Boojoyful

Elevators & Indifference

2012-03-08T08:44:00.005-05:00

March 8

Is there some written rule of etiquette that upon entering an elevator you are not to speak, smile, touch, or make eye contact with anyone else? Years ago I noticed this and have made a conscious effort ever since to break such rule if it exists.

I totally believe it is a tactic of the devil to get us to disconnect from one another. If he can get us to limit our sharing, caring and commitment to one another there is less opportunity for others to feel the love of Christ.

The epidemic infiltrates our homes and family lives as well. A young mother told me they were out to dinner and in the same restaurant was a family of four and each individual was focused on an electronic device. (Phone, ipod, ipad) She was shocked.

What does your dinner table look like? Are televisions, phones, computers, or even homework adorning the table and distracting verbal communication from taking place? The pace and regulations of our school/job may keep us from these enticing gadgets, geared to fill our every desire, but it's sad that longing has us running for them when we arrive home instead of soaking in sweet fellowship with the ones we love most.

Jesus walked with people, talked to people, reached out and touched people, as well as serving, caring for and listening to them. He is to be our example.

"The only escape from indifference is to think of people as our most cherished resource. We need to work hard at reestablishing family fun, meaningful meal times, people involvement and evenings without TV times when we genuinely get involved with folks in need-not just pray for them." Charles Swindoll

When you see people today, look through the lens of Jesus and consider why they may be in your path. Consider that you may be the only one to offer them a friendly hello and smile that can help them make it through a rough day. And be sure to shake up the elevator crowd next time you are on one!

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other,

just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32

Here is a Biblical tip for meal time from The Message.

So let's agree to use all our energy in getting along with each other. Help others with encouraging words; don't drag them down by finding fault. You're certainly not going to permit an argument over what is served or not served at supper to wreck God's work among you, are you? I said it before and I'll say it again: All food is good, but it can turn bad if you use it badly, if you use it to trip others up and send them sprawling. When you sit down to a meal, your primary concern should not be to feed your own face but to share the life of Jesus. So be sensitive and courteous to the others who are eating. Don't eat or say or do things that might interfere with the free exchange of love. Romans 14:19

Where He Leads

2012-03-06T11:34:00.008-05:00

March 7

The humanness in me wants to move on to happy topics, but my spirit knows I am still grieving and where God has me in my Bible study is no coincidence. I feel I need to be honest with what He is leading me to share. So often you share that what I write is exactly where you are and you appreciate my honesty, so I will be vulnerable and honest.

Back in January I picked up a Bible study workbook I found in a drawer in our living room. The copyright date is 2003 and it has probably been in my drawer for nine years. I have not been disciplined to do the work daily...true confession - when I picked it back up yesterday I was only on Lesson Two, Day Four.

Two weeks ago when my girlfriend was nearing the end of her earthly life, the only lesson I completed was titled "Doubtstorms."

Quotes by Max Lucado like....

"It is hard to see God through our pain."

"Most of us know what it means to feel disappointed by God."

"We may feel like God has forgotten us at times." .....hit my heart right where it was.

Today, I tried to get back on the saddle and commit to digging into this study. I did two lessons.

Day Four-"Fear that Becomes Faith"

"Experiencing Jesus' peace often comes at a great price to our idea of security-what we can control. We have to let go of what we know and step out in faith.

Moses did not raise his staff on the bank of the Red Sea because it was the logical thing to do. He merely did as God commanded.

David did not face Goliath on the battlefield because he had studied his opponent's fighting style and had uncovered a weakness. He trusted God.

Paul did not decide to abandon the Law and embrace grace because it was common sense. He met Christ, and it changed him forever.

The individuals in these stories were never stronger than the moment they let go of their own security in order to experience what only God could provide. Ultimate victory. Lasting peace."

Biographies of bold disciples begin with chapters of honest terror.

Fear of death. Fear of failure. Fear of loneliness. Fear of a wasted life. Fear of failing to know God. Faith that begins with fear will end up nearer the Father." Lucado

The photo above is of a stacked stone fireplace. It was laid on a very firm foundation and then built upon. On top is a rugged wooden mantle. Our faith builds (stacks up) throughout our lives when we look up to the old rugged cross and Christ who was crucified upon it.

Whatever our fears...even if we walk through the valley of death, we need not be afraid, for God is with us and his rod and staff will comfort us. (Psalm 23:4)

Lesson Five is called "The Journey's End" and was based on 2 Corinthians 4:17-18

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Lucado says, "Compared to eternity, this life is fleeting." Amen

Wait for the Lord's help. Be strong and brave, and wait for the Lord's help. Ps. 27:14

(That is how my girlfriend lived.)

The Lord wants to show his mercy to you. He wants to rise and comfort you. The Lord is a fair God, and everyone who waits for his help will be happy. Isaiah 30:18

For those of us still walking here on earth and missing those who have gone before us, these words symbolize God's hand reaching out to us. Where He leads us, it is safe to follow.

Leashed & Suffering

2012-03-05T23:56:00.002-05:00

March 6

One of our grandsons stayed with us last week (God knew I needed a cuddly comforter). Now that he can crawl, he is on the move and has a heart for exploration. We had to watch him like a hawk. While preparing his breakfast one morning, I turned around to find that my husband had attached the dog leash to the back of his pjs. Pretty funny....hmmm, doesn't look like our little fellow is laughing.

Why didn't God just put each of us on a leash, so he could give us a tug when we neared danger(sin)?

Why when there was a man like Job, who lived like he was totally connected to God and was able to say...

“But he knows where I am and what I've done. He can cross-examine me all he wants, and I'll pass the test with honors. I've followed him closely, my feet in his footprints, not once swerving from his way. I've obeyed every word he's spoken, and not just obeyed his advice—I've treasured it.” Job 23:10-11 MSG ...why did Job still suffer?

We look at suffering as if God is ignoring the sufferer or punishing them. What we need to do

is look to the cross and remember who suffered for us and who we are to be like.

But those who suffer he delivers in their suffering; he speaks to them in their affliction.

Job 36:15

Our suffering brings us closer to the Lord. While at times suffering may seem like a jerk on the leash to head us back in the right direction, there are times when it occurs in lives such as Job who haven't wandered away in the least. God is never caught off guard. Call to Him in your suffering and he will keep you close.

Shout Hallelujah

2012-03-02T08:35:00.003-05:00

March 5

This is such a God thing! The other day I was outside on our screened porch digging deeply in the Word. Towards the end of an amazing time with the Lord, He said, "Shout hallelujah."

Well, one of our sons was home and I knew his bedroom door was open right below me, also there was a fisherman in a boat and construction workers across the cove and sound does travel over water, so I was feeling rather timid. My compromise was to quietly say, "Hallelujah." I think God cleared his throat and said, "My command was shout." So I raised the volume of my voice slightly and said, "Hallelujah." I still was wandering in disobedience. By this time my husband had arrived home from work and was getting out of his car. I gave the quickest shout of "hallelujah" I could muster up and ran in the house. So wherever you are, stop and think about how much God loves you.

The next day I received this email from God-tube. Check out the chickies shouting hallelujah!

http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=KZLLZWNX&utm_source=GodTube%20Today&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=03/02/2012

Think about the lengths He has gone to in providing a way for us to access heaven and SHOUT..."Hallelujah."

Let's Get Together

2012-03-02T08:04:00.008-05:00

Sorry, not sure why this didn't publish over the weekend.

March 3-4

God does make me smile. I was evading Bible study and breaking a firm rule of mine to never go to Facebook or Pinterest until after my time with the Lord. He placed on my mind this song from Parent Trap and lured me back to Him and my senses!

Let's get together, yeah yeah yeah.Why don't you and I combine?

Let's get together, what do you say?We can have a swinging time.

We'd be a crazy team.Why don't we make a scene? Together.

If we want to hear from the Lord, we must to go to him and position ourselves in a way we can receive him. I think that starts with being still and knowing He is God and confessing we are not like Him and in need of forgiveness. We open up opportunities for him to speak by going to His Word.

Since today's date is the 3rd. Nibble on Psalm 3. A friend called the other day and said this Psalm has been carrying she and her husband through some tough times. She knew my heart and head had been down the past week and said, "Check it out. It says God is the lifter of our heads!" Praise God for friends who take us to Him!

Psalm 3

Lord, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me!

Many are saying of me, "God will not deliver him.

But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.

I call out to the Lord, and he answers me from his holy mountain.

I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.

I will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side.

Arise, Lord! Deliver me, my God!

Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked.

From the Lord comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your people.

Blown It

2012-03-02T07:08:00.001-05:00

March 2

Cock-a-doodle-doo, Peter blew it and he knew it. When it came to his relationship with Jesus, Peter had walked with him, he had talked with him; he'd been with him through calm seas and rough rugged waters. Peter had seen the miracles first hand and felt the love, yet when the going got tough, Peter's love commitment wavered and he had short term memory loss and was ready to take a hike.
Reflect on what happened in Mark 14:66-72
While all this was going on, Peter was down in the courtyard. One of the Chief Priest's servant girls came in and, seeing Peter warming himself there, looked hard at him and said, "You were with the Nazarene, Jesus."
He denied it: "I don't know what you're talking about." He went out on the porch. A rooster crowed. The girl spotted him and began telling the people standing around, "He's one of them." He denied it again. After a little while, the bystanders brought it up again. "You've got to be one of them. You've got 'Galilean' written all over you."
Now Peter got really nervous and swore, "I never laid eyes on this man you're talking about." Just then the rooster crowed a second time. Peter remembered how Jesus had said, "Before a rooster crows twice, you'll deny me three times." He collapsed in tears.
Anyone who has been quick to say, "How could Peter deny knowing Christ?" need only take a look into the mirror of their past and ask to be shown ways we have hurt the ones we love and the finger of judgement will drop. I'd love the chance to rewind 35 years and take every hurtful word, action or unkind look I've tossed my husband's and children's way back.
Jesus knew Peter was going to blow it, yet he didn't love him any less. Likewise, Christ is fully aware of our weaknesses and sins. He knows we've blown it many a time and still have some blowing to do in the future, but He remains steadfast in his love commitment to us.

Still Speaking

2012-03-01T05:49:00.007-05:00

March 1

My plan was to start fresh this month with something simple or even take a break from writing, thinking that might help the grief I am experiencing over the loss of my friend. I've found such comfort in this journey of life in trusting the Spirit to lead, when I stay in the Word and today what I've been given is the perfect follow up to the dynamic worship experience at her memorial service yesterday.

The service began with the handsome young son of her cousin strumming his guitar and singing "I Can Only Imagine." Not only was his voice melodic, his countenance and composure came straight from God. When he sang the refrain...

Will I dance for you Jesus or in awe of you be still

Will I stand in your presence or to my knees will I fall

Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all

I wanted to shout out...she sang "hallelujah"!

It ended with another joy filled cousin, who always made my friend laugh, singing a cappella, Chris Tomlin's arrangement of Amazing Grace and inviting the congregation to sing along!

My friend's oldest daughter, who is in the hospital, awaiting the birth of her first child was with the congregation via Skype. It was a precious solution to a heart wrenching situation.

We are prone to wander, especially when we are hurting (like a wounded animal retreating to the woods), but if we head to the lap of the Father instead and seek comfort and counsel from His Word, it will provide just what we need. I praise God this morning for the divine wisdom I found on Bible Gateway. Just what the doctor of the grieving would order for comfort on the day after a service such as I experienced.

My friend's life still has an amazing voice from heaven, because of the way she lived here on earth. The legacy of how she lived will continue to resound to the next generation!

You're all I want in heaven! You're all I want on earth! When my skin sags and my bones get brittle, God is rock-firm and faithful. Look! Those who left you are falling apart! Deserters, they'll never be heard from again. But I'm in the very presence of God— oh, how refreshing it is! I've made Lord God my home. God, I'm telling the world what you do!

Psalm 73:25-26 MSG

The same verse, but in the NIV

Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.
Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.
But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge;
I will tell of all your deeds. Psalm 73:25-26

God will provide what we need...we just got to go to Him!

"We so good 4 each otha. Memba that!" Kaye Henderson

A Love Song

2012-02-28T10:19:00.002-05:00

February 29

Take a leap of faith and tell someone you love them!

A Love Song

http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=91BF2MNU&utm_source=GodTube%20Music%20Videos&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=02/14/2012

Several people posted that this song makes them think of the gift of the Holy Spirit which God gave us. A reminder we are loved.

A Love Story Video

2012-02-28T09:21:00.002-05:00

February 28

No Ryan O'Neal and Ali Macgraw are not featured in the video below...but someone much more talented and filled with a love beyond our imagination, someone who longs to capture our hearts.

Try to imagine seeing each person you see today through Christ's eyes!

Jesus is the ULTIMATE love!

http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=F2EC0CNU&utm_source=GodTube%20Today&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=02/21/2012

She Fought the Good Fight

2012-02-26T02:39:00.007-05:00

February 27

Bible Gateway's verse yesterday was:

This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 1 John 4:9

A fitting verse for the day my everyday friend, soul sister, monster of the faith and mischievous partner in crime, Kaye, left this world behind and headed to her heavenly home. My husband was able to be by her bedside and said he knew she heard the words of our faith that he shared. Her sweet daughter held the phone up to her ear so I could say good-bye and the brightest single star you have ever seen shown through my bedroom window as she exited this earth!

Yesterday, my heart literally ached so badly that I told the Lord, "Take me too!" Wouldn't she have been surprised if I had snuck up on her in heaven and said, "Thought you were going somewhere without me, did ya."

When we received the call she was ready to go, I called out to the Lord for comfort and He led me to the Bible Gateway verse above and then I was able to turn 2 Timothy 4:6-8 into this final farewell which her daughter read to her.

You have fought the good fight, you have finished the race and kept the faith. Now go get that crown of righteousness, which the Lord is waiting to award you. 2 Timothy 4:6-8

Father, thank you that Kaye is no longer in pain, thank you for all that she taught so many of us these past 8 years while she valiantly fought cancer by clinging to her faith and your promises. Strengthen her family and friends in the days ahead and please, please bring her grandson, Max, into this world on March 7th happy, healthy and ready to be loved. We do not understand Your ways Lord, but we know You are good. In Jesus' Name, Amen

Here are some photos of one of my very favorite people of all time.

She always made me feel loved and gave me a reason to laugh.

Six members of her family were baptized here at Shiloh!

What a day of rejoicing that was.

Kaye's smile was infectious.

She had a mighty fine wig and looked gorgeous!

She will be desperately missed, but deserves every ounce of happiness she is experiencing.

I can't wait for her to show me around heaven!

One final laugh...she loved my hair dresser, who has done my hair for over 30 years. Right now he has my hair really long. One day in the hospital she said, "Your hair looks beautiful." I said, "But it is so long. Would you really tell me the truth if you didn't like it?" She said, "Oh course I would. It looks fabulous. I was just wondering if you are having a mid-life crisis and trying to catch a younger man."

We all need friends who speak the truth in love! I will miss you dear friend. Loads of love, Boo

Loving Hard

2012-02-24T10:54:00.005-05:00

February 25-26

The silence in our bed said so much. My husband could tell my thoughts were far away. Lovingly he said, "You love hard, thus you set yourself up to hurt hard."

Expressing honesty to a very sick friend, I confessed, "I am worried about you." Her reply, "I am sorry, I don't want to cause you to worry." My response was that I would rather love to a depth that brings heartache and concern than not have experienced that kind of love. She agreed.

The weather was fabulous yesterday. I was tempted to gather a couple magazines and head to the dock to escape reality, but I knew my Jesus time needed to come first. Opening Solo, The Message, I was so thankful I hadn't missed God's love letter to me as he shared of a woman who loved Jesus hard.

Luke 7:36-47

One of the Pharisees asked him over for a meal. He went to the Pharisee's house and sat down at the dinner table. Just then a woman of the village, the town harlot, having learned that Jesus was a guest in the home of the Pharisee, came with a bottle of very expensive perfume and stood at his feet, weeping, raining tears on his feet. Letting down her hair, she dried his feet, kissed them, and anointed them with the perfume. When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, "If this man was the prophet I thought he was, he would have known what kind of woman this is who is falling all over him."Jesus said to him, "Simon, I have something to tell you.""Oh? Tell me."

"Two men were in debt to a banker. One owed five hundred silver pieces, the other fifty. Neither of them could pay up, and so the banker canceled both debts. Which of the two would be more grateful?"

Simon answered, "I suppose the one who was forgiven the most."

"That's right," said Jesus. Then turning to the woman, but speaking to Simon, he said, "Do you see this woman? I came to your home; you provided no water for my feet, but she rained tears on my feet and dried them with her hair. You gave me no greeting, but from the time I arrived she hasn't quit kissing my feet. You provided nothing for freshening up, but she has soothed my feet with perfume. Impressive, isn't it? She was forgiven many, many sins, and so she is very, very grateful. If the forgiveness is minimal, the gratitude is minimal."

Solo gave this challenge on how we should live.

"Oswald Chambers said, "If human love does not carry a man beyond himself, it is not love. If love is always discreet, always wise, always sensible and calculating, never carried beyond itself, it is not love at all. It may be affection, it may be warmth of feeling, but it has not the true nature of love in it."

"Think about the degree of restraint or abandon you show in your relationship with Jesus (and with others)." Solo, The Message

Think of who you love hard?

How does the depth of your love for Christ relate to that scenario?

Love Worth Finding

2012-02-24T07:36:00.006-05:00

February 24

This post may simply be a rambling as I am not quite certain where my head is. Thirty-nine years ago I asked Jesus into my heart and a mustard seed faith began to grow. That first year a huge test was tossed my way when, while my parents were out of the country traveling in Europe, my grandfather, who lived right down the street, was murdered. My siblings, who were much older than me, were all married and out of the house. My journal from that time records a young faith that cried out to God.

Flash forward to now and I am facing what appears to me to be a very unfair situation. I know God well enough after all these years to know He is capable of stepping in and changing the scenarios. My faith is being tested and my heart hurts.

When I take the time to stop trying to figure things out and turn to the Lord, He gives me life lines to hold onto, even while the waves keep crashing. Like the disciples in the boat, I scream, "Calm this storm!" Give us a miracle Father! No more suffering, no more pain, no more heartache! (Then I remember where that kind of life exists.)

I have no answers! Only a faith that is based on love and sacrifice.

While we are to understand God's precepts and his commandments, I want to understand the "whys," of His ways. The purposes in His plans. Our ways of thinking are so far from His.

Job realized in his book, chapter 36:26

"Take a long, hard look. See how great he is—infinite, greater than anything you could ever imagine or figure out!

Wisdom tells us to...Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5

Today Bible Gateway reads in Jeremiah 29:11-13:

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”

After 39 years, I am still seeking and learning. When we take time, even in the darkest times, to go near to God and place ourselves in a position to hear Him, He will speak. Adrian Rogers may already be in heaven, but his teachings still speak to us. The timing of today's message...

(The real world keeps churning...I had to stop working on this blog, as I heard my daughter calling to me...her son has been very sick all week..running to his room I found her with him covered head to toe in poop while still in his PJ's and sleep sack. "Start the bath!" she hollered. A distraction definitely. Ah, but what a reminder that when we call to Him, like a concerned parent, He will come.) God knows my innermost thought to email this to me today:

February 24-Adrain Rogers-Love Worth Finding

Is Trusting God a Challenge for You?

“Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.” Psalm 37:3

This word “trust” is an interesting word. Its root is from the word that means “to lie face down on the ground.”

The idea is that a person is totally helpless. He has been cast down and has nothing to stand upon. Some would say his pins have gone out from underneath him. He has no visible means of support.

That is the place where God wants to bring us—where we have no physical means of support and all we have is God.

As a matter of fact, did you know that God will sometimes knock your feet out from beneath you so that you might learn to trust Him? At that point, faith is no longer an option or a luxury; it is a necessity. To the world your situation looks hopeless, but that is right where God wants to show Himself powerful in your life.

Is there an area in your life today for which you must trust God completely? Perhaps you need some “face time”. . .face down on the ground before the Lord. Bring that issue before Him in total surrender.

He loves you and me.

2012-02-23T06:48:00.006-05:00

February 23

My heart is so heavy, the prayer list so long with burdens and needs beyond any load I've ever carried to lay before the Lord. A numbness of disbelief wants to set in...the kind of feeling where you need to splash cold water in your face to bring you out of the shock of it all. Before opening my eyes or praising the Lord, I started into the list...then I stopped and simply said, "Lord, I love you, would you like to crawl in this bed and sit beside me and just hold hands."

The reply....

"Oh, dear friend, my heart is so heavy, the needs of my children and those who are lost is so long."

I sat up and with compassion I switched to the Lord's perspective and thought about how He aches for the lost to be found and He longs to have his children home, hating to see them suffer. He knows our earthly journey is short lived compared with eternity.

Oh how He loves you and me!

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith-of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire-may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of you souls. 1 Peter 1:3-9

Kindle Fire

2012-02-22T08:54:00.004-05:00

February 22

An email came from a friend the other day and below her closing was the statement:

"Sent from my Kindle Fire."

With this being a month of reflecting on love, I thought about those words and remembered the importance of kindling the various kinds of love in our lives. Love isn't set a blaze on its' own.

Whether it is a love for the Lord, a romantic love, a relational love, or a parental love the pieces of kindling (our acts of KINDness and being active and involved) keep the fire burning!

The fire on the altar must be kept burning; it must not go out. Every morning the priest is to add firewood and arrange the burnt offering on the fire and burn the fat of the fellowship offerings on it.

Leviticus 6:12

A Loving Spirit

2012-02-20T09:02:00.008-05:00

During the snow storm Sunday, we had a visitor on our patio. We never saw him, but it is obviously from the marks he left that he was there. Neither do we see the Spirit, but when we allow Him to have control of our lives, it is obvious He is with us by the behavior His goodness evokes in us and the imprint that leaves on others!

February 21

Continuing on with yesterday's thoughts about connecting with the Holy Spirit, I wanted to share some of these thoughts of Charles Spurgeon. Born in 1834, obviously the Spirit has been impacting people for a long time. :)

"Common, too common, is the sin of forgetting the Holy Spirit....He shares in the threefold ascription of Holy, holy, holy. (Isaiah 6:3)...He is purity, truth and grace. He is good benevolently, tenderly bearing with our waywardness and striving with our rebellious wills. He quickens us from our death in sin, and then trains us for the skies as a loving nurse fosters her child. How generous, forgiving, and tender is this patient Spirit of God!...He suggests good thoughts, prompts good actions, reveals good truths, applies good promises, assist in good attainments, and leads to good results. Those who yield to His influences become good, those who obey His impulses do good, those who live under His power receive good.....Let us recognize His power and admit our need of Him by waiting on Him in all our holy enterprises. Let us hourly seek His aid and never grieve Him. And let us praise Him whenever any opportunity to do so arises.

How would our days look different if they were driven by the Spirit and not our selfish pride and desires?

As for me (and hopefully my house) I'll take a Spirit filled day, thank you Jesus!

Jesus promised us the gift of a Friend.

If you love me, show it by doing what I've told you. I will talk to the Father, and he'll provide you another Friend so that you will always have someone with you. This Friend is the Spirit of Truth. The godless world can't take him in because it doesn't have eyes to see him, doesn't know what to look for. But you know him already because he has been staying with you, and will even be in you! John 14:15-16

The Connection..a gift of love.

2012-02-19T15:41:00.006-05:00

February 20

CONNECTION-the word was as clear as if it had been handed out in a spelling bee.

"Could I have the definition please?" "Connection-when something (or someone) is joined and linked together."

Wandering through the house I looked for clues to what the lesson was in this word. Without my fingers connecting to the keys of this computer, messages would not be sent out or information gathered. Without the plugs of numerous items in our home being connected to an electrical outlet they would be useless. The information, education and entertainment of television would not come into our home without being connected to cable. A peanut butter and jelly sandwich would not delight any one's palate without the two elements connecting. And we can have the fanciest shower head available, but without a connection to the waterline nary a drip will drop out.

Checking out the Bible's take on this word I came across....

"In prayer there is a connection between what God does and what you do. You can't get forgiveness from God, for instance, without also forgiving others. If you refuse to do your part, you cut yourself off from God's part. Matthew 6:14-15

We can't come to the Father, without connecting with the Son. And we can't do all things through Christ who strengthens us without connecting to the Holy Spirit.

Nehemiah 9:20 says: You gave your good Spirit to instruct them.

John 14:15-16 talks of us being given a Helper, in the Holy Spirit, now that's a good connection to have.

Every connection I thought about, in the photos above, takes human initiative to happen. The Spirit connection requires a conscious decision to set self aside and be led by Spirit himself.

Come, Holy Spirit, come lead our lives today.

We so good 4 each otha.

2012-02-17T08:42:00.005-05:00

February 18-19

There is a text message on my phone from a dear friend which reads:

"We so good 4 each otha."

I want God to feel that way about me....I know He doesn't need me to do squat for Him, but He did put me here for HIS purpose and I hope I am pleasing in His sight. The first thing He asks of me is to love Him. Adrain Rogers said this about God:

"He made you and me in the likeness of His image,

that He might have fellowship with us and that we would praise Him."

Lord, I do pray I get this relationship with You right this side of heaven, so when I see you will say “Well done, good and faithful servant.’

I was struggling with the Lord over some current situations and He spoke very lovingly, but sternly back. Only minutes after our conversation, I received an email from a friend who said she had me on her heart and had just Facebooked a quote of mine, from when we worked in youth ministry together.

The more you know Him, the more you love Him.

The more you love Him, the more you want to be like Him.

It was as if God wrapped his arms around me and said, "I know your heart dear one. There are just some days you lose sight of who we are together! We so good 4 each otha!"

Things that Might Be Misssed

2012-02-17T08:04:00.002-05:00

Apple brings friends together!

February 17

Over a year ago, I met a gentleman in an Apple Store in Minnesota. After 64 years of marriage, he lost the love of his life. His love for her was the first thing he told me about. Now we often email about his love for the Lord and how his faith continues to grow. The day before Valentine's Day he shared how he struggles at times to let go of the past and get excited about what is to come. He did what friends in Christ do...he asked for prayer.

Emailing him back one day, I thought about how blessed his wife was to be loved like this.

I suggested he start journaling or maybe emailing loved ones on occasion and share a memory from his life with his wife and then something/someone in his earthly life he is thankful for.

I gave examples of simple joys in my life...the BlueRidge Mts coming down to meet the Lake, looking at Moses, fresh pineapple, and the twinkle in people's eyes.

He quickly replied and I will never look at a jar of peanut butter again without thinking of him.

"All time favorite view: Back-packing to the Greek Islands with his wife.

Animal- A dog, possibly "Maggie".

Things to Eat- Absolutely peanut butter

A Body Trait-smiles and now-women's eyebrows (natural is best)"

I've copied this list and stuck it in a drawer I frequently open, because it will do several things...

make me smile, remind me to pray for my friend and remind me of what would have been missed had I not spoken to this stranger in The Apple Store.

He sent me this beautiful video...I would have missed it had he not been in my life.

http://www.staged.com/video?v=NtK

Be kind and compassionate to one another. Ephesians 4:32

Wipe Away Our Sins

2012-02-15T08:41:00.008-05:00

February 16

As you read the story of the paraplegic, in Mark 2:1-12, can you think of people you would carry to a roof top, disassemble the roof and lower into a building to see Jesus? That was some bold faith on at least the part of the four men. I guess the paraplegic was UP for it! :)

Read the story below:

After a few days, Jesus returned to Capernaum, and word got around that he was back home. A crowd gathered, jamming the entrance so no one could get in or out. He was teaching the Word. They brought a paraplegic to him, carried by four men. When they weren't able to get in because of the crowd, they removed part of the roof and lowered the paraplegic on his stretcher. Impressed by their bold belief, Jesus said to the paraplegic,

"Son, I forgive your sins."

Some religion scholars sitting there started whispering among themselves, "He can't talk that way! That's blasphemy! God and only God can forgive sins."

Jesus knew right away what they were thinking, and said, "Why are you so skeptical? Which is simpler: to say to the paraplegic, 'I forgive your sins,' or say, 'Get up, take your stretcher, and start walking'? Well, just so it's clear that I'm the Son of Man and authorized to do either, or both . . ." (he looked now at the paraplegic), "Get up. Pick up your stretcher and go home." And the man did it—got up, grabbed his stretcher, and walked out, with everyone there watching him. They rubbed their eyes, incredulous—and then praised God, saying, "We've never seen anything like this!"

Where the Lord took me with this was totally different from the questions laid out by Solo. My thoughts were, how many people are willing to come to Jesus for the healing, the blessings, the help, but if you told them you were taking them to have their sins forgiven, they would become defensive, recoil, and pass on the opportunity? Until we see ourselves as sinners in need of a savior, there really is no reason to visit Jesus.

Yesterday, I received an email from a dear friend, who had been hospitalized. My mind began to wander to places it shouldn't. She wasn't answering my text from the past two days. I emailed some prayer warrior friends and confessed the mess I was in. Then I opened the day's Godtube video, which was on sin.

http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=F20BFCNU&utm_source=GodTube%20Today&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=02/15/2012

I called out to the Lord and asked him to forgive me for my fretting and growing anxious. The second I did that a text came from her! I don't believe that was a coincidence.

We need to know we are sinful in order to know we need a Savior, who can wipe away our sins.

The Fullness of His Love

2012-02-15T08:37:00.001-05:00

February 15

The double whammy happened the other day where the same scripture reference was used in two different devotionals. The context of both was the BOLD faith of the hemorrhaging women, who reached out to touch Jesus' robe in a crowd, hoping to be healed.

Spurgeon's take on this passage in Luke chapter 8 was directed towards the woman's ignorance in thinking virtue came out of Christ by a law of necessity, without His knowledge or direct will. He goes on to discuss the fact she was a stranger to Jesus' generosity and felt like she needed to steal a cure.

"Misery should always place itself right in the face of mercy."

He goes on to write: "After she obtained the cure, she rejoiced with trembling. She was glad that the divine virtue had worked a miracle in her, but she feared lest Christ might retract the blessing and cancel the grant of His grace. Little did she comprehend the fullness of his love. We do not have as clear a view of Him as we could wish. We do not know the heights and depths of His love, but we know with certainty that He is too good to withdraw from a trembling soul the gift that it has been able to obtain. But here is the marvel of it; little as her knowledge was, her faith, because it was real faith, saved her."

Oh, that we could have a clear view of the fullness of Christ's love for us. When we see Him face to face we are going to be blown away. No greater love!

2012-02-14T07:03:00.003-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day

February 14th

Opening Solo, The Message, I smiled as I looked at the title of Day 220's entry...Heartstrings.

Quite an appropriate title for Valentine's Day and totally by coincidence, as I am way off target in my reading (I should have finished December 31). The Lord obviously knew I'd be tempted to write about worldly love on this holiday, which my husband claims had to have been developed by Hallmark!

The scripture reading selected for this topic was Mark 10:17-22. To Enter God's Kingdom

As he went out into the street, a man came running up, greeted him with great reverence, and asked, "Good Teacher, what must I do to get eternal life?"Jesus said, "Why are you calling me good? No one is good, only God. You know the commandments: Don't murder, don't commit adultery, don't steal, don't lie, don't cheat, honor your father and mother."He said, "Teacher, I have—from my youth—kept them all!" Jesus looked him hard in the eye—and loved him! He said, "There's one thing left: Go sell whatever you own and give it to the poor. All your wealth will then be heavenly wealth. And come follow me." The man's face clouded over. This was the last thing he expected to hear, and he walked off with a heavy heart. He was holding on tight to a lot of things, and not about to let go.

"Jesus knows that though, the rich man is morally good, he still has strings attached to his heart that will keep him from being a devoted follower."

The author goes on to challenge us to take an inventory of our hearts and consider what things are deeply attached to our hearts and keep us from being dedicated followers of Jesus. (Possessions, relationships, thoughts, activities, etc.)

Further down in the passage in verse 27 Jesus has this to say to anyone who thinks they have a chance at getting into God's kingdom.

Jesus was blunt: "No chance at all if you think you can pull it off by yourself. Every chance in the world if you let God do it."

God's grace is the greatest Valentine we can receive.

Draw a heart somewhere and write inside of it...

"Jesus, will you be my Valentine? No strings attached."

Loving Over and Over Again

2012-02-13T07:22:00.002-05:00

Loving for the Long Haul

February 13th

What God gives us in the context of the word love

is a list of things to continue doing over a long, long period of time.

Edith Schaeffer

But you, dear friends, carefully build yourselves up in this most holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit, staying right at the center of God's love, keeping your arms open and outstretched, ready for the mercy of our Master, Jesus Christ. This is the unending life, the real life!

Jude 1:20-21

In the book Passages of Marriage the term "transcendent love" is defined as - "a profound and peaceful perspective toward your partner and toward life." Hmm, how many years does it take for that to occur?

For the marrieds out there:

If you made a pie graph and entered in the amount of time you spend at work, at home care/shopping, etc, at exercise, at spiritual endeavors, caring for others than your spouse and the amount of time you romance your spouse, what does it look like?

Marriages need to be fertilized and watered. Do you know what makes your spouse bloom?

I emailed a group of couples who have been married for different lengths of time and asked them what some of the simple sacrifices/acts of love were that they made for one another.

It was so much fun to hear about the acts of endearment that many of my friends and their husbands offer one another. It was interesting that the majority of the couples married less than 20 years did not respond. Maybe we are so busy, when our marriages are younger, that we don’t take the time to appreciate the one we have. Then as we get older and see so much heartache we are thankful for the simplest of things, like a spouse coming home at the end of the day. We also reach a point where we can look at little annoyances as clothes on the floor, the ring from a glass has made on a table, spills left on the counter and realize if that person was gone we would give anything to have those annoyances back.

Here are some of the examples of how simple sacrifices can mean so much to another.

First, I have listed the number of years they have been married. Then W if it is an act of the wife. H if it performed by the husband.

1 Year

W-I clean the house because I recognize how much my husband appreciates this.

H- My wife appreciates words of affirmation so I compliment her about her character. We have been doing the study on love languages and have found it to be very helpful.

4 Years W-I take our son to visit him at work. H- I scratch her back almost every night.

4 Years W-I watch the kids, so he can go hunting on weekends, and do this without nagging! H-Goes out and turns car on to warm it up for her in cold weather.

13 Years H-If there are dishes in sink I wash them, when she cooks. I like cleaning up or giving the kids their baths, while she cleans. I know this is not good for us to do, but she watches Young and the Restless every night and watch with her. Just because I love her.

24 Years W-I clean his car inside and out for his birthday. He hates cleaning his car.

26 Years W- I listen to the music that he likes (& I hate) without ever telling him or complaining and travel with him to football games that I have no interest in.

H-I make her coffee every morning and bring it to her before she gets out of bed.

31 Years W-My husband travels a lot. He decides what he wants to take and I pack his suitcase for him, wrapping his clothes in plastic so they won’t wrinkle.

H- I rub her legs, which she says feels so gooooood!

31 Years W- I bake him sour dough bread every week

H- I bring her coffee on Saturday morning, so she can sip it in bed.

32 Years W- He loves to be touched…any touch,…forehead rubbed, arm tickled. He also loves that I laugh at his jokes and affirm him.

H- She loves it when I rub her feet, take walks with her, take her out to breakfast every Saturday morning and pay for her to have her nails done!

33 Years W- I bake him fresh desserts several times a week and watch his favorite sporting events with him. I clean up the trail he leaves of melted ice cream and coffee stains and grounds on the counter, giving thanks that he comes home each day and is here to make those messes. When his office was closer, I would sneak in and write secret notes on his calendar for the upcoming months, like… "Rush home tonight!” Now I try to send cards and emails on a regular basis. I also placed a treasure box on his desk and keep it filled with goodies.

H- She loves to have me rub her feet and back. I watch HGTV with her to make up for all the sporting events she sits through! Years ago, I agreed I would do the dishes after dinner. Lately, she has asked me to read to her from Charles Spurgeon’s Evening by Evening before we fall asleep.

34 Years W- I make homemade biscuits and text the word “tonight” to him!

H- From the wife. He can read my mind and does things before I have to ask. Puts away folded clothes, empty the dishwasher, etc. He also brags on me in front of others.

34 Years

This brought about a discussion for us. I watch football and old westerns with him and he is great about going to chick flicks and watching the Hallmark channel with me. Thinking back through all the years, we recalled that no matter how far apart we were logistically, and he traveled extensively for 20 years of our marriage, we always talked on the phone at the end of the day. When we think about sacrificial love we keep going to the cross and there is nothing to compare with that.

(This couple has been through years of illness and they are stuck together like glue.)

35 Years

W-When we plan vacations or romantic getaways, I record our favorite songs to play, while we are away. (Very romantic!)

H- I make her a spinach omelet (her favorite) for breakfast every Sunday morning.

35 Years

W-We work side by side in business. My husband says that no matter what is happening in our life I find positive and good in every situation and with every person and that helps him stay uplifted.

H- She hates grocery shopping so I do the grocery shopping and always bring her a bouquet of flowers home from the store.

37 Years

W-I do little chores for him to save him time (acts of service), plus watch his favorite TV shows and movies, even when I don't care for them (quality time) and of course prepare his favorite meal of hot Italian sausage and spaghetti.

H- I bring orange juice and hot coffee each morning to her while still in bed; served with kisses.

39 Years

W- I keep his office cookie tin filled with sweets he will like.

39 Years W- I call my husband in the middle of the week for a lunch date.

H- I bring her coffee in bed and say I love her.

44 Years W-I’ve been scratching his feet and legs as he watches TV in the evening for 44 years.

H- She appreciates my small gestures of love like emptying the dishwasher without being asked and she will never turn down a back rub.

49 Years

W-I always say “By the grace of God"--guess my best gift to my honey is constant prayer for him. In our wedding book my dear father wrote this…"The family that prays together and plays together, stays together." Isn't that a good truth!

H- I share in our church experiences and Bible studies together.

**************************

Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.

Romans 12:10

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

Philippians 2:3-4

Brotherly Love

2012-02-10T07:38:00.006-05:00

February 11-12

Our fifth child is celebrating his birthday today and as I watched this video, I thanked the Lord for the teammates our children have been to one another. Years ago I told them I had two requests for them...

1) That they love the Lord with all their hearts.

2) That they count it a privilege to be siblings, recognize God placed them together for a reason, and always love and support one another.

God knew not everyone would have siblings, so He created the Body of Christ and loaded it up with brothers and sisters in the faith.

Enjoy this precious story of selfless, brotherly, love.

http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=K67LPGNX&utm_source=GodTube%20Must-See%20Video&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=01/09/2012

“But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love;

for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.”

Psalm 59:16

Follow Up-Love "Em All

2012-02-09T08:06:00.003-05:00

February 10

Love is an irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired. Robert Frost

Love is a free gift that is fun to give away. Boo Andrews

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.

Matthew 25:35-36

Watch this video on the power of our words.

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=Hzgzim5m7oU&vq=medium

Simply sending a Valentine can send a strong message.

Read over this passage and ask the Lord to help you think creatively and direct you to people in each category who can be the recipient of a Valentine from you.

Hungry person

Thirsty person

Stranger

In need of clothing

Sick

In prison

They may be hungry for love, thirsty for the gospel, in need of being clothed simply with a hug. Maybe the hungry person is in the lunch room, the thirsty person at your favorite coffee shop or the person in need of clothing found shopping in a mall. Make or purchase those Valentines and keep them on hand for the people the Lord will reveal!

Love to be Chosen

2012-02-08T08:10:00.005-05:00

February 9

OK, real life confession here...I was watching the Bachelor on TV with friends (I will not give up their identities) and cringed at a scene where the Bachelor chose two girls to be captains and choose teams for baseball. Ugh, the rejection of being a "last chosen" on national TV. Later, I asked my husband, who coached and taught PE for years, if he ever did that. "Absolutely not!" he replied and listed off numerous creative ways to randomly divide up for teams.

The time of year for college acceptances, which can lead to sorority and fraternity acceptances, and boyfriend, girlfriend choices, and then job acceptances is upon us. Life is filled with rejection opportunities that hurt our hearts to the core.

A good reminder for those with hurting hearts is that God CHOSE them! He created them on purpose and wants to communicate with them daily!

There are so many ways we can bring smiles to others and make them feel loved and chosen. I was invited to a banquet where you entered the dining room and chose your seat at tables of eight. Most of the tables were filling up, but there was one table with only one woman sitting there. I had a CHOICE to make. I could sit with the more popular people or I could go sit with this woman, who dressed a bit differently and who appeared to have no friends at this event. Hmm, what would Jesus have done?

I am having a Hallelujah Moment! After starting this blog, I stopped for breakfast and then decided to pass up exercising to do Day 214 in Solo, The Message. The title for the day "Overlooked and Ignored." WOW, it went right along with the chosen theme on my heart.

I will make this a two parter and follow it up with another entry tomorrow which I had started and fits nicely.

Here is the passage from Matthew 25:31-40 Remember, even though God has chosen us we have a reciprocal part to choose Christ!

The Sheep and the Goats

"When he finally arrives, blazing in beauty and all his angels with him, the Son of Man will take his place on his glorious throne. Then all the nations will be arranged before him and he will sort the people out, much as a shepherd sorts out sheep and goats, putting sheep to his right and goats to his left.

"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Enter, you who are blessed by my Father! Take what's coming to you in this kingdom. It's been ready for you since the world's foundation. And here's why:

I was hungry and you fed me,

I was thirsty and you gave me a drink,

I was homeless and you gave me a room,

I was shivering and you gave me clothes,

I was sick and you stopped to visit,

I was in prison and you came to me.'

"Then those 'sheep' are going to say, 'Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry and feed you, thirsty and give you a drink? And when did we ever see you sick or in prison and come to you?' Then the King will say, 'I'm telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did it to me.'

The Challenge in Solo is this: "As you serve people who are overlooked and ignored, be mindful of the presence of Jesus. See if you can spot him."

How exciting is that!

Love Story #3

2012-02-07T07:59:00.005-05:00

February 9

Good Samaritan- A Bible Lesson on Love

"One of the parables of Jesus was the story of the Good Samaritan found in Luke 10. A lawyer came to Jesus and wanted to prove to the Lord that he wasn't a bad person. Jesus told him that he need to love God with all his heart and his neighbors around him. The lawyer wanted to find out exactly who Jesus meant were his neighbors. In response Jesus told the story of the Good Samaritan.

A Jewish man was beaten and left half dead in the street. A priest and a Levite passed by. Though they were Jews too, they chose to leave the man alone thinking that he was not their responsibility. A Samaritan saw the man and offered to nurse him back to health even though the Jews despised the Samaritans. The Samaritan paid for the needed medical care and offered to pay more as necessary.

Though the Jews would not cross the street to help their fellow countryman, a Samaritan realized that all men are his neighbors and showed love and compassion. Jesus told the lawyer that he too should show love to those around him."

Boo Thoughts... I was in Charlotte, waiting to board a SMALL airplane recently. In my company were two Japanese students, who spoke very little English. These two fellows were very nervous, as they inquired about whether their luggage would be on the plane. Standing up from my chair to stretch a bit before boarding, I turned around to the remainder of the waiting area and noticed at least 13 lively, laughing, Muslim students having a grand time. The atmosphere became a little more tense once on board when the stewardess approached four of these students, who were sitting in the emergency exit row. Their comprehension of the questions the flight attendant was asking them left than less than what I would call a level of confidence and comfort in the ability of my fellow passengers to carry out the instructions...written in English on the plane door! The lack of English understanding kept this entire group from quieting down during the attendant's overall instructions to the passengers on safety features. She had to raise her voice over the micro-phone asking them to be quiet for 3 minutes!

Reading the Good Samaritan story has me searching my heart, wondering if I would have gone to their aid or that of the Japanese fellows if they exhibited a need..I think my apprehension would have mainly been because of the language barrier. Earlier I had assisted an older African American woman in the airport, who did not know where to go to wait for the handicap cart to take her to her next flight. I was johnny on the spot with sympathy for her, but would I have been for these younger foreigners. Lord, I hope so. If not...change my heart.

A Love We Can Trust

2012-02-07T07:45:00.003-05:00

No, the Lord is all I need. He takes care of me.

Psalm 16:50

God's power is very great for those who believe.

Ephesians 1:19

A story on trust by Max Lucado

I stand six steps from the bed's edge. My arms extended. Hands open. On the bed, Sara-all four years of her-crouches, poised like a playful kitten. She's going to jump. But she's not ready. I'm too close. "Back more, Daddy," she stands and dares.

I dramatically comply, confessing admiration for her courage. After two giant steps I stop. "More?" I ask.

"Yes!" Sara squeals, hopping on the bed.

With each step she laughs and claps and motions for more. When I'm on the other side of the canyon, when I'm beyond reach of mortal man, when I am but a tiny figure on the horizon, she stops me. "There, stop there."

"Are you sure?"

"I'm sure," she shouts. I extend my arms. Once again she crouches, then springs. Superman without a cape. Skydiver without a chute. Only her heart flies higher than her body. In that airborne instant her only hope is her father. If he proves weak, she'll fall. If he proves cruel, she'll crash. if he proves forgetful, she'll tumble to the hard floor.

But such fears she does not know, for her father she does know. She trusts him. Four years under the same roof have convinced her he is reliable. He is not superhuman, but he is strong. He is not holy, but he is good. He's not brilliant, but he doesn't have to be to remember to catch his child when she jumps.

And so she flies.

And so she soars.

And so he catches her and the two rejoice at the wedding of her trust and his faithfulness.

******

How long do we need to know Jesus to know that kind of love comes from a trust worthy God?

"Our approach to life says a lot about how much we believe God cares for us."

Max Lucado

God helps us when we feel like orphans.
But you, God, see the trouble of the afflicted; you consider their grief and take it in hand. The victims commit themselves to you; you are the helper of the fatherless.

Psalm 10:14

God listens to our prayers.

The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry;

Psalm 34:15

God helps in times of trouble.

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

God makes us strong and supports us.

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10

Give all your worries to Him, because he cares about you. 1 Peter 5:7

The Love Recipient

2012-02-03T11:10:00.005-05:00

Working through Ruth Myers', 31 Days of Praise, I've looked back at what I journaled in 2001 when I did this study the first time. There's a lot on love in there! I particularly liked one entry.

"What we need are hearts that are humble and recognize none of us are worth of all you offer Father." I went on to write what a music minister had shared at church one morning. A woman commented that she did not like a particular song which had been sung in church. The music minister replied, "That's ok, we weren't singing it for you!"

Oh, Father, that Jesus would be the recipient of our love and praise!

We need to get over ourselves and into Him!

"Love is, above all, the gift of oneself".

~Jean Anouilh

He must become greater; I must become less. John 3:30

Love Story #2

2012-02-03T07:07:00.003-05:00

February 4-5

Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails.
1 Corinthians 13:6-8

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another;
as I have loved you, that you also love one another.
John 13:34

Confession. Last night, while channel surfing, I stopped on "Say Yes to the Dress." I was rather intrigued because the bride had a multi-colored tattoo, which went down her arm from her shoulder to her elbow. I was thinking "that is going to look lovely with a wedding dress ...maybe she will select a long sleeve dress"...so I watched. It went on to say this was her second marriage and she had three children. I was about to think..."and why is she shopping for a second wedding dress" when the people shopping with her were introduced. It got stranger when the best friend of her first husband was one of her advisees. Then it happened...the don't be so judgemental realization...her first husband was a Marine killed in action. The best friend had a made a pact with his fellow soldier should anything happen (I am tearing up again while typing) they would look out for the other one's family. So out of the depth of friendship that these two young men shared, this one was carrying out his commitment and standing by this woman and encouraging her to get on with her life and that the first husband would approve.

Love comes in all forms and the love of dear friends is a precious gift.

The Bible holds such a tale.

David and Jonathan- Bible Story About Friends

"King Saul was jealous of the young man David. This was partially because David was gaining in popularity and partly because God had already told Saul that his kingdom would not continue. Samuel had already anointed David as the next king in 1 Samuel 16 before David killed Goliath in chapter 17.

Saul’s anger toward David mounted with the passing years.

Even though Jonathan knew his father hated David and that David would become the next king of Israel, Jonathan and David became good friends. The Bible says in 1 Samuel 18:1, “…the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.”

According to 1 Samuel 13 there were only two swords in the kingdom. King Saul owned one and his son Jonathan had the other. When David was preparing to flee from Saul, Jonathan gave his sword to David.

Logically Jonathan would become the next king in Israel, but he knew God’s hand was on David. He chose to help the man whom God had anointed instead of fighting him out of jealousy."

Do you have a dear friend you love? Pray for that person today!

Expectations

2012-02-02T09:44:00.009-05:00

February 3
The Winter that Weally Wasn't!

If a nifty sled, a fabulous fur, comfy cashmere or snow gear were among your Christmas gifts and you live in Virginia you probably have not gotten much use out them this winter. We expect snow here in the Blue Ridge mountains, but this year temps in the 50's and 60's have been the norm.

What are some areas in which we set up high expectations related to love?

Do we marry expecting the kind of love we have seen on TV or between our parents (or maybe desire something totally different)? Are parents viewed as unconditional lovers of their children and expected to provide (maybe more than intangible love) as long as they live on this earth?

Andy Stanley has an excellent video series called "I Marriage" where he reveals the one sided viewpoint which many individuals carry into a union. I want a nice house. I want you to have a job that has you home for dinner every night. I want....on and on.

How many times have we said or had thrown at us...If you love me you will...(do the laundry, watch the kids, give up golf, have a nice dinner waiting, make straight A's, play on this sports team, etc.)

In our ultimate love relationship with God there are expectations.

"And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the LORD’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good?" Deuteronomy 10:12-13

“You shall have no other gods before me." Exodus 20:3

However, there are enormous blessings in this love exchange!

“What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived”— the things God has prepared for those who love him—" 1 Corinthians 2:9

Jesus himself had a couple "If you love me" quotes.

"If you love me, keep my commands." John 14:15

"You heard me say, 'I am going away and I am coming back to you.' If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I." John 14:28

Who are we expecting to love us until the end of the earth and on into eternity?

There is only one who can fulfill that expectation.

Does our love for Him overflow as well?

A Love that Longs

2012-02-02T07:09:00.008-05:00

Deep within us is a place for God.

We were made for God and without His love we ache in loneliness and emptiness.

David Roper

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.

1 John 3:1

February 2

We will return to the love stories in a Bible, but a day filled with air travel yesterday turned my heart to share another tale.

A Love that Longs

After 10 days of bountiful bonding with my 9 month old grandson, it was time to board a plane for home. Fortunately, my daughter received a phone call on the drive to the airport or I probably would have cried the whole ride there. Then by the time we reached the drop off area the baby was asleep, so I didn’t have to drip tears on his chubby, rosy, cheeks as I kissed him good-bye. Hugging my daughter the sobs, which come from your belly up, began to surface and we quickly parted. By the time I reached the USAir check-in I had regained my composure, then who shows up beside me in the security line, but a young soldier holding back tears himself as he waved good-bye to his wife, mother, father, and infant son. UGH!

“Where are you headed?” I softly asked hoping to distract him. In a deep southern Tennessee draw I thought he said, “Hawaii”. Hawaii! I replied with enthusiasm. He repeated the destination again and fine tuning my listening I realized he had slowly drawn out the word, “Kuwait.” "Oh," realizing the big difference. "I guess you’d rather be going to Hawaii." "No, mame, I’d rather be staying home with my family," he answered from the depths of his heart. I was choking up again as I watched this young man walk on to his flight.

We owe, not only our appreciation, but our love and prayers to these men and women sacrifice much more than their physical lives for us...the sacrifice their love.

We have purposely been created with the deep emotion of a love that longs. While we wade out our years on this earth seeking to fulfill that longing in a multitude of ways.... longing to love another, longing to be loved by that special someone, investing a love in material things such as careers, homes and hobbies....the longing is not satisfied until its designed source is identified. The longing was created to lead us to the Lord!

February, the month of love…love that often has to sustain itself as it crosses miles and oceans.

Take time today to sing the simple song "I love you Lord". It's a great way to start the day.

I love you Lord, and I lift my voice to worship you. Oh, my soul rejoice.

Take joy my King in what you hear. Let it be a sweet, sweet sound in your ear.

If you don't know the tune check out this four year old playing the piano and singing it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tF-TFIqYiJw

The Look of Love

2012-01-31T11:42:00.009-05:00

February 1

Quote: "A teachable heart grows wise, not old." Jan Carlberg

When the calendar turns to February, my mind turns to red paper hearts, edible conversation hearts and quotes on love. It is a happy holiday for those in love or those too young to care about having a lover...you know, the ones just wanting some candy, heart shaped cookies or pretty Valentines.

My mind always shifts to those who are looking for love and I try to think up ways to make them feel loved. I will share some of those as the month goes on.

As we launch into love thoughts the best way I know to start is to look at some of the top love stories in the Bible. There is a website called: http://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com.

We will kick off this month taking a look at their top five picks of great love stories in the Bible and ask God to teach us something about how we love and how we long to be loved from these stories.

#1 Jacob and Rachel- An Old Testament Love Story

After Jacob ran away from his brother Esau, he went to live with his mother's family in Haran. While looking for his uncle Laban, Jacob met Rachel, Laban's daughter. She was caring for her father's sheep. Rachel took Jacob to Laban who gave Jacob a job and a place to stay. Jacob negotiated with Laban to work for him for seven years. In return Laban, would give his daughter Rachel to Jacob as his wife. The Bible says in Genesis 29:20, "And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her."

At the end of the seven years Laban offered his daughter's hand in marriage. However, at the wedding Laban tricked Jacob into marrying Leah, the older sister. Because, he said, it was not right for the younger daughter to marry first. The Bible says that Jacob continued to work for Laban another seven years to be able to have Rachel as his wife.

Jacob originally consented to a seven year contract to wed the girl he loved. Even after the deception, he continued to work another seven years for the hand of Rachel.

Thoughts...so 14 years Jacob worked to be able to wed Rachel.

It is about the same amount of time parents invest in the lives of their children to get teenagers!

It is much longer than most people invest in the education needed to launch their careers.

It is longer than some marriages last.

It is less time than it takes for most of us to begin a sincere love relationship with Jesus.

???????

What are the things you have invested more than fourteen years into at this point in your life?

Why have you stuck with it?

How many years did God wait for you to start loving Him?

If a love relationship with Christ isn't active and flourishing, start it today!

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." Deuteronomy 6:4-5

Start Fresh Once More

2012-01-29T22:19:00.007-05:00

January 31

"When we dive deeper into God's heart, all the turmoil of our daily lives-

the problems that crash around us like huge waves-seem somehow…distant."

Joni Eareckson Tada

Joni knows, as well as anyone, how tough fresh starts can be. As a teenager, she dove into shallow waters in the Chesapeake by and broke her neck becoming a quadriplegic. Every day is a challenge, but she faces it gaining faith from the Lord. Learning to paint with a brush in her teeth, to write books, accept speaking engagements, marry, and start a major ministry, she has made herself useful to the Lord.

And that's about it, friends. Be cheerful. Keep things in good repair. Keep your spirits up. Think in harmony. Be agreeable. Do all that, and the God of love and peace will be with you for sure. Greet one another with a holy embrace.

2 Corinthians 13:11

Our January focus of Starting Fresh has come to an end, but the exercising of our faith in this fashion will be necessary until He calls us home, where there will be no trials or travails.

So be ready to hold onto Jesus and start each new day with the confidence

that you are loved beyond measure

and that God has had a purpose for your life since the day He decided to make

YOU, you!

Pray

Our eyes are fixed on You, God! When we call to you, please come quickly. May our prayers be set before you like incense and the lifting of our hands be like the evening sacrifice. Do not let our hearts be drawn to what is evil. (PS. 140) May the mountains and valleys of life be a learning ground and may we see each new start as an exciting adventure to embark upon with a loving Bridge Groom! In Jesus' Name, Amen

Start Fresh

2012-01-28T09:03:00.005-05:00

January 30

Here are more instructions, which come as godly advice, when we are looking for a "do over."

So let God work his will in you.

Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper.

Say a quiet yes to God and he'll be there in no time.

Quit dabbling in sin.

Purify your inner life.

Quit playing the field.

Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out.

The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious.

Get down on your knees before the Master; it's the only way you'll get on your feet.

James 4:10 MSG

"When we try to get our needs met apart from God, our efforts lead only to disappointment, discouragement, disillusionment, and despair. Lord, what do you want me to do.?"

Charles Stanley

Pray

Lord, we exalt You and sing praises to Your name! How blessed we are that Your love endures forever and your faithfulness stays true to all generations! We praise You with all our heart and pray that all the kings on this earth will praise You too. May we take the words written in James 4:10 seriously and quit dabbling in sin. We bow low and meditate on the importance of seeking Your will. Have Your own way today, Father! Have Your own way. In Jesus' Name, Amen

Start Fresh with Your Mother in Law

2012-01-27T09:23:00.005-05:00

January 28-29

No, this is not a lecture on being nice to your mother in law. It is a look back at one of the dearest fresh starts in the Bible...the story of Ruth and Naomi. The book of Ruth is a quick read if you want to get the whole context. Naomi and her husband left their homeland in Judah, because of a famine, and moved to a foreign land where their sons ended up marrying foreign wives. Naomi's husband dies and then the two sons die, leaving the three widows from two generations. Naomi, instructs her daughter in laws to move back with their Moabite families and she is returning to Judah. In the end, one daughter in law goes back to her family, but Ruth chooses to stick by her mother in law. Ruth loved not only her mother in law, but the God her mother in law served.

But Ruth said, "Don't force me to leave you; don't make me go home. Where you go, I go; and where you live, I'll live. Your people are my people, your God is my god; where you die, I'll die, and that's where I'll be buried, so help me God—not even death itself is going to come between us! Ruth 1:16-17

Ruth realized the best fresh starts are the ones with God and worth the risk. Sounds like she would have agreed with Paul who said in Philippians 1:21

For to me, to live is Christ, to die is gain.

Pray:

God, You are our Dwelling Place. Whether we are on the mountain top, sailing out at sea, or drudging through the desert, knowing Jesus allows us to be at home. Help us to be content wherever You have placed us at the time and watch for the wonder of Your ways at that time.

Keep us close, even when we feel far away. In Jesus' Name, Amen

Start Fresh

2012-01-27T09:13:00.004-05:00

January 27

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:
The old has gone, the new is here!
2 Corinthians 5:17
Lawsie, lawsie...did I learn a lot about making all things new the other day. Five years ago I bought a necklace to wear to a party for our son's wedding. By the time I traveled home, this necklace with 12 tiny gold chains and one pendant was a tangled mess, the likes of which I have never seen. While going through a box of old jewelry I thought, "I'd really like to wear that necklace." After about a twenty minute attempt to untangle the chains I realized the only solution was to disconnect the chains at one end, take them all out of the link holding the pendant, straighten them out and re-thread them. My best friend sat patiently by me the first ten minutes, then quietly disappeared from the room. Frustration sank in as I was unable to get the minute links on the chains to thread back onto the link on the catch.
What an amazing picture of our lives the Lord put before me. Sometimes we make such a mess of our lives that at first glance we think the only solution is to give up or even toss our life away. We feel like we can be no good to anyone.
But the truth is we belong to a Creator who sees all the beautiful elements He placed within us and He is willing...painful as it can be for us, to help us lay the parts out and slowly put them back together to create something beautiful.
He has made everything beautiful in its time.
Ecclesiastes 3:11
While working on the jewelry, after only reattaching four of the twelve chains, my hands and fingers began to cramp. Two of the four chains fell back off. I wanted to cry. My friend came back into the room and I asked, "Why did you abandon me and not sit by me and support me?" The reply...."Isn't it good we have a friend who sticks closer than a brother."

At this time I have decided the best solution may be to take this trinket to our jeweler and ask her to assist in attaching the final chains. Thus, another lesson for Starting Fresh...
Sometimes we need to be honest and ask for help!
God designed the body of Christ to build one another up!

Pray:
You are a perfect God who is in the business of untangling messes! We praise You Lord and thank You for your patience. Forgive us for becoming discouraged, that shows a lack of faith in what You can do. May we turn our eyes upon You, the author and Perfector of our faith. In Your name, we pray, Amen

A Grace Filled Fresh Start

2012-01-26T07:51:00.006-05:00

January 26

God is flat out amazing. If you are not walking and talking to him everyday, you are missing out on SO much. It is the ultimate relationship!

This morning I said, "Lord, we are 26 days into this starting fresh thing for the month of January and I need a fresh idea to write about this morning.

Look to the WORD!

We've got the OLD and the NEW testaments!

One governed by the LAW and the other governed by GRACE!

There's a fresh start!

Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith?

Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law.

Romans 3:31 NIV

There is a quote I jotted down, which I believe the credit should go to Charles Spurgeon:

Grace is the mother and nurse of holiness,

and not the apologist of sin.

We get a redo through the New Testament relationship.

We go from being slaves to children.

While we are not bound by the Law, we are still under an authority, our heavenly Father, and have a role of obedience to follow his desire for us to be made perfect like Christ. The magic potion, which should make it work, is JOY. As in any parent-child relationship, we need to get to the point where we are grateful God/our parent loves us so much that He is going to discipline us and direct us on the path which is best for us. We start to see God's rules as healthy habits!

He desires for no harm to come to us, but happiness!

Oh, I like that one! When dark clouds come and we don't get our way if we stop and remember "He desires for no harm to come to us, but happiness, " then we can ask ourselves:

What good can come from this time of travail we are facing?

How does God want me to walk through it?

What is He fine doing in me, by allowing it?

OK, this next thought is a little out there, but paints a good picture and prompts a fun tradition. When potty training a child, one suggestion is to give them a treat after they use the bathroom. Lots of moms keep an M & M jar handy to use as the reward. I think maybe jewels in our crowns are more in keeping biblically with how God functions, but while on earth we may want to have a concrete way of reflecting and reinforcing the realization that God is at work in us.

Maybe it is a written time line or journal.

How about a marble jar on our kitchen sink where we plop one in each time God guides us through the web of life.

Ladies, we may want to have an add a bead necklace!

It's a new day! Let's face it God's way!

But by shifting our focus from what we do to what God does, don't we cancel out all our careful keeping of the rules and ways God commanded? Not at all. What happens, in fact, is that by putting that entire way of life in its proper place, we confirm it. Romans 3:31 MSG

Pray:

Lord, there is a song lyric which goes...He will make a way, when there seems to be no way. Thank You that you call us your children and you take joy in training us. Give us eyes today to see the good You are up to. May the love You have for us, spill out upon those who are not feeling loved today and help us to relay to them how very well YOU love them. May we tell of Your amazing grace. God's Riches At Christ's Expense! In our Savior's name we pray, Amen.

Start Fresh Manicure

2012-01-23T08:09:00.005-05:00

If you really want a lift, go to www.mentormemoments.blogspot.com and read Ruth Myers' entry in 31 Days of Praise for today. It was written for Fresh Starts!

January 25th

Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies. Philippians 4:8

Years ago, we had a new minister come to our church and I went to their home on moving day to help them. It was a good thing, because no one else showed up! Introducing myself to his wife, she took my hands in hers and said, "Oh, I am going to like you! You are my kind of woman. I can tell by your hands! You are a worker!"

Rarely do I polish my fingernails, because the activities I pursue tend to tear up a polished look rather quickly! If I had fake ones they would probably end up cake batter, at the bottom of the lake or pull off in a knitting project or a dirty diaper! LOL.

The other day I was painting my toe nails, which aren't aging well and tend to get a coat of lacquer right often, especially in open toed shoe season! The old polish had to be rubbed off, the nails trimmed and the cuticle pushed back. Looking at those old toes, with their shinny new coat of polish, I thought about all that fresh starts require.

They require:

...recognizing what we are presently doing with our lives isn't working and most likely isn't appealing to the Lord.

...cutting out or off something or someone. That process can be painful.

...pushing back old habits or ways of thinking and replacing them new ones.

When the process is complete and we stop and look at the creation it is pleasant and pleasing and was worth the effort!

The greatest thing about "starting fresh" with Jesus is that the Holy Spirit helps...we don't have to do all the work...we just need to be willing to let Him scrub us and begin the manicure! It is a team effort! Amen!

Pray:

We look to you, heaven-dwelling God, look up to you for help. Like servants, alert to their master's commands, like a maiden attending her lady, we're watching and waiting, holding our breath, awaiting your word of mercy. (From Psalm 123) Forgive us for our stubbornness and for being satisfied to allow decay to continue in our lives. You created us for a freshness, a vibrancy, a very alive relationship with You. Today we choose to say, "Out with the old and in with more Jesus!" In whose precious name we pray, Amen.

Stepping Towards a Fresh Start

2012-01-21T09:09:00.008-05:00

Just an aside thought here to brighten your day...

And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Matthew 10:30

(Maybe bald men and bald babies are to help cut down on God's counting task!)

January 24

"In some way, every single scrap of my life, every step and every struggle, is in the process of being fitted together, into God's huge and perfect pattern for good." Claire Cloninger

Consider it pure joy my brothers and sisters,

whenever you face trials of many kinds,

because you know the testing of your faith produces perseverance.

James 1:2-3

January is almost over and it seems as if each day in my quiet time the concept of "suffering being for our benefit" comes up. Even at fifty-five years old (and having loved the Lord for the majority of those years) I still fall into the trap of contemplating that maybe if I "get it right" often enough He will be pleased and things will go more smoothly, but no where is that promised.

The other day I read a devotional by Nancy Leigh DeMoss that had me realizing how the Lord wanted me to seek deeply into my heart to consider something. It was as if there were little pieces of dirt under my fingernails and He wanted to get those out. The end result of the probing was refreshing.

Here is what it looked like to encourage you if you feel him getting out the fingernail brush.

I received a very special note from a friend. It was so uplifting that I tucked it away in my Bible to read on a rainy day! Then I read the noted devotional, which was on humility. The writer explained that after a speaking engagement, to a group of ministers, she received numerous notes saying what a great job she had done and how much she had helped them. Being pleased with the notes she filed them away. Later it hit her that she was taking God's glory in what He had done at that conference and she burnt the letters.

My thoughts were promoted to a drawer I have of precious notes written by dear friends and our children over the years. The searching of my heart began and I wondered why I had kept them. While, pride was not the issue, I searched deeply into the possible reasons I had kept those and shared these with my daughter and a friend.

First Possible Reason:

I saved them so that when I die and my children are cleaning out my house they will find them and see I really was a nice person! :) LOL...then I realized with all the junk in our house there is no way they were going to sit down and read letters! (My daughter said, actually she would.)

Second Possible Reason:

I've watched my father pour over old photos since my mother's death and it has kept memories fresh for him So many of those letters are from people God briefly brought into our lives at times of need and I think the written record of what we walked through and the depth of love we shared will keep those times fresh for me. (I wish I had a picture attached to many of them to help me remember the faces.) It also is an excellent reminder of how important it is to get outside ourselves. (I'm struggling with only wanting to help grand babies right now!)

Searching our hearts is a good exercise though. If an endeavor is not about Jesus, it is on the wrong track and we need to switch tracks and start fresh

If you don't know what you're doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You'll get his help, and won't be condescended to when you ask for it. Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought. James 1:5

Pray:

We look to You, heaven-dwelling God, we look up to you for help. Like servants, alert to their master's commands, like a maiden attending her lady, we're watching and waiting, holding our breath, awaiting your word of mercy. (From Psalm 123) Search our hearts and find any unpleasant corridor and cut it out, forgiving us Father for our wrong mindsets and misgivings.

Thank You that you care about us enough to remove our tarnishings. In Jesus' Name, Amen

Start Fresh with a List

2012-01-21T09:08:00.005-05:00

January 23

Did you make New Year's resolutions? Charles Swindoll, in The Finishing Touch, writes...

"Invariably, a new year prompts us to make our own list of things deserving our diligent attention and pursuit." He goes on to suggest a godlier guideline than what the world might have a tendency to tip us toward. Looking towards those who have gone before us he records lists made by Moses, Paul and Peter.

Moses' List (Exodus 19:3-17)

Don't ever place substitute gods before the Lord your God.

Don't make an idol out of anyone or anything.

Don't take the Lord's name in vain. It is holy.

Remember to observe a Sabbath rest every week.

Honor and respect your dad and mom.

Don't murder anyone for any reason.

Never, ever commit adultery.

Don't take things that aren't yours.

Never lie or give a false impression.

Don't covet another person's image, benefits or belongings.

Paul's List (Galatians 5:19-23)

Stay away from the things which flesh produce, such as immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, arguments, jealousy, angry outbursts, heresies, envyings, drunkenness, and running around with the wrong crowd.

Emulate the things which the Holy Spirit produces, such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Peter's List (2 Peter 1:5-8)

Be a diligent person.

Don't waiver in your faith.

Be known for uncompromising moral excellence.

Enlarge your reservoir of knowledge, keep learning.

Stay balanced: guard against extremes.

Persevere

Make sure you godliness is free of hypocrisy.

Treat others tactfully, graciously.

Let your Christian love flow, let it flow, let it flow!

Those are quite the lists! Not is our power can we stay within them, but in the Lord's power it is possible!

Pray:

Lord, we look up to the mountains and say, "Where does my strength come from?" Then we know it is not from the mighty mountains, but from You who created not only those mountains but the heavens and the earth! How blessed we are to have a King who will not let us stumble and who never sleeps, but keeps a watchful eye upon us, protecting us from every evil. Guarding us when we leave and when we return. Loving us and encouraging us when Starting Fresh is the best option! Whatever list, changes or hurdles we face today, we know we do not face them alone. Hallelujah! What a Savior in whose name we can come humble to You through prayer. Amen

Start Fresh a New Perspective

2012-01-21T08:30:00.002-05:00

January 21-22

Here's a little visual exercise for the weekend. The email I received said this is labeled an anti-Alzheimers exercise. Below each picture will be directions to find the picture within the picture.

It is a good reminder to us that things are not always as they seem. Usually there is something that lies much deeper below the surface. Whether we are trying to understand ourselves or others it is good to pray and ask the Lord to help us see situations in another light.

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

Can you see the three women?

Can you see the couple kissing?

Can you see the baby?

Can you see the face?

Can you see ten faces in the tree?

Let's ask the Lord if there is a perspective we need to change?

Pray:

Lord, You see all things and no one can fool You. Forgive us for our limited vision. So often we see things only from our perspective. Open our eyes to see others as Christ did...totally loved by You and in need of salvation. When we look at others may we not judge or condemn, but see an individual created by God, one of His master pieces, planned with a specific purpose.

In Jesus' Name, Amen

Blueprints for Starting Fresh

2012-01-19T08:59:00.006-05:00

God doesn't give blueprints to any of us for the entire span of life ahead.

We need daily communication with Him to know one step at a time.

Edith Schaeffer

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go. I will guide you with My eye.

Psalm 32:8

Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures.

Luke 24:45

January 20

Lying on the floor yesterday for a time of stretching out my back, I brought my Bible along to meditate on the Word. Finally, I rolled over and asked the Lord, "Would you just tell me where it is You want me to go now? I am willing to obey, I just want to know the way?"

The past two months, those of us in SW Virginia have had to stay daily connected to the weatherman. Day to day fluctuation of temperatures between 35 and 60 have made the morning inquiry a necessity. We don't know what any day holds, so why is it we are not willing to go daily to the One who holds today?

"If I not only seek an answer but seek after the God who gives the answer, then I receive the power to know I have obtained what I have asked." Andrew Murray

Pray:

We will praise you, O Lord, with all of our hearts, we will tell of your wonders, being glad and rejoicing in you through song. Lord, you are a refuge for the oppressed and a stronghold in times of trouble. Your ways should be the blue prints for our lives as You are our Guiding Light. Forgive us Father, when we stand far off and hide from you in times of trouble. You are the God of Fresh Starts and we come to You today seeking to be shown what You have for us this moment. Rebuilding takes time. We will be patient. In Jesus' Name, Amen

2012-01-18T16:37:00.006-05:00

Even if yesterday was a disaster,

we are to enter God's gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise today.

Charles Stanley

You make known to me the path of life;

you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Psalm 16:11

We are not alone in our Fresh Starts.

January 19

Moses, our old bulldog, follows our grandchildren around as if it is his given duty to protect them. Whatever task they are about to undertake he is willing to accompany them. We can enter into God's gates and His courts with praise, because we are always in His presence. Yesterday, morning, our grandson and I ran to the window to look at the skyline before sunrise to see what color God had decided to paint with. "PINK!" our grandson exclaimed. "God painted with PINK today!" The exercise was a simple reminder that each morning is a NEW day and God is still on His throne, being God!

Pray:

Oh Lord, open our lips and our mouths will declare your praise. Do not cast us from Your presence or take your Holy Spirit from us, but create a steadfast spirit within us. Restore to us the joy of your salvation and grant us a willing spirit to sustain us as we face yet another "fresh start". In Jesus' Name, Amen

Start Fresh Pattern By Paul

2012-01-17T11:05:00.006-05:00

January 18

Paul was such a people person! I delight in his letter to the Philippians. He overflows with thankfulness for the generosity and kindness of these people and he takes very seriously the ministry of encouragement to which he feels a calling. Paul has recognized that following Christ means accepting a new set of standards (deny self and following Christ) which is a high calling.

The verses I have selected below are great steps to readying ourselves for a fresh start of any kind!

Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Philippians 1:6

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.

Philippians 1:27a

For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.

Philippians 2:13

. . . I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.

Philippians 3:12b

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Philippians 4:6

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:13

My God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:19

Pray:

There is none like You Lord. Whatever You set before us, You will meet our needs and show us the way to press on in the strength of Christ if we just make our requests known. Help us to lay our anxieties aside and conduct ourselves in life with a confidence that You are a God, who works in us for good and for a planned completion. In Jesus' Name, Amen

Start Fresh

2012-01-17T06:06:00.002-05:00

January 17

I am the LORD; that is my name!

I will not yield my glory to another or my praise to idols.
See, the former things have taken place,
and new things I declare;
before they spring into being I announce them to you.

Sing to the LORD a new song,
his praise from the ends of the earth...

Isaiah 42:8-10

God will use every experience of your past

to position you for the fulfillment of your purpose in the future."

Tom Paterson

January 17

Age, ailments and a whole lot less income have caused us to change the appearance of ministry here at Shiloh. Docksiders was an exhilarating ministry we had for teens and college students. Sixty to eighty young people would pour in here on Thursday afternoons for water activities, DINNER, a concert, a time of testimony and prayer. Do we still work with young people? Absolutely...it is just seen in a different frame.

Just as athletes age and become coaches, encouragers of a younger breed, or expert fans, often our ministries take on a different appearance. God is always calling us to trust HIM and START FRESH. While Billy Graham's message is the same PURE simple "gospel call" he is no longer the one traveling to crusades and on stage. His role still can pack a punch for heaven from a rocking chair and the ministry is most likely magnified through the extended time he has for prayer. Ministry has not lost its potency for him, it is just projected from a different position.

Life is a series of continuous fresh starts!

Whether you are in full time ministry, mommying, memorizing studies in school, money making mode, or you are somewhere in between right now, the landscape will change. Those you are ministering to may move on and new faces will or appear or the steadfast ones will be transformed and have new needs. The children will grow and eventually leave, if you are a student, hopefully you will graduate and for the money makers the job will end or change. Starting Fresh will be necessary in some form. It happens everyday in the kitchen and the laundry room!

So let's sing to the Lord a new song as we experience the changes in life and be excited like a butterfly emerging from a cocoon!

“I never lay my head on the pillow without thinking that perhaps before I awake the final morning may have dawned. I never begin work without thinking that He may interrupt it to begin His own.” G. Campbell Morgan

Pray:

We shout for joy to You, Lord. We worship You with gladness and come before You with joyful songs, recognizing it is You who made us and we are yours. Life is full of ups and downs, trials and triumphs, tragedy and majesty. You, Father, are steadfast and forever. Your faithfulness continues through all generations although the backdrop of life takes on different forms. Fresh starts require us to come to You daily Lord, to be on the alert, and to seek guidance. Hallelujah! Starting fresh keeps us close to You. That's where we want to be. In Jesus' Name, Amen

Remodel

2012-01-15T06:50:00.007-05:00

January 16

Our bathroom remodel mess.

One of our sons is a contractor and thoroughly enjoys remodeling. The first part of a remodel is the tearing out. You have to get ride of the old, before you begin to build and put the new in place. What an awesome example of the way a FRESH START occurs in our own lives!

"Christ wants to transform our troubles into trust,

our problems into promises,

and our fears into faith!"

Henry Gariepy

This process begins when we believe and follow Psalm 119:114

You are my refuge and my shield;

I have put my hope in Your word.

Anne Ortlund wrote:

"It's not your circumstances that shape you.

It's how you react to your circumstances that shapes you."

You will keep in perfect peace, those whose minds are steadfast,

because they trust in You.

Isaiah 26:3

Yes, STARTING FRESH is a process, but the end result allows hope which is waiting to shine to burst through.

The finished product.

Pray:

We sing to You, Lord, a new song for you have done marvelous things! Because of the cross, You have taken our sins and tossed them away for those with repentant hearts. We come to You with grateful hearts, humbled by Your provision. Forgive us for those sins and remodel our hearts. Tear out all bitterness, anger, anxiety, jealousy and greed. Build up our faith, nail in place pure hearts and install attitudes of gratitude, which overflow with love and forgiveness for You and others. In the name above all names....precious Jesus.

Tebowing

2012-01-13T11:52:00.005-05:00

Peaks of Otter, VA Poses

January 14-15

OK! Time out from Starting Fresh...or maybe not.

A New Year's resolution appeared on a dearly loved friend's facebook page:

"I don't usually make a New Year resolution, but for 2012: I will not be shy about praising our heavenly Father, praying in public places, sharing my joy, love and faith.

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

2 Corinthians 4:18

wOOt! Girlfriend...

Facebook is a good place to go BOLD and Start Fresh!

This theme of outwardly expressing our faith has come up time and time again for me this past week. A radio show's theme (It may have been on Haven Today) was on Christians being obedient like Tim Tebow and giving God the glory due him in all aspects of our lives. There is even a tebowing,com site. While many are making fun of Tim, God is using this for his glory and I believe working all things together for His good!

Another dear friend and godly mentor emailed me Anne Graham Lotz's January 12th devotional which packed a powerful punch with this grandmother.

Speaking Up for Jesus

"We cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard."

Acts 4:20, NIV

It has been several years since our youngest daughter, Rachel-Ruth, gave birth to our first grandchild - a little girl named Ruth Bell Wright. Since that very first day, my husband and I have been totally enthralled with this little girl. She fills our hearts! We can't help talking about her to anyone who will listen. I'm not afraid to talk about her. I don't plan in advance how I will talk about her. I don't worry about offending someone with my talk about her. I don't go to classes to learn how to talk about her. I don't read books on how to talk about her. I hug that little girl, feel her snuggle up against me, touch her soft cheek, and melt! Little Ruth Bell fills my heart! And what fills my heart comes out on my lips!

Why do we seem to make speaking up for Jesus so complicated? If He fills our hearts, He is going to come out on our lips! Like Peter and John, we will not be able to help "speaking about what we have seen and heard" of Him!

Blessings, Anne Graham Lotz

sc-signature" src="http://www.annegrahamlotz.com/static/images/simplyconnect/sc-signature.jpg" width="1" height="1">

Then, yes, I reached the trifecta when my January 12th evening devotional by Charles Spurgeon confirmed....

I have yet to speak on God's behalf.

Job. 36:2

"We should not court publicity for our virtue or fame for our zeal; but at the same time, it is a sin to be always seeking to hide that which God has bestowed on us for the good of others. A Christian is not to be a village in a valley, but a city that is set on a hill (Mt. 5:14). He or she is not to e a candle under a bushel (v.15), but a candle in a candlestick giving light to all. Retirement may be lovely in its season, and to hide oneself is no doubt modest, but the hiding of Christ in us can never be justified, and the keeping back of truth that is precious to ourselves is a sin against others and an offense against God...Seek in the name of Him who was not ashamed of you, to do what you can to tell others what Christ has told you....From the hidden springs within, let sweetly flowing rivulets of testimony flow forth, giving drink to every passerby...To speak for God will be refreshing to ourselves, cheering to saints, useful to sinners, and honoring to the Savior. Lord, unloose all your children's tongues."

And wait! There is more...look what the daily verse on Biblegateway was:

God has given us the task of telling everyone what he is doing. We're Christ's representatives. God uses us to persuade men and women to drop their differences and enter into God's work of making things right between them. We're speaking for Christ himself now: Become friends with God; he's already a friend with you. 2 Corinthians 5:19-20 MSG

WOW, well said.

So are we willing to start fresh in our faith walks by not being ashamed of Christ.

Pray:

Great are You, Lord, and worthy of praise. We declare Your glory among the nations, Your marvelous deeds among all peoples. We say among the nations, 'The Lord reigns." (Ps 96) Or do we Lord? This weekend will we enter Your courts with praise and thanksgiving. Will we stop in the midst of weekend projects, sporting events, or date nights and simply say..."God is so good, He reigns on high."? Forgive us for becoming consumed with worldly issues and worry what others think. May our minds be controlled by the Holy Spirit and steadfast on You. May the joy we have in being Your child spill out of our mouths and expressed to others. In Jesus Name, Amen

Start Fresh

2012-01-13T07:45:00.008-05:00

Bunko Men

Bunko Babes

January 13

I've been a member of a Bunko Group for close to 20 years. We know we aren't the norm in that our men are still alive and they are still living with us. Two other friends buried their husbands this past December. Another widow friend called, asking me if I'd like to go to yoga with her in the evenings. She liked the 6:30 class because it was at dinner time and that was the most painful time of the day for her....when her husband no longer walks in from work.

Equally as painful is the heartache of divorce. Not being loved, by the one you love and have shared all vulnerability with for years, cuts deeper than anything I can imagine.

Starting fresh in a romantic relationship at any age has to be tough.

Starting fresh in any relationship where hurtful words have been tossed finds us tentative.

Below are some quotes which hold healing and help for fresh starts in all kinds of relationships.

Forgiveness does not change the past, but it does unlock the future!

Richard Exley

And forgive your people, who have sinned against you; forgive all the offenses they have committed against you. 1 Kings 8:50

God forgets the past. Imitate him. Max Lucado

Blessed are all who put their trust in Him. Psalm 2:12

Here is a great confidence builder for fresh starters!

God will use every experience of your past to position you for the fulfillment of your purpose in the future. Tom Paterson

Peter has a pep talk for us!

So don't lose a minute in building on what you've been given, complementing your basic faith with good character, spiritual understanding, alert discipline, passionate patience, reverent wonder, warm friendliness, and generous love; each dimension fitting into and developing the others. With these qualities active and growing in your lives, no grass will grow under your feet, no day will pass without its reward as you mature in your experience of our Master Jesus. Without these qualities you can't see what's right before you, oblivious that your sinful life has been wiped off the books. 2 Peter 1:5-8 The Message

Pray:

Lord, what a joy to proclaim your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night! How great are your works and how profound your thoughts. Forgive us our trespasses Father and find us quick to forgive others. Hold our hurts in Your mighty hands and steady us when new starts are necessary. While the past is gone, may our present possess wisdom from the wear, which we apply to our hope for the future. We can start fresh with the vision not to step into troubled waters, but onto the paths You place before us. In Jesus' Name, Amen

Stop before we Start Fresh

2012-01-12T07:07:00.005-05:00

January 12

One of our sons came in our bedroom the other day and Moses, our bulldog, crept over and placed his paw on our son's foot in an effort to keep him there. Do you ever feel like the hand of God is on you saying,

"Stop, stay here with Me."

God loves us too much to want us to go our own way. Elisabeth Elliott

Before we start a fresh it is in our best interest to

STOP, DROP & ROLL.

Stop trudging ahead with our own plans.

Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10

Drop to our knees and seek the Lord in prayer.

Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. Psalm 95:6

Roll, by faith, with where we hear the Lord leading us and start fresh in radical obedience.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Pray:

Lord, You are our refuge and our fortress...our God in whom we trust. Forgive us when we become fearful, doubtful, or apprehensive. We need not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day. Remind us to STOP and remember that You will cover us with your feathers and place us under Your wings for refuge. We can DROP to our knees and cry out knowing You have angels ready to guard us at the sound of Your command! Your ways are good and trustworthy. Help us learn to ROLL with them by faith and delight in the fresh starts a life in Christ affords us. In Jesus Name, Amen

The Ultimate Fresh Start

2012-01-11T06:43:00.003-05:00

The Peaks of Otter, Virginia in the background.

HEAVEN

"The native language of heaven is the laughter of joy."

Terry Lindvall

January 11

In addition to morning devotions, I decided to read Charles Spurgeon's Evening by Evening each night before I retire. Last night's entry was thrilling. It was based on a comment made by Job and is found in Job chapter 19,verse 26, and relates to heaven. NOW here is the ultimate fresh start! wOOt!

In my flesh shall I see God.

Spurgeon so eloquently writes:

"Note the subject of Job's devout anticipation: 'I will see God.' He does not say, 'I will see the saints'-though, doubtless, that will be untold happiness-but, 'I will see God.' It is not, 'I will see the pearly gates, I will behold the walls of jasper; I will gaze upon the crowns of gold, ' but 'I will see God.' This is the sum and substance of heaven' this is the joyful hope of all believers....Christ will be the object of our eternal vision, we will never wish for any joy beyond that of seeing Him...Consider the reality of heaven's bliss; think what heaven will be to you. All earthly brightness fades and darkens as we gaze on it, but here is a brightness that can never dim, a glory that can never fade. I will see God."

So for now, we start fresh each day trusting in the Lord and trudging triumphantly with Him through the earthly trials, which we WILL encounter, but the hope of heaven and the happiness therein hangs ahead of us on the horizon. It is going to be a REALLY good time!

Pray:

Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. You turn men back to dust, saying, '"Return to dust, O sons of men." Forgive us when we whimper and worry and forget You are on your throne. Teach us to number our days aright that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. We are so richly blessed to know You and to be loved by You. Guide our steps while we remain here on earth in Your service and ready our feet for dancing, one day soon, before You our King! In Jesus' Name. Amen

(Psalm 90:1-2, 12, 14)

Praise in Your Pockets

2012-01-10T10:44:00.001-05:00

Need a little praise in your pocket? Join me at:

http://mentormemoments.blogspot.com/

for 31 Days of Praise excerpts by Ruth Myers.

Start Fresh

2012-01-09T09:12:00.005-05:00

January 10

"Join us at the bar for a party, " the physical therapist called out to a young woman sitting on the stationary bike. She is a civilian who has just returned from working for the military in Afghanistan. While there she severely broke her leg. The bar is simply a chrome contraption used to steady those rehabilitating, while various leg lifts are done. Wincing and wobbling would be the best way to describe those of us gathered in hopes of restoring our health. It is certainly not a quick fix for anyone there.

Fresh starts take time, persistence, a willing heart

and a whole lot of "RE" words.

"The only way to bring about real change in your behavior is to renew your mind to God's truth. To make this thing called life work, we gotta lean and support, and relate and respond. And give and take and confess and forgive. And reach out and embrace." Charles Swindoll

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me."

Psalm 51:10

Check out this Godtube...I had already begun this post on

rehabilitating, restoring and "re-doing" when this popped up in my email...

ya gotta love how God provides!

http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=KGPZ6GNX&utm_source=GodTube%20Today&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=01/09/2012

Pray

Lord, the heavens and earth are yours. You founded the world and all that is in it. Righteousness and justice are the foundations of your throne. We rejoice in your name all day long. Forgive us for the times we have rejected your instructions, renounced the covenant you made with us or reduced our relationship to a simple Sunday morning sitting in a pew and singing songs. Renew a steadfast spirit within us. May we be found relentless in our praise and refreshed and restored to a right relationship with You. In Jesus Name we REJOICE!

Start Fresh

2012-01-06T07:55:00.009-05:00

January 9

There are days you just know the devil is knocking at your door. It sounded as if someone was outside my bedroom hammering on the house. There was no one on the patio, but when I opened the window I saw a woodpecker pecking away at our cross!

"Be GONE, in the mighty name of Jesus," I shouted!

The two old blue jays in the bare crepe myrtle tree below chuckled at the ole fellow getting caught!

The devil pecks away at our hearts as well. He tries desperately to delay Fresh Starts. He likes to keep us worn down and comfortable in our old ways. Bitterness, jealousy, discontentment and fear are some of his favorite coverings in which he desires to keep us coated.

"Forgiveness does not change the past, but it does unlock the future!" Richard Exley

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone.

Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13

But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.

Matthew 5:44

Lord, Among the gods there is none like you, no deeds can compare with yours. You are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you. Have mercy on us when we falter and fail to keep Your commandments. Teach us to walk in Your truth and have undivided hearts. Forgiveness is freeing, may we taste of it today and offer it up to others as well. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit for it is only in that equipping that we can love our enemies and pray for your blessings to abound on those who persecute us.

Show us this day how to love in Your way. In Jesus Name, Amen

Puzzled

2012-01-06T06:26:00.005-05:00

January 7-8

"We yearn for a fresh start. We pray for a hand that will enter the dark cavern of our world and do for us the one thing we can't do for ourselves-make us right again." Max Lucado

A fresh start is similar to puzzle working.

The pieces are dumped there before you

You turn all the pieces/prospects over trying to get the best perspective. The task ahead looks daunting, but most things in life require hard work.

Sorting out priorities (like straight edges) is a good starting point.

The framework is laid, often in our own strength and without too much effort.

Then a point comes when we need a plan, a guideline, some instruction.

The author of Psalm 119 may be unknown, but he was obviously a passionate Israelite who wanted to pass along the worth of God's word as an instruction manuel in this longest psalm written. My Bible is highlighted with action verb phrases which make a perfect prayer for us this weekend:

Lord....

Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law. (v.18)

Remove from me scorn and contempt for I keep your statutes. (v.22)

Let me understand the teaching of your precepts; then I will meditate on your wonders. (v27)

My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word. (v28)

Keep me from deceitful ways; be gracious to me through your law. (v29)

Teach me, O Lord, to follow your decrees. (v33)

Give me understanding. (v34)

Direct me in the paths of your commands, for there I find delight. (v35)

Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. (v36)

Turn my eyes away from worthless things. (v37)

Fulfill you promise to your servant so that you may be feared. (v38)

Take away the disgrace I dread. (v39)

Teach me knowledge and good judgment. (v66)

Let your compassion come to me that I may live, for your law is my delight. (v.77)

Accept, O Lord, the willing praise of my mouth. (v.108)

Sustain me according to your promise, and I will live, do not let my hopes be dashed. (116)

(and that is just the half of them)

Charles Swindoll took Psalm 119 and created a guide for godly living. We could call it the way

to STARTING FRESH!

1) Seek the Lord on a regular basis. (v.10) Pursue Him daily.

2) Treasure His truth in your heart. (v.11) Memorize scripture.

3) Openly tell others of Him. (v.13) Make your faith known.

4) Rejoice and delight in God's workings. (v.14 & 16) Let your light shine.

5) Spend free moments meditating on His principles. (v.15) At stoplights, waiting in lines, etc.

6) Give God your full respect. (v.15 & 16) Don't hold back. Trust completely. Dare to live by faith.

In Jesus Name, Amen

And in doing these things the puzzle pieces of a Fresh Start will come together.

Start Fresh

2012-01-04T20:43:00.007-05:00

January 6

Young parent alert! Incorporate this specific into your family rules....if you use the last paper towel...

piece of toilet paper....

or tissue in the box, please throw out the old container or roll and replace it with a NEW one!

Most fresh starts require, some initiation, a bit of effort, and stepping into the unknown.

God clears the underbrush ahead and guides us down special paths

beaten just for us through thickets of time and uncertainty.

Leslie Williams

Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many. I instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble.

Proverbs 4:10-12

Pray:

Lord of heaven and earth, You are the author of fresh starts every day! Forgive us when we forget who You are and allow hopelessness to overwhelm us. When life seems to be coming up empty may we place our hand on our heart and feel the beats You have given us for today and take them as a reminder that Your plan is for us to continue on! Your will! Your way! Your wonder! We place our feet on the path and open our minds to your instruction and believe You will make a way. In Jesus' Name, Amen

Start Fresh

2012-01-03T17:39:00.006-05:00

January 5

"The best way I know to face each day is to prepare the heart first thing in the morning.

Ravi Zacharias

My grace is sufficient for you. My strength is made perfect in weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:9

The water view we wake up to, with its sunrise, is amazing. God is always picking a different palette of colors to display. I moseyed out of bed and decided to check out the morning perspective from the other side of the house....

Darkness still loomed in the west...the woods had not awakened.

But back on the other side, God had dipped his brush into pinks and salmons, a few purple hues, and the golden sun was about to show off her stuff!

God has stuff for us to show off as well. He created us with a purpose. Just as Adam was called to cultivate and keep the garden of Eden, we are to work. And each day is a new start, even if we are tackling old problems.

Whatever you do, do your best! Ecclesiastes 9:10

We are called to let our light shine and in so doing exhibit to the world the substance of God's love. A friend shared a prayer yesterday she has prayed for 20 years.

Let's make it our prayer for this day!

Good morning Lord, I come not to ask , to plead or implore You, I just come to tell You , how much I adore You. To kneel in Your Presence makes me feel blessed for I know that You know all my needs best, and it gives me great joy just to linger with You as my soul You replenish and my heart You renew, so thank You again for Your Care and Your Love and for making me heir to Your KIngdom above. In Jesus Name, Amen

Start Fresh

2012-01-03T09:21:00.014-05:00

January 4

Bowl season is winding down! Athletics. Now there is a genre which is constantly starting again.

Three of this week's bowl games ended in overtime with the final wins resulting in successful field goals. In each scenario one team left the field with helmets lifted high, the other with their heads hung low. One locker room was filled with victory chants...the other with the lone sound of the coach's voice reciting consolation and admiration. This week each coache will gather their staff and look at 2012 and START AGAIN. The recruiting trail will be trod again, but to different places and a game plan will be compiled AGAIN determined by the talent at hand.

Like a child enjoying being picked up and twirled around, we shout....

"again, again, again"

to the good things in life. On the flip side those words ring out in stringent scenarios, which are far less pleasing...studying for a failed test, searching for a new job after being laid off, listening to the doctor prescribe more chemo...

God may be orating the word AGAIN to us related to sin struggles...

Forgive...again

Resist temptation again

Repent again

Come to Me again

God is a seasoned coach with a grand plan.

He is accustomed to having to produce new game plans.

If today we are on the end, which is facing a loss or disappointment, we must open His Word and look again at what is ahead.

God's readiness to give and forgive is now public. Salvation's available for everyone! We're being shown how to turn our backs on a godless, indulgent life, and how to take on a God-filled, God-honoring life. This new life is starting right now, and is whetting our appetites for the glorious day when our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, appears. He offered himself as a sacrifice to free us from a dark, rebellious life into this good, pure life, making us a people he can be proud of, energetic in goodness. Titus 2:11-12

"God is ready to fill your empty hands like you would never believe, if you will only lift them up to Him in obedience and praise." Charles Swindoll

Pray:

Lord, you showed favor to your land and forgave the iniquity of your people and covered all their sins. You set aside your wrath towards Israel's rebellion and turned from your fierce anger. We too, in this modern world, have disappointed You. Restore us again, dear Savior, and put away your displeasure towards us. Restore us again Lord and set us on the path to righteousness. Our hearts' desire is to START AGAIN and be pleasing in Your sight. In Jesus' Name, Amen

Start Fresh

2012-01-02T22:54:00.005-05:00

We yearn for a fresh start. We pray for a hand that will enter the dark cavern of our world and do for us the one thing we can't do for ourselves-make us right again.

Max Lucado

January 3

Even under the covers my toes are still cold. Why have I not changed out the summer coverlet for winter's velvet duvet filled with down? The few Christmas decorations, which had been placed around the house, did not go back neatly into the correct boxes. Then I missed saving $6 at the grocery store due to a miscommunication and it seemed as if everything was against me. My source of joy was plugged into the wrong socket.

Politics, finances, physical pain, house hold maintenance and chores were mounting in front of me...things that really are not of eternal value were choking me. Trying hot chocolate with almond cream and a decadent brownie for dinner brought only momentary relief. It's time to start again! Recognize the battle capable of quickly igniting in our minds. Take every thought captive and pull of the blanket of God's love and curl up with only Him.

He forgives your sins—every one.

He heals your diseases—every one.
He redeems you from hell—saves your life!
He crowns you with love and mercy—a paradise crown.
He wraps you in goodness—beauty eternal.
He renews your youth—you're always young in his presence.

Psalm 103:4

I choose Him!

Pray:

How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty! Our souls yearn and even faint for you as our hearts and flesh cry out for a touch of the living God. Forgive us when we lose our focus and draw our eyes back to Your direction and allow us to start again. Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere. In Jesus Name, Amen

Start Fresh

2012-01-02T10:21:00.004-05:00

January 2

"The best way I know to face each day is to prepare the heart first thing in the morning."

Ravi Zacharias

What is your daily "fresh start" routine?

I've never had a cup of coffee in my life, but I've lived with some individuals whose eye balls don't open until their coffee is consumed.

Possibly a splash of cool water awakens you and prepares your mind to face the day.

God's Word is a

great place to start.

My grace is sufficient for you.

My strength is made perfect in weakness.

2 Cor. 12:9

Zephaniah 2:3 says to seek a quiet and disciplined life. An athlete training at the highest level is certainly disciplined, yet the training routine has variety.

Seek the Lord in new places this year. Let's reposition ourselves (or He may have already repositioned us) and hunger for His teachings. Maybe our college days are long gone, but this can be a new semester in living our lives for the Lord.

Pray: Lord, there is none like you. We will sing of your great love forever and our mouths will make your faithfulness know through all generations. The heavens praise your wonders and we will too. Find us faithful today Father. Thank You that our pasts are forgiven and today is filled with newness and the chance to be more like Christ. As yeast causes bread to rise, help us rise above circumstances and trust You to be our guide. Not in our strength, but by Your power your will be done this day. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Start Fresh

2012-01-01T11:51:00.006-05:00

January 1

This is what the LORD says— he who made a way through the sea, a path through the mighty waters, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.

Isaiah 43:16, 18-19

The year ends with a bang! Confetti, good food and drink, funny hats and horn blowers! 2011 is behind us and we can take what we learned and enhance 2012. Jonah went the wrong direction, but with a bit of cajoling in the belly of a big fish and the elimination of a shade tree Jonah received God's wake up call and came back to Him in obedience. Moses had his moments, but was the recipient of some amazing "fresh starts". David lived in castles and caves and walked in equal extremes of obedience. Our God is merciful and compassionate and longs for us to come back to him if we have wandered away. For some of us the process of staying on the path which he projected for us from birth looks a bit like one of those paddle ball games....we hit the "sweet spot" and walk like Jesus and then before you know it we are "strung out" in a sinful free fall. Fortunately, that staple (Jesus) on the back keeps us connected so we can cry out and find our way home.

No promises as to what the blog will look like this year or how often I will place entries.

My goal for 2012 is to have a daily "In Box" and a daily "Out Box" spiritually speaking. Each day I plan to put the Word of God into my heart and then pray seeking his plan as to where "out in the world" he wants me to put that lesson into action.

"You were born prepacked. God packed you on purpose for a purpose."

Max Lucado

Seeing a physical therapist for some of my bodily ailments, I was caught off guard with his question: "How flexible are you?" While he was inquiring physically, I knew the deeper question applied spiritually. "The greatest thing older people (yikes, I am now in that group) can do for their physical well being is improve their flexibility and strength," he instructed.

Well, while I am doing those things to relieve my physical pain and improve my health, I want to place those same requirements at the top of the list spiritually.

PRAYER:

Lord, your grace is infinite. You are the God of "Fresh Starts". Forgive me for the times I wander from You and wonder about Your plan. Make me flexible so when you direct I am quick to follow. Strengthen me through your Word so I will have stamina and wisdom for the journey. Today is a new day and in Your will I want to stay. In Jesus Name, Hooray!

Praise, Prayer and Purging of sin are part of the process for me 2012.

A dose of laughter each day is park of my new diet! Check out Make me Laugh above.

The Order

2011-12-30T13:15:00.007-05:00

December 30-31

Genesis 2:15
God took the Man and set him down in the Garden of Eden to work the ground and keep it in order.

I like order! My closets are color coded and the hangers match as much as possible. Our spices are arranged on the shelf in alphabetical order and after that I have to go with the flow of living with others who have a much more "free" style! :)

While God is a God of order our lives are filled with the unexpected. Looking back on life we can see it spotted with "pop quizzes" and jacks coming out of the box! As I look back at the highs and lows of 2011 and I watch the winter winds begin to whip up a warning that the cold is coming, I am thankful for God's steadfast love that weathers all storms.

Dear God, my Master, you created earth and sky by your great power—by merely stretching out your arm! There is nothing you can't do. You're loyal in your steadfastlove to thousands upon thousands...

Jeremiah 32:16

May steadfastness of faith be a character trait for which we are known.

They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the LORD.

Psalm 112:7

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Psalm 51:10

What's on the inside

2011-12-28T11:49:00.007-05:00

December 29

Yesterday, tired of feeling awful for 11 days I decided to get up, shower, wash my hair, put on cute jeans (as cute as they can be on a 50's something), a silk shirt, layers of pearls and some shiny earrings. Contacts and make up did not make the list, because by that point I was exhausted, my back and knees aching and I was lying down again. No matter what we put on the outside, that doesn't change what is on the inside.

Attitude counts more than outward appearance in God's pageant!

While I am staring at 15 extra pounds on the scales, which I know need to come off for the betterment of my health, I need to equally examine the characteristics in this Charles Spurgeon prayer a friend emailed to me.

" Pray that this year you will be holy, humble, devoted, and diligent; that you will have a closer communion with Christ, often entering the banquet room of His Love. Pray that you will be an example and a blessing to others, and that you will live more and more for the glory of your Master."

OK, so you are thinking it will be easier to lose the 15 pounds! :) I will need perseverance and the power of the Holy Spirit to attempt either!

Take a Look & Act

2011-12-28T09:50:00.005-05:00

December 28

It was a mirror stare down. Moses sat and looked at himself in the mirror...he was mesmerized by his own beauty or had entered a "don't blink" contest with the bulldog in the mirror. Shooting photo after photo did not phase him. Were the vet's words concerning a needed diet troubling him...he'd only gained 3 pounds!!!! We'd discussed the eyelid surgery years ago and thought he was content to fore go the procedure. Maybe he had New Year's resolutions and needed to confide in another canine. Or maybe he and God were getting real and he was struck by the reality that God was calling him to action.

Nancy Leigh DeMoss had an excellent message today on God's tender mercies. The Greek word for tender she explained is called splanchnon. It means spleen or deep inner part of the body. The message went on to say that when we experience splanchnon towards another...we are to be filled with such compassion that we are motivated to do something about the situation. God's mercy was so deep towards our sinful state that he sent Christ as the redemption for those sins.

When we get face to face with Jesus and allow him to inspect our current state do we take what He reveals and move into action. James' book, thought to be the oldest of the New Testament book, starts off with excellent insight and instruction for us.

James 1:19-25

Post this at all the intersections, dear friends: Lead with your ears, follow up with your tongue, and let anger straggle along in the rear. God's righteousness doesn't grow from human anger. So throw all spoiled virtue and cancerous evil in the garbage. In simple humility, let our gardener, God, landscape you with the Word, making a salvation-garden of your life.

Don't fool yourself into thinking that you are a listener when you are anything but, letting the Word go in one ear and out the other. Act on what you hear! Those who hear and don't act are like those who glance in the mirror, walk away, and two minutes later have no idea who they are, what they look like.

But whoever catches a glimpse of the revealed counsel of God—the free life!—even out of the corner of his eye, and sticks with it, is no distracted scatterbrain but a man or woman of action. That person will find delight and affirmation in the action.

Let's take time to escape today and allow God into the inner most parts of our hearts. What new Kingdom impacting action awaits us in 2012? After we take a look let's step away into action...not oblivion!

2011-12-27T18:37:00.003-05:00

December 27

There are some days where the load is so heavy, the suffering so severe, the demands so devastating that lifting our hands to the Lord is all we can offer up. Positioning ourselves at the place of praise for the simple fact that God is God begins a process where proclamation can flow forward.

On those days...

Praise God

Proclaim Christ King of Kings

Pray with expectancy

Pause and listen

Process the points and procedures placed before you.

O my soul, bless God. From head to toe, I'll bless his holy name!

O my soul, bless God, don't forget a single blessing!

Psalm 103:1-2

Worth

2011-12-26T22:41:00.001-05:00

December 26

When such a word rings loudly in my mind hour after hour in the middle of the night...curiosity gets hold of me and the search begins. Recalling a time when I wanted each room in our home to reflect Christ in some way, I wondered if I went room to room now, what would resonate as having great "worth". Items which hold the greatest value to me are those connected to my heart. Daily, my aging father thumbs through photo albums he has compiled, for there among those pages are the memories which are his treasures.
Clay hands of our children grace a silver tray. Should fire erupt here, those are probably what I would grab and being like my father... a suitcase full of photo albums.

When we are wavering in our faith, lacking in the love luster we desire to have shining upon us, or just having a day where we really don't want to get out of bed...we must remember our worth to God! How deep is the love of a Father who would sacrifice His only son.
Matthew 10:31
So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

Psalm 148:13
Let them praise the name of God— it's the only Name worth praising. His radiance exceeds anything in earth and sky; he's built a monument—his very own people! Praise from all who love God! Israel's children, intimate friends of God. Hallelujah!

2 Samuel 22:4
“I called to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and have been saved from my enemies.

1 Chronicles 16:25
For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods.

Psalm 145:3
Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom.

Romans 8:18
I consider that our present sufferings are notworth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

1 Peter 1:6-8
In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. ⁷ These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. ⁸ Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy,

Philippians 3:8
What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ

Proverbs 31:10
A good woman is hard to find, and worth far more than diamonds. Her husband trusts her without reserve, and never has reason to regret it. Never spiteful, she treats him generously all her life long.

Light of the World

2011-12-23T07:26:00.006-05:00

December 24-25

The final two songs I've selected are not Christmas carols, but they have everything to do with Christ coming to earth as the Light of the World....shining hope through salvation on spiritless sinners. There is a filling available to us and it doesn't come from the bountiful Christmas dinners many of us will eat this weekend.

The birth of Christ fulfilled "part 2" of the Trinity...Father, Son and Holy Ghost!

A four year old sleeping in our house last week crept into my bed early one morning. She said, "When I wake up I see a bright light shining over me." I asked her if she thought it was an angel. She said she didn't know, but it was always there wherever she woke up and it was beautiful! How sad that we lose that childlike faith and the ability to see the angelic realm.

One day we will see them and The Light of the World face to face.

There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.

Revelation 22:5

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBKzCpkXJR4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MKDVx6oiKc

Merry Christmas

An Offering

2011-12-22T07:57:00.006-05:00

December 23

The music to the lyrics below is fabulous, but I have not been able to find Nicole C. Mullen singing it online. I bought it on iTunes, but can't figure out how to post it for you!

The concept of what we have to OFFER God challenges us in these lyrics. Searching the NIV for "offering," 714 scriptures are referenced. Bringing an offering to God is not a new idea. At this holiday time, the tradition of gift giving can be burdensome for individuals who feel they can't give extravagant enough gifts, which would be of value to someone who has much more materialistically. Try figuring out what we could give God Almighty we can look to Mark 12 which contains "The Greatest Commandment." This points us toward a free gift God longs to receive from us...the giving of our love to God and others.

³²You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. ³³ To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.

We still fall at His fee with the first fruits of our labor and tithe with joyful hearts, but an offering of our love and obedience is of great value.

I do hope you can find a way to hear this music. It is full of passion!

Nicole C. Mullen - Lamb Of God lyrics

VERSE1 - Once upon a long night after a hard cry Somewhere in bethlehem
A baby graced the silence sweetly he's crying I AM EMMANUEL
Then angels gave him music
Shepherds gave reverensce and a message to the land
A widow held and cherishe the god who became a man

Chorus Oh lamb of God
Oh prince of peace
What tribute shall i bring to worship thee
I have no gold to lay at your feet
So lamb of God i offer me

VERSE2 - can you see the wise men?
A star did guide them searching all the earth
Till they found the one child the very godchild who ruled the universe
Did they know the lady's little baby was god in fully man
And everything they gave him he himself had made with his hands

------CHORUS------

I bring you all my hopes
I bring you all my dreams
I give you all my soul my min and all my strength i wrap them all inside my heart to give to the
AND i come
O come let us adore him
O come let us adore him
O come let us adore him christ

Oh lamb of god oh prince of peace
What tribute shall i offer thee
I have no gold to lay at your feet
SO lamb of God may i offer me

SEEI have no gold to lay at your feet so lamb of god
Please let me offer me

Lamb of GOD I offer me

Mary's Boy Child

2011-12-22T07:45:00.002-05:00

December 22

The question is posed: Why do we celebrate Christmas?

The responses vary. Some will get it right with the simple statement...

It's Jesus' Birthday!

If the investigator was to delve deeper and ask: And what is the big deal about Jesus?

The lyrics Harry Belafonte sings in the song Mary's Boy Child hint towards the eternal benefit God bestows upon those who believe in the miracle birth.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfdx2V5sAic

Where are you Christmas?

2011-12-21T07:24:00.002-05:00

December 21

Faith Hill and The Grinch teamed up for this video called Where Are You Christmas?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSMjgNMdzEI&feature=related

In the song she comes to the realization that Christmas is "LOVE"...so true although she holds back from explaining it is...God's love, which was given to us in the form of a baby. Christ love which walked on this earth as the perfect example of how to live, and the love of the Holy Spirit who is available to daily fill us.

Being covered in all that love, it should naturally spill out upon others.

The amazing grace of the Master, Jesus Christ,

the extravagant love of God, the intimate friendship of the Holy Spirit, be with all of you.

2 Corinthians 13:14 (The MSG)

Who do you know who might feel as if the love of Christmas is missing from their life?

Share the love today!

What is Christmas

2011-12-20T08:12:00.002-05:00

December 20

As we continue along a musical Christmas theme I hope you get a laugh from a church sign which said:

"Dancing with the STARS in Bethlehem!"

In their song, "This is Christmas" Kutlass poses the question :

What is Christmas?

If there never was a Savior wrapped in a manger.

What is Christmas without Christ?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20HoJZecNqM&feature=related

We wouldn't be getting our school breaks and days off from work, baking cookies or singing carols, or sending CHRISTmas cards if the Savior hadn't been born. December might be rather dull. Yet, many homes go about decking the halls and making jolly without ever mentioning Christ.

A friend sent an excellent email the other day about how we get up in arms over all the efforts to remove the mention of Christmas from our schools, places of business and government. It went on to challenge our own lives to reflect Christ. It suggested instead of fighting for the nativity scene to be put up at the court house...what if we all put one in our own yards...

do our Christmas cards shout Merry Merry, Be Jolly or do they turn our attention to our Savior.

When someone asks us..."What is Christmas?"

Let's have a list ready to share about the Birthday Boy!

When Love Was Born

2011-12-19T12:31:00.004-05:00

December 19

We all want to be loved. We are all loved...the baby born to die for us is proof.

Each time this week when your eyes cross a symbol of Jesus... on a Christmas card, in a decoration or through hearing a carol sung...whisper..."I am loved!"

For the most extravagant love came down from heaven for us.

Mark Schultz

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKSU9Dbxvrw&feature=related

Starlight shines, the night is still
Shepherds watch from a hill
I close my eyes, see the night
When love was born
Perfect child gently waits
A mother bends to kiss God's face
I close my eyes, see the night
When love was born
Angels fill the midnight sky, they sing
Hallelujah, He is Christ, our King
Emmanuel, Prince of peace
Loves come down for you and me
Heaven's gift, the holy spark
To let the way inside our hearts
Bethlehem, through your small door
Came the hope we've waited for
The world was changed forevermore
When love was born
I close my eyes, see the night
When love was born

O Come O Come...

2011-12-18T09:26:00.002-05:00

December 17-18

Week of preparation is what we are entering. Enjoy these three siblings as they sing,

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel and prepare your hearts to receive all Christ has to offer.

http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=FEM0BFNU&utm_source=GodTube%20Must-See%20Video&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=12/18/2011

We've found ourselves praising the Lord this week for seeing a precious one year old through surgery to remove a brain tumor and then on the other end of the spectrum we praise God for his Presence in the life of a dear friend, who has left this earth to spend his first Christmas in heaven.

We can be joyful always, because we trust in God's plan.

1 Thessalonians 5:16

Give Your Gift

2011-12-16T07:17:00.005-05:00

December 16

"The gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Romans 6:23

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrNcD34KFhM

What gift do you have to give our King? This teenager in Canada, took his drums and made a video in honor of Christ and put it on You Tube!

It doesn't have to be extravagant, outlandish or expensive..it just has to come from the heart.

Two days ago, while driving home along the rural back roads of our county, my husband picked up a 60 year old hitch hiker. "You did WHAT?" I exclaimed when he told me. The man had undergone heart surgery 5 weeks earlier, yet he smelled of smoke. Inquiring about the obvious order and the hold this habit had on the man, my husband offered to pray for him. "You a preacher? the man asked. I need a preacher on Friday to marry me. We just gonna do it right here in this trailer."
The important response from my spouse was...."Do you know Jesus?" A requirement before he would marry anyone. Then...."You're not leaving me much room for premarital counseling."

Discussing the situation with me, we both realized this was one of those God encounters and even though we have house guest arriving around noon, I told him to go for it.
Like the drummer boy in this video...my husband can take his talent to the woods today and bless the Lord!

Proverbs 18:15-17

The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out. A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great.

This Year's Favorite

2011-12-14T11:05:00.006-05:00

December 15

Chris Tomlin's Hallowed Manger Ground has topped my list of favorites this year! Sing along!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTDA_awnl8g

What hope we hold this starlit night
A King is born in Bethlehem
Our journey long, we seek the light
That leads to the hallowed manger ground

What fear we felt in the silent age
Four-hundred years can He be found
But broken by a baby's cry
Rejoice in the hallowed manger ground

Emmanuel, Emmanuel
God incarnate, here to dwell
Emmanuel, Emmanuel
Praise His name Emmanuel

The son of God, here born to bleed
A crown of thorns would pierce His brow
And we beheld this offering
Exalted now the King of kings
Praise God for the hallowed manger ground

Emmanuel, Emmanuel
God incarnate, here to dwell
Emmanuel, Emmanuel
Praise His name Emmanuel

Oh, praise His name Emmanuel
Oh, praise His name Emmanuel

Whose Party is it Anyway?

2011-12-14T09:10:00.005-05:00

This video had me up and in action this morning.

http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=FE1M01NU&utm_source=GodTube%20Today&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=12/14/2011

Revelation 5:12
In a loud voice they were saying: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!”

December 14

LOL..arriving home late after a board meeting last night my husband entered the house and said, "Do you realize the outdoor speakers are on and you are blasting Christmas carols all over the Lake?"

I know Jesus is the reason for the season and inwardly (and blog wise) He and I are celebrating the implications of His birth (you know the guy who came to die), but what does the person who walks into my home this month see, what about Christmas Eve dinner and the pomp and circumstance of our Christmas morning routines....is HE visible, is He welcome? Is there a seat at the table for Him? Do we converse with Him in prayer recognizing Him as the GUEST OF HONOR?

A Happy Birthday banner now adorns our front hall closet...it lists the gifts I want to give Jesus for His birthday...my heart, my soul, my mind, my obedience, honor and praise!

It also lists many of His 2011 accomplishments in lives at Shiloh!

The nativity has moved from a side room to the living room coffee table.

Watch December Discoveries tomorrow for some insight into our nativity.

Come Away With Me

2011-12-12T10:51:00.012-05:00

December 13

This entry is probably more suitable for a December discovery. Actually, it correlates with what the Lord gave me there. Cream cheese was being mixed in a bowl with fresh parsley and green onions. The combination of that spread with a fried egg, bacon, a slice of tomato and avocado were about to be laid out on toasted whole grain bread, but God said, "Come away with me right now." Obediently, I wandered off to a quiet spot with The Message Solo and turned to Day 151.

The title "When Disappointment Comes" and Bible book-Lamentations- were not signs that this was going to be a yippee, good ole time. Two phone calls and one email already had me pensive over the depth of hurt and heartache several of us, who loved each other dearly, are facing. But by faith, expecting God to show me something good I proceeded to read and before I headed back to sandwich making I was rejoicing that my God speaks.

Lamentations 3:19-30

It's a Good Thing to Hope for Help from God

I'll never forget the trouble, the utter lostness, the taste of ashes, the poison I've swallowed. I remember it all—oh, how well I remember— the feeling of hitting the bottom.

But there's one other thing I remember, and remembering, I keep a grip on hope:

God's loyal love couldn't have run out, his merciful love couldn't have dried up.
They're created new every morning. How great your faithfulness!
I'm sticking with God (I say it over and over). He's all I've got left.

God proves to be good to the man who passionately waits, to the woman who diligently seeks.
It's a good thing to quietly hope, quietly hope for help from God.
It's a good thing when you're young to stick it out through the hard times.

When life is heavy and hard to take, go off by yourself. Enter the silence.
Bow in prayer. Don't ask questions: Wait for hope to appear.
Don't run from trouble. Take it full-face. The "worst" is never the worst.

AMEN!

I don't want to rob your Christmas music time, so check this out!

Take time today and enter into His Presence with thanksgiving in your heart.

Enjoy the video below & allow the song's words to seep into your heart.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulY2KPmpMwk