Tuesday, September 30, 2008
SUN AND SHIELD
“For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does He withhold from those whose walk is blameless” (Psalm 84:11).
God has a heart to pour out His favor and goodness in your life. He longs to be your sun and shield.
What does the sun do for us? It lights our way, it keeps us warm, it nourishes the plants of the earth so that we can have food.
The earth is sustained by its relationship to the sun, and God wants to sustain you through your relationship with Him.
He wants to be your shield of protection against all the fiery darts of the enemy.
He wants to light and direct your path.
Are you ready to receive Him as your sun and shield today?
Have you been relying on something or someone else to be your protection or give you direction? If you have, decide today to put down whatever you’ve been putting your trust in and choose to lean on your heavenly Father.
Open your heart and receive all He has for you.
Receive His favor, blessing and protection today.
As you do, you’ll see your path shine brighter and brighter, and you’ll move forward in the life of victory the Lord has prepared for you!
Have a wonderful day!!
Monday, September 29, 2008
JOY
Joy is an unceasing fountain bubbling up in the heart;
A secret spring the world can't see and doesn't know anything about.
Dwight Lyman Moody
Joy is not necessarily wild exuberance, but rather a steady, enduring inner happiness.
It is anchored in God, who is seated high above the circumstances in your life!
As long as you are holding on to Him, you can be joyful, even in the midst of sadness and distress.
Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in Him!
Philippians 4:4
I hope you have a wonderful rest of the week filled with joy!
Sunday, September 28, 2008
WONDEROUS BLESSINGS
I know it's late-evening blogging....but I always say, better late than never!
Today I want to share the awesome blessings God has been pouring into our family and my life lately!
He has moved into our house and is performing miracles each and everyday....and I am full of joy and peace and so very grateful for all He is and all He does!
As so beautifully put by my husband, He doesn't come into our lives and bless us unless we invite Him to do so...we must spend time with Him daily...and give over the control of our lives to Him. When we are faithful to Him, then He is then faithful to us.
God is always near and ready to jump in and pour on the blessings, but we must seek Him and choose to walk with Him on the path He has made for us.
Think of a gas station. It has plenty of gas, but if you don't go there to get filled up, you won't have any gas to go anywhere!
My husband and I attended a marriage conference this weekend at our church and it was wonderful how God through this event, has begun to enrich our marriage even more than it was before! I am so thankful to God for the husband he has blessed my life with, whom I cannot imaging my life without!
We also enjoyed great fellowship with family and friends with whom we shared our joyous experiences with...in hope to be a blessing to their lives through God.
And if that wasn't enough, our entire family (all six of us) went together to church today! This in itself was wonderful and amazing!! And then during the pastor's invitation to have a personal relationship with Jesus, my older son chose to accept Jesus as his Savior! This was an awesome, precious and beautiful moment! So much joy...indescribable!
I wish you all a wonderful evening, and a beautiful Monday...the beginning of a new week, with potential to start new things, good things and new found joy!
Saturday, September 27, 2008
HELP AND STRENGTH
Sorry for not blogging yesterday!
I had a very difficult task I needed to perform, one which made my whole body shake in nervousness while getting prepared for it.
But then I remembered that the Holy Spirit is inside me and Jesus is right beside me, helping me to do anything I need. In an instant, I was calm and strong!
For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need -- Philippians 4:13
Have a wonderful day!!
Thursday, September 25, 2008
ROAD TO SUCCESS
The road to success is not straight.
There is a curve called Failure, a loop called Confusion, speed bumps called Friends, red lights called Enemies, caution lights called Family. You will have flats called Jobs.
But, if you have a spare called Determination, an engine called Perseverance, insurance called Faith, a driver called Jesus, you will make it to a place called Success.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. --- Philippians 4:13
Have a wonderful day!
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
HANDLING ADVERSITY
When you go through hard times, how do you react and what effect does it have you? How do you handle adversity?
Do you seem seem strong, but with pain and adversity do you wilt and become soft and lose your strength?
Do you have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, become hardened and stiff? Does your outside look the same, but on the inside you are bitter and tough with hardened heart?
Or when things are at their worst, do you get better and change the situation around you? When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest do you elevate yourself to another level?
May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human and enough hope to make you happy.
The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way. The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past; you can't go forward in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches.
Have a wonderful day!!
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
GENTLENESS
Sorry for being absent for a few days...we have been painting a couple of rooms in our house for a few days...so it's been exhausting, to say the least!
I am so thankful this morning that our God is who He is! He is always near, always present and always ready to help and comfort us with whatever we need, be it large or small!
I lost my patience this morning and spoke unkind words....
Then I open up my daily devotional book, and He gently speaks to me through His word to remind me of a better way...
Let your gentleness be known to everyone. Philippians 4:5
God, though all-powerful, is also gentle. When we choose not to force our plans, opinions, or desires upon others, we imitate Him. When we return a gentle word for a harsh one or offer a tender embrace to a troubled heart, we are showing the world that we are our Father's children.
Power can do by gentleness, what violence fails to accomplish. Latin Proverb
Have a wonderful day!
Thursday, September 18, 2008
BEAUTIFUL CREATION
Greetings!
I was reminded today of the awe and wonder of this beautiful earth that God created for us. There was an awesome sunset yesterday, and as most of you know, I LOVE sunsets...and I often take pictures of them.
I love sunsets, and landscapes, trees, flowers, oceans, mountains, beaches and clouds! I appreciate and enjoy seeing the beautiful picture God paints for us each day!
When you really sit an ponder on this creation, it really is amazing and you realize there is no other explanation except that God created this universe!
Included here is a picture of a sunset I took. Just look at the majesty reflected in this picture....It could not have come to be any other way!
I am so thankful everyday for not only the beauty, but also the elements that this earth holds that sustain our life here on this planet.
Hope you catch a great sunset today...or some other beauty to enjoy!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
HONESTY
Honesty has a beautiful and refreshing simplicity about it.
No ulterior motives. No hidden meanings. Charles R. Swindoll
So true!!
God wants us to speak the truth to others.
Do so and you'll have a reputation of being honest.
Life will be simpler. Best of all, you'll have the satisfaction of knowing that you're living a life that honors God.
Speak each man the truth to his neighbor. Zechariah 8:16
Have a wonderful day!
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Effects of THE SHACK....
Good glorious morning to you!!
After reading The Shack, I've had a wonderful revelation! Some of the pains we experience in life are unexplainable, and unavoidable. God does not cause them or desire them for us. But he is always with us, ready to comfort us during these times.
I have had a "thorn" in my heart for many years and I always ask God to heal it. I have always been thankful for all the blessings in my life...I am very blessed! But I always have my "thorn" in my mind and it constantly weighs heavy on my heart. But now I have realized that God's grace is sufficient for me and I have taken on a greater appreciation for all my blessings! The burden of the pain from my "thorn" has been lifted and I have given it to God. I am sure it somehow will serve a purpose in God's greater plan and will glorify his kingdom!
My situation reminds me of Paul's as in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given to me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take if away from me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness". Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
It' a wonderful gift God gives us, to take these burdens from us!
Have a blessed day!
Sunday, September 14, 2008
THE SHACK
Sorry for blogging so late....very busy weekend!
I just want to tell everyone about a WONDERFUL book I just read, called The Shack, by William P. Young. My sister Andrea sent it to me and I thank her so much for this precious gift!
The book made me feel as if I were having a conversation with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit right in my own living room...while sharing a cup of coffee with them...so to speak. It has opened my eyes to their very near presence in my life every minute of every hour of every day! It is God sitting down with you and explaining all about himself to you...through a personal conversation that is indescribable!
It's an amazing book and I encourage everyone to read it, you will not be disappointed in least, I promise!
You can go to the website before buying it and read the front cover, back cover, forward and even the first chapter. www.theshackbook.com
I really hope you get a chance to read this great book!
Have a wonderful evening!
Saturday, September 13, 2008
LIFT UP SOMEONE
Sorry for not blogging yesterday and for being so late today!
Just a quick quote for today....
A sure way for one to lift himself up is by helping to lift someone else....
By Booker T. Washington
Have a wonderful day!
Thursday, September 11, 2008
HEAVEN
I find it divinely interesting that I posted a message on Tuesday about focusing on God and heaven above...and then last night (Wed) our church service study was all about heaven!!
The message in last night's service was awesome and beautiful! The promise of such a wonderful place is so comforting...well to those of us who are going there anyway!
I know I am going there, do you?
If you're not sure, you can ask me. Just e-mail me or write a comment and I will tell you how you can know for sure you are going there when you leave this world.
The Bible says that heaven and hell are real places and you will go to one or the other...there is no other alternative. I hope all of you choose the better place!
Have a wonderful day!
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
BE THANKFUL
I cannot express enough how important thankfulness is!
Focusing on what we are thankful for everyday will change your life!
Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire.
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don't know something,
for it gives you the opportunity to learn.Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations,
because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for each new challenge,
because it will build your strength and character.Be thankful for your mistakes. They will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you're tired and weary,
because it means you've made a difference.It's easy to be thankful for the good things.
By Author Unknown
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who
are also thankful for the setbacks.
Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles,
and they can become your blessings.
Have a wonderful day!
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
FOCUS ABOVE
Everyone knows the saying; "get your head out of the clouds"
Well, I say we should do the opposite!
We need to keep our head in the clouds....looking up to God in Heaven, I mean!
Keep your eyes, mind, heart and spirit focused on God and you will be blessed beyond your belief!
Colossians 3:2
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
Gratitude Statement:
I am thankful for feeling good today! Yesterday I was not feeling well.
Have a wonderful day!!
Monday, September 8, 2008
PERSEVERANCE
Continuing on the same message from yesterday,
perseverance is key to your personal growth!
Romans 5:3-5
...but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because
we know that suffering produces perseverance;
perseverance, character; and character, hope.
And hope does not disappoint us...
Have a wonderful day!!
Sunday, September 7, 2008
MAKING, NOT BREAKING
I realized that I have neglected to list each day what I am thankful for....
Well, everyday I am grateful to be alive, to have a job, to have a roof over my head and a car, wonderful family and friends, live in a free country...and the list goes on.
But today I specifically thankful that I had the energy and opportunity to get lots of things done that I needed to do this weekend. I am thankful, that so far, it looks like hurricane Ike will not directly hit us, and I am thankful for another beautiful day that has begun, with a chance for a new start to make improvements and make an impact in this world!
I have to say Happy Birthday to my sister Andrea!! I love you sis and hope you have a great day...even though you are at work.
I heard a great quote from our pastor in church today;
"The thing that breaks you, will ultimated make you!"
There is so much truth in this, and I can testify to it personally several times over....just like the saying "that what does not kill us makes us stronger". The trials we go through and the way we handle them and come out of them have a great deal to do with making us who we are and what we are made of!
Have a wonderful day!
PS: I did post on Friday, but it was very late at night, in case you didn't see it and thought there wasn't one....its not a message, but a great video of Kaitlyn...again, can't help sharing her with others, she's just too cute!!
Saturday, September 6, 2008
GIVING AWAY YOUR TROUBLES
If you put your life in God's hands and trust Him completely
with everything, here is what He will say to you each day:
This is God. Today I will be handling All of your
problems for you. I do not need your help. So, have a nice day.
I love you.
And, remember...
If life happens to deliver a situation to you that you
cannot handle, do Not attempt to resolve it yourself!
Kindly put it in the SFGTD (something for
God to do) box. I will get to it in MY TIME.
All situations will be resolved, but in My time, not yours.
Once the matter is placed into the box, do not hold onto it
by worrying about it. Instead, focus on all the wonderful
things that are present in your life now.
Now, you have a nice day.
God
This is so true! I have experienced this many times in my
life...it's amazing how He takes all our burdens on Himself!
And you feel a great weight lifted....I know it's hard to let go, we
cling to our troubles as if they keep us afloat, but letting go
and giving it all to Him is like floating above all the mess and just
experiencing His grace and peace, you'll know what I
mean when you get there...it's indescribable!
Have a wonderful day!
Friday, September 5, 2008
FUN VIDEO
Sorry for not blogging earlier today...We have been busy getting ready for hurricane Ike! I have been shopping and preparing....and still not done!
I don't have the message I want to post prepared for today's blog. So I will just share a video of my granddaughter, Kaitlyn. She thinks she is the next Hanna Montana! Hope you enjoy!
She is pure joy!
I promise to have a message tomorrow!
Have a great evening, what's left of it!
Thursday, September 4, 2008
ACCEPTANCE
Many people search their entire lives for the acceptance of others. They strive to wear the right clothes, do the right things, speak the right words --all in an attempt to make others like them.
If you are one of those people, then you are searching for something you already have.
God created you, and He accepts you just the way you are. There is nothing you can do or say or think that will make Him love you more than He already does.
It's all right to want others to like you--but you aren't likely to find what you really desire until you see yourself as God sees you.
Acceptance means you are valuable just as you are.
It allows you to be the real you. By Gladys M. Hunt
Have a wonderful day!!
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
ENCOURAGEMENT
I have come to love Wednesdays!! We have starting attending a new church service on Wednesdays, at His House in Carol City, which is a new ministry of New Testament Baptist Church. The pastor, Dan King, is truly appointed and anointed by God! God is present, up front and center at each service and sending us His word loud and clear! I encourage anyone who has a chance, to come and visit, you will be blessed! They have services on Wednesdays at 7pm and Sundays at 10:30am and are located at 20000 NW 47th Ave. Hector Bldg.#2.
The human spirit can gain new hope from an encourage word.
- Lend a listening ear
- Pause to pray specifically
- Speak a word of encouragement
Have a wonderful day!!
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
START ANEW
With each sunrise, we start anew.
God is the author of fresh starts and brand-new beginnings. When you choose to follow Him, your life is transformed from the inside out. You are a totally new person, with new priorities, new power, new purpose and a new eternal destiny.
If anyone belongs to Christ, then he is made new.
The old things have gone; everything is made new! All this is from God.
2 Corinthians 5:17-18
What wonderful news!!
Have a great day!!
Monday, September 1, 2008
COMPASSION AND LOVE
I found this great poem below from an unknown author.
Just to be tender, just to be true,
Just to be glad the whole day through,
Just to be merciful, just to be mild,
Just to be trustful as a child:
Just to be gentle and kind and sweet,
Just to be helpful with willing feet,...
Just to let love be our daily key,
That is God's will for you and me.
Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
1 John 4:11
Have a wonderful day!!