Merry Christmas!

Let us rejoice in the blessings that we have had during this year of 2012.  I hope and pray that the year 2013 will bring you happiness.  Thank God for giving us His son to live and die for us.  Merry Christmas!

My word for October 22nd is INSPIRATION!

My word for October 22^nd is INSPIRATION

What does it mean to be an inspiration or be inspired?  There are several definitions, however the one that I like the most is divine guidance.  So the question can be turned into who has given you divine guidance?   Olsten’s book, “LOVE YOUR LIFE“, tells a story of a young student, Sam, who would always write a scripture on the board at school.  This went on for a very long period of time.  One of his friends was inspired by him and asked him if he would take him to church.  Because of Sam writing scripture, another young man began attending church on a regular basis and ended up preaching to thousands of people. This young man was John Osteen.   Sam also became a preacher.   Sam didn’t preach to thousands, but he didn’t care.  He inspired John.  Whether you touch one person or thousands you are important. 

I can’t choose just one thing that has inspired me.  There are a multitude of things that have pushed me to be the person I am today.  It may be because of a person, it may be because of a situation, or it may just how I thought at a particular moment.  More than who has inspired me it is more important to me as to who I inspire.  Even if you just reach one person in life you have made a difference.  Work towards giving others the divine guidance that they need to be strong.  Allow God to lead you in giving inspiration to all of those who you come in contact with. 

We must always remember to let God inspire us and give us divine guidance.    There is always a way to be lifted up by walking your journey with Him.  When things are looking bleak and everything seems impossible turn to Him.  God will make the unsurvivable survivable.   He will lead you to those who need to be inspired and He will lead you to those when you need inspiration.  Be inspired and be an inspiration.

2 Timothy 3:16

King James Version (KJV)

16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

Dear God thank You for Your divine guidance and inspiration.  Help us to be an inspiration to those who need us.  We know that we can turn to You and Your word anytime we need to be inspired.  We are blessed by You and what You have in store for us.  

My word for September 13th is SEARCH!

My word for September 13^th is SEARCH

Have you ever lost something and you searched and searched only to realize it was right in front of you.  I have lost my cell phone before walked around looking and then realized I was talking on it.  Car keys are something else we have to search for.  I have always wanted a button I could push that would make my car keys put off a sound when I am searching for them.  We have also had to search for our dogs.  They will get out and run off.  We will search and search for them and they will be in the yard hiding under a bush.  Search and rescue, lost and found.

During our lifetime at one time or another you will feel lost.  You will be searching for answers; searching for what you need to do or what direction you need to go. When we are searching there is only one direction to turn and that is to the Lord.  The first step to be found is opening our hearts to Him.  When we do this we will receive his mercy and kindness.  He is constantly talking to us when we are searching.  He cares for us and wants us to be found.  He can show us the way.  Many times the Lord has given us the answer; we just refuse to see them. 

When you turn to God searching will not be a part of your daily walk anymore.  Simply ask for forgiveness and His help and He will help you stop the search.  You will be at peace knowing what you thought was lost is now found. 

Isaiah 41:13

New International Version (NIV)

13 

For I am the Lord your God
    who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear;
    I will help you.

Dear Lord thank You for helping us when we are searching.  We are usually searching for something that is right in front of us and very visible if we would just stop and look.  Assist us in never forgetting to come to You first when we are searching for answers.  Remind us that You are the one that holds our hand and walks with us when we are lost.  

My word for September 12th is TERRORIST!

My word for September 12^th is TERRORIST

Where were you the day the terrorists attacked the United States on 9-11?  I know exactly where I was and what I was doing.  I was driving to Little Rock listening to the radio when the news came across the air.  The first person I called was my mother.  Did you know that the first person most Americans called was their mother?  I am assuming that most people called their mother because at that moment they needed comfort.  They needed to hear a voice that was calming and loving.  I will never forget that day nor will I forget how I had a feeling of helplessness. 

A terrorist is a person, usually a member of a group, who terrorizes or frightens others.  They may be part of a political group or an agent.  As much as we hope that we aren’t surrounded by terrorism we are.  Evil surrounds us and tempts people to turn away from God and towards Satan.  Everyday there are people that make the wrong choice.  They pull away from God.  God doesn’t want us to walk away from Him He wants us to come to Him because He loves us. 

Terrorist attacks affect many people around the world.  We all watched in anguish as the planes flew into the World Trade Center in 2001.  This attack reminds us that Satan is at work.  Don’t turn your eyes away from the Lord.  Hold steadfast towards Him.  Don’t let evil enter your life.  Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good (Romans 12:19-21).

Psalm 34:14 (NIV)

Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.

Dear God keep us safe from those that are here to destroy.  Keep us close to You and away from Satan’s path.  We know that evil lurks around us, but we want to walk beside You loving You and sharing Your word.  Keep us at peace in the days to come.

Life is a JOURNEY!

My Word for Sept. 11 is JOURNEY

My word for September 11^th is JOURNEY

The word journey means one day walk; it is a day-to-day travel.  Life is a journey. Many days that bring different situations and circumstances.   During our lifetime we will go in many different directions.  Some may be good some may be bad.  Some will bring us happy moments and some will bring us sad moments.  We will make memories no matter what road we travel down.  These memories will be ingrained in our mind many of these bringing life lessons. 

This life journey will be made easier if we walk daily with God.  He wants to travel this journey with you.  He wants to be in the driver seat.  If you allow Him to have the wheel your life will be filled with wonderful possibilities.  He will steer the wheel in the direction that will lead to positive outcomes.  He will only turn in the direction that will increase your faith.  God won’t turn down a road that will lead to unhappiness nor will He veer off the road bringing you sadness. 

God has a plan for you.  Your journey was decided a long time ago.  Let God be the leader of your journey, trust in Him.  Let Him navigate the ride.  He leaves His footprints for you to follow and when you can’t continue the journey He will carry you. 

Mark 9:23b- “Everything is possible for one who believes.”

Dear God thank You for traveling this journey with us.  Please forgive us if we don’t always let You steer.  We know that You should be in control at all times and by letting You lead the way our lives will be full of peace.  Assist us in realizing that this journey of life can and will be a joyous ride when we are in the passenger seat. 

READ REST OF AUGUST

If you would like to read the rest of August-Sept.10 you can find on Facebook page, Pass On To Press On.

MY WORD FOR AUGUST 18 IS CONSCIENCE!

My word for August 18^th is CONSCIENCE

Do you have a conscience?  Do you know people who don’t have a conscience?  When we have a conscience we know when we have done something wrong.  We worry about it and we are upset about it.  People who have no conscience feel differently, actually they don’t feel at all.  They have no guilt or remorse.  Many people think that a conscience is “the little voice” that makes us feel with extraordinary conviction that an action may be wrong.  The little voice keeps on and on.  I can’t imagine what it is like to not have a conscience.  I can’t believe some people act the way they do, however when I think about it ~ they don’t think about it.  They don’t’ think they have done anything wrong.  That little voice only tells them what they want to hear and that nothing is their fault.  They feel they do not wrong.   All I can say is “Gosh Luv Them.”

Conscience, by nature is a spiritual instinct, which differentiates between good and evil.  Conscience also has to do with our hearts. In Matthew 6:22 Jesus compared conscience to the “eyes” by which a person can evaluate a moral condition.  He also, in Matthew 5:25, compares conscience to that of a rival.  The rival is something a person must come to terms with before he presents himself at God’s Judgment.  The main attribute of conscience is to oppose our evil desires and intentions. 

We hope that in our relationships with people we can trust that they have a conscience.  However, it is impossible during our lifetime to avoid those who have no conscience. There are those who are able to twist and manipulate even the clearest of situations.  We can only hope that they have a little bit of conscience so they may do what is morally good and just.   We would hope that our friends would say, “how would the they feel if?” 

So that good old saying, “What would Jesus do?”  Matthew 7:12 “Do unto others as you would like them to do unto you.”

Conscience is a soft whisper of the God in man (Edward Young).

Dear Lord help us to understand that some people don’t realize the hurt they have caused others.  Please help them to stand back and look into the situation and ask the question, “How do they feel?”  We know that it is difficult for some to have empathy for others, however we pray that you will awaken their hearts to be more caring.

Continue reading: http://www.fatheralexander.org/booklets/english/consci.htm

MY WORD FOR AUGUST 17 IS HELPLESS!

My word for August 17^th is HELPLESS

Dr. Henkel told Anna that you can very seldom save baby bunnies from the wild.  She knew from the beginning that they probably wouldn’t make it.  Baby bunny number 1 “Princella” didn’t last very long, but Bruno has hung in there for three weeks now.  He was the funniest little thing.  I would give him squash and he would jerk it out of my hand and run away and eat it.  This morning I woke up to do my usually routine, which now included visiting with Bruno, only to find him lifeless in his cage.  I began to talk to him and he raised his head and twitched his ears.  So now Anna and I sit here watching baby bunny finish this life.  We are helpless.  Anna is holding him, rubbing him, hoping to put life back into his little body, but it isn’t working.  Like Anna said, “the outside of his body has just quit, and the inside is trying to.”  At this very moment we just watched Bruno take his last breath of life.

There are over one hundred animals in the pages of the Bible.  We can assume that God loved animals, but then again God loves everything.  God cares for everything, we should care for everything just as God does.  For everything there is a beginning and an end, life and death.  Just like the death of a human, an animal is very similar. It’s body gradually shuts down and it takes its last breath.  No where can there be found whether an animal makes its final journey to that of heaven.  However in one article I read, a woman’s favorite dog had died.  She was very worried whether or not her dog would meet her in heaven.  The author stated we don’t actually know, however if it makes us feel better to think that our pets will be there waiting for us, we should think that.  

I will continue to think that when we arrive in heaven it is a wonderful garden full of animals running around in a colorful array of plants.  When I think of this place of wonder I think of peace.   One day in the future we will see baby bunny Bruno again.

Job 12:7-10 
“But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or ask the birds of the air, and they will tell you. Speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish of the sea tell you. Every one of these knows that the hand of the Lord has done this. The life of every creature and the breath of all people are in God’s hand.” (NCV)

Dear Lord thank you for giving us special animals.  Many animals bring us comfort and joy.  We know with everything death will come, maybe not when we want it to, but it is your timing not ours.  We will continue to care for all things bright and beautiful that You created for this earth.  Thank You for allowing such  small little animals to bring us joy.  

MY WORD FOR AUGUST 16 IS MASTERPIECE!

My word for August 16^th is MASTERPIECE

I have a friend on face book that is a fabulous artist.  Everything she touches becomes a masterpiece.  I envy the way her paintings are so whimsical and her finishing touches are placed delicately on the canvas.  Everything is perfect, every stroke and every color.    I have tried to be an artist like she is, but I have a lot to be desired.  God gave her the ability to be a genius at creating masterpieces on the canvas.  

Some pieces of art are the originals and some are reproductions.  No matter whether the original or the copied version both are worth something.  It is good to know that we are originals.  There isn’t anyone that is a replica of us.  No two people have the same fingerprint or the same DNA.   We are all unique masterpieces of God.  We were made in His image.  At times we may not feel that we are worth as much as the original work of art, but we are.  We are all special in God’s eyes.  He is an artist that designed everyone as His special works of art.   He handpicked every feature that we have from our head to our toes.  He has special purposes for all of His original works of art. .  He wants us to do the good things that he has planned for us.  That is what he created us for. 

Many masterpieces are sold for a very large price, but to the Lord we are priceless. 

Psalm 139:14    I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
    your works are wonderful, 
    I know that full well.

Dear God thank you for making us all masterpieces.  We understand that you made each of us unique and for a purpose.  Help us to fulfill the expectations that You have for us.  

MY WORD FOR AUGUST 15 IS AMAZEMENT!

My word for August 15^th is AMAZEMENT

Two of my little friends brought me a surprise yesterday.  It was chocolate dipped marshmallows on a stick in a painted purple mason jar.  So cute and yummy.  Since we ate all the marshmallows I am now using the jar as a vase.  I journeyed into my butterfly garden this morning and cut fresh flowers.  As I cut the stems, a beautiful butterfly was sucking nectar from the centers.  The butterfly stayed on the flowers and kept sipping even though I had cut the stem.  I watched in amazement, as this butterfly was literally two inches from my face getting a meal.  The butterfly took its small little straw pipe and kept sticking it in and out consuming the liquid.  It was amazing.  It’s so intriguing to think how the lord made everything so unique.  Some people would say that I was weird, but that is ok I’m ok with my own little world of being amazed with God’s wonders.  

What an amazement God made with the butterfly.  What began as an unattractive caterpillar that crawls around all day eating leaves has turned into a fabulous work of God.  The ugly duckling has changed into a piece of beauty.  The butterfly is still the caterpillar.  When you look closely at a butterfly the body is still the caterpillar, but God placed it in the chrysalis and added the fabulous wings.  The butterfly is a work in progress, just as we are something in the making.  We begin just as the caterpillar and the Lord works on us day in and day out.  Some of us take more time than others.  Don’t be harsh on yourself or others you may still be a work in progress.

We should all take a lesson from the beautiful butterfly.  Just as we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, you can’t judge a caterpillar by its looks.  Look at what emerges after God’s work is finished. 

2 Corinthians 5:17

New International Version (NIV)

17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:[a] The old has gone, the new is here!

Dear Lord thank you for your beautiful gifts on this earth.  We are so thankful that You can take something and change it into something so amazing.  As You work on us, lead us to follow You and Your word.  Please have patience with us as we begin to transform into something wonderful. 

 Found this while writing about the butterfly, great site: http://positivebutterflies.com/ they also have a facebook page, Positive Butterflies

MY WORD FOR AUGUST 13 IS LIPSTICK!

My word for August 13^th is LIPSTICK

A group of us were at a wedding last night when we began to discuss the good ole days when the girls were little.  They were all on dance team.  Their dance teacher was among the crowd so together we all began to reminisce about the dance days.  We laughed and laughed about so many things, but the biggest laugh was about the lipstick, hair and makeup.  It was back in the day when their hair was big, their eyelashes were glued on and their lips were red.  I mean red, red, red.  I had found one color at Wal-Mart that the dance teacher loved, so everyone had to wear that red.  One tube of lipstick for 15 lips, probably not very sanitary.  Their dance teacher was very careful on how she corrected the girls.  If they didn’t have enough lipstick she would say, “Honey you look great, but you need a little bit more lipstick.”  She kept her cool, speaking calm and having patience during many stressful competitions. 

I bet the Lord looks at us at times, with patience of course, and says, “Honey you are great, but you would be better if you would followed my words more closely.”  I’m sure God, just like the girls dance teacher, would rather look at us and say, “what are you thinking?”  But being the patient, kind, and gentle soul that God is He steps back and hopes that we change.  He hopes that we open our eyes to Him.  He hopes that we do what His word tells us to do.  God has a strong and confident expectation for us.  He expects us to realize what we need a little bit more of to make us strong in faith. 

The Lord is not telling us we need more lipstick, but He does lead us down a path in hopes that we find what we need.  He knows what is best for us and He knows what will give us peace.  So today wait patiently and realize we all need a little bit more love, a little bit more hope, a little bit more faith, and a little bit more peace.  And maybe even a little bit more lipstick!!!!

Romans 8:24-25

New International Version (NIV)

24 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

Dear Lord we know we don’t have enough of what we need.  We must step back and take in what is around us reevaluate and readjust our lives.  We pray that You will help us gain a little bit more of whatever will bring us closer to You.  Assist us in gaining the strength we need by following You and Your word.  When our lipstick begins to fade and wear off, lead us back to You and give us peace. 

MY WORD FOR AUGUST 11 IS FEED!

My word for August 11^th is FEED

My favorite face book page “Karma Without Harm” has shut down, but to my relief they have become “God Will test you just before Your breakthrough’s.”  I am so glad.  They have kept me going when I didn’t think I could go forward.  Every time I click there is a quote, scripture, or saying that makes sense and helps me to press on.  Today as I was going through their pictures I found one I love.  It was a story about an old Cherokee.  It went like this:

An old cherokee told his grandson, “My son, there is a battle between two wolves inside us all.  One is evil. It is anger, jealousy, greed, resentment, inferiority, lies and ego.  The other is good.  It is joy, peace, love, hope, humility, kindness, empathy, and truth.”  The boy thoguht about it, and asked, “Grandfather, which wolf wins?” the old man quietly replied, “the one you feed.”  Author unknown

Which one are you feeding?  Are you feeding joy and peace or evil?  What does God want us to do?

We all know the correct answer.  God wants us to feed Him which brings us joy and peace.  When we are feeding the other we are giving strength to the devil.  None of us want to feed the evil in us, but isn’t it difficult at times?  So how do we conquer feeding the devil?  The only way I find is to pray and pray continuously.  Find strength in the word.  This is the best medicine we have to rid the poisen that the devil feeds us.  If we aren’t careful the devil will slip in the backdoor without us realizing it.  He will sneak up on you and bring you down in the pit with him. The devil will keep on and on, espiecially when you are spiritully alive, but don’t quit.  Don’t feed the bad, only feed the good.

 While researaching I found a great article.  In this article there is quote that is so true;  “You CAN”T keep the birds from flying over your head, but you CAN keep them from building a nest.”  Don’t let Satan make a home in your head, don’t feed him, kick him out and press on.

James 4:7(NIV)

7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Dear Lord we come to You to worship and praise.  Help us to put on our armor to resist the devil and not feed him.  Keep our minds full of peace and away from mental warfare.  Lead us to Your word everyday finding strength to overcome any situation that is in our path.  During 2012 guide us to a joyous place where we live in harmony all the days of the year.    

Great read:

http://deeptruths.com/treasures/how_to_fight_devil.html Deep Truths, How to Fight the Devil, David Berg

KERRIE ROBERTS "NO MATTER WHAT"

MY WORDS FOR AUGUST 10 IS "NO MATTER WHAT"

My words for August 10^th is “NO MATTER WHAT”

Where are you in your life?  Are you stuck in a rut?  Do you know what you want but don’t know how to get there?  Or are you right where you want to be?  You may need to be transformed or you may not.  You may be right with the Lord or there may be something you need to work on.  It may be a time in your life for a big change or maybe you were thrown into a change and didn’t see it coming.  No matter what your situation, no matter what you are going through, no matter how you feel the Lord is here for you. 

It is easy for us to understand that the Lord is with us during the good times, but many times we question the bad situations and his presence.  We should remember the end of the first chapter of the Book of Job where after being told of the great loss of his sons and daughters, Job was able to say, “the Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.”  On the flipside, Kerrie Roberts says this best in her song, “No Matter What”.  No matter what we are going through we should still love the Lord.   He loves us no matter what and is there for us no matter what.  We should reciprocate.  No matter what we should love Him and trust in Him. 

Whether you need a life plan or a mind shift from limiting beliefs that have held you back.  Push past what has stopped you and maintain a peace of mind.  Don’t be overwhelmed by your life be overwhelmed by God’s spirit and overcome whatever is in your path. Just remember “NO MATTER WHAT” He is here. 

Job 1:21 (KJV)

21 And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.

Dear Lord thank You for being here, no matter what.  When we are in situations that make us question remind us of Your presence.  We know that Your grace and glory are with us and that we are blessed.  Help us to push through the times that cause us grief and seek You for understanding.  During 2012 make seeking You our primary focus of peace.

MY WORD FOR AUGUST 6TH IS ANNIVERSARY!

MY WORD FOR AUGUST 6^TH IS ANNIVERSARY

All of us have anniversaries.  The first thing you think of when you mention anniversary is a marriage.  The true meaning of anniversary is a day that commemorates or celebrates a past event that occurred on the same day of the year of the initial event.  Some anniversaries we love to celebrate, that of marriage, birth and happy experiences.  Yet some aren’t that joyful.  It may be of a death or of a breakup.  One thing is certain, no matter what the situation we usually always remember the date of an anniversary, or at least women do. 

As I was reading our church bulletin yesterday the words on the cover read, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Jesus was real, He wasn’t fake He was what He was, and He was the same everyday.    This sparked a mental note with me as I read it.  Today is our 24^th wedding anniversary.  Gosh 24 years of experiences and situations.  We have had good and bad.  Things haven’t been the same from day one until now, however there are a few things that are the same.  We are still each other’s best friend, we love each other, and there isn’t anyone else we want to grow old with.  Some would say, knowing what all we have been through, how could you feel that way?  I would reply,  “just as Jesus something’s are always the same no matter what the circumstance.” 

Hebrews 13:8 “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.”

Dear Lord thank You for blessing us with years to celebrate anniversaries.  Many don’t get the opportunity to celebrate twenty-four years of experiences together.  We ask for Your help to always speak words that are both kind and loving and that are hearts are always ready to ask for forgiveness.  We appreciate You being the same everyday and for Your unchanging love for us.  During 2012 guide us to be more Christ like with our hearts staying close to You and unchanging.   

MY WORD FOR AUGUST 3RD IS LIFE!

My word for August 3^rd is LIFE

Life can be very complicated.  Our days can be filled with blessings or disappointments.   Many of our habits and routines dictate the results we have in life.  One thing we all know is that our life is limited.  We won’t live forever.  We don’t have the choice whether we live until we are old and gray or whether we are taken at an early age.  I was reminded of this yesterday as those of us who grew up in our small town lost a friend.  Then as I began to write I noticed the date August 3.   I think back to a year ago today when my great nephew died of SIDS at a mere 2 months old.  These were two lives taken away too soon.  Both of these deaths remind us that we are only giving the present day we aren’t promised tomorrow. 

When we were born God had a plan for us, not our plan, but His plan. This is a plan that will finish its course no matter whether we like it or not.   All God ever promises us is the present.  Because of that we should live for today.  Living our lives as a Christian we must understand that today is a new day yesterday is gone and we may not have tomorrow.  Begin each day with Psalm 118:24 “this is the day that the lord has made I will rejoice and be glad in it!” Pray for your present day to be full of joy and that it is better than yesterday.  Pray for the hope of tomorrow, but if by God’s will tomorrow doesn’t come, pray that you will join Him in heaven.

God wants you to do something good with your life everyday.  Don’t put off enjoying what the Lord has given you ~the gift of today.  Don’t put off being happy or making others happy. You never know when it will be too late to let someone know you care.   

Dear Lord we realize that yesterday is gone and tomorrow is a new day.  We pray for those families who don’t have the gift of tomorrow with their loved one.  We know that even though the goodbyes were permanent we will see whom we love again in heaven.   During 2012 remind us to live for the day.

***I say a special prayer today for Jackie and Hunter and for Stacey Finks family. Please pass on prayers for those who have heavy hearts today. 

MY WORD FOR AUGUST 2ND IS GOLD!

My word for August 2^nd is GOLD

I love watching the Olympics.  You can see the determination on all of the athlete’s faces as they compete in their chosen sport.  Last night there were several gold medals given to US Olympians. Michael Phelps broke the record for the most career Olympic medals with a U.S. gold in the men’s 200-meter relay.   Women’s swimming and women’s gymnastics also won gold.    I personally love the gymnastics. 

The group of five young women has become known as the “fabulous five”.  This small group of flippers has accomplished a goal that has been long waited for.  The US hasn’t won a team gold medal since 1996.  All five had solid performances on the final rotation, the floor exercise.  Each of the five contributed to the winning score.  They were not just physically prepared they were mentally prepared also.  What an accomplishment for these young women who aren’t even old enough to remember the 96’ Olympics. 

You too can be an accomplished gold medalist.  You may be asking how?  Through hard work and determination, you can win.  It may not be in gymnastics or swimming, but it may be in a goal of your own.   Choose your goal or your dream; it is never too late to dream.  These are the visions of what you want your life to be, the thought of attaining your goal saturates your soul and brings you joy.  Your dream resides within you, but God placed it there.  Just as Jesus said, “apart from Me you can do nothing.”  You can do anything with God’s help.  He will give you the energy and the creativity needed to fulfill your dreams.  Through hard work and determination you can accomplish your goals.  Let the Lord lead you.  Ask Him to be by your side as you endure the pain or the sweat.   

Build your dream on the non-failing never changing foundation of God.  You will know if your dreams come from God if it radiates in your heart and you can’t let go of it. 

Dear Lord we want to accomplish our goals and dreams that You have in store for us.  We know that apart from you we are nothing, so therefore we want you to be  part of the journey.  While we are flipping through life working continuously towards our goals assist us to be balanced.  With Your everlasting love we will reach our full potential during 2012. 

http://ministrytodaymag.com/index.php/ministry-leadership/vision/10649-are-you-dreaming-big-enough , Ministry Today, Are You Dreaming BIG Enough, Tommy Barnett, Monday, 28 February 2005

MY WORD FOR JULY 31ST IS HEAVY!

My word for July 31^st is HEAVY

My heart is heavy today.   We received the news that a friend, who is very ill, may be on the last leg of life.  It saddens me for family and friends.  My heart is aching for the children that will have to experience the next phases of their lives without their mother.   I pray for this family and for others, with whom I don’t even know, that are struggling with letting someone they love go.  Death will ease the pain for the loved one who has been suffering, but the family’s pain is just beginning. 

It is difficult to understand the ways of life and death in certain situations.  Why do young parents have to die?  The separation of a loved one is hard to bear.  It is very painful for those left behind.   We know that death is a part of life, but it is hard to comprehend when it is someone that has many years left.  However, we must not fear death.  Death isn’t the end it is the beginning.  Because of what Christ did for us we will live forever.  We must rejoice in the victory.  He has promised,” I will never leave the, nor forsake thee”.  (Hebrews 13:5)  The key to this scripture is the word never.  As long as we keep our eye on Him He will never desert us.  Remember when Peter took his eyes off of the Lord he began to sink.  Don’t take your eyes off of Him.  When you stay focused on the Lord you will be filled with an unfailing strength. 

At the time of death the Lord has taken the soul to live with Him forever in heaven.  Our family or friend is now an angel, a guardian angel for us.  Hovering over us every minute of everyday, guarding us from danger and loving us from above. 

Matthew 11:28(NIV)

28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Dear Lord please help us through difficult times such as death.  We press our hearts close to You when our hearts are heavy.  We understand that after death there is a joyous reunion with You.  Lead us to You to ease our pain and give us rest and strength during our time of sorrow.  During 2012 we will keep our eyes on You.

  http://www.myonlycomfort.org/Scripture/dying.htm

HE WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU!

MY WORD FOR JULY 30 IS GRATEFUL!

My word for July 30^th is GRATEFUL

This weekend we had a fantastic time.  We haven’t had that much fun in a long time.  Many of us, who had grown up together, gathered this weekend for the purple monkey’s birthday.  After six hours of visiting and tubing everyone was exhausted.  Between twenty something adults and thirty kids we demolished twenty six hamburgers, twenty hotdogs, two chicken strip trays, dips, chips, beans, corn on the cob and of course cake and ice cream.   There were several missing from the crowd this weekend, my other two girls being two of them, but it is a reminder of how blessed we are to have family and friends.  These are the friends you can sit with for five hours and never run out of things to talk about.  These are the people you can count on any day any time.  They are beside you through it all, thick and thin.

I don’t think people become our friends by coincidence.  I feel that God places people in our lives for a reason.  Some may be good for us and some may not be.  Some leave us with a smile on our face and some betray us.  Even though some friendships don’t end well, there are lessons learned from a deceitful friend.  1 Corinthians 15:33 do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.”  My dad always would say, “no one ever brings you up, only down”.  Proverbs 13:20 whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.  Lesson learned, choose your friends wisely.   

Just as I wrote yesterday, angels are with us.  My friends are my angels.  They are here to comfort me and protect me.  They lead us down the path of righteousness.  Proverbs 17:17 a friend loves at all times.  Friends love you when you are mad, sad, and even crazy.   Friends share happy times and sad times.  Friends are there beside you crying with you when you are devastated.  Friends are with you through it all, so you can reminisce and say, “remember when”. 

Dear God thank You for friends.  We are grateful for the troublesome friends and the fabulous friends.   We know that we learn lessons from all types of friends.  We thank You for knowing what our needs are and placing people in our lives to strengthen us.  During 2012 remind us how blessed we are to have friends that are angels by our side. 

WHY GOD GAVE US FRIENDS

GOD knew that everyone needs

Companionship and cheer,

He knew that people need someone whose thoughts are always near. 

He knew they need someone kind

To lend a helping hand.

Someone to gladly take the time

To care and understand

God knew that we all need someone

To share each happy day,

To be a source of courage

When troubles come our way.

Someone to be true to us,

Whether near or far apart.

Someone whose love we’ll always

Hold and treasure in our hearts

C.S. Lewis Friendship Quotes

“Is any pleasure on earth as great as a circle of Christian friends by a good fire?

Read about friends in the bible:

Ruth 1:16-17 Ruth and Naomi

Samuel 18:1-3 David and Jonathan

Job 2:11 Job’s friends

2 Kings 2:2 Elijah and Elisha

MY WORD FOR JULY 29 IS ANGEL!

My word for July 29^th is ANGEL

When I think of what the definition of an angel should be, I think of a person or a spirit that has your heart in mind.  In the dictionary it is a messenger, especially of God.  There are angels that walk this earth today and those that are living in heaven.  The Lord chooses who has the qualities of a true angel.  The Lords angels are “ministering spirits” (Hebrews 1:14).  The Lord declared that they were spirits that had no flesh and bones (Luke 24:37-39).  Angels can take bodily forms.  That is how we can entertain “angels unaware” (Hebrews 13:2) Angels are mentioned 108 times in the Old Testament and 165 in the New Testament. 

An angel can be an ordinary person carrying a message (Job 1:14; Luke 7:24; 9:52).  I feel that angels are caring and loving, they are here for us in good times and bad.  They have big shoulders to carry any burden.  You may have your own personal angel.  They may be a friend, a loved one, an acquaintance, or maybe someone you don’t even know.  An angel may be someone who has had a life changing experience.  Some situations alter personalities to make those who have changed become angels.   They walk their life everyday making people feel special. 

 When someone I love dies, I have found comfort in thinking that after death they are angels in heaven.  They are our own personal guardian angels that are here for all of us.  They watch out for us from above.  We can’t physically see them, but we can feel their presence.  We find comfort in knowing that our angels wait for our arrival in heaven. 

We all need angels.  You may ask why do I need an angel?  1 Peter 5:8 is the perfect scripture that explains to us the answer.  We need angels because the devil is always seeking someone with whom he can devour.  The enemy is always present waiting to provoke you into sinful behavior.  Believe in angels, don’t let the devil pounce on you and win. 

Exodus 23:20-23(NIV) God’s Angel to Prepare the Way20 

“See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared. 21 Pay attention to him and listen to what he says. Do not rebel against him; he will not forgive your rebellion, since my Name is in him. 22 If you listen carefully to what he says and do all that I say, I will be an enemy to your enemies and will oppose those who oppose you. 23 My angel will go ahead of you and bring you into the land of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Canaanites, Hivites and Jebusites, and I will wipe them out.

Dear Lord thank you for angels watching over us.  Allow them to wrap their wings around us and protect us from the evils that lurk in the shadows.   We understand that many times angels are unknown to us, but you have placed them beside us to guide the way.  During 2012 lead us in praying this guardian angel prayer:

Guardian Angel from heaven so bright,

Watching beside me to lead me aright,

Fold thy wings round me, and guard me with love,

Softly sing songs to me of heaven above.

Amen.

- Prayers Angel

Great article:

http://christiananswers.net/q-acb/acb-t005.html

What does the Bible teach about angels?, Christian answers.net

MY WORD FOR JULY 28TH IS WORRY!

My word for July 28^th is WORRY

Katie is driving back to college this morning after celebrating Tyler’s birthday.  Yes, I worry about the drive.  I am a natural born worrier and I hate it.  I worry about my kids every time they are in their cars driving on the highway.  I worry if I can’t get one of them on the phone.  Lauren always calls me many times a day.  Last night I didn’t hear from her.  I started to panic.  I text her roommate and her boyfriend to see if they knew where she was. Of course she told me I was crazy.  I know I am.  Thank goodness Anna is still at home and I don’t have to worry about her as much.  But soon I know she will be leaving home and I will worry more about her also. 

The word “worry” means ‘anxiety, care, that which divides, distracts the mind and draws a person away from God.  There are several reasons why we shouldn’t worry.  We shouldn’t worry because God says we shouldn’t.  When we worry we are being disobedient.  Worry does us no good at all.  All worrying does is lead to physical and emotional problems.  In Philippians 4:6 The Lord says, “do not worry about one thing, worry about nothing.”  In Matthew 6:25-34 The Lord Jesus gives instructions.  It simple says that worry is disbelief.  Trust and worry cannot live together.  The minute we worry trust and faith have left.   Psalm 14:1 states that if we worry we are saying that there is no God to take care of us.  In Matthew 6:25-26 Jesus illustrates how senseless worry is.  Matthew 6:27 the Lord Jesus is saying worrying does us no good.  Worry never helps anyone. 

Worry about nothing pray about everything. 

1 Peter 5:7(NIV)

7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Dear Lord all of us worry, but this doesn’t mean we want to.   We know that with faith comes trust and with trust comes turning everything over to You.  Help us to hand all worries over to You letting You take care of all our worries and anxieties.  When we begin to worry lead us to pray, pray for your help.  During 2012 assist us in handing everything over to You.    

Website where I found scriptures about worry.  This study can be printed and used for Sunday school or Bible Study.  Go visit to read the whole study on worry:

 http://www.middletownbiblechurch.org/worryfea/worry1.htm, Chapter 1 The Problem of Worry,

MY WORD FOR JULY 27 IS MONKEY!

My word for July 27^th is MONKEY

Today is my purple monkeys, Anna’s, birthday.  All I can say is that her life has been a journey of flips through the forest.  Her birth was the one that I probably remember the most.  The girls were so excited about their little sister.  Little did they know that they were going to receive an “Anna-mal”. 

When Anna was little all she wanted to be was a purple monkey.  She even got mad at the photographer at pre-school because he called her a princess.  She was not a princess she was a purple monkey.  You should see her face in that yearbook.  She began flipping, literally at age 1.  She flipped everywhere she was always upside down.  She started life with her legs bowed and her feet turned in.  With much work they straightened out, but this enabled her to run just as fast as her forest friends.  She ripped the end of her middle finger off when she was 16 months old, had to have two surgeries and another surgery when she was 11.  Even that didn’t keep the monkey down.  She went at life with one hand free and one hand bandaged.  She flipped one armed.   Like many animals she doesn’t have fear when it comes to running, jumping, tumbling, or trying new tricks.   When she works with her cheer coaches she is thrown many feet in the air and flips on the way down.  Even surviving the hanging of a rope swing, I think being part monkey helped her with that one.  My little purple monkey is growing up. 

Everyone is different the Lord made us that way.  You may not be a purple monkey flipping all over, but that is ok.  The Lord gave us all strengths and weaknesses.  I found a great poem about how each of us is different and unique.  The author is unknown. 

To Each His Own

I cannot change the way I am, 
I never really try, 
God made me different and unique, 
I never ask him why. 
If I appear peculiar, 
There's nothing I can do, 
You must accept me as I am, 
As I've accepted you. 
God made a casting of each life, 
Then threw the mold away, 
Each child is different from the rest, 
Unlike as night from day. 
So often we will criticize, 
The things that others do, 
But, do you know, they do not think, 
The same as me and you. 
So God in all his wisdom, 
Who knows us all by name, 
He didn't want us to be bored, 
That's why we're not the same.

None of us are 100% alike that is what makes the world a unique place to live.  God made each of us to be special in our own way.  No one is better than the other everyone is extraordinary to God.  He made all of us for a purpose.   Find your strength and go with it.   

Romans 12:6-8(NIV)

6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your[a] faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead,[b] do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

Dear Lord thank You for all the children in the world.  We are blessed with children that were made special in Your eyes.  Thank You for protecting all the children from harm.   We appreciate You and all Your glory.  We may not understand at times why our children go through hardships, but we trust in You to always take care of them no matter what the situation.  During 2012 guide us to those parents that need more patience and understanding with their children so that we can open their eyes to You and Your guidance.   

REACH OUT TO GOD!

MY WORD FOR JULY 24 IS REACH!

My words for July 24^th is REACH

I have been working on the program for the athletic department at our high school.  Letters were sent out in June to all athletes and businesses.  Yesterday I sat down to go through all the business ads and see who had returned their information and who hadn’t.  I found that there are many businesses that we need to contact.  For three hours I called businesses and emailed information.  I realized that I couldn’t do this on my own.  So today I sent out a message to my friends and said, “HELP”. 

We think that we can do everything on our own, but guess what, we can’t. Just as I reached out to my friends, you too can reach out to someone for help.   God wants to help us, but we have to ask.  God hears our calls for help.  He will be here for us.  He cares about everything that we worry about, big or small.  The grace of God is always here for us.  Lean on Him for help.

God loves us and wants to be here for us.  Don’t forget to ask?  If it is what we need, He will answer.  Reach out to Him.

Psalm 18:6(NIV) 

In my distress I called to the Lord; 
    I cried to my God for help.
From his temple he heard my voice; 
    my cry came before him, into his ears.

Dear Lord remind us to always reach out to You for help.  We know that you are here for us and that you will help us when we are in need.  We ask for Your help in guiding us through our days keeping us safe and at peace.  Assist us in living for today not worrying about tomorrow.  During 2012 we will trust in You and reach out to You in everything we do.