Fire Tested ~

Fire tested,
tried through and though
fired tested
for all I do, Lord for you.

Fire tested,
self-reliant or God dependent
fire tested
unremorseful or repentant?

Fired tested,
division or justification
fired tested
defilement or regeneration?

Fired tested,
self-sufficient or Spirit filled
fire tested
my own desires or God’s will?

Fire tested
will I stand up to the flame
fire tested
for all, I do in His name!

~~~~~~~~~

1 Corinthians 3:15

“If any man’s work shall be burned,
he shall suffer loss: but he himself
shall be saved; yet so as by fire.”

King James Version
by Public Domain

Copyright 2014
Deborah Ann Belka

Sticky Note to God 11.30.19

The Arms of Grace ~

Throughout my life,
I have found a  place
where I can escape . . .
from the  rat race.

It’s a perfect spot,
to let it all go . . .
a space to unwind
so peace can flow.

It’s not very far,
it’s easy to get to
shutting my eyes . . .
is all I have to do.

In my mind I envision,
till my heart can see
my Lord and Savior
right here, next to me.

Before too long,
His presence is real
and His calmness
I begin to feel.

Throughout my life,
I have found a  place
where I can escape . . .
into the arms of grace!

~~~~~~~~~~

Matthew 11:28

“Come unto me, all ye that labour
and are heavy laden,
and I will give you rest.”

King James Version
by Public Domain

Copyright 2014
Deborah Ann Belka

Sticky Note to God 11.29.14

I Will Praise God’s Word ~

I will praise God’s Word,
for its powerful and true
in God’s Word, I will trust
in everything I do.

I will behold its wisdom,
it will be my guiding light
the lamp that directs me
whether it be, day or night.

I will praise God’s Word,
I will hold it in high regard
for it will not let me down
its truth, I will not discard.

I will cling to its promise,
to give me, mighty power
I will claim its strength
my every waking hour.

I will praise God’s Word,
for it’s in God, I  believe
other gospels will only  . . .
mislead and deceive!

~~~~~~~~~

Psalm 56:10

“In God will I praise his word:
in the Lord will I praise his word.”

King James Version
by Public Domain

Copyright 2014
Deborah Ann Belka

Sticky Note to God 11.28.14

Thanksgiving Day Prayer ~

Lord, this year bless my family,
not just with food on the table
give them a real good helping
of all things that You are able.

Give them daily provisions,
of hope, mercy and grace
supply them with the strength
for running the faithful race.

Give them eternal patience,
for all the ruts in the road
let them grasp the meaning
of You taking up their load.

Give them daily renewal,
of their mind, heart, soul
fill them with the Holy Spirit
so their lives You can control.

Lord, this year bless my family,
with more than food on the table
may seeking Your perfect will . . .
become their lifelong staple!

~~~~~~~~

1 John 2:16-17

“For all that is in the world,
the lust of the flesh, and the
lust of the eyes, and the pride
of life, is not of the Father,
but is of the world.

And the world passeth away,
and the lust thereof:
but he that doeth the will of God
 abideth for ever.”

King James Version
by Public Domain

Copyright 2014
Deborah Ann Belka

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Sticky Note to God 11.27.14

A Symphony of Praise ~

Lord, may I be ever thankful,
today and all year though
may praise and thanksgiving
come daily, from me to You.

May I always be made aware,
of all You have done for me
may I never lose my gratitude
or the love I have for Thee.

May I sing each morning,
a symphony of song and praise
may I lift up my whole heart
as my gratitude, to You I raise.

May I always remember,
the blessings, You have given
may I forever be mindful
You’re the reason, I’m forgiven.

Lord, may I be ever thankful,
to You in every single way
may praise be on my lips . . .
every moment of my day!

~~~~~~~~~~~

Psalm 9:1

” I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart;
I will shew forth all thy marvellous works.”

King James Version
by Public Domain

Copyright 2014
Deborah Ann Belka

Sticky Note to God 11.26.14

Everday Opportunities ~

Lord, thank You for today,
help me, to use it wisely
let my faith in You . . .
shine ever so brightly.

Bring to me today,
a chance to give You glory
whether it be clear skies
or ones dark and stormy.

Let me use my gifts,
so others may truly see
the trust I have in You . . .
is because, You dwell in me.

Give me the right words,
let them reveal and show
the many reason why . . .
I need and love You so.

Lord, thank You for today,
for the daily opportunity
to do or say something  . . .
that will last, for eternity!

~~~~~~~~~

1 Peter 4:10

“As every man hath received the gift,
even so minister the same one to another,
as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”

King James Version
by Public Domain

Copyright 2014
Deborah Ann Belka

Sticky Note to God 11.25.14

Amazed ~

I fear God for one reason,
and it’s not that I’m afraid
I fear His mighty power . . .
for, it leaves me amazed.

I stare in astonishment,
as I view the works of His hand
how all has come together
at His direction and command.

I worship Him and marvel,
as I gaze out into space
I stand in awesome wonder
of His mercy and His grace.

I tremble and I shake,
my understanding fails me
it’s hard to comprehend
all that I can and cannot see.

I fear God for one reason,
but,  it’s not that I am fearful
I fear Him because I know . . .
He’s absolute and oh so powerful!

~~~~~~~~

Psalm 33:8

“Let all the earth fear the Lord:
let all the inhabitants of the world
stand in awe of him.”

King James Version
by Public Domain

Sticky Note to God 11.24.14

Trusting Jesus ~

Whenever you are afraid,
when you feel the burn of fear
put your trust in Jesus . . .
and let Him draw you near.

Whenever you are frighten,
when your heart skips a beat
put your trust in Jesus . . .
lay your anxiety at His feet.

Whenever you are nervous,
when you feel panic’s alarm
put your trust in Jesus . . .
and  find rest in His arms.

Whenever you are worried,
when you feel the jolt of fright
put your trust in Jesus . . .
and soak in, His healing light.

Whenever you are afraid,
worried, nervous or frighten
put you trust in Jesus . . .
and your fears, He will lighten!

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Psalm 56:3

“What time I am afraid,
I will trust in thee.”

King James Version
by Public Domain

Copyright 2014
Deborah Ann Belka

Sticky Note to God 11.23.14

More Grace ~

Lord, there is a void,
in the pit of my soul
it feels as if there is . . .
a big, gaping hole.

There is an emptiness,
deep inside my heart
I feel as if my world . . .
is unraveling apart.

There is a hollowness,
that my spirit senses
I feel as if I’m living . . .
under false pretenses.

There is an abyss,
a darkness, I can’t see
I feel as if it’s going to . . .
swallow up, the all of me.

Lord, there is a void,
a big, dark gaping space
I need You to fill it . . .
with more of Your grace!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

James 4:6

“But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith,
 God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.”

King James Version
by Public Domain

Copyright 2014
Deborah Ann Belka

Sticky Note to God 11.22.14

Because He First Loved Me ~

I lift my eyes heavenward,
till I envision in my mind
the glory that’s awaiting me
the day with my Lord I’ll be

My heart swells up with joy,
a chorus of praise begins
for all my God, has done for me
for all, when with Him I’ll be.

I feel the burning in my soul,
as my trust begins to flare
I know my hope will carry me
till the day with my God I’ll be.

My spirit sings sweet melodies,
eternal peace they usher in
oh, the bliss that’s awaiting me
on the day with my Savior I’ll be.

I lift my eyes heavenward,
till I envision in my mind
the day with my Lord I will be
all because He first loved me!

~~~~~~~~~

1 John 4:19

” We love him,
because he first loved us.”

King James Version
by Public Domain

Copyright 2014
Deborah Ann Belka

Sticky Note to God 11.21.14

What Thanksgiving Brings ~

Thanksgiving brings hope,
where there is none
thanksgiving brings gladness
as praise rolls of the tongue.

Thanksgiving brings calm,
where there is chaos
thanksgiving brings joyfulness
with peace, as its payoff.

Thanksgiving brings trust,
where there is doubt
thanksgiving brings jubilation
to those who are devout.

Thanksgiving brings power,
where there is weakness
thanksgiving brings merriment
healing and completeness.

Thanksgiving brings delight,
to our Father and His Son
thanksgiving brings rejoicing
for all they have done!

~~~~~~~~

Psalm 75:175

“Unto thee, O God, do we give thanks,
unto thee do we give thanks:
for that thy name is near
thy wondrous works declare.”

King James Version
by Public Domain

Copyright 2014
Deborah Ann Belka

Sticky Note to God 11.20.14

Finding Peace ~

Peace without prayer,
is just impossible
for prayer makes
all things possible.

Peace without trust,
cannot be there
for trust gives Jesus
our every care.

Peace without hope,
is not able to save
for without hope
there’s only the grave.

Peace without faith,
can’t bring calmness
for faith by itself
can’t bring stillness.

Peace without praise,
won’t make us peaceful
for without praise . . .
we can’t be grateful!

~~~~~~~~

Isaiah 26:3

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace,
whose mind is stayed on thee:
 because he trusteth in thee.”

King James Version
by Public Domain

Copyright 2014
Deborah Ann Belka

Sticky Note to God 11.19.14

A Merry Heart ~

Whenever you feel down,
whenever sad and blue
I’ve a dose of medicine
I know is good for you.

Take a cup of God’s mercy,
sip it throughout the day
it comes with a guarantee
to keep depression away.

God’s grace is a cure-all,
for all that is ailing you
it’s the antidote you need
on the days you are blue.

You will have true peace,
your heart will be merry
as you learn to trust Jesus
your burdens, He will carry.

Whenever feeling down,
let God’s mercy lift you up
with a dose of good cheer . . .
found in grace’s loving cup!

~~~~~~~~~~~

Proverbs 17:22

” A merry heart doeth good like a medicine:
 but a broken spirit drieth the bones.”

King James Version
by Public Domain

Copyright 2014
Deborah Ann Belka

Sticky Note to God 11.18.19

My Shepherd Calls ~

My Shepherd calls,
unto my weary heart
so His love into it
He can impart.

He beckons me,
to rest and know
not to worry
His way, He’ll show.

He says my name,
so I can hear
the words I long for
“I’m always here.”

He reassures,
my every doubt
that He will work
all things out.

My Shepherd calls,
I know the voice
and to the sound
I rejoice!

~~~~~~~~

John 10:27

“My sheep hear my voice,
and I know them, and they follow me:”

King James Version
by Public Domain

Copyright 2014
Deborah Ann Belka

Sticky Note to God 11.17.14

Let Me Not Lose Hope ~

Lord, let me not lose You,
in the midst of my grief
let me not lose hope . . .
in the fog of disbelief.

Let me not lose peace,
in the haze of my pain
let me not lose hope . . .
against sorrow’s strain.

Let me not lose joy,
in the mist of my loss
let me not lose hope . . .
as this bridge, I cross.

Let me not lose faith,
in the turmoil of my soul
let me not lose hope . . .
as sadness, takes its toll.

Lord, let me not lose You,
let me not lose sight
of the hope I have in . . .
Your restoring light!

~~~~~~~~~

Psalm 36:9

“For with thee is the fountain of life:
in thy light shall we see light.”

King James Version
by Public Domain

Copyright 2014
Deborah Ann Belka

Sticky Note to God 11.16.14

Thankful 8766/365

Why we Give Thanks . . .

Because His mercy endures for ever
To Pay our vows to the most High
In remembrance of His holiness
To make known His deeds
It is good to give thanks
It is the fruit of our lips
To declare His works
To magnify Him
For He is good
For His glory
To Bless Him

 
We are thankful for . . .

Being partakers of the inheritance of the saints
The grace of God we have though Jesus Christ
The victory through our Lord Jesus Christ
The peace of God ruling in your hearts
God causes us to triumph in Christ
For salvation that is in the Lord
His wisdom and might
His wondrous works
All things

Who is to give thanks . . .

All the people
and sheep
of His pasture

How are we to give thanks . . .

With joy and gladness and the voice of melody
With cymbals, psalteries, and with harps
Making a joyful noise unto Him
Singing praise unto His name
In the great congregation
Publish with our voice
In the house of God
In the morning
At midnight
In prayer
In song
Forever

~~

Psalm 100:4

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving,
and into his courts with praise:
be thankful unto him, and bless his name.”

King James Version
by Public Domain

~~~~~~~~~~~

There are so many reasons to be thankful.
There are  8766 hours a year ~ how many of them
do we spend in praise and thanksgiving for all that our
heavenly Father has done for us and all He will be doing for us?

Sadly, too few on my part!

Sticky Note to God 11.15.14

A Sure Cure ~

Having a rotten day,
you know the kind I mean
when all you want to do
is pull your hair and scream.

Feeling like a Ferris wheel,
never know when you’ll stop
but, you’re pretty certain
it will be at the top.

Nothing’s working out,
things not coming together
feel like a volley ball
without a strong tether.

Can’t catch your breath,
with all the running around
spinning in circles
just like a merry-go-round.

Well, I understand,
really I do . . .
some day’s I get woozy
just like you.

But, I have a sure cure,
for every kind of bad day
before I get up, I look up . . .
and to God I just pray!

~~~~~~~~~

Psalm 121:1

“I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills,
from whence cometh my help.”

King James Version
by Public Domain

Copyright 2014
Deborah Ann Belka

Sticky Note to God 11.14.14

My Heart is Fixed ~

My heart is fixed Lord,
in trusting You . . .
for all that, I am now
and will go through.

It is in You, I believe,
it is in You, I trust
be it on the hilltop
or in the desert dust.

My mind is fixed, Lord,
in believing You . . .
for all, I have now
and for all You’ll do.

It is in You, I rely on,
it’s to You, I give my life
be it clear sunny skies
or seas of ragging strife.

My soul is fixed, Lord,
in following You . . .
for in You, I’m grounded
Your Word, I’m rooted to.

It is in You, I’m secure,
it’s on You, I depend . . .
be it green pastures
or mountains to descend!

~~~~~~~~~~~

Psalm 112:7

“He shall not be afraid of evil tidings:
his heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord.”

King James Version
by Public Domain

Copyright 2014
Deborah Ann Belka

Sticky Note to God 11.13.14

Deepening Faith ~

Thank You God for this time,
of sorrow, pain and grief
I know You sent it to me
to test my true belief.

Though, I don’t understand,
exactly Your reasoning
I can feel my faith . . .
in You deepening.

As I continue on the path,
I know You will heal . . .
the ache and the sadness
that today, I still feel.

I know You have a plan,
for every one of us . . .
and I know of no one else
in whom I can truly trust.

And so I’ll wait for You,
to bring me out my despair
and until such time . . .
Your faithfulness, I’ll declare!

~~~~~~~

Psalm 89:1

” I will sing of the mercies of the Lord for ever:
with my mouth will I make known thy
faithfulness to all generations.”

King James Version
by Public Domain

Copyright 2014
Deborah Ann Belka

Sticky Note to God 11.12.14

Not Just on Thanksgiving Day ~

It’s not just on Thanksgiving,
that we’re to be thankful . . .
it’s not only on this one day
that we’re to be grateful.

It’s about being appreciative,
every day in every way
it’s all about our attitude
in the things we do and say.

It’s not about the tasty food,
on today’s white linen table
it’s not about the fine dining
on Thanksgiving Day staples.

It’s about the provisions,
God gives us all year through
it’s about how we receive them
what with them we opt to do.

It’s not about what we have,
and all our many blessings
it’s not about the pumpkin pie
or the turkey’s oyster dressing.

It’s all about us sharing,
with those who have not
it’s all about loving others
in deed, not just in thought!

~~~~~~~~~~

2 Thessalonians 1:3

“We are bound to thank God always for you,
 brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith
 groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every
 one of you all toward each other aboundeth;”

King James Version
by Public Domain

Copyright 2014
Deborah Ann Belka

Sticky Note to God 11.11.14

Every Day Thanks ~

Thanksgiving Day is upon us,
soon we’ll gather at the table
with family and close friends
to feast on our favorite staples.

We’ll set aside our complaints,
in exchange for gratitude
for everyone, on this one day . . .
puts on a Thanksgiving attitude.

To God we’ll give our thanks,
for family, food and friends
but once the day is over . . .
sadly, our gratitude ends.

We’ll go back to complaining,
to our own self-sufficient way
any gratefulness that we felt . . .
will begin to wither and decay.

Thanksgiving Day is upon us,
soon we’ll gather at the table
and this year I will be praying. . .
gratitude ~ will be a daily staple!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ephesians 5:20

“Giving thanks always for all things
unto God and the Father in the name
of our Lord Jesus Christ;”

King James Version
by Public Domain

Copyright 2014
Deborah Ann Belka

Sticky Note to God 11.10.14

These Evil Days ~

In this world today,
evilness is all around . . .
and we must be sure
in the Gospel we’re sound.

We must use the time,
to find what is God’s will
we need to learn to wait
to trust and be still.

We need to understand,
God’s purposes and plans
we must choose to leave
everything, in His hands.

We need to ask God,
for His help in all things
we must let the Spirit lead
no matter, what life brings.

In this world today,
evilness surrounds us
we must redeem the time
with Godly wisdom and trust!

~~~~~~~~~

Ephesians 5:16-17

” Redeeming the time,
because the days are evil.
  Wherefore be ye not unwise,
  but understanding
what the will of the Lord is.”

King James Version
by Public Domain

Copyright 2014
Deborah Ann Belka

Sticky Note to God 11.09.14

God Is In The Midst ~

My God He is in the midst,
I shall not be moved . . .
He is always at my side
this He has always proved.

For, He is my sure refuge,
He has kept me safe
in Him, I have placed
every ounce, of my faith.

My God, is in the midst,
though, my troubles soar
in Him I shall rise . . .
above their anxious roar.

For, He is my helper,
ever-present, ever-near
I call upon His name . . .
to calm my every fear.

My God, He is in the midst,
continually He has proved
nothing that life brings me
shall cause me to be moved!

~~~~~~~~~~~

Psalm 46:5

“God is in the midst of her;
she shall not be moved: God shall help her,
and that right early”

King James Version
by Public Domain

Copyright 2014
Deborah Ann Belka

Sticky Note to God 11.08.14

The Song in My Heart ~

Oh, my Lord, my God,
my heart is filled with gladness
so I’ll sing my song of gratitude
for Your everlasting kindness.

With thanksgiving and praise,
I lift my voice to You and sing
as I’m so very grateful for . . .
the joyfulness to me, You bring.

I will bless Your holy name,
for the mercies, You bestow
may my song of adoration . . .
be to You, a pleasing bellow.

For, I can’t keep it to myself,
I must sing about Your grace
until Your love for mankind . . .
all the people, can embrace.

Oh, my Lord, my God,
my heart is filled with gladness
I’ll sing of my eternal hope . . .
to a world ~ full of darkness!

~~~~~~~~~~

Psalm 96:1-3

“O sing unto the Lord a new song:
sing unto the Lord, all the earth.

Sing unto the Lord, bless his name;
 shew forth his salvation from day to day.

Declare his glory among the heathen,
his wonders among all people.

King James Version
by Public Domain

Copyright 2014
Deborah Ann Belka

Sticky Note to God 11.07.14

Make Fear Disappear ~

Life is full of apprehension,
worry, dread and fear . . .
and I know of only one way
to make them disappear.

So, whenever I’m fearful,
it’s Jesus I focus on
until my trepidation
is all but spent and gone.

For, He gives me strength,
to overcome my anxiety
whenever I give to Him
in my life first priority.

Whenever nervousness,
takes a grip on me
it’s Jesus  I focus on
until, it’s His light I see.

For, He brings clarity,
in the midst of my doubt
His light floods the dread
from my mind right out.

Life is full of apprehension,
worry, dread and fear
but, focusing in on Jesus
will make them disappear!

~~~~~~~~~~~

Psalm 27:1

” The Lord is my light and my salvation;
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the strength of my life;
of whom shall I be afraid?”

King James Version
by Public Domain

Copyright 2014
Deborah Ann Belka

Sticky Note to God 11.6.14

My Cup Runneth Over ~

My cup it runneth over,
with tender mercy it flows . . .
my cup can never be emptied
for in my heart Jesus grows.

My cup is full of eternal grace,
with gladness it rises and swells . . .
my cup it will never run dry
for in my heart Jesus dwells.

My cup is full of a lasting joy,
with a love never to cease . . .
my cup will never drain out
for in my heart I am at peace.

My cup is full of  endless hope,
with power to be restored . . .
my cup is never unfilled
for in my heart Jesus is Lord.

My cup it runneth over,
with everlasting, blissful rest
my cup will never be empty . . .
for I am eternally blessed.

~~~~~~~~~

Psalm 23:5b

“My cup runneth over.”

King James Version
by Public Domain

Copyright 2014
Deborah Ann Belka

Sticky Note to God 11.5.14

Somedays ~

Somedays, like this one,
I think only about you, my son
somedays, I feel as if . . .
my world has come undone.

Somedays, I pray and pray,
that this is but a dream
somedays, I feel as if . . .
my tears could form a stream.

Somedays, I think about,
the times when you were here
somedays, I feel as if . . .
I still can sense you near.

Somedays, I am so sad,
my grieving makes me writhe
somedays, I feel as if . . .
there’s no air for me to breathe.

Somedays, I dream about,
the man, you were meant to be
somedays, I feel as if . . .
you’re right here next to me.

Somedays, my Lord and Savior,
I feel as if . . .  I cannot  go on
and so today it will be . . .
Your strength, I’ll drawn upon!

~~~~~~~~~~

Philippians 4:13

“I can do all things
through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

King James Version
by Public Domain

Copyright 2014
Deborah Ann Belka

~~~~~~~~

My son, Glenn, would have been 40 years-old today.
He died six months ago.

A Wrongful Death Lawsuit is being filed
against the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Department
for Excessive Militarized Police Force.

I will be posting Glenn’s story  under the page entitled;

The Voice in The Attic

Sticky Note to God 11.04.14

Small Blessings ~

Small blessings . . .
shower on us everyday
but, often to them
we question or downplay.

At times, we don’t notice,
these tiny drops of grace
they seem so insignificant
for us, to truly embrace.

If we were to slow down,
we couldn’t count them all
for they’re immeasurable
though they seem so small.

When we start to notice,
the drops of His wonder
we will begin to recognize
God’s merciful splendor.

Small blessings . . .
shower on us each day
for, God smiles down on us
as we go about our way!

~~~~~~~

Psalm 67:1

“God be merciful unto us,
and bless us;
 and cause his face
to shine upon us; Selah.”

King James Version
by Public Domain

Copyright 2014
Deborah Ann Belka

Sticky Note to God 11.03.14

Who Can We Sway ~

Who can be saved,
who can find the way
to the truth . . .
who’s heart can we sway?

The poor, the needy,
the contrite in spirit
the criminal, the crook
the morally illicit.

The heartbroken, the sick,
the lonely and heavy-laden
the prodigal, the wanderer
the weak and the shaken.

The meek, the lowly,
the forsaken desperate
the oppressed, the hopeless
the impossible degenerate.

The remorseful, the sad,
the penitent and regretful
to these and many more
we need not be neglectful!

~~~~~~~~~

Mark 16:15

“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world,
and preach the gospel to every creature.”

King James Version
by Public Domain

Copyright 2014
Deborah Ann Belka

Sticky Note to God 11.02.14

It’s All About Grace ~

It’s all about grace,
nothing about me
it’s all about Jesus . . .
setting me free.

It’s all about believing,
grace, I’m unworthy of
it’s all about knowing
the gift of God’s love.

It’s all about grace,
God’s mercy unmerited
it’s all about Jesus . . .
to whom I’m indebted.

It’s all about trusting,
the Gospel as I do
it’s all about grace
working its way through.

It’s all about grace,
undeservingly given
it’s all about Jesus . . .
that my sins are forgiven!

~~~~~~~~

Ephesians 2:8-9

” For by grace are ye saved through faith;
and that not of yourselves:
it is the gift of God:

Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

King James Version
by Public Domain

Copyright 2014
Deborah Ann Belka

Sticky Note to God 11.01.14