Impact of one---Paul

Your faithfulness to God never goes to waste--it's making an eternal difference in someone's life, whether you know it or not.  This was very true of the Apostle Paul.

The Apostle Paul's Strengths:

Paul had a brilliant mind, a commanding knowledge of philosophy and religion, and could debate with the most educated scholars of his day. At the same time, his clear, understandable explanation of the gospel made his letters to early churches the foundation of Christian theology. Tradition portrays Paul as a physically small man, but he endured enormous physical hardships on his missionary journeys. His perseverance in the face of danger and persecution has inspired countless missionaries since.

Life Lessons:

God can change anyone. God gave Paul the strength, wisdom, and endurance to carry out the mission Jesus entrusted Paul with. One of Paul's most famous statements is: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," (Philippians 4:13, NKJV), reminding us that our power to live the Christian life comes from God, not ourselves.

Paul also recounted a "thorn in his flesh" that kept him from becoming conceited over the priceless privilege God had entrusted to him. In saying, "For when I am weak, then I am strong," (2 Corinthians 12:2, NIV), Paul was sharing one of the greatest secrets of staying faithful: absolute dependence on God.

Paul's teaching that people are saved bygrace, not works: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-" (Ephesians 2:8, NIV) This truth frees us to stop striving to be good enough and to instead rejoice in our salvation, gained by the loving sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Source: http://christianity.about.com/od/newtestamentpeople/a/Apostle-Paul.htm

Paul did not know at the time how far reaching his writings to the early church would impact the world of Christianity.  But he was second only to Jesus himself for spreading the Gospel and although he had infirmities that the Bible does not share with us, he was able to do this.  Never underestimate your influence and power in spreading the word of the gospel to others.  If you reach even one other human being and save them from sin because you shared the gospel with them, you have completed the Great Commission given by Jesus to his followers.  The more you study the word, the greater your ability to share will be.  Go, share the good news as it is written!

Faithfully in Christ

My Christian heart to yours...

Never Give Up

 It has been only one month today since I lost my sweet William and yet it seems a lifetime!  I miss his presence so much.  My doc says it will take a long time for my getting past this mourning stage because he knows how much in love Bill and I were.  So many people loved him and he touched so many lives.  One of the young women at my doc's office just cried and cried when she saw me and we cried together for a time.  I had worked with her several years ago at this facility and both Bill and I had shared our skills when asked to help her out with different projects.  These experiences are not sad to me but more uplifting to know that Bill will never be forgotten.
We shall never forget our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Who would not want to receive Jesus love for us and when we leave this earth, would we not want to live in heaven for all eternity with him?  If you do not know the Savior or you would just like a closer relationship with him, start with the Bible Chapter of Matthew.  It is like life's little instruction book for us with a BIG message.  And remember that you ARE worthy to have a personal relationship with God.  He welcomes you into his arms no matter what your past has been.  And when you confess your failings and wrongdoings, God forgives and never thinks of them again.  How wonderful that you do not have to think of them again either!


"I -- yes, I alone -- will blot out your sins for my own sake and will never think of them again." (Isaiah 43:25 NLT)


If it were not for our mutual faith, I could never have made it through the 7 yrs. of suffering that my hubby endured, I would never have been strong enough to be his caregiver without divine help.  Are you going through a crisis in your life that you feel you cannot handle?  Let Go, Let God.  There is nothing that will happen today that you and GOD together cannot handle.


Lord I pray for all of my friends and family to grow closer to you, to feel the comfort of your great hand upon them.  And thank you for letting little Rylen touch so many of our lives as we pray for him and prolonging his little life to bring us closer together in corporate prayer for his being and his parents dedication.  Amen.

My Christian Heart to yours.....

SOWING SPARINGLY...

Painting by our Son, Daniel Marquart

Good Morning dear Christian hearts, may the Glory of the Father, Son and Spirit bring you peace and tranquility today as a silent, soft snowfall....

Adjustment to a "me" life is not easy at all after being a "we" life for 52 years.  I know many of you can identify with me as I walk through the rest of my life alone.  With God's ever present help, I will continue on but with a heavy heart.

I subscribe to In Touch Ministries and get a daily message from Charles Stanley Ministries each morning.  I was inspired to post this morning after reading the last paragraph of his message below:

"Have you hindered your spiritual growth by sowing sparingly? If you become a generous giver, God promises to "increase the harvest of your righteousness" (v. 10). There are needs in the church and the world that He wants to meet through your generosity. Let His blessings flow through you."

For more biblical teaching and resources from Dr. Charles Stanley, please visitwww.intouch.org.

Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc. © 2009 All Rights Reserved.

"Let His blessings flow through you."  For me, nothing is enjoyed unless it is shared.  When I took the 2-year Bethel Bible Teacher's Course, it was totally based on "Blessed to be a blessing."

Teacher's course, it was 

  Genesis 12:1-3 ¹The Lord and said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you. ²"I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. ³I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed ³I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you."

¹

^{Don't you just love that??}

In other words, when you are blessed by God, you become a blessing to others by sharing His word, His love, His giving spirit.  That is why I personally am not a rich person in so much as money or material goods because my husband and I always believed that it is more blessed to give than to receive!  And we would never have done it any other way.  

I am not saying give everything away and live in Poverty, although many great Christians of old and present day, have done so, e.g. Mother Teresa.  However, share where you can of your time, your money, your material goods.  " To whom much is given, much is expected."  

For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.  Luke 12:48

What, you say you have nothing?  Oh But you do!  You have a Christian loving spirit that you can share the word of God with all you meet.  Let the spirit of the Lord be in your heart and on your lips and the love of Jesus shine forth in your eyes.  I have had persons in the past tell me that I had a light in my eyes.  I truly believe they could see the Christ in me...  Are you not worthy?  Oh yes, you ARE worthy.  God treasures each and every one of you and delights in reaching others through you.

What do others see in your eyes??  You are a BLESSING just waiting to be bestowed upon someone.  God Bless you all!

Sketch by Son Daniel Marquart of Bill and me
from a photograph...Thank you Danny ♥

Thank you for coming, and do come again soon.

My love is gone....

My sweet William passed Thursday, January 26th at 5:15pm.  His journey to the Lord was painful to the end.  He held my hand till the very last and I was with him until he left the house.  Love at first site, love at last sight.


Our love was a thing to behold.  I have 52 years of wonderful, wonderful memories.  Service is tomorrow and I am dreading greeting people as I know I will break down when I see the ones who loved him so much, from work, from home, from family and friends.


I thank each and every one of you who have traveled this horrendous journey with us through seven long years of having Multiple Myeloma cancer.  Bill was the bravest man I know and taken from us much too soon.  God is so good and I take comfort in knowing Bill is with the Lord and our first two babies that passed and all of our loved ones who have gone before us.


My grief is great but I know the Lord and Bill are surrounding me with love and I will make it through.
Love and hugs, Kerrie

Taking time out

I am taking time out from blogging as my hubby is gravely ill in the last days of his 7 yr. battle with Multiple Myeloma.  He is my priority and I need to concentrate on spending as much time as possible with him here at home.  He wants to die at home which is not morbid.  Remember that people who are terminally ill do have the need to discuss dying and death, last wishes, etc.  Do not be uncomfortable with this as it eases their mind to be settled regarding questions about Heaven, God and his Son.  Also, do consider using Hospice for your loved ones.  You can have a little or as much help as needed.  I will be back at a later date dear hearts.  You are all in my heart and prayers and ask that you continue to pray for us at this most difficult time of our lives.
Hugs, Kerrie

One of our last happy walks on the
Myrtle Beach Pier

God is in Control...

Good morning dear hearts!  Peace be with you.  I have been very downhearted since my hubby fell and bruised his face terribly but am thankful that he did not sustain any broken bones.  His journey fighting Multiple Myeloma is painful enough and causes us to question our faith at times.  As humans we all go through times when we wonder "What is God thinking to let this happen?)  But we are not able to see the whole picture as only God can.  Today, I want to share Dr. Stanley's message as it was so appropriate for how I was feeling.   For updates on my hubby's condition, you can go to http://caringbridge.org/visit/billmarquart  
The photo of hubby on Christmas Eve (HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS!) opening presents.

December 28 How to Experience Christ's Peace John 14:27-31 "My peace I give to you” (John 14:27). Jesus spoke these amazing words just hours before   His crucifixion. His peace isn’t dependent upon external circumstances, but rather, it transcends them.  Although He gives His peace to every believer as a gift, our experience of it is related to our  faith in the following truths: God is in control of everything. Without this assurance, the world is a scary place. He loves me and will see me through every circumstance, no matter how difficult    or painful it may be. To have Christ’s peace, I must surrender my life to Him. When I hold onto my ways    and plans, I’ll experience turmoil. I have a limited perspective and understanding of my circumstances and God’s  purposes for allowing them. His goals for me are greater than my immediate comfort. The Lord promises to work all things out for my good. He is continually working to    transform my character into Christ’s image. I must live in sync with God, walking in the Spirit and promptly confessing and     repenting of sin. Scripture is my foundation for peace. It increases my trust in the Lord’s goodness,     assures me  that He keeps His promises, and reminds me of His sovereignty over     every situation. Sadly, many Christians live their whole lives without consistently experiencing this    incomprehensible peace. Perhaps faith and submission are the most challenging issues. But only as we surrender  control of our lives to Christ and trust in His plans for us will we discover tranquil rest for our   souls. For more biblical teaching and resources from Dr. Charles Stanley,  please visit www.intouch.org. Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc. © 2009 All Rights Reserved. If you or a loved one is going through a most difficult time, I pray that  your faith in God's  wisdom will sustain you and uphold you in your difficult  journey.  Ultimately, God is in control. Have faith as the woman did who felt if she could just touch the hem of  Jesus' garment, she would be cured of her illness and she was....Matthew 9:20 My Christian Heart to Yours...

Ain't it funny how time slips away?♫♫

  I don't think any of us are ever totally prepared for Christmas in our earthly world.  We scurry here and there buying presents, food, greeting cards and the reason for the celebration is pushed to the back of our minds.  We are all wanting to put CHRIST back in Christmas so start with yourself.
   Take time each day to focus on the wonderful blessed birth of our savior JESUS.  What a miracle he was....and still is.  In my journey with my Husband's Multiple Myeloma cancer, I turn to God for strength every day.  This February will be seven years since he was diagnosed and on chemo.  The chemo is no longer working and there is no cure.  He was given 5-10 yrs. so we are very happy to have another Christmas together.  He has started radiation treatments on his lower back however, to try to help the horrendous pain he suffers. 4 down and 9 to go daily except for weekends.  So I have been very busy driving to the radiation center.  He also had to have 2 more pints of blood after falling last Thursday in the night and losing much blood.  He is black and blue on half of his face and his eye is just now open again.
   So I feel badly when I do not have time to write here on my Christian blog but I am thinking of you all and praying for all those in need in the side bar.  Little Rylan is doing well, he is a little miracle.  I also met 2 people at the radiation center this week, one with lung cancer and one with a brain tumor so I am praying for them as well.
  Just remember that God is there for you through the storms of life, no matter how severe they may be.  So look up instead of down and thank the Father for being there in our times of need...

This is my granddaughter Kelsey on the right
Distributing toys for tots, a college project.

  Merry CHRISTmas to all and to all-walk in the Light of Jesus.  Unto us a child is born...

My Christian heart to yours...