Music ~ Day 15

Oh my, there are so many I could choose from...After much thinking and prayer, this one was my choice. "Go Tell It On The Mountain"

Go Tell It on the Mountain is an American Christmas carol dating back to at least 1865, which celebrates the birth of Jesus ~ "Go tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere; go tell it on the mountain, that Jesus Christ is born."

“Go Tell It on the Mountain,” has been named Christmas Carol of the Year for 2004.

The selection was made by William Studwell, a professor emeritus from Northern Illinois University, who is recognized as one of the world’s foremost experts on Christmas carols. He has named a Carol of the Year for 19 years.

“It is an energetic, inspired carol,” says Studwell of the century-old tune that tells the story of the birth of Christ and urges listeners to spread the word. “It is the greatest of all American folk carols.”

The piece gained little notice until the 1920s when the Fisk University Singers began performing the song. About that time the song steadily began to gain in popularity, winning over listeners with energetic beat and its enthusiastic call to action.

Most carols of the 20th century are not so enthusiastic. This is more like some of the older carols, like Joy to the World or Come All Ye Faithful in that regard, says Studwell. “It shows some real enthusiasm for the Christmas holiday."

And how appropiate, not only for my cause and my blog, but also for this Christmas Season.

Cause ~ Day 14

For this cause I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height ~ to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3:14-19)

My heart is in missions, whether near or far, sharing the love of Jesus, goodwill and encouragement to anyone who needs it. Widows, orphans, family and friends, people who are sick or dying. I am available to God when He says go...I want to join Him and do what I can to meet the needs of others, inspiring them to live victoriously.

"Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers." (3 John 2)

You Don't Have To Be Wealthy To Be Rich

Jesus said, I will never leave you nor forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5)

We all are rich in the Spirit of God when we live our lives in the Lord's light.

Faith makes the sun brighter and the air smell fresher. We see things more clearly around us and the answers to common problems come more easily, all because God helps us solve those issues when we have problems.

The Lord can help us handle everything in our lives. He is waiting to hear our prayers and eager to offer His assistance in many ways. All we have to do is reach out and ask Him. It's such a simple thing. We know we can seek help from the Lord through prayer. It brings us closer to Him and strengthens the bond of faith between us.

The Lord is listening for our words, whether they be calls for help or songs of praise. His love for us never changes. The love Jesus holds for us is strong and steady. It requires nothing on our part, only that we believe and have faith in Him.

In our hearts we know that God is watching out for us and He will work with us to reach our goals...

With the Lord beside us, we have nothing to fear and we can accomplish anything! No matter who we are, wealthy or not, sick or well, Jesus loves us all! He is there beside us throughout our lives to offer comfort and guidance, if only we look for Him.

You are already full! You are already rich!...(1 Corinthians 4:8)

My Greatest Strengths ~ Day 13

My greatest strengths and what I am really good at are: helping, encouraging and serving others in order that God's work is fulfilled.

Accomplish practical and necessary tasks which free~up, support and meet the needs of others.

I love to comfort, offer words of encouragement, hope, and reassurance to discouraged, weak, or troubled people in such a way that they are consoled. To emphasize God's promises and confidence in His will. To come along side of those who are weak in spirit to strengthen them. Motivate others to grow. To attach spiritual value to practical service.

"Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers." 3 John 2

Art Connection ~ Day 12

This speaks to me about my mission for my blog. Investing in the lives of others, sharing His love and encouraging them.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. (John 3:16-17)

This is my prayer, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Christ Jesus, to the glory and praise of God. (Philippines 1:9-11)

I want start my work in faith, continue in obedience and finish with love.

Goals ~ Day 11

What are my goals for my blog?
I want to encourage and share with others, make friends…(and I have made some wonderful friends), and to share our products around the world with others. Mixing business and pleasure, sort of say.

Am I continuously thinking of the purpose of my blog?
YES! Then God reminds me…”For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will man give in exchange for his own soul?” (Matthew 16:26)

How has it changed or remained the same?
It has remained the same for quite a while. I’m still in the learning process of how to get it out there to share and market it?? God makes all things beautiful in His time. (Ecclesiates 3:11)

Take a moment to list out those goals.
1) Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33

2) Keep learning and sharing what I learn with others…Jesus first, of course. :-)

3) Business wise…Of course, I want customer to grow my businesses.
I want people to join, but I want them to LEARN first. If they learn first of their own volition, they are: "SELLING THEMSELVES."
When they do that, there is no pressure and it becomes their idea, which makes them serious, which means they stay longer and are more likely to succeed, which means my businesses will grow.

4) Be more faithful at posting.

5) Visit other blogs more often, thanking them for what I learned from them.

What do I notice?
It is a walk by faith, not by sight. This 30 days of blogging has encouraged me. I continue to learn daily. There are people out there willing to help.

Dream ~ Day 10

I had a dream/vision in 1980...There was a BIG crowd of people gathered together at the football field here in our town, filling it and the stadium completely. It was a dream of reuniting/reconnecting people. Family to family, friends to friends, neighbor to neighbor, town to town, reaching out to one another. Linking arms.

I have never forgot that dream...

Well, a couple weeks ago I was confronted with an opportunity to make that happen...a BIG and SCARY opportunity for me to get out of my comfort zone and make it happen! The event is to take place on Labor Day Weekend 2010.

It starts out with getting to know your neighbors, having a block party, and inviting the whole town to participate.

For one designated evening, turning off the TV set, the computer, ipods, phones, laying attitudes aside, for a chance to simply reconnect. To celebrate each other. To meet a neighbor. Link arms, neighbor to neighbor, family to family and unite for one night off...together.

We live near some of the nicest people in the world...it's time we get to know them!

It is time to bring community and relationship back to the forefront of minds and hearts. No political agendas, religious barriers, no campaigns for causes, coming together in unity.

Rekindling America...one relationship at a time.

The most basic of all human function relies on "relationships". Without truly connection with people, what does life look like? Whisked away behind closed doors of voluntary isolation? Too busy to say "Hello" to someone new on the block?

Scary, YES! But I can do all things through Christ who leads me, guides me and strengthens me!

BE unrealistic, think big, think out of the box, work from your passion, stick your neck out take a risk, get out of your comfort zone, be brave, be impulsive, take your time, take your rest, create, dream, have fun, help others to score, listen, admire, give compliments, be supportive, change, surprise yourself, re-invent, give, think but not to deep, take action, live life to the max and ENJOY IT!

My Blogging Life Supporters ~ Day 9

First on my list is my wonderful husband, Larry. He is such an encourager to me and supports me in all that I do. Very patient as I sit at the computer for hours learning and writing.

Second is Bea who supports and helps me in any way possible with her gentle and patient spirit along with her storehouse of wisdom and knowledge.

Third is Vanessa Shelton who always encourages me with the "The Right Words ~ The Right Way ~ The Right Results."

My heartfelt thanks to each one of you for your support! Thank you and God bless you all exceedingly abundantly above and beyond all you can ask or think!

Visit a Site ~ Day 8

I love sharing the love of God and encourge others to live a healthy and simple life. I have truly enjoyed this site (as well as many others) and find that it supports my views in may ways spiritually and physically.

http://www.christiansimpleliving.org/BraveDareNot.htm


"Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers." 3 John 2

Question ~ Day 7

I still have so much to learn concerning things with the computer, networking, etcetra. So , my question is...

How do I do "Tags" on my sites?

Why I Blog and How I Wish To Grow It ~ Day 6

My reasons for having a Blog...
First is to invest in the lives of others by encouraging and sharing the love of Jesus Christ around the world.




Second is to share what I have to offer...To bless others in ways I never imagined possible. Living a way that is outwardly simple and inwardly rich! Simplicity...








How I wish to grow my blog...By sharing/writing things that people are interested in and desperately need...To know Jesus and His love for them.
"Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you." Matthew 6:33

Then by sharing what we have learned and experiences through the wonderful products that we take, use and offer that keep us healthy and help the environment. "Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers." 3 John 2

Remembering that quality and service reign, and there will always be those looking for "the best."

Wealth is not just what you have, but what you are.
http://www.simpleluxuryliving.com/

Ten Things That Are Important To Me ~ Day 5

"Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you." Matthew 6:33



1) God and my relationship with Him
2) Family
3) Friends
4) Health
5) Bible
6) Grace
7) Eating right
8) Creation
9) Businesses
10) Learning

In Honor of our Military ~ Day 4

To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven...a time to love, a time to hate, A time of war, a time of peace. (Ecclesiastes 3:1,8)

This is a chainsaw carving that is on the boardwalk in Coos Bay, Oregon in honor of our service men and women.

Every year Reedsport hold a chainsaw carving event and this was done by one of the carvers and donated to the boardwalk for a Memorial.

Go Visiting ~ Day 3

What one can discover when we go visiting...

Bea Kunz’s blog on cooking for taste and health is a good read. I love to be healthy and I love to cook. Bea is full of wisdom on them both. Thank you for sharing your delicious recipes and wealth of information Bea! The WeMagazine is a wonderful read also, another great wealth of information.
http://beasbeatitudes.blogspot.com/2009/11/cooking-for-taste-and-health.html

Debbie Hegeman’s blog, "the point article" got to the point…that we need to spend time with our God, our Lord Jesus and our family, including Him and our family in our business decisions and life decisions. Thank you Debbie for sharing what is so important. http://debbiellbriskincare.blogspot.com/2009/11/dont-miss-point.html

"...but God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land to the land of which He swore to Abraham, Isaac and to Jacob." Genesis 50:24

Concerning Faith ~ Day 2

"But without faith it is impossible to please God, for he that comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a Rewarder of them that diligently seek Him." Hebrews 11:6

The subject of faith is very generally misunderstood; for, in reality, faith is the simplest and plainest thing in the world, and the most easy of exercise.

Your idea of faith, I suppose, has been something like this. You have looked upon it as in some way a sort of thing~either a religious exercise of soul, or an inward, gracious disposition of heart; "something tangible," in fact, which, when you have secured it, you can look at and rejoice over, and use as a passport to God's favor, or a coin with which to purchase His gifts. Now, faith, in fact, is not in the least like this. It is nothing at all tangible. It is simply believing God; and, like sight, it is nothing apart from it's object.

You might as well shut your eyes and look inside, and see whether you have faith. For as sight is only seeing, so faith is only believing. And as the only necessary thing about sight is that you see the thing as it is, so the only necessary thing about belief is that you believe the thing as it is. The virtue does not lie in your believing, but in the thing you believe. Your salvation comes, not because your faith saves you, but because it links you to the Savior who saves; and your believing is really nothing but the link.

The headlines offer little encouragement these days. Our troubled times are nothing new. God knows and understands EVERYTHING and people have continued to achieve great things despite the ups and downs.

The Lord understands exactly what we are facing and He understands the pressure of our situations. We are NEVER alone, our Father is committed to us. His personal knowledge of our lives goes far beyond the difficulty of the moment. He knows our frustrations and plans to use each one to strengthen and prepare us for His future blessings. Be encouraged! Have faith!

Paul endured many challenges by keeping his heart set on Jesus. When adversity came, he turned to God for wisdom and strength and refused to let doubt, fear or disappointment distract him. In his darkest hour, his faith was stretched beyond what many of us could bear. Despite continuous setbacks, Paul was convinced that God would see him through the turmoil to a greater end.

"Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus" (Phil. 3:12).

Let go of fears and doubts.

Every moment, Every situation, Every issue, and Every concern has a positive side. Find it and bring it to life.

Believe it and Receive it.

Heart~felt Gratitude ~ Day 1

First and foremost, I am so grateful I know Jesus Christ! I thank Him for loving me so much that He died for me, forgiving all my sins. I thank Him for everyone and everything in my life. It is in Him that I live and move and have my being.

It would take more space than I am allowed here on Blogger to list all of my gratitude's. There are so many that I am blessed to know and have learned so much from. Thank you all!

As I sit here having a delicious cup of hot tea, I am so grateful for Bea Kunz of Sage Hill Farms. Love ya sweet Bea!

I first met Bea on the Ryze ~ WINning Sisters Network when I first joined. I had not been on a computer much, other than E-mail, let alone be on a "Network." Bea made me feel real comfortable and right at home. She was very knowledgable and very patient with me while teaching me the ropes of networking. She always listened and responded, allowing me to share my heart with her.

Bea has introduced me to many wonderful people on Ryze, she has helped me with some health issues, with some do's and don't's about sharing on Networking sites. She has been a BIG help in promoting me and our businesses.

She has also introduced me to her wonderful world of herbs, I am also so grateful for that!

Bea is a very warm hearted, loving and caring lady full of wisdom and knowledge, always willing to share it. She is the owner of Sage Hill Farms. Do stop by her site for a visit. You will be glad you did! http://www.safehillfarmsandvintagestore.com

Thank you Bea for being the beautiful lady and friend that you are!!

Debbie Dreyer
Simple Luxury Living

Don't Assume

We should never take for granted the special time we have with those closest to us. The memories that we create during the holiday season as well as on the normal days that we are together stay with us much longer than we could ever imagine in that moment. It is important that we show our love and care when we spend time together so that in our absence only good will be remembered and thought upon. We should be thankful that they are in our lives and do all we can to let them know how special they are to us. Don't assume they already know that you love them, but rather say the words so that there will never be any doubt in their minds. Be encouraged to remember how fragile life really is and do not pass an opportunity to sit with those younger than you as well as those older than you to reminisce, laugh, encourage, teach and simply share your love one with another.
(James 4:13-14) (Romans 12:10) (1 Peter 3:8-11)

I pray that your heart is encourages to spend time with your loved ones no matter how busy life may get. The memories that will be created will be well worth any time that was sacrificed.

Mom had arose early in the morning and had already started cooking the turkey and the wonderful smell went throughout the house. This smell reminded me that I was in charge of helping mom make the delicious stuffing.

She and I chopped up the nice green celery and the perfect onions. We then threw them into a hot pan with about two (maybe more!) sticks of melted butter. I could toss in some sage, parsley, salt, pepper and poultry seasoning.

Mother had to pull the turkey out of the oven, as she had to add some hot turkey juice to our stuffing. I stirred the vegetables with a wooden spoon, until they were lightly brown. Then, she poured it all into a huge bowl that was filled to the top with flavored croutons. We guessed on how many eggs to add. She mixed and stirred and mixed and stirred until the favorite time of the day arrived.
It was time to taste.

Mom gave me a spoon and took one for herself and we both dipped our spoons in. She always asked me, What do you think it needs? I would say it needs just a bit more sage, a tad more butter and a lot more turkey juice.
Then, we would taste it again. A little more pepper. It went on and on until it tasted just perfect!

Mom would stuff the moist dressing into the gigantic bird. She would put what was leftover, into a real dainty casserole dish. Back into the oven went our turkey with of course, the dressing. An hour before dinner was to be served she would place the stuffing casserole into the oven.

I couldn't wait to eat everything ~ turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry relish ~ and especially, the remarkable dressing. The dressing was the most delicious and
luscious, probably because I helped! I can still taste it today as my mouth waters.

Every year at Thanksgiving that was my job ~ to help make the stuffing taste great!

It was a special time. Not only for Thanksgiving but a special time for my mom and me. I am thankful to her for allowing me to help make the stuffing and prepare the Thanksgiving dinner.

Mom is no longer with us, but the times spent with her and helping her will be times I'll always remember! Times I will always hold very dear and near to my heart!

Matthew 25:37-40 Jesus declares, Then shall the righteous answer Him, saying, Lord, when saw we Thee an hungred, and fed Thee? or thirsty, and gave Thee drink? When saw we Thee a stranger, and took Thee in? or naked,and clothed Thee? Or when saw we Thee sick, or in prison, and came unto Thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto Me.

Galatians 6:1-4 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.

Ever Wonder What Happens To Our Sins

We are all sinners. "For there is no difference; for ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23)

No one can live up to what God created us to be, we all fall short of His glory. We cannot save ourselves because as sinners we can never meet God's requirements. Our only hope is faith in Jesus Christ.

Jesus sent His Only Begotten Son to die for our sins, the sins of the world...past, present and future.

As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. (Psalm 103:12)

He removes our sins completely. He will again have compassion on us, and will subdue our iniquities. He will cast our sins into the depths of the sea. (Micah 7:19)

We are to have a reverential fear of God, not a tormenting fear.

We do not have to fear the past, present or future, for we are experiencing His love, and this love is being perfected (matured, completed) in us day by day.

Our sins have been judged already at the Cross, and they will never be brought against us again! "We are as He is in this world." (1 John 4:17) "We know that we shall be like Him when he returns." (1 John 3:1-2)

We are identified with Christ as members of His body and the Father deals with us as He deals with His own beloved Son.

How then, can we ever be afraid?

We don't have to be afraid of the future because our sins were judged in Christ when He died on the Cross.

We don't have to be afraid of the past because "He first loved us." It wasn't that we loved Him, but that He loved us. (1 John 4:10)

For if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, MUCH MORE having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. (Romans 5:10)

If God loved us when we were outside the family, disobeying Him, how MUCH MORE does He love us now that we are His children?

What amazing love!!

We don't have to fear the present because "perfect love casts out fear" there is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. (1 John 4:18)

As we grow in His love, we cease to be fearful of what He will do. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7) And, we have received a spirit of adoption as sons, by which we cry out, Abba Father! (Romans 8:15)

God wants us to live in an atmosphere of love and confidence, not fear and torment.

He helps us grow not only in grace and knowledge, but also in our love for Him.

Our lives are suppose to be a "daily" experience of growing in His love, which involves coming to know Him, our Heavenly Father in a MUCH deeper way as we grow in love.

Our love is being perfected daily, and that should give us confidence toward Him.

Who shall bring a charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, distress, or persecution or famine, or nakedness, peril, or sword? In all these things we are overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. I'm convinced that neither death nor life, nor angels, nor principilities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, not height, nor depth, nor any other created thing shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:33-39)