Praise Him!

"The Lord is my strength, my song, and my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him." Exodus 15:2

God makes you strong; He makes you sing with gladness; and He rescues you from sin. These are the gifts of His grace.
When He has given you so much, don't you want to give back to Him? Use your strength, your joy, and your freedom to praise Him.

Dear Lord, when I am left to myself, I am weak. I make mistakes. I fall short of my goals. But in You, I am strong. By Your grace, I can accomplish anything. Give me the strength Lord to praise You in everything. In Your Name, Amen.

"For I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13
Have a super weekend.
Blessings,

Out of the Pit

"I waited patiently for the LORD. He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of destruction, out of the sticky mud. He stood me on a rock and made my feet steady." Psalm 40:1-2

When you've been living in the pit, you can hardly imagine being lifted out of it. Oh, the joy of knowing God can bring us out of even the deepest, darkest pit and place our feet on solid ground. Nothing is impossible with our Lord! If you're in a dark place today, call out to Him . . . and watch as He delivers you. He will establish your steps. Praise Him!!

Lord, I don't always get it right. Sometimes I make mistakes. Help my mistakes spur me on to begin again. I want to get it right the next time. Praise God! You give me chance after chance, opportunity after opportunity. Help me to set out on a road of new beginnings with Your help. Show me the way. In Your Name, Amen.

Blessings on your day,

Astounding Rescue

"Then I remember something that fills me with hope. The Lord's kindness never fails!" Lamentations 3:21-22

With our hectic lifestyles, pausing to remember the past isn't something we do very often. But perhaps we should. Then when doubts assault our faith, fears threaten to devour us an disaster hovers like a dark cloud, we'll remember God's past loving kindnesses. Hope will triumph over despair. Keeping a prayer journal is a wonderful way to chronicle answered prayer. We'll always remember the times when God's merciful hands rescued us in astounding ways.

Heavenly Father, I have so much to be thankful for. My list of blessings is never ending. May I never fail to praise You and to thank You for the many blessings You have given to me. In Your Name, Amen.

Have you kept a prayer journal? I have. What a blessings these journals are to me. As I read what was written 3 years ago, 1 year ago or 3 weeks ago, it amazes me to see where God has been in my life and what he has accomplished with me and thru me. I challenge you to go out today and buy a journal. It could be a school spiral bound notebook or a pretty journal with fancy pages, it doesn't matter what it looks like. What matters is what YOU write on the inside and how God will show you his presence daily. I promise you you will be blessed by this challenge if you so choose to tackle it. Let me know how it's going. I'd love to hear about it.

I'll even give you a few things to start out with on your page:
Look up: and write this verse out: 1 John 5:14-15
God, I want to talk to you today about . . . (put anything here, He is a big God and can handle anything you have to say)
God, I want to thank you for this today . . .
God, I need your help here . . .
Look up and write this verse out: Philippians 5:4-7
I come to you Lord to request . . . .

Blessings on your day,

Praying in faith

"Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."Hebrews 11:6

Have you based your faith . . .

on what someone else has told you God wants to do for you?

on what you have seen Him do for another person?

on what you think is fair or loving?

on what you think would be in the best interest of those involved?

on a doctor's recommendation for treatment?

You and I must pray in faith, or our prayer will not be pleasing to God. If your faith as you pray is based on anything other than faith in God's specific promise given to you in His Word, then your prayer is on a shaky foundation. So ask God to give you a promise from His Word on which you can pray in faith.

Heavenly Father, more than anything I want Your will to be done in my life. Even though I want You to take away all my pain and suffering, and I want all of Your blessings, and I want things to turn out the way I want them to, above all I want Your will to be done and not my own. Reveal Your will and help me to pray accordingly. In Your Name, Amen.

Blessings on your day,

Go ahead and shine, my friend. . .

"But that's not humble."

"I don't want it to be about me."

When I talk to people about living the purpose and calling God has for their lives, I hear those two phrases often (and I've said them myself).

And yet...

"People don't light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:14-16)

In other words, let what you do shine in a way that helps people see who God is.

Yes, people will see you.

That's okay.

You're still being humble.

And it's certainly not about you.

We all know a light bulb isn't ever the main attraction--it just enables us to see what matters most. So go ahead and shine, my friend.

Brighter than ever.

Oh, yes, that's beautiful!

I think I can see the glow all the way from here... :O)

Dear Lord, all of us have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those we come in contact with. As I love You Lord and let You love me, Your light will shine forth. Each and every day I have the opportunity and privilege to show the light of Christ. Some may ask how I do this, and the answer is there are many ways, but the key to this is being in Christ and Christ being in me. Help me to take time each day to be with You and renew the light that You have placed in me. In Your name, Amen.

Blessings on your day,

You matter in ways that can't be measured. . .

I sat in front of the computer this morning and stared at the screen. In this modern world of words, it seems there are so many numbers--so many ways to compare.

Facebook friends. Twitter followers. Blog subscribers.

Isn't it that way in other areas of our lives too?

Dress sizes. Pay checks. Square footage.

And sometimes we assume that those with the most, the biggest, must be God's favorites.

But that's not the way it works.

Not at all.

Whatever you're created to do, God will make it happen and you don't have to be perfect.

It's not a contest--it's a calling.

Thank you for what you do.

Thank you for being who you are.

You matter and make a difference even more than you'll ever know.

Immeasurably so.

Dear Lord, simply help me to remember that my life is a calling -- not a contest. Show me how you want me to live each day and I pray that I will make a difference. In Your Name, Amen

Hope your day is great
Blessings,

Grace for Each Day

"May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance." 2 Thessalonians 3:5

Allow God to lead you each day. His grace will lead you deeper and deeper into the love of God - a love that heals your wounds and works through you to touch those around you. Just as Christ never gave up but let love lead Him all the way to the cross, so, too. God will direct you all the way, giving you the strength and the courage you need to face each challenge.

God of all compassion, please keep me from being too busy to notice and too busy to help someone along my path who has a need that I could definitely help meet. Please keep me from being afraid or too self-centered when you want me to act - and may you be glorified when I obey you. In Your Name, Amen.

Blessings on your day

Loneliness

"I am convinced that . . . neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:39-39

You don't have to be alone to feel lonely. It's all about how you are connecting with those around you. Perhaps you are in a place in your life where you feel no one understands you and no one cares. This time in your life probably won't last long. You will make connections and the loneliness will pass, but until it does, remember that God has promised to always be there for you -- to listen, to comfort, to encourage. He's as close as your prayer.


Loving God, there are times in each life when there is no one. No one with whom to share a word, a laugh or a tear. Bless each one who suffers from such loneliness. Enrich life with a friend or gentle stranger who will spend a moment noticing and loving. In those times your love shines through, and Christ is known. In Your Name we pray, Amen.


Find someone who is lonely and give them a smile or a conversation.
Blessings on your day,

Used for a Purpose

"Become the kind of container God can use to present any and every kind of gift to his guests for their blessings."
2 Timothy 2:21

Want to reach the end of your life feeling completely fulfilled? Want to know true joy? Then allow the Lord to use you. Does that idea contradict what you've been taught in this "me first" society? Being 'used" by God is far different from being "used" by people. Being usable is our goal, our ambition. Today, offer your gifts and abilities to the Lord so that they can be used for His purpose and His glory.

Heavenly Father, I pray for success in all I do. Guide me in everything. Show me where I have proceeded with something without first inquiring of You. Enable me to understand Your measure of success and not try to impose my own. My goal is to serve You, knowing that any success I have will be achieved only by walking perfectly in Your will. In Your Name, Amen.

Hope you are staying cool.
Enjoy your day
Blessings,

On finding real peace. . .

Good Morning Friend!

I sat on my front porch, coffee in hand, birds above welcoming the morning.

I don't often begin days this way.

Usually they're a blur of hurry. I'm off and running without a pause.

But today is different.

And I ask God to help me be different too.

I realize then that I don't ever pray for peace.

Oh, I've had seasons of hope. I've thought a lot about joy.

Peace seems, dare I say it, a little boring.

So I whisper a desire to know more about peace...about what it really means. Because somehow I sense I've got it all wrong. My aching shoulders tell me so. My overflowing to-do list reaffirms it.

Then at night I can't sleep.

I lay my head on the pillow and one phrase keeps drifting through my mind. I get up and look for it by playing the "Bible Game". I discover it nestled in the center of this verse, "Whoever would love life and see good days...must seek peace and pursue it." 1 Peter 3:10

Whoever would love life and see good days.

Don't we all want that?

And yet we feel as it requires more--money, time, activity.

What if it is really about less?

Perhaps it's in the less that we find what's truly more.

And here's the secret: This kind of "less" isn't even about our circumstances. We may be as busy as ever. It's simply about less of us and more of Him in the middle of wherever we are, whatever we're doing.

I read this somewhere:

"I had thought somewhere quiet would ensure peace. It didn’t. I was still in my skin. Peace wasn’t a place I could find on a map, or even a place that I could create. Peace wasn’t a place to live in. I came home to the noise, embraced the kids, and laughed loud and long. Peace wasn’t 'out there.' He was here. Peace was a Person."

A Person.

He is peace.

And in that knowing, our striving can finally cease.

Lord, teach us to know peace because in doing so we are really learning to know You. Calm our hearts, quiet our thoughts, draw us back to what matters most. Meet us in the less and give us more of what we really need. Amen.

Blessings on your weekend
Stay cool

Example

"Be an example to the believers with your words, your actions, your love, your faith, and your pure life."1 Timothy 4:12

Setting an example for others can seem like a heavy weight - always having to watch your words and your actions. Being good on your own is a simple impossibility. There's only one way that you can live worthy to represent God. That is by letting Him live through you. When your self-interest crowds to the forefront, surrender yourself to Him. Soon you will find yourself demonstrating for others that it's possible to live a pure and godly life.

Dear Lord, let me live as a child of God. Let people see Jesus in me daily. Help me to remember you are always there with me and I can count on you in everything. Small or big. Give me the strength to walk the walk when at times walking is just so difficult. Put people in my life that will walk with me and be that example. And I pray you put people in my life that I can walk alongside with and be that example to them. If there is a person in my life right now that needs a friend and someone to walk with, show me that person. If I am that person, help me to reach out to someone that is willing to help if only I would ask them too. Be with us today Lord, In Your Name, Amen.

Have a great day.
Blessings,

Armor of God

"Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes." Ephesians 6:11

It's a good idea for every woman to take a basic class in self-defense in order to protect herself in this predator-filled world. A wise woman will learn how to defend herself spiritually, as well. God has provided you with a full suit of armor for that purpose -- truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation. Wear them everywhere you go. You do have an enemy, and he wants to take all you have. Be prepared to resist and defeat him. Put on your spiritual armor and ask God to point out your battle station. And then -- on to victory!


Lord, I pray this day for the gifts of Your Holy Spirit. Let the Spirit of Holiness control my thoughts and words and actions today. May the Spirit of Wisdom be my guide in all my decisions. Give me the Spirit of Counsel to find the right word to say in every conversation and particularly with those who are seeking You. Make my words and actions effective by the Spirit of Might. Fill my mind with the Spirit of Knowledge, a proper awe and respect of You. May everything I think and say and do today be pleasing to You And Lord, may I be a joy to You today. All these things I ask in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, My Lord. Amen.

Have a super day.
Blessings,

Trust

"Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God."
Psalm 20:7

In the United States our currency proclaims, "In God We Trust." That's easier said than done. It can be tempting to trust more in the money this motto is printed on than in God Himself. That's because trusting God means trusting someone we cannot see. It's like trusting an invisible chair to hold your weight. You may believe it's there, but actually sitting down takes faith. When your trust wavers, recall God's faithfulness to you. Then step out in faith - and sit.

“Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal.” - Isaiah 26:4

Have a good day
Blessings,

Band-Aids

"We have run to God for safety. Now his promise should greatly encourage us to take hold of the hope that is right in front of us." Hebrews 6:18

Have you ever lost your glasses or your keys and looked everywhere for them, only to have someone point out that they're right in front of you? God's hope is like that - right in front of us, but we don't always see it. Our eyes are too busy searching for things we think will infuse hope: financial security, makeovers, losing weight, marriage, a new baby. But these are only Band-Aids. Our true hope is in Christ alone.

Dear Lord, Hope is being sure of in whom we have placed our faith and certain of what we do not see. We can't see hope, but there's no doubt when it's alive within us. Praise You for living hope! Bless our day, Amen.

Hope your Monday is going well.
Blessings,

Come Out And Play

by Luci Swindoll

Somebody gave me a little jar of “Miracle Bubbles” with a plastic wand . . . and I blew bubbles for maybe ten minutes. (I made a new wand with the shape of a cat on the end. I wanted to see if the bubbles would come out cat-shaped. They don’t.)

Maybe you’d like to have your inner child come outside and enjoy a bit of adventure, but you don’t quite know how to coax her forth. After all, you’re grown up, have a respectable job where you wear business clothes every day, have worked hard for your education, and don’t want to look like an idiot by acting like a child blowing bubbles. You don’t have time to be creative and playful. It takes all the energy you can muster just to get through your busy day at the office. If you let down your decorum, what will people think?

I can tell you what they’ll think. They’ll be jealous that you’ve found a way to take the drudge out of the daily grind. They’ll want what you have. Everybody wants to be where the fun is. I don’t know a single person who is having too much fun.

Here are half a dozen tips that may help you bring your muse into the sunlight:

*Figure out what the child within you wants to do and do it.
*Listen to that tiny, soft voice inside and believe it.
*Quit conforming to what the world demands and say, “No!” (Kids are good at that.)
*Surround yourself with people who love you and enjoy them.
*Create a life for yourself that’s meaningful and live there.
*Keep in mind that imagination is more important than knowledge.

These six things won’t get you to heaven or make you debt free or fill in all the gaps in your needy soul, but they will give you a start in gaining victory over some of the enemies with which you wage war all too often—boredom, anxiety, cynicism, stress, and procrastination. These little tips have worked for seven decades and even now I’m still learning about the little person inside me who wants to come out and play.

"Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." — Matthew 18:3 NIV


Have a great weekend.
Take some time to play
Blessings,

How to be a candle not a firework . . .

(I found this today and thought I would share it with you since we just celebrated the 4th of July. It also reminds me of my dear friend Dawn Mayer as she lost her battle with cancer last week and I attended her funeral this week. She was truly a candle that shined brightly throughout her life and her candle never flickered even through the tough times. She will be missed.)

The sky stretches inky black above us as we wait for the first spark to light the sky with color.
Bang.

Then the evening is filled with red and blue and yellow. We ooh-and-aah as each firework explodes and sends ashes to the ground.

When it's over we walk back into the house--back to the ordinary of dishes, laundry and conversations about what we'll do tomorrow.

As I drift off to sleep a quote someone once shared with me drifts across my mind, "Be a candle not a firework." In other words, shine brightly for a lifetime not just a brief, spectacular time.

But how do we do this?

Three ways to perhaps make it happen...

* Live with intention - Fireworks are scattered. A million sparks in a thousand directions. Candles burn with a single flame. Be thoughtful about how we spend your time, affection and resources.

* Stay Steady - We love fireworks because of the thrill and excitement. Candles aren't quite as glamorous but they last much longer. Yes, have "firework moments" that are thrilling--and that's great. In daily life, be quietly faithful to what God has called us to do.

* Go for Substance, not Show - A firework is flashy and draws a crowd. But as a source of light and warmth, well, they don't quite do the trick. Stay true to our purpose, even when it seems no one notices.

I'm all for fireworks and I'll be staring at the sky with a smile of wonder this time next year. But there are 364 days in between. And on those it will be candles that glow in my home.

Each time I light one and set it on a dinner table or in a window, I'll remember that sometimes being steady, faithful, and intentional can make us shine brighter than we will ever fully realize.

{You shine. Oh, how you do. Keep it up, friend.}

Dear Lord, help me to shine brightly in my life like a candle. Let people that I may come in contact with day in and day out see that my light shines for You. Let them see that I am not just a firework that looks to You in brief moments of my life, but I look to You in all I do. In Your Name, Amen.

Blessings on your Thursday.

Keeping us in Stitches

"The secret things belong to the LORD our God."
Deuteronomy 29:29

Have you ever noticed the messy underside of a needlepoint picture? Ugly knots, loose threads, and clashing colors appear random, without pattern. Yet if you turn it over, an exquisite intricate design is revealed, each stitch blending to create a beautiful finished picture. Such is the fabric of our lives. The knots and loose threads may not make sense to us, but the Master Designer has a plan. The secret design belongs to Him.

Father, the life I am living right now is not the result of my faith in You but of Your faith in me. Thank You for Your sacrifice that saves me and makes me whole. Amen

Blessings on your day,

A little reminder for wonderful you . . .

Life is hard sometimes--
crazy, mixed-up, messed up.
And there you are,
in the middle of it all,
just doing your thing...
being strong and brave
and beautiful
like it's no big deal.
But let me tell you, girl,
it is.
Not everyone can do what you can do.
Not everyone can handle things the way you can.
And while you wonder sometimes
if you're doing okay...
the rest of us are just
watching in wonder.

"Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who hope in the Lord." Psalm 31:24

Hope you have had a good day
Blessings,

A Prayer for America . . .

Lord,
Thank you for America.
We were founded on faith in you.
On the day when we celebrate our heritage, draw us back to your heart.
Help us remember who we are and whose we are.
Bless our land with peace.
Give our leaders wisdom.
Provide hope for future generations.
We're grateful for all you've done for us and humbly ask for your favor.
Amen.

Blessings to you today.
Be safe.
Remember those who have fought for our country.
Remember the troops.

Happy 4th of July!!

When it looks like you're at a dead-end . . .

. . . Keep on going.

It just might be a hallway with a corner.
And until you get to that corner, you won't be able to see all that's in store for you.

I'm telling myself that today.

Just thought you might need to hear it too.

"No eye has seen, not ear has heart, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him."
1 Corinthians 2:9

Jesus, You are a friend that sticks closer than a brother. We thank You also for our brothers and sisters in the faith who are often closer than our blood relations because we are joined together as a family of believers sharing common experiences and spiritual goals. So many times we find strength and encouragement from those who bear our burdens, lend a hand, and hold us accountable for our attitudes and actions. Thank You for loving, supportive, and reliable friends who draw us to our true source of hope and strength, especially in times of trouble. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen

Blessings on your day and your holiday weekend.
Safe travels to those who are traveling.