Fully Present

21 12 2015

Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom. Psalm 90:12

I am often in two places at once. My body is present in this time and space but often my mind has moved on to another place.  My thoughts are racing from one situation to the next.  Being in two places at once often robs me of the blessing of now.  This holiday season I want to experience family, friends and each person I meet; taking time to be fully present in their company.  It will take some focused effort on my part.  I want to listen and share with my parents, my siblings and their children.  I want to wrap my arms around my husband and daughter.  I want to be fully present in their presence. I am so blessed and I am so thankful.  I want to experience these blessings one at a time.

winter snow


Comments : Leave a Comment »
Tags: ,
Categories : ENCOURAGEMENT, Uncategorized

A Strong Refuge

17 12 2015

Nahum Scripture


Comments : Leave a Comment »
Tags:
Categories : ENCOURAGEMENT, Uncategorized

Our Thoughts, His Words

4 12 2015

2014-08-24 20.02.01May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.
Psalm 19:14

Our thought life is an important aspect of our walk with the Lord. The conscious and sometimes random thoughts that go through our minds throughout the day have a powerful influence on how we live. What we think and ultimately the words that we speak have both the power of life and death. We have heard it before but often say careless things about ourselves, our circumstances and others. As His children, we desire that our thoughts and our words should please our Heavenly Father, reflecting His will for our lives. Consider your thoughts and your words. If negativity and uncertainty are a continuous theme, remove them from your vocabulary. Not sure what to say, use His words. The Holy Bible is full of direction and assurances for His people concerning every aspect of our lives: relationships, healing, direction and God’s plans for us.

Think and speak life today!

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14


Comments : Leave a Comment »
Tags: ,
Categories : ENCOURAGEMENT, GUIDANCE, Uncategorized

My Hope is in the Lord

19 11 2015

Jeremiah 17_7


Comments : Leave a Comment »
Tags: ,
Categories : ENCOURAGEMENT, Uncategorized

Love one Another

16 11 2015

Barcelona 2013 084Treat one another justly.
Love your neighbors.
Be compassionate with each other.
Don’t take advantage of widows, orphans, visitors, and the poor.
Don’t plot and scheme against one another-that’s evil. Zechariah 7:10

As toddlers, we begin to learn the lessons of living with others. Parents instruct us to “be nice” and “to share”. We later learn more complex terms like “love” and “compassion”. As adults, the lessons continue as we endeavor to live with others on a micro and macro level. Yet, as a people we struggle to get it right, even though the Bible is full of guidance about how to treat one another.
Love is God’s platform for His relationship with us, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son”. Love is also His commandment to us in our approach to one another. Still, love, fair treatment, empathy and compassion are elusive in our society today. It must grieve God’s heart that we are so casual in how we treat one another. But each day is an opportunity to turn it around. We can adopt a higher level of commitment to love, to fairness and justice, to show compassion and to make sure the vulnerable are cared for. If we do this in love and concern for one another it will provide a salve to a hurting world.

This my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. John 15:12


Comments : Leave a Comment »
Tags: ,
Categories : ENCOURAGEMENT, GUIDANCE

Hold to God’s Hand

13 11 2015

DSCF0315For I hold you by your right hand— I, the Lord your God. And I say to you, Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you. Isaiah 41:13

We can hold tight to the Lord’s hand.  It is a figurative description of our ability to stay in the Lord’s care despite anything we may be going through.  Our God is with us, even through the challenges of tough days and sad times.  God is able to surround us with His peace, His joy and His strength.  We can hold tight to God’s hand.  I am so thankful that even in the midst of uncertainty His unchanging hand is a strong reminder of His unfailing love for us.  He loves us and is able to provide the healing for the hurt, the mending of our faltering relationships, and the renewal of our spirits.  God, our Creator, can help us to get back on our feet and move in the right direction toward our purpose.  We can hold tight to God’s Hand.  His unfailing love can embrace us and give us exactly what we need to journey on.


Comments : Leave a Comment »
Tags:
Categories : ENCOURAGEMENT

The Source of Hope

11 11 2015

Romans 15_13

It’s a new day, fill it with hope.


Comments : Leave a Comment »
Tags: ,
Categories : ENCOURAGEMENT

The Plan

9 11 2015

DSC_1075

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.  Romans 8:28

His plan for me is unfolding.  This time and this place are a part of my journey.  Its blessings and its challenges are connected within my walk of faith.  I will embrace all that God has planned for me. All things are working together for my good.  I will try to keep the vision vibrant and learn the lessons along the way.  I will seek to emerge from the challenges stronger, wiser and deeper in my faith.  I will give thanks for each step and give God praise for His mercy and grace.  God has a plan for me and I am thankful. 


Comments : Leave a Comment »

Categories : ENCOURAGEMENT

Growing Strong

6 11 2015

seedling

Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers.

But they delight in the law of the Lord meditating on it day and night.

They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season.

Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.   Psalm 1:1-3  NLT

A growing child needs certain things to develop and become physically strong and a mature adult. Good nutrition, proper rest and exercise are all a part of the recipe for growth and development.   As we mature in the Lord, we need similar components to help us to become strong in our walk with the Lord. We need to have a steady diet of the things of God that focus on His Word, a time of devotion and bible study. Stay in a nurturing environment with friends and church family that are committed to the love and Gospel of Jesus Christ. Continuing to pray to God, seeking His Holy Spirit to dwell within us gives us the guidance and power for our journey. Rest in Him with the faith and trust that should be fully in our Heavenly Father who loves His children. We can grow strong then stronger in the Lord, as we keep our focus and attention on Him.


Comments : Leave a Comment »
Tags: ,
Categories : ENCOURAGEMENT

A Strong Tower

4 11 2015

Barcelona 2013 032The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe. Proverbs 18:10

I am so thankful that we serve a living God that is available to us to provide refuge and protection. The world we live in today seemingly has so many pitfalls and dangers that seek to destroy our lives – our families, our marriages, our hope and our peace. But when we turn to the Lord, He provides refuge. We can go to Him in prayer, meditate on His word and lift our voices in praise and find ourselves enveloped in His presence. In this place of protection, we can experience peace, renewed spirit and strength and receive direction for the next step. Whatever we are facing, we can turn to our Heavenly Father – The Name of the Lord is a Strong Tower.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Psalm 46:1-3


Comments : Leave a Comment »
Tags: , ,
Categories : ENCOURAGEMENT

« Previous Entries Next Entries »