The Hands of God

Life's Hills and Valleys

2012-01-01T15:03:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! I pray you are thankful for all God seen you through in 2011 and that you are excited about what He is going to do in 2012.

"...but the land which you pass over to possess is a land of hills and valleys, which drinks water from the rain of heaven, a land for which the Lord your God cares, the eyes of the Lord your God are always on it, from the beginning of the year to the very end of the year" (Deuteronomy 11:11-12).

We stand upon the verge of the unknown. There lies before us the new year and we are going forth to possess it.

Who can tell what we will find? What new experiences, what changes shall come, what new needs shall arise? But here is the cheering, comforting, gladdening message from our Heavenly PaPa God, "The Lord thy God cares for it. His eyes are upon it away to the ending of the year."

The land is a land of hills and valleys. It's not all smooth nor all downhill. If life were all one dead level, the dull sameness would oppress us. We want the hills and the valleys. The hill collects the rain for a hundred fruitful valleys.

So it is with us...it's the hill difficulty that drives us to the throne of grace and brings down the shower of blessing.

We cannot tell what loss, sorrow and trial are doing. Only trust. PaPa God comes near to take our hand and lead us on our way "today."

God promises...

Because of your unbelief, for assuredly I say to you, if you have faith of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, "Move from here to there," and it will move and nothing will be impossible for you (Matthew 17:20).

You have to think BIG! Don't let ego, fears or failures stop you from thinking big.

Now unto Him that is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us (Ephesians 3:20).

Most assuredly I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also, and greater works than these he will do, because I go My Father (John 14:12).

We have to start small (as a mustard seed). So often we focus on the size of our mountain, not the size of our God.

Unlock the promises of God in your life this New Year, He has so many for you. Go possess the land. It shall be a good and blessed year. God will bless you as you seek to know Him more fully this year.

"And those who know Your name will put their trust in You, for You, Lord God, have not forsaken those who seek You (Psalm 9:10)."

How Jesus Handled Stress

2011-07-05T12:01:00.000-07:00

When He called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, "Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?" (Mark 8:34-37)

This doesn't say anything about following after man or man's ways. It says; Follow Me (Jesus).

Jesus came to give us a life of wholeness and fullness. He never run around in a panic. He was able to live at peace. He is our example, so how do we handle stress?

1. Identification: Know who you are. Children of God, His creation.

Jesus knew who He was. He spoke to the people and said, "I am the light of the world. If you follow Me, you won't have to walk in darkness because you will have the light that leads to life" (John 8:12).
I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me (John 14:6).
Jesus replied, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me shall never hunger again (John 6:35).

Don't let others tell you who you are!

2. Motivation: Know who your living for. Most people like "stuff." Are you living for self, others, or God?

I of Myself can do nothing. As I hear, I judge, and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me (John 5:30).
And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him (John 8:29).

We can't be all things to all people. We all have expectations of who or what we are suppose to be. No one can pressure us without our permission. We don't have to live according to pressures and expectations of others.

There are amazing things God wants us to do. He is shaping us to do them.

He has given each of us SHAPE:

S-spiritual gifts
H-heart
A-abilities to perform
P-personalities
E-experiences

We all live for someone or something. Live for the right One.

3. Vocation: Know your calling. We are all called out to live different roles (we can't do it all). We are all unique and special.

I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love...(Ephesians 4:1).

What is contributing to your calling? Do that. Use the gifts He has given you. Your personality and your experiences.

4. Concentration: Focus on what matters most. If satan can't get you to be bad, he will keep you busy, blurry, and distracted.

Jesus was focused, knew what He was called to do and did it confidently.

Now it came to pass, when the time had come for Him to be received up, that He steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem...(Luke 9:51).

What we consider important usually doesn't matter for eternal purposes.

5. Meditation: Listen to God. Take the time to be alone with Father God, communicate (talk to) and listen. Give Him quality time.

Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place, and there he prayed (Mark 1:35).

So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed (Luke 5:16).

Ask Him if He has anything to say to you, then LISTEN to Him. Don't let worldly things distract you.

6. Collaboration: Join a small group. Life is made for us to be together. We serve a relational God. Jesus modeled it.

Then He appointed twelve, that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach, and to have power to heal sicknesses and to cast out demons (Mark 3:14-15).

Believing you don't need anyone and thinking you can do it alone is selfish human pride.

7. Recreation: Take time to recharge, to rest your body.

And Jesus said to them, "Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while" (Mark 6:31).

He makes me lie dow in green pastures, He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul...(Psalm 23: 2-3).

We need to make time to rest and relax. If we don't, God will make us one way or another.

8. Salvation: Give your life to Jesus Christ.

"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-30).

What drives your life? What causes you to do what you do? Are you driven by pressures of this world or by purpose, God's purpose? Do you realize your spiritual potential that lies within you?

Don't let the voices of this world drown out the "still small voice" of Jesus.

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting ALL your care upon Him, for He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7).

Jesus doesn't want us living a life of pressure and stress. Find rest for your soul. Accept what He has done for you on the Cross.

Believe in Yourself

2011-05-27T19:19:00.000-07:00

With the mundane routines of daily life, we sometimes forget how special we truly are. We don't remember our gifts and talents and we believe the lie that we are on this Earth merely existing. What we should do is bring into remembrance what God says about us. He calls us special, unique, original, blessed, inspired, lifted up and the apple of His eye. The Lord sees us much more highly than we sometimes see ourselves and we need to be reminded of how special we really are to Him. No matter the discouragements that come our way, we can learn the lesson, rise up from it and become better than we were before. (Zechariah 2:8) (Jeremiah 29:11)

By learning from the lessons of life, we can use what we've learned to better our life, to remain strong in the midst of other trials and to realize that God will not bring us to a situation unless He already knew that we were strong enough to overcome it. Be encouraged to see how loved you truly are. You are a strong individual who is well able to rise up again, be all that God made you to be and accomplish all that is within your heart. Believe in yourself as God believes in you and you will accomplish great things in this life. (Isaiah 54:17) (Ephesians 6:10)

Our purpose is to add the colors of Heaven to the sometimes grey world around us.

Whether you change sooner or later isn’t important, however. What is important is that you shine today. What matters is that you make this world a better and more loving place now. Let your true colors out. Share a smile. Give a hug. Say a kind word. Feed the hungry. Visit the lonely. Comfort the crying. Care for the hurting. Show others just how much God loves them from the life you lead. Then your soul will glow like the leaves of Heaven.

May this message encourage and challenge your heart to believe in yourself again. See how special you are. Revive the gifts within you to bless your life as well as the lives of those around you.

Psalm 103:1-5 “Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.”

Making the Most of Your Mind

2011-05-03T16:35:00.000-07:00

Though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds (any false idea that controls your mind such as fear, guilt, envy, impatience). We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:3-5).

• Don’t believe everything you think. “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9) There are things that come to our mind that’s just not true. We have an amazing ability to lie to ourselves. Our brain tells our eyes what to see. It’s important what we put into our minds.

• Guard your mind against garbage. “A wise person is hungry for knowledge, while the fool feeds on trash.” (Proverbs 15:14) Good food gives good results-bad foods give toxins with bad results. Whatever you resist persists. Focus on good. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Phil.) “I will not look at anything wicked. I hate those who turn against you, they will not be found near me.” (Psalm 101:3) (Philippians 4:6-8)

• Never let up on learning. “Intelligent people are always ready to learn. Their ears are open for knowledge.” (Proverbs 18:15) Become a questioner…ask questions! “Wise people treasure knowledge, but the babbling of a fool invites disaster.” (Proverbs 10:14) Even a broken clock is right twice a day… ”Those who get wisdom do themselves a favor, and those who love learning will succeed.” (Proverbs 19:8)

• Renew your mind daily with God’s Word. “Do not be conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is, His good, pleasing, and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2) “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, whose thoughts are fixed on you.” (Isaiah 26:3) We need daily encouragement with the Word of God.

• Let God stretch your imagination. “In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams.” (Acts 2:17) “Now glory be to God, who by His mighty power at work within us is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or think (infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes). May He be given glory forever and ever through endless ages because of His master plan of salvation for the church through Jesus Christ.” (Ephesians 3:20-21)

“Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled, set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.” (1Peter 1:13) You have to have a dream, a vision! God will always give us what we need to accomplish His purpose.

How can You Know Your Destiny?

2011-04-25T15:59:00.000-07:00

How Can We Know Our Destiny?
The story of Esther

First we must recognize the gift that God has given us to use. “Hegai was very impressed with Esther and treated her kindly. He quickly ordered a special menu for her and provided her with beauty treatments. He also assigned her seven maids specially chosen from the king’s palace, and he moved her and her maids into the best place in the harem” (Esther 2:9) “And Esther won the favor of everyone who saw her” (Esther 2:15b). “And the king loved Esther more than any of the other young women. He was so delighted with her that he set the royal crown on her head and declared her queen instead of Vashti” (Esther 2:17)

Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.

What has God given you to use for good?

We must identify the needs that stir our heart. “When Queen Esther’s maids and eunuchs came and told her about Mordecai, she was deeply distressed” (Esther 4:4a).

What needs do you see around you that disturb you?

We must take the time to hear God’s call on our life. Mordecai sent this reply to Esther. Don’t think for a moment that because your in the palace you will escape when all other Jews are killed. If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?” (Esther 4:13-14).

Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: “Go and gather together all the Jews of Susa and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will do the same” (Esther 4:15-16a).

When will you take time to listen?

We must make a faith commitment. “And then, though it is against the law, I will go see the king. If I perish, I perish” (Esther 4:16b).

What faith commitments will you make?

THE (SCIENTIFIC) DEATH OF JESUS

2011-04-21T05:21:00.000-07:00

May His love embrace your heart. May His eternal light guide your path. May his sacrifice strengthen your soul.

At the age of 33, Jesus was condemned to the death...

At the time crucifixion was the "worst" death. Only the worst criminals were condemned to be crucified. Yet it was even more dreadful for Jesus, unlike other criminals condemned to death by crucifixion Jesus was to be nailed to the cross by His hands and feet.

Each nail was 6 to 8 inches long. The nails were driven into His wrist. Not into His palms as is commonly portrayed. There's a tendon in the wrist that extends to the shoulder. The Roman guards knew that when the nails were being hammered into the wrist that tendon would tear and break, forcing Jesus to use His back muscles to support himself so that He could breathe.

Both of His feet were nailed together. Thus He was forced to support Himself on the single nail that impaled His feet to the cross. Jesus could not support himself with His legs because of the pain so He was forced to alternate between arching His back then using his legs just to continue to breathe. Imagine the struggle, the pain, the
suffering, the courage. Jesus endured this reality for over 3 hours. Yes, over 3 hours!

Can you imagine this kind of suffering? A few minutes before He died, Jesus stopped bleeding. He was simply pouring water from his wounds. From common images we see wounds to His hands and feet and even the spear wound to His side...But do we realize His wounds were actually made in his body. A hammer driving large nails through the wrist, the feet overlapped and an even large nail hammered through the arches, then a Roman guard piercing His side with a spear. But before the nails and the spear Jesus was whipped and beaten. The whipping was so severe that it tore the
flesh from His body. The beating so horrific that His face was torn and his beard ripped from His face. The crown of thorns cut deeply into His scalp. Most men
would not have survived this torture.

He had no more blood to bleed out, only water poured from His wounds.

The human adult body contains about 3.5 liters (just less than a gallon) of blood.
Jesus poured all 3.5 liters of his blood; He had three nails hammered into His members; a crown of thorns on His head and, beyond that, a Roman soldier who stabbed a spear into His chest...

All these without mentioning the humiliation He suffered after carrying His own
cross for almost 2 kilometers, while the crowd spat in his face and threw stones (the cross was almost 30 kg of weight, only for its higher part, where His hands were
nailed).

Jesus had to endure this experience, to open the Gates of Heaven, so that you can have free access to God. So that your sins could be "washed" away. All of them, with no exception!

Don't ignore this situation. JESUS CHRIST DIED FOR YOU!

Accept the reality, the truth that JESUS IS THE ONLY SALVATION FOR THE WORLD.

God has plans for you, show all your friends what He experienced to save you. Now think on this! May God bless your life!

"Everyone therefore who acknowledges me before others, I also will acknowledge before My Father in heaven; but whosoever denies Me before others, I also will deny before My Father in heaven" (Matthew 10:32-33).

I love God. He is my source of life and my Savior. He keeps me alive day and night.
Without Him, I am nothing, but with Him "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13).

Have a Happy easter and may God richly bless you!

Blessed or Stressed - Your Choice

2011-03-21T09:38:00.000-07:00

Blessed is the man who listens to Me, watching DAILY at My gates, waiting at the posts of My doors (Proverbs 8:34).

God promises to bless our life if we "meet with Him DAILY." A necessary component to having an intimate relationship with Him.

God promises to bless our life if we study and obey His Word. We will be like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers (Psalm 1:1-3).

"But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don't forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it" (James 1:25).

God promises to bless our life if we tithe our income. Ouch!
He wants what our money represents - our heart. "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:21).

"Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house. Test Me in this, says the Lord Almighty, and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it" (Malachi 3:10)

Tithe if you love Jesus, any one can honk a horn...

God promises to bless our life if we help others with their needs.
"He who has a generous eye will be blessed, for he gives of his bread to the poor" (Proverbs 22:9).
Good people bless and build up their city, but the wicked can destroy it with their words" (Proverbs 11:11).

God promises to bless our life if we share the Good News!
"I pray you be active in sharing your faith, so that you will fully understand every blessing we have in Christ" (Philemon 1:6)
"The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work" (1 Corinthians 3:8).

God promises to bless our life if we participate in fellowship. God uses His people. Don't do life alone!
"I'm eager to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours. In this way, each of us will be a blessing to the other" (Romans 1:12).

"Now that you know these things, God will bess you for doing them" (John 13:7).

We all need room for growth. At first it feels funny, but it is worth it! Walk in His ways, experience God's fulfillment of His promises in your life. All His promises are YES and AMEN.

Processing Your Destiny

2011-02-24T20:15:00.000-08:00

God's destiny for your life is good, not disasterous.

For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans of peace and not of evil, plans to give you a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11)

See, I have set before you this day life and good, death and evil. In that I command you this day to love the Lord your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments, His statutes and His judgments that you may live and multiply, and the Lord your God shall bless you in the land which you go to possess....I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing, therefore choose life, that both you and your desendants may live (Deuteronomy 30:15-20).

Will you follow God's plan or your plan in life? Life or death? Blessing or cursing?

How do you possess your destiny?

You must prepare a plan. Like the old saying goes, "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail."
Where there is no vision, the people perish; but he that keeps the law, happy is he (Proverbs 29:18).

You'll never experience your destiny if your stuck on the past ~ it's gone, move on!

What do you need to let go of? Don't allow that to become the focus of your life. Get ready to receive from God (Joshua 1:1-11).

When you make a plan, you usually achieve it. What would you like to see happen in your life, your marriage, your finances, your spirituality? Where would you like to see your life go?
Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed (Proverbs 16:3).

You must build your life completely on God's Word, not just the foundation.
Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing (Psalm 34:10)

You must courageously step out in faith. God will show up faithfully.
You will experience battles and blessings. The battles are to hel you grow in your character. Smith Wigglesworth said, "Great faith only comes through great trials."

No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will never fail you or abandon you. Be strong and courageous...(Joshua 1:5-6).

What Jordon River/obstacle do you need to overcome? If God tells you to do something, step out in faith.

Have I not commanded you to do this? So be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9).

Fear will stop you from starting, discouragment will keep you from going forward.

God keeps His promises. Step out in faith.

When You Don't "Feel" Like Trusting

2011-02-16T10:04:00.000-08:00

Trust in Him at all times, ye people, pour out your heart before Him, God is a refuge for us (Psalm 62:8)

Remember that trust is not an emotion, trust is a choice. Trust God even in the midst of those "feelings."

Let not your heart be troubled, you believe in God, believe also in Me (John 14:1)

Choose to trust God even when you don't feel like.

Set your heart on God's love. Sometimes we "feel" like we don't deserve to be loved, but there's NOTHING that can keep us from God's love.

That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith, that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints, what is the bread and length, depth, and height His love really is (Ephesians 3:17-18).

Set your mind on that which will last. Fix your eyes on the unseen things, the reality of the reward.

If you then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sits on the right hand of God (Colossians 3:1).

What we "feel" isn't always real. Set your mind, not on your feelings.

Don't face it alone! Human nature resists reaching out and sharing our feelings and emotions with others.

And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him, and a threefold cord is not quickly broken (Ecclesiastes 4:12).

We all need someone to help support us when we have those feelings. We can't live life the way God wants us to by ourselves. Together we are strong.

When should you trust?

Trust when you are worried...With the way our world is heading we worry about many things, loss of job, loss of home, medical issues, marriage problems, wayward children and many other things happening in our lives.

Be careful for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace that passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7).

Trust when you are afraid...

Moses said unto the people, Fear not, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will show to you today, for the Egyptians who you have seen today, you shall see them again no more forever (Exodus 14:13).

The Egyptians died when God parted the Red Sea. Be willing to take steps of faith, God will show up in miraculous ways!

Trust when you are stubborn, hard headed, stiff necked...

Wherefore, as the Holy Ghost says, Today if you will hear His voice, harden not your hearts, as Israel did when they rebelled, when they tested me in the wilderness (Hebrews 3:7-8).

Don't listen to the words of man, but listen to God and respond. Listen to godly advice. Humble yourself, God loves you. Trust Him.

Trust when you are worn out, exhausted...

Come unto Me, all you that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28).

Evidently our way doesn't work. We make a mess of things. We must go to God. Trust Him, and He will give us rest.

He must increase, but I must decrease (John 3:30).

Trusting God Through Trouble

2011-01-31T14:36:00.000-08:00

Trust, what does it mean?

A firm belief or confidence in the honest, integrity, reliability, and justice of another person or thing, faith, reliance...Confidence in a purchaser's intention or future ability to pay for goods...Trustworthiness, loyalty...To commit (to a person's care), entrust (to a person)...To expect confidently, hope.

* To allow someone to do something without fearing the outcome. Delegate, allow help from others.
In God I have put my trust, I will not be afraid, what can man do to me? (Psalm 56:11)

Don't keep trying to find a way out of your troubles. Trust Jesus! Let Him do what He wants to do, in His way and His time. Trust Him, don't fear Him.

* To run into a shelter or hiding place, to seek refuge.
Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me! For my soul trusts in You, and in the shadow of Your wing I will make my refuge, until these calamities have passed by (Psalm 57:1).

We feel sheltered in our soul in the presence of God.

* To lean the weigth of your soul on the reliability, integrity, and friendship of another person.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5).

What are you leaning on? Lean on the everlasting arms of Jesus.

* To take someone at their word. Take God at His Word.
Your Word is truth (John 17:17)

You trust God, But...do you trust Him with your finances? Your crumbling marriage? Your wayward child?

Trust, it will change the way you view things. God makes everything beautiful in His time (Ecclesiastes 3:11). We don't see the whole picture, but God does.

A new perspective.

We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed (2 Corinthains 4:8-9).

Which side of the comma are you living?

For we walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).

How do you really trust God?

1) Feed on His Word. It's fertilizer to help you grow. It's the water, bread, milk, and meat of our lives.
2) Pray for the reign of the Holy Spirit in your life.
3) Pull the weeds of worry, un-forgiveness, bitterness, envy, etc.
4)Guard against the bugs of poor choices, bad habits, unhealthy relationships, negative behaviors, etc.
5) Prepare for a harvest. Don't give up on the process God is taking you through.

Therefore, we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, the things which are not seen are eternal (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).

Lean the ladder of your soul upon God, trust Him. Get in His Word.

Trusting God in Life's Changes

2011-01-25T05:59:00.001-08:00

Change can be a very good thing. Change is inevitable. Nothing stays the same (Genesis 8:22). There is no growth without change. Some of the greatest things we learn come from pain and difficult times.

How can we allow God to help us grow though change?

Look for God in the change. Don't run from change, seek God. "You will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart" (Jeremiah 29:13).

Ask for wisdom. "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him" (James 1:5).

Listen for God's whisper. "Now a word was secretly brought to me, and my ear received a whisper of it" (Job 1:12). Be still so you can hear that gentle whisper of God.

Don't ask why, but what. What do you want to show me? What do you want me to learn and do?

Every situation is an education. Don't be a victim, be a victor. Don't be a whiner, be a winner. Grow closer to the character of God. "...we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance, and perseverance, character, and character hope" (Romans 5:3-4).

Why does life have to be so hard? God wants to change us and we resist change.

Do you resist growth God wants to bring in your life?

Focus on what never changes.

God's love. "The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying, Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love" (Jeremiah 31:3).

God's Word. "The grass withers, the flower fades, but the Word of our God stands forever" (Isaiah 40:8).

God's plans. "The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of His heart to all generations" (Psalm 33:11).

Don't face change alone. "Two are better than one, because they have good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up...Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand them. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken" (Ecclesiasted 4:9-10, 12). Accept help from others, don't withdraw and get away. Pride goes before a fall. Grow together.

You need to become a promise person. There are over 7000 promise God wants us to experience. "...being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ" (Philippians 1:6).

Tell God that you will trust Him no matter what! "Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him" (Job13:15). Hold everything God gives you with an open hand. The Lord gives and the Lord takes away.

The pain we go through is not for nothing ~ God is refining our character, making us in His image.

Not my will, but Your will be done Father.

Experience His Rest

2011-01-21T20:40:00.000-08:00

View your journey with the Lord as through you were going on a cruise. He wants us to enjoy our journey and to experience continual renewal as we travel. So, we need regular times of replenishment to be strengthened for the different ports to which He leads us. Our journey will extend for a time, not just a season.

It is important that we learn how to experience, along the way, the rest that only God can provide.

Psalm 23:1-3 provides a lovely picture of the rest that God makes possible, even in the midst of busy and hectic lives:

"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul, He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake."

I seen a T-shirt in a catalog that said, "I am woman. I am invincible. I am tired." I'm sure there are many other women who join me in feeling the need to experienc the Lord's rest while we continue on His journey.

From the beginning of creation, God has been concerned about rest fro His children. It is so important that He instituted it in His Law as one of the Ten Commandments: "Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days a week are set apart for your daily duties and regular work, but the seventh day is a day of rest dedicated to the Lord your God" (Exodus 20:8-10).

The word Sabbath means "rest." This is a day to remember the Lord and to honor Him. It's a day for taking a break from work and enjoying a time of refreshment. In the rhythm of our lives, we need one day out of seven to STOP, BE STILL, WORSHIP, and be RENEWED spiritually and physically.

As much as possible, Sunday is a day for me to rest. Going to church and worship, have a relaxing day resting and reading. It's a great way to get ready for tackling another six days.

Resting one day a week is not a legalism to appease God, but a gift from Him for our benefit. It pleases Him when we accept and enjoy it as He intended.

What does a restful Sunday look like?

Jesus says, "Come to me , all who are weary and heavey laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and you shall find rest fro your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-30).

How can we turn down an invitation like that? To trade in a heavy burden for a light load?

To be taught by the Master Teacher who is humble and meek is a high privilege. To be yoked to our Lord and Savior is a supreme honor! Living the way this relationship offers is refreshing. It's quiet and calm. It's comforting and restoring. It's restful because the Prince of Peace is in the yoke with us.

Are you experiencing the benefits of being yoked with the Lord?

Do you ever experience the Lord's rest in the midst of your busyness?

When our service is the will of God, we have His power to do what He gives us to do. We experience His refreshment in the process of our work that is done for Him.

"Rest in the Lord and wait paitently for Him" (Psalm 37:7). The Lord wants us to trust Him with ALL our hearts, and part of that trust is resting and waiting for His timing. I'm the epitome of impatience. I'm still in the learning process :-)

Joseph had to learn to rest many years as a slave and prisoner.
David who wrote about rest and wait, had to wait years to become king.
Abraham and Sarah waited twenty-five years for the birth of Isaac.
Esther learned to wait overnight before telling her husband about the decree that would destroy the Jews.

God has a time schedule, and He uses what we call delays to produce patience and trust in us, and to accomplish His purposes in establishing His kingdom.

Rest, refreshment, and renewal are healing words. God wants to make them a reality in your life. He Himself will provide everything you need, particularly rest and strength for your daily walk. Receive the freedom He offers you from having to worry about what lies ahead.

Green meadows and peaceful streams are part of your journey. Wear His yoke so that you allow Him to lead you there.

Waiting-A Difficult Life Lesson

2011-01-15T16:15:00.000-08:00

When the world ~ or your own heart, tells you to run ahead, God may be telling you to "wait."

Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him. Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way...(Psalm 37:7)

This kind of waiting doesn't imply idleness or apathy, but a determined stillness. A quiet, expectant, steadfast, and diligent activity that takes place until we receive further instruction.

When we wait for God's clear direction, we keep in step with Him.

As we wait, we place complete trust in Him whether we see results or not. We don't become anxious because we know that God has a divine purpose for telling us to wait.

When we do wait for His clear direction, we are staying in step with Him. He uses the wait time to prepare us for His will, to strengthen our faith, and to shift our motives. Waiting is essential in living a Christian life, walking in obedience, and receiving His blessing.

The truths God teaches us are invaluable and practical because they affect our character development, choices and lifestyle. Their influence reaches way beyond our earthly lifetimes all the way to eternity.

Psalm 27:14 says; "Wait on the Lord, be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, Wait, I say, on the Lord." This verse calls for an active choice to be at rest, resting in God and His timing. It's an internal stillness of spirit that stays with you throughout the day.

Waiting is really tough when a situation is stressful or a decision has to be made now. But remember, God has plans for us, and there are instances when He will stop us in our tracks until we do some "internal housecleaning."

The Lord has places to take us, and He knows what baggage needs to be left behind. He is the Master of time and sovereignly works all the specifics of His grand design for humanity. No amount of prayer and fasting will move His hand until He is ready.

Sometimes His delays are to increase our faith. If He instantaneously gave us everything we wanted, we would never learn to walk by faith. When we only have a promise from the Scriptures with no visible evidence to rely on, then our faith is put to the test. Will we believe Him or our circumstances?

When your eyes can't see the evidence, trust what you know is true. Just because we can't see anything happening doesn't mean the Lord is uninvolved (2 Chronicles 16:9).

He promises to hear and answer those who wait patiently for Him and establish their steps (Psalm 40:1), and increased strength (Isaiah 40:31). He promises to strengthen the one who remains still and quiet before Him, actively listening for His still small voice.

I don't know what you are waiting for, but I do know that if you believe what God tells you in His Word and patiently rest in His chioce and timing for your situation, you will experience a new spirit of joy and confidence.

Believe His promises, rest confidently in what He says. For His thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways His ways. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are His ways higher than your ways and His thoughts than your thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9).

The Fragrance of Christ

2010-12-14T11:33:00.000-08:00

I'm sure you have had a negative experience when sharing the good news of Christ. Some people just don't want to hear about Him. Even though your concern is for their eternal life, they usually think your shoving "religion" down their throats.

To help us understand why so many have a negative reaction to our faith, the apostle Paul uses the analogy of a Roman celebration of victory. In his day, when a general returned to Rome after conquering the enemy, he made a triumphal entry and led a parade through town. he rode in a golden chariot surrounded by his officers and followed by his troops. At the end of the procession were the chained captives.

During this pageantry, clouds of inscense floated among the participants and the assembled onlookers as pagan priests carried their censors. To the conquerors, this was the sweet aroma of victory. To the captives, it was the smell of death, for they would soon be killed by wild animals in the arena.

In the same way, we are a sweet fragrance of Christ to one another as we follow in His victory over sin and death. However, to those who don't know Him as Savior, we are reminded of the judgment they dread.

Even though some people will be repulsed by us and our message, we MUST continue to share our hope with gentleness and grace (1 Peter 3:15-16). Paul hated Christians at one time, yet he would be the first to affirm that the Lord can reach a hardened heart and change a captive into a victor!

December – The month for peace

2010-11-30T11:12:00.000-08:00

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men” (Luke 2:14)

December brings a chilly, gray looking sky. Colors are muted, and cold weather seems here to stay. Winter solstice arrives toward the end of the month, with the official first day of winter. Even now, days are beginning to lengthen and we can gradually look forward to more daylight.

Though one of the coldest months on our calendar, it is one of the warmest months in our hearts. For it is the month that Jesus was born. He came into the world poor, wrapped in swaddling clothes, His bed a manger. Joseph and Mary, His parents, were far from the comfort of their home the night of His birth, having journeyed to Bethlehem to be counted in a census. Turned away from the inn, they were sent to a stable. There, among common animals, He was born.

The world was changed for all time!

This is a story told many times, but never to grow old. It rings down through centuries, always new and inspiring. For Jesus came to bring peace and love to a weary world. His words and deeds are fresh in our hearts to this very day. The joy of His birth is echoed in the love we share with others.

Sometimes the message of His birth gets lost in commercial trappings of the holiday. It becomes a time of gifts and cards and parties. But we should always remember the real reason for Christmas.

Take time during the holiday festivities to stop and think of Jesus. When His Spirit of Peace becomes a part of our lives, each day will be Christmas, and each night will hold promise of joy in the morning. So find a quiet corner and say a little prayer, a prayer of love and brotherhood for all men.
Usher the old year out by letting your faith shine like a beacon to herald the new year.

Decide right now things are going to be better for you and for your loved ones and that, with God’s help, you will work hard to make it your best year ever!

December 7th – Pearl Harbor Day, the anniversary of the Japanese attack of Pearl

Harbor in 1941, putting the United States into World War ll.

December 25th – Christmas, the birthday of Jesus, and a time for good will toward all men.

December 31st – New Year’s Eve…a time to say goodbye to the old year and welcome the new year with anticipation.

The beautiful story of Christmas

And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
And there were in the same country, shepherds abiding in the field keeping watch over their flock by night.
And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not, for, behold, I bring you good tiding of great joy, which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men. (Luke 2: 7-14)

Personal Forecast
If you were born in December, you are ambitious and hard working. Your interests are many, and you are curious about many things. You have great self discipline, which makes you a tower of strength to those who depend on you. Don’t be too pessimistic this month. It is a good time to apply yourself, because things will work out well for you if you really try. Your faith in the Lord’s blessings will be rewarded!

A Prayer for December
Dear Lord, I pray now for Your blessing of peace for all mankind, peace that comes from faith we can all work toward a new year of harmony and good will. May everyone be filled with joy in small things, touched by affection and good friends. A truly happy life doesn’t demand wealth or fame. It is sufficient to have enough for each day’s needs, with something left over to share with those less fortunate. It is to be surrounded by dear ones, and to make them glad. It is to love and be loved. To have all this is to be rich beyond measure, and to live in true contentment and peace of mind. This is the month we celebrate the birth of Jesus, Prince of Peace. Let me always remember His lessons, and strive to follow in His way. Teach me to think of other people with understanding, and to live each day fully and trustingly, enfolded in Your love. Please let the coming year find me strong in faith, Lord. Thank You, Precious Father. Amen and Amen.

2010 Angel Card Project

2010-11-26T09:50:00.000-08:00

Mark is founder of the Angel Card Project. Every year lots and lots of folks come together to spread a little holiday cheer to those who need it. They join together and all send Holiday cards to the less fortunate, sick, elderly, lonely, and those who just generally need a good cheering up! Many of the people who receive cards from this project might not otherwise have anything to make them smile during the holiday season. This can even include Military Individuals! So they send them Christmas Cards to put a smile on their faces and a nice warm feeling in their hearts. This is strictly a VOLUNTEER project. Mark hosts it every year to give folks an opportunity to give a little something back at Christmas time to folks who deserve it.

We are volunteers this year, helping Mark spread the word. Won't you join us in this blessed event?

Just click on this link: http://www.countrychurchcrafts.com/angelcardproject2010
or the Angel Project Banner to learn how you too can bring a smile into someone's life, sharing Holiday love and smiles.

You Are Worth It

2010-10-02T17:09:00.000-07:00

We should never go through life doubting our existence or believing the lie that our life does not matter. By being alive in this day and time, we should be eager for each new day that comes our way to meet its challenges and exceed what we even thought was possible. By having a quiet confidence, we are reaffirming our faith in ourselves as well as our faith in the Lord who has promised our success and our victory. Get it deep in your mind and heart that you are special and are alive today because you are meant to accomplish something that no one else has been equipped to accomplish.

If we only knew how special God sees us, we would never allow our temporary trials to get us down or discouraged. We would be true overcomers because we would see with renewed eyes how special we really are. Be encouraged to believe this truth about how special you are in God's eyes and rededicate yourself to being positive, outgoing, steadfast, faithful and unwavered in your walk with the Lord. By doing our simple part of staying in faith, the Lord will continue to do His part to lead us onto the path that is best for our life. (Psalm 139:17-18) (Psalm 103:10-12) (Philippians 3:13-14)

Place this before your eyes for easy remembrance in the future. These simple anecdotes for life do so much to remind us of what is most important in life.

YOU ARE WORTH IT

1. Do not undermine your worth by comparing yourself with others. It is because we are different that each of us is special.

2. Do not set your goals by what other people deem important. Only you know what is best for you.

3. Do not take for granted the things closest to your heart. Cling to them as you would your life, for without them, life is meaningless.

4. Do not let your life slip through your fingers by living in the past nor for the future. By living your life one day at a time, you live all the days of your life.

5. Do not give up when you still have something to give. Nothing is really over until the moment you stop trying. It is a fragile thread that binds us to each other.

6. Do not be afraid to encounter risks. It is by taking chances that we learn how to be brave.

7. Do not shut love out of your life by saying it is impossible to find.

8. The quickest way to receive love is to give love; The fastest way to lose love is to hold it too tightly.

9. Do not dismiss your dreams. To be without dreams is to be without hope; To be without hope is to be without purpose.

10. Do not run through life so fast that you forget not only where you have been, but also where you are going.

11. Life is not a race, but a journey to be savored each step of the way.

Author Unknown

Psalm 103:10-12~He has not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward them that fear Him. As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.

Hebrews 13:5-6~Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

Philippians 4:8-9~Finally brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

When The Odds Are Against You

2010-09-21T09:26:00.000-07:00

Have you ever felt backed up against the wall, with the odds stacked against you? In those situations, Christians often refuse to acknowledge an important truth. They fail to recognize that God may actually be the one who is orchestrating their challenging circumstances.

You may think, No way. God protects me from such things. The world and satan are doing this to me. Maybe. Yet maybe, God is trying to tell you something ~ and He needs to get your attention. Besides, satan can’t do anything to us unless it is sifted throught the Father’s hands first.

Again and again in Scripture, we see that the Lord uses difficulties to build faith. It’s easy to trust Him when things go our way. However, God often removes comfort and false securities from our lives to remind us that He is the true source of our strength.

Consider this passage, Judges 7:1-25, in which Gideon was ready to lead a powerful military of 32,000 men into battle against the enemy. However, the Lord stepped in three separate times, whittling the Israelite army down to less than one percent of it’s original size. Our reply would have been, “What? It’s impossible to defeat enemy forces with just 300 men!”
That is probably true, 300 men alone couldn’t do it. But the Lord can! That is the lesson of Gideon.

When the odds are not in your favor, don’t think God has abandoned you. Your friends, money and success may disappear, but they won’t win the battle anyway. Stand your ground and keep your eye on the Lord. With everything stripped away, you will be amazed at what your heavenly Father will achieve.

Gideon was undoubtedly feeling anxious. He was about to attack an enemy camp of more than 130,000 trained soldiers, and he was going to do it with just a handful of men.
In this terrifying moment God gave him encouragement.

God woke Gideon at night and strategically positioned him to overhear an enemy soldier recounting a frightful dream ~ a vision of Israelite victory!! This situation assured Gideon that the Lord was at work in this daunting situation. God graciously used this incident to show His sensitivity to one man’s faintheartedness. And He still does today.

Consider the power of a friend’s encouraging words. Think about how meaningful it is when an unexpected blessing seems to fall from heaven right in your darkest moment.
These are not “happy accidents” rather, they are precious confidence builders from God.

Our challenge is simply to remember times in the past when our loving Heavenly Father has encouraged us. Standing on the evidence of His faithfulness, we can boldly face the future, knowing we are not alone.

As inhabitants of a fallen world, we will at times face heartache, intimidation, and seemingly insurmountable obstacles. As children of God, saved and secure in Christ Jesus, we are never beyond reach of our Lord’s encouragement.

Bottles and Books

2010-06-28T12:43:00.000-07:00

You number my wanderings, put my tears into Your bottle, are they not in Your book? (Psalm 56:8)

Are you the kind of person who keeps a daily record of what you do? I journal, I write down things that take place, and needs that I pray about.

Did you know that God is keeping a journal about you? His journal is composed of bottles and books. David sais, "You number my wanderings, put my tears into Your bottle, are they not in Your book?" God watches our traveling and notices our weeping. He has His eyes on our feet and His eyes on our eyes.

God sees where we walk. He knows the paths we've been on. Some of these paths have been rather bumpy. But that can be for our good, for as a little boy once said, "The bumps are what you climb on." God sees our wanderings, and He's marked it all in His record.

God sees when we weep. He sees and records our tears and files them for future reference. Among the Semitic people, mourners often catch their tears in a little bottle, a symbol of their sorrow. Then they place the bottle in a tomb or casket.

One day God will show you the book and the bottle. He's going to say, "I knew when your heart was broken. I knew what you were going through. I've kept a record of it. Now, that sorrow shall be turned into joy." And everyone of your tears will become a jewel of beauty to the glory of God.

God knows your difficulties and sorrows. The day is coming when your sorrow will be turned to joy, and your tears will glorify Him. (Psalm 56)

God Is Faithful

2010-06-17T13:31:00.000-07:00

"God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord" (1 Corinthians 1:9)

I use to have an answer for most problems in life. I had a lot to say on almost every subject. I now have fewer answers, and they might be reduced to the simple phrase, "God is faithful."

I don't say that lightly or without thought, I say it because I know it is true, and I have discovered that it is true no matter what is happening in my life.

With confidence, I say these words at the end of the worse statements in the world: My son doesn't want anything to do with me and I don't know what to do...but God is faithful. I lost my job aand I don't know how the bills are going to get paid...but God is faithful. My husband/wife left me and and my heart is torn to pieces...but God is faithful.

Sometimes God doesn't seem to be faithful because He doesn't answer our prayers as we expect Him to. I have had to change my expectations. If the whole purpose of my life is to learn to love God and to show His compassion to the world, then what He is doing "in" me is more important than what He is doing "for" me.

Through many tears I have discovered that if I will bring every jagged edge of my life to Him, He will continue to mold me to become the woman He called me to be.

Whatever is happening with you right now, as your sister in Christ, I urge you to meditate on these words of life: GOD IS FAITHFUL.

Dream Big Dreams

2010-06-16T10:21:00.000-07:00

There are many instances where we want to do great things with our life, but we listen to the pessimistic voice in our head telling us why something can't be done and instead of pushing those thoughts aside and being determined, we give in to them and quit even before we have begun. What we must remember is that we can be overcomers in life no matter how strong the urge is to want to give up and not believe in ourselves. When we gird ourselves up as the Bible says and dig our heels in with unmoved determination, it is then that positive results will come our way. We cannot allow our negative or pessimistic point of view to keep us stagnant in life. We are meant for greatness. The Lord didn't create us to barely get by or only enjoy life a little bit. He created us with big plans in mind and as proof, He gave us dominion over all that He has created. (1 Peter 1:13-19) (Genesis 1:26-28)

The Lord wishes for us to stand in our authority and has already given us the required tools to be successful, but it is up to us to take hold of that authority and move towards victory in confidence. There is nothing new that God needs to do. All that's required has already been fulfilled. It is now simply up to us to believe God to be successful and victorious in every area that we are now lacking. Be encouraged to break the strongholds over your life and believe in yourself again just as God believes in you. He sees you as a Victor and not a victim. The question is, How do you see yourself? (Luke 9:1) (Luke 10:19) (Jeremiah 1:4-9) (Revelation 12:10-11)

Be inspired and challenge your heart to go forth in life dreaming a bigger dream than you've ever dreamed before and then believe that it is within you to take hold of that dream.

We need liberation from enslaving beliefs and attitudes.

Almost everybody walks around with a vast burden of imaginary limitations inside his head, says J. H. Brennan. While the burden remains, personal success is as difficult to achieve as the conquest of Everest with a sack of rocks tied to your back.

What burden of limiting beliefs and attitudes are you walking around with?
Do you ever say, I can't do that or I can't change this or that? Do you ever think that you'll never be able to pursue your passion or achieve a cherished dream? Do you believe that other people can experience the good things of life, or simply be happy, but not you? These patterns of thinking are as much of a burden as a sack of rocks tied to your back.

Listen to these words from Darwin P. Kingsley: You have powers you never dreamed of. You can do things you never thought you could do. There are no limitations in what you can do except the limitations of your own mind.

Okay, certain limitations are a part of life. You may be more able to see those that are physical. After all, stinkin' thinkin' can be easily hidden. But, as Kingsley says, when you get rid of limiting attitudes and beliefs, those rocks tied to your back, you'll discover powers you never dreamed of. You'll do things you never thought you could do! And you'll be truly free.

Besides an unhealthy mental outlook, what have you got to lose?

Romans 8:31-32~What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?

Jeremiah 29:11-13~For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon Me, and ye shall go and pray unto Me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek Me, and find Me, when ye shall search for Me with all your heart.

Philippians 3:13-14~Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

The Measure Of The Family

2010-05-29T07:51:00.000-07:00

And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. (Luke 2:16)

When someone rises to a high position in world leadership and influence, the first information the world wants to know is, "What is the family history"

Upon reading only a few of the volumes of biographies of well~known people, one will quickly sense that indeed the family~the home and the individuals in it~or the lack of family~greatly influence the actions and life~changing decisions of adults and young persons. It makes them who they are, and, in turn, the family molds and shapes future generations.

Name the person or persons who whave shaped our world in art, music, politics or science. Look beyond those persons to the families and homes that molded them. We cannot fully measure the effect of the family, any family.

Like the wake of a ship that leaves an unending ripple in an enormous sea, a family's influence can extend far beyond our sight or knowledge.

How can you and I measure the influence upon us of the families that lived before our time? Our ancestors? Or even those who are not in our direct line, but whose lives affected those who were?

Give Time To Quietness

2010-05-18T07:11:00.001-07:00

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1)

The fight to which we have been called is not an easy fight. We are touching the very center of the devil's power and kingdom, and he hates us intensely and fights hard against us. We have no chance at all of winning in this fight unless we are disciplined soldiers, utterly out-and-out and uncompromising, and men and women of prayer.

So first, give much time to quietness. For the most part we have to get our help directly from our God. We are here to help, not to be helped, and we must each learn to walk with God alone and feed on His Word so as to be nourished. Don't only read and pray, listen. And don't evade the slightest whisper of guidance that comes. May God make you very sensitive, and very obedient.

Fill up the crevices of time with the things that matter most. This will cost something, but it is worth it. "Seek ye My face, my heart said unto Thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek" (Psalm 27:8).

All this will be, if you walk with Him as with a visible Companion, from dawn through all the hours till you go to sleep at night. And your nights will be holy too, for He is watching over your sleep as your mother watched over it when you were a tiny child.

Why I say I Am A Christian

2010-05-17T08:30:00.001-07:00

When I say..."I am a Christian" I'm not shouting, "I'm clean livin'" I'm whispering, "I was lost," now I'm found and forgiven.

When I say..."I am a Christian" I don't speak of this with pride. I'm confessing that I stumble and need CHRIST to be my guide.

When I say..."I am a Christian" I'm not trying to be strong. I'm professing that I'm weak and need His strength to carry on.

When I say..."I am a Christian" I'm not bragging of success. I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.

When I say..."I am a Christian" I'm not claiming to be perfect. My flaws are far to visible but, God believes I am worth it.

When I say..."I am a Christian" I still feel the sting of pain. I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name.

When I say..."I am a Christian" I'm not holier than thou. I'm just a simple sinner who received God's grace somehow.

Rainbow Gardening

2010-05-15T07:46:00.000-07:00

An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up...(Proverbs 12:25)

RAINBOW SEEDS~A miniature plastic bag with a teaspoon of colored sprinkles.

PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS:

WHEN TO PLANT: Any season, but rainbows grow best just after a storm.

WHERE TO PLANT: In the light of the Son, preferably near a pot of gold.

HOW TO PLANT: Assume a kneeling position close to the earth. Dig a hole deep enough to hold the cause of your dark clouds. Place the cause and the seedss in the soil, cover with earth, then rise and stomp down with bothe feet. Walk away in faith.

HARVEST: When needed most.

I got to thinking about how a rainbow is a perfect picture of God's grace. It's a kind of refuge for our mind when storms threaten to rip us apart and flood our dwelling. In the rainbow we see God's promise that He will never again devastate life on earth.

Don't ponder over the "what-ifs" or "whys," neither question your abilities. Simply wait on Him and watch your garden grow.

When the mighty winds blow, and they will, God will miraculously place them at your back. When the floods begin to rage, and they will, He may tell you to keep paddling in faith, believing, while He calms the seas.

We don't have to worry about making a way. If it's His will, He works all things out in His own perfect timing.

He calls us through, around, over, and under. No foe can stop us, no poverty can starve us, no evil can diminish His call, for He has a glorious plan!

You can be a rainbow gardener by opening your heart even if your in pain yourself. Let someone know that although you don't have it altogether, you find comfort and help in the Lord.

Thank You Father

2010-04-28T16:43:00.000-07:00

We should always be quick to lift up the Lord when we are tempted to worry or fear over the negative situations that come our way. The Lord is to be magnified above all things and our confidence in Him should be reflected by the actions we take in facing the negative reports that are presently before us. The Bible says in Hebrews 4:16; Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. The Lord wishes to meet our needs, but we must call upon Him and let God know of our needs while also giving thanks and praise for promising never to leave us nor forsake us. Be encouraged to have a thankful attitude to the Lord. Give thanks for everything that God has given to you. Do not wait to call upon Him only when you are in need, but rather when all is going well become one who gives praise and thanks for the good in your life. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

I hope this inspires and challenges your heart to be quick to give God thanks. It is easy to murmur and complain when things go wrong, but if we change our attitude and call upon the Lord with our praises, our problems will soon seem minuscule.

Dear God:

I want to thank You for what you have already done.

I am not going to wait until I see results or receive rewards, I am
thanking you right now.

I am not going to wait until I feel better or things look better, I am
thanking you right now.

I am not going to wait until people say they are sorry or until they stop
talking about me, I am thanking you right now.

I am not going to wait until the pain in my body disappears, I am thanking
you right now.

I am not going to wait until my financial situation improves, I am going to
thank you right now.

I am not going to wait until the children are asleep and the house is
quiet, I am going to thank you right now.

I am not going to wait until I get promoted at work or until I get the job,
I am going to thank you right now.

I am not going to wait until I understand every experience in my life that
has caused me pain or grief, I am going to thank you right now.

I am not going to wait until the journey gets easier or the challenges are
removed. I am thanking you right now.

I am thanking you because I am alive.

I am thanking you because I made it through the day's difficulties.

I am thanking you because I have walked around the obstacles.

I am thanking you because I have the ability and the opportunity to do more
and do better.

I'm thanking you because Father, you haven't given up on me.

Author Unknown

Jeremiah 32:17-18: Ah Lord GOD! behold, Thou hast made the heaven and the
earth by Thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too
hard for Thee: Thou shewest lovingkindness unto thousands, and recompensest
the iniquity of the fathers into the bosom of their children after them:
the Great, the Mighty God, the LORD of hosts, is His name.

2 Chronicles 16:9: For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the
whole earth, to shew Himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is
perfect toward Him...

Romans 8:31-32: What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us,
who can be against us? He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him
up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?

Matthew 21:21-22: Jesus says,...Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith,
and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but
also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast
into the sea; it shall be done. And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in
prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

Feedings In The Philippines

2010-04-28T08:45:00.000-07:00

Jesus says; Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?...Therefore take no thought saying, what shall we eat? or, what shall we drink? or, wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek), for your Heavenly Father knows that you have need of all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow, for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself...(Matthew 6:25-34)

Material wealth gives a dangerous, false sense of security. The birds and lilies do not fret and worry, yet they have God's wealth in ways that man cannot duplicate. All of nature depends on God, and God never fails. Only mortal man depends on money, and money always fails.

God feeds the birds and clothes the lilies. He will feed and cloth us. He has great blessings for us if only we will yield to Him and live for the riches that last forever.
What a testimony it is to the world when we dare to practice "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto us."

Yes, it is right to plan for the future and even save for the future (1 Tim. 5:8). But it is a sin to worry about the future and permit tomorrow to rob us of todays blessings.

He knows that we need certain things in order to live. In fact, He has given us "richly all things to enjoy" (1 Timothy 6:17)

Jesus says that worry is sin. We may dignify worry by calling it by some other name; concern, burden, a cross to bear~but the results are the same.

Materialism will enslave the heart, the mind and the will. We become shackled by the material things of life.
Most of these people don't have the material things we have, let alone enough food to eat. They truly trust and depend on God to provide their daily needs.

It is such a blessing to be used by our Heavenly Father to help and encourage those less fortunate than us no matter where we live or where we go.

Those we served at the feedings have victory over worry...they have faith, trusting God to meet their needs, knowing their Heavenly Father cares for His children and, putting His will first in their lives daily so that He will be glorified.

No matter our circumstances, we should always have the assurance that God has not left our side and that dwelling in Him we receive our strength. The goodness of the Lord reaches from everlasting to everlasting and when we find ourselves discouraged or disheartened, all we need to do is return again to the Lord to be refreshed and renewed by His Spirit. The Scripture says the Joy of the Lord is your strength.

Have faith in God the Father, put Him first, He will meet your needs.

From Death To Life

2010-02-28T16:29:00.000-08:00

I am on a missions trip in the Philippines. We arrived safely and are about our Father's business each day, going where He leads us. Witnessing His tender mercies over all His works.

When we were here two years ago, we went to visit a lady in the hospital. She had been in the hospital for three years, yes, three years! with a bad case of Lupus. She was literally dying from the disease.

Upon our return this time, she is home from the hospital and doing feeding programs for needy children, families and her doctors and nurses. She also raises funds to help feed those in need and gets medicines donated for those needing medical attention.

She fixed us breakfast when we got to town. It is such a miracle that she is up walking and ministering for the Lord through her cooking, even though she cannot eat anything but organic rice and drink rice milk, she blesses many others through her cooking.

God has healed her and blessed her with a wonderful ministry and she serves Him with MUCH joy and gladness.

Blessed be the Lord, who daily loads us with benefits (Psalm 68:19).

A Grateful Heart

2010-02-19T17:50:00.000-08:00

Dear Lord,

I thank You for this day, I thank You for my being able to see and to hear. I'm blessed because You are a forgiving God and an understanding God. You have done so much for me and You keep on blessing me. Forgive me this day for everything I have done, said, or thought that was not pleasing to you. I ask now for Your forgiveness.

Please keep me safe from all danger and harm. Help me to start this day with a new attitude and plenty of gratitude. Let me make the best of each and every day to clear my mind so that I can hear from You. Please broaden my mind that I can accept all things. Let me not whine and whimper over things I have no control over. And give the best response when I'm pushed beyond my limits.

I know that when I can't pray, You listen to my heart. Continue to use me to do Your will. Continue to bless me that I may be a blessing to others. Keep me strong that I may help the weak. Keep me uplifted that I may have words of encouragement for others. I pray for those that are lost and can’t find their way. I pray for those that are misjudged and misunderstood. I pray for those who don't know You intimately. I pray for those that don't believe.

But I thank you that I believe that God changes people and God changes things. I pray for all my brothers and sisters. For each and every family member in their households. I pray for peace, love, and joy in their homes and that all their needs are met. I pray that those who reads this know there is no problem, circumstance, or situation greater than God. Every battle is in Your hands for You to fight.

How To Overcome What Overcomes You

2010-02-07T20:53:00.000-08:00

“God’s Antidote to Indecision”

He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake (Psalm 23:3)

In this life we will have stress. There are many, many things that cause us stress in this life. The question is, “How are we going to deal with the stress that we have to deal with in our life?”

How do you deal with the stress in your life?

There are a lot of different ways to deal with stress. How about…taking a few deep breaths, or…closing your eyes, picturing yourself near a stream, birds chirping in the crisp mountain air, no one knows “your” secret place, your in total seclusion from the hectic place called “the world.” The soothing sound of the waterfall fills the air with a cascade of serenity, the water is clear, you can clearly make out the face of the person your holding under water…There now, do you feel better? Probably not. The point id, there are many ways you and I, as human beings, attempt to deal with and sooth the stress that we have so often in our lives. But all our human attempts are going to fail. All of them are going to want us desiring another deep breath, another vacation, another experience of paradise to try to ease the troubles and sooth all the stress that we deal with in our lives.

The real antidote is found in the six verses of Psalm 23, where we have an incredible picture of who God is and how He wants to interact in our lives. If we will allow these words to be eternalized and truly live out what God is sharing with us through these words, He truly gives us the antidote to dealing with stress.

God did not intent us to live at such a neck break pace!

So many people think, “I am somebody because of all the things I have to do, the longer my to do list is the more important I am.” Then we race and race and become so busy to the point of exhaustion, fatigue and illness.

That is NOT where we find value, in self-esteem or in busyness. God wants to lead us beside still waters, He wants to make us lie down in green pastures, to give us rest, to restore our soul. God wants to heal all our damaged emotions. The guilt, grief and grudges we often go through in this life.

Life is a series of choices. Success is basically a matter of making wise decisions. We make our decisions, then our decisions make us, because every decision has a consequence ~ foolish or wise, good or bad.

He guides me…what does that mean? It means He wants to guide us on the right path. In the path He intended for us to live. The right path that He predestined, choose for us to live so we would have a good life and a right relationship with Him. The Lord is our Shepherd and our Guide. He keeps us on track. Because it is so easy for you and I to get off track, He wants to guide us.

Where do you turn when needing to make an important decision?

There are three approaches we use in decision making.

1) The emotional approach ~ I want to “feel,” I want to have an emotion, go through some ceremony in order to “feel” right. There is a way which seems right to man, but its end is the way of death (Proverbs 14:12). At times emotions will take us down the wrong path. We cannot trust our emotions to lead us down the right path in our life.
2) The formula approach ~ a recipe. Give me a formula, a book, I’ll read the book, I’ll follow the self-help steps and I’ll be able to derive at the right conclusion…NOT! If self-help books worked, they wouldn’t have to keep writing them.
3) The mystical or magical approach ~ The, look for a sign, just show me a sign, something to help me know that the decision I’m about to make is the right one…looking to astrology, stars, horoscopes, fortune cookies, whatever, for a “sign.”

Of all the ways we have come up with to find peace in our heart in the midst of all the stress and decisions we have to make, getting guidance from God is the antidote.

If we are going to allow His guidance, we have to…

1) Admit we need a guide. We want to believe we have everything under control…All we like sheep have gone astray, we have turned, every one, to his own way, and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all (Isaiah 53:6). Like that ole song, “I did it my way…”
Folks, our vision is limited. Good and upright is the Lord, therefore He teaches sinners in the way. The humble He guides in justice, and the humble He teaches His way (Psalm 25:8-9).
2) Ask in faith for direction. Lots of things distract us into “believing” that we have the right point of view and yet we miss the whole point. Many think that they don’t need to bother God, thinking he wouldn’t be concerned with it and that they can deal with it. We’ll ask for the help (direction) of a man, but we won’t ask God to give us the directions that we need?
We major on the minors. We need God’s perspective. Ask, expecting! Ask in faith expecting the right Person’s guidance. True faith is dependant upon the Person who sent the truth and wants to give that truth to you and me if we ask “in Faith. Wisdom is seeing life from God’s point of view. Ask Him to give you His point of view because we are overwhelmed by different points of view in this world.
3) Listen for God’s response. The issue isn’t, is God speaking to us, the issue is, are we listening? How many of us really “listen” for God’s response, knowing He is going to speak to us and then give Him the time of day to speak to us?
Is there a way to tune in to God so we can hear His voice? YES…His word. It is
intended to guide us on this path of life, the right path, and if it just sits on a shelf collecting dust, it’s no wonder we are stressed out!
God also speaks through teachers; Pastors, Sunday School teachers, Bible study
Leaders, godly brothers and sisters, and even through us. He speaks through impressions, circumstances, or pain.
It is said that, God whispers to us in the good times and shouts to us in our pain
because we are more willing to listen in our pain, willing to stop and allow Him to speak to us when we are hurting. For God may speak in one way or another, yet man does not perceive it (Job 33:14).
4) Trust God when we don’t understand. Even when things don’t make sense, the not knowing, the misunderstandings, the “why’s.” Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths (Prov. 3:5-6). God sees ways we don’t see, He sees paths we don’t see. Your way was in the sea, Your path in the great waters, and Your footsteps were not known (Psalm 77:19). God has ways of deliverance, of solving our problems and getting us through those things that overcome us that we cannot see. We think they are roadblocks, an obstacle. Move in faith, trust God even when you don’t see a way. He will make a way where there seems to be no way! The path of the just is like the shining sun, that shines even brighter unto the perfect day (Proverbs 4:18).

God’s way is the best…not the easiest. The path of righteousness is not an easy path. We are going to have struggles, but the Shepherd will never leave you. The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down, for the Lord upholds him with His hand (Psalm 37:23-24). Even when we stumble He delights in us…it is those times we are usually willing to listen.

What seems like a wall, is really a door. God knows what is best for us. We don’t see what He sees. He sees the future, the end results, and we can’t. All the “why’s” we ask now will one day be clear in the light of God’s love. In the meantime, lean not on your own understanding and trust God.

We have a society that is breaking down because we are not following the right path. The path of righteousness is the road to recovery. God is the good Shepherd, the great Redeemer who restores. He takes what is broken, old and used and makes it new.

Who’s path are you following in your life? God’s path of righteousness or your path?

Setting Goals for 2010

2010-01-13T08:14:00.000-08:00

Wilt thou be made whole? (John 5:6)

Don't forget yourself...Often we as Christian women get so involved in meeting the needs of others that we forget to take time to refresh ourselves.

If you have flown on a commercial airliner lately, you will recognize the speech the flight attendants recite just before taking off. It goes something like this, "In the event of a loss of cabin pressure, an oxygen mask will automatically be lowered. If you are sitting beside a child, first secure your own mask before applying the child's.
Why do they advise you to do that? They realize that unless you as the adult are getting the oxygen you need, you will be of no help to the child, and you will both perish.

Jesus, filled with absolute love and compassion, went to the mountain to spend time with His Father in prayer, to renew His weary body and soul. When the crowd pressed in on Him, He suggested to the disciples that they all get away from the crowd and go to the mountains alone.

Are you getting enough "oxygen" in your life to be of maximum benefit to those around you? It is not a selfish thing to set goals allowing you to "refill your cup."

Just as an empty teakettle will crack or melt as the heat under it is turned up, so you also will break as the heat of life is turned on "high" when your "cup" ~ your emotional and spiritual life is dry.

So, take time for you throughout the year, get the oxygen you need so you can help others.

Have A Vision

2010-01-12T16:24:00.000-08:00

Where there is no vision, the people perish; but he that keeps the law, happy is he. (Proverbs 29:18)

There is something about hesitation and reconsiderations that is curiously fatal to successful achievement. Good fortune is in going on ~ not in going back. The parable of Lot's wife (Genesis 19:26), who turned into a pillar of salt because she looked back, is by no means inapplicable to the life today. Let no one who the vision has shone look backward instead of forward, and he become paralyzed and immovable. He is impeded by the shallows and the miseries. He has withdrawn himself from all the heavenly forces that lead him on. This fidelity to the vision is the vital motor. It gives that exhilaration of energy which makes possible the impossible.

Each recurring New Year is an open door. However arbitrary are the divisions of time, there is inspiration and exaltation in standing on the threshold of an untried year, with it's fresh pages awaiting record. It is, again, the era of possibilities. The imaginative faculty of the soul must, indeed, be "fed with objects immense and eternal." Life stretches before one in its diviner unity ~ even in the wholeness of the life that is and that which is to come.

There is no one set of motives and purposes to be applied to this life, and another set to that which awaits us. This is the spiritual world, here and now. It is well to drop the old that one may seize the new.

What vision do you have for your, your family, your business, your life this 2010?

Spur Each Other On

2010-01-10T11:44:00.000-08:00

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. (Hebrews 10:24)

The word spur conjures a vision and brings the old west to mind of cattle drives and cowboys, of other times long left behind.

When used as "on the spur of the moment" it could even become an element of time or perhaps, a short section of rails that run off, away from the main line.

However, to do God's work, silver spurs we need not wear. Share the "Good News" with others as you travel about here and there.

Cowboys old and new wore their spurs to urge their horses to greater heights to do the job that needed done or face lonely sleepless nights.

The word "spur" has a much older meaning than that which was found in the west...The Bible, in Hebrews chapter ten, an early writer definitely says it best, "Let us consider how we may spur each other on toward love and good deeds."
Then ideas and good thoughts dawn, "encourage one another." The words brought to mind, "do not give up meeting together."

The true meaning of life you'll find...In other words, if you keep on traveling your old sinful path you shall surely experience the suffering of God's eternal wrath.

Remember, Jesus was sent to save us, from heaven above.

So above all, "spur" yourself and others on to believe and live...in God's eternal love.

Written by Blair Sneddon for our Women's Day Retreat

How will you spur (encourage) someone today?

The Night After CHRISTmas

2009-12-26T21:48:00.000-08:00

The guests all went home, the decorations are down and put away until next year, the cleaning is done. What a grand celebration of Jesus' birth it has been and will continue to be in our hearts everyday.

We are now packed and ready to take our "first" retirement road trip. We have the camper packed and ready to head to Redding, California to visit my brother and his family...neices, nephews and all their children, some from New York, some from Florida. We haven't spent a holiday with them in over twenty years and are very excited!

I will be posting on our "Luxury with Blessings and Fun" blog about our trip. You can join us there to keep up with where we are and what we are doing.

CHRISTmas Day Celebration

2009-12-26T21:39:00.000-08:00

The Birth of Jesus ~ Matthew 1:18-25 ~ Luke 2:1-7

WOW, what a blessed CHRISTmas we had celebrating with about 30 family members. Some come from Texas, some from Washington State, who arrived on Monday. Many from different surrounding areas in Oregon arrived early Christmas morning.

The turkey went in the oven at 8:am, pork tender loin went in the smoker at 8:30. About 1:00 potatoes were cooked and mashed, gravy made, veggie warmed up and the table was set, ready to eat at 2:00.

We all gathered in a circle, joining hands for a prayer of thankfulness and blessing on our bountiful meal. We enjoyed our Christmas feast together, cleaned up, sang songs, laughed, played cards, Scrabble, visited and reminised about the good ol' days. Had a good ole' fashion time together with family.

Many of the guest left around 6:pm...hubby and brother watched the Portland Blazer/Denver Nuggets Game...Blazer's won.

Celebrate ~ Day 30

2009-12-17T14:49:00.000-08:00

WOW, what a fantastic 30 day journey this has been!!

I will celebrate the new people I have met, the fun, connecting with friends and the learning experience.

I celebrate Susan's faithful efforts for keeping the 30 days going with much enthusiasm.

And I celebrate that I hung in there (even though I was late at doing some of my posts), doing my best to read, comment and keep up with the other bloggers who were involved.

I want to wish you all a very Merry CHRISTmas and a blessed and prosperous New Year!!

Journey and Discovery ~ Day 28 & 29

2009-12-17T13:50:00.000-08:00

Journey ~ Where will I take my blog in coming months/years?

I pray that I can take my blog to higher heights personally and in business. I will work at it in a new light with all that I have learned during this 30 Days of Blogging. Focusing on relationships. Getting to know and trust others, meeting others, allowing them to look, listen and decide.

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

Discovery ~ Opportunity is never lost. It goes to those who want to accept and grab it. we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.

I will use my time wisely. I will try hard to post often on my business blogs, Prosper and Be In Health and Luxury with Blessings and Fun as well as The Hand of God blog.

I want people to join, but I want them to LEARN first. You see, 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.

Investing in the lives of others is what we are truly all about.

Growth ~ Day 27

2009-12-15T21:01:00.000-08:00

Things I have noticed in the last few weeks...How much fun blogging is. What wonderful people I have met and how much I have enjoyed learning more about...

What are you noticing as you reflect on your life: That I do have something good to offer others...your business: That i can mix pleasure with business, it isn't all about business...your relationships: I have met some wonderful people, I've learned about others and their desires and passions.

The seed must be planted and watered before growth can begin.

I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase...He who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor. (1 Corinthians 3:6-8)

Seasons ~ Day 26

2009-12-11T14:19:00.000-08:00

Live in each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influences of each. Let them be your only diet drink and botanical medicines. Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862) American naturalist, poet and philosopher.

What I like about the season I'm in right now that's important to me...

I love the change that usher out the old year and brings in the beginning of the new...

Though the Winter binds us in its icy grip, we have the bright promise of Springtime to look forward to.

Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow.

I Use To Know...Now I Know ~ Day 25

2009-12-11T13:50:00.000-08:00

What I use to know, and what I now know about blogging.

I use to know...nothing about blogging, I thought is was a way to promote, of course, God first and our businesses.

Now I know...it is about meeting and sharing with people around the world, getting to know them, learning about them, and they about me, exposure, building a relationship. I have learned that it is people helping people.

I am blessed to have met so many wonderful people through blogging.

Ritual ~ Day 24

2009-12-08T13:07:00.000-08:00

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

I get up each day and I have a daily calendar that I read before my devotional and prayer time. I don't always get my devotional time, but I do always read the calendar devotional. If I don't have the calendar because I am away from home, I always have a Daily Bread with me.

Let me start my work in faith, continue in obedience and finish with love.

If I put God's will and His righteousness first in my life, He will take care of everything else.

Make A Wish ~ Day 23

2009-12-08T12:54:00.000-08:00

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

That I can be the example to others that they would serve the Lord and trust in Him.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on our own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

I am willing to make the mistakes if someone else is willing to learn from them.

Stretch ~ Day 22

2009-12-08T12:40:00.000-08:00

Oh me oh my, the wonderful relaxing of my whole body!

Stretching is a powerful part of any exercise program. Stretching increases flexibility and improves range of motion of your joints. Stretching even improves circulation and helps relieve stress.

Breathing is the essence of being. It is the only bodily function that we do both voluntarily and involuntarily. We can consciously use breathing to influence the involuntary (sympathetic nervous system) that regulates blood pressure, heart rate, circulation, digestion and many other bodily functions.
Breathing exercises can act as a bridge into those functions of the body of which we generally do not have conscious control.

Changes ~ Day 21

2009-12-08T12:06:00.000-08:00

I am so much enjoying this journey of blogging…even though I get behind at times, I will take the time to catch up.

Changes I see in me as I post more often...I am making and taking the time to visit and comment on other’s blogs, truly enjoying what I read and what I am learning about them and their passions. God has gifted them all in their own special and unique ways so that others may learn from their wisdom, knowledge and life experiences.
In the same manner, other’s are reading and sharing mine.

Memories ~ Day 20

2009-12-08T11:54:00.000-08:00

As I reflect back, I am remembering my Grandmother and the restaurant she owned and all the wonderful times our family gathered at her restaurant, enjoying each others presence, celebrating life, eating good foods. This connects to my life now because I am a very family orientated person and very thankful for people and life. I also enjoy cooking for family gatherings.

This little story so reminds me of my Grandmother.

Grandma’s Apron

The principal use of Grandma's apron was to protect the dress underneath, because she only had a few, it was easier to wash aprons than dresses and they used less material, but along with that, it served as a potholder for removing hot pans from the oven.

It was wonderful for drying children's tears, and on occasion was even used for cleaning out dirty ears.

From the chicken coop, the apron was used for carrying eggs, fussy chicks, and sometimes half-hatched eggs to be finished in the warming oven.

When company came, those aprons were ideal hiding places for shy kids.

And when the weather was cold, grandma wrapped it around her arms.

Those big old aprons wiped many a perspiring brow, bent over the hot wood stove.

Chips and kindling wood were brought into the kitchen in that apron.

From the garden, it carried all sorts of vegetables. After the peas had been shelled, it carried out the hulls.

In the fall, the apron was used to bring in apples that had fallen from the trees.

When unexpected company drove up the road, it was surprising how much furniture that old apron could dust in a matter of seconds.

When dinner was ready, Grandma walked out onto the porch, waved her apron, and the men knew it was time to come in from the fields to dinner.

It will be a long time before someone invents something that will replace that 'old-time apron' that served so many purposes.
It can be a good history lesson for those that have no idea how the apron played a part in
our lives.

REMEMBER:
Grandma used to set her hot baked apple pies on the window sill to cool. Her
Granddaughter’s set theirs on the window sill to thaw.

They would go crazy now trying to figure out how many germs were on that apron.

I don't think I ever caught anything from an apron. BUT LOVE!!

The picture is of my sister, her daughter and I. Our aprons say...Bunn's of Fun on them :-)

Do join us in this fun journey of 30 days of blogging

Take A Walk ~ Day 19

2009-12-08T11:47:00.000-08:00

30 day blogging journey.

I took a drive to visit a girlfriend. It was such a beautiful day and I enjoyed walking around her house, enjoying the crisp chill in the air, the sun shining, the beautiful change in colors of the trees, listening to the water flowing in her pond and the flowers. The beauty of God’s creation and how the seasons change with such beauty all around.

Reflecting ~ Day 18

2009-12-02T08:28:00.000-08:00

Reflecting back on my blogs...

Discovering ~ Day 3, going visiting. I am learning about others and their passions, connecting and reconnecting with others. I am enjoying this journey of 30 days of blogging.

Discovering ~ Day 17

2009-12-02T07:51:00.000-08:00

I enjoyed reading all the blog. Heidi's was a jewel...

Heidi ~ Love your blog! Precious gems in it for sure. I will definitely be back to check out the links you provided.

Heidi has a beautiful way with words. Thank you Heidi for your precious gems.

Question ~ Day 16

2009-12-01T18:08:00.000-08:00

I asked my husband, Larry why he likes taking the Biometics Products?
He said, I likes it because I knows that I'm getting the vitamins and minerals my body needs. What I take goes directly into my cells, instead of being wasted in digestion.

What are his favorite product to take?
The Bio Alert, Get~Go~N~Plus...I use to get so tired and by lunch time I could fall asleep standing up. And, when I'm out hunting I would run out of energy climbing the hills, walking through the brush and tracking the game. These products definitely keep me feeling great and full of energy all day long.

Join us in a drink to your health. Drink Biometics

December ~ The Month For peace

2009-12-01T07:33:00.000-08:00

"On earth peace, good will toward all men." (Luke 2:14)

December brings a chilly gray looking sky. colors are muted, and cold weather seems here to stay. Winter solstice arrives toward the end of the month, with the official first day of winter. Even now, days are beginning to lengthen and we can gradually look forward to more day light.

Though one of the coldest months on our calendar, it is one of the warmest months in our hearts. For it is the month when Jesus was born. He came into the world poor, wrapped in swaddling clothes, His bed a manger. Joseph and Mary, His parents, were far from the comfort of their home the night of His birth, having journeyed to Bethlehem to be counted in a census. Turned away from the inn, they were sent to a stable. There, among common animals, He was born.

The world was changed for all time!

This is a story told many times, but never to grow old. It rings down through centeries, always new and inspiring. For Jesus came to bring peace and love to a weary world. His words and deeds are fresh in our hearts to this very day. The joy of His birth is echoed in the love we share with others.

Sometimes the message of His birth gets lost in commercial trappings of the holiday. It becomes a time of gifts and cards and parties. But we should always remember the real reason for Christmas.

Take time during the holiday festivities to stop and think of Jesus. When His Spirit of Peace becomes a part of our lives, each day will be Christmas, and each night will hold promise of joy in the morning.

So find a quiet corner and say a little prayer, a prayer of love and brotherhood for all men.

Usher the old year out by letting your faith shine like a beacon to herald the new year.

Decide right now things are going to be better for you and for your loved ones and that, with God's help, you will work hard to make it your best year ever!

Make Jesus the reason for the season.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and yours.

Music ~ Day 15

2009-11-29T16:53:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-29T08:22:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-28T06:51:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-27T13:09:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-27T12:32:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-25T13:01:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-24T19:38:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-23T08:23:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-22T16:39:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-22T15:57:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-20T08:01:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-19T19:39:00.000-08:00

"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

2009-11-18T20:50:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-17T07:32:00.001-08:00

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

2009-11-16T09:56:00.000-08:00

"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

2009-11-15T13:20:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-09T16:33:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-03T16:21:00.000-08:00

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)

July~The Month For Beauty

2009-07-02T09:08:00.000-07:00

He has made everything beautiful in His time. (Ecclesiastes 3:11)

July, summer is upon the land, and everywhere we look are signs of God's handiwork. Wildflowers bloomining in abundance all around showing hardy blossoms. They are visible emblems of the Lord's continued concern for us...bits of beauty to make us more aware of His guardianship.

July is the month of patriotism and fireworks and parades. All across the land, people celebrate Independence Day with gusto and enthusiasm. When fireworks explode on the forth of July, their beauty in the sky is dazzling. It looks as though God is tracing colorful patterns across the sky with His fingers. Red, white and blue bunting, flags flying and speeches, give us a feeling of pride in our country, and hope for its future. We must pray that God will protect our land, give our leaders wisdom to lead us safely through the turmoil and confusion of world affairs.

Independence Day is a time to be thankful for the freedoms we enjoy in America.

In 1776, men and women fought a bitter revolution to preserve their independence and to proclaim to the world that democracy had triumphed over oppression in the thirteen original British Colonies which became the United States of America!

Stars are bright in the summer sky and the constellation of Hercules is overhead. Look for shooting stars on these warm evenings. If you look steadily overhead for several minutes you are almost sure to see one. Children like to make wishes on them.

July is firefly time also. If you turn out all the lights and look into the dark, you will usually see them winking on and off like little flashlights. This is the month to look around you and observe the beauty that the Lord has filled the world with. It is a time to forget disappointments of the past, and look ahead to new pleasures.

The Lord gave us eyes to see with, and lovliness to look at. he gave us ears to listen with, and the joy of laughter and music to hear. He gave us hearts to appreciate His goodness, and tongues to say "Thank You!"

Remember to look around you at the beauty of God's world.

Choices We Make

2009-06-24T19:45:00.000-07:00

Yes, life is a series of choices. It is very difficult to make wise decisions when you are angry, hurting, confused, bitter or unforgiving. You can do it though. How you respond to lifes disappointments can destroy your faith or it can strengthen you spiritually.

So many people leave God out of their tragedies. Maybe they don't believe in Him or they don't understand His ways. But instead of turning to Him in their need, they look for human solutions.

Some may ask, Why would God allow or do such a thing? Is He really in control?

There is nothing wrong with these questions, yet if your answer is that He has turned away and left you to fend for yourself, then you are looking in the wrong direction. Thinking like this will lead only to anger and guilt. some people even search for a way to blame God or someone else for their misfortune. This never brings healing.

What is the right choice you should make in tragedy? You can choose to believe God is sovereign over all. Job is an example of righteousness, through whom the Lord displayed His faithfulness. (Job 1:6-22) He has the right to do the same in your life too, doesn't He?

Choose to believe that because God is in control, he will comfort and assure you. (Job 42:2) Trust Him in your hard times, though you may not understand it (Isaiah 55:8-9), and believe He will bring something valuable out of the heartache.

God can produce good from eveen the worst situations. Don't dwell on what you have lost, but on the blessings for which you are grateful. Don't waste your pain and sorrows. Learn something to better yourself and help others. Meditate on the Scriptures instead of feeding on the pity others have for you. The best person to turn to in tragedy is not your neighbor or a close friend ~ it is the Lord.

God does not deny our pain, He wants us to turn to Him for healing. (Romans 8:31-38)

When we trust Him and walk in the center of His will, we will be blessed. (Job 42:10-17)

When we make right choices in the midst of painful situations, our heavenly Father will see us through.

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

Be Rooted In Love

2009-06-09T15:40:00.000-07:00

I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge...that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3:17-19)

There's nothing more fun in life than looking for the attention and personal love of the Father. He is waiting to show off His love and character to us in totally fresh and unique ways. He is such a genius, our God is! It would most likely bore Him to be anything but incredible and mysterious in all His ways.

I have been absolutely delighted in exploring the boundries of His love. I have not reached the edge of the width or the length, nor have I experienced the height or depth. Have faith and start looking for His love. If you have already found it, then there are still many more surprises ahead for you.

Just as love between a man and a woman will result in the conception and birth of a life, this love of God to you will spring forth life in you.

Experience His love today and forever.

Laughter

2009-06-08T11:09:00.000-07:00

A merry heart does good like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones. (Proverbs 17:22)

Most of the time we live in the calm stage, but the times of extreme hilarity have value too.
Laughter is like internal jogging...it improves emotional and mental health.

We need to learn how to laugh. Laughter and smiling are outward evidence of inward joy and they definitely make you feel better.

Joy is defined: to rejoice, a very glad feeling, happiness, great pleasure, delight. The expression or showing of such feeling.

SMILE ~ Many Christians are so sour~faced that they look like they were baptized in vinegar or lemon juice.
You are the light of the world, your smile is the switch to turn it on.
There is not much chance of laughter if you don't start with a smile.

We can be all by ourselves and smile and we don't even need a particular reason.

When we have a frown on our face, the corners of our mouth turned down, it begins to drag us down emotionally. But, when we smile, we sense a lifting of our countenance.

How long has it been since you laughed ~ really laughed? You will find that you feel better all over after a hearty healthy laugh. It's like your pipes are being cleaned out after a good laugh.

When tired and weary from dealing with daily life issues, a good hearty laugh seems to clean out the dusty, stale closets.
When God provides an opportunity to have a real good laugh, it seems to refresh you and lift the load off of your tired mind.

Rejoice in the Lord. Again I say, Rejoice! (Philippians 4:4) Here we are told twice to rejoice.

James 1:2 tells us ~ My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials...he tells us the final outcome will be good.

Despite your problems, your trials, and temptations, you can be assured you will benefit in the end. Look ahead to the end and rejoice now! We need to laugh every day as much as possible. Laughter makes life more enjoyable and also keeps us HEALTHY.

God wants laughter interwoven into the rest of life. We need both, the serious and humorous sides.

We sanction crying in church as a holy and godly response, but laughter in church often is offensive to many people. We need more insight into the nature of God. Jesus laughed a lot more than most of us do.

According to Ecclesiastes 4, there is a time to laugh, so don't be afraid to laugh ~ even in church.

It is contagious!! When we are around someone who is depressed and negative, if we don't resist it, that person's depression and negativity starts to effect us. The same with happy, positive people. they make us feel better, help us forget our troubles for a while and their joy is contagious.

Are you too busy being serious and intense? When opportunity comes your way, enter in and get the most out of it. You may as well laugh when you have the opportunity, because you don't know how long it will be before you get another opportunity.

Jesus talked about joy and the fullness of joy.

Enter into the joy of the Lord. (Matthew 25:21)
Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. (John 16:24)
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing...(Romans 15:13)
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace...(Galatians 5:22)
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials...(James 1:2)
...you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith, the salvation of your souls. (1Peter 1:8)
And these things we write to you that your joy may be full. (1John 1:4)
Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy. (Jude 24)

It takes a conscious effort to keep your heart merry. The enemy is always willing to steal or block our joy, and he will if we allow it.

The world cannot see our heart, they need expression. Our attitude should be pleasant, abundant with smiles, and we should laugh whenever possible

WARNING: Extreme hilarity has been known to cause smiles, decrease stress, and promote a good~ole time.

Try it...right now, frown and see how you feel...now smile and see how you feel.

First in Everything

2009-05-23T09:25:00.000-07:00

"That in everything He might have first place." (Colossians 1:18)

I'm going to begin with a radical statement: You will never experience the fullness of joy that you were created to know until Jesus Christ has first place in every area of your life.

Now hang onto that for a minute. First place.

* First in your home.
* First in your choices for entertainment.
* First in the way you use your money.
* First in your career.
* First in your thoughts.
* First in your decisions.
* First in your marriage.
* First in your singleness.
* First in your relationships.
* First in your dreams for the future.

Say it now: "I will never experience the fullness of joy that I was created to know until I put Jesus Christ first in every area of my life."

I think a lot of people would intellectually subscribe to that statement, but I wonder how many of us would truly embrace it in a way that affects our behavior? Doing so doesn't come easily.

Colossians 1:16 says, "All things were created through Him and for Him." Through Christ and for Christ. Some people have a hard time with that. They're like, "I can handle the fact that He created the universe, but I have a hard time with Him creating the universe for Himself. Who does He think He is? His glory? His pleasure? His purpose? Is that ever prideful! How self-centered can you get?!" Listen. The amazing thing is not that Jesus Christ created us for Himself. The amazing thing is that He cares at all. The amazing thing is that He has chosen in His incredible grace to love us, to dwell with us, to forgive us? The list goes on.

Think about your life. Think about His persistent love. Think about how faithfully He pursues you in spite of yourself. The next time you sin, reject or ignore Him, how amazing is it that He just doesn't walk away and say, "Forget you!" We are here to bring Him glory and to make Him known. He is our purpose and we find our greatest joy when He is at the center of our lives.

We love Him because He first loved us. (1 John 4:19)

The Measure Of The Family

2009-05-21T11:05:00.000-07:00

"Says the Lord, I will be the God of all the families of Israel, and they shall be My people." (Jeremiah 31:1)

WE ARE FAMILY...

When someone rises to a high position in world leadership and influence, the first information the world wants to know is,"What is the family history?"

Upon reading just a few of the volumes of biographies of well~known people, we will quickly sense that indeed the family ~ the home and the individuals in it ~ or the lack of family ~ greatly influences the actions and life~changing decisions of adults and young people. It makes them who they are, and, in turn, the family molds and shapes future generations.

Name the person or persons who have shaped our world in art or music, politics or science. Look beyond those persons to the families and homes that molded them.

We cannot fully measure the effect of the family, any family. Like the wake of a ship that leaves an unending ripple in an enormous sea, a family influence can extent far beyond our sight or knowledge.

How can you and I measure the influence upon us of the families that lived before our time? Our ancestors? Or even those who are not in direct line, but whose lives affected those who were?

Something to think about...God Bless You and Your Family!

Give Time To Quietness

2009-05-17T10:51:00.000-07:00

"The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid?" (Psalm 27:1)

The fight that we have been called to is not an easy fight. we are touching the very center of the enemy's power and kingdom, and he hates us intensely and fights hard against us. Without being disciplined soldiers, utterly out~and~out and uncompromising, men and women of prayer...we have no chance of winning in this fight. These battles belong to the Lord, He wants to fight them for us and through us.

To do so we first and most important, must give MUCH time to quietness. We have to get our help directly from our God. We are here to help, not to be helped, and we must learn to walk with God alone and feed on His Word so as to be nourished.

Don't only read and pray, LISTEN. "Be still and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10)

Don't evade the slightest whisper of guidance that comes. May God make you very sensitive, and very obedient.

Fill up the crevices of time with the things that matter most. This will cost something, but it is worth it! "Seek ye My face, My heart said unto thee, Thy face Lord, will I seek." Psalm 27:8)

All this will be, if you walk with Him as with a visible Companion, from dawn through all the hours until you go to sleep at night. And your nights will be holy, too, for He is watching over your sleep as your mother watched over it when you were a tiny child.

"He will give His angels charge over you." (Psalm 91:11)

Restoration

2009-05-11T16:43:00.000-07:00

Hear the word of the Lord, O ye nations, and declare it in the isles afar off, and say, He that scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him, as a shepherd does his flock. (Jer. 31:10)

Restoration is the reason Jesus came to earth. He came not only to redeem us from the fall ~ as essential and wonderful as that was. Redemption was just the first step in God’s ultimate plan for us. Redemption was not the end but only a recovery program, incorporated to return us to God’s large purposes, which He planned from the beginning. He has raised up a horn of salvation for us. (Luke 1:69) Salvation is an all-inclusive term. It means “to deliver, protect, heal, preserve, make whole.” In other words, “restore.”

God wants to make us whole, that is why Jesus suffered and died! Jesus, the Creator of the universe, died to restore that which He created, and He bore more than just our sins. He suffered death that we might experience peace, healing, and a sense of purpose or destiny, all of which are necessary for wholeness. Restoration is at the heart of the gospel because it expresses the very heart of the Father.

I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. (Phil. 4:11)

Paul, denied of every comfort, wrote those words in his dungeon. A story is told of a king who went into his garden one morning and found everything withered and dying. He asked the oak that stood near the gate what the trouble was. He found it was sick of life and determined to die because it was not tall and beautiful like the pine.

The pine was all out of heart because it could not bear grapes like the vine. The vine was going to throw it’s life away because it could not stand erect and have as fine fruit as the peach tree, and so on all through the garden.

Coming to a heart’s~ease, he found it’s bright face lifted as cheery, as ever. Well, heart’s~ease, I’m glad amidst all this discouragement, to find one brave little flower. You do not seem to be the least disheartened. No, I am not of much account, but I thought that if you wanted an oak, or a pine, or a peach tree, or a lilac, you would of planted one; but as I knew you wanted a heart’s~ease, I am determined to be the best little heart’s~ease that I can.

They who are God’s without reserve, are in every state content; for they will only want His wills, and desire to do for Him whatever He desires them to do; they strip themselves of everything, and in this nakedness find all things restored an hundredfold.

Here am I Lord, restore me I pray.

A Mother's Heart

2009-05-09T19:37:00.000-07:00

What can I give you my child, my baby, so small and fragile? Only your love and care, mother, for a mother’s love conquers all.

What can I do for you now my child, now that you are in school? Make sure I learn my lessons, mother, for I’d rather be nobody’s fool!

What can I give as a gift, my child, now that you are to be married? Give me support and advice, mother, but allow me to live my own life.

How can I help you the most, my child, now that your a parent? Share love, laughter and wisdom, mother, tell them what it means to be free.

What can I give you of mine my child, now that I’m old, to show you I care? Only a kiss, with your blessing, mother, and the memories of good times we shared.

I wish I had given you more, my child, but our time here on earth is too short. You taught me all of life is a gift, mother, and the things we prize most are not bought.

Her greatest achievement in life… her five children, loving and raising us like she did. A mother’s heart is the child’s schoolroom.

It’s been five years since my mother passed on. I still want to buy a card for her,write a special note, sign it, seal it, and send it, but, heaven doesn’t have a post office.

Being a mother and grandmother, I still miss my mom very much. I miss our talks. I learned so much from her as I listened and watched her. I miss the stories she shared about her growing up years, riding horses, swimming, cooking with her mother. Oh how I miss her cooking, and boy could she cook, she loved to cook for everyone! And the smell of her fresh hot cinnamon rolls filled the whole house. I miss her hugs, her cheery laughter, her sense of humor, her love.

When I look around my house, I see her in many places. Pictures in different rooms, when I’m looking through my cookbook, I see her hand writing on cards and the pages. Oh how precious now! I see her when I make my coffee in the mornings…it use to be her coffee maker. I see her when I curl up on the couch wrapped up in a quilt she made by hand.

When I look at these things it reminds me of the love and comfort God gave me through my mom, Marlene.

On Mother’s Day, I will be at my son and daughter-in-laws. She is fixing me and her mother dinner. To spend the afternoon with the child I love, his wife and my grand~children will bless my heart greatly.

This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:27

Resting In God's Love

2009-05-08T21:05:00.000-07:00

PaPa God has me in a "be still" and "seek ME" season...to refresh myself, heart, mind and soul in Him so I can effectively go out and refresh and restore others in Him and His love. He is bringing restoration in our family situations...that is very exciting for us!! Generations will sing of His praise, He will be exalted forever more!!

I will not forget all His benefits!

I was driving to my sisters yesterday and asked PaPa God how long He wants me to “be still?”...His response; “you draw near to Me, seek My face, and watch Me work on your behalf. I don't want you getting in my way.” WOW!!

Like in Gen. 15, God's Covenant with Abraham, He wants me to prepare a sacrifice Myself) and bring it to Him (which is me, letting go of busyness and sitting at His feet).

Like Martha, I sometimes get so busy "doing" that I can't be what He wants us to be, therefore keeping me from effectively "doing" what He wants us to do. It is very hard for me to "be still," there's work to be done. But now I am sitting at His feet. I don’t want to be so busy striving to please Him that I won’t be able to relax enough to just sit back and enjoy the relationship with Him.

Martha made that mistake spending all her time treating Jesus as a guest when what He wanted her to do was relax and simply be with Him.
(Luke 10:38-42)

“For I know the thoughts I think toward you says the Lord, thoughts of peace not evil, to give me a future and a hope.” (Jer. 29:11)

Still Small Voice

2009-05-06T16:32:00.000-07:00

Be still and know that I am God, I will be exalted above the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. (Psalm 46:10)

How hard is it for you to be still? I know it is very difficult for me to. But that is what my Father has me doing...being still for a season. I am thankful that He wants to have a relationship with me and that He wants to guide me in life. And part of that relationship involves my being able to "listen" to Him.

Like Elijah, in the depths of our fear or despair, we too may think at times that we are the only one serving God.

The sooner we focus on Him and His power, the quicker we'll see relief from our fears and self~pity. Both the clashing cymbals of our failures and the loud trumpeting of our successes can drown out God's still small voice.

The time has come for me to quiet my heart to "listen" to Him as I meditate on His Word. To tune into His voice I must tune out the world's noise.

God didn't speak to Elijah in a mighty wind, and earthquake, or a fire. He spoke to him in a still small voice. (1 Kings 19:12-18)

We can miss the still small voice if we are always going after the emotional stirring and the dramatic signs. We need to train our spirit to discern His voice.

Keep listening for the "still small voice" if you are weary on life's road ~ the Lord will make your heart rejoice if you will let Him take your load.

"They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as easles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.' (Isaiah 40:31)

Any great work of art takes time to be perfected in the hands of the master artist.

My Father's Love For Me

2009-05-05T19:56:00.000-07:00

Wow, it’s so awesome when spending time with PaPa God, how He reveals His love and His promises to me!!

Restoration…He is not only restoring my son and my relationship, but He is restoring His and my relationship, drawing me closer to Him in order that I He can lavish His Father love on me!! WOW, how can it get any better?

Today PaPa showed me that I am His “happy thought,” even when I sin. Even when I sin He still loves me and He longs to be the One I run to for comfort and forgiveness. He is love and His perfect love casts out all fear. (1John 4:18) He has a heart of compassion, not one of wrath and judgment.

Forgive me PaPa for believing that You are angry with me…it’s hard to accept Your love and forgiveness at times because of my guilt and shame, and because I never had an earthly fathers love. When I feel ashamed or guilty, I often run and hide as Adam did in the Garden of Eden. Thank You that You are giving me a new image of You!

I thank You that Jesus came to demonstrate who You are and what You are like. I turn to Jesus whose purpose it was to show us the You, our Father. Jesus is the image of the invisible God and the exact representation of God’s nature. (Col. 1:15; Heb. 1:4) HE IS LOVE!! And because God is love, everything He does is out of love for us. I don’t have to perform for Him or live a life of perfection in order to gain His approval. How awesome is that?

When I have an accurate understanding of His nature, I don’t possess an unhealthy fear of Him, I don’t have to jump through hoops to earn His love. The religion of fear WILL NOT have a hold on me, even when I sin, I can still crawl up into my Father’s lap and seek His love and forgiveness.

Because I have so many misconceptions about my PaPa, I sometimes don’t truly feel at home in His presence if my house doesn’t smell just right…(you know, like how we act when family and good friends are sitting around after eating a “pot of bean soup” vs. how we would act if we have our pastor or business acquaintances and their family around) You get the picture J

I pray for a visitation from Him, but what I really want is a habitation with me.
He doesn’t want to be come into my life as a guest, when I’m on my best behavior around Him until He leave…He wants to be Someone who I can share a “pot of bean soup” with.

I don’t want to be so busy striving to please Him that I won’t be able to relax enough to just sit back and enjoy the relationship with Him.

Martha made that mistake spending all her time treating Jesus as a guest when what He wanted her to do was relax and simply be with Him.
(Luke 10:38-42)

Thank You PaPa that my relationship with You isn’t based on what I do, but what Jesus has done for me! I am the person I am because of the image of Father God I have. (John 5:19; 8:38)

He wants to be my “happy though” in the times of distress, fear, and failure and He wants me to understand that!
“For I know the thoughts I think toward you says the Lord, thoughts of peace not evil, to give me a future and a hope.” (Jer. 29:11)

Thank You PaPa for the many Scriptures that demonstrate how, in Christ I am His “happy thought.”
I WILL allow the Holy Spirit to begin to transform my image of Father into that of a loving Daddy who longs to care for me!

I thank PaPa that You loves me with an everlasting love. Thank You that I’ve never not been loved by You. (Jer. 31:3)
* You love me so much that You gave Your only Son to die for me so I might know Your love.
(John 3:16)
* You love me so much that You want to express Your love and affection to me. (Jer. 16:27)
* Nothing can separate me (not even my faults) from Your love for me. (Romans 8:38-39)
* You love me just as much as You love Your Son Jesus. (John 17:23) Even when I sin, You love me and ask me to sit beside You. (Eph. 2:4-6)
* You want me to overflow with Your love. (Eph. 3:19)
* Even when I’m wounded, You see me as beautiful and take pleasure in me. (Ps. 149:4)
* Your thoughts toward me are always good and filled with hope for me. (Jer. 29:11)
* My love for Him fills Him with ecstasy and joy. (Song of Solomon 4:10)
* He will never leave me, He wants to meet all my needs. (Luke 15:31)
* He made His home with me. (John 14:23)
* He is not ashamed to be my Father. (Heb. 11:16)
* He has forgiven my iniquities (bad secret thoughts) and remembers my sin no more. (Jer. 31:34)
* He has put all my sin under His feet and cast them into the depths of the sea. (Micah 7:19)
* He redeemed me and has forgiven all my sin. (Col. 1:13-14)
* He forgave and cleansed me from all my sin. (1 John 1:9)
* I’m called a child of Father God. (John 1:12) Glory to God!
* He sees me just as if I had never sinned. (Romans 5:1)
* I belong to my loving Father, not to the world. (1 Cor. 6:19-20)
* In His love I am complete! (Col. 2:10)
* In His love I am free forever from condemnation. (Romans 8:1-2)
* You are always for me and not against me. (Romans 8:31)
* Troubles don’t separate me from Your love. (Romans 8:35)
* In His love I am hidden from sin. (Col. 3:3)
* In His love I find grace and mercy. (Heb. 4:16)
* His perfect love for me displaces my fears. (1 John 4:18)
* The evil one has no right to touch me while I’m in His arms. (1 John 5:18)
* He wants to hold and comfort me when I am afraid. (Isaiah 66:12-13)
* He doesn’t judge me. (John 5:22) Jesus came to save me from my sin, not to judge or condemn me for it. (John 4:47)

WOW!! And it keeps coming upon me!

* I am a witness of Your love to the world. (Acts 1:8)
* I am a minister of Your restoring love. (2 Cor. 5:18)
* I am an ambassador of Your love to the world. (2 Cor. 5:20)
* I can do all things in Your love. (Phil. 4:13)
* Jesus isn’t ashamed of me. (Heb. 2:11)
* I am filled with Your power, love and a sound mind. (2Tim. 1:7)

I want to THANK my PaPa God for His love for me…it truly is deeper than I can ever think or imagine!!

In My Father's Hands

2009-05-03T17:48:00.000-07:00

At age four my father died while reading my brother and I a story. Mom remarried and divorced years later. We went to church on Sunday’s but I can’t say that the family “lived” a godly live or that I really learned how to believe, or trust in God. I prayed all the time though.

I got pregnant at age sixteen, married the father. He was 18, became a drunk and abuser both physically and mentally, almost killing me. The marriage only lasted two years.

I was a single mother, not divorced. Having lived with a man, I became pregnant again but had a miscarriage. The doctors never give me a DNC. I didn’t know that then and I begin to have many health issues and surgeries over the next seven years.
Doctors who did the surgeries never said anything about me having a miscarriage??

When I was twenty-four, God brought a lady into my life, I accepted Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior. God brought a man into my life and we married three years later.

I was still very sick, blacking out quite often. A friend told me about a good doctor. I went through an exploratory surgery and found out that I had been carrying that miscarriage for seven years! It was almost gangrene inside me. The doctors said it was a miracle I was alive. I ended up having a complete hysterectomy at age twenty-nine.

Ten years later I applied for a job at a school, having to go through a complete physical, they discovered I had hepatitis C from a blood transfusion I received when I had the hysterectomy. That meant liver biopsies, the hepatitis shots, and blood work every six months to keep a check on my liver enzymes.

After the biopsy the doctors wanted to treat me with the Interferon treatments. I refused saying I will fix it with the help of God and change in my diet. They told me that it was impossible to repair my liver. I said there is NOTHING impossible with God.

In 2003 God healed my liver!! Today there is no sign of liver damage or the hepatitis after having another biopsy!

To God be all the glory, honor, and praise with much thanksgiving!

As I look back on my life, I KNOW God had me in the palm of His hand. He has done and continues doing many great and mighty things in and through my life.

Apart from Him we can do nothing! (John 15:5). BUT…with God ALL THINGS are possible! (Matthew 19:26).

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

Lessons On Life

2009-05-03T13:23:00.000-07:00

When problems come our way, we should always have the proper perspective and realize that there is a season for everything (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8) and sooner than later the problems will be resolved and joy will be restored. It should not be thought of as an odd thing to have troubles because the Bible says man is of few days and many troubles, but we should always remember that God supplies the answers...even in the midst of the problems, He will give us His perfect peace.
(Job 14:1; Isaiah 26:3-4; Romans 8:28; Psalm 106:1-5)

Never think about giving up simply because you are going through hard times. Take comfort in the fact that God is with you because you trust in Him and He will make a way where there seems to be no way. Continue on the journey that He has you on and you will see in the end how He worked all things together for your good. He is ever merciful and loving and wishes for you to stand upon His solid ground. Trust Him with your life.

There was a man who had four sons. He wanted his sons to learn not to judge things too quickly. So he sent them each on a quest, in turn, to go and look at a pear tree that was a great distance away.

The first son went in the winter, the second in the spring, the third in the summer and the youngest in the fall.

When they had all gone and come back, he called them together to describe wht they had seen. The first son said the tree was ugly, bent and twisted. The second son said no it was covered with green buds and full of promise. The third son disagreed, he said it was laden with blossoms that smelled so sweet and looked so beautiful, it was the most graceful thing he had ever seen. The last son disagreed with all of them, he said it was ripe and drooping with fruit, full of life and fulfillment.

The man then explained to his sons that they were all right, because they had each seen but only one season in the tree's life.
He told them that you cannot judge a tree, or a person, by only one season, and that the essence of who they are and the pleasure, joy and love that come from that life can only be measured at the end, when all the seasons are up.

If you give up when it's winter, you will miss the promise of your spring, the beauty of your summer and the fulfillment of your fall.

Don't let the pain of one season destroy the joy of all the rest.

Don't judge life by one difficult season. Endure. Stay steadfast. continue on to the end and fulfill the pland God has for your life.

Author Unknown

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, works for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen, for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:17-18)

Blessed be the Lord, because He has heard the voice of my supplications. The Lord is my strength and my shield, my heart trusts in Him and I am helped, therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song will I praise Him. The Lord is their strength, He is the saving strength of His anointed. (Psalm 28:6-80)

For you see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called; but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God has chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things of the owrld, and things which are despised, has God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are. (1 Corinthians 1:26-28)

My Journey To Embracing The Father's Love

2009-05-01T11:44:00.000-07:00

See the way He holds the stars in His hands. See the way He holds my heart.

God is a lover looking for a lover, so He fashioned me. God is a lover looking for a lover, so He formed my heart.

You see, I never got to experience a father's love through a loving relationship. My father passed away when I was four years old.
Throughout my life I felt rejected by step fathers, boy friends, and an abusive husband, so it has been a struggle for me to really and truly receive and embrace my Heavenly Father's love for me. I seemed to have closed my heart to a father's love so I wouldn't feel the pain that throbbed in my soul.

I don't have any problem expressing His love to others, but receiving His love for myself has been a difficult road.

My mind has to be renewed by the Holy Spirit so I can truly say as John did; "And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him." (1 John 4:16)

Am I aware that Father God takes delight in me and that He thinks good thoughts about me all the time? (Jeremiah 29:11) Do I realize that He feels nothing but perfect love when He thinks about me? Love thinks no evil. (1 Corinthians 13:5)

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might. (Deuteronomy 6:5)

I grew up believing that I needed to "do" certain things and act certain ways in order to receive. So I always seemed to keep myself busy "doing." I have been priding myself on "my" self-sufficiency and "my" dependence, which is so completely contrary to the nature Father God wants me to have.

We seem to have put the Great Commission before the Great Commandment.

It is so amazing how God works in ones life when we stop to really listen to His still small voice.

He is now calling me on a journey to experience and embrace His love in an intimate way.

Intimacy (in-to-me-see)...He is digging deep within me to remove what needs removed in order for me to have that intimacy with Him.

Deep. Transparent. Winsome. Intimate...such is the message about the heart of God the Father.
It is not just a teaching, but an inpartational revelation of the foundation of Christianity. Acceptance and identity through KNOWING the Father's love.

Uncommon love is the Father's gift to me in Christ. He has dealt with my past and He owns my future. His love has the power to unlock healing and restoration like the world has never seen!

I am loved not for what I can do, but simply for who I am in Christ.

* I am a new creature in Christ (1Cor. 5:17)
* I am His glory (Colossians 1:27; Isaiah 43:7)
* I am hid with Christ in God (Colossians 3:3)
* I am a partaker of His Divine Nature (2Peter 1:4)
* I am not I, but He is in me (Galatians 2:20)
* I am reconciled, holy, blameless, irreproachable in His sight Colossians 1:21-22)
* I am complete in Him (Colossians 2:9-10)

Now hope does not dissappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. (Romans 5:5)

Fear and Faith...fear is a four letter word. I remember when I was a child, if I said a bad word momma threathened to wash my mouth out with soap (it did happen a few times).

Well, faith is like the soap. I'm talking about faith in Father God's unconditional, unlimited, unwavering, perfect love for us.

1 John 4:18 teaches that understanding God's love will deliver us from our fears.

Fear prevents progress, faith will propel me to "do it afraid" if I have to. Just because Scripture tells me to "fear not" doesn't mean I won't feel fear. God just wants me to know that He is with me. He will lead and guide me, so I can put my confidence~or faith~in Him!

His love is perfect, I am not~and I don't have to be. He isn't going to love me any more or less. Yes, I want to keep growing in my faith, but it's good to know that God loves me right where I am! That thought just boosts my faith!! It makes me feel like I can do whatever is before me to do.

Yes, I am going to feel afraid now and then. That is when I am going to need to trust in the love my Father has for me. I can turn my focus to His presence with and in me and know He will lead me through any situation. I have no need to be proud of what I think I can do, nor insecure about what I think I can't do.

It's the perfect love of God~not perfect me~that will make the difference in my "doing."

When fear challenges faith, faith wins every time! HAVE FAITH IN FATHER GOD!

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

I Am Human, Too!

2009-04-14T16:13:00.000-07:00

I am forgotten as a dead man out of mind, I am like a broken vessel. (Psalm 31:12)

I’m tired of being strong! Weary of being a leaning post. If people really knew how weak I was, they would never look to me for support.

But I am afraid to tell them!

Afraid to let them know I hurt, too. I don’t want them to know that I struggle with some of the same problems they do. It makes me looks so good, so spiritual to pretend…YUK!

Have I made myself appear to others as a great pillar of strength, a spiritual authority standing with outstretched arms, inviting people to look to me??

I dare not tell them what I really am!

Perhaps, I should hide the fact behind a gilded (to make appear bright and attractive, to make something seem more attractive or more valuable than it is) layer of superficial piety.

If they only knew how fragile I was, how easily broken, they would not believe in me again.
Perhaps, perhaps not?

Maybe confession is what is needed. To allow myself to be exposed. Broken! Then there would be no reason for others to come to me or hold me in esteem.

Yes, that’s it. Brokenness is what is needed~to lose the pieces of my own identity. Let self be lost so a new person can emerge.
One that is honest, glued together with love, unafraid to be exposed and obviously human.

Let us not therefore judge one another any more; but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way. (Romans 14:13)

My mind was ruffled with small cares today. And I said pettish words, and did not keep long~suffering patience well, and now how deep my trouble for this sin! In vain I weep for foolish words I never can unsay.
H. S. Sutton

Father, forgive me when a cause of annoyance and distress arises and my expressions of impatience hinders from taking it patiently. Disappointment, ailment, even weather depresses me, and my look or tone of depression hinders others from maintaining a cheerful and thankful spirit. I say an unkind thing, and another is hindered in learning the holy lessons of love that thinks no evil. I say a provoking thing, and my sister or brother is hindered in that day’s effort to be meek. I am sorry when I do those things Papa!

How sad too, I may hinder without word or act! For wrong feeling is more infectious than wrong doing; especially the various phases of ill temper, gloominess, touchiness, discontent, irritability…

Do I not know how catching these are?

Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
(Matt. 5:16b)

Intercession For Others

2009-03-23T14:53:00.000-07:00

"I exhort, therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving thanks, be made for all men." (1 Timothy 2:1)

"Without God, we cannot. Without us, God will not." St. Augustine's succinct statement sums up the twofold nature of intercession. God empowers us by the Holy Spirit to intercede for others' needs; without that empowerment, our prayers would be empty words.

God also invests us with Christ's authority to restrain evil forces that are blinding and hindering the person for whom we are praying. God could restrain those forces without us if He chose to. But He has equipped us and commissioned us to intercede by pushing back the enemy, thus allowing the Holy Spirit to bring conviction that leads to repentance.

Two Old Testament verses depict the need for an intercessor to do battle for sinful man: "God was appalled that there was no one to intervene" (Isaiah 59:16); "I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found none" (Ezekiel 22:30).

Of course, Jesus ultimately filled the gap. He became the mediator between God and man by giving Himself as a sacrifice for sin. But believers should also see themselves as intercessors; standing between God and the person(s) for whom we are praying, pleading for God to intervene.

If God be for us, who can be against us?

God~Made Tree

2009-03-13T19:33:00.000-07:00

And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bring forth his fruit in his season, his leaf aslo shall not wither, and whatsoever he does shall prosper. (Psalm 1:3)

The Psalmist compares us to a tree, a God-made tree.We are "planted" trees ~ "he shall be planted." When we plant a tree, we select the spot where we want it and the type of tree best suited for that location and for the purpose we had in mind. God knows where He wants to plant us, and He has a purpose in planting us there.

God provides for His trees ~ He plants them "by the rivers of water."

We are to be "productive" trees ~ "that brings forth his fruit in his season." We must be productive in due season, bringing forth God's fruit in God's season. When our lives take deep rootage in Christ, we will bring forth rich fruitage for Him.

God's trees will be "perpetually alive" ~ "his leaf also shall not wither." We will be ever-living trees of unfading beauty radiating the loveliness of our lovely Lord.

We are "prosperous" trees ~ "whatsoever he does shall prosper." Rooted in Christ, nourished by the Word, and refreshed by the Spirit, our lives become blessings to others.

What's Your Miracle?

2009-03-04T20:09:00.000-08:00

First and foremost, my salvation from a life of drugs and alcohol!

In 2003 I went on my very first missions trip to Mindaneo Philippines. It was right after the Burnham's kidnapping. There was a High Red terrorist alert out at that time. Our host family, myself, my traveling partner, and the police took an hour pump boat ride to a village to minister and have a feeding.

When we finished, we got back to our vehicle, a flatbed truck in which we rode in the back of to our destination through the jungle.

A truck load of rebels come up from a hillside. We had no idea we were in danger, but our host pastor did. Later on, the village pastor asked the rebels why they did not attack us? They were told that there was a band of men surrounding the truck so they just took off.

Things like that took place quite often while I was there, yet I did not feel in danger at all. I felt that if I die, I die, and the worst thing that could happen...I would go to heaven.

The hand of God is upon us and He gives His angels charge over us.
Let us not grow weary in well doing. He will never leave us nor forsake us. We will see the great things the Lord will do when we stand fast in the faith.

Slow Down Therapy

2009-02-27T20:42:00.000-08:00

Slow down; God is still in heaven. You are not responsible for doing it all yourself, right now.
Remember a happy, peaceful time in your past. Rest there. Each moment has richnessthat takes a lifetime to savor.

Set your own pace. When someone is pushing you, it's OK to tell them they're pushing.

Take nothing for granted: Watch water flow, the corn grow, the leaves blow, your neighbor mow.
Taste your food. God gives it to delight as well as to nourish.

Notice the sun and the moon as they rise and set. They are remarkable for their steady pattern of movement, not their speed.

Quit planning how you're going to use what you know, learn, or possess. God's gifts just are; be grateful and their purpose will be clear.

When you talk with someone, don't think about what you'll say next. Thoughts will spring up naturally if you let them.

Talk and play with children. It will bring out the unhurried little person inside you.

Create a place in your home...At your work...in your heart...Where you can go for quiet and recollection. You deserve it.

Allow yourself time to be lazy and unproductive. Rest isn't luxury; it's a necessity.

Listen to the wind blow. It carries a message of yesterday & tomorrow ~ and now. NOW counts.

Rest on your laurels. They bring comfort whatever their size, age, or condition.

Talk slower. Talk less. Don't talk. Communication isn't measured by words.

Give yourself permission to be late sometimes. Life is for living, not scheduling.

Listen to the song of a bird; The complete song.

Music and nature are gifts, But only if you are willing to receive them.

Take time just to think. Action is good and necessary, but it's fruitful only if we muse, ponder, and mull.

Make time for play ~ The things you like to do. Whatever your age, your inner childneeds re-creation.

Watch and listen to the night sky. It speaks.

Listen to the words you speak, especially in prayer.

Learn to stand back and let others take their turn as leaders.

There will always be new opportunities for you to step out in front again.

Divide big jobs into little jobs. If God took six days to create the universe, can you hope to do any better?

When you find yourself rushing & anxious, stop. Ask yourself "WHY?" You are rushing and anxious. The reasons may improve your self-understanding.

Take time to read. Thoughtful reading is enriching reading.

Direct your life with purposeful choices, not with speed and efficiency. The best musician is one who plays with expression and meaning, not the one who finishes first.

Take a day off alone; make a retreat. You can learn from monks and hermits without becoming one.

Pet a furry friend. You will give and get the gift of now.

Work with your hands. It frees the mind.

Take time to wonder. Without wonder, life is merely existence.

Sit in the dark. It will teach you to see and hear, taste and smell.

Once in a while, turn down the lights, the volume, the throttle, the invitations.

Less really can be more. Let go. Nothing is usually the hardest thing to do - but often it is the best.

Take a walk-but don't go anywhere. If you walk just to get somewhere, you sacrifice the walking. Count your friends. If you have one, you are lucky. If you have more, you are blessed.Bless them in return.

Count your blessings ~ One at a time and slowly.

~Unknown~

Others May, You Cannot!

2009-02-20T11:11:00.000-08:00

If God has called you to really be like Jesus, He will draw you into a life of crucifixion and humility, and put upon you such demands of obedience, that you will not be able to measure yourself by other Christians; and in many ways He will seem to let other good people do things which He will never let you do.

Other Christian and ministers who seem very religious and useful, can push themselves, pull wires and work schemes to carry out their Christian goals, but these things you simply cannot do. Others may boast of their work or their writings or their success, but the Holy Spirit will not allow you to do any such thing, and if you ever try it, He will lead you into some deep mortification that will make you despise yourself and all your good works.

Others may be allowed to succeed in making money, but most likely God will keep you poor, because He wants you to have something far better than gold, namely, a helpless dependence on Him and the joy of seeing Him supply your needs day by day out of an unseen Treasury.

The Lord may let others be honored and keep you hidden and unappreciated because He wants to produce some choice, fragrant fruit for His coming glory, which can only be produced in the shade. He may let others do a work for Him and get the credit for it, but He will make you work on and on without knowing how much you are doing; and then, to make your work still more precious, He may let others get the credit for the work which you have done, and thus make your reward ten times greater when Jesus comes.

The Holy Spirit will rebuke you for little words or deeds or even feelings, or for wasting your time, which other Christians never seem to be concerned about, but you must make up your mind that God is an infinite Sovereign and He has a right to do whatever he pleases with His own. He may not explain to you a thousand things which puzzle your reason in the way He deals with you, but if you will just submit yourself to Him in all things, He will wrap you up in a jealous love and bestow upon you many blessings which come only to those who are very near to His heart.

Settle it, then, that He is to have the privilege of tying your tongue, or chaining your hand, or closing your eyes, in ways that He does not seem to use with others. Now, when you are so possessed with the living God that your secret heart becomes pleased and delighted with this peculiar, personal, private, jealous, guardianship and management of the Holy Spirit over your life, then you will have entered the very vestibule of heaven itself.

G.D. Watson 1845-1924

Setting Priorities

2009-02-13T11:49:00.000-08:00

Set your affections on things above, no on things on the earth. (Colossians 3:2)

I read this by Jean Fleming and wanted to share it with you.

I view my life as a tree. The trunk represents my relationship to Christ, the limbs represent major areas of God-given responsibility such as family, job, ministry and personal development; and the branches represent the activities and opportunities of life. Even without special care, activity branches multiply. Soon the profusion of branches becomes more prominent than the trunk and limbs. When this happens, I feel trapped, frustrated, and empty. Why? Because my life is shaped and drained by activities that have lost their pertinence to Christ.

For example, the activities expected of a mother multiply conspiratorially; supervising a school field trip, organizing a car pool for soccer games, baking for the forth grade bake sale, helping a child with fractions.

To "sacrifice" for my family is sincere veneer that wears thin in time. I must go beyond defining life by activities. I must focus not on the branches, but on the trunk and limbs. I do what I do because of Jesus and His claim on my life. I don't do what I don't do for the same reason.

On a finely pruned tree, the trunk and limbs are prominent. The limbs grow out of my relationship with Christ and sprout many new branches each year. I must examine my tree and determine which branches need to be pruned back or hacked off at the base. Life is always changing. My tree must undergo changes, too.

EVERYONE THINKS OF CHANGING THE WORLD,......BUT NO ONE THINKS OF CHANGING HIMSELF . LEO TOLSTOY

Working Wonders

2009-02-09T09:15:00.000-08:00

Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord. (Zechariah 4:6)

God with power and might at His disposal yet works in the wise. His quiet performances are indirect, deep, serene, and seemingly slow, and have to be explored to be understood and appreciated. he quietly and confidently moves, working wonders day after day. In every experience, at work, hom, at church, and in soceity, it at times appears as though God was being defeated, and the movements of His grace and providence were failures, and all His plans were reversed, flowing upstream in the opposite direction from the ocean of blessings. One has to look up and cast his gaze out from the shore of frustration encirclements of the present and consider the entire stream of God's purpose among His people in order to see that He is continually winning the battle in quiet circuitous ways.

God works through individuals, conquering some heart, and through that heart He pours His purpose like a mighty river. The Lord makes His conquests by keeping His saints in utter dependence upon Him, making them live by faith. There is to be none of self in His program, but all of Christ.

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has imagined the things that I have prepared for those who love Me.”
(1 Corinthians 2:9)

Single Eye Of Faith

2009-02-06T11:33:00.000-08:00

Today I heard Rachel Scott's father Darrell Scott sharing some of what God has done and taught them in and through their tragedy. Rachel Scott, was one of the kids who died in the Columbine School shooting.

Though it was a tragedy, God has used it for His glory to save many out of darkenss.

This is what I gleaned from his sharing...

We need to develop a single eye of faith to see through our circumstances. Don't look "at" but see "through" circumstances looking to Jesus.

We either believe God is sovereign or not.

"For by Him ALL things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. ALL things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before ALL things, and in Him ALL things consist." (Colossians 1:16-17)

Sovereingity, grace and God's purpose. He created good and evil. God is in control, NOT satan.

The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good. (Prov. 15:3)

The Lord has made ALL for Hinself, yes, even the wicked for the day of doom. (Prov. 16:4)

ALL the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God. (Is. 52:10)

He saved and called us to a holy calling. He cleaned us up for a reason.

"Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved." (Eph. 1:4-6)

Free will?? Is that a myth??

God's Word says, "A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps." (Prov. 16:9)

God has a purpose much bigger than any tragedy or loss. His plans for us are for good not evil. (Jer. 29:11)

Treasures are usually found in the darkness and that is when God shows Himself so real.

There are places in our hearts that can only be opened through tragedy. Every event holds a purpose.

ALL who dwell on the earth will worship Him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. (Rev. 13:8)

He said that Rachel's favorite verse was Isaiah 50:4, "The Lord God has given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him who is weary."

Do you have that "knowing" inside of you? Rachel sure did. Please visit and be encouraged at: http://www.rachelschallenge.com/

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace which He made to abound toward us in ALL wisdom and prudence, having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself. (Eph. 1:7-9)

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

Let me start my work in faith, continue in obedience and finish with love.

Love Is...

2009-02-01T18:33:00.000-08:00

* Love is long-suffering ~ It has the ability to put up with stuff for a long time.
Our modern “throw-away” society encourages us to get rid of people in our lives who are difficult to get along with, whether they are family, friends or acquaintances. This attitude runs in complete contrast to the love the Bible describes. True love puts up with people who would be easier to give up on.

* Love is kind, does not envy ~ It doesn’t want what it doesn’t have. If our love is directed toward others, we will rejoice in the blessings they receive rather than desiring those blessings for ourselves. It isn’t resentful of what other people have.

* Love is not puffed up ~ The selfless love that God calls us to does not involve pride or glory. It doesn’t call attention to itself, doesn’t think it’s better than other people. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.

* Love does not behave itself unseemly ~ Love acts right. It’s not conceited, arrogant or full of pride. Love is nor rude. If we can’t do anything else, the least we can do is practice some good manners. Like saying, Please…Thank you…I’m sorry…You go first…Excuse me…

* Love seeks not her own ~ If we truly love others, we will set aside our own plans, agendas, and entitlements for the good of another. We can decide not to be hard to get along with and to be the kind of person other people like spending time with.

* Love is not easily provoked ~ Love is not easily angered or over-sensitive. When we truly love others, we are careful not to be touchy concerning other people’s words or actions toward us.

* Love thinks no evil ~ Does not keep any record of wrongs. It probably causes people to be sick in their bodies and emotions. Forgiveness means that we wipe the slate clean and never hold things against people.

* Love rejoices not in iniquity but rejoices in truth ~ It does not boast about sin. Godly love has nothing to do with evil, but has everything to do with what is right and true.

* Love bears, believes, hopes and endures all things ~ Love puts up with anything and never gives up, knowing that God can change lives for the better.

* Love never fails ~ Love accepts any hardship or rejection, and continues unabated to build up and encourage.

Love is seen in our actions and our attitude. It doesn’t pout and make faces when it doesn’t get it’s own way. It is a behavior we choose to operate in because God has told us to do it. Love prefers other people by allowing them to go first, have the last or best of something…like the last piece of chocolate in the box.

To know what love is we have to look at God because God is love. We need to look at Jesus as our example because He’s a perfect representation of God. (1 John 4:8; John 14:9). To see what love looks like, we need to look at how Jesus lived, how He acted when people come against Him, and how He behaved during trials.

While we may “feel” love for others, we must “show” love if others are to feel it.
Like clothing, we put on love. (Colossians 3:12) When we do, we’re honoring and glorifying God.

Let me start my work in faith, continue in obedience and finish with love.

Love, What Does It Really Look Like?

2009-01-30T09:23:00.000-08:00

With February just a few days away, I wanted to share my thoughts on "love" and what it really looks like.

Love is more than saying I love you with the love of the Lord. Nice words, but what do they really mean?

Love is visible when someone is there for me, when I need them. It’s being treated right when I make a mistake or need mercy or understanding.

Love is something that can be seen. It is seen in the fruit of the Spirit working in our lives, in our behavior and how we treat people. It sparkles in different ways depending upon how we look at it.

One common work for love in the Greek language was, eros, which suggested physical sexual desire and not much else. Another word, philos, suggested the esteem and affection found in a casual friendship. Then the Greek word, agape, describes a love that is based on the deliberate choice of the one who loves rather than the worthiness of the one who is loved. This kind of love goes against natural human inclination. It is a giving, selfless, expect nothing in return kind of love.

First Corinthians 13:4-8 tells us examples of what love looks like.

“Love suffers long and is kind, love does not parade itself, is not puffed up, does not behave itself unseemly, seeks not her own, is not easily provoked, thinks no evil, rejoices not in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth, love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.”

Think about this verse and what it says about love compared to your thoughts about love.

I will expound a little on what I believe love is in the next blog coming Feburary first.

May you be surrounded in our Heavenly Father’s love.

Dreams...Where Does One Begin?

2009-01-30T09:13:00.000-08:00

Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. (Psalm 37:4)

We are all one...There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for we are all one in Christ. (Gal. 3:28)

Forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead. I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ. (Phil. 3:13-14)

Now for my dreams...To think of other as more important than myself, that I can show the world the love of God by being the example of Jesus' love. Without a doubt, His theme was love. To love the Lord my God with all my heart and with all my soul and with all my mind. AND, love my neighbor as myself. (Deut. 6:5, Romans 13:8-10)

To daily "Seek Him and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto me."

Imagine what would happen if all the world became genuine lovers of neighbors??

We have been influenced by the culture far more than we have influenced culture. We have fought fire with fire, hatred with hatred. We have sometimes exalted ourselves and put others down~often in the name of defending the Truth. We have treated others with disrespect in an effort to convince them that they are wrong and we are right.As citizens, we should be involved on every level and in every corner of society, but our attitude is to be LOVE.

We are to seek the good of others, treating all individuals with dignity and respect, even when we disagree intellectually or politically with their position.

The basic challenge to us today is to be people of love on a daily basis, whether or not a social crisis exists.

We know that in ALL THINGS God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. For those He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of His Son. He wants to make us Christ-like in attitude and lifestyle. He uses every harsh experiences for that purpose.

It's His love that I seek to share, it's His Spirit that enables me to communicate it to others. I open my heart daily to receive His love and look for opportunities to share the treasures with others.

LOVE is the most powerful weapon in the world for good.

Let me start my work in faith, continue in obedience and finish with love.

February~The Month For Love

2009-01-29T11:40:00.000-08:00

Love one another as I have loved you. (John 15:12)

February is the shortest month on the calendar, but one of the longest in terms of importance. Winter's cold weather can't put out fires of love and affection that warm our hearts. On these cold clean nights we can look overhead and see the stars sparkling above like beacons of faith. The star Venus appears in the eastern sky early in the morning during this month, and shines so brightly that it seems very close to us. Mornings are still dark, but we gain another thirty five minutes of daylight. At the end of this short month, the sun stays out evenings until after 5:30.

What a wonderful month to think often and joyfully of the love with which God has blessed the world. Knowing He truly loves each one of us makes life richer for everyone. In your prayers this month, remember to thatnk the Lord for this dear blessing. For without His examle we would never know the gladness of committing ourselves to dear ones so fully ~ and receiving so much happiness in return.

This is a time to recall each of God's blessings, and think of some of the special things that have brightened your life. Can you list a few? If we all kept a "Happy List" tacked up where we could see it every day, we might count our blessings instead of our troubles. Yes, it is true that when you think of pleasant things, time seems to fly by, but when your mnd is full of doom and gloom, hours drag on forever!

Why don't you decide right now the month of February will be a great month for you. Make it a time to be thankful for your loved ones and friends. Be a February person, a loving person. The more you give love away, the greater it grows.

Special Events In Feburary
* February 12~Birthday of Abraham Lincoln, our 16th President, who freed the slaves and helped all mankind.
* February 14~Valentine's Day, a day to appreciate our dear ones and tell them how much we love them.
* February 15~Birthday of George Washington, our beloved 1st President, and father of our great country.

Share God's love with others, and you'll get a marvelous return on your investment!

Concerning Faith

2009-01-26T11:22:00.000-08:00

"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 Saviour 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. Have a faith~filled Janurary ~ Believe it and Receive it.

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

Show Your Faith With Generosity

2009-01-23T15:21:00.000-08:00

“A generous man will prosper, he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” (Proverbs 11:25)

True faith is demonstrated when we look for ways to be kind and generous to those in need.

What’s the use of saying you have faith if you don’t prove it by your actions? That kind of faith can’t save anyone. Suppose you see a brother or sister in need of food or clothing, and you say, “Well good-bye and God bless you; stay warm and eat well” ~ but you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?

You see, it isn’t enough just to have faith. Faith that doesn’t show itself by good deeds is no faith at all ~ it is dead and useless. (James 2:15-17)

We all have numerous resources from which to share. Having a “generous spirit” does not mean simply giving money. Time is another precious commodity, and generous volunteers enable many organizations to function well: hospitals, schools, missions, animal shelters, nursing homes, community centers, child care centers, churches ~ and the list goes on and on.

A “spirit of generosity” means open-handedly giving time, energy, and creativity, as well as monetary resources. Great is the reward of the person who generously gives whatever he or she has to help others.

Look around. What do you have to share?

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

DIRECTIONS TO OUR FATHER'S HOUSE

2009-01-19T13:52:00.000-08:00

I really like this. Someone spent a lot of time on it.

As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord (Joshua 24:15).

DIRECTIONS TO OUR FATHER'S HOUSE
Make a Right onto Believeth Blvd. Keep straight and go through the Green Light, which is Jesus Christ. There, you must turn onto the Bridge of Faith , which is over troubled water.

When you get off the bridge, make a Right turn and Keep Straight. You are on the King's Highway - Heaven-bound.

Keep going for three miles: One for the Father, One for the Son, and One for the Holy Ghost.

Then exit off onto Grace Blvd.

From there, make a Right turn on Gospel Lane. Keep Straight and then make another Right on Prayer Road As you go on your way, Yield Not to the traffic on Temptation Ave. Also, avoid SIN STREET because it is a DEAD END.

Pass up Envy Drive and Hate Avenue. Also, pass Hypocrisy Street, Gossiping Lane , and Backbiting Blvd. However, you have to go down Long-suffering Lane , Persecution Blvd. and Trials and Tribulations Ave.

But that's all right, because VICTORY Street is straight ahead! AMEN!!

Life is God's gift to you. The way you live it............is your gift to God

Life’s A Journey Travel Well!!

Living Sacrifice ~ Dying To Self

2009-01-18T08:09:00.000-08:00

Living Sacrifice As Christians, we're called to give ourselves to God as a "living sacrifice." The Apostle Paul helps us understand this truth in his letter to the believers in Rome:

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:1-2)

Living Sacrifice - Dying to SelfSo, how do we truly present ourselves to God as a living sacrifice? In a nutshell, we must die to our prior selves. This concept is wonderfully presented in this anonymous poem…

When you are forgotten, neglected, or purposely set at naught, and you don't sting or hurt with the oversight, but your heart is happy being counted worthy to suffer for Christ;
That is dying to self.

When your good is evil spoken of, when your wishes are crossed, your advice disregarded, your opinion ridiculed, and you refuse to let anger rise in your heart or even defend yourself, but take it all in patient, loving silence;
That is dying to self.

When you lovingly and patiently bear any disorder, any irregularity, any annoyance; when you can stand face to face with waste, folly, extravagance, spiritual insensibility, and endure it as Jesus did;
That is dying to self.

When you are content with any food, and offering, any raiment, any climate, any society, any solitude, any interruption by the will of God;
That is dying to self.

When you never care to refer to yourself in conversation or record your own good works or itch after commendation, when you can truly love to be unknown;
That is dying to self.

When you can see your brother prosper and have his needs met, and can honestly rejoice with him in spirit and feel no envy, nor question God, while your own needs are far greater and you are in desperate circumstances;
That is dying to self.

When you can receive correction and reproof from one of less stature than yourself and can humbly submit, inwardly as well as outwardly, finding no rebellion or resentment rising up within your heart;
That is dying to self.