Vivian May Edwards

How They Prayed...

2011-07-19T14:53:00.000-04:00

The next time you pray, take a moment to think about men and women of the Bible and how they prayed. We can all learn much about prayer, just from looking into their lives and their prayer habits. Their life's journey serves as an incredible example for all of us.

Always start with praise! So many of their prayers began by praising God! For example, Daniel's focus was on God's greatness. He prayed to "the great and awesome God, who keeps His covenant of love with all who love Him and obey His commands" (Daniel 9:4). He acknowledged God as absolutely righteous, merciful and forgiving.

Begin your own prayers with praise and thanksgiving. Praise God for His mercy, His power and His love! Thank Him for His daily provisions for you and for your loved ones. Give Him the glory for your talents, your blessings and most of all for eternal salvation given so freely to each of us, through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. God has given us so much!

Adore Him...For He adores you so very much!

And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior" (Luke 1:46 & 47).

Heavenly Thoughts by Women of the Past... Part 1

2011-05-08T17:30:00.000-04:00

On this "Mother's Day," I thought it a great idea to honor Mother's of the past... From time to time, I will post high and heavenly thoughts, written from them, directly from their hearts and their remarkable love for God. Enjoy, and be blessed as you read the private thoughts of these women. Let us all be encouraged and challenged by them to honor God and to live this life as though we are together, on an incredible journey, with an eternal perspective always in our hearts...

Sarah Pierrepont Edwards: 1742

Who is he that condemeth; it is Christ that died, yea rather that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us... Romans 8:34

"As this Scripture came into my mind, they occasioned great sweetness, power and delight in my soul as though God had pronounced these words concerning me. I had no more doubt of it, than I had of my being... I cannot find language to express how certain this appeared. The everlasting mountains and hills were but shadows to it. My safety, and happiness, and eternal enjoyment of God's immutable love, seemed as durable and unchangeable as God Himself. Melted and overcome by the sweetness of this assurance, I fell into a great flow of tears...

The presence of God was so near and so real that I seemed scarcely conscious of anything else... The peace and happiness, which I hereupon felt was the reach of everything else here below. The whole world, with all it's enjoyments and all it's troubles seemed to be nothing: My God was my all, my only portion..."

" I felt more perfectly subdued and weaned from the world and more fully resigned to God than I had ever been conscious of before. I felt an entire indifference to the opinions and representations and conduct of mankind respecting me. I was entirely swallowed up in God as my only portion. And His honor and glory was the object of my supreme desire and delight. At the same time I felt a far greater love to the children of God than ever before..."

Happy Mother's Day!

Vivian May Edwards

Christmas Praise!

2010-12-09T09:28:00.003-05:00

Heaven’s Glad Splendor the Father’s delight!

God of all glory so holy so bright.

High hallelujahs, angels rejoice...

Shepherds adore Him with one great voice.

Babe in a manger, Emmanuel;

Jesus the Savior, with man to dwell,

Lord of Creation, Dawn’s Morning Star,

Royalty, beckoning kings from afar…

Humble, yet regal, creatures bow down,

Holy Child, given in Bethlehem’s town,

King of High Heaven, Lord of Pure Light…

Perfect and sinless, the Giver of Sight…

God’s gracious love gift, Your praises we sing.

Jesus forever, our worship will ring,

Gracious Messiah, Merciful One…

Glory and honor, to Jesus, God’s Son;

Glory and honor, praise Jesus, God’s Son!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Vivian May Edwards

I love trees because...

2010-10-19T09:49:00.000-04:00

I have always delighted in trees for many reasons...

Ever since I was just a wee little sprout growing up in Miami, Florida, the sights, scents, sounds and feel of breezy Palms by the ocean, intermixed with boats, seashells and pelicans have always had a way of healing and rejuvenating my inner being...

God gently leads me beside quiet waters and it is He who so gloriously restores
my eternal soul!

This aged beauty reminds me of how my path of faith, and growth in my trust of God has not always been strewn with roses and dark chocolate covered squares. God has not always intervened in my life in such a wonderful way as to always lift me up and out of my stormy surroundings.

But, it is in this amazing life of ours that God is always present. He loves to interweave the golden threads of His love into each twist and turn of our struggles, sorrows and even in our common and everyday experiences.

Change...

Autumn ushers in, amazing change filled with praise,

For God's lovely Works and bountiful ways!

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17

With branches lifted high, way up high towards the heavens, I am reminded everyday of how trees sing in united and consistent praise and celebration of God, the Great Creator and King!

You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. Isaiah 55:12

     I love how trees provide a much needed home and shelter for birds and all kinds of little fury critters. This reminds me of God's love and care for all His creatures.

     I love how trees provide shade and a fun place to play! I remember as a child, how I loved to climb trees. I took great pride in how high I could climb then swing off the lowest branch and back down to the ground just like a monkey. When I lived in Venezuela, I very often played Tarzan with my cousins as we swung from the thick vines in the jungle. One time though, I did fall, just missing a bunch of recently cut and very pointed tree trunks.

     I had alot of fun in trees when I was a kid! It is a wonder I am still alive...

Royal Palms...

Remind me of the beauty and stature of Jesus, my Heavenly Bridegroom and Savior. I love to think about Heaven and how eternal beauty and splendor will adorn my future royal home, where I will live forever with my King!

No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him. I Corinthians 2:9

These old Oaks remind me of wisdom. What events have they witnessed? If only they could talk...

One of the purposes of our wounds and trials is not only to test our worthiness but also to increase it and to prepare us for or eternal work in God's Kingdom. Just as the mighty oak is tested by the storms as well as strengthened by them...

I could say so much more about the wonder of trees and the magnificence of the One who created them!

But this post is long enough I think. I would love to hear your thoughts though on this subject! I look forward to hearing from you!

Blessings, and I hope you are enjoying this beautiful Fall Season!

Vivian May Edwards

Fruitful trees, and all cedars, fruit trees, palms, rain forest, forest and jungle trees, trees deciduous or evergreen, are equally full of benevolent design, and alike sub serve some purpose of love; therefore for all and by all let the great Designer be forever praised! Hugh Macmillan, 1867.

beach fun photo challenge @ i heart faces

2010-08-23T15:34:00.003-04:00

I love the ocean! So of course, this photo challenge at: i * heart * faces was great fun for me as I enjoyed looking through all my beach photos from our recent family vacation in Florida. My grandaughter as you can see, takes after her grandmum. She was in her element as she ventured, explored and thrilled with each discovery of creamy seashells, prickly crabs and foamy white powerful waves!

I am always in awe at the creativity of my God and bask in His perfect design and greatness in allowing me to experience a bit of His idea of fun!

His beautiful blue ocean...

Be sure to click on the link below and check out more beach fun photos at

i heart faces!

Got to wear shades photo challenge

2010-08-16T14:52:00.005-04:00

This weeks photo challenge at I heart Faces, was a breeze to choose. This very cool photo, shows off several sparkling reflections of what this very handsome young man is dreaming and thinking about...

Reflections...

Be sure to check out all the other fun-in-the-sun photos at:

Pets * I heart faces

2010-06-28T12:01:00.002-04:00

Pets are the focus this week at I Heart Faces...

So of course, I just had to enter my beloved Bella!

Rest...

For more adorable animal faces, click the button below!

i heart faces * Celebrating Teens

2010-06-21T16:55:00.001-04:00

This week over at I heart Faces the photo challenge is “Celebrating Teens.” This is my youngest daughter playing around on her baby nieces tricycle! Teens are so much fun!!

Be sure to visit the i heart faces website where you can help us celebrate our amazing teens!

I Heart Faces * All About Babies

2010-06-14T21:09:00.000-04:00

This week’s theme at i heart faces is, All About Babies... So for my very first I Heart Photo Challenge, I had the picture perfect photo of my very first grandson to share with you! Newly born, a priceless treasure, loved and... Well, I could go on and on but I'll let this photo speak for itself...

Don’t forget to check out I Heart Faces to see the other entries or to join in on the fun yourself!

New Endeavours...

2010-06-11T20:27:00.000-04:00

I have wanted to be a photographer for a very long time now and finally, here I am, yea! A new endeavour, adventure and learning curve as I study photo techniques and editing programs, hurray for me!

I thought a great way to begin my photo blogging venture would be to share just a tiny bit of my life with you from time to time. After all, I am what I am and think the way I think because of these all-important people, pets and things in my life, right?

So here are a few of my very first batch of beginner (professional) photos and joy. I hope they inspire you to follow your dreams and to pursue your passions and God's vision for your life as well...

Enjoy!

Whispers...

My daughter, Rebecca with my sweet granddaughter.

This photo reminds me of how God whispers messages of love to His children everyday.

If you quiet yourself before Him and listen, you will hear...

He Knows...

My Bella...

I am amazed everyday at how God knows what I will need before I even know that I will need it!

This is what this little dog has meant to me, she has been my buddy and sweet companion at a time in my life when I have needed such a thing...

God Provides...

My Mother, Sarah

My earthly Mother, and a wonderful Mother she is, but even more importantly then that, she is also my spiritual Mother. She shared with me the wonderful story of Jesus and how He loved me enough to die on the cross to pay for all of my sin. Reassuring me at a very early age that if I would simply believe in in the Lord Jesus Christ and receive His free gift of eternal life, I would spend eternity with Him in His Heavenly Kingdom... Thank you Mom!

Rest...

My beautiful little grandson...

Only God could have created something as amazingly spectacular as this...

He wants us to rest in Him and to trust Him for all of our needs...

For He knows and He cares...

About you!

My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. Psalm 62:1-2

Truth, The Most Endangered Species:

2010-04-21T07:40:00.003-04:00

When your foundations crumble and your hopes are dashed, truth and certainty still stands firm...

Then you will know the truth, and the truth shall set you free. John 8:32

Uncertainty, doubt, tolerance and skepticism? I say bah humbug to these and thank God that I do not have to be doubtful or uncertain about my Christian faith or my eternal future. No! For I can be so certain about the Bible and the fact that Jesus loves me. I have an amazing Heavenly Daddy who keeps His promises and who is right now creating the most fabulous home for me in His eternal Kingdom.

I'm sorry, but living in a continual state of slavery; chained to doubt and ambiguity is not what your Tender Creator desires for you! He wants you to have clarity about His Word and His truth. Confusion is not from God for He says in John 8:31 that if you hold to His teaching then you are really His disciple, then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free! How wonderful is that!

So then, believe God and take Him at His Word. Don't allow yourself to be deceived by the Evil one for he would just love that and you know he would. I posted this message by Dr. Youssef because it goes into much more detail and it will challenge and encourage you to stand firm in your faith. I hope you will take the time to listen to it!

Be blessed as you stand firm and contend for the precious faith that God has given you!

Vivian May Edwards

What is truth? Find out in this message from Dr. Youssef's new sermon series.

Media Center: The Church of the Apostles

Joy and Sorrow

2010-03-29T16:39:00.000-04:00

Sorrow, God’s angel in veils of dark night with whom we walk by faith, not by sight.

Said to radiant Joy, God’s high angel of light, with whom we rejoice, when life seems so bright.

“Never united as one, will we be. For my hard songs of night clash with your symphony,

I’ll never gaze on your glistening kiss, or rest in the warmth of your meadows of bliss.”

So thought Joy and Sorrow when Jesus appeared; With love, His sweet presence triumphantly neared.

For no One but Christ could unite them you see, Sorrow and Joy, hand in hand they could be!

Through winter's dark storm and through summer's bright ray, Sorrow could flow into Joy’s brand new day.

Now Joy would be greater, yes brightly displayed, now that Sorrow's dark presence with Joy, was arrayed

Now that Sorrow could shine through God’s infinite plan, surrounded by Joy through King Jesus, the man,

Faith, hope and love, joy forever, the same, could exist at the grave,

Praise His name praise His name!

Vivian May Edwards

Blessings, for you and yours this Easter Season...

Perfectly Right!

2010-03-18T16:06:00.004-04:00

Consider what God has done: Who can straighten what he has made crooked? Ecclesiastes 7:13

God often seems to place His children in places of deep difficulty. Leading them into a corner from which there is no escape. He creates situations that human judgment, even if consulted, would never allow. Yet the cloudiness of the circumstance itself is used by Him to guide us to the other side. Perhaps this is where you find yourself even now.

Your situation is filled with uncertainty and is very serious but it is perfectly right. The reason behind it will more than justify Him who brought you here, for it is a platform from which God will display His almighty grace and power. He not only will deliver you but in doing so will impart a lesson that you will never forget. And in days to come, you will return to the truth of it through singing. You will be unable to ever thank God enough for doing exactly what He has done.

From Streams in the Desert by L.B. Cowman, Edited by James Reimann

I wanted to share this devotional with you, simply because It so encouraged me and was just what I needed to read today. I figured It might be just the thing for you also. Let us take courage and continue to trust God, He knows about each of us and has the perfect plan already in place for you and for me.

Remember, where you find yourself today is perfectly right even though you don't understand it! God has you there for a reason. Trust Him, for He loves you so...

Vivian May Edwards

Thus Far...

2009-12-31T16:00:00.009-05:00

Faithful! Trustworthy, dependable and safe…

Thankful thoughts as I reflect on my life… As I remember the goodness and greatness of my Heavenly Daddy on this, the last day of 2009. My goodness, how I’ve needed Him this year to be these things for me and so much more, and He has in such awesome and powerful ways!

Have my broken things been fixed or replaced? Or have the unwanted, unexpected and craziness of frightful life storms in my life been done away with? All the while hoping and praying for answers, solutions and rescue? It would be so wonderful if I could answer yes and report that things have worked out and all is well with this fragile life of mine, but I can’t, not yet... But what I can say is this, “God has been faithful to me! He has loved me and cared for me like no other!”

Tonight, as I glance back at the puzzlement of the winding paths of my hidden life… The rocky overgrown passageways of my broken hopes and realities, I have a remarkable sense of peace in knowing that God, with joyful confidence has produced in me a childlike trust in Him. The sweetness of His mercy has never failed to create a song of grateful praise in me, deep down in my tender heart of hearts.

Thus Far…

As I look forward to 2010, I find myself spying a treasure chest filled with the jewels of a renewed sense of hope and joy. Scattered amongst them I also see the uneven and flawed gems of more uncertainties which come from character building and lessons still needing to be learned like: The LORD who “Thus Far” has helped me will continue to help me in my journey.

Hear my call weary traveler.

Hear echo’s resound through the night.

In the midst of your thundering tempest,

Sing praises to God with delight!

Vivian May Edwards

Thus far has the LORD helped us. I Samuel 7:12

ROYALINVITATION FINAL VIDEO

2009-06-18T11:41:00.001-04:00

Be sure to check out my new inspirational gift book video, A Royal Invitation! All about who God is and just how special you are to Him! This gift book is the perfect gift for yourself and so perfect for sharing with those who you love and care about...

Available where books are sold, also available at: http://www.PraiseExpressions.com

For more information about this gift book go to:
http://www.ARoyalInvitation.com