Greetings, Dear Warrior Women of God's Holy Word ~

Isn't it great to know our God has already done what He said He would do for you?

Isn't it wonderful to know that everything God promised for your life He has already placed it in you?

Isn't it the best of all worlds to know that you live in this world but that your life resides in heavenly places beside the Master's Seat?

Isn't it so true that because God has blessed you that you can be a blessing for so many others, too?

Is it not but for the faith, hope, love, joy, salvation, peace, mercy, truth, light, and grace of our heavenly Father that we would have no ideas about anything?

Praise Him for He IS our everything when we think we have nothing.May God bless and keep you in His loving care,as He has faithfully done for so many others before you. Please remember them (us) in prayer and know that heartfelt prayers went forth for you.

Copyright (c) 2005. Rev. Lainie Dowell. The Mountainside Ministries. Columbia, MD. All rights reserved worldwide.

Need A Friend? Be A Friend!

In a world of woe such as this,
what we most need to know is
that we know we are not alone in this world.

I thank God He has seen fit to allow all
of us to fellowship here in spirit and indeed.

And as we daily stretch towards our Lord's Holy Hill,
we understand His love through prayer.
So we radiate it back to earth
all because He does care.

God bless.

Copyright © 2005. Rev. Lainie Dowell.
The Mountainside Ministries. Columbia, MD.
All rights reserved worldwide.

Touching Heaven Gently Touching

Sometimes it seems to me as though the world's pundits and media believe it is they who make the world go 'round. Notice how with the recent death of Pope John Paul II, more media types are not cringing when their guests invoke the name Jesus during their online interview. In fact, most behave as if they had never known anything about Him -- as though the gospel lay dormant and only just became live and real to them and to everybody else. Not so.

Over the years, I have observed how the media and even many believers discredit the protestant ministers and extoled the virtues of Catholic Priests. When they want a "credible" word about faith, they seek out the "Father" and overlook and disregard the "Pastor." Is it my imagination? I do not think so.

To me it is like when I have to proceed in a court case pro se (on my own) against trained attorneys and they are the ones who have the "credibility" to stand before the bar of justice and are listened to for that reason. But, on the other hand, they can mess up a case and still be recommended over the pro se. You know what? This is not how God's children walk. "We walk by faith and not by sight." And, when we remain with our eyes on the Lord's face before us, then His wisdom and guidance leads us far beyond anything we never knew possible. Understand?

Touching heaven gently touching? When we touch heaven, then heaven gently touches us back. Thank God for Jesus! Have a blessed day!

Copyright © 2005. Rev. Lainie Dowell
The Mountainside Ministries. Columbia, MD.
All rights reserved worldwide.

I Must Get To Jesus That's All

I started out for the church to go
hear some church folk sing.
But when I heard the church bells peal,
my ears began to ring.

I saw the church choir mouths move.
I watched as they clapped their hands.
But I could hear no sound at all.
And then they began to dance.

There was a rhythm without any rhyme
in the sanctuary that day
As they mimed before my eyes,
I saw it was always that way.
And so, right then and there,
I turned my eyes aside and
I bowed my head to pray.

O Lord My God I cannot hear a
word these people say.
What must I do, O my God?
Should I go or must I stay?

I came inside to hear this choir
make a joyful noise in song.
I can see their lips move and
my ears listen to hear.
But, Lord, is this where I belong?

Can they not see how pained I am?
Can they not see me frown?
I am here in Your House, Lord,
but I can hear no sound.
For all is as quiet as a mouse.
You are not around.

Ah Lord God, when I open my eyes,
please let me know.
Must I stay here in this place or
should I get up and go?

Wait!
What is that precious sound I hear?
I know that voice which lingers near.
That melody is so full of life.
And now my ears are clear

But something happened while I had sat
praying in the church that day.
They had all gotten up and had gone home.
But I got to stay right there and pray.

And when I opened up my eyes,
I found much to my surprise,
I was sitting there alone
They had all gotten up and left me
sitting there when they all got up
and went home.

The Spirit of God lifted me up.
He embraced me in His arms.

My child, He said, I am here for you
For I heard when you did call.
I don't want no choir -- no song.
I must get to Jesus that's all!
His church is where I belong.

Copyright (c) 2005. Rev. Lainie Dowell.
The Mountainside Ministries. Columbia, MD.
All rights reserved worldwide.
Received Sunday, January 30, 2005, 6:57 a.m. EST.

Slipping Into Sunday Morning

Never has there been a day that remains unlike
any other in the whole world.

There is just something about Sunday morning.
Even when the sun fails to appear, the Son shows up.

Even when the children's laughter is hushed,
the strains of their hearts ring out loud and
clear through the open strands of life's frail gates.

Even when all the people gather and sit close and
yet far apart from one another's spirit, the Spirit
of spirits comes in and draws each of them closer
through His own Spirit.

Even when all of the noises from within and without
try to shut out the whispers of loving kindness from
above,the Whisperer appears and shuts all of those
noises up and out.

Even when the close of Sunday gives way to another
Monday, Sunday breathes enough breath to purify
every passing hour that fades into night with each
going down of the sun to bring forth a brand new
Sun Day.

Slipping into Sunday Morning is like
free falling into a great big vat of honey ~
It is so sweet and
It sticks far past Monday
On thru to the next Sunday morning.

And so . . .

When you slip into the pulpit chair and watch
for the Lord as the people slip into their pews,
prayerfully slip your hand up and let God slip His
own hand into yours.

I am slipping but not sliding. . .

Copyright (c) 2005. Rev. Lainie Dowell. The Mountainside Ministries. Columbia, MD. All rights reserved worldwide.

Rec'd Sat., January 28, 2005, 6:30 p.m. EST