tag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:/blogs/lajuana-s-blog
LaJuana's BLOG
2023-10-16T09:55:50-05:00
LaJuana Murphy-Brann
false
tag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/6095993
2015-06-16T06:34:53-05:00
2023-10-16T09:55:50-05:00
"For He guards the course of the just…"
<p>“<em>For He guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones</em>.” Proverbs 2:8 (NIV)</p>
<p> It was the late 60s and our family of four, having taken a short vacation, was returning to our home near Tacoma, Washington via Interstate 5 from the south. I vividly remember that it was later in the day and raining ... not uncommon for that part of the country. We had been traveling since early morning and now, just about thirty minutes from home, we were anxious to reach our destination.</p>
<p> Suddenly, Dad announced, “I think we should stop for a little break before going on.”</p>
<p> <em>Was he not feeling well, or starting to</em> <em>nod off?</em> He appeared OK. We were so close to home, it didn’t make much sense! But stop, we did, in the parking lot of a gas station. There we sat, for about fifteen minutes. Then, just as strangely, Dad decided, “Well, I guess we had best get back on the road!”</p>
<p> Dad was a true man of God; a pastor and evangelist who, along with our mom, had raised both me and my younger brother to be sensitive to God’s voice. We never started an extended road venture without first praying for His protection and guidance for the journey. This day was no exception.</p>
<p> Back on the highway, we had traveled no more than ten miles when we happened upon a horrendous accident. Strewn belongings among twisted metal appeared just ahead. Emergency vehicles arrived in a caravan of flashing red lights. It became apparent that it had just happened shortly before we arrived on the scene. <em>What if we had not stopped for those few minutes? Was Dad’s strange action a result of a Divine intervention?</em></p>
<p> Throughout the pages of Holy scripture we read of God’s protection over those who put their trust in Him. From mouths of lions, raging seas, plotting enemies and Nature’s wrath, God has guarded “the course of the just” and protected “the way of his faithful ones.” The Psalmist wrote myriad scriptures attesting to God’s care and watchfulness over his own. And the apostles of the New Testament echoed the message in numerous accounts of God’s miraculous saving power!</p>
<p> I can’t say, for certain, that we were spared a family tragedy because we stopped to rest that day just off of Interstate 5. What I do know is, the event made a profound impression on a young preacher’s kid; a seed of faith planted that continues to grow as I daily live within His care.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>____________________________________________ </p>
LaJuana Murphy-Brann
tag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/6095992
2013-12-23T11:49:01-06:00
2019-12-25T08:14:20-06:00
Amber Alert … for the Christ Child
<p><span style="color:#800000">The following words were penned by a family friend, Greg Asimakoupoulos. How true! </span><span style="color:#800000">Let us find the Christ Child this year.</span></p>
<p>____________________________________</p>
<p> </p>
<p>In this season of red and green,</p>
<p>an Amber Alert has been issued.</p>
<p>A child is missing!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>He's been removed from his rightful place</p>
<p>and kidnapped by a culture that considers him</p>
<p>politically incorrect.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Sadly, not many are searching for him</p>
<p>amid the madness at the mall.</p>
<p>His absence is not on the radar of most.</p>
<p>Shoppers are in search of gifts.</p>
<p>Merchants are seeking shoppers.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Children are looking for Santa.</p>
<p>Public school teachers are trying to find</p>
<p>holiday legends and songs that celebrate a season</p>
<p>neutered of its essence.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, their principals are focused on</p>
<p>uncovering Christmas decorations</p>
<p>that (ironically) should never be allowed out of the closet.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Atheists are on the lookout</p>
<p>for Christmas trees at city hall and creches at the courthouse.</p>
<p>I'm actually hoping they find one</p>
<p>for then they will find evidence</p>
<p>that will point to the missing child.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Yes, that baby in the cradle...</p>
<p>that infant in the straw...</p>
<p>that one helpless newborn</p>
<p>worshipped by three kings</p>
<p>is the one who has been taken</p>
<p>and held hostage</p>
<p>and left for dead</p>
<p>by the blind who cannot see</p>
<p>he offers life!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>by Greg A.</p>
<p>(excerpted from <a href="http://www.partialobserver.com/" data-imported="1">www.partialobserver.com</a>)</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/432390/f323019501f74898584caa59ec8256e33b7309ad/original/amber-alert-photo.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDMyeDMyMSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="AMBER_ALERT_PHOTO.jpg" height="321" width="432" /></p>
<p><br></p>
<p><br></p>
LaJuana Murphy-Brann
tag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/6095991
2013-10-18T09:16:30-05:00
2019-12-25T08:14:20-06:00
Courage In the Face of the Storm -- One Man's Incredible Journey
<div style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #ffffff; margin: 8px;">
<p>I am very cautious what and who I reference in my posts on this site. But there are those occasions when I am touched and encouraged beyond the norm, and desire to share my "discovery" with you, my friends.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Some weeks back I was drawn to the Facebook posts of a man who has a story almost beyond comprehension.</p>
<p><br></p>
<p>Robert B. Haase is a seminar presenter and promoter, author, speaker and a business marketing consultant in Olympia, Washington. Obviously, his voice and speaking ability are critical to his profession. If you were in his shoes … and you were suddenly faced with the news that you may never talk again …, how would you react?</p>
<p><br></p>
<p>Haase is a committed follower of Christ. His attitude and strength in the face of this life-altering experience is inspiration at its pinnacle. With his permission, I am posting the link to his personal blog. He is telling the story - day-by-day - of his journey in the midst of this storm. You WILL be inspired!</p>
<p><br></p>
<p> <a style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" rel="nofollow" href="http://notwhatyouhadplanned.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" data-imported="1">http://notwhatyouhadplanned.blogspot.com/</a></p>
<p><br></p>
<p>Scroll down to the beginning of Robert's blog - dated September 23 - to get the full impact of his story from the beginning.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/432385/7ee410769cf4b9e2d1f2836c4001037f1e239fcb/original/robert-b-haase.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6Mjk3eDMwMSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Robert_B__Haase.jpg" height="301" width="297" /></p>
</div>
LaJuana Murphy-Brann
tag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/6095990
2013-03-13T15:07:16-05:00
2019-12-25T08:14:20-06:00
The New Pope Elected, March 13, 2013
<p>Wednesday, March 13, 2013</p>
<p> White smoke poured from the chimney fixed to the roof of the Sistine Chapel in Rome. The throngs in the courtyard celebrated jubilantly as bells pealed to announce the news. On this Wednesday of March 13, 2013, Fox News and other media outlets flashed the alert across the screens for millions of their viewers to see: “Habemus papam: We have a new pope.”</p>
<p> I listened as media pundits expressed their own excitement at this event, one equating it to the “birth of a new child.” Another referred to the “alive and excited” crowd that had gathered at the Vatican location. The “vicar of Christ,” as one explained it — who will represent the whole of the Christian world — has been revealed!</p>
<p> While watching this spectacle unfold on my Magnavox screen, I began to recall the biblical account of Jesus’ coming to this earth. What a contrast! You know the story — the lowly manger, the very few privileged to witness that seemingly unremarkable event — no chants of “Viva il papa” as at the papal event of this Wednesday. Yet this humble event of past history has sustained its influence to the present day.</p>
<p> The closest biblical account to anything akin to this papal occasion may be that of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. The crowds celebrated this new “king” with jubilation and great rejoicing. Students of the bible know how short-lived that adoration was!</p>
<p> There is yet another event to unfold — that of the second coming of Christ. According to prophecy, this will not be a celebratory event but rather a return of our true Saviour as a “thief in the night.” The Sistine Chapel bell will not peal. White smoke will not waft throughout the heavens. But, oh what an impact it will have on this planet we call “earth!”</p>
<p> Soon there will be "time no longer" (Revelation 10:6), for the victorious cry will arise: <em>"The Lord hath come!"</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
LaJuana Murphy-Brann
tag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/6095989
2012-07-24T12:17:05-05:00
2019-12-25T08:14:19-06:00
Diversity in Music Styles -- Gotta Love It! Maybe.
<p>I had almost forgotten that I actually have a "blog" on this site! Life has been busy and time for 'blogging' has been limited. So, to reintroduce some content here, I am posting a link to light-hearted YouTube video.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>With all of the current debate about the musical transition of hymns in today's culture, this presented an interesting and comedic view on the controversy. Ya'll that are familiar with the church hymn "Leaning On the Everlasting Arms" will enjoy this! I think … :)</p>
<p>PS: You will want to turn off 'streaming music track' at top of site to listen to this :)</p>
<p><br></p>
<p></p>
<div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><iframe frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0jwkpd2nAto" width="420" class="wrapped wrapped"></iframe></div></div></div></div>
LaJuana Murphy-Brann
tag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/6095988
2011-03-25T09:17:28-05:00
2019-12-25T08:14:19-06:00
New Senior Texting Stylebook
<div style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #ffffff; margin: 8px;">
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color:#800080">OK. I have just secured the following copyright: "The Official Senior Texting Stylebook©." </span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color:#800080">I have started collecting the texting codes of my senior friends. I have a fellow musician friend, Mike Wilkins, to thank for the inspiration that started with his initial Facebook posting of the following:</span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color:#000000">SENIORS TEXTING CODE.....ATD..At The Doctors. BFF..Best Friend Fell. BTW..Bring the Wheelchair. BYOT..Bring Your Own Teeth. FWIW..Forgot Where I Was. GGPBL..Gotta Go Pacemaker Battery Low. GHA..Got Heartburn Again. IMHO..Is My Hearing-Aid On. LMDO..Laughing My Dentures Out. OMMR..On My Massage Recliner. ROFLACGU....Rolling On Floor Laughing And Can't Get Up. TTYL..Talk To You Louder.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color:#800080">So, if you are 'one of us' and would like to contribute, feel free to do so! I will even give you contributor credits when this inspirational piece of literature is published. Email your suggestions to me at: lajuana@lajuanamurphy-brann.com … </span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color:#800080">And please be advised … I will be discreet in what we include! In other words, We have certain standards here, people!</span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color:#800080"><br></span></p>
</div>
LaJuana Murphy-Brann
tag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/6095987
2010-12-11T03:00:16-06:00
2020-01-13T13:52:17-06:00
Only other cat in the world other than my George that played in water!
<p>
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</p>
LaJuana Murphy-Brann
tag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/6095986
2010-07-19T11:31:00-05:00
2019-12-25T08:14:19-06:00
LINK TO "WE STILL PRAY"
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/432385/4aa77611abc1f6b42ffe8c6d07d79e331880c7ae/original/onenationbillboard-2.jpg/!!/b%3AW10%3D.jpg" class="size_orig justify_left border_" alt="onenationbillboard_2.jpg" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>This group is fighting to protect our current 'Pledge of Allegiance' ... which includes the line: </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>'One nation ... UNDER GOD'</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><a href="http://www.westillpray.com" data-imported="1">http://www.westillpray.com</a></strong></p>
LaJuana Murphy-Brann
tag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/6095985
2010-07-02T11:40:27-05:00
2020-01-13T13:52:17-06:00
Tribute to the American Flag
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#800000">Tribute to the American Flag</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">(Condensed from an internet post by: Kenneth L. Lowmiller of Lawton, OK)</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span lang="EN">
<p>The American flag is the greatest national emblem to ever fly over land or sea or in outer space. It is the symbol of visions, of dreams, of the hopes of all who have come to America seeking liberty. To Americans, it is a living symbol, the very soul of our nation which announces who we are, what we believe in, and what we stand for, namely Freedom, Duty, Responsibility, Justice. It represents our right to choose our friends, our vocation, our church, our politics, to fail or to succeed -- all without any unlawful interference or fear of punishment.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>In 1892, Brother Francis Bellamy wrote our “Pledge of Allegiance” to the flag. Every time we repeat it, we reaffirm our dedication, loyalty, and support for those principles of freedom, equality, justice, and humanity upon which our nation was founded. <br>So, my Brethren, as long as the American flag waves over land, sea, and in outer space, and as long as we and future generations continue to love, respect, honor, and protect it -- only for this long a time will our great republic continue to flourish as the land of the free and the home of the brave. God bless our national flag and the country for which it stands!</p>
</span></p>
<p><img src="http://sylviagarza.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/american-flag.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="191" width="262" /></p>
<p> Download of 'America the Beautiful' track available on the 'Buy LaJuana's Music' page: <a href="http://www.lajuanamurphy-brann.com/products.html" data-imported="1">http://www.lajuanamurphy-brann.com/products.html</a></p>
LaJuana Murphy-Brann
tag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/6095984
2010-04-26T07:00:53-05:00
2019-12-25T08:14:19-06:00
Bail Out America!
<p>(Quoting a FaceBook friend, M. Klingenberg:)</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="color:#800000">"Imagining what would happen to our economy if the Federal Government had taken the $1T of bail out dollars that is lost in the wash, and divided it among the 105,480,101 US Households, (2000 Census Numbers) for a $10K share per household.....hmmmmmm????"</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#800000"> </span></p>
<p>Whoa. What I couldn't do with $10K about now ... </p>
LaJuana Murphy-Brann
tag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/6095983
2010-04-21T14:31:08-05:00
2019-12-25T08:14:19-06:00
Good Memories!
<p> I went to McDonald's for breakfast today, and saw a mom watching her son out in the kids' playground. Took me back to the days when Tyler would get inside the tunnel ... at the very top ... and refuse to come out! ( at about the age of Ty in the photo below :-) Good memory ...</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I will be forever grateful of the memories I have, of times we shared ... just mother and son. FAR more good ones than bad ones! And even the bad ones ... like the usual childhood disobediences and misdemeanors ... can make me smile on a lonesome day.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Ty is 23, now. Happily married and moving on with his own life. And I am proud of what he has become. But, I don't think ... in a mom's mind ... that a son ever outgrows his childhood. A mom can look into the face of her 'son, the man' ... and still see the little mischievous boy that dominated her life. It's like a framed photo of the past ... forever to remain on the wall of a mom's memory.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>If you should read this, Tyler, thanks for those memories. Good Memories. Love ya!" Mom </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.lajuanamurphy-brann.com/images/thumbs/LaM14-1_resized.jpg?ts=1272940160" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="119" width="115" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
LaJuana Murphy-Brann
tag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/6095982
2010-04-03T08:50:36-05:00
2019-12-25T08:14:19-06:00
Easter
<p>At this Easter season, let me leave this quote from the author, Clarence W. Hall:</p>
<p> </p>
<p>"If Easter says anything to us today, it says this: You can put truth in a grave, but it won't stay there. You can nail it to a cross, wrap it in winding sheets and shut it up in a tomb, but it will rise!"<br></p>
LaJuana Murphy-Brann
tag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/6095981
2010-03-29T08:08:19-05:00
2020-01-13T13:52:16-06:00
National Day of Prayer ... Gone???
<p><span lang="EN">
<p>Sent to me in an email. THIS IS CHILLING: </p>
<p>In 1952 President Truman established one day a year as a "National Day of Prayer." </p>
<p>In 1988, President Reagan designated the first Thursday in May of each year as the National Day of Prayer. </p>
<p>In June 2007, (then) Presidential candidate Barack Obama declared that the USA was no longer a Christian nation. </p>
<p>This year President Obama, canceled the 21st annual National Day of Prayer ceremony at the White House under the rouse of "not wanting to offend anyone." </p>
<p>On September 25, 2009 from 4 am until 7 pm, a National Day of Prayer for the Muslim religion was held on Capitol Hill, beside the White House. There were over 50,000 Muslims that day in DC. </p>
<p>I guess it doesn't matter if "Christians" are offended by this event - we obviously don't count as "anyone" anymore.</p>
</span></p>
LaJuana Murphy-Brann
tag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/6095980
2010-03-07T08:50:44-06:00
2019-12-25T08:14:18-06:00
My feathered friends ... an example for the rest of us?
<p><span lang="EN">
<p>...The influx of birdlife to our feeding station on the deck has prompted this line of intelligent thought.</p>
</span></p>
<p>I have noticed that the feathered friends come in groups; the strikingly beautiful redbirds, in sets of male & female. Then some little grey dudes that will somewhat mix with the reds. The large doves seem to come in droves … up to 9, 10 at a time. And they fight each other for position. All other types <em>beat it out of</em> <em>there</em> when they arrive. Another group comes under cover of approaching night.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p><strong>Reminds me of many of our churches</strong>. <span style="color:#0000ff">
<p> </p>
<p><span style="color:#000000">We have the ‘Traditional Service’ for those wanting to keep the hymns in play. Then there is the ‘Contemporary Service’ for the more hip … and the more hard-of-hearing, thus the louder music. The youth and the pre-teens are sent to their own separate parties because, you know … they ‘aren’t understood’ by the adults.</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000000">Of course the little tykes must leave their parents to go to ‘The Puppet Show’ during the A.M. service … more entertaining than the pastor. Well, sometimes. I <em>have</em> been privy to a few ‘Comedy Central’ sermons. Those that have the audience weeping uncontrollably, but due to laughter, … not conviction.</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000000">If you can’t wake up for Sunday morning service, "<em>No problemo</em>!" You can catch a ‘small group’ meeting in the evening. And <em>those</em> come with lunch served! (Of course if you are able to make the A.M. service, I would recommend you arrive early … before the coffee and donuts are gone. Senior wakeup.)</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000000">F</span><span style="color:#000000">orgive this ‘old timer’ for her musings here; but I DO wish we could all worship together again, and in one accord. I recently heard a television minister who was speaking on this very subject. He asked the question: “ If God was to visit our churches, would He have to change outfits between services to fit in with each group of worshippers?”</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000000">I am intelligent enough to realize that we need to have a varied ministry for the differing age groups. After all, most of my contemporaries would have a bit of difficulty doing the actions to “Father Abraham” with the youngsters. But, at some point, we NEED to be together in corporate worship. We NEED to gain insight from each other. Is it any wonder that mutual respect within the family is waning?</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000000">Well, … so much for the <em>birds</em>! Wow. I’ve GOT to quit taking them so seriously. (Smile)</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000000"> </span></p>
</span></p>
LaJuana Murphy-Brann
tag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/6095979
2010-01-26T14:25:06-06:00
2020-01-13T13:52:16-06:00
Instrumental CD of Hymns ... What would YOU request??
<p>I am very appreciative of the good response to my Christmas album, "An Ivory Christmas." As a result of its success, I have had requests to produce a follow-up instrumental CD of the older hymns of our church. One company, in particular, has shown an interest in helping to market it.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> But <strong>I NEED YOUR INPUT</strong>! There are <em>so</em> many great hymns that we have grown to love over the years; however, I must settle on 10 - 12 tracks, max. And, of course, I will want to add a touch of '<em>soul</em>' to those we choose!</p>
<p> </p>
<p> So ... PLEASE give me your suggestions. What would you want to hear??</p>
LaJuana Murphy-Brann
tag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/6095978
2009-12-31T13:06:13-06:00
2022-05-23T04:05:41-05:00
The New Year ... An Open Book
<p> ... "We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called "Opportunity" and its first chapter is New Year's Day." ( Edith Lovejoy Pierce) ... And may the words we write be reflections of our faith in God and what He has for us in this coming year!</p>
LaJuana Murphy-Brann
tag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/6095977
2009-12-23T03:33:33-06:00
2019-12-25T08:14:18-06:00
CHRIST in Christmas
<p>They may want to take Christ out of Christmas, but they can never take Christ out of me. If you are proud to be a Christian and are not ashamed of Christ then post this somewhere as a light to the world. Most people will be too ashamed or scared to do it. God Bless those of you who can do it!</p>
<p> <img src="http://www.lajuanamurphy-brann.com/images/thumbs/Nativity.jpg?ts=1261589476" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="100" width="100" /> </p>
LaJuana Murphy-Brann
tag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/6095976
2009-12-17T01:08:00-06:00
2019-12-25T08:14:18-06:00
LaJuana's NEW Blog ... Let's start with Global Warming!
<p>Finally ... a blog page! So now you can add amazing comments to my musings.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Thought I would start this off with a Facebook post from a friend, Dan Secrist:</p>
<p><span class="UIIntentionalStory_Names"> </span></p>
<p><span class="UIIntentionalStory_Names"> </span><span class="UIStory_Message">"Copenhagen is having its coldest December in history. If the scientists were all that smart they would have scheduled the [Global Warming] Conference in August." --comedian Argus Hamilton</span></p>
<p><span class="UIStory_Message"></span></p>
<p><span class="UIStory_Message">So, stay warm and enjoy this beautiful Christmas season!</span></p>
LaJuana Murphy-Brann