Happy and Blessed Birthday to Me!

JESUS My Lord and Savior

© All Rights Reserved -Anastasia Diamond

Prayerful reflections on my life…as I approach my 64th birthday

Birthdays are such a precious time to celebrate all that God can do in the life of those who choose to follow HIM.

I never thought I would live this long! But…I am so very happy, pleased and blessed that I have.

I am so immeasurably grateful that I answered the Holy Spirit’s call on my life.

I have absolutely no doubt that I would have died in my sin…so many years ago…for so many reasons…had I not chosen to follow Jesus.

I am a sinner…saved and forgiven by HIS grace, and through His mercy.

I remember the audible pounding in my heart…as HE convicted me…and called me to choose, and follow Jesus.

Dear Abba Father, I praise You and thank You…for my New Birth Day…the day I was re-born, in and through You.

Dear Abba Father, I praise You and thank You…that You never gave up on me during all those years I searched for Your truth in so many strange, mystical, and occult places.

Dear Abba Father, I praise You and thank You…that You never gave up on me as I stumbled in my unrepentant sinfulness.

Dear Abba Father, I praise You and thank You… that You never gave up on me when I was so very unlovable in the thoughts of my mind, words of my mouth, and actions of my body.

Dear Abba Father, I praise You and thank You…that You loved me in the midst of my sin…while giving me a hope and promise for a new beginning, in and through Your Son, Jesus.

Dear Abba Father, I praise You and thank You…that You continue to love me today…in the midst of my continuing human frailties.

Dear Abba Father, I praise You and thank You…for giving me Your Holy Spirit wisdom, guidance, and correction.

Dear Abba Father, I praise You and thank You… for the process of sanctification…as I grow in submitting my will to Your divine will for my life.

Dear Abba Father, I praise You and thank You…that You have made beauty of the ashes of my life.

Dear Abba Father, I praise You and thank You…for the family, friends and foes in my life…as I grow from every relationship, when I submit them all to You.

Dear Abba Father, I praise You and thank You…that You sent Your Son, Jesus Christ…to live, die, and resurrect for me.

Dear Abba Father, I praise You and thank You… for every moment of my life; each has drawn me closer to You, which is the only place I want to be.

Dear Abba Father, I praise You and thank You…for the rest of my life; may I live every day drawing closer to You, walking Your narrower road…and reflecting Your light and love, in Your Name, to all I meet

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The LORD Declares: I Know the Plans I Have for You!

Jesus, my Lord and Savior –Anastasia Diamond

All Rights Reserved © 2009-2010

“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.” Jeremiah 29:11

I am always so gratefully humbled by the knowledge that our heavenly Abba Father has thoughts and plans about and for me.

I am continually in awe that the Almighty Divine Creator of all that ever has been, is now and ever will be…desires that I prosper, have a future, and a hope.

Dear one…rejoice! God has these same encouraging thoughts and plans for you and your life.

No matter your current circumstances or beliefs, our Abba Father has never stopped loving you. In fact, He loves you more than any person here on earth ever has, ever will…or is able.

God loves you more than your mother, father, grandparents, children, husband, wife, girlfriend, boyfriend, brother, sister, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends…or fans.

He is the only One who will never leave you or forsake you.

He is with you now. He knows your needs before you even ask; for He has known you since before He formed you in your mother’s womb.

No matter what others may tell you, God has never stopped His loving thoughts and plans toward you. No matter what you think or believe…or how you feel at times…He has not, and will not, leave you or forsake you.

God is ever-present, through His most Holy Spirit. He remains a loving, caring Abba Father… watching over you. He is ready, willing…and able…to give you the guidance and direction you are seeking.

God has a storehouse of overflowing blessings waiting just for you, today…and always.

Does that mean life will always be easy or perfect. No!

Does it mean you can claim your righteous, blood-bought, place in the anointed family of God? Yes!

Dear one, though I may not know you,  I believe in you.

I believe in who you are…and who you want to become. Why should I believe in you? I believe in you because I trust in who God says you are, and who you can become…in and through Him.

His Word reminds us that He is no respecter of persons. Therefore, rejoice again! What He thinks and plans for one of His children, He equally plans and thinks for all of His children.

Life is a series of decisions and choices.

Why are we so often resistive to such a loving Father, who has such perfect thoughts and plans for our life? Free will and Fear. We often exert such a strong will to run our own life, that we are fearful of letting go of control…and trusting Him.

May today be the day you decide to trust His thoughts and plans for you.

May today be the day you decide to accept His loving, merciful and gracious promises in your life.

May today be the day you choose to allow His Holy Spirit to guide and direct your path…helping you grow into the man or woman He is calling you to be.

May today be the day you decide to release your fear, and choose to submit your will to His perfect will for your life.

May today be the day you choose to accept and receive God’s only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, as your Lord and Savior…then follow Him into eternity.

Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. –Luke 12:32

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All Rights Reserved ©2009-2010…”JESUS my Lord and Savior-ANASTASIA DIAMOND’S Prayerful Reflections…and Photographs on a Spiritual Journey from Darkness into HIS Light” Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from Anastasia Diamond is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided full and clear credit is given author/photographer and with appropriate and specific direction to the original content at: https://jesusmylordandsavior.wordpress.com/

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A Love Story

Love is the Question Love is the Answer

JESUS My Lord and Savior ©-Anastasia Diamond

As parents, we tend to love our children unconditionally…in the midst of the most difficult of circumstances, even when we do not like or approve of their actions or behaviors. As children, we tend to love our parents with expectations and conditional love. How much is this like our Abba Father’s love for us…and our response to Him?

God, our Father, loves us with a divine, unconditional love that gives us the free will to choose to reflect it back to Him…or not.

How broken-hearted are parents when their children do not return the love they feel and express to and for them? How can we even begin to measure the broken-heart of God the Father when we, His children, respond negatively to His divine love?

Clearly, God the Father and Jesus, the Son are our divine role model for earthly parent-child love.

Yet, even among those who know the Father and the Son…there is often conflict within the minds and hearts of parents and their children.

As parents, we are by nature positioned to forgive our children’s trespasses… with a genuine heartfelt love. However, the forgiveness our Abba Father and Jesus lovingly model and bestow upon all of us is often sadly missing from us to Him…and from children to their parents.

Many of us knowingly or unknowingly hold a grudge against God when disappointed due to unmet or false expectations of life and people.

We may say, “I am angry with God. Why did He do that? Where was He when I needed Him? He must hate me. How could He have let that happen? He is cruel. I will never forgive Him.” Does that sound familiar? Interestingly, these are also many of the things children often say to and about their earthly parents.

Children cannot learn to love their parents until they forgive them their human trespasses. God the Father and Jesus the Son, who love us eternally, model forgiveness and love for us.

Children…forgive your parents; that you may learn to love them. Parents continue to love your children unconditionally…that you will always forgive them.

All Rights Reserved ©2009-2010…”JESUS my Lord and Savior-ANASTASIA DIAMOND’S Prayerful Reflections…and Photographs on a Spiritual Journey from Darkness into HIS Light” Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from Anastasia Diamond is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided full and clear credit is given author/photographer and with appropriate and specific direction to the original content at: https://jesusmylordandsavior.wordpress.com/

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LOVE ONE ANOTHER

ALL Things Grow with LOVE

JESUS My Lord and Savior

© All Rights Reserved-Anastasia Diamond

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner…so we tend to ponder the meaning of love and our love relationships a bit more in the month of February.

The world says Valentine’s Day is for lovers. The un-coupled, alone, lonely or abandoned often feel rejected, unworthy, and without favor. Dear one, please do not overly despair if you find yourself feeling un-loved or alone by worldly standards.

God’s divine promises tells all of His children: ‘I will love you always’ and ‘I will never leave you or forsake you’. HE loved us long before we loved HIM…or anyone else loved us.

Whatever your circumstance: coupled, single, or alone…remember to place your hope in HIM who knew and loved you before the foundation of the world. Honoring God and choosing HIM as the first object of your love allows all earthly relationships to line up in proper order – after HIM. Thus, you will be more fully able to receive HIS love…and show HIS love to others

We grow in HIS loving ways…when we draw nearer to the mind and heart of our Abba Father. For it is there that we learn and receive the truth of HIS deep and abiding love for us.

It is also there, where we discover HIS heart’s desire for all of us to share the blessings of HIS everlasting love. It is there HE reveals HIS loving plan and purpose, in and through our lives. It is there HE brings forth the majesty of HIS love offering to the world. It is there HE exposes HIS eternal love for all of His creation. It is there also, where we realize that true love chooses to focus on places of agreement…not disagreement.

Some will share flowers, cards and candlelight on Valentine’s Day. Some will not. No matter our circumstances, let us neither gloat…nor complain.

Let us choose to praise HIM, with, and in love…in all of our circumstances. Let us choose to celebrate HIS love and live in HIS way. The often spoken, but seldom practiced, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’, cries out from God’s heart for all of us to take action toward one another…in love.

Therefore, let us open our hearts and reach out in true love to the stranger, lost, broken, the estranged… to those difficult people in our lives, and those we meet along the way who we would rather ignore.

Let us reach out with forgiving love, like that which HE pours out to us when we act in un-loveable ways. Let us reach out in accepting love to those with whom we may not always agree…but, who are none-the-less included in the blessings of our Father’s profound and all-encompassing love.

Let us choose to reach out to one another…in love…as HE loves us.

All Rights Reserved ©2009-2010…”JESUS my Lord and Savior-ANASTASIA DIAMOND’S Prayerful Reflections…and Photographs on a Spiritual Journey from Darkness into HIS Light” Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from Anastasia Diamond is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided full and clear credit is given author/photographer and with appropriate and specific direction to the original content at: https://jesusmylordandsavior.wordpress.com/

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CHRISTMAS: What and Why We Celebrate

Bethlehem…

Jesus my Lord and Savior

©All Rights Reserved-Anastasia Diamond

Was Jesus Christ truly God manifest on earth in the flesh?

If that is true, and I believe it is… Christmas is actually the glorious celebration of Almighty God, the Creator of the universe, fulfilling Biblical Messianic prophecy when He came to earth manifest as our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, over 2000 years ago.

Almighty God has always been with us in that He has always been with His creation. However, this all powerful Creator chose to have an even closer relationship with His creation.

The birth, life, and death of Jesus was Almighty God’s personal demonstration of His Divine will for each of us to have an opportunity to go to Heaven… and live life everlasting…with Him.

God chose a young virgin for Jesus’ mother, and a humble manger in Bethlehem for His birthplace. Did you know that Jesus’ birth alone fulfilled 48 of the over 300 prophecies about Him.

This Christmas, let us celebrate the birth of the Son…and the manifestation of the Father, God Almighty in His Son. For the true message of Christmas is one that is close to incomprehensible: Our Creator and Abba Father, the One and and only Almighty God chose to come to earth as one of us, that He could live and die for us.

For it is God Himself who lies in that manger; vulnerable and human, while still Divinely omniscient (all knowing), omnipotent (all-powerful) and omnipresent (present in every place at the same time).

Almighty God came to us, embodied as His only begotten Son, the baby Jesus. His sole purpose was to understand, forgive, and take our sins upon Himself; that He may live and die for us.

This Christmas, yes…let us celebrate the birth of the baby, Jesus. Let us  also celebrate the divine gift and sacrificial offering of our heavenly Father, God Almighty, for He chose to give Himself to live and die for me…and for you.

Scripture from the King James version of the Holy Bible

“Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Emmanuel. ” Isaiah 7:14

“Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.”           Matthew 1:23

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God; and all things were made through Him and apart from Him nothing was made which was made…And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth”  John 1:1-3, 14

Jesus said:

“I and the Father are one.” John 10:30

“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, you will know my Father also.”  Jon 14:6-

“Whoever hates me hates my Father also.”  John 15:23

“If I am not doing the works of my Father, then do not believe me; but if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.” John 10:37-38

“Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority; but the Father who dwells in me does his works.” John 14:10

“Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing on his own, but only what he sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, the Son does likewise. The Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing; and he will show him greater works than these, so that you will be astonished.” John 5:19-20

“The Father judges no one but has given all judgment to the Son, so that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Anyone who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him.” John 5:22-23

“If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now I am here. I did not come on my own, but he sent me.”  John 8:42

“All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, or who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” Luke 10:22

All Rights Reserved ©2009-2010…”JESUS my Lord and Savior-ANASTASIA DIAMOND’S Prayerful Reflections…and Photographs on a Spiritual Journey from Darkness into HIS Light” Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from Anastasia Diamond is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided full and clear credit is given author/photographer and with appropriate and specific direction to the original content at: https://jesusmylordandsavior.wordpress.com/

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Celebrate Father’s Day with Your Abba Father…My Daddy Died, He Can’t Wear a Tie!

JESUS my Lord and Savior

All Rights Reserved ©2009-2010 -Anastasia Diamond

My Daddy Died…He Can’t Wear a Tie

My earthly father died in February the year I was seven years old. The following June brought an empty Father’s Day to a little girl still mourning the loss of her daddy.  However – to my first grade teacher – making a Father’s Day tie was the scheduled class project that Friday. Everyone would make a paper tie to surprise their fathers…even me.

With mist clouding my eyes, I attempted to refuse. I stammered as I told her I just couldn’t do that – my father was gone. He went to the hospital and never came back. She looked at me with unseeing eyes and listened with unhearing ears…telling me, “Everyone must make a tie today.”

Tears welled up in my eyes that morning, as they are again…this many years later. I protested – telling her as clearly as a shy and stuttering seven-year old could: “You don’t understand, my daddy died on the operation table…he can’t wear a tie.” I will never know this woman’s heart, mind, or motivation at that moment – as she continued her stern demand that I make that tie…and without tears.

My daddy can’t wear a tie…

I Felt Defeated…and So Very Small

I felt defeated and very small, as I  chose brightly colored crayons, thought of my daddy…and made him a paper tie that he would never see or wear. A tie that he would never applaud or make me feel special for giving it to him. My best friend hugged me and told me I made the best tie –  my daddy would have loved it. I started thinking that maybe he really could see it. However, I crumpled and tore it up before that Father’s Day came and went.

It took a while for me to forgive my teacher – but I did. However, I spent many more years missing my father…knowing I would never feel the safety of his arms again.  He would never again cuddle me to him and tell me how much he loved me.

I Know My Abba Father Was There

Today, I know that my heavenly Abba Father was there while I made that paper tie – loving me through my loss, grief, frustration and anger. Today, I know that He is with me in all of my struggles on my journey. Today, I go to my Abba Father, who draws me close and tells me how much He loves me – yesterday, today, and for eternity.

HE is the Father Who Always Has Time for You

Children – you may have a great relationship with your earthly father…or that relationship may be non-existent; through death, distance,  indifference or distain. No matter what the past or present circumstance with your earthly father, please know that you have a heavenly Abba Father, the Creator of all that ever was or is…who loves you more and better than anyone else ever will, could, or would. Please look to Him for the guidance, wisdom, advice, and love you seek. He calls you and all of His children to Him. He is the Father who loves all of His children equally, yet appreciates and acknowledges each of your individual precious and unique gifts and talents. He is the Father who always has time for you.

HE is Patiently Waiting to Give You Fatherly Guidance

Fathers – love your children. Look to your heavenly Abba Father for the strength, wisdom, courage, guidance, and ability to be the man He created you to be as you parent your children. Your Father God,  His Word, and His  most Holy  Spirit will show you the way. Seek out Godly counsel when you are confused, angry and unsure. Talk with your Abba Father. Tell Him your concerns. You can tell Him everything. There are no surprises with Him. There is nothing to big or too small to share with Him.  He is patiently waiting to give you the Fatherly wisdom, guidance, and advice you seek as you parent your children.

HE Sent His Only Begotten Son to Die for You

Celebrate this Father’s Day with your Abba Father. He is waiting to hear from you. He is the Father who loves you so much…He sent Jesus, his only begotten Son to die for you…that you may live.

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All Rights Reserved ©2009-2010…”JESUS my Lord and Savior-ANASTASIA DIAMOND’S Prayerful Reflections…and Photographs on a Spiritual Journey from Darkness into HIS Light” Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from Anastasia Diamond is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided full and clear credit is given author/photographer and with appropriate and specific direction to the original content at: https://jesusmylordandsavior.wordpress.com/

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THE TRANSFORMING POWER OF PRAISE

JESUS my Lord and Savior

©All Rights Reserved-Anastasia Diamond

Nature’s Cathedral

The Life Altering Power of Praising God

I cannot think of any thing beyond accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior that is more powerful and life altering than praising God. Do you remember the depth and breadth of your praise when you first believed? Did His Word, the Holy Bible, illuminate before your astonished eyes…causing you to cry out in spontaneous praise of our Lord and Savior? Were your waking moments and your nightly dreams filled with His presence, and your praise of Him? Did you see His hand at work in everything…and praise Him, the Creator of all that is, in awe of all His creation? Perhaps you were like me, so awestruck by His divine presence, that you were on your face praising Him and glorifying His name every time you prayed…or thought of Him.

It is Never Too Early or Too Late to Start Praising God

It is never too early or too late to start praising God. If you are not familiar with praising Him, start now. Your praise may be loud and filled with shouts. Your praise may be soft and whispered. Your praise may be in song or dance. Your praise may be silent…or in your prayer language. Your praise may be the lifting of your hands, or the lowering of your eyes as you glorify Him. Your praise may be all of this…or something different.

God receives your praise wherever you are, and in whatever you are doing…just as long as you are praising Him; the one and only true Almighty God. You may be alone at home, or in a crowd. You may be in a country church, an elaborate cathedral, or a quiet meadow when you praise Him.

It is the Position of Your Heart That Truly Matters to Him

Although others may tell you differently…the position of your physical body does not really matter when you are praising Him. You may sit, stand, kneel, walk, or lay down…it does not matter. For, it is the position of your heart that truly matters to Him.

Our heavenly Father designed the divine communication process of praise as a catalyst to draw us continually ever closer to Him. His desire is to have a preciously reciprocal relationship with each and every one of us. He is so loving and good to us, that each time we praise Him, we also open the door of our hearts for Him to transform us miraculously into all we can become in Him.

Praise Him in All Things

Praising Him in all things has the power to change us; change how we think, feel, speak, act and react to the circumstances of our life. Praising Him can even change how we look, and how others see us. When God’s divine presence comes to dwell in us through His most Holy Spirit, He softens, molds and shapes us in body, mind and spirit. Changing us into the spirit-filled men and women our Abba Father created us to be.

It may have been a while since you praised Him by making a joyful noise unto the Lord…or you may have never praised Him before. Either way, your ability to praise Him is there, ready and available. Glorify Him today and let His light in you shine. Be that light in the darkness…praising Him in all things, every where you go. Give Him your unconditional praise in every circumstance of your life. Everytime we praise and worship God, we position ourselves nearer to His throne and His perfect will for us.

Rejoice…Make a Joyful Noise…Transform Your Life

Dear ones, rejoice! Lift up your hands, your voices, and your hearts in praise of Him. Make that joyful noise…pray and praise Him without ceasing. Praise Him with renewed commitment, enthusiasm and joy. Allow the power of praising and glorifying God to perform the mighty work of drawing you closer to Him and transforming you into all you can be for Him. Praise Him, in the mighty name, power, and authority of His Son, Jesus Christ. Praise Him today, tomorrow, and for eternity. Transform your life and your relationship with your Abba Father, His Son – Jesus Christ, and His most Holy Spirit. Praise Him.

All Rights Reserved ©2009-2010…”JESUS my Lord and Savior-ANASTASIA DIAMOND’S Prayerful Reflections…and Photographs on a Spiritual Journey from Darkness into HIS Light” Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from Anastasia Diamond is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided full and clear credit is given author/photographer and with appropriate and specific direction to the original content at: https://jesusmylordandsavior.wordpress.com/

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