Atmosphere around a person

I have been doing some spiritually oriented study on the concept that there is an atmosphere surrounding every person that not only affects that person but all who come in contact with that person. There are different 'names' for this concept, but the basic concept is the same. Take it for what it is worth but here are a few thoughts that I have gleaned during my perusal of this topic.

"The spirit and word and influence you carry are making impressions
upon the minds of others. The atmosphere which surrounds the soul, if it
is evil, will be like a spiritual malaria, which will be poisonous to those around.
But it is profitable for the soul to have an atmosphere that will be a
savor of life unto life to others. When the soul is weighted with the truth
which works by love and purifies the soul, a heavenly atmosphere will
pervade the soul."

We were in Africa for 6 years and while there had some opportunity to see first hand the 'effects' of the malaria 'bug'. There are several different kinds of malaria, but one that is very common causes a person to get chills and then fever on a fairly regular 'cycle'. Between the chills and fever a person may feel 'normal'. I began to compare the knowledge about the effects of physical malaria to an 'atmosphere' that was compared to malaria. Could a person with that kind of 'atmosphere' around them at times seem to be 'on fire' but then 'chill out', toward whatever they are dealing with? And then part of the time they may seem 'normal'? I have met people who seem to function that way on a fairly regular basis.

On the other hand - and this is what really encouraged me - I won't have 'malaria' when Jesus is in my heart. For some reason or another neither my husband or myself ever had malaria when we were in Africa on mission. I believe God wants to 'heal' me so my 'atmosphere' will give life to others.

Here is another interesting quote on this subject.

"Either we are on Christ's side of the question or on the enemy's
side. And if we are continually drawing rays of divine light from
glory, angels of God are around about us and there is an atmosphere
that surrounds the human soul. Our very attitude, our very words,
witness genuine conversion to all who come with the sphere of
our influence."

In my imagination it is as though by my putting God's word inside of me, those words shine out, creating an atmosphere of 'light' all around me. The next quotes helped me see how that can become a reality.

"It is the atmosphere of grace which surrounds the soul of
the believer, the Holy Spirit working upon mind and heart,
that makes him a savor of life unto life, and enables God to bless
his work."

"God's word is full of assurances of what he will do for us
if we will come to Him and ask in faith. Faith is essential. It
surrounds the soul with the atmosphere that pervades
heaven. This is the rest that Christ has promised to all who
come to Him."

God is in the business of surrounding me with the atmosphere of grace. That is awesome.

As I read a little more I came across how I can affect the atmosphere around me for good.

Sweeten the atmosphere that surrounds your soul. . . .
Praise with heart and soul and voice, Him who is the health
of your countenance, Your Saviour, and Your God. "

"Christ in the heart, Christ in the life, this is our safety.
The atmosphere of His Presence will fill the soul with
abhorrence of all that is evil."

"The souls of those who love Jesus will be surrounded
with a pure, fragrant atmosphere.
and
"A heavenly atmosphere surrounds his soul; for
Christ is abiding within."

Sad to say, I can also 'pollute' my atmosphere.

"If he is living in selfishness, he surrounds his soul
with a malarious atmosphere;"

I am humbly grateful that God has not accepted some of my previous choices (which polluted my 'atmosphere'). He is still seeking to bring me close to Him. He has also sacredly guarded my power to choose. This next thought brings that out clearly.

"The atmosphere that surrounds the soul is
fraught with influence for good or evil. It may be full
of poison and malaria, or be fragrant and pure and
health giving. This moral influence will be according
to our connection with Christ or our separation from
Him who is light and life.

Praise the Lord! I can still choose to 'sweeten' the atmosphere around me.

"Open the windows of the soul heavenward, and
let the light of the Sun of Righteousness in. Do not complain.
Do not mourn and weep. Do not look on the dark side. Let the
Peace of God reign in your soul. Then you have strength to
bear all your sufferings, and you will rejoice that you have
grace to endure. Praise the Lord; talk of His goodness; tell
of His power. Sweeten the atmosphere which
surrounds your soul."

I learned more than I have shared here, but in closing for this time, consider the following.

"If you seek the help and grace of God, the Holy Spirit will
take possession of mind and character and work in you that
which you can work out with all safety to yourself, and with
all benefit to others. . . . The atmosphere that surrounds
your soul will be of a pure, healthful character."

What a wonderful heavenly Father I have. And I pray that you will not only be blessed by my sharing with you today but you will also receive the inflowing of the Holy Spirit to 'sweeten' the atmosphere around you even more.

Go in Peace with Jesus.

Bringer of Peace

Update November

I'm finally home. I spent most of the day waiting in court or waiting for paperwork to be done so the young man could go back home. The actual court date is for January. I think one 'reason' for seeming 'delay' today was giving his mom and myself time to practice praise the Lord and affirming.

We hope and pray that God will keep us in the learning curve of how to affirm and how to 'let go'. God won't always work when we are trying to 'do it for Him'. We have been practicing - mainly the young man's mom and myself - ways to express affirmation to others. Sometimes we have been practicing on each other. It has been somewhat interesting how hard it sometimes seems to find some words to affirm another person. Praise - affirming God - is also something we have been practicing.

After sitting around a good share of the afternoon I knew I needed to get at least a couple of errands run so we left the court area for a while. My friend mom was getting hungry so she treated me to a delightful meal from Country Cookin' after my errands were complete. We took the meals back to the court area and ate while we waited. We were both very satisfied. Not too long after we finished lunch the young man finally got released, Praise the Lord.

When he got in the car I suddenly realized how many things I wanted to say that were not 'affirmative'. I'm sure the man was already plenty stressed out and we didn't need to 'add to' his stress level.

Well, it definitely has been a learning curve for me today.

During the day I did have opportunity to talk with some folks by phone. When I called my dear sister she was a great encouragement to me. At times I have been able to encourage her. This time she encouraged me. Praise the Lord

Well, I have so many things going on at present I better close for now.

Until later, Peace be with you

Bringer of Peace

Guided by the God of Peace

Not everything that happens is peaceful or even peace producing. We are in a war. Sometimes it seems that we are 'living' on the battle ground or even the front lines. No one in a war can sit back and think all is peaceful and calm even though for the moment it may appear that way.

What is more challenging is that this war is not with flesh and blood. The war began long ago and the opposing forces began formation even before this earth was created. On the one side, headed by the Captain of the Lord's Hosts - Jesus Christ, also called Michael - is the eternal God of the Universe and His loyal subjects. The opposition forces are made up of all who choose any will other than God's will for them - both angelic and human.

Paul said that God's army is fighting against principalities and powers and the rulers of the darkness of this world and spiritual wickedness in high places.

Even though we are not fighting 'flesh and blood', needless to say humans are very much involved in this war. Each individual is on one side or the other of this war. Not only is each person on each side, their individual decisions have much to do with the spiritual battle waging all around us. Their decisions can 'make' or 'break' a battle. That is pretty significant, I'd say.

For those of you who know us, (perhaps all too well) we agreed to help a young man who got extradited to this area on some legal charges (hopefully for only a few weeks.?). Shortly after he arrived his mother came to see if she could be of any help. They have been a blessing and a big help to us while they have been here. But this is also where things have gotten 'rather interesting', to put it mildly.

It seems that the 'war' has become much more clearly defined, in my mind anyway, especially during the past week or so. I also believe that I am getting a better idea of what God was talking about when He told us to put on HIS armor. God wants us to prosper and be in health, even as our souls prosper. That has also become all the more clear to me these past few days.

To make a long story (continuing at present) short, I pray that God will get us through today. Tomorrow the young man goes to court. My prayer desire is that the charges will be dropped. I don't believe he is guilty as charged. On the other hand, having gotten to know him better these past few days I am convinced that far more is involved in this case than simply a legal charge.

As I have tried to share with both the young man and his mother the need for them to focus their minds primarily on what God is really like and what He has already done - my definition of 'Praise' - it has been amazing how much more of a picture of the God of Peace has become clearer to me

I shared with them a short quote that has been a blessing to me these past months. I posted it on the poster link but the words are:

"I saw we must be daily
rising and keep the ascendancy above the powers of darkness. Our
God is mighty. I saw singing to the glory of God often drove the
enemy away, and praising God would beat him
back and give us the victory."

One of my friends felt that the word praise could be better changed to 'trust'. I don't have any problem with that. I guess for me the word praise (using the definition I gave earlier) seemed to me to be something I could wrap my mind around better. I have been able to focus on attributes of God and activities of God - which I understand is what praise means - somehow a little bit better than I have yet been able to 'define' the word 'trust'. But if trust works for my friend, great.

Anyone who reads this, would you please pray that God will have mercy on this young man so he can be released from bond and return to his home out west. As I said earlier I believe the charges stem from what the accuser did to this young man and then blamed it on him because he was too much of a coward to admit he was wrong. The young man has been trying to 'think' positive, but on the other hand he has also been doing some rather 'foolish' (in my eyes anyway) things. I was hoping that he would just stay home today but he 'couldn't do it'. He has gone somewhere and I just pray that he will 'make it' to the court tomorrow without getting into any more 'mess' than what he is already in.


This is not the only thing going on right now here on the farm. We have still slowly been packing with plans to move soon. Because of the financial unrest our plans seem to be slowed down a bit, but I still believe the God of peace is in control. There is another lady who may get evicted shortly after the tenth of November so I am praying that a house she is working to complete a sale on will go through as planned in November.


On a much more joyful note, November 10 is coming up very quickly. On that day my husband and I will have been married 34 wonderful years. There have been some 'bumps' on the way but God has abundantly blessed more than we could have wished, dreamed or thought.

We were married on a beautiful autumn day in north Georgia. After the wedding the reception was on the lawn of the minister's house who performed the ceremony. I was told that about 200 people came to celebrate with us. Some friends supplied beautiful yellow and gold mums to help beautify the church. One of my sisters was my bride's maid and another friend was the best man. Some of the ladies in the church made the most beautiful 'fruit cake' I have ever seen in my life. It consisted of three tiers of several colors of grapes, apples and oranges with white and gold mums circling the center pole holding the tiers. That is still a precious memory. But the marriage has been far more than a memory. It is alive and well today because of the love of God that has been revealed to us, through us and for us.

I have more to do today so need to go for now. Until we meet again may the God of peace guide you too.

Bringer of Peace

Sabbath Peace 3

This Friday was such that I wonder who needs to go to an amusement part for 'joy rides'. It seemed that almost all day kept me going. Perhaps after a day like that the blessing of the Sabbath seems even more blessed.

I can lay aside business concerns.

I can bring to God my people wishes.

I have more time to truly focus on who God really is and what He is really like.

Sabbath is a time to experience more God love.

The hours of this special day were set apart by the Creator God Himself as time when we would realize more fully what becoming part of His family can really mean.


The hours of another Sabbath have begun. God rested - He had finished His work of creating this earth. He blessed - He counted these hours worthy of respect. He sanctified - promised to meet with me special on this day. He hallowed - He makes this a time when I become 'at one' with Him.

Wow! What a wonderful God is this King of the Universe. And then to think that He invites me to join Him specially every seventh day Sabbath. Oh, yes; He talks with me and is with me the rest of the week. But the Sabbath was made so that I could legitimately lay aside my business to find time to spend specially in His PEACE.

Come join me this Sabbath in filling our 'love cup' with His super love.

Every Sabbath you spend with Jesus will bring even more joy and peace surprises.

Try it! You'll like it.

Happy Sabbath

Bringer of Peace

More Dreaming - Dare I ?

A friend (see link to 'On the Road') wrote about some of her dreams. She set me to thinking along the lines of some dreams that have 'come' in my life as well as some that are still in the 'dream' stage.

Yesterday afternoon our son, his girlfriend and I were talking together for a few minutes. In one sense I think we are all in the process of 'change' at present. He returned from some training time and is now trying to find a 'niche' for himself. His girlfriend came over this way for a little while and she also has been looking for 'work'. As mentioned earlier we have dared to dream of moving and as part of that process have begun to pack.

I believe that enough evidences of God's leading have been demonstrated to us that we will soon be moved. But in the meantime there are still day to day activities to perform, monthly bills to pay, and others to consider in our relationships with them.

At times I seem to get to get so caught up with what we call 'now' that I forget to dream. While we were talking together for a few minutes I asked son what he might do if he were given the 'job' of 'restoring' the present farm where we are now located. He began to 'dream' out loud. Personally I rather enjoyed just listening to his dreams for a few minutes. I don't think my hubby was as 'in tune' for he began to 'get worrried'. I reminded him these were dreams. If it hadn't been for dreams we wouldn't be where we are today.

If we forget to check our 'vision' the Bible says we will perish. I know, there are some dreams that others may consider impossible. Let them think that. Some are so anchored in what they consider 'reality' they can't see beyond.

For me it was around 5 years from the time I dreamed of going to Africa (the first time) before 'we' went. When the Lord spoke to my heart, "Olive, I want you to go to Africa", I at first accepted it but then laid it aside as just the 'excitement of the hour'. What followed was one of the most depressing times I have ever experienced. I finally told God something along the line of the following. "I don't have any money, I don't have any connections, but I choose Your will. If you want me to go to Africa I am willing."

Looking back at that 'dream', or 'vision', I believe God didn't want me to 'go alone' so during those five years He directed in me uniting my life with the one who has been my lover now for 34 years. We united in a God blessed union November 10 1974. God gave us a little while to 'meld' and then in March 1977 we headed to Africa to share with others about our wonderful, loving God.

Shortly after arriving in Africa, my hubby's liver died for a couple of weeks, but God restored him to health and we 'grew' spiritually and mentally as well as sharing God with others there for about 6 years before returning to the states.

There have been other 'past' dreams in my life as well. I dreamed of becoming a teacher of children almost since I can remember. God knew that dream before I realized what it was. I didn't follow what some would call a typical teaching career but as I look back I can see God's leading not only in the training experiences but also where and who I have had as 'students'. I did more formal elementary educational training in a small school in Georgia. The first 'classroom' experience after my training program was out in the hills of West Virginia. While in Africa that training was also utilized both with children and later in teaching older students in the higher levels of our training program there.

Even before I was married the teacher training was only part of a bigger 'course' God had in store. That bigger course included teacher training as well as nursing care, home care and healthful cooking both in homes and in a vegetarian style restuarant setting as well as in a lifestyle center diet kitchen.

But time goes on. Does that mean I shouldn't 'dream' anymore? Dare I? Have all dreams been fulfilled? Somehow it seems that lately I have begun to 'dream' again in new ways. In some ways it also seems the dreams are getting bigger. I am thankful for God's leading in my past life and somehow I think that is one reason I believe He is not only still in control but He is almost impatiently urging us on to 'bigger' dreams, broader goals, higher motives than we have functioned on in the past.

"This is life eternal, that they might know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent"

That is God's dream - Jesus' dream - for me, for you.

I am also convinced that part of God's dream for me is that I can be 'exhibit A', so to speak, of what He can do in a human being. I dream that my life will become so much like Jesus that when people see the physical 'me', they will learn more about my wonderful heavenly father just because they have gotten to know me.

And yes, there are some other dreams still in the expansion stage - in my heart and life. I dream of returning, at least short term, to Africa with my hubby. I am also dreaming of sharing with others about my heavenly Father, both with written lessons the Lord pushed me into completing recently and with media outreach based on the lesson materials. As part of that bigger dream I also have dreamed for years of sharing scripture songs, both in notation form and audio recordings, with folks to encourage them to 'hide' God's word in their hearts so they no longer choose other than God's will for them and thus become more like Jesus themselves.

As mentioned above I am dreaming of moving into a little 'nest' home of our own. But somehow I believe that is only to give us a 'corner' from which to do much broader service for God. Why do I feel that way? For many years I have had a hidden dream to be able to help people know God better. Yes, in that direction I have made mistakes. One of those mistakes was to try to 'only' help them with their 'physical' problems - which has many times seemed to me to have failed. As big as the physical problems might be, I am becoming convinced that only those who realize their need of Christ in their lives will be able to 'dream' big enough to allow God to 'save' them as He so longs to do - both spiritually and physically. Part of my dream is to be a channel through which God's dream for others might be instilled in them as well.

I believe God has big dreams for all of us. In the meantime life does move on. The dishes are waiting for me this morning. And as my friend at 'On the Road' so delightfully put it, there is 'dusting' to do.

So in closing, dream, dream big, dream a God shaped dream and He will direct your paths. I know that for sure. And God's dreams for you include His peace in your heart - not just in heaven, or way off in the future, but also in the here and now.

Go in Peace with Jesus

Bringer of Peace

Thoughts on peace and joy

A few days ago a rather recent friend - who happens to be staying at our place temporarily, along with his lovely mother,(He is here 'involuntarily' because of a legal problem that someone else 'created', if you please) - asked if we would be willing to spend time with him in God's Word. We were very happy to agree to his request. We have been making time to 'eat' God's word often with a specific purpose of getting to know the Creator God better.

Previous to his request I had been suggesting to him that at least some of his health problems might have a 'spiritual' cause as well as physical. (I am aware that many illnesses can begin in the mind and/or heart.) I hope and pray that he has been blessed but I know for sure that I have been.

The first couple of evenings we spent time looking at Psalm 32. In KJV there is a word used that I 'thought' I had a pretty good handle on what it means. To me 'bless' or 'blessed' meant speaking good to, for, through, or about someone else (often God). In the process of 'unpacking' Psalm 32 we took another look at 'bless' in the context of that Psalm. Speaking good can apply, but as we checked out Strong's concordance another definition also began to emerge in relation to 'bless'.

Whatever bless means it has be able to apply to both God and us. The Bible says God blesses. It also commands us to 'bless the Lord' (Psalm 103). Anyway, in our study time together an added thought about 'bless' began to surface. Bless - to consider the one being blessed as worthy of respect

That is not difficult for me to believe in my relationship with God. He is definitely worthy to be respected - highly respected.

What got really awesome to me was that God is in the business of blessing me - considering that I am worthy to be respected. WOW! Over and over again God blesses His earth based family - He considers that His family here on earth are worthy to be respected.

I can't spend much longer right now writing but take God's blessing with you today - the realization that God considers that you, personally, are worthy to be respected. And not only that you are worthy to be respected but He does respect you - yes you.

That thought alone is enough to make a person joyful. You are special to the God of Peace. In His presence is fullness of JOY as well as the peace only He can give.

Bringer of Peace

Reminder of Yesteryear

I am being told that the blog site is having trouble downloading pictures. As you can see it is affecting my site. Until it is fixed just believe I really have on a dark green jacket and the clemantis are purple.

Many years ago when we were in Africa I sent my sister in the U.S.A. some material which she made into a skirt. Not too long ago she sent me the skirt along with some other clothes she can no longer 'fit' into. Since I am still smaller she thought I could still get some good from them. I decided to wear the 'African' skirt today. On
the spur of the moment I asked my hubby to take a picture of me so I could share it with my sister. It brings back memories of when we had the privilege of sharing Jesus with folks in another 'land' for a while. Maybe some time I'll share a few other tidbits from our memories in Africa. But right now it seems time is marching (rather jetting) on.



When we were in Africa we had no children. Our son, who was born after we returned here to the states went this evening to pick up his girl friend from the airport. She will be staying here for a little while. (That does help date me, doesn't it.) I covet your prayers that we can be a channel of God's blessing to him right now as well as the encouragement he deserves to make decisions that will bring joy to him as well as to the Lord. I know Jesus has been exhibiting faith in him and I choose to do it too.




There is a prediction for frost or freeze tonight so I took the last pictures of our lovely dahlias for this year, most likely. The Lord has blessed us this year with so many lovely 'I Love You' notes from him for every flower is reminding me of that message from Jesus. Hope you get the message even through the pictures.

We are still cleaning and packing with dreams of moving soon. Add that to helping a man who has gotten 'dragged into' a legal battle nearby and time can seem rather precious at times. One nice turn is that the man's mother is with him right now and she has been helping me a lot. With so many things going on her help has been greatly appreciated.

Then when a 'business' call turns into an opportunity to share with someone about my wonderful Saviour it seems the fast pace takes on even more meaning.

Jesus is a wonderful friend as well as Saviour. May His peace come into your heart just by reading this.

Bringer of Peace