BEST GIFT EVER

If you have read my last post you would know how special the Holidays/Holy-days
are to me. One thing I find is that ever since my decision to follow and serve
the Lord every Christmas time which I consider to be my spiritual Birthday I
receive a gift from Jesus. As if Jesus had to do anything else for me then
the gift of salvation which he paid for with his life. Every holiday time
something special happens. This year my Christmas gift from Jesus is.....
well let me start from the beginning.

My Mother and Father divorced when I was about 11, blah, blah, blah,and
He remarried. When I was 18 I was about to walk down the aisle myself,
young and in love. I desired to have my Father walk me down the aisle,
my first obstacle, Where is he? It seemed that when he divorced my Mom he
also divorced me and my brother along with it. Long story short, I found him
and when I did I met his present wife and their brand new baby girl. The conversation went something like this; I'm glad I found you (but why did you
abandon me)I would be honored if you walk me down the aisle (why did I have to
search for you). So our conversation was a jumble of emotional rantings with the
end result being, we were glad to see each other and yes He will walk me down the aisle. Through all that my Baby sister was smiling at me and reaching her little hands towards me and trying to connect with me in her beautiful little innocent
way.

My Father did walk me down the aisle, the wedding was nice and he disappeared again. I can deal with him not wanting to be a part of my life,I got use to it; but I
never forgot my little Sister and for years wondered. How is she, is she OK,
does she need a big Sister. Lord I pray that you watch over her, may abandonment
and disappointment not touch her life.

And here it goes.....my Christmas gift this year from Jesus is that I found my
Sister on all places MySpace. She of course grew up not really knowing about
me, so I had to ask her questions and feed her information about me so she can
verify it. All our communication has thus far been through myspace. She was able
to confirm the info I gave her and she wrote back to me SISTERS.....you found me. Those were the happiest words I've ever read. It took over thirty years but we
found each other. We went to the next step, phone call and now we are looking forward to an actual meeting. Thank you Jesus.

Christmas, It is the Lords day, but I am the one that receives the best gifts.
hank you Jesus, Happy Birthday.

HOLIDAYS/HOLY-DAYS

From Holidays to Holy-days

The Holiday season is so special to many because it is such a beautiful time to gather with your love ones. The Holiday season of 1985-1986 was a time of struggle. I was experiencing a deep depression; my life had taken a downward spiral due to a set of events beyond my control. I remember that it got so bad for me in 1986 that I even contemplated suicide. I thank the Lord for His Grace and Mercy because He saw me through and brought me out of it. The time came when the Holiday season rolled back again in 1987, I viewed it with a fresh new perspective. It is as if my eyes and heart were brand new.
That's the year when Holidays turned into HOLY-days to me. I had a new point of view, to whom do we give thanks on Thanksgiving Day and why do we light up our homes for Christmas; because He, Jesus is the light of the world. My Joy, My Faith, My Spirit, My Soul were realigned back with God and I've never been the same. I find joy in every little thing. And my celebrations are not only these precious days that are on the calendar but everyday is a celebration for me because life is worth celebrating and the Giver of Life is my constant source of Joy and Strength.
Happy Holidays (Holy-Days) everybody.

Luke 2:13 And suddenly there was with the angel a
multitude of the heavenly host praising
God and saying,

2:14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth
peace, and God will toward men.

A Devotional from Teapot Blessings by Cooky Morales
now available at www.Lulu.com

copyright 2007 Socorro Morales

TEAPOT BLESSINGS,Heartfelt Devotional Stories

I can't believe I did it! I've had so many opportunities to do beautiful things in my life but always choked at the end out of fear. I have finally conquered my bad habit of starting something and then finding an excuse why I can not complete it.

I have published my first book; Teapot Blessings, Heartfelt Devotional Stories by Cooky Morales...now available at www.lulu.com

No it is not perfection nor is it grand; but it is mine and I completed it.
I joyfully celebrate and I humbly ask for you to enjoy the devotional stories within it's covers.

MY PRAYER

LORD I KEEP FALLING IN LOVE WITH YOU MORE AND MORE EACH PASSING DAY.
Your Grace is Amazing
Your Mercies tender
Each of which I call upon daily
Lord Let the perfection of You within
Cancel the imperfection of me

From Glory to Glory
From Day to Day
You mold me till the day of Jesus
I will strive, I will press on
Be my guide

Yesterday I praised You
Today I'll praise You more

Yesterday I worshipped You
Today I'll worship You sweeter

Yesterday I seek You
Today I want to see your face

Yesterday I needed You
Today my need for you is greater

Lord yesterday I loved You
Today I love You more

excerpt from my book: TEAPOT BLESSINGS
by: Cooky Morales

THE DREAM GIVER

I'm getting ready to go to Victory Outreach Intl World Conference, and I can't put into words the excitement I feel. Everytime I've gone to conference, I've received fresh illumination from the Lord. Everytime God has positioned me to do something wonderful in His Name. Not because God needs me to do a particular task, but that He allows me the honor of doing something that blesses the Kingdom.

I feel the rumblings of a new foundation being built within me and He has placed a new dream in my heart. He is the Dream Giver, so if I take my steps of faith He will set the path for me.

Last night I attended our weekly Leaders Meeting and our Pastor showed us a DVD by Bruce Wilinson (he is absolutely the best). The subject matter was about unlocking the dream that was divinely inspiried and uniquely placed within you. Find your Destiny with 'THE DREAM GIVER'.

He started off with, how many people are living their dream life, and are working their dream job. Not one in the audience raised their hand. Then he said, "well how many at least know someone who is living their dream life and working their dream job?" Very few responded.

I have had many dreams that have been shattered and broken. There were many reasons they were not fulfilled, but the common denominator was, I GAVE UP. I feared stepping out of my comfort zone. I was paralyzed by the unknown.

I have served the Lord for twenty years now and I know He's not finished with me yet. So by faith I will step out of my comfort zone, and trust that God will guide me through this new journey.

What dream is stirring within you? Trust the Dream Giver, Jesus is the Author and Finisher of our Faith.

The greatest composer ever, producer, writer, etc. is none other than the great! I SAID THE GREAT! The Great Lord God almighty! Listen, and listen closely. To do this you must be still, and be not concerned with the troubles of the day. Trust me, they will be there later, and tomorrow, and God will see you through. But for now, right now, just listen.

Listen to the stillness of the night, to the greeting of the sun-rise in the early morning. To the applause that the ocean gives to God with its' crashing waves.
Listen, to the praise song of the birds in the early hours. To the unique sound of an Eagle wings as it soars. To the echoes in the canyons. To the rustling sound of leaves on a tree when it meets up with a gentle breeze. Just listen!

Is not God the greatest composer of all times. I think so, but that's my humble opinion.

INDEPENDENCE DAY

INDEPENDENCE DAY
While many are getting ready to celebrate the 4th of July, Independence Day, they are thinking of fireworks, cookouts, parks and beaches. There are many who do take the time to remember our Soldiers and say a prayer for safe returns and to be kept out of harms way.

This is the time when we reflect on the freedom we have in this wonderful Nation and of the great price paid to gain our freedom.

I also celebrate the Freedom I have gained in Christ Jesus. The Independence from sin and thank the Lord Jesus because He alone paid the price to set me/us free.

I celebrate His love and favor upon our Nation.
I celebrate His Grace and Mercy.
I celebrate His eternal plan for us all.
I celebrate His Glory.

I CELEBRATE BECAUSE, WHO THE SON SETS FREE IS FREE INDEED!

A TRIBUTE TO RUTH BELL GRAHAM

TRIBUTE TO RUTH BELL GRAHAM What a legacy! I was watching the televised Home Coming Service for Ruth Graham and found myself in tears. While I've never met the Graham Family personally, I have benefited from their ministry. I've received books, letters and even Christmas Cards from Rev. Billy & Ruth Graham. It was a beautiful service, testimony after testimony they proclaimed her praises. She was truly an example of a Proverbs 31 woman. Ruth was spiritual yet very much down to earth with a keen sense of humor. Rev. Billy Graham was given assistance to stand; he leaned on his walker, faced the congregation thanked them all and began to testify her praises. When he smiled and said," I gazed upon Ruth in her resting state, she still is so beautiful to me." That was it, I lost it right there. I remember the first time I read Proverbs 31, my thought was; this woman does not exists. Ruth Bell Graham was a present day version of the proverbs 31 woman. She left us all a great example. Thank you Ruth, your life has blessed us all.

Cool Slideshows!

SAY THANK YOU

Sometimes we take so many things for granted. I know that I need to take the time to say, THANK YOU LORD. You woke me up this morning and let me see a brand new day, THANK YOU LORD. I turned the faucets in the shower and out came this beautiful, clear, warm water; great way to start the day, THANK YOU LORD. I looked out my window and saw a beautiful sky, no designer paint can duplicate, THANK YOU LORD. Oh, here come my Grandsons, Hi Boo (that's what they call me) good morning, let's play. Peanut Butter and Jelly please, THANK YOU LORD. There's nothing like a Hubby's Hug. "Good morning Boo, gotta go now". Have a great day, "you too honey". Luv ya, Luv ya back. xoxoxxo,THANK YOU LORD.

Live in the day, take notice, appreciate. You'll find yourself say, THANK YOU LORD.

In everything give Him thanks

WELL EXPERIENCE

She felt alone, she felt ashamed and shunned. The other woman gathered at the well early in morning before the afternoon hot sun would beat down upon them without mercy. They gathered together talking, laughing and sharing each other's company. But the infamous Samaritan woman waled alone. She knew that they would talk about her and look down upon her. So alone she went to fill her vessels with water. She thirsts for more than water. The late non sun had no mercy for her.

Until the day she met Him. He, who is the giver of living waters, He knew everything about her and still loved her, accepted her. Now the Son shined upon her with heavenly mercy.

Jesus spoke to her and asks her for water, she questioned, you ask me a Samaritan woman? With eyes of love Jesus responded, if you knew, you would ask me for water. For the water I give, you shall thirst no more.

PRAYER:

Lord I thirst and never feel quenched. I thirst for meaning of life , success, love, wisdom. I give you my cup so that you may fill it.

MAY YOUR HEART FEEL THE ANSWER:

Ask of Me and I will fill you cup that you may thirst never more, your cup will overflow. My love is unconditional, never ending.

COMING SOON:
TEAPOT BLESSINGS
Author: Cooky Morales

What Love Is

My husband (Jimmy) and I are about to celebrate our tenth wedding anniversary. What keeps us going in this day and age of 51% divorce rate, is simply remembering what brought us together in the first place. Our intense love for God, our mutual love of worship music (Jimmy's a worship song leader and I'm a Choir Director) and the usually things that unite lovers (he's so cute to me). In ten years you develop beautiful memories and traditions. Even joint heartbreaks bond us closer; like the lost of someone you both love. The tapestry of family start to interweave into one another where it becomes no longer your cousin and my sister but it becomes our family. With our precious grandsons as the finishing touch on the Masterpiece that God created called 'FAMILY'.

God has a 'pretty good' formula on how to stay in love:
I corthinthians 13:4-8

Love is patient,

Love is kind

Love does not envy

Love does not boast

Love is not proud

Love is not rude

Love is not self-seeking

Love does not easily anger

Love keeps no record of wrongs

Love does not delight in evil

Love rejoices with the truth

Love always protects

Love always trusts

Love always hopes

Love always perseveres

Love never fails

Use this as a check list for yourself, good luck and God Bless
To read some of my other devotional writings, www.vonorthbrooklyn.org and
http://thecookymorales.spaces.live.com/
In His Service,
Cooky Morales