. “I became very insecure. I didn’t ever question if He was real or not, but I did ask, ‘How can a God of love allow so many bad things to happen?’”
Things seemed to be looking up when Hill received a scholarship to play water polo in college. But two weeks before she was supposed to report to campus, she broke her neck and back in a surfing accident, and lost the scholarship. She was one sixteenth of an inch from being paralyzed. “It’s a total miracle that I survived,” said Hill. “But all of that added to a feeling of despair, and my future and my dreams crumbled right before me.” Three months after breaking her neck, Hill sank into a deep depression and wanted to give up. “I was tired of all the trials and tribulations,” she said. Something made her hang on. “I remember asking the Lord to speak to me,” said Hill. She opened her Bible and found 2 Corinthians 12: 9-10. The red letters jumped off the page: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” In the next verse, the apostle Paul writes, “I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in trials and tribulations because when I am weak, then I am strong.” As soon as she read those words, Hill recommitted her life to the Lord. “That’s when my journey really began,” she explained. Not long afterward, Hill completed her Associate's Degree in theology from Calvary Chapel Bible College, returned to surfing, and became a missionary on the island of Kauai. Describing the call of God, Hill said that at first she laughed. “God doesn’t call people to Hawaii. But I had this radical dream one night of kids perishing on a beach and someone elbowing me and saying, ‘See Sarah, because you weren’t going to go, people are dying without the Lord.’ “It was awful,” said Hill. “I woke up with a sense of urgency: ‘OK, Lord, you really are calling me there.’” The Attack! In Hawaii, Hill met a young surfer named Bethany Hamilton. And on Oct. 31, 2003, she received a disturbing phone call that seemed at first to be a joke. “I got the phone call from her brother Noah on Halloween morning and I thought it was a nasty trick,” said Hill about Hamilton’s shark attack. “But then I could hear the panic in his voice and picked him up.” As Hill sped to the hospital—actually beating the paramedics there—Noah was so upset he thought he might vomit and stuck his head out the window. “And I am driving and praying, ‘Lord, how do I minister to this family? I am not OK with this.’” That is when the Lord reminded Hill of Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” “I felt like the Lord spoke to my heart,” said Hill. “I had a peace that she would survive. I shared that verse with Noah and her mom. When Bethany first came out of surgery that was the first thing her mom told her. And Bethany grabbed on to that. Hill sat with Hamilton every day in the hospital. By day three, they started to talk about Bethany’s return to surfing. “I told her, ‘The Lord hasn’t allowed this to take away your gift of surfing. He is going to use it in some way.’ All along, I felt that God was going to get her through it.” He did. Less than a month after the attack, Hamilton was back in the water. A year later, she was awarded both an ESPY for “Comeback Athlete of the Year” and a “Teen Choice Award” for Courage. By 2010, Hamilton was ranked No. 20 on the Women’s Tour of the Association of Surfing Professionals. AWESOME TRUE story CLICK for clip

Youth Group Scene from Soul Surfer

MAY 22, 2013 LANDMARK

Unleashed without boundaries, without a limit of fresh air to breathe, without an edit of any emotion, we embark upon unknown trails, without a compass, but in complete FAITH, with a destination, but without the need for a life jacket, with GREAT expectation, we explore, we stretch to utilize our gifts and bless others. With FREEDOM to roam about the planet and bring GREAT NEWS into 22 countries! Our resolve is tested and proved, and our spirits are refreshed by legions of others who have gone before us! In a CLEAR COLORFUL VISION ~~~ We can imagine ourselves laughing with the locals of Chapala as they attempt to teach us about their health and economic needs. With excitement they embrace us and help us with correct pronunciation of their dialect. Walking along the malecon and up the stony streets I bump into and thrill at surprising encounters. Flowers and people seem to bloom and emerge easily inside unkempt, imperfect, unexpected places. Suddenly a stretch of tall trees with enlarged trunks rise to wave my eyes to LOOK UP, beyond my past, and there I stand riveted by God's absolute BEST! Oh YES, as I depart from what is known along highway 88, evergreen and ever available for my eyes to see, for my ears to hear, for my spirit to connect, for my hands to touch, for my feet to tred, I feel unleashed, but not unprotected as I walk the streets of Ajijic, La Floresta and Chapala. An uncharted village that responds with giddyness to the bromide elixir that the lake emits. A cobbled street runs thru La Floresta to connect Chapala and Ajijic. This stroll allows your eyes to witness horses and children at play without an ordinance! A rich spot where artesians yearn to stay and participate in the MAGIC of artsy AJIJIC and the PACE of unbridaled IMAGINATION in downtown Lake Chapala. Johnny's Mama's Bar features live entertainment on Wednesday and Saturday. A special of the day is fish fillet with rice and salad for about $6.00 USA. Saturday enjoy Party Time Music 5:00PM to 7:30PM. "Saturday Afternoon Ladies Drink Special" of 2 for 1 margaritas and 10 peso draft beer. Lunch special Camarones (shrimp) al gusto with rice and salad for $8 USA dollars. JOHNNY's MOMMA is located behind Mail Boxes Etc. near Super Lake. There is also a Sailing Club in La Floresta which offers sails around Lake Chapala on Tuesday mornings and Thursday evenings. See Comment below this post for details. Adventures await as the surrounding forested places give oxygen to the villages within the state of Jalisco. As we abide in Him where EVER we travel, we rest in His hands as He opens the doors for our safe passage. My hopes, dreams and best plans have always been surpassed when it comes to swallowing fully that which has been made possible for my senses to intake. With our anchors pulled up we float freely among English speaking people that blend with the birds of paradise -- mix it up within a culture of a Mexican fishing community and feel GLEE! A brief glimpse of what "is" would allow any person to witness the simple truth --- that regardless of language, color, education or the economy - we are united by our reverance for untamed, natural beauty. Trusting God, staying surrendered to the AWE filling of His Spirit that abides, my path is filled with WONDERS to behold! May 2013 and Casa De La Luz will be placed in the name of Michael and Barbara Hoyle! Women of truth, grace and spirit. Mothers, daughters, global FEM felines, and California gurls TAKE NOTE: Dreams do come true! I TRUST GOD and His plan to BLESS ME! Indwelt by the Spirit of God, my body responds to color, music, food and the elements of nature -- a woman finds out her unique best in Mexico. We discover that we are here to experience God's love as we marvel in all that He has so abundantly provided. Raise your hand CHICA if you dream in color! Sway your hips WOMAN if music moves you! It sounds corny but popcorn is the same in the US or MEXICO. Pop culture pops up where EVER we travel --- Yet the seed of truth POPS and unites us as we bloom where we are planted. In Lake Chapala a soul is surrounded by a vast field of peace in the heart. We are cultivated by Love's way of placing us where our talents are needed. Indeed we are raised according to our bent. Taking focus on our unique personality, we flourish and our purpose fulfills. Watching, listening and ever AMAZED, we are the "BE" in being unleashed. Going forward fueled by a wealth of friends and a flavor rich past, I am packing light, wearing a LOVE that cannot be worn out, my heart overflows and I GO to where I am FREE to be ME. "He has commanded His angels concerning you." Therefore easily and confidently "I cast all my anxiety on Him, because He cares for me." You are Beautiful Barbara. You are unleashed. You are gentle. You are loved as you are. You are imaginative. You are inspiring. You are courageous. You are wise. You are protected. TRAVEL assured of lasting PEACE!

THIRD of LIFE JOY

Delight your self in the Lord and He will lift you up! JOY is delight, bliss, gaiety, favor and good fortune! The first fruit of the Spirit is love followed by JOY! God's love for me, and in me are my assurance of His JOY which sustains me regardless of the chaos around me. "For in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said 'For we are also His offspring.'" ACTS 17:28 NKJ ~ As the offspring of GOD, I choose to languish NO more ~ as I have the indwelt power of the Holy Spirit, therefore I no longer lack vitality, for He is strong in my weakness, and I am given wings like an eagle to fly above any chaos and see through the eyes of God. ~ "and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, Who LOVED me and GAVE Himself for me." Galatians 2:20 NKJV ~ Many Christians have been unjustly punished, and just like Paul and Silas no man, no demon can rob us of our JOY unless we allow it. ACTS 16:26 Yes my Lord releases captives even in 2012! As my God said to me "for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." Romans 14:17 ~ NOW this is the day that the Lord hath made and as a believer, I acknowledge that I am not merely an observer of Christ and His Kingdom, I am not simply reading His word, waiting around for my departure from earth into His Presence, NO, NO, NO ~ as the holy scripture details the steps of Jesus, the good works of Jesus back then, today the Holy Spirit, the Presence of Jesus dwells within me and I acknowledge my experience of the omnipresence of God with a SHOUT of HALLELUIAH JOY! Consider our brother Moses whose retiring motive of heart was to finally reach the promised land ~ but God instead did not require that the elderly Moses walk across the Jordan River ~ our Father God instead gave Moses His highest reward, the promised land of His Kingdom, was a personal face to face encounter with God. "Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem (Stockton) until you are endued with power from on high.” Luke 24:49 ~ WOW our Father fulfilled His promise in those inhabitants of Stockton who believe in Him ~ God sent the Holy Spirit upon us, to fill us, teach, protect and give us His words to utter to defeat the schemes of satan! "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:7-8 NKJ ~ to the end of the earth includes Stockton. The purpose of the indwelling presence of God is that we know, that we claim, that we utilize the power of the Holy Spirit, by surrendering our plans to His way, will and words that we may share His JOY, His pleasure and by so smiling with His radiance, attract others to Himself. " I will satiate the soul of the priests with abundance, and My people shall be satisfied with My goodness, says the Lord.” Jeremiah 31:14 NKJ ~ Therefore let us exodus from DOUBT and let us unify with the Holy One as we BE STILL and hear what the Spirit is saying "And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation." Exodus 19:6 NKJ - Who was God referring to? "This means a “better” hope for us because Jesus has become our priest by the oath of God. Other men have been priests without any sworn guarantee, but Jesus has the oath of him that said of him: ‘The Lord has sworn and will not relent, You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek’." Hebrews 7:20 Phillips Bible Translation

HOLD a VISION

Make a Memory, and Make it Fun! Plan a surprise ride around lake Chapala, or plan an EVENT at the park! Pick up the orphans in a special decorated BUS and deliver to the park for a day with some GRINNING grand-parents! Refresh the hearts and minds of neglected grand folks left to die alone in elder care in Chapala! A FRESH NEW IDEA for the kiddos at the orphanage, HUG a CHILD and thrill those who have few visitors! GIVE EM a SMILE with a special playlist of IPOD Spanish songs to sing-a-long! Custom decorated with FIESTA frills to make the kids a great memory and to SHOW them that LIFE is full of GOOD PEOPLE who love them! Take a spin through the park and sharing spanish fairy tales of Prince OSOS. Also a unique CAB DRIVER MIGUEL will be glad to pick up those who want to TOUR down the malecon while the Mariachies twirl about and shout "BUENO"! Holding onto this VISION of a DAY in the PARK with JESUS smiling wide for a JOB WELL DONE! Mi casa su casa, is the same as saying "My house is His house" named Casa De La Luz, the house of Light, a place selected by JESUS, a home blessed by His presence! Halleluiah, God is Good! Exit the gate of Villa Santa Paula, and walk down three blocks, to Estacion to the Art Center at the historic Train Station in Chapala. Pick up the BUS and PRAISE Jesus for His plans and greet the day with gladness for each divine appointment. Without a VISION, people perish ~ and so this very real VISION keeps me ALIVE and THRIVING with great expectations for what the Lord will do! Picturing many kids HAPPY to see me whenever I pedal with intention to bless them with a chance to HOLD A VISION for themselves, maybe plant the SEED of HOPE in Jesus, His plan, and our priviledge to serve Him in Chapala!

RESPECT

RESPECT: The condition of esteeming another. ESTEEMED: To regard highly or favorably; to admire, to perceive the value, the excellence within a person. “I have great respect for her style of communication.” Respect is a specific feeling of regard for the actual qualities of the one respected. It is good to examine WHY you respect God, your parents, or the person you most admire. Specific ethics of respect are of fundamental importance to various cultures. The Jewish people respect their traditions and they respect the absolute and legitimate authority of God. Respect should not be confused with tolerance. A positive feeling is not always associated with tolerance. The opposite of respect is contempt. As a young girl I wanted to be like my Marlo Thomas in THAT GIRL. The character she played inspired me to be of humble service, to encourage others, to think positively and the best about every person I meet. What was it that I respected THAT GIRL for? Her character was honest, and light hearted. THAT GIRL gained my respect not for what she accomplished for me, or for the career she held, but by her EXAMPLE of delight in each circumstance. THAT GIRL was a positive role model for a little girl who wanted to make a positive impact in her little world, regardless of her invisible position within a dysfunctional family. As a child exposed to the thinking and ways of my GOD through the movie THAT GIRL, my heavenly Father infused His will, His mercy, and His kindness. Like Marlo, I choose to LOOK UP and SHOUT PRAISE TO GOD for bringing me my husband Michael Hoyle, a man I respect and easily admire. Mike's delight in pleasing God and bringing Him glory is worthy of my respect and easy esteem.

FOREVER YOUNG

GOD held this one out just for Michael and Barbara! On August 7th, we looked at seven homes and bid on this single family home in a gated community in Galt! Located in walking distance to Raley's, a PO BOX, pizza and a gas station it is simply perfect for a traveling couple for Christ! A cozy 1360 sq ft. with cathedral ceilings, upgraded wood flooring, upgraded carpet, crown molding, corian kitchen counter. With a enlarged master bedroom, and walk in closet that features a gorgeous master bath, we are thrilled that this home is MOVE IN READY and that Michael has nothing to do but move in, and live in JOY. It has a large laundry room just off the kitchen with a double sink. Easy access thru the garage to the kitchen, we will enjoy coffee together at a dining room table that faces the patio. With ample family guest parking right across the way, we are blessed with God's favor for this location meets our desire to remain close to family! Paula, Steve, Marla and aunt Sue, uncle Doyle all live off HWY 99! Our daughter Hennie lives just 6 blocks away and her husband Ronny hosts a Thursday nite bible study in their home! God knows the longing of my heart to be a grandma ~ and as soon as Ron & Hen's adopted daughter from the Phillipines arrives, we will delight in watching her grow up in GALT! Mike loves the sheetrocked garage which will keep our extra car secure as we travel. The current owner accepted our offer to include all the new appliances. Our dog Tucker will love the little yard with a door that goes into the garage. A short commute down HWY 99 to work for Barbara with a car pool already set to stop at Twin Cities! On the same glorious day, August 7, 2012 Michael purchased a humble engagement ring for his bride to be! On the Saturday before Thanksgiving 11/17/12 we will become Mr and Mrs Hoyle! Barbara is a blushing, twittering, twirling bride-to-be, full of thanksgiving to our Lord and to Richard and Merrin Dean! Mission trips to Chapala and the Phillipines and some FUN on our honeymoon in Napa! Mike has admired this pink tree all over the valley and God gave him his hearts desire! A heavenly SIGN! My dearest darling Barbara, how I do love you. The House We are buying is a House We do not plan to sell because, it will be the House that We will get old together in. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. It is you and me and the Lord. Thank you for your reminder that " We do not ever intend on selling ". Weather in Mexico, Galt or Vancouver; where ever we are, it will be home for me because I am with you. YES my dearest Boaz, we agree, that we are eternally in love and we will never sell, but grow old gracefully with JOY! Thank you Jesus for our divine union, for "such a time as this."

COZY in CARMEL

HAPPY LANDINGS - raise the shade in the AM and fresh quiche, fruit and coffee is delivered. In July when it is HOT in the valley, you will enjoy a brisk chill in the morning. Bring a jacket and good walking shoes. Just a couple of short blocks to the CARMEL STATE BEACH.BLUE WHALES are in abundance in July 2012
Phone 1-831-624-7917 or 1-800-297-6250
Address Monte Verde between 5th & 6th
Carmel, CA 93921 USA $135.00 - $200 per night
Built in 1926, as a family retreat, the English style design embodies the Hansel and Gretel charm of an era gone by and has evolved into one of Carmel's most romantic places to stay. Enjoy the comforts of our antique-furnished rooms with their cathedral ceilings and stained glass windows – some with fireplaces. Outside your door you will find our award winning gardens – wander the flagstone paths, reflect by our pond, or simply relax under the gazebo.

A CONSTANT GUIDE

The initial filling of the Holy Spirit occurs the moment we receive Jesus Christ as our Saviour from all that will pass away. When we accept Jesus is Lord, we walk in the Spirit, as we are in Him, and He is in us. We are refreshed by the living God, and we thirst no more. 1 Corin 12:13 - "Some of us are slaves and others are free. But God's Spirit baptized each of us and made us part of the Body of Christ. Now we each drink from that same Spirit." Baptized and Spirit soaked, we died with Him, and we were raised up alive in Him. The Holy Spirit fills us, and we are equipped to serve the Lord and give Him great pleasure. Today in 2012, the living water of our Lord, His word satisfies all who thirst for truth, who hunger for love. Jesus fills those He calls His beloved, those who accept that He sits on the throne, that He is the King of Kings, that His ways are perfect. Jesus is the same today as He was in the beginning. Ever present, always with us, as we are indwelt by the promised Holy Spirit, the fountain of Truth, the sure Way, the beacon of Light that is the same as Jesus. Jesus assures His disciples in John 14:15 "If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you ANOTHER (Greek meaning another; exactly the same as Jesus) Counselor to be with you forever ---the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you know Him, for He lives with you and will be IN you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long the world will not see Me anymore, but you will see Me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in Me, and I am in you. Whoever has My commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves Me. He who loves Me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show Myself to him." Jesus tells us the truth, storms will come and He asks us to trust Him, and keep our eyes on Him, keep our eyes on the Word, and our feet walking in deliberate FAITH toward Him, and through the doors that He will open. Jesus continues to protect, comfort and provide for those who accept Him as Lord, who surrender to His high purpose, His plan, His power, His grace. Jesus tells us in John 14:25 "All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." He knew the heart of His disciples, and He knows our heart. He knows that in this life, we will have trouble, we will face fears and we will be filled with His peace as we keep our eyes on Him. Just like Peter who took his eyes off Jesus and began to sink into fear, Jesus reminds us to keep our eyes on Him and speak to the storms of life in His authority, and the mountains, the challenges we face will be stilled. Jesus teaches us by His example in the living Word. Absent in form and present with the Father, Jesus physically departed, and faithful to His word, another, exactly like Him, the Counselor came into us and the Holy Spirit doth teach us and remind us of the truth. Jesus says in John 15:9-18 "As the Father has loved Me, so I have loved you. Now remain IN My love. IF you obey my commands, you will remain IN my love, just as I have obeyed My Father's commands and remain in His love. I have told you this so that My joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from My Father, I have made known to you. You did not choose Me, but I chose you to go and bear fruit --- fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in My name. This is My command: Love each other." The lving Word of God waits for us to choose His everlasting economy over the failing world economy. ASK the HOLY SPIRIT to fill you, to change you, to teach you, to heal you, to lead you. Ephesians 1:13 "And you also were included in Christ when you HEARD the Word of Truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having BELIEVED, you were marked in Him with a SEAL, the promised Holy Spirit." Being filled with the Holy Spirit is continuous ONLY as we pray to be forgiven. Sin grieves the Holy Spirit. As the Holy Spirit is a holy person, He must depart from you to grieve the loss of fellowship with you. Being holy He cannot co-exist within us where the blemish of sin spreads to infect our minds, our bodies, our souls. OUR SHIELD of FAITH reminds us that we are constantly FILLED with the Holy Spirit. When a hint of doubt, fear or trouble appears in us we must choose to BATHE our MINDS, we must choose to IMMERSE our souls in Him. We must choose to CHILL, and be STILLED by His presense and admit to Jesus our slips, trips and sins. PRAY to be forgiven for what grieves the Holy Spirit. When we confess the oops of a lie to ourselves or another, the PRIDE in our thoughts, our selfish deeds, our dreaded gossip, our lustful thoughts, our sloth, our gluttony, we are purifed by His mercy, He forgives and forgets. Let us put off all that the Liar has whispered and PUT ON the armor of God. Out Shield of FAITH is that we are deliberately CONFIDENT in our LORD JESUS, in His word, His Power, His will, His Authority over any other voice! Let us rejoice in our freedom to be honest with our gracious Father as we are set free of any guilt and shame because His love, mercy and grace endures forever! Let us cinch our belt of Truth tight and win the fight against what the world would have us believe. Let us use our Sword of the Spirit, and speak the Word of God to our fear, our addiction and let us stand on the Gospel of Peace with bold confidence and contentment that Jesus is sufficient, His power is enough to assure us of our Victory in Him. Jesus directs us in Luke 11:9 "So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? If you then, though you are evil, know how to GIVE GOOD GIFTS to children, how much MORE will your Father in heaven GIVE the HOLY SPIRIT to those who ASK HIM!" OBSERVE in the WORD: It is okay to ASK. Our heavenly Father gives us an everlasting GOOD GIFT of the Holy Spirit. God the Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit work together to encourage us, to comfort us, to guide us, to teach us, to lead us, to bless us. During a meal with His disciples Jesus instructed (ACTS) "For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit…..(8) but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses…."But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you." Our God is GOOD, our Shepherd is full of Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faith Fullness, Gentleness and we possess all the FRUIT of His Spirit which includes our Self-Control. Our right, our divine ability to SPEAK the Word of God to that which seeks to destroy us, is our Breastplate of Righteousness which we must choose to wear and thus be BLESSED by His pleasure in our CHOICE to trust Him, to believe in Him and to call on Him in our time of need. THE TRUTH is GOOD - Jesus lived, died, then defeated death and rose again, just as He promised, just as He spoke the truth. God's plan is GOOD and He is faithfull in all that He says and does. Our heavenly Father delivered into us the Holy Spirit --- NOW the number of believers in 2012 has grown way past 120 million! We are God's chosen, His filled up, His annointed by the Holy Spirit, His soldiers of Faith, His empowered, the ones He called and gifted to reach every nation to fulfill God's will, that none should perish! "So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir." Galatians 4