New Beginnings!

Ephesians 3:7-12

New International Version (NIV)

7 I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. 8 Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, 9 and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. 10 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 11 according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12 In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.

Happy 21st Birthday Johnie!

Starla Ellison

Just now · 

This morning...another beautiful clear morning in South Carolina, I think about a Sunday morning 21 years ago today.

I was laying on the living room floor in pain- actually in labor. Nick and I had already spent a few hours in the hospital and they sent us home saying I was not in labor. But I knew better. As I laid on the floor, handling the contractions the best I could- a thought came to my mind- "Call Grandma!"

Although I was not a believer- not a real true believer in Jesus as Christ- at the time- I knew that my Grandma had something I didn't have. Sure, I had went to church with my grandparents when I was little and was actually baptized when I was 18, right after I got married- but it mean't nothing to me. I had no idea at all at WHO Jesus really was. I knew what sin was but I had no revelation of the cross or forgiveness. It was years AFTER I became a believer that I began to understand Grace! But, that's another story : )

So, I was laying on the floor- crying and trying to breathe- I called my Grandma Cleary and that sweet sweet woman, who had also lost her mother when she was young- prayed for me and her great grandson.

So how could this beautiful baby boy who was named after his father, his paternal grandfather and his maternal great grandfather (also a tender, sweet man- and a Bible teacher!) - born on a Sunday during a thunderstorm, prayed for by his great grandmother that loved Jesus with all that she was- not grow up to love Jesus?

Nicholas John Barry Ellison- (victory of the people, God is gracious, fair-headed)- Johnie Ellison- you bring joy and pleasure to your mother's heart. Whenever I hear you teach the truth of God my heart sings- because God is the great Redeemer. I see God's grace when I look at you three kids, four including Ben- because I know where all would be- without Jesus.

You've always had a tender heart toward God. Making a profession of faith when you were 5 and baptized with your family, believing and praying to receive Christ when your were 8 or 9 in our bathroom- and then the beautiful work of God's grace and coming to the "end of your self" when you were 17 and Christ became your life. I can't wait to see where He leads and you follow.

I join the apostle John, the beloved- loved by Jesus:
"I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth".
3 John 1:4

Sadness for the believer walking according to the flesh.....

My heart aches for the believer who chooses to walk according to the flesh than live by the Spirit.

Galatians 5:16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. 17 For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please.

Romans 8:6
For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace,

Truth! Know!

Steve Eden

10 hrs · 

John 8:31-32 records, “Then Jesus said to those who believed on Him, ‘If you abide (live, remain, or stay) in My word, you are My disciples indeed, and you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.’”

Jesus didn’t say we create or determine the truth, He said the truth is something we come to know. Interestingly, the word “know” in this passage has a participatory connotation to it; it’s not just a knowledge ‘about’ the truth but actually a ‘participation’ with or ‘joining’ to the truth. Again, whether we believe the truth about us or not doesn’t determine whether it is true; our belief simply allows us to experience the life and freedom of what is true.
‪#‎trueYouBook‬

Praying for my daughter, Allison- first day of school- teaching 3rd grade.

Starla Ellison‎Allison Ellison Wofford

Just now · 

Praying for you today, Al! First day of school! Looking forward to your phone call later today!

1 John 3:18
Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth. (NASB)
My children, let us not love merely in theory or in words—let us love in sincerity and in practice! (Phillips)

Anyone can speak loving words but it takes someone special to love with deeds and truth. You are that someone special to all the children you teach this year. I greatly admire the balance you have to love them with words of affirmation and encouragement but also- in sincerity and practice- not just saying your love them but loving them through your actions. I love you and I am so proud of you!

Just passing through.....

Starla Ellison

Just now ·

Sometimes, life rolls along pretty good and you roll along with it.

But then- a trial, a circumstance comes upon you like a spring thundertstorm- unexpected and trembling.

When that happens- I am reminded that this life is but a breath and fleeting. It passes so quickly. And the reality is- this world is not my home. I am just passing through.

The choice I make determines my "after life"- where I will spend my eternity after this life is over. I made that choice a long time ago. The best choice I ever made in my life.

Yes, my Jesus- the Gentleman. Created me with the ability to choose to trust and believe in Him or not. My Jesus, the Gentleman- wants me to come to Him and love Him for Who He is.

Jesus doesn't stop being Who He is after I have come to Him in neediness of a Savior. He is so much more- more than I ever thought possible. Sanctifier! Exchanger! Transformer! Life! Breath! Blood! Sin-Bearer! Sin-Redeemer! The One that has made me whole and complete, in Him- from Him- through Him.

I was made for Him! You were made for Him!

This world is not your home. You are just passing through. Have you made your choice?

Selah - When Love Was Slain

Selah from Hope of the Broken World such a beautiful song

YOUTUBE.COM

Will you not be aware of it?

There are some changes coming to my life- our life- here at the Ellison home. Things I've been praying about for a long time but waiting...on God's time and direction. This I KNOW: God IS, even when I am confused and doubting. GOD IS- everything. He is working, knowing, seeing, holding me, loving me- He IS.

Isaiah 43:19
Behold, I will do something new,
Now it will spring forth; 
Will you not be aware of it?
I will even make a roadway in the wilderness,
Rivers in the desert.

Amen! I am aware of it and I thank You!

Ready for a new season!

I see all the pictures of kids on their first day of school for the new year- and those days are pretty much past us now.  I'm sure Cody and Johnie won't let me take pictures of their "first" day.  Allison, as the teacher, will probably have her picture taken several times!  : )

Allison starts her 4th year of teaching but this year she will be teaching 3rd grade instead of 2nd grade.

This is Cody's very last semester of college.  Then....he will be college graduate #2 in the family.  It's going to be quite a transition from college student to full-time career when the time comes.

Johnie is in the middle years of his college.  But God!  Praying for Johnie as he listens to the Lord.

For the first time- I am looking forward to the Autumn season.  I love Autumn.  But it also ushers in Winter which I DISLIKE (and Christmas which I equally dislike LOL).  My favorite holiday is Easter. 1 Corinthians 15:13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, not even Christ has been raised; 14 and if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, your faith also is vain.

But this is new season.  And a new season in mine and Nick's life.

I'm ready!