God's will not mine! ~ April 29th, 2021
Many years when searching for music that I could share, with residents through the God's Love Outreach, I came across this song by Joe Medrek titled "In My Garden". What I loved was, as I listened or sang it, my heart was at ease and it put me in such a state of peace. How true the words, "Not my will but Yours, oh Lord!" It appears today we have lost that for sure. Rather than raising Him up we are suppressing Him and tucking Him away for only when things go wrong.
Listen to this music and the lyrics. I pray it can also give you comfort and peace that is so badly needed.
For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother.
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Well, I do pray you prove you are in the will of God.
Well, I do pray you prove, you are in the will of God. Look at what else the Bible also says about it.
Well, here is an excellent way to explain it my friends! Not Our Will But God’s
When you come to the end of yourself
you find the beginning of God.
When that happens my friends,
you will be glad it had.
We all take pride in being ourselves
for truly each one of us is one of a kind.
Even with identical twins
there is a difference you will find.
But before God can work through us
we must yield our lives to Him.
For if and when we do that,
well, that’s when true life begins.
See, I believe we each have a purpose
that we each were created for.
We were created in the likeness of Jesus,
children of His for sure.
But before that can happen,
surrender of one’s self there must be.
For it is not about our will,
but the will of God in you and me.
Excerpt From: E. P. Shagott. “From God's Heart, to Mine, to Yours, Trilogy”
God's love and blessings to you all!
With the Son's love! ~ April 26th, 2021
Well, I think, Winter is now behind us. Almost time to plant the established flowers or seeds to show God's beauty. I love this song by Bett Midler, "The Rose". It is at the end when the lyrics;
Just remember in the winter Far beneath the bitter snow Lies the seed that with the sun's love In the spring becomes the rose.
When I sing that song at the nursing homes I change the word "sun's" to "Son's". For truly, He does make all things new.
And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.
Sometimes in today's world it seems for many Winter is on going. But God has promised us that seasons will change and there will always be a seed time and harvest.
While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.
This video titled "The Rose" has actually the pictures that I show the residents during the song.
This is a poem video I was inspired to create from one of His many poems titled "Planting Seeds". You can see many more of His blessings on this page in this website https://www.glowny.org/videos.
Well, I pray wherever you are, you will have a "Son-shine" day and may all your clouds be little ones!
God's love and blessings!
Come to the Altar! ~ April 25th, 2021
The Bible speaks a lot about life and death and we are given two choices by God as it says, “I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live” (Deut 30:19), so we must be “loving the LORD your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life and length of days, that you may dwell in the land that the LORD swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them” (Deut 30:20). We can either repent and trust in Christ or face God’s judgment after we die or at Christ’s return. Either way, those who reject Christ die with the wrath of God on them (John 3:36). The author of Hebrews wrote, “it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment” (Heb 9:27),
So we know that a judgment comes after a person dies, but if we have trusted in Christ, our sins were judged at the Cross and our sins have been taken away because it was “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2nd Cor 5:21). Every one of us has an appointment with death and none of us know when that day will come, so today is the day of salvation if you have not yet placed your faith in Christ (2nd Cor 6:2).
A Difficult Season
A difficult season,
a difficult time.
Nothing seems to go right,
this is what I find.
Problems galore,
come my way.
What can be done
to get me through this day?
So I walked into church
and heard the preacher say,
“Give your life to Christ,
He is the only way!”
So I fell to my knees,
and prayed up above,
“If Jesus You are real,
shower me with Your love.”
“So I waited and waited
from Him for a sign.
Then I opened His Word
and this is what I did find.
In the book of John,
Chapter 15, verse nine,
that as the Father loved Him,
Jesus will love us all the time.
“Praise to You, my Lord and Savior,
for my life now belongs to You.
Though difficult seasons will come,
together we will get through them, this is true!”
Excerpt From: E. P. Shagott. “More" From God’s Heart, To Mine, To Yours”
That's what this altar is for, you don't have to carry those burdens anymore, there's a light in the darkness, there's a love that's true, and Jesus is waiting, He is waiting here for you!
God's love and blessings!
See ya at the HOUSE!
We are all in this together! ~ April 21st, 2021
Several years ago our church hired a new Pastor. Like many churches and many Pastors, there came a time when disagreement showed its nasty face. Now around this same time the Pastor's wife, who led the worship music introduced a song by Casting Crowns titled "City on a Hill". In the beginning I never paid that much attention to the song lyrics but I ended up sharing it in the God's Love programs.
What I find interesting is how it seems so fitting today. It seems more and more we are unhappy with each other and everything. In the Bible there is a phrase, "In one accord" from the Book of Acts where it is listed 7 times. I truly believe when as believers we get to Heaven we will be in "one accord" because of our love of Jesus. At the end of this song are the words "come Home". There will be not disagreeing there, my friends.
Praying
Lord, I have come to talk to You,
for I have something I want to say.
Thank You, for always being there,
for without You, I can’t make it through the day!
You always hear me, Lord,
even when my heart speaks and no words are said.
May I ways be obedient, faithful and trusting,
for only You knows what lies ahead.
May You use me every day Lord,
to do Your will, not mine.
May I seek out those less fortunate
and through Your guidance I will find.
May I speak to those with boldness,
with caring and with love.
I pray they understand,
it is the Gospel message from above.
I feel so very blessed, Lord,
that You always hear what I’m saying.
This is a special time being with You,
each time that I am praying!”
Excerpt From: E. P. Shagott. “From God's Heart, to Mine, to Yours, Trilogy”
I do like that poem, from my 3rd book of published poems, (hint, hint), for it is truly one way to always be in one accord. One with the Father and always in Jesus name. One scripture that is always quoted more and more in these unusual, uncertain times is 2 Chronicles 7:14;
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
My friends, if you,
"need to find a place",
ask Jesus for He will,
guide us with His grace,
yes He will,
give us faith so we'll be safe!!
God bless!
My chains are gone! ~ April 20th, 2021
Amazing grace for sure. My life changed. All my part was to ask. Chains come in different sizes and strengths. Once they have a hold of you, it is a life's struggle as most of us know. Did you know out of 66 books in the Bible, the word "free" shows up in 30 of them in the KJV version. 96 times, 52 in the old testament and 44 in the new testament. An important word even back 2000 plus years ago. The scripture that probably most remembers is John 8:32, "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
In today's world chains/sins comes to us in so many ways. They truly grab the life right out of you. Well, praise God in my life I was set free. Oh, there has been many trials but I do not go through them alone anymore. Please watch this video I was blessed with about The 23rd Psalm, it was one of my Mother's favorite Bible verses. On the day that she passed, when I saw her in the hospital, the Bible was on her chest and her hands pointed to that scripture.
Also in the last book of the Bible is the word "freely". My friends this is what it is all about, believe it or not.
Revelation 21:5-7
5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. 6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. 7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.
When You Look At Me
When you look at my face, what do you see? Because I love Jesus, it is Him, really not me.
When I reach out to touch someone, it is His hands that does. They are reaching out to His lost to be claimed for the Father above.
When my feet are carrying me to places to give Him praise, these are really the feet of Christ, that carried me all my days.
When my mouth opens with song, praising His Holy Name, it is His Holy Spirit flowing from me, touching lives that will never be the same.
So when you look at me, take a good look at what you see, my old being is gone, it’s now Jesus, not me!
E. P. Shagott
8/9/2010
Yes, my chains are gone, I am set free for my God and Savior has ransomed me!
God's love and blessings to you all!
I know my name! ~ 4/19/2021
Mark Twain said, “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.”
I don't know if it is just the fact that I am in my senior years, but I think that quote is very important. Each year we celebrate the year we were born with presents, cake and song. Well, I believe the other day is also important and possibly many do not find that answer. For me I could of missed it also but one day with a broken heart it was the beginning of finding the answer.
In the Bible, Matthew 22:14, "For many are called, but few are chosen.", well, praise God I was in March of 1997. For seven years I didn't quite understand but for sure I know my name and who I am. An interesting song by Matthew West, I shared in programs in the God's Love Outreach, is "Hello, My Name Is". Many times when you go to a place of a large gathering you are given a blank sticker for you to write your name so others know who you are. Listen to this song for it tells who I am and why I was born!
and here is my proof, and yours, claim it!
Romans 8:16-18
16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
A Child Of God
I am a child of Grace, set free from worldly sin. I am a child of Righteousness, because my Savior lives within.
I am a child of Holy Love, Christ paid the mighty cost. I am a child of Purity, my imperfections were nailed to the Cross.
I am a child of Eternity, a life that was created just for Him. I am His Special child now, no longer a child to sin.
I am a child of the Master, in His light is where I trod. I cry out with a joyful voice, I am a child of God!!!
E. P. Shagott 10/25/2010
MY friends I pray that one day, if you don't know now, you will understand that we "all" are His. Though through the fall of man there is a separation between man/woman and God, Jesus is the only WAY back!
God bless!
A glimpse of Eternity! ~ 4/17/2021
At the end of the previous blog there was the song, "You Raise Me Up". In the song are the lyrics, "a glimpse of Eternity"! Wow! What lyrics those are. What do you envision Eternity will be like. For many it is I guess what you believe. Some may say, "When your dead, your dead." So that would mean, nothing. Some may say, "I am going to roll the dice!" Yep, you sure are! Also some may say like I believe, "Eternal life and rest with Jesus!" I once saw an interesting picture in a nursing home hanging in an elevator. It was a picture of Jesus in Heaven and He was playing horseshoes with an elderly gentleman. Jesus, was just standing there holding His two horseshoes, ready for His turn. The elderly gentleman was in the process of throwing a horseshoe. What struck my eye was the awesome smile on Jesus face and also the gentleman's face.
I truly believe life goes on after this one. It is the soul of each life. All were intended to return to God, well, to be honest they were never meant to leave but then came the fall of man. Hmm, that is a story for another blog I guess. This one is about Heaven and Eternity. Back in 2005 I was blessed with this poem, "As I Walked Into Heaven". I put it in a video below. You can also find it in my 2nd book of published poems titled "More, From God's Heart, to Mine, to Yours!".
My friends, for sure I can only imagine what that will be like, as this song states. Scripture states in 1 Corinthians 2:9
But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
Well, I always tell people my bags are packed for when Jesus calls. Come to think of it I will be needing nothing and I will take nothing with me. As another song lyrics states, "I never saw a hearse with a luggage rack!"
God bless!
The Way, the Truth, the Life! ~ April 15th, 2021
Interesting as to the timing of this blog and purpose. I think back to a year ago and how things in my life and probably a lot more lives major changes occurred. But when I think about it daily in lives there are changes. Of course we see just what is happening in ours and we react to those. I found this small article that I have posted on my "inspirational" page on this website. It speaks of REST, something we could probably use after the last year and a half. I can only speak for myself but I can surly agree with the article.
What is rest?
📖 My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest...Exodus 33:14
To step out of self-life into Christ-life; to lie still, and let God lift you out of it, to fold your hands close, and hide your face on the hem of His garment; to let Him lay His cooling, soothing, healing hands upon your soul, and draw all the hurry and fever from its veins; to realize that you are not a mighty messenger, an important worker of His, full of care and responsibility, but only a little child, with a Father’s gentle bidding to heed and fulfill; to lay your busy plans and ambitions confidently in His hands, as a child brings its broken toys at its mother’s call; to serve Him by waiting; to praise Him by saying, “Holy, Holy, Holy”; to cease to hurry, so you may not lose sight of His face; to learn to follow Him, and not to run ahead of orders! to cease to live in self and for self, and to live in Him and for Him; to love His honor more than your own; to be a clear medium for His life-tide to shine and glow through...This is Consecration, this is rest.
Thou sweet, beloved will of God,
My anchor ground, my fortress hill,
My spirit’s silent, fair abode,
In Thee I hide me and am still.
Thy beautiful sweet will, my God,
Holds fast in its sublime embrace
My captive will, a glandsome bird,
Prison’d in such a realm of grace.
Upon God’s will I lay me down,
As child upon its mother’s breast,
No silken couch, nor softest bed,
Could ever give me such deep rest...
Tersteegen
~Springs in the Valley.
I pray you will be blessed by these two poems from my 2nd book of published poems and also the song video "You Raise Me Up". At the end of the song I added, "Thank You, Lord, for always loving me!"
Surrender To Him
Oh give to the Lord what He seeks,
surrender to Him what is His.
He cannot work through our lives,
until we willingly and truly do this.
We must admit to ourselves,
that we are weak and He is
the Way.
We must surrender to Him all we are,
so that He can truly live in us today.
We can’t hold back a single thing,
we must see
the Truth
in His Word.
We must surrender to Him our total being,
so through us His Gospel can be shared.
See, He was the first to surrender all for us,
so that
the Life
with Him will always be.
Surrender to Him our earthly lives,
as on the Cross He did for you and me.”
Excerpt From: E. P. Shagott. “More" From God’s Heart, To Mine, To Yours”
The Choice Is Up To You
The choice is up to you,
just how you spend your time.
You can choose to live in sin,
fooling yourself everything is just fine.
You can choose to ignore
those less fortunate than you.
You can choose to believe
it’s all about you, but that’s not true.
The choice is definitely yours,
because God made it so.
But you better choose wisely,
before it’s time to go.
God will always be waiting
and watching just what you do.
He has already made His choice,
now the choice is up to you.”
Excerpt From: E. P. Shagott. “More" From God’s Heart, To Mine, To Yours”
Life's storms! ~ April 13th, 2021
Reading Matthew 8:23-27 I believe we all can relate to the disciples in the boat. The Storms come and our everyday life is in a turmoil. What is interesting is Jesus was in the boat with them and they were still afraid. Just like them we have little faith when the storm hits. 23 And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him. 24 And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. 25 And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. 26 And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. 27 But the men marveled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him! The same Jesus back then is the same Jesus of today. If we believe and accept Him in our hearts then for sure we hear, as the disciples did back then, His words to the storm or any storm, “Peace, be still”!
Many years ago I found this song which I always think is so fitting as we go through this life. It is titled "Gentle Rain" and I was blessed to create this video for the song. Whenever I think of our life's storms I also recall this scripture;
John 16:33, These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. I think a lot of people read that first part and think, "here we go", trials coming our way. What is important is that they should finish the last part, "be of good cheer, Jesus has overcome them all, "for us"!! No more sorrow, no more pain, just healing and relief!"
Life’s Storms
I walked out of my house today, there was a dark cloud in the sky. I said, “Lord, should I run for cover?” He answered back, ”Why?”
I said, “What if the storm is greater than I can bear?” He said, “Child of Mine, why would you have to fear?
Remember when I was with my disciples and the storm came up at will? They also had nothing to fear, for I told the storm, Peace, be still!
So always remember, My child, storms will come and storms will go, you will always be protected from them, because I love you so.”
E. P. Shagott
9/20/2010
Well, God's Love and blessings to you all. Here are a few good scriptures about getting through your storms in life!
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust. - Psalm 91:1-2
When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all. He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken. - Psalm 34:17-20
Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by. - Psalm 57:1
For you have been a stronghold to the poor, a stronghold to the needy in his distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat; for the breath of the ruthless is like a storm against a wall, - Isaiah 25:4
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. - Psalm 23:4
Right on time! ~ April 12th, 2021
I love this story of Lazarus in the Bible. When I read God's Word I mainly use the Kings James Version. For this I wanted to share The Message translation. What I love about the Bible is that it is as real today as it was over 2000 years ago. Of course either you believe it or you don't. Please take time to read about Lazarus, a friend of Jesus, death. Toward the end, verse 35, is the shortest verse in the Bible but has very strong meaning. See, many will say Jesus wept because He was sad over the death of His friend but I believe the truth is He was over come with grief and anger that no one believed He was the Son of God and to bring glory to the Father raised Lazarus from death. Now I once heard a pastor state "If Jesus didn't call Lazarus by name, all the dead would arise from their graves!" Interesting point, don't you think?
John 11 1-35
The Death of Lazarus
1-3 A man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. This was the same Mary who massaged the Lord’s feet with aromatic oils and then wiped them with her hair. It was her brother Lazarus who was sick. So the sisters sent word to Jesus, “Master, the one you love so very much is sick.” 4 When Jesus got the message, he said, “This sickness is not fatal. It will become an occasion to show God’s glory by glorifying God’s Son.” 5-7 Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus, but oddly, when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed on where he was for two more days. After the two days, he said to his disciples, “Let’s go back to Judea.” 8 They said, “Rabbi, you can’t do that. The Jews are out to kill you, and you’re going back?” 9-10 Jesus replied, “Are there not twelve hours of daylight? Anyone who walks in daylight doesn’t stumble because there’s plenty of light from the sun. Walking at night, he might very well stumble because he can’t see where he’s going.” 11 He said these things, and then announced, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep. I’m going to wake him up.” 12-13 The disciples said, “Master, if he’s gone to sleep, he’ll get a good rest and wake up feeling fine.” Jesus was talking about death, while his disciples thought he was talking about taking a nap. 14-15 Then Jesus became explicit: “Lazarus died. And I am glad for your sakes that I wasn’t there. You’re about to be given new grounds for believing. Now let’s go to him.” 16 That’s when Thomas, the one called the Twin, said to his companions, “Come along. We might as well die with him.” 17-20 When Jesus finally got there, he found Lazarus already four days dead. Bethany was near Jerusalem, only a couple of miles away, and many of the Jews were visiting Martha and Mary, sympathizing with them over their brother. Martha heard Jesus was coming and went out to meet him. Mary remained in the house. 21-22 Martha said, “Master, if you’d been here, my brother wouldn’t have died. Even now, I know that whatever you ask God he will give you.” 23 Jesus said, “Your brother will be raised up.” 24 Martha replied, “I know that he will be raised up in the resurrection at the end of time.” 25-26 “You don’t have to wait for the End. I am, right now, Resurrection and Life. The one who believes in me, even though he or she dies, will live. And everyone who lives believing in me does not ultimately die at all. Do you believe this?” 27 “Yes, Master. All along I have believed that you are the Messiah, the Son of God who comes into the world.” 28 After saying this, she went to her sister Mary and whispered in her ear, “The Teacher is here and is asking for you.” 29-32 The moment she heard that, she jumped up and ran out to him. Jesus had not yet entered the town but was still at the place where Martha had met him. When her sympathizing Jewish friends saw Mary run off, they followed her, thinking she was on her way to the tomb to weep there. Mary came to where Jesus was waiting and fell at his feet, saying, “Master, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died.” 33-34 When Jesus saw her sobbing and the Jews with her sobbing, a deep anger welled up within him. He said, “Where did you put him?” 34-35 “Master, come and see,” they said. Now Jesus wept. 36 The Jews said, “Look how deeply he loved him.” 37 Others among them said, “Well, if he loved him so much, why didn’t he do something to keep him from dying? After all, he opened the eyes of a blind man.” 38-39 Then Jesus, the anger again welling up within him, arrived at the tomb. It was a simple cave in the hillside with a slab of stone laid against it. Jesus said, “Remove the stone.” The sister of the dead man, Martha, said, “Master, by this time there’s a stench. He’s been dead four days!” 40 Jesus looked her in the eye. “Didn’t I tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” 41-42 Then, to the others, “Go ahead, take away the stone.” They removed the stone. Jesus raised his eyes to heaven and prayed, “Father, I’m grateful that you have listened to me. I know you always do listen, but on account of this crowd standing here I’ve spoken so that they might believe that you sent me.” 43-44 Then he shouted, “Lazarus, come out!” And he came out, a cadaver, wrapped from head to toe, and with a kerchief over his face. Jesus told them, “Unwrap him and let him loose.”
Now there was a Gaither's song written titled "Four Days Late" that I did sing and share with residents in the God's Love programs which was written about Jesus and Lazarus. I believe that it is the same today as it was back then, "little belief". Of course over 2000 years ago the people seen miracles by their own eyes and still most didn't believe. Just think about doubting Thomas. When Jesus returned to earth after His resurrection He showed Thomas the holes in His body left from His crucifixion. Today's times people are all crying out, "Where is Jesus, when is He going to help us? The answer is the same as it was back then, "Ye, of little faith!" (Matthew 8:26). My friends, what storm are you going through? "Seek ye the Kingdom first!" (Matthew 6:33). Remember, when Jesus is four days late, "HIS IS STILL ON TIME"!!!
Three Words Spoken
Three words spoken
that means everything to you and me,
redemption paid, sins forgiven,
and reconciliation with God was achieved.
Sinless became sin,
love overcame hate.
Jesus blood was shed for all,
and not a minute too late.
Eternal life conquered death,
salvation was secured.
Yes, all of this happened
when three words was heard.
As His life here on earth was over,
the Father’s will now was done.
From the Son’s lips came “It is finished”,
God’s love now once again, for everyone!
Excerpt From: E. P. Shagott. “From God's Heart, to Mine, to Yours, Trilogy"
May you all be blessed and feel God's Love upon you and your families!
Something is missing! ~ April 11th, 2021
For sure, something is missing in today's world, well, for me anyways. "And the answer is, a good ole belly laugh!" It is so important for me, that I have a page , on this God's website, for that. To make someone smile (Humor Plus) or even laugh now and then.
Now I do realize that each generation has it's own unique attributes and for mine I believe it was "clean, laugh till you cry, humor". We had an awesome collection of comedians and also very talented writers. In one of the God's Love Outreach programs I have a presentation titled, "Send in the Clowns". While I sing that song I show some of the comedians of my era. Here are some of the comedians I use to watch and laughed at.
Any smiles yet? Here's some more!
Also I have this poem I was blessed with a few years ago. My friends, may a smile be your umbrella for sometimes it does pour!
Proverbs 15:13
A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.
God bless!
A Few Missing Ingredients
E. P. Shagott
7/4/2019
As we look at the world today
it appears something is missing.
Not many smiles and laughter
yes, a few missing ingredients.
Good clean healthy humor
seems just a thing of the past.
In times of today you really need
a good ole belly laugh.
So what is the difference
what have we let slip on by.
I can still remember when
I laughed so hard I cried.
I wish we could go back
and turn this life around,
bring laughter back into our lives again,
yep, please, send in the clowns!
My Heart, His Poems! ~ April 10th, 2021
As I was thinking about this blog God touched my heart and said, His poems. For sure it was and still is a big part of my life. How could it not be when He has blessed me with over 700 poems. If you would ask me what is in His poems I would have to answer, "God's Love"!
This poem here I was blessed with for I believe it expresses the journey about His poems and my obedient love to Him.
His Message, Is In The Poem
I started to write the words, from my heart that which did flow. Some lines ended in rhyme, which made it into a very nice poem.
It’s substance was of love, and how God cares for you and me. His Words flowed from Heaven above, all about setting the captives free.
For He knows what is our bondage, and what fills our lives with sin. He wants for us to release that, so in our hearts He can enter in.
So take some time to read this, and think of how much you owe Him. I hope you can understand His message, is in the poem.
E. P. Shagott
9/22/2010
I do pray that when you read each of these poems, that I selected and made into video form, that you will understand how God's Heart and mine are One. I pray that one or all of these poems will touch your life in some way that you will think of God more and realize "everything" we have is from Him. When you read these poems I wonder what the message you will be hearing from Him?
"But if we do not listen
from the heart what the Spirit has to say,
we find the heart gets very exhausted
just to make it through the day!"
"He has taken all my hurting,
my fears and my pains.
He replaced them all with His love,
oh praise His Holy Name!"
"I know your heart has been broken,
I was sent from the Father above.
I have just what you will need to mend,
it was a heart bag filled with love."
"So the choice is ours,
in what ever we do.
God’s heart remains open,
just waiting for me and you."
"I have a heart for God,
someday it will beat as One.
I am not ashamed
to praise the Father, the Spirit and the Son!"
"The words of love,
the actions so true,
it’s not about me,
it’s not about you."
Besides the many poems I have been blessed with I have also been inspired to write a few songs. One day I had a song starting in my head. Now it was different than His poems for this I had music and words He was giving me. I picked up my guitar and "plucked" out the notes the best I could. One day, maybe someone with more of a talent in that area could make this into an awesome song. Well, until then this is what I have. As you listen, my question to you is, "What will Jesus find in your heart?"
I do pray that somehow, someway that you were touched by something in this blog. Also maybe you will see why it is titled "Heart Blog". Please scroll down to see more and may you be blessed and touched by God's Love! To God be the glory!
If interested in God's poems check out my (3) published books
Our furry friends! ~ April 6th, 2021
I cannot imagine living all these years without pets. I have never seen such loyalty and love shown from most humans. Now that is a sad statement, but true. I saw this picture one time and i thought, "It really says it all!'
One month prior to losing my beloved pet Buddy, who passed on September 27th, 2010, the Lord told me I was getting another dog and to name it Rescue. I was so attached to the one I had for 14 years I boldly shook my finger at God and said, “Don’t tell me this, You know how much I love this one!” Well, He sure did know and He brought Buddy to me when I needed that unconditional love that a pet does bring.
Three months later I was at Fox Run doing a program in December and for some unknown reason I was there a half hour earlier than normal. The hairdresser at Fox Run walked in with this dog on a leash. She stopped by me and asked if I was looking for a dog? I said, “No, I am still grieving over the loss of one”. She told me the story that her friends daughter found this dog on a road in West Virginia. She was hunting in the woods and came up on a road and saw this dog sitting there. This girl that found the dog was going to West Virginia University and was on Thanksgiving break. She called her Mom and asked what should she do? Her Mom who lives in Orchard Park, NY told her to make sure that homes around the area wasn't looking for a lost dog and if not, because there were no tags, to take it to a vet and have it checked for a chip maybe. If all that didn't work to bring it up at Christmas break and they could find it maybe a home up here! I told the hairdresser that I wasn't interested but it was an awesome story. After I did the program and I was putting my equipment away she came back, through. I stopped and looked at the dog. the dog looked at me and I told the hairdresser "yes" I would take the dog. Yep, I named her "Rescue" as I was told. Also I tell people when I tell that story that I can see the Lord putting Rescue on the road, petting her on the head and saying, "Someone is coming for you!” When I took her to the vet to be checked the vet figured she was about 6 months old. For her birthday I picked April 1st but believe me it is no April Fools.
There are so many stories of how Rescue touched the hearts of so many residents that she visited all because of my love and obedience to the Lord! One I can remember is taking Rescue to a nursing home in Hamburg. I was on the 2nd floor visiting with residents and one woman said, “Doggie”!! Many of the nurses at the nursing station close by and also walking by were just in shock. See, that was the first word anyone heard from her since she came there. I was blessed with these two poems inspired by Buddy and Rescue!
My Buddy (12/25/1996 – 9/27/2010) I lost a special friend today, my heart was broke in two. A special friend that was sent from God, special, because no other would do. Everything about him, just fit me to a tee. Ten pounds of love and obedience, that was made just for me. Oh, I know cute friends like him, will probably come and then have to go. But this one was oh so special, that’s why I loved him so. So now I have just the memories, praise to God, they will get me through. How awesome a God He is, for He knew only “my Buddy” would do! E. P. Shagott 9/27/2010 ********************************* Rescue Me Rescue me! I cried above, please send my broken heart, someone to love. The more I hurt, the more I grieve, Lord up above, please rescue me! Then within His moment He said, “It’s done. For when you hurt, I hurt too, My special one! So here is Rescue, from Me to you, her mission is, to get you through. She’ll ease the pain, and brighten your heart. Just love her like I loved you, I always have right from the start! So anytime your heart is broken, and no happiness you see, just look up above and say, Lord, please rescue me!” E. P. Shagott 12/31/2010
Now I can't end this blog here, though the Lord has said a lot so far. But as I think of the dogs I have had in my life a song will always be brought to mind, "Old Shep" by Elvis Presley. A humorous story that goes with that song was that as a teenager there was a radio station that took requests for songs to be played. Now this was back in the 50's and I wanted to empress my girlfriend so I dedicated the song to her. Yep, she wasn't happy that I chose that song. Well, for me, I thought she knew my heart and for sure this song touches mine. Here is a video about dogs that I showed at nursing homes when I would sing, Elvis did it so much better singing,
Well I can't leave this post with out mentioning Rescue's sister, Taylor. She is a few years older than Rescue and was taking care of Buddy before the Lord brought Rescue to our family.
Here is a picture of Taylor cleaning up Buddy ---->
and here is Taylor and Rescue ------->
Yep, God bless and happy tails to you all!
God is speaking, are you listening? ~ April 3rd, 2021
As I was sitting quietly waiting to hear what the Lord wanted to say in this “His” blog, He spoke to my heart and said, “My Word”! I shared scriptures in The Easter Story in the previous post. The scripture that He put on my heart for all to understand is from the Book of John, chapter one, verse one:
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
My friends, if you want to hear from God, go to His Word. Everything you will ever need is there. I love this song and have shared it in programs many times. Listen closely to the lyrics;
Word of God, Speak ------>
Word of God speak,would You pour down like rain, washing my eyes to see,Your majesty, to be still and know that You're in this place, please let me stay and rest, in Your holiness, Word of God speak! Oh, how true those words in the song are. I will always remember back in the early 1990’s, when the Lord prompted me to go back to church, I noticed the church was using a version of the Bible (NIV) that I did not have. I went to a Christian book store and said to the Lord, “When I open up this new Bible take me to the verse that You want me to see first!” Well, I opened the Bible and my eyes went to Isaiah 29:13, Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:
I believe what the Lord was telling me, His mission for me was to tell all it is about a relationship with Him. I did not know it then but He had a ministry for me to show all who would listen and hear to believe in His love. Yes, to show through His word, songs, poems, pictures, and most important through my heart. See, because He knew us before we were born, He always has and always will, love us. He chose us first. Our part is to choose Him and;
<------- Believe
Every time I listen or sing the lyrics to that Brooks and Dunn song, I smile when I get to these lyrics; “I can't quote the book, the chapter or the verse, you can't tell me it all ends, in a slow ride in a hearse!” Hmm, maybe it is because I am getting older but I can’t believe that either. Yes, this can’t be all there is. See, God’s Word tells me, in Isaiah 25:8 "He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the Lord hath spoken it."
The Easter Story! ~ April 1st, 2021
This is Holy Week. It is an important time to reflect and celebrate each year. To be honest I feel it is important to reflect daily of this life changing time for each of us. Each one has to decide how important it is. When presenting the God's Love programs I always present the Easter Story and it is received well at the nursing homes and senior facilities. I pray you take some time out of your busy day to view the scriptures for the Easter Story and also the song titled "Watch the Lamb".
This is one of the most "heart touching" songs that I have been blessed to share through God's Love Outreach Western New York. It is the story told in song, of Simon from Cyrene (Matthew 27:32) who was going to Jerusalem with his two small sons to sacrifice a lamb, which was the custom back then. What Simon didn't understand, this was the day Jesus was to be crucified.
Yes, my friends, watch the Lamb. This is a poem I was blessed with over 25 years ago. After I wrote it and I would recite it at Easter time I found myself brought to tears at the end. It was written about Jesus last minutes on the Cross. He looked up at His Father and asked, "Father, why have you forsaken Me?"
I Love You, He Said ------->
For this blog in closing, I thought the song by Kris Kristofferson was very fitting. As we read/watch/listen to everything Jesus went through, a man that "never" sinned, was brutality beaten, crucified, all because of "love".
"Why Me, Lord" -------->
To understand why, I believe, you must go back to the beginning of the Bible the book of Genesis 1:26-27
26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
Yep, all because of love. Do we deserve it?
Get Ready! He's coming back!!
It doesn't matter! ~ March 30th, 2021
The Testimony of Dorothy Back in 2010, I was at Eden Heights Assisted Living Facility in Eden, NY, and did a God’s Love program. I can’t remember the exact month or program theme. After I presented the musical program to the residents I went to each one to tell them that God loves them and so do I. The very last person I came to was a woman named Dorothy. She had tears streaming down her face. When I asked her what the matter was she told me, “I don’t want to go to Hell!” At first I was taken back for this was the first time I encountered someone in this much distress. I asked Dorothy if she knew Jesus as her personal Lord and Savior and she said, “I am not sure anymore”. I took her hand in mine and we prayed together. She then asked Jesus into her heart and asked Him to be her Lord and Savior. Each month that I would go to Eden Heights to present a program I would see Dorothy, she never missed a program. She very seldom smiled but I could see her face changing each month. One month when I was there doing a program Dorothy wasn’t there. The next month when I came she was and after the program came up to me to apologized for missing a program. She said, “I have something to tell you. I couldn’t come because I was with Hospice. You see, I have been informed by my doctor I have an aggressive cancer and there is nothing they could do for me”. Now my friends please grab onto this part of the testimony. This time Dorothy took my hand in hers and said, “It doesn’t matter!” and she said it with a beautiful smile on her face. A month after Dorothy went to be with the Lord, her roommate came and told me that Dorothy told her the last two weeks of her life were the most peaceful that she ever knew. See, God was showing me the fruit of my obedience to Him and the love He has for “all” His children. This is a poem I was inspired to write about Dorothy.
A Poem For Dorothy
I met a woman through God's love
and Dorothy was her name.
Ever since the day we met
our lives were not the same.
Dorothy was lost and confused,
on her heart she had something to tell.
With tears streaming down her face,
she said, "I don't want to go to hell!"
I took her hand in mine
and asked if Jesus she knew?
She looked me in the eyes and said,
"I'm not sure if I do!"
We said the sinners prayer together,
then I shared with her God's love.
Neither one of us will be the same,
all because of the Father above.
E. P. Shagott
Now I pray that this testimony and poem will somehow tug at your heart strings. I always wonder if the Lord created my life, just for Dorothy. For sure our ways are not God's ways. Our thoughts are not His thoughts, but I am trying, Lord, that they will be! Not only did Dorothy receive/renew her life in Christ but God also showed me how my love and obedience to Him has touched a life for the Kingdom. I saw for my own eyes. I saw Dorothy"s countenance change.
Beside the wonderful poem the Lord also blessed me with a song titled, words from Dorothy's lips,
"It Doesn't Matter". ------->
The music is from "There is a River".
See, Dorothy understood what really matters. I understand what truly matters. I pray that you also understand it is all about Jesus! His love for us! He proved that on the Cross. We have to go through Good Friday to get to "Awesome Sunday"!!
God's Love and blessings to you all.
Somebody's praying! ~ March 29th, 2021
I often thought that I didn't have a strong prayer life because I don't have a set time or pattern to when I pray. Maybe to some that might mean that I don't pray. Prayer is a very important part of a Christian's walk. It states in the Book of Mark chapter 11:
24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.
25 And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.
Every time I would see or bring these scriptures to thought I would think about when I am driving. I tell people that I pray when I drive. To be honest I believe I pray all the time, for to me it is a conversation with God. Just me and Him. Now I would not recommend to do this driving with your eyes closed.
It is written that what things we desire, all we have to do is believe and we will have them. Well I believe many people don't agree for they are asking for possibly a new car, money, fame and it never comes. But those are material things not Kingdom related.
Even Jesus disciples whom walked with Him daily asked Him how to pray. Jesus answered with,
The Lord's Prayer:
My friends, prayer works. But what I am really saying or trying to say is "a relationship" with Jesus works. Everything that is written in His word is truth. I know a woman, from an assisted living facility that I did God's Love programs there, who asked me whenever she saw me to pray for her. One time I gave her my phone number, around 15 years ago and she still calls me this year asking for prayer for her, family and friends. Why does she call? Because she knows God answers prayer and also I will talk to Him (pray) for and about her.
I have a friend that I worked with for over 30 years who called me one time and asked if I would pray for his grandson who had 17 tumors. Yes, I said I would and with friends we did. One time he called and said all the boys tumors were gone. Yep, a big "PRAISE GOD" there!
Well, I do want to thank all who at some point in there lives have prayed (talked with God) about me. For sure God knows what is going on in each of our lives. He loves and expects His children to talk with Him, all the time. Not just in the bad times but also in the good, thanking Him for being an awesome God that He is. Can you just imagine if we all here in America and all over the world got down on our knees and prayed to Him, hmm, what a wonderful world this would be.
God's love and mine to you all!
<-------- Somebody's Praying
What A Wonderful World --------->
Somewhere! ~ March 27th, 2021
As mentioned at the end of my previous post, "SOMEDAY, SOMEHOW, SOMEWHERE!" For sure life is interesting. It truly is what we make of it and the decisions that go into our choices good or bad. I once heard that life is like a train that we all get on and off at different times. Now there are a lot of things to do on life's train. Rewards and punishments are received accordingly. For some it may seem the rewards are slow coming if any. Others are having problems looking to store all their rewards. Family, health, wealth, and friends are either many or few.
Interesting on life's train is something called "time". George Carlin, the comedian, once said, "“The most unfair thing about life is the way it ends. I mean, life is tough. It takes up a lot of your time. What do you get at the end of it? A Death! What’s that, a bonus? Well, I believe it is all how you look at it.
I look at this life as a gift, from God our creator. We are here to do His will, "Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done"! See, not our will but His. Even Jesus said in Mark 16:36, And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt. See, the conductor on life's train is God!
Over 24 years ago I was blessed with this poem titled, "It Was Never About This Life". You will find it in God's first book of poems, hint, hint!
So think of this Promise Land, my friends. As the poem states, it's called GRACE, filled with LOVE, and there is no guilt, or shame and we ALL live as ONE and LOVE is our last name! Hmm, sure is not like today's times is it?
Yep, SOMEDAY, SOMEHOW, SOMEWHERE, as a believer I know it will happen. A total different "spiritual" life that we will find about when we get there. Come to think of it we didn't know anything about this one either! As it is written in the Bible, Revelation 21:4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
In the song, "Somewhere", I changed two lines of lyrics toward the end that I was inspired with, "Read God's Word and you're half way there, ask Him in your heart and He will take you there!"
Someday, somehow, somewhere!
God's love and mine to you all!
We need to get back to God! ~ March 25th, 2021
The one thing I noticed about getting older is I do have a lot of years to look back on. Interesting to where I was back in the 1950's as a teenager and to where I am now, walking and praising God in my 79th year. Church was a way of life for families back then. God was part of the family structure. For myself I got saved at a skating rink! Our church would take the youth via bus to skate and then onetime half way through the skating we stopped and heard the Gospel message. I must admit as a teenager I really went to meet girls not to hear a message about Jesus, but I am so glad I went skating that day.
What I experienced in my teenage years was the beginning of a spiritual foundation. Now as a young adult, I did break away from church but NEVER God for He is always there, if we are saved or not. He is always loving us. For myself I spent 40 years with Him but not as the #1 spot He deserves. Believe me, my life showed that also.
Now as we fast forward to today's times we can see that "many" are not walking in the Spirit. The Godly foundation is crumbling for many do not believe and live according to His Word. It appears for many that the Ten Commandments is no longer a "to do list!".
Several years back I heard a song by Reba McEntire titled "Back to God". Also around the same time Dolly Parton had a song titled "Hello God". I have sang both of these in a God's Love program to share with residents in nursing homes and caring facilities. The lyrics are so profound.
Listen to the song "Back to God". I also share a poem I was blessed with at the end of the song titled, "All Glory Belongs to God". Now here is a true to do list for today from the song; “You gotta get down on your knees, believe, fold your hands and beg and plead gotta keep on praying”! You gotta cry, rain tears of pain pound the floor and scream His name, “JESUS”!!!!
<---- Back To God
Here is the song by Dolly Parton, "Hello God". I pray you can feel her heart and mine in the lyrics, "Hello, God, are You out there, can You hear us anymore?" As we look and see how the world is changing I can understand that question. I think to myself, "Why would God still be listening?" The amazing part to me is God is and He still loves us and always will. He is always listening and waiting.
<---- Hello God
Well, I pray someday, somehow, somewhere that what the Lord puts on my heart, from His, to someone His message is delivered the best way I can with His inspiration and guidance. God's love to you all!
Who would of thought? ~ March 23rd, 2021
As the saying goes, "Who would of thought?" It was March of 1997 when I felt my world crashing around me. I found myself middle aged plus and closing rapidly on becoming a senior. But what I found was something was missing in my life, "purpose". The 54 years leading up to this was just "life" but due to circumstances, some caused by myself, where I was became somewhat hopeless.
So as another saying goes, "When you are laying face down, all you can do is look up!" That is what I did and said, "Lord, take control of my life for what I am doing is not working!" My testimony is with tears streaming down my face I felt a warm sensation go from the top of my head and out the soles of my feet. All I could do was sit there saying "Thank you, Jesus!", over and over.
Now to try to understand how God works it was in the early 1990's that I was urged in my spirit to go back to church. I did not know why but for sure I do now. See, I do believe God knows our beginning and everything to the end of our earthly lives. He was waiting fro me, as He is everyone, to say "use me!" Now you might be asking, "use for what?". Well, scripture states "seek ye first the Kingdom of God!"
Yep, to be used for God's Kingdom. As it states in the Lord's prayer, "Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, in earth as it is in Heaven". So God had to prepare me for what His will for me was and still is. Seven years after I surrendered and made Jesus Lord of my life, I then began an outreach ministry which I was inspired to name "God's Love". Now a couple items of interest to keep in mind, starting in the early 1990's I was blessed to start writing Christian poems. Also blessed to learn computers which helped at my place of employment, publishing God's poetry and also in the outreach ministry which I started with God's blessing in January 2004.
When I retired in July 2003 at 60 years of age, as I was leaving on my last day at work I saw a projector screen laying on the floor with a scrap tag on it to be thrown out. I inquired about it and asked if I could take it and they gladly said, "sure"! What was interesting about that is I had no use for it. Well, I didn't but God did. See, shortly after I retired I started to create musical programs using Microsoft PowerPoint. I bought a projector, laptop and sound system to be able to present the programs to various nursing homes and assisted living facilities. I would stand up behind my laptop and as I clicked through the program I would sing to the music. The residents would be able to sing along with me or just look at the blessed pictures on the projector screen. I have presented over 1850 one hour programs in 17 plus years. Would you believe that within that time I have sung 359 different songs and here's the catch, "I am not a singer"! See, as it was said, "God does not call the qualified, He qualifies the called!" As for the programs I was inspired to create over 20 different ones so the program theme would change each month.
And to think it all started with, "Lord, take control of my life"! Now even all that being said the Lord had other work for His Kingdom. He has inspired me with over 700 poems which with His blessing I have published 3 poetry books.
His latest work for His Kingdom that He inspired me with is creating "poem videos".
Yes, it has been 24 years and counting "HIS" blessings.
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