wine – Page 4 – hugsnblessings

And it hurts.

Published on November 17, 2015 by Dawn Marie2 Comments

It is a sad time in the World.

The recent events in Paris give us cause to pause in our lives and consider the effects of evil and our response to it.

One of the dangers of going through periods of distress, hurt, and heartache is that we’ll begin to doubt God’s goodness, and to think that He doesn’t care. Nothing could be further from the truth. And this is one of the reasons why it’s essential for us to spend regular time in God’s Word. Scripture says: “In all their suffering He also suffered, and He personally rescued them. In His love and mercy, He redeemed them. He lifted them up and carried them through all the years.” (Isaiah 63:9)

God hurts when we hurt. Remember Jesus weeping when He saw Lazarus’ family grieving? (John 11:35) The Bible clearly states that the Lord sympathizes with us. (Hebrews 4:15) But He doesn’t stop there. As Isaiah says, He personally rescues us, lifts us up, and even carries us in times of hardship and pain.

God allows believers to experience adversity…but…Contrary to what the enemy would have us believe, God does not enjoy the hurting of His children. Jeremiah wrote: “For the Lord does not abandon anyone forever. Though He brings grief, He also shows compassion according to the greatness of His unfailing love. For He does not willingly afflict or cause them sorrow.” (Lamentations 3:31-33) Just as God allows pain to enter our lives, He sends healing and restoration. Is there anything you and I can do to help this process along? Yes, there is. We can cooperate with God by earnestly seeking Him in prayer, praise, and the study of His Word. And we can ask Him to speak to our hearts, and to help us learn whatever lessons He has for us in our struggles. As we faithfully follow His lead, we will minimize the intensity and duration of our trials.

If you love God with all your heart, you have His promise that He will cause your hard times to profit you. (Romans 8:28) Claim that promise in faith today, and watch for His hand of favor and blessing right in the midst of your trials! J.M Farro

Our parish priest, Fr. Larry Richards, reminded us during Sunday liturgy this past Weekend something very important.

“Hatred never has the last word.

God will always win!

We know the end of the story.”

(Click here to listent to Fr. Richard’s Homily in its entirety regarding our Christian response to the evil events in Paris.)

May you forever

keep your eyes always on Jesus.

And remember…

Love always wins!

hugs n’ peaceful blessings!

Falling for it.

Published on October 15, 2015May 12, 2016 by Dawn MarieLeave a comment

“What do you think?”

Loaded question on a 3hugs&blessings Thursday!

Especially today because it’s a beautiful fall day in Erie, Pa.

And fall here is stunning!

Beautiful fall foliage by a white burch tree. — Beautiful fall foliage by a white birch tree.

The trees surrounding our Bay Area & local State Park, Presque Isle rarely disappoint!

IMG_3355-1024x682 — Presquie Isle State Park Erie, Pa

The Light House Presque Isle State Park Erie, Pa — The Light House on Presque Isle.

Not to mention the grape vineyards in nearby North East, Pa, our local apple orchards, & Paschke’s Mum Farm!

But it’s our blessings that really outshine even this!

So for today I shall rake through all the ones I’ve been given and squeeze an extra hug into these 3!

Morning walks (with Helen) to Mass at the the Carmelite Monastery.
My friend Tom calling to share the exciting parts of his day with me.
Fall means cider season & Fuhrman’s Cider made in Erie, Pa is officially being pressed!!

Fuhrmans Cider! Fresh pressed in Erie, Pa

Yummy in my rumblin’ tummy!

These hugs n’ 3 blessings are for you, as I’m praying you’ll count your blessings too!!

“I love Autumn, the one Season of the year that God seemed to have put there just for the beauty of it.” ~Lee Maynard

Cool Kids

Published on September 15, 2015 by Dawn Marie4 Comments

romans_001 — Photo courtesy of Brent Hamilton on google.

“Romans One. First of all, the letter is written by the apostle Paul and is addressed to “God’s beloved in Rome.” (Romans 1:7) It’s to my understanding that Paul wrote the book of Romans when he was in the Greek City of Corinth during the winter of 57-58 A.D. Paul starts off his letter by first saying how he thanks God through Jesus Christ for all of them, because their faith is begin reported all over the world. He says he wishes that he could visit them so they can encourage each other in the faith and he hopes one day that will be made possible. Then comes my favorite section of scripture: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed – a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: The righteous will live by faith.”” (Romans 1:16-17) I love that verse, because it is pretty point blank…Paul is saying “I am NOT ashamed of the Gospel!” This is exactly how I feel and that is exactly why I share the gospel & the Lords love with people every day. I feel that too many Christians live their day to day lives being secretive about their love for Jesus and their faith in Him. They tend to hide the fact that they even go to church as if they are afraid or think they will be judged or looked at as uncool. It’s time to STOP being afraid and STOP worrying about what people think. Reality is, the eternal salvation in Christ Jesus is the greatest gift you could ever receive.” ~ James Ellis

I’ve decided…

I’m hangin’ with the cool kids;

maybe not of this world,

but most certainly the next!

Here’s just a few of those cool Ironmen (Proverbs 27:17) below! Each helping to raise funds for our Church, St. Joseph Bread of Life Community, at our annual Oktoberfest this year!