The Miracle Card

                                                                             

 ^“ The Lord bless you and keep you! The Lord let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you!                                      The Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace!”                                                                

The Holy Bible  |  Numbers 6:24

Gratitude is often reserved for Thanksgiving; but I contend that it is even more important at Christmas and Easter… So I have to ask: do you have your Miracle Card, yet?

Some time ago, in prayer, it occurred to me that I have had an abundance of miracles in every aspect of my life, all unexpected, against all odds—Physical healings, healing of depression and anxiety, protection from harm, healing of broken relationships, financial blessings, healing of memories relating to childhood trauma, etc…. Though I can’t list them all here, I will tell you that my miracle list is quite extensive, and goes on and on. And I am sure yours is too!

There is such power in the name of Jesus, so much in fact, that repeating His name alone, when not taken in vain, can be your fervent, frequent prayer. No need for eloquent speech when praying. Are you ready to have the Christmas spirit all year long in a way that will radically change your faith experience forever? If so, then consider this:

During this Christmas season, you likely have an empty Christmas card sitting on your kitchen table. Here is something you can easily do to make this Christmas more meaningful, and keep the ‘holiday spirit’ going all year long. All you need is an empty Christmas card and a pen:

1)      Find a Christmas card that you really like.

2)      With a permanent marker, write on the top of the front: of the card: ‘MIRACLE CARD.’

3)      Say a quick prayer, thanking Jesus for all the blessings and miracles he has given you.

4)      Begin by writing inside the card, in small print, a word or phrase that describes any time that Jesus interceded for you or answered your prayers over the past year. It could be anything. I say write small, as you may be rather surprised at all the things He has done for you over the years, and you may even run out of space on your Miracle Card!

5)      Continue writing in your Miracle Card throughout the year, going back over time as you remember all the times Jesus has helped you in ways that could not be explained.

6)      When you are done, you can revel in your new found joy, and the peace that comes with knowing you are loved unconditionally, by your Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In essence, in doing this, you are giving Him all the credit for His many blessings!

Keep the card easily accessible. Maybe in your office, or near your bed. Continue throughout the year to write all your lifetime blessings and miracles in your Miracle Card, and continue to pray for whatever you need. For gratitude to God opens the door to His peace and joy, two things that far outlast the seasonal ‘Christmas spirit’ we have all come to know. This Christmas season, let’s acknowledge, and seek, the Great Healer, Comforter, Protector, and Savior, Jesus Christ, and give Him due credit, in gratitude, for all your miracles and blessings!

“The joy of the Lord is your strength.” 

Nehemiah 10:8

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[ASK]  “Ask and you shall receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be open to you.”

Luke 11:9

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©    Copyright 2019   |   Adele M. Gill

A Christmas Story: THE GENEROUS HOMELESS MAN

by Chaplain Adele M. Gill

      “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing,                                                    

 so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” 

Romans 15:13

Something wonderful happened this week, at the Soup Kitchen/Community Outreach where I volunteer once a week. It involved a woman with special needs named Vicki, and a generous homeless man.

The woman who leads our clothing ministry brought in gifts for all 100+ guests in attendance to select from. Before our guests came, she carefully set the gifts out along 6 long tables in the back of the room, and eagerly anticipated the arrival of our guests. Shortly after we opened, a homeless man named Charlie, came over to talk with me as he does each week. He and his wife live in a camper with no running water, no bathroom facility, no electricity, but they say they feel blessed to “have a place with a roof over our heads.” Though they are homeless, Charlie is a hard worker, and has held down a full-time job for some time now. By the grace of God, they are soon moving into an apartment.

You can imagine how surprised I was when Charlie approached me at the Christmas celebration that day, and handed me a small, live, 10 inch small Christmas tree, a spruce, with the pot wrapped in burlap that he had just gotten from the gift table. “This is for you for helping me and my wife.” “Thank you” I said, adding, “I can’t take this from you—It’s so beautiful, and you and your wife should keep it for Christmas!” “No, I insist” he replied. At his urging, I did finally accept it, and was deeply touched by his very special gift.

Later, Charlie came over again to tell me he had another gift for me: A long necklace with a string of blinking Christmas lights. “Thanks! How about if we give these to someone here who would really enjoy them?” “Ok!” he said. “How about the woman over there with the special needs community in the purple top?  She waved to me twice earlier today.” “Great idea!” So we went over together right away to give them to her. Her name was Vickie. When I told her they were for her from Charlie, she started yelling, “Charlie! Charlie!” as she leaped out of her chair, with arms extended wide open, she hugged me with great fervor, then grabbed him tight and hugged him twice, too. “OMG! I can’t believe it! Why me?” “Everyone! Everyone! Look at my new Christmas necklace! Charlie gave it to me!” Hugging him tightly and enthusiastically again, he and I were jubilant too, we were deeply moved and speechless by her joy.

As Charlie and I were walking away from Vickie, side-by-side, I looked over and saw he was trying hard to hold back the tears, while trying to compose himself. “You know,” he said, “This is what Christmas is really all about…”

There is so much to learn from this story:

1)      Life is full of surprises.

2)      It really is the simple, little things in life that give us the greatest joy.

3)      Everyone has something to give others, regardless of finances or circumstances.

4)      There is great joy in giving to others.

5)      Sharing joy can be a life-changing event for all involved.

What a wonderful experience and a Christmas blessing! Through the power of the Holy Spirit, the joy we experienced will be with the 3 of us for many years to come. Believing in the power of God-given joy, I’m sure Vickie will wear her Christmas lights from Charlie for days, perhaps months, to come as long as they still light up and blink.

I’m sure that Charlie, in his generosity, experienced profound joy that day that the likes he has never known before. And me? I will plant my little Christmas tree from Charlie in the spring, and will always remember Charlie and Vickie with joy and gratitude, and all that transpired that day. The 3 of us now have a great, joy-filled Christmas memory. Those who witnessed what transpired, and those we share this story with, now have a new Christmas story to tell others. And so we see the ripple wave effect of generosity and joy in giving and receiving.

What happened that day at the community outreach was not random—it was clearly a series of God-events that remind us all that true joy is a God-given gift. We are so grateful to have a loving God of surprises who enables us to share with others and experience joy--even when we think we have precious little to give another person. Joy really is contagious. May you experience joy this Christmas in all things great and small. May you embrace the joy that only God can give!

© Copyright 2019   |   Adele M. Gill

Blessed Beyond Measure

Greetings from Adele's Inspiration Cafe!

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This Christmas season, I am collecting donations of toiletries, underwear, socks, and hand warmers for the local homeless at the Manna House Outreach in Bel Air, and the Epi-Center in Edgewood. Donations will be accepted until December 15^th. If interested in donating any of these items, please email me at: adelemgill@gmail.com or IM me to arrange a time for drop off.  Any of these items that you can donate will be most appreciated. Thanks! Adele

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Today’s blog post:

Blessed Beyond Measure

 [Jesus said:]

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

Matthew 5:1-12   |   The Beatitudes

Through the power of the Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ certainly has blessed, and continues to bless his flock beyond measure. For He freely gave His life in atonement for the sins of humanity. He did this not for just a few, but for all people. But do we recognize his unconditional, pervasive love, and care, in our lives? Today’s Holy Scripture reminds us that those who walk humbly in faith, particularly in times of vulnerability, have God’s full, undivided attention, compassion, and mercy. The poor, the oppressed, the grieving, the timid, those searching for truth while trying to do the right thing in God’s eyes. According to this scriptural WORD, the downtrodden, the merciful, the holy, and yes, even, and especially, the persecuted, find favor with God through Jesus Christ. Yes, He knows we are a flawed people; but He loves us profoundly and with complete abandon any way, as He tries to bring us closer to Him, and on to higher ground.

The Good Shepherd

Like a good shepherd or a dedicated classroom teacher, God’s attention is most focused on those in most need, those who ask for His help. Through this Bible passage today we learn that Jesus is ever present and aware of our frailties, and unspoken needs. And He is passionately and compassionately ever present to those in need—sometimes through other people.

Reaching Out

In these tumultuous times, He depends on us to reach out to others in need; to be His hands and feet here on earth. God needs us to clothe, feed and help support the poor, comfort the grieving, the lonely and the sick. He wants us to stand up for, and with, those persecuted for their beliefs and other reasons. None of us is in this alone. As the body of Christ we are called to be Light to in this world of darkness. Every life is a precious gift from God, and everyone goes through times of vulnerability and turmoil. As followers of Jesus Christ and the Gospel of Peace, we especially need to strive to protect the unfortunate, vulnerable, downtrodden and endangered among us--from the pre-born and the disadvantaged, to the aged, and everyone in between.

Jesus Has Overcome Persecution

In this Bible passage, Jesus also tells us you will be persecuted in this world because of emulating or sharing Him, and it is cause for celebration. If you’ve ever been insulted, taunted, hated, or tormented for your faith, surely you know how difficult enduring it can be. But you need to remember that when religious persecution occurs, it is only because of the witness you give, the witness you are, for Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. At that point, despite how it may feel, you truly are blessed beyond measure for your eternal reward is in Heaven.

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“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. ¹² Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

Matthew 5:1-12

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© Copyright 2019   |   Adele M. Gill

http://theinspirationcafeblog.net/blog/

Part II: Joy Abounds

Greetings from Adele's Inspiration Cafe!

Today's blog post:

Part II: Joy Abounds

By Adele M. Gill

http://www.theinspirationcafeblog.net

‘The joy of the Lord is your strength.’ Nehemiah 8:10

Joy abounds. I recently wrote about joy in a blog called ‘Unshakable Joy.’ However, feeling inspired enough to continue on the topic, hence Part II.

'If God is for us, who can be against us?’

 For Christians, love and peace and joy are central concepts. God-based joy especially has the ability to help us live hope-filled lives in peace. There is no need for despair and/or hatred when you are confident that God is in control and fighting your battles for you. ‘If God is for us, who can be against us?’ When you believe God is at the helm and in control, you are more able to hop hurdles and challenges that would bog anyone down in their humanness. In fact, joy is a manifestation of God working in one’s life, and is accompanied by a deep, abiding peace.

Happiness vs Joy

Joy is one of the first fruits of the Holy Spirit. To experience joy in our lives is a blessed gift from God, an enduring treasure. Happiness is similar to joy. However, it leaves us feeling good for a time, then the feeling soon passes, as life presses on with its ongoing issues, challenges, frustrations, and disappointments. In essence, happiness is often a fleeting feeling, but joy is lasting as it stays with us even and especially as we enter into times of adversity. Happiness is dependent on one’s mood, environment, short comings, successes and accomplishments, where joy is more of an enduring internal state found when one experiences the peace that the Holy Spirit of Jesus brings.

Joy Is Easy to Spot

Joy is particularly easy to spot. When one gets into times of adversity; that is because it is paradoxical. For joy is best witnessed in someone who is going through times of tumult, yet they are seemingly at peace. With that kind of joy comes a quiet knowing that all is well, despite how things appear. Scripturally, that is called ‘walking by faith, not by sight.’ You are able to put aside daily strife and walk in the sublime confidence that God is leading the way.

7 Bible Passages for a Joy-filled Life

Romans 15:13

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

John 16:24

“Until now you have not asked anything in My name [Jesus]; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete.” 

Philippians 4:4

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice!”

3 John 1:4

“Nothing gives Me greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”

Proverbs 12:20

“Those who promote peace have joy.”

Luke 15:7

“I tell you, in just the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance.”

Nehemiah 8:10

‘The joy of the Lord is your strength.’

My prayer for you today is that your joy will outweigh whatever you endure this day. May God himself be with you and yours showering you with enduring joy especially in times of adversity. May you walk in the confidence that God is with you through it all, in control, and fighting your battles with you and for you. Amen!

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Chaplain Adele M. Gill, RN, BSN, ABDA is author of 3 books including “From Broken to Blest: Embracing the Healing that Awaits You,’ written with Dr. Verna Benner Carson. From Broken to Blest is now available on Amazon and at Barnes at Noble in print, Nook & Kindle versions.            For more info:  https://amzn.to/2pNt9Sk

© Copyright 2019   |   Adele M. Gill

Good News!

Greetings from The Inspiration Cafe

Today's blog post: 

Good News!

^{Adele M. Gill}

^{http://www.theinspirationcafeblog.net} 

^“Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. ⁴ Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, ⁵ for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now.”

^6 “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”

Philippians 1:3-6

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Scripture tells us that we as Christians are called, and enabled, to spread the Good News in one form or another. Sometimes it happens inadvertently, as is the case when we simply smile or say “hello” to a total stranger as we go about our day. Other times it is more purposeful as in praying for others or providing compassionate encouragement to a loved one, friend or even an acquaintance who is hurting. As this passage says, we are all partners in bringing the Bible message to the world right around us; to the people whose lives touch our own, and beyond. And to that end, it begs the question, if we, as believing Christians, don’t reach out to others, especially in times of need, who will?

Everyone’s way to share their faith is different. Some people prefer to quietly help others and thereby spread their faith through their actions sharing one-on-one. As Christians, we need to pray and look for opportunities in our daily lives to share our greatest hope, our most prized treasure—Jesus Christ.

As an aside, I have found that the internet is my chosen medium for sharing Jesus. For this effort, each time I write this blog, I post it on Catholic Online (over 1 million readers), Wordpress, Facebook, Twitter, Author’s Den, Blogger, an email service such as Mail Chimp, and most recently, FeedSpot: Christian and Faith Blogs, which reportedly has 2.2 million readers. Because of this blog about God’s Love which I have been writing and distributing for 8 years, I continue to pray for my readers and continue to look for places to post it, and by the grace of God, great opportunities continue to open up. The writing process is this: I pray and write whatever comes, edit it, then post it online. It is pure joy to write what God sends, and share His message, and I pray, with your help, that I will be able to continue this ministry for many years to come.

Even something as simple as ‘liking’ or ‘sharing’ this blog can have a far-reaching positive ripple wave effect on souls, helping them to grow in faith. I am truly grateful and consider people who do that for this blog to be important partners sharing in this effort, this ministry, also known as Silverlining Communications. Some people attend seminary and go on to preach in parishes or congregations. Others engage in leading or participating in Bible study or the written Word. 

The options for faith expression and sharing are endless as we are all unique. It does not require eloquent speech or grand standing—just heartfelt love for God and others. But make no mistake about it, God will use all of your efforts to ‘plant seeds’ of faith—No effort is too small or is ever wasted, as we walk in peace, Love and joy, sharing the gift of faith we have so generously been given by God Himself through the power of the Holy Spirit.

^6 “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” Philippians 1:6

© Copyright   2018   |   Adele M. Gill

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Chaplain Adele M. Gill, RN, BSN, ABDA is the author of 3 books including, “From Broken to Blest: Embracing the Healing that Awaits You,’ written with Dr. Verna Benner Carson. Their book is now available on Amazon and Barnes at Noble in print, Nook & Kindle versions.              Amazon link:  https://amzn.to/2pNt9Sk

Called

Hymnal Lyrics: ‘We are Called’ 

by David Haas

We are called to act with justice.

We are called to love tenderly.

We are called to serve one another, to walk humbly with God.

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The above powerful song lyrics were sung at Mass today, accompanied by a wonderful homily on humility. In the biblical sense, believing Christians are uniquely called to peacefully walk humbly with Jesus. It’s not that they are so good at it, but it is the striving soul that turns to God when they are hurting.

By trying their level best to work for peace, believing Christians frequently forfeit opportunities to strive to preserve their own reputation, avoid having to have the last word, resist the urge to fight back when wronged, and try to restrain from lashing out to others. Instead, they are compelled to turn to God at every turn to restore lost peace, promote comfort, seek protection, and even sublime joy in adversity, despite how they may feel about any given person or circumstance.

No, believing Christians are not destined to become doormats, however, they are compelled to embrace the high road whenever humanly possible. Being a believing Christian is not for the faint of heart, or those looking for the popularity or worldly reward. Actually, being a Christian today sometimes involves being surrounded by hostile or lukewarm souls that chide them for their beliefs. So who will help the inhabitants of this world embrace the way of the Lord with fervor and continuity of faith? For me, the answer is simple: I say, through the power of the Holy Spirit, Jesus Himself.

Perhaps you have heard the Christian faith referred to as the “Christian thing.” In a worldly sense, it is very easy for people to dismiss the faith of others and try to compartmentalize others Christian faith. Certainly our culture promotes this in a myriad of creative ways. For it is possible to be a Christian in name only, an experience that is akin to membership in a club rather than being on the road to grow in faith. However, with Jesus, there is continuity in faith that includes a general respect for that which is Godly. A broken heart for what breaks God’s heart. For the fervent believing Christian soul, there is a zeal and kindness that is best expressed through love, compassion and charity poorly understood by the world at large.

That is not to say that believing Christians do not sometimes feel sad, rejected, abandoned, angry, helpless, or complacent in the face of obstacles or difficult circumstances. It is all part of the human condition. Sometimes these feelings bubble up as with anyone challenged with opposition or malice. However, the difference is in how they are process such events over time. Like anyone else, believing Christians naturally, initially look to others for answers and consolation when presented with hurtful, toxic, or difficult people, or challenging situations. The difference is that they are able to eventually move on, by the grace of God, through activated faith, prayer and Holy Scripture, as they seek counsel and comfort in Jesus Christ rather than that of the wolrd.

Adele M. Gill   |   Copyright 2016   |   www.theinspirationcafeblog.blogspot.com

Lost Courage & Rejuvenation in Christ

As you all know, I posted on Monday that I had decided to stop writing The Inspiration Café blog. Because so many of you have contacted me in various ways since then, most with loving messages of encouragement, I want to tell you what transpired that led to that decision.

On Monday, I lost my courage for spreading the Good News and considered not pursuing the publishing of my completed upcoming book after being told, “No one will read it. No one wants to hear your story” by a woman who has never read of a word of my book manuscript. As for my blog, this same ‘friend’ deemed my blog not good enough to reach 2500 or 25,000 people to be a success. There was much more said, but I will spare you the details. The I am saddened that this blog doesn’t reach more people, but that aside, I will reiterate what I have said from the start:

IF MY WRITING CAN HELP ONE PERSON FIND JESUS, IT IS WELL WORTH THE EFFORT.

Yes, on Monday, I temporarily lost my spiritual compass and courage for spreading the Good News in the face of tense discouragement from someone I thought was my friend. When I left lunch, I felt broken and a failure in the eyes of God, inept at best. Looking back, I should have left the table sooner rather than submit myself to such negativity for 2 hours! 

However, with that said, I am learning that the doors that God has opened, no man can close. I have a choice as to whether or not I continue to write my blog, but it is God himself who is the judge and for whom I write. Here is what I have learned, through prayer, and through Scripture, about what is of God and what is not.

The first Scripture reading is what I call my God-given ‘Signature Scripture.’ That is, the one that has propelled me to write both my blog and my book, in prayer with faith-filled abandon:

Acts 26:14-18

We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’

¹⁵ “Then I asked, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ “‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ the Lord replied. ¹⁶ ‘Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen and will see of me. ¹⁷ I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them ¹⁸ to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’” 

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Romans 16:17

“I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them.”

John 10:10

^“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

1 Thessalonians 1:4-5

^“For we know, brothers and sisters^[b] loved by God, that he has chosen you, ⁵ because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction.” 

1 Peter 5-8 

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”

Ephesians 6:10-20 /  The Armor of God

¹⁰ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 

In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

Matthew 10:14

“If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet. ¹⁵ Truly I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment, than for that town.”

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In closing, I thank you all for your support and, through prayer, have reconsidered continuing to write The Inspiration Café by the grace of God for the glory of God. Perhaps this experience will only serve to improve this effort and thereby lead more souls to Jesus Christ.

Copyright  2016  |  Adele M. Gill  |  www.theinspirationcafeblog.net