My Daddy was a very simple man.  He did not concern himself with social status, nor what others thought of him.  Instead, he worked very hard; providing for his family; yet, I knew him as a strong tower.  Living in a world filled with division, my father viewed every man according to his own deeds; never counting a man’s worth according to social status, race, nor monetary status.  “All men created equal in the eyes of God”–a motto he displayed in everything he did.  I thank him for being that man.

Never once did Daddy complain about life being too hard; instead, he faced life with diligence, working hard to ascertain we had everything we ever needed.  I learned so much about faith, hope and love from this very giant of a man.  He did not have the ability to read eloquently; because, he worked in the fields, plowing them behind a pair of mules from the time he first could remember.  However, I truly believe God spoke to him as he worked every day in those fields; because, his wisdom displayed just that.

Daddy, I Thank you

by Effie Darlene Barba

 

Daddy, I thank you for your words so wise

Your strength and your truth you could not disguise

A humble; yet, noble farmer unknown

Yet, through your life you truly had shown

The depth of your faith and your love so true

Working so hard, without complaint; because you

Forgetting yourself, you did not believe

That you deserved more than you did receive

Because in your life, your eyes always could see

The Greatest gift you possessed: family

You would have always laid down your own life

To ascertain that we would never face strife

And whenever my life would fall apart

You stood by my side, to never depart

Never conceding that I had been wrong

My fortress, my tower, unyielding and strong

Never demanding, respecting my choice

Your steadfast love, was always the voice

That guided me, pointing me then to God

The One Who would lead this journey I trod

Daddy, your unfailing love, ultimately

Showed me the love, God has for me

IN MEMORY OF DADDY

My Daddy never spoke much; however, I knew the depth of his love when he jumped out of bed to make certain my car was warm, before I left for work.  He never thought of himself, his dreams, his comforts; but, instead always considered himself blessed with the least of things; because he loved his family.  My Daddy died suddenly of a heart attack in late 1993.  Although, I miss him here; I know he stands before the throne of God asking what he can do to serve.  One day I will see him again.

If you don’t know how to accept Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link, email me by clicking here or comment here

CONCLUDING TWEETS

[tweetthis]A simple Farmer; yet, I learned of life, God and faith from my Daddy’s love[/tweetthis]

 

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

I just released this new book dedicated to anyone who searched for love, lost a loved one, or felt the pangs of loneliness.  Illustrated by Ronald Barba, this poem I wrote: tells the story of God’s ever abiding love even when facing tragedy and heartbreak.  Available on Amazon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

RECOMMENDATION OF ARTIST

This is an original Drawing by an amazing artist. Check out his work: http://roninron.com .

You cannot copy or duplicate this picture without permission; because of copyright laws.

 

 

 

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2017

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post.  I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

 

I watch the news; concluding, we live in an Angry World. The far left screaming, violently protesting the ideologies of the right as being filled with hate; without hearing their own hate being spewed.  Proclaiming socialism as a cure; as though, government can mandate kindness; while ignoring the failed socialistic models throughout the world. The right scream back in protest.  We listen, we watch, and we turn to pray!  “God, how long?  How long will the cries of the angered, resist mob scream violently breaking down all civility?  Only, You, LORD of heaven and earth can change all this bickering and fighting! A house divided against itself cannot stand; come, open our hearts, our minds, and our spirits to seek you.  Though the fig trees fail to bloom, LORD; I will trust in You. LORD, help me to be the light of hope and love to show the way.”

Darkness, evil, hate, and anger will fill the hearts of men and women; when, they do not see the light of God’s love given freely through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.  Just as darkness is the absence of light; evil represents the absence of God’s righteousness.  When, we turn our backs on the creator; we doom our world.  How have we, the Christians of this nation so failed to demonstrate God’s love, His gift of salvation, and His grace to those around us?  How have we allowed our own words to become those peppered with anger, hate, and hostility?  Were we to shine our light of hope into the darkened world, what would happen then?  That does not mean we condone lawlessness; for that merely allows evil to perpetrate.  We must respect and honor those whom God places in authority over us; even, when we do not fully agree

STRENGTH TO STAND FIRM IN LOVE

Continue reading How to Be the Light Of Hope In An Angry World →

As we hustle about the busy days of our lives; do we stop to sing the praises of God for all that we have?  For those of us who do live in the United States of America, are we not blessed?  Shouldn’t we take a moment to reflect and to praise God for all the blessings we have been given?  This nation began with a group of people seeking religious freedom; not wanting to be told by a government how to worship God.  Upon that foundation, this country fought and won its independence.  One nation, under God with liberty and justice for all.  Holding fast to those principles, we grew to be a nation admired and loved.  Certainly, there were mistakes along the way; as there are when humans try to govern.  Yet, part of our strength remained the undergirding of faith, which bred hope and love.

So, what happened? If I turn on the news; any news channel–turmoil, conflict, anger and distrust blares across the TV.  The entertainment channels playing politically charged shows filled with subtle agenda.  Even so-called comedy has morphed into cruel, vulgar satire. Yet, living in middle America; I refuse to believe that to be fully the truth or the majority.  Certainly, I realize the evil nature within man’s regenerate heart; however, most of the people I meet in my daily encounters remain those who sincerely love God, family, and country.   Yet, we allow the few to tell us we are wrong!  Because the minority scream that we do not love others, we, the majority bow in silence, never standing up to say that grace–the gospel message remains one of love.

DOES COMPROMISE EQUAL LOVE?

Continue reading Where Really Is Our Strength to Love? Our Faith! →

Through every sorrow, trial, tragedy, storm, and painful moment I have traveled; God held me firmly in the palm of His Powerful, Righteous Right Hand.  Safe! Never once did He let go.  During those moments in which I ran after foolish desires or counterfeit joys; like the loving Father He is; He waited patiently, gently never letting me out of His sight.  Knowing that I would sometimes fall as I learned to walk; He remained nearby to pick me up and to ascertain I would not be injured beyond repair. His unconditional love for me always drawing me closer to His side so that I might find in me His peace, His Joy, and His hope overflowing with fresh living water.  By an act of His Great pleasure, He chose me, loved me, redeemed me and adopted me into His family.  Saved, washed clean; because of His Grace toward me.

Jesus said,

 If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Matthew 16:24-25

Yes, this world will be filled with sorrows, difficulties and a cross to bear; if we want to be true followers of Christ.  However, the wonderful Good news remains:  He bore my cross, He lifts the yoke from off my shoulders to carry it with me every moment of my life.  The difference as a Christian is not that the world around me changes because of faith.  The truth is I change from the inside out.

CHRIST IN ME-THE HOPE OF GLORY

During my life, I faced severe physical abuse and widowhood. I have personally care for and watched my mother and my beloved husband battle the horror of mental illness with bipolar disorder.  Battling aggressive cancer; while trying to support my teenage sons and completing a Master’s degree in Nursing at the same time; only to then face ulcerative colitis, surgeries and financial struggles beyond any hope of recovery.  Yet, through it all; God remained ever present lifting me up, strengthening me, and guiding me closer to His bosom.

Life didn’t change; but, how I saw life changed drastically.  My life overflows with hope, joy, and love; even when in the raging storms; because, God held me firmly in the palms of His hands.  Precisely, that remains my motivation to write to you; because I want you to know His hope, joy and love.  How I wish, that whatever trial you face today; I could help you understand–God IS Enough to make your heart leap with joy.

SAFE

Whatever trial I faced; I came to learn, I was safe; because of Jesus Christ.  I learned to stand firm on these three foundations of truth which anchored my soul.

1. GOD IS Supreme, Sovereign, Creator, All Mighty, Lord of heaven and earth, the being without whom no other being exists who chose to love me in spite of my own nothingness.  In Him, I find being.  Furthermore, He rewards all those who diligently seek Him.  (Hebrews 11:6)
2. The purpose for which God created me: to shower upon me His love, to fill me with His joy, and to impart with me a piece of His Glory.  God’s greatest display of glory is the salvation of one human soul: because of calvary.  He does not need me to perform that act of grace; however, when He chooses to use my testimony to lead someone to Christ; He has shared a piece of His Glory with this underserving soul. (John 17)
3. In Christ Jesus, I am God’s redeemed, chosen, blessed, beloved Child; heir of the Kingdom, servant by choice, and declared saint. (Ephesians 1-3)

Knowing all this, I stand firm no matter what storms may rage around me; because I God holds me in His own loving hand of grace.  He anchors me firm to Him.

EPHESIANS 1: 1-9

  Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.  In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:

 

 CONCLUDING THOUGHTS

So, my final question to you is: ” Do You Know You are Safe?”  Have you ever accepted Jesus Christ as Your Lord, Your King, Your Savior?

[tweetthis]Safe in the arms of Jesus; whatever, sorrow or storm may come my way [/tweetthis]

[bctt tweet=”This one thing I have learned: In Christ Jesus, by faith: God is all I ever need to know hope, joy, peace & love” username=”effiedarlene”]

If you don’t know how to accept Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link, email me by clicking here or comment here

This is an original Drawing by an amazing artist. Check out his work: http://roninron.com .

You cannot copy or duplicate this picture without permission; because of copyright laws.

 

 

featured photograph at beginning of post by permission of https://unsplash.com/@kfred

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2017

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post.  I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

 

In our current world and our society; all too often, we find ourselves being told that “truth is relative.”  Meaning truth does not exist; because, if truth depends upon my individual feelings concerning truth–there is no absolute truth.  Without absolute truth, science fails, psychology cannot salvage a flailing mind, and there cannot exist any morality or reasoning.  Unfortunately, Christians have fallen into this same web of relativism; because, they so want to present love that they openly compromise their own believes to not be called some bigot or “phobic” individual.  Yet, if truth does not exist; then, humans will plunge this world into nothingness.  However, there remains one truth: God. The creator of all that exists, the being without which no being can exist.  Without God, we have no hope. Furthermore, if you do not know God’s Truth; you will perish beneath your own weight of relativism.

With these thoughts in mind, I wrote for you this poem on which to ponder; because, the fears, pains, and confusion resulting from embracing relativism will harm you.  For that reason, I want to give you a response in the dark of the night, when evil attacks at midday sun, or when the media and world cause your faith to fray.  For me, I choose to be anchored with my foundation firmly held by God’s truth: because, I have learned through many trials that His Word is True.  In Christ Jesus, my Lord and Savior; my future stands firm; no matter what sorrows, fears or evil ravages our world; because, God has shown me His truth.

 In a World of Relativism; LORD, Truth IS You

By Effie Darlene Barba

In the Dark of the Night

When fears do engage

When truth fades from sight

While anger and hate of enemy’s rage

Destroying our hope with their false sense of might

Awakened by fear, we seek what is true

Then we recall: LORD, TRUTH IS YOU

 CHORUS

Your Spirit then drawing near to my side

With Songs of Sweet Grace and Your Words of love

Your promises true in which to abide

And fixing my eyes on your Son Above

Firmly you’re holding my life in Your hand

The winds, storms, and seas obey your command

When Evil Men reign in the midday sun

Breaking our hearts causing our faith to fray

Believing their lies, we think they have won

We sigh with such grief; then, begin to pray

Awakened by pain; we seek what is true

Then we recall; LORD, TRUTH IS YOU

CHORUS

Your Spirit then drawing near to my side

With Songs of Sweet Grace and Your Words of love

Your promises true in which to abide

And fixing my eyes on your Son Above

Firmly you’re holding my life in Your hand

The winds, storms, and seas obey your command

 

The World’s media cry, “Truth is not real!”

Maligning all those who stand on God’s Word

Defining their truth; by how one does feel

Unless you speak truth, then you are absurd

Confused by the crowd, we seek what is true

Then we recall; LORD, TRUTH IS YOU

 

CHORUS

Your Spirit then drawing near to my side

With Songs of Sweet Grace and Your Words of love

Your promises true in which to abide

And fixing my eyes on your Son Above

Firmly you’re holding my life in Your hand

The winds, storms, and seas obey your command

 

 

SCRIPTURES OF TRUTH

Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O Lord God of truth. I have hated them that regard lying vanities: but I trust in the Lord. Psalm 31:4-6

This is a nation that does not obey the voice of the Lord their God nor receive correction. Truth has perished and has been cut off from their mouth.  Jeremiah 27:28 (NKJV)

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6

CONCLUDING THOUGHTS:

Listen to this video of Dr. Ravi Zacharias on Relativism

CONCLUDING TWEETS

[bctt tweet=”God is truth Jesus Christ is the Way the Truth & the life Relativism defies truth” username=”effiedarlene”]

If you don’t know how to accept Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link, email me by clicking here or comment here

This is an original Drawing by an amazing artist. Check out his work: http://roninron.com .

You cannot copy or duplicate this picture without permission; because of copyright laws.

 

 

featured photograph at beginning of post by permission of https://unsplash.com/@aaronburden

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2017

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post.  I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.