Prophetic Blessings? A reader's review

Recently I was given the opportunity to read The Power of the Prophetic Blessing by John Hagee. Having listened to him over the years, but never read one of his books, I jumped at the chance. As Christians in America, I think we often miss the authority we have in Christ. Speaking blessings is one of those areas that you just don't hear often in the American Protestant Church. Hagee reminds us of the many blessings sought, stolen, gained and lost in the Scriptures. He also spends some time going through the blessings that Israel has experienced because of the Blessing of God on them. He says, "The Jewish people have excelled throughout history in the fields of medicine, technology, literature, science, the arts and much more. There is no rational explanation other than this success as a direct result of the supernatural power of the Prophetic Blessing." Throughout the book there are little, set aside, blurbs that encourage the reader to "Think on This". These little blurbs are quips that allow the reader to meditate on the words from the chapter in ways that keep you engaged. The book is broken into three sections that explain what the Blessings are and how to release them into our lives. It's a powerful, yet easy read. Most Christians are taught that the Word of God has power and this book reaffirms that by equipping one to declare God's Word over our lives and the lives of those whom we love allowing the Christian to live a worry free, rich life in Christ and His blessings. The last Chapter gives direct instruction on the best ways to proclaim these blessings and examples of speaking them. The book opens an idea that is important for our time, yet is rarely taught. If you've interest in experiencing God's blessings in your life and the lives of your friends and family, take the time to read and study this volume. You won't be sorry.

39 years and holding

Last night was the 39th reunion of my high school graduation. We combined it with 72 for their 40th. I've been thinking these last 24 hours or so why these "reunions" are so important. I've lived a whole life in 39 years since school. I've lived in 3 states and experienced all kinds of good and bad stuff. I've ended up with a top-notch husband, 4 children and 4 grandchildren (so far). Most of the last 39 years has been much more kind to me than high school was. Yet, I still keep wondering what it was about those 4 years of high school relationships, or maybe even 12 years (in the case of Trisha and I) that made such a huge impact that has stayed with us all these years. Frankly, I still don't know. But, this I know. Most of us "grew up". We stopped most all the cliquish stuff. For the most part the groups that stuck together were, in some parts, still together, but we mingled. We didn't hold old grudges or old social stuff. We didn't care if we were up on the dance floor with a bunch of girls. (I noticed '73 was on the floor more. Will 1 year make that much difference?) We didn't care who'd "made good" or who didn't. So here is why I think these reunions make a difference. Even now, in our every day life, we have to deal with the cliques and all the crap that comes with modern day relationship. But, here, in this closed community of classmates, we are on even ground. We all (well...most all) know where we came from and no longer care, because the relationship of childhood means more. We can "let our hair down" and no one will judge us, because we are all from the same place. And, in reality, we don't care anymore if we are judged by childhood friends. We have another life at our disposal. (At least most of us do). At least that's where I am. The best part? Seeing friends just as beautiful as 39 years ago. Some more so. A few pounds here, a few wrinkles there, but the smiles, the eyes, the souls are more tender and very recognizable. Most of us have mellowed and have found our place at last. Some of us have become closer than we were in high school and some of us who were close... well, one day in 39 years and it still all comes together. Gertrude Stein said that "We are always the same age inside" and in some ways that is true.. only my outside is 57, but I think Albert Einstein said it best for me, “People like you and I, though mortal of course like everyone else, do not grow old no matter how long we live...[We] never cease to stand like curious children before the great mystery into which we were born.” Thanks for the memories, most those of new, not of old ~ though some of those were good too <3 "I can see clearly now the rain is gone...." CCHS class of '73