Write My Answer On A Billboard Large And Clear

~ I'll climb to the lookout tower and scan the horizon.
I'll wait to see what God says ~ Habakkuk 2:1-2
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Oct 6, 2010

God Promises a Safe Landing

My big brother sent the following video to Dad this morning. I was so touched - so choked up - I couldn't read all the words the first time through. I couldn't even read them all the way through when reading them to dad the 2nd time. I had to watch it 3 times before I could show it to dad and read it in its entirety.

I still have a lump in my throat! I can't explain here but God knows my heart and He chose to show me favor today through this intended encouragement for Dad - from 'MY BIG BROTHER!'

The background song is "Bridge Over Troubled Waters" - my all time favorite song - the title song of Simon & Garfunkel's final album together, released January 26, 1970. The year I graduated from H.S.

For me, it's a love song from Jesus - always has been - always will be.

He's my BRIDGE.

My brother had no way of knowing this

But God....

I print out the lyrics here so that I never forget God's favor to me - all these years. Through it all, He's been there as my BRIDGE. He's here in the midst of this season too. The waters below are troubled...

But God ....

"When you're weary
Feeling small
When tears are in your eyes
I will dry them all

I'm on your side
When times get rough
And friends just can't be found
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down

When you're down and out
When you're on the street
When evening falls so hard
I will comfort you

I'll take your part
When darkness comes
And pain is all around
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down

Sail on Silver Girl,
Sail on by
Your time has come to shine
All your dreams are on their way

See how they shine
If you need a friend
I'm sailing right behind
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind"

The words to dad - penned from my big brother - read this way (words of explanation in parentheses are mine).
"For dad
God has definitely given You a heavy cross to carry the last Few Years - from mom leaving (her celebratory transference to heaven in 02); the accident (car accident in 05); And the stroke (May of this year).....but the good is... It Is Not heavier than his (God's) and it must be Preparing you for something only He Knows."

Check out this video on YouTube:
God Promises a Safe Landing




I have played the song over and over for the last hour. It has done more for me than it could have ever done for dad. Dad's condition can't assimilate it to the depth that it has reached me. Truth is....I prayed a heart song to God last night before retiring for bed - this was God's immediate answer.

Thank you big brother - for allowing the nudge of the Lord to send me HIS personally, intimate reply to my heart's cry. I am most grateful that He used YOU to HUG me. :)

"My Dear Warrior Bride,
I am your Bridge over Troubled Waters
....The cross you carry was carried first by me - It is my Promise to you...I will get you to the Promised Land ...safely. You have my word on that. Do not lean on your own understanding but love the Lord your God with all your heart - mind - and soul and I will direct your paths. Though the way be dark and dreary, I will be your song of praise....and I will make a way... for you. I have laid my life down for you - your BRIDGE over troubled waters. Just walk.... it will be OK."

~ JUST WALK .....IT WILL BE OK ~

Love,
JESUS

It isn't just the song that hit me so strong - it was the message... carrying my cross the distance - as long as it takes and hopefully without complaining. Sometimes, it gets so heavy that I want to lay it down - makes me think of Jesus in the movie The PASSION. It became such an enormous task for JESUS - even Him. So, I can expect mine to be heavy too - but I think - like Jesus, God places people around us to help carry the load when it becomes too heavy. Jesus had a purpose and it meant carrying the old rugged cross to the finish line - But God provided another to walk with him - to carry it the rest of the way when it became too heavy. That is a powerful thot that just came to me. Isn't that just like GOD? I think God even sends angels to surround us and lift us up so the load is lighter. Scripture tells us that He won't give me anything that together He and I can't handle. I'm so counting on HIM!!

This video was encouragement to not give in and not give up! Run the race to the finish line.
Check out the vedio I added towards the bottom of my page here - after reading Lidj's post @ crown of glory... it is a POWERFUL post and passionate vedio.

Yesterday, marked the one year anniversary since my page here was birthed.

God's idea - not my own.

It has served to enlarge my window of fellowship. My territory has grown all across the globe through this one page. I'm not a prolific writer or 'poster' - this page is for my family. My legacy of FAITH. But God has enriched my life beyond measure with the relationships that He's brought into my world through my connections on the BRIDGE here. He called it 'THE BRIDGE' - He called it the BRIDGE, in reference to the dream that He gave me, as I share on the info about me on the lower part of this page.

As I walk, He enlarges my territory - and my FAITH. It is always my prayer that He somehow cause His LIGHT in me to shine forth to the nations who come to connect on The BRIDGE.

I am most grateful for your friendships near and far. This past year has been a trying year. You have helped sustain me through your very personal and perfect ways of encouraging me. I am blessed to call you all Friends.

I'll look for you in heaven when the roll is called up yonder! Don't ignore HIM - pick up your cross today, and follow HIM!

He's waiting to be YOUR BRIDGE to ETERNAL LIFE.

He promises a safe Landing!

Walk so close behind the SAVIOR that the dust of His sandals settles on your feet....

Just walk ~ it will be OK.

Hugs and prayers,
Patrina
His Warrior Bride in boots!

38 comments:

  1. What a powerful 'gift' that video was from God. And what a beautiful way to send it to you and your day - through your brother.
    And... CONGRATULATIONS on your one year blogging anniversary! Woohooo.
    I am so blessed that you decided to blog. I feel that God's connected me to a long lost sister who shares much of the same gifts as me. And even through your struggles, your posts are always encouraging and uplifting and point us straight to Jesus. Thank you.
    Hugs and blessings,
    Deb

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  2. Thank you Deb - Your friendship offers me HOPE for the new day.. I look forward to what God is up to in molding our relationship - together with Him. You are an earthly treasure that has Heavenly rewards!

    I owe my name 'Princess Warrior' to you. The day you called me that - was a life-shattering day. The earth moved beneath my feet the moment I read it...and the words settled in my bones. They've stuck!

    I'm not a 'label' kind of gal. Labels are difficult to remove and often leave a sticky residue. But your words were like honeycomb - they soothed my heart and raised me higher. The Lord gave you His words for me - that day - and I will faithfully remain - His Princess Warrior - in boots :)

    God bless you sister, I am honored to be your friend.

    Princess Warrior <")>><

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  3. AMEN! AMEN! AAAAAMMMMEEEEEEEEEEN! I reach out to claim ALL the words of blessings & promises for myself also....oh....i walk with you in your faith to tap the same anointing that flows into you...such soul lifting words....how i rejoice with you as your blog clocked a year yesterday, mine would be sometime next week...am so glad to have come to know you PATRINA(((hugs)))..also glad dad is getting better each day. For GOD our heavenly father does not give us burdens more than we can ever bear & HE is always there walking beside us...shalom.

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  4. Thank you, Kareem - I am always uplifted by your own faith. The power with which you pray and send forth His blessings - just lifts me HIGHER. Your faith in Jesus has empowered me in these long months since Dad's stroke. Thank you, dear warrior for your cherished prayers on my and Dad's behalf.

    I will never forget the day I met you on Jaycee's blog "Light a lamp". Your comment drew me to you with God's voice of encouragement for you. That is how we met - when I prayed online for you - a beautiful Nigerian housewife whom I had never met - not even heard of.

    I am so grateful that God sent me to Jaycee's post that night - not only to encourage you - but because of the friendship that blossomed as a direct result of His leading. you have become my #1 ENCOURAGER!

    May God bless you and yours with great FAVOR in the coming years...as you walk with Him.

    Love ya!
    Princess Warrior

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  5. good morning my friend.. Just got through reading your blog. I am always amazed at how the Father God speaks to our heart.... HE is truly the creator.
    My days are getting a bit better and the sobbing has turned to gentle tears once in a while.. I am coming to the understanding of the scriptures where HE says HE carries our grief....... and the one that promises that all things will work together for my good.

    I find my self turning around in the middle of the floor sometimes not knowing what to do...... Finding my self is the order of the day.......
    Thanks for stopping by and checking in on me...... I have much to write about and guess I need to get started......

    Hugs for Thursday...

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  6. How like the Lord to lift & encourage us with brothers, with songs, with precious words that He alone knows our souls need to hear; long to hear.

    Love your heart!

    Kathleen

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  7. thanks, Denise, for visiting the bridge in the midst of your grief. I trust that you were lifted higher for meeting me here.

    The grief will last indefinitely until we see them on the shining shores of heaven. I still cry - 8 years later. I still miss mama - sometimes more since caring for dad.

    I remember the first time we met too. I identified with your heavy load of caring for both parents - then one by one they passed. It's been a heavy year - but never fear - God is near and He will get you safely home - where mom and dad now reside. What a homecoming that will be when the clouds roll away and your face they see. :)

    Bless you, dear one. I look forward to seeing what God has in mind for you in this coming season.

    Hugs,
    princess warrior

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  8. Katleen, thanks for visiting and picking up the pencil. I also remember the first time I visited your page. I knew you were full of wisdom and it was evident that God's love reigned in your heart and mind.

    You were the 7th follower of patrina's pencil. I only asked for 7 - because I love that heavenly number - and God gave me you. It was a celebratory moment on the BRIDGE. :) Thank you for gracing my place with your face - and your continued visits.

    Praying for a perfectly sunlit day to shine upon you today....and tomorrow.....

    hugs,
    princess warrior

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  9. Hey Patrina!

    So blessed by your post and the video....Oh, yes, He will carry us through!!!

    Think and pray for you often as we walk similar journey's with our aging parents. There are tears and weariness in this season but He is Faithful to supply more than sufficient Grace to carry us and our precious parents through!!

    So blessed by the video....bless you for sharing it!

    Also, happy "blogaversary"!! Mine is next week! Who'd of thought the Lord was nudging our hearts to step out of the boat into the vast blogosphere about the same time!! Glad our bloggin' paths crossed, sister!

    HE IS FAITHFUL!!

    Hugs and Sweet Blessings!
    Jackie

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  10. thanks, Jackie for your upbeat outlook on life's struggles and trials. I've always loved that about you. You have the power to make a person smile even in the darkness of night - because of God's Light in you - His gift of encouragement and your gift of 'gab':) you certainly have a way with words.

    Who would have known that we began our quest in blogland about the same time. Took me a while to find you - but also glad I did. Thank you for continuing to lift me and my dad up in prayer. Your family is also in mine - they are blessed to have your caring heart.

    hugs,
    princess warrior <")>><

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  11. Thank you for your kind words and encouraging prayers & comments on my posts recently. I really appreciate you!

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  12. Rochelle, thank you for visiting the Bridge. I do pray that you are feeling better. Just wanted you to know that I'm still here and still praying for you. You're such a trooper with your Fibro - always smiling - even in pain. You are an encouragement to so many.

    Shalom
    princess warrior <")>><

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  13. What a beautiful encouragement from your bro. to your dad! And yes, what do we do if we didn't have Jesus as the bridge? We're stuck on one end for sure, until hope is lost.

    May we always remember to build bridges instead of walls. I love that song, too. I also liked Michael W. Smith's version when he sang it. God bless.

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  14. this is such a beautiful post. Earlier this week I listened to Bridge over Waters by Micheal Smith. I think it's the same song you mentioned. I love what you said about Jesus being the bridge. He really is. ☺

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  15. RCUBEs
    Yes...Bridges instead of walls..
    Thanks for connecting with me on the bridge here, and I know you're already on the bridge of Jesus! So I'll be looking for you in heaven, girl!

    You're also a bridge in your position as a nurse at the correctional facility. JESUS is well pleased with your consistent efforts to be a blessing.

    God bless
    princess warrior <")>><

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  16. Sarah,
    Always nice to see you here. Thanks for visiting.

    Thanks for the note of Michael W singing the song. I checked it out on Youtube and found it - it is now posted on my page here. I like how he sings it too.

    But it isn't just the song that hit me so strong - it was the message... carrying my cross the distance - as long as it takes and hopefully without complaining. It gets so heavy that I want to lay it down - makes me think of Jesus in the movie PASSION. It became such an enormous task for him - even him. So, I can expect mine to be heavy too - but I think - like Jesus, God places people around us to help carry the load when it becomes too heavy. I think He even send angels to surround us and lift the load for us. It was encouragement to not give in and not give up! Run the race tot he finish line.

    I know you can identify :)

    Hugs, and you stay strong too, my dear.

    Princess warrior <")>><

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  17. Very encouraging post. Needed this read PP. Thank you. And, thank you for your encouraging words to me as well. Blessings.

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  18. Dear Patrina,
    Another uplifting post which I am reading at nearly 11 p.m. of Saturday night here.

    I graduated from HS in 1971 and this song, Bridge Over Troubled Water is also one of my all time favorite songs.

    I will go to watch the video now, but just wanted to send this comment first.

    Praise God for the way you encourage us through your blog.

    Congratulations on your first year.

    Your big brother did surely follow the prompting from the Lord to send you a big hug just at the time you needed it.

    I know most people your age would not commit to caring for their aging parents...but you are, what a godly way to show love and honor to you father.


    Love
    Lidj

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  19. JBR
    Thanks for visiting the bridge. Glad that you were encouraged from the same thing that encouraged me. That's why we share right?

    I love your heart, JBR

    God bless
    princess warrior

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  20. Lidj

    So when I'm getting up - you're retiring for the night. That means that when I'm waking - I can pray for God to give you peace while you sleep. Isn't that an awesome thot! I love how God communicates with e in my sleep. I love to bless people with sweet communications with God while they sleep. So I'll begin that tomorrow morning! :) I always spend an hour or so in bed after waking - just thinking about life and God and praying. I'm fresh - it's silent and it's the only time I have to myself until 12 hours later. So - I will be praying for you as the Lord lays you are my heart.

    So you're a year younger than I?? That means I'm your elder ..Hahha - I'm glad we are the same age. Also glad that we like the same song. We sure have a lot in common - lady! :)

    Loved your post on running to win the prize. Kinda went with the message that I got from this video that my brother sent.

    Love you, girl
    Princess warrior <")>><

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  21. thank you for the time and prayer you put into this ... your words of encouragement mean a great deal.

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  22. S. Etole
    You're welcome, dear. Thanks for visiting and for your spoken encouragement too. I'm so amazed at your ability to put photography into words. Most photographers - don't also write. But you are talented with both and particularly in the way that you weave them together.

    You always make me stop and ponder. I like that about you.

    Thanks for picking up the pencil

    Hugs,
    Princess warrior <")><

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  23. The Lord has blessed us with your pencil. Thank you for sharing your words with us. I once heard a sermon using this song. It was touching then and still is. I ask the Lord today to reveal Himself to you in a new way. blessings, b

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  24. Wow, thank you B
    I'll be looking for His revelatory blessing - always! so that I can turn it around and bless others - like YOU!

    So nice to see you on the bridge and thanks for picking up the pencil to offer your blessings today.

    Hugs,
    princess warrior <")>><

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  25. Congratulations on your blogging anniversary!
    Beautiful and inspirational post! You are a blessing to so many.
    Have a great day!
    Blessings

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  26. Thank you, Linda
    It is always my desire to be a blessing to others. May you be blessed as well - this day

    Hugs, Princess warrior <")>>><

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  27. Ohhhh, I just love these God-times! "Bridge over Troubled Water" has touched me many times over the years. That is definitely a God song. I can just picture God singing over you...His beloved. His faithful pencil-holder. His Patrina. You are so loved, girl!

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  28. Patrina:

    You are so easy to love!!

    You are in the trenches, and I remember those very trenches with my own parents, You are a treasure, both by your words, your heart, and your determination to trust God as you journey through these days.

    I am so glad you began a blog... I am always, ALWAYS lifted up and encouraged by what you share.

    You are loved sweet friend, and the prayers will continue. I know this... if we blogging buddies do not meet before... we will KNOW each other in heaven. I can just hear myself saying... oh there's Patrina, with her pencil, standing right by that bridge! :)

    Hugs!

    Sonja

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  29. God is faithful. He always carries us through. shalom!

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  30. Deborah Ann - as I said earlier - you have blessed me tonight with your sweet words - thank you so much for visiting me on the bridge. I sure appreciate you. You're such a 'heavenly minded' girl :)

    princess warrior <")>><

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  31. Sonja girl,

    you have blessed me this night too. You 2 must have been collaborating haha. Your comments are so uplifting. I am smiling deep inside.

    I'm sure there will be beautiful bridges in heaven. Lots of beautiful streams and powerful waterfalls - for us to admire and sit beside - or in or under... Ha. I don't know how to swim down here but I'm certain I will swim in heaven!!

    Thanks for your faithful prayers. I count on them!

    hugs,
    princess warrior

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  32. Idiomagirl,

    Yes, God is faithful to carry us even when we walk. that's the blessing of walking with Him. We aren't walking in our own strength - He's actually carrying us - if we surrender the walk to Him.

    Thanks for taking the time to visit me on the bridge.

    Blessings to you girl
    princess warrior <")>><

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  33. Congratulations on your one year anniversary of blogging! It's a great thing this blogging business. I've met so many wonderful people through the world of blogging!

    This post was an especially special blessing to me. I love that song and I too have always thought of Jesus as being that bridge.

    God bless and continue to comfort you on your journey.

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  34. Thanks Debra for connecting on the bridge. Jesus is the Bridge back to God. The One and ONLY. That's why He came. He is the Way , The Truth , The life - no man comes to the Father - which is God in heaven - but through the son - Jesus Christ.

    Jhn 14:6 Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me."

    Jesus fills in the gap - the void - the separation from God the creator - that sin left. I know you understand this - but some are still confused as to WHY Jesus is the ONLY BRIDGE.

    blessings, Debra
    princess warrior <")>><

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  35. This was so inspiring and
    beautiful. I also graduated
    in 1970 and this is one of
    my all time favorite songs.
    This month also marks the one
    year anniversary of my blog.

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  36. Wow Sandy
    We have a lot in common...
    Congratulations on your blog anniversary too. Sounds like those of us who graduated in 1970 or there about - loved this song. it is a beautiful song.
    Thanks for joining the bridge and for picking up the pencil to let me know that you were here.

    blessings
    warrior bride <")>><

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  37. Just walk. Loved that invitation here today.

    Thank you for visiting my blog and leaving comments on two posts today. Your words have encouraged me. It's nice to know I don't travel this current path alone.

    I haven't written anything in a couple of months, so your enthusiasm and response has hugged my heart. Thank you.

    Blessings to you,
    Joy

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  38. what a wonderful big brother you have. i
    bet he knew how much that song would
    mean to you.

    i pray that the encouragement will carry
    you through many more days.

    He is so good!

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Thanks for picking up the pencil...

May the grace
of the Lord Jesus Christ,
and the love of God,
and the fellowship
of the Holy Spirit ...
be with you all.


Patrina
His Warrior Bride in Boots

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