Tag Archive | legacy

Enduring and Everlasting Love

Today I give honor to a couple that are near and dear to my heart. In fact, I have known them all my life–they are my mom and dad, Tom and Grace Bloxsom.

Today they celebrate something that is very rare and wonderful–

→ 76 years of marriage ♥

Very few will ever accomplish such a feat; sadly, these days, most do not even try. Sin, selfishness and rebellion have given marriage a negative connotation; but my parents have lived and demonstrated it in the true meaning of the word, two lives joined together as one–for always.

As anyone that has been married can attest, it is not always easy, and often can be hard work, but it is the commitment that determines the outcome. For my parents, this commitment has been non-negotiable. For better or worse, in good times and bad, sickness and in health, they have remained faithful to their vows and to each other.

So today, and every day, I honor them! ♥

Their commitment to each other and their willingness to persevere, even in the tough times has given them a resilience, also rarely seen in the elderly. At the ages of 95 and nearly 98 my parents are independent and their minds are sharp! In this, I believe, God too, has honored them; as they have lived their lives in honor to Him and their marriage–in honor to each other.

“And he said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it. You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'” Matthew 22:37-39

Who is our closest neighbor but those living in our own household? If you have failed the second commandment, it is likely that you have failed the first. Repent, and give honor to God; from Him, receive what you need to honor and love your spouse.

Is He truly Lord of your life or are you?

I believe He has something very special in store for you, when you sort that one out–it’s not too late!

God is faithful, even when we are not, for He cannot deny Himself.

“‘This saying is sure: If we have died with him, we shall also live with him; if we endure, we shall also reign with him; if we deny him, he will also deny us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful–for he cannot deny himself.'” 2 Timothy 2:11-13

Seek Him with your ‘whole’ heart!

So, this year brings another special, momentous, and rarely seen occasion, Our family business–Bloxsom Roofing Company; founded by my grandfather in 1925, now 100 years old! My dad began working for his dad in this business when he was just 12 years old. He and his brothers retired from it and passed it down to my brothers and cousins; it is still family run, now by my brother and cousin’s son, to this day. I am told that less than 1% of family businesses make it to 100 years. Just as in marriage, it takes commitment–perseverance in good times and bad. It takes commitment to each other when you don’t always agree. It takes honor, faithfulness, honesty and integrity. It takes a foundation built on the principles that God placed before us in His Word, the Holy Scriptures–it takes forgiveness and love.

My grandpa will be so pleased to learn that his business carried on for many years, long after he left to join the Lord in his forever home. . .

I expect he already knows ♥

Do you see? As hard as this life is, with its ever-increasing stress–the intensity of coldness increasingly taking over the hearts of men–yet you can accomplish it all by first receiving Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Above all, give first, your honor to God. If you commit to Him, and to placing others before yourself–from your communion with Him you will receive all you need to do this. From His Presence, and from reading His Word, you will ever-increasingly be taking on His characteristics and His nature and then–naturally–love your neighbor as yourself.

“‘You shall not kill. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not steal. You shall not bear false witness. Honor your father and mother, and You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'” Matthew 19:18-19

This is the legacy my grandparents lived–handed down to my parents, and they have modeled for their world.

Thank you, mom and dad ♥ Today, every day, I honor you!

“‘Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land which the Lord your God gives you.'” Exodus 20:12, Deut. 5:16

“Give respect to your father and mother, for without them you wouldn’t even be here. And don’t neglect them when they grow old. Embrace the truth and hold it close. Don’t let go of wisdom, instruction, and life-giving understanding. When a father observes his child living in godliness, he is ecstatic with joy–nothing makes him prouder! So may your father’s heart burst with joy and your mother’s soul be filled with gladness because of you.” Proverbs 23:22-25 TPT

Will Time See Your Footprint?

Nov25

How can one pick a favorite scripture?

It cannot be done. They are like the grains of sand, when presented together, make a vast beach . . .

for Beauty

for Walking

for Peace and Tranquility

for Contemplating

An endless presence in your life.

At times they cling so tightly, others merely flow through your hands as you watch but don’t absorb meaning.

Walking may be difficult–

You may see it as a drudgery, this expanse of sand–

If that be the vision–a footprint will never be left.

The grains of sand are like time–don’t let them slip away!

“Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven. Your faithfulness endures to all generations. You established the earth, and it abides.” Psalm 119:89-19 NKJV

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105 NKJV

“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” Ephesians 5:15-17

Great freedom is coming, but with that freedom will come many promoting their own doctrine that does not source from the Word.

Challenge what you hear.

Do not view reputation as proof, and accept everything as fact because of it. Take it before the Word; ask the Lord to confirm.

The Word is your plumb-line–your measure for accuracy.

“For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own liking, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander into myths.” II Timothy 4:3-4

“My son, give attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes. Keep them in the midst of your heart; For they are life to those who find them, And health to all their flesh.” Proverbs 4:20-22 NKJV

“Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Blessed are You, O Lord!”

“I will meditate on your precepts, and contemplate Your ways. I will delight myself in your statues; I will not forget Your word.” Psalm 119:11, 15-16 NKJV

A Lifetime of Devotion

Jun19

It is interesting to me that on this commemorative day, June 19th, a most important day of freedom, my parents chose to renounce their independence–committing their lives to each other.

I am thankful for both!

Thankful, the slaves were finally freed from an atrocity that should never have been. Thankful, that my parents made a commitment that has lasted a lifetime!

I honor both celebrations this day, in much thankfulness to God!

My latest book, “His Voice in My Heart the Journey,” is dedicated to my parents, Tom and Grace Bloxsom. In this dedication, I wrote that they are celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary this year. I was mistaken–should have done the math! This year my parents are actually celebrating their 72nd year of commitment and devotion to each other. A rare feat these days! I commend them and give thanks to God for giving them this strong foundation of tenacity and love for each other.

My dad, drew strength from strong, deep roots. His parents, Ottie and Addie Bloxsom (yes those are their real names and not nicknames or shortened) maintained the same devotion and commitment to each other until death. These same roots carried into a lifetime family business.

My brother, along with my cousin’s son are still maintaining Bloxsom Roofing Company; a business my grandfather started with his four sons back in 1925. My dad was just 12 years old when he began his lifetime career in roofing. Two of my brothers, cousins, and a second cousin all committed their life’s work to this company as well. It is a company built on a strong foundation of honesty, integrity, and hard work . . .

In just four years, Bloxsom Roofing, will be 100 years old!

Still going strong. Still based on integrity, honesty and hard work. I honor my grandfather, grandmother, dad and mom, who’ve lived a lifetime of strong values.

I honor my brothers and cousins (male and female) who worked hard, and continue to carry the baton–long after my grandfather, uncles passed and my dad retired.

I honor the Lord, their True Foundation, Jesus Christ, the Cornerstone.

Thank you, Mom and Dad! May you live out the remainder of your life in peace and contentment. May you find joy and blessing in every day!

Happy 72nd Anniversary!

I love you forever

A fellow blogger, Mr. Teague McKamey, author of the blog “A Voice of One,” has recently posted a review of two of my books, “Comfort in the Challenge” and “His Voice in My Heart.” He has been a follower of my blog for several years and one of the rare few that I follow as well. There are many, many good blogs out there, but I rarely follow; simply because I don’t have the time to spare. However, I was intrigued with the multi-faceted talents of Teague McKamey.

What I have learned over the years is that, not only is he a family man, enjoying a wife and two children, but he is a songwriter, singer, and guitar player; a Bible teacher, preacher, poet, and published author. He is active in his church and maintains a blog; displaying a myriad of thought-provoking subjects, contemplation of ideas, thoughts and inspiration. Yet, if that isn’t enough, I just learned through Teague’s review that he is a Social Worker by trade. I expect that I cannot do justice to this man’s inquiring mind, so why don’t you inquire for yourself and get to know him. Click the link below to read the full review, and while you’re there–take a look around!

https://thevoiceofone.org/2021/04/29/his-voice-in-my-heart/

Thank you, Teague, for your thoughtful and wonderful review of my books. In it, you have written my heart, greatly honored the Lord; and you witness in your spirit, the Holy Spirit, confirming that this work is truly not from me but from Him! I so appreciate how well you understand that, and how beautifully you have expressed it to the world.

Several other readers have provided heart-felt, encouraging reviews of my books. You may read them posted on my publisher’s website by clicking the (Home) link below and searching out each book under shop or author. Thank you, everyone, that has taken the time to read my books and express your experience of them. It is helpful to those interested in purchasing and a great blessing to me! In taking the time to review, you are honoring the Lord and giving support to His work. May the Lord bless you, abundantly, in return–ALL Glory be to God!

Home

Many thanks to you all ❤

Lori J. (Bloxsom) O’Neil

A Real Life

Sep30

The path of the sinner is unknown to him. He doesn’t believe his destination, that of Hell, therefore he ‘knows’ he is not headed there. And so he ‘tries’ different pursuits, if they ‘feel’ right, and continues as long as no obstacle blocks his way–come what may. He is often a ‘victim,’ in dismay, of what ‘life has dealt him’–many say.

Child’s play

“There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” Proverbs 16:25

Are you ready for a real life? One that holds plan and purpose? I know the beginning and the end and My plan for you to see, is where you enter in.

When we begin–you’ll see!

“Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is easy, that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” Matthew 7:13-14

It is so much more, your life I’ve prepared, than an escape from Hell; it was designed, with you in mind, before the day you were born!

“Thy eyes beheld my unformed substance; in thy book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.” Psalms 139:16

You are My legacy–

The children I left behind and I cherish each of you. A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children–how much more have I left for you?

“I came from the Father and have come into the world; again, I am leaving the world and going to the Father.” John 16:28

“A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the sinner’s wealth is laid up for the righteous.” Proverbs 13:22

“A righteous man who walks in his integrity–blessed are his sons after him!” Proverbs 20:7

I had you in mind, when I designed the end of all time–the legacy of My Life given. Traced through My Blood, an endless genealogy, many like you, but they are not you. I had you in mind, from the beginning of time, with a purpose for only you!

You can waste life, choose to be left behind, or seek Me to see this plan through.

“Seek the Lord while he may be found, call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, says the Lord.” Isaiah 55:6-8

“Ask, and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For every one who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.” Matthew 7:7-8

Come, see your life through My Eyes–see your life given.

For the One who gave did not stay in the grave, and neither should My plan for you!

“Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom for the future. Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will be established.” Proverbs 19:20-21

“The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; thou holdest my lot. The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage. I bless the Lord who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. I keep the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices; my body also dwells secure. For thou dost not give me up to Sheol, or let thy godly one see the Pit. Thou dost show me the path of life; in thy presence there is fulness of joy, in thy right hand are pleasures for evermore.” Psalms 16:5-11

“Blessed is every one who fears the Lord, who walks in his ways! You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be happy, and it shall be well with you. Psalms 128:1-2

“Not every one who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 7:21

A Leading Legacy

May21

A legacy you leave to your children’s children when you live a life of Righteousness, Holiness. These are My gifts–given freely to all who call on My Name. And yet, there are those who gladly receive Salvation but,

from sin they never restrain.

Little ones trust that you are leading the way, and it is you they emulate. They fail to see Me, for your sin blocks the view, of the one who would call them home.

If your life is a measure of good works and pleasure, no sin to captivate thee. The actions you speak are louder than words–an example of one that does seek…

the Father above, be it a gift of love to those children you’d raise to be meek. Therefore, be not wise in your own eyes, but look to your Father in love. For if you believe, that He will receive, your loved ones unto His Throne…

Then you would be wise, to see with His Eyes…

the damage that’s certainly done.

When you no longer think, that your actions can speak–then little ones no longer will learn…

that it’s Me they should seek, or their future is bleak–for sin has no rest of its own.

Turn

Be My Example–

Lead My Sheep!

“A righteous man who walks in his integrity–blessed are his sons after him!” Proverbs 20:7

“Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good life let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. ” James 3:13

“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6

“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 5:1

“For once you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.” Ephesians 5:8-11

“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:15-16

“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and do not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh; for these are opposed to each other, to prevent you from doing what you would. But if you are led by the Spirit you are not under the law.” Galatians 5:16-18

“–the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy peace, patience, gentleness, self-control; against such there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.” Galatians 5:22-25

“Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption; but he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.” Galatians 6:7-8

“As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field; for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more. But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon those who fear him, and his righteousness to children’s children, to those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments.” Psalms 103:15-18

“Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord! Blessed are those who keep his testimonies; who seek him with their whole heart, who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways!” Psalms 119:1-3