when ye will offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving unto the Lord, offer it at your own will. Leviticus 22:29 KJV

Good morning, I pray your morning is going well and that you are getting your weekend off to a good start. I pray that this weekend affords you time for YOU.

In prayer this morning I asked our Heavenly Father to wrap his arms around you, providing you with all the love you are in need of, providing you with your needs being met and providing you with hope and an extra dose of faith. May he be your strength, may he be your peace, may he be your calm and may he be your comfort. I asked him to wrap a shield of protection around the 14 year old who has run away from home, Makayla Taber, that she might come to an understanding that running away is not the answer to her problems, that she might understand how hurt and scared her family are for her and that she be safe in her outing and call her family and return home. Father please be with this child as she makes this journey and keep her safe from the harms of this earth. I asked God to continue to bless my friends and their families as they struggle through the battles of sickness, disease and rehabilitation. Father I come to you in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen

The Sound of a Thankful Heart

"When ye will offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving unto the Lord, offer it at your own will." - Leviticus 22:29 KJV

One day, while paying my electric bill, I decided to thank the company for the service they were providing me. "Thanks for my electricity," I said, "It's really quite a bargain for all the benefits I receive." "What!" said the lady behind the counter, in amazement, "That's the first time anyone has ever thanked us. All I ever hear around here are complaints." 

It's a challenge to grow up with a thankful heart. From an early age we are exposed to a culture of complainers, gripers, grumblers, and critics. We complain about the weather, traffic, food, work, neighbors, bills, the government, church, and life in general. Worst of all, we are ungrateful toward God. It would be hard to count the number of complaints and criticisms that are daily spoken before Him and against Him. How can we, who have received so much, be thankful for so little? 

One of the great indicators of true spirituality is not measured by how many times we go to church, how big our Bibles are, or how long we pray, but it is measured by the level of gratitude that is in our hearts. When we are ungrateful, the heart of God is saddened, the Holy Spirit is grieved, and the joy of the Lord is quenched within us. 

Being thankful sweetens you, grumbling sours you; being thankful brings sunshine to your countenance, being ungrateful casts a shadow; being thankful brings a melody to your words, criticism makes you sound like a clanging cymbal; being thankful keeps your feet on the pathway of celebration, complaint takes you down the road of despair. 

When our hearts are filled with gratefulness we may feel like our thanksgiving is inadequate, but we can be certain that our thanksgiving is always appropriate. It will gladden the heart of God to hear your heartfelt thanks being freely offered to Him today.

What is your reflection telling others???

Good evening my friends, I pray this day has been a good one for you and that you are filled with joy and laughter this evening. Do yourself a favor before you go to bed...do something nice for YOU.

In prayer this night I thanked our Father in heaven for all of the miraculous blessings he is allowing, so much healing is happening, so many prayers are being answered....thank you God for each and every thing you do. I ask you Father to bless each person with strength to carry on, peace to take away stress, calm to take away chaos and comfort to take away pain. I continue to pray for healing each day for my friend Star and for all that we have been praying. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

I came across this story and loved it meaning...what do you see when you look in the mirror? 

Mirrors

Several years ago I noticed something strange: people seemed to be smiling at me more often. During my young adult years people had never smiled at me that much. Most of the people I saw seemed to have grim, tense faces. They would look at me for only a second or avert their eyes altogether. Sometimes they would nod or say "hi" but more often said nothing at all. 

All that seemed to change, though, as I got older. For some surprising reason people were suddenly greeting me with a warm smile when I passed them. Their eyes seemed to sparkle when they said, "hello" and many times they would even stop to chat happily with me for a few minutes. At first I didn’t know what to make of this. Had the whole world suddenly gotten kinder without telling me? Had the hearts and souls of everyone I met suddenly grown more loving and joyful for some reason? 

Then one day when I was walking alone in a store the answer came to me. I was thinking to myself of how much God loved me and of all the blessings I had been given in this life. At that moment I walked by a display of mirrors and saw that I had the happiest expression on my face. I had been smiling without even knowing it. Then suddenly I realized that I was the one who had changed. I had grown so much in love, joy, and oneness with God. And it was the light shining from my own soul that others were reflecting back to me. 

We are all mirrors in this life. We all reflect each other’s love. We all share each other’s light. We all help each other to become the image of God that we were meant to be. May you always mirror every bit of goodness, kindness, and joy that you see in this world. May your own soul always shine bright as well. And may you make your whole life here a reflection of the light of Heaven and the love of God.

Are you taking care of "FIRST THINGS FIRST???"

Good evening my friends, I pray your Monday has been a good one and that the remainder of the day will be filled with even better things, especially if YOU get to take time for YOU!!!

In prayer this evening I gave thanks for yet another day of praising my Father in heaven for all that He does. I thanked Him for my friends and family, for the support I get each day and the love I am given each day. I ask for blessings for each of you, for peace, calm, comfort and much love. May you feel Him in all that you have going on, may you know that no matter what battles you are fighting that He is right there with you, He will never let you fall. I ask for an abundance of blessings for you and yours in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

In the following story I found it a wonderful reminder that we do need to take time to  put what is important first in our lives....I think you will get the same feeling I did from this read...enjoy!!!

First Things First

A young ensign had nearly completed his first overseas tour of duty when he was given the opportunity to prepare his ship to "set sail." With a stream of crisp commands, he had the decks buzzing with sailors and soon the ship churned slowly out of the channel. 

The ensign's efficiency was remarkable. In fact, the talk was that he had set a new record for getting the ship underway. 

But his captain was not as pleased. A message delivered to the young officer read, "My personal congratulations upon completing your underway preparation exercise according to the book and with amazing speed. But next time, you might wait until your captain is aboard before setting off." 

What good is a ship without the captain? The ensign did all the right things, but he never did the most important thing. 

It is a matter of priorities. I know that I may accomplish a great deal every day. I may do the right things, but am I doing the best things? To borrow language from author Stephen Covey, do I put first things first? 

I can relate to the man who believes he spends too much of his time in meetings. "I have this recurring nightmare," he says. "My wife and children are gathered at the cemetery for my funeral. After the service, the funeral director approaches my weeping family and hands them a box containing all my earthly possessions. In the box are 35 years of my annual calendars and diaries. I read over their shoulders as they scan the appointment notes that kept me busy for so many years. It occurs to me how seldom anything of significance was ever accomplished at those gatherings. I turn to look at my tombstone. The epitaph reads, "Daddy has gone to another meeting." 

That man could be me. I need to regularly ask myself, "In my most significant relationships, in my work and in my free time, in all areas of my life, am I doing what is truly important? Important to me? I do the mundane. I do the urgent and the pressing. But do I spend enough time with what is actually significant? 

I once made this demonstration to an audience. I filled a large, clear jar with coffee beans almost to the top. The beans, I said, represent all of the activities we accomplish in a day. Then I produced two golf balls. "These," I said, "represent a couple of the truly important things in our lives." I asked them to think of the golf balls as time spent with a significant person, such as a family member, or doing something special for somebody else, or developing their spiritual life or just beginning that project they keep putting off. I placed the balls on top of the beans then tried to screw on the lid. I couldn't do it. There were too many beans in the jar. 

"Does this remind you of a typical day?" I asked. "We're so busy doing the usual we can't seem to squeeze in anything else." 

I emptied the jar and started over. "But what if we put first things first? What if we start each day doing something special, something we truly WANT to do? I placed the golf balls into the jar first. Then I poured in the coffee beans - all of them. They fell neatly around the balls and filled the jar to the top. When I screwed on the lid it fit perfectly. 

And that's the secret to building the kind of life you want. I've discovered that if I can begin every day with one or two things that are important to me, the other stuff still fits into place just fine. 

I don't want to just do all of the RIGHT things and never get around to the BEST things. And I certainly don't want my life summed up in the sentence, "Daddy has gone to another meeting." So I handle the golf balls first. And in comparison, everything else is just beans. 

in an effort to separate ourselves we build walls...

Good morning and happy "tank filling day" you know I love Sunday, a time to fill my spiritual tank so that I can weather any storms that might rain on me during the week. I pray your morning has started off on the right foot and that you are feeling the love of our Savior in every pore! 


In prayer this morning I thanked God for the honor to pray for those who have come in quest for an additional dose of His goodness. I thanked Him for giving me another day to get it right and for allowing me to feel his love and his strength in my body. Father I ask you to cleanse the spirit of those who are feeling detached from You and to strengthen those who have stepped away from you, give them your warmth in heart today that they might realize that the path they are choosing is not becoming of the way you would have them live. Open our eyes father and allow us to see that You and Jesus are the only way...Father please continue to bless my friend Star as she continues to fight the battle of life, bless her each moment with your strength and will. Bless those in need of a healing miracle today, touch them when the need be and allow them to begin the process of healing. Father be with each of us today that we might shine a light for those who are in the darkness, allow us to tear down our walls so that all can see that we carry you in our hearts, let us confess out loud the love we have for you and the knowledge that we have of your promises and your sheer, unconditional love. If you allow each of us to touch the heart of just one person today in sharing our testimony of you our purpose will be met. I love you and dedicate myself to you each and every day knowing that I might stumble but with you I will never fall. In the name of Jesus Christ I ask peace in our hearts, calm in our minds and comfort in our bodies. Amen






The Wall You Built Has Cracks In It

I've done it myself. Maybe you have, too. In an effort to separate ourselves from life for whatever reason, we attempt to build walls. 

These walls are made up of excuses, lies, and denial. Like the ostrich we think by burying our heads in the ground no one can see us. 

Life starts closing in on us and instead of pushing back we begin to limit ourselves. The barrier may begin with a refusal to participate in something. A family party, a gathering of friends. We shut the door and lie to ourselves thinking no one cares. 

"I won't be missed. They don't need me there." 

Then it begins to show at work. We produce less, expect nothing and get nothing in return. We see it as life punishing us and why shouldn't it. We are simply not worthy of it. Or so the lie goes. 

Layer by layer, piece by piece we dig deeper, build higher until we have completely removed ourselves. 

Then while inside this invisible wall we have created we begin to blame others for shutting us out. The perceived darkness comes not from the lack of light, but the self induced blindness created by denial. 

You begin to believe "There's no way out!" "There's no way in." 

But you're wrong. 

There isn't a fortress, there isn't a barrier, there isn't a negative thought, action or ideal that God can't break through. 

Like a leaky basement, a house built of brick, or grave you have mentally dug for yourself, there is always a way. 

It begins with a note from a friend. A knock on your door, a spoken word overheard that grabs your attention and pierces your heart. 

An email from someone arriving right just as you think you have sealed off the world completely suddenly shakes the very foundation. 

In the once stuffy confines you suddenly and dramatically feel a breath of fresh air. There's someone pounding on the walls relentlessly because they know you're in there and they won't stop until you come out. 

Why? Because love penetrates all. It softens the hardest hearts. It soothes the most painful loss. It extinguishes the fires of loneliness and surrounds you like a blanket on a cold night. 

Buried deep in doubt and depression it takes awhile for your eyes to adjust to the brightness and beauty of the day until the very moment when you look around and realize how very much you are needed and the world does indeed have a place for you in it. 

If you shut yourself off. God will break through. He sent me to today just to say "I love you." 

~~THE STUFF OF LIFE~~

Good morning and happy Friday to you! It is another cold clear morning here in Utah, 19 degrees with little to no wind at all, the sun is up and the warmth of it on my face as I sit bundled against the cold..AMAZING feeling! I pray your morning has started off with a calm and peace that allows you quiet time to share in conversation with our Father in heaven. 

In prayer this morning as I sat enjoying the sun on my face, I began to thank God for all of the goodness in my life, my Wayde, my child, his children, my G~babes, my health although a bit off at times I still am so thankful that I don't have more problems than I do have. I thanked Him for the warmth of home, the food provided and the happiness in my heart! I asked God to give you happiness in your heart today, that you might see something in a new way today, that you may stop and take time to enjoy your world. I asked God to bless my friend whose is fervently praying for her father who had a stroke and is now having more health issues slowing the healing process of the stroke, she is worried over her mom who stands by so strong and poised, afraid that she might break. Father give this family renewed strength and a sign of relief today that in time all will be well. I asked special prayers for a sweet family struggling with one having cancer and another having issues with her heart. Bless them father with your healing hands, comfort them in this storm and let your light shine upon them so that the fear is laid still. I ask Father that you bless my daughter and soon to be son with love and joy in their new home, that you continue to allow them to feel the love they feel for one another growing stronger and stronger each day. Bless the baby growing within her, allow him/her to feel the huge amount of love there is for him/her. I ask mercy and blessings upon those who cannot conceive a child that their bodies be healed and the beauty and the joy of being with child be given them. I pray for those who are battling illness, depression, addiction, financial problems, thoughts of suicide, unruly children and all the other problems that may be in their lives, be the light they need Father that confirms you are there with them. Let them feel something special today as knowledge that you have a plan for them. Comfort those with the why's today father! In the name of our beautiful brother, our savior and our friend, Jesus Christ. Amen. 

I love the story below, it is something that I cannot stress enough, we spend so much time in life looking for the bigger things that we tend to step right over the little things! God bless you all with peace, love and joy this day! I love each of you in Christ

Lisa Beamer on Good Morning America

If you remember, she's the wife of Todd Beamer who said "Let's Roll!" and helped take down the plane that was heading for Washington, D.C. She said it's the little things that she misses most about Todd, such as hearing the garage door open as he came home, and her children running to meet him.  She is now the mom of a beautiful little girl, Mary.

Lisa recalled this story:

I had a very special teacher in high school many years ago whose husband died suddenly of a heart attack. About a week after his death, she shared some of her insight with a classroom of students. As the late afternoon sunlight came streaming in through the classroom windows and the class was nearly over, she moved a few things aside on the edge of her desk and sat down there. With a gentle look of reflection on her face, she paused and said, "Class is over. I would like to share with all of you a thought that is unrelated to class, but which I feel is very important."

"Each of us is put here on earth to learn, share, love, appreciate and give of ourselves. None of us knows when this fantastic experience will end. It can be taken away at any moment. Perhaps this is the power's way of telling us that we must make the most out of every single day."

Her eyes beginning to water, she went on. "So, I would like you all to make me a promise. From now on, on your way to school or on your way home, find something beautiful to notice. It doesn't have to be something you see. It could be a scent, perhaps of freshly baked bread wafting out of someone's house, or it could be the sound of the breeze slightly rustling the leaves in the trees, or the way the morning light catches one autumn leaf as it falls gently to the ground. Please look for these things, and cherish them, for although it may sound trite to some, these things are the 'stuff' of life."

"The little things were put here on earth to enjoy, and these are the things we often take for granted. We must make it important to notice them, for any anytime it can all be taken away."

The class was completely quiet. We all picked up our books and filed out of the room silently. That afternoon, I noticed more things on my way home from school than I had that whole semester.

Every once in a while, I think of that teacher and remember what an impression she made on all of us, and I try to appreciate all of those things that sometimes we all overlook.

Take notice of something special you see on your lunch hour today. Go barefoot, or walk on the beach at sunset. Stop off on the way home tonight to get a double dip ice cream cone. For as we get older, it is not the things we did that we often regret, but the things we didn't do.

~Lisa Beamer, from an interview on Good Morning America

Rest your worries upon me and harmony you shall see!!!!

     Good morning and happy Tuesday, sun, sun, glorious sun is shining this morning, we have not seen this beautiful sight in days..oh how I love you sun! 37 degree, cloudy but sunny skies and a whole lot of love in my heart.
     In prayer this morning, as I sat wrapped in my favorite "blankie"head tilted toward the sky, watching the clouds slowly drift by, thinking of all the things I have to be thankful for and asking God to forgive me for all of the blessings that I tend to take for granted and not acknowledge. I closed my eyes and began to pray for each of you, I asked God to bless you abundantly this day, to see your needs, to feel your fears, to give you peace where there is chaos, to give you calm where there is confusion and to give you comfort in all areas that ache. I asked him to provide strength and understanding to those who are standing in wait as you quietly watch your loved ones stepping closer and closer to the gate of heaven. I asked him to fill those who are struggling with health, addiction, finances, relationships, unruly children, lack of faith and who stand in the darkness with a renewed faith this day. Father God, wrap your arms around each of us today, allow us vision of what is to come, allow warmth in our hearts to out do any cold that might be lingering there. Give us courage to face our demons and to profess that you are our Lord of Lords and King of Kings and that no one nor anything comes before you. Heavenly Father I ask for a little extra cup of your love this week for our soldiers on foreign soils, bless them with the feeling of hope that soon they will be coming home, keep them safe from harm, shield them from hurt and fill them with the knowledge that what they are doing is not in vain. In the name of my brother, my savior and my friend, Jesus Christ. Amen.

I came across a short but mighty powerful little story to share with you today. I am guilty of this many times over and wish so badly that I had read this story many years ago for I know if I had had a worry tree there would have been much more harmony and much less stress within the wall of my safe haven I call home. I pray today that you will share this lesson with not only your partner but with your children, turn your home back into a retreat where only love and peace live. 

The Worry Tree

Paresh, an Indian carpenter I once hired to help me restore my old farmhouse had just finished a difficult and hard first day on the job. A flat tyre on his lorry made him lose an hour of work, his electric saw packed in, and now his ancient pickup truck refused to start. While I drove him home, Paresh sat in stony, thoughtful silence.

On arriving, Paresh, in the way of all Indian gentlefolk, invited me in to meet his family. As we walked toward the front door, he paused briefly at a small tree, touching the tips of the branches with both hands.

When opening the door to his home, he underwent an amazing transformation. His tanned face wreathed in smiles and he hugged his two small children and gave his wife a kiss.

After a cup of tea, he walked me to my car. We passed the tree and my curiosity got the better of me. I asked him about what I had seen him do earlier.

'Oh, that's my trouble tree,' Paresh replied. 'I know I can't help having troubles on the job, but one thing for sure, troubles don't belong in the house with my wife and the children. So I just hang them on the tree every night when I come home. Then in the morning I pick them up again. Funny thing is', he smiled winningly, 'when I come out in the morning to pick them up, there aren't nearly as many as I remember hanging up the night before.'

Peace be with each of you this day my friends!!!

   

 Good morning and Happy Saturday, it is a cold rainy morning her in Utah, 43 degree and windy...thanking God that my joints and bones are not aching as badly as they did before the storm, with my body we do not need a meteorologist, it lets us know at least 5 days before the weather is going to change, I am sure many of you can relate.
       In prayer this morning  I prayed my usual morning prayers, asking our Father in heaven, to bless each of you with peace, calm and comfort this day, to take the stresses of the day so that you may spend it with a smile on your face and laughter in your heart. Please look around and see the needs of others and pray for them today! Be mindful of others today and remember that everything you do is a choice! Think before you "do" and alway ask yourself "what would Jesus do?" May blessing be in abundance for you and yours this day.
     I came across this little writing this morning and after reading it was like "wow" I pray that it has impact on you as it has me this day!


You Are Free to Choose!!!

My beloved child, I love you so dearly. I have watched you grow from a baby until now, and now, my child, the world is yours. I have frantically and lovingly tried to Protect you, my child, from this world that we have created for you, forbidding you your choice of friendships, watching you, guarding you, from this world that we have given you. AND IT DOES NOT WORK! This is your world and your life to live.

I love you my child and I will always love you. I will always be there whenever you need me or to advise you if you desire. I gave you life. You were born! Now, I give you your life to live as a free being as it was meant to be. I forbid you nothing; I deny you nothing in this entire world. You are free to do whatever you must do - not what I choose for you to do. You are free to make your own decisions. You have your morals. You are free to use them or not to use them. You are very wise, and I trust you, to do what you know is right or to do what you know is wrong, because there is no right or wrong except what you think and create in your mind.

This world that we have created for you today is not pretty. There is war, hate, and greed. There is dope, free love, unhappiness, BUT! There is also beauty! And it is your choice to choose or see whatever you want because you create and make your own world. Improve it if you wish. I will never spy on you or look through your personal belongings, trying to find evidence of wrong doings, of pot or sex. They are all there if you wish to try them. You are free, my child. It is your choice.

You do not have to hide things from me, to lie to me, to fear me because you are free to choose, and I know only that which is forbidden, must be had. I could give you the whole world, my child, and forbid you just one small thing. How you would waste you're life, your talent, your ambitions, and your gift to the world, to obtain that one unimportant thing. So I give you everything, my beloved child, even though it is not mine to give. It is rightfully yours. In this beautiful world. In this Garden of Eden.

     

My friendship oath to you!!!! Let it be written let it be done!!!!!

Happy Sunday evening, I pray your day has been a spirit filled one and that you are all snuggled in at home now, relaxing and getting ready for the coming week. I pray that you are filled with the spirit of God and that you know there is nothing that can be thrown at you that with God's hand you cannot get through.
     Today was a very special birthday for a very special little girl in my life, my little namesake, well my second one, I have one in Dallas Texas who was given my middle name and now this one Korbyn Elise! I have been with her since in was first announced that she was in her mommy's tummy, was with her the first moments of her birth and have been with her much in the last year! She is a delightful child, very happy, always laughing and has such a great love for Wayde, aka "Poppi"

                                                          new baby "KoKo" about 1 month old

1 year old "Koko" today!

Tonight I ask you to join me in prayer asking our precious Father in Heaven to provide peace, calm and comfort for each of us who are in need, asking God to continue to provide us with his unconditional love, to continue to place people in our lives who give us inspiration and positive example, asking God to allow his strength to be ours when we feel there is no strength let in our bodies. I ask Him to bless you abundantly, providing you with all of your needs. I ask God to hold all of the children and fill their parents with the knowledge of what is needed for His children to grow and flourish, allowing them the knowledge of rearing with God in the forefront of all things.   I ask that you pray for ease of pain for those suffering illness and for ease of broken hearts for those who have suffered loss,  asking for our youth to be free from bullies  and for them to recognize when a peer is in need of a kind word and a friend. I ask that we all, each of us be more aware of people who are struggling with finances, with depression, with addiction...don't judge them, take a long look and ask God to guide you in a way that you will make a difference in their lives. I ask these blessings, mercies and graces humbly in the name of Christ. Amen. 

I love this poem because it keeps me focused on what a real friend is. I pray you will read this often and apply it in your relationships, with us all following these words there will be a lot more genuine friends in this world! 

My friendship oath to you...

When you are sad, 

I will dry your tears,
When you are scared,
I will comfort your fears
When you are worried,
I will give you hope.
When you are confused,
I will help you cope.
And when you are lost,
And can't see the light
I shall be your beacon
Shinning ever so bright.
This is my oath.
I pledge till the end.
Why you may ask?
Because you're my friend.

                                                                                                                     

What do you do in "turbulence" What do you do????

   


 Hello and happy Saturday:) Boy have I been a lazy bones this morning,  I slept until after 10 a.m., unheard of in my life, in fact when I awoke, I was shocked to see the hours! I must have been tried and my body must have been in need of rest or I would not have slept so long!
      No matter the hour I awake in the morn or retire in the evening, I always take time for my chat with God, I don't know what I would do it I did not have the meditation time, I don't know how I would put one foot in front of the other without my quiet, alone time with my Father in Heaven! This morning in quiet reflection I prayed as I always do, I asked God for mercy and grace for each of you, I asked him to provide for you a day without drama or stress, one in which you can take some time for you and one in which you can take some time for God! I prayed for health to be restored in those who are suffering illness, I asked for hope to be restored in the ones who are feeling hopeless, I asked for blessings to be given in abundance for those who are struggling with loss and with watching loved ones transition into their heavenly journey, for strength to all of the caregivers and for patience, and love for all who are in any type of battle this day. I closed my prayer by sealing it up and lifting it in the name of Jesus Christ our savior. Amen.
     I have a little story to share with you this morning, when I read it I got smile on my face and thought, wow, we all should be like this little girl, she was not fearful for she knew she was safe!
 


DON'T WORRY

Author Unknown

Years ago, I was enthralled as I listened to a pastor who for several years had faithfully served the church. His executive responsibilities had taken him all over this country. As he concluded his message, he told of one of the most frightening, yet thought-provoking, experiences of his life.

He had been on a long flight from one place to another. The first warning of the approaching problems came when the sign on the airplane flashed on: Fasten your seat belts. Then, after a while, a calm voice said, "We shall not be serving the beverages at this time as we are expecting a little turbulence. Please be sure your seat belt is fastened."

As he looked around the aircraft, it became obvious that many of the passengers were becoming apprehensive. Later, the voice of the announcer said, "We are so sorry that we are unable to serve the meal at this time. The turbulence is still ahead of us."

Then the storm broke. The ominous cracks of thunder could be heard even above the roar of the engines. Lightening lit up the darkening skies, and within moments that great plane was like a cork tossed around on a celestial ocean. One moment the airplane was lifted on terrific currents of air; the next, it dropped as if it were about to crash.

The pastor confessed that he shared the discomfort and fear of those around him. He said, "As I looked around the plane, I could see that nearly all the passengers were upset and alarmed. Some were praying. The future seemed ominous and many were wondering if they would make it through the storm.

Then, I suddenly saw a little girl. Apparently the storm meant nothing to her. She had tucked her feet beneath her as she sat on her seat; she was reading a book and every thing within her small world was calm and orderly. Sometimes she closed her eyes, then she would read again; then she would straighten her legs, but worry and fear were not in her world. When the plane was being buffeted by the terrible storm when it lurched this way and that, as it rose and fell with frightening severity,when all the adults were scared half to death, that marvelous child was completely composed and unafraid." The minister could hardly believe his eyes.

It was not surprising therefore, that when the plane finally reached its destination and all the passengers were hurrying to disembark,our pastor lingered to speak to the girl whom he had watched for such a long time. Having commented about the storm and behavior of the plane, he asked why she had not been afraid.

The child replied, "'Cause my Daddy's the pilot, and he's taking me home."

There are many kinds of storms that buffet us:
• Physical,
• Mental,
• Financial,
• Domestic, and...
Many other storms can easily and quickly darken our skies and throw our plane into apparently uncontrollable movement. We have all known such times, and let us be honest and confess, it is much easier to be at rest when our feet are on the ground than when we are being tossed about a darkened sky.

Let us remember... Our Father is the Pilot. He is in control and taking us home... so Don't Worry.

     

Is your hut burning????

    Good evening  to everyone, I pray this day has been filled with only good things and that now you are at home ready to kick back and relax, if you are going out and about I pray that you are safe on the roads. Today has been a good day, I had a wonderfully long chat with the sweetest girl in my life this morning, setting the mood for me to be light hearted and happy all day!
      Our day was a bit warmer outside with glorious sunshine, we are expecting conditions to go downhill for the weekend with a forecast of snow..ugh..I am just not ready for that!!1 I would be honored if you would pray with me this evening, we all know people that are in need of special, specific prayer and when we honor them with prayer we are honoring God with our faith in him. Ask with me for calm, care, and comfort and allow God to do as he has promised. I love each of you and so appreciate you for the things that you do and the way you always come to my aid in prayer! In Jesus' name I ask for mercy and grace for each of you, amen.

I came across this story and felt it would be a great one for this night! There are answers for everything in the scriptures. believe and have faith!

IS YOUR HUT BURNING? 

The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him, and every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming.

Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect Him from the elements, and to store his few possessions. Then one day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, the smoke rolling up to the sky. The worst had happened; everything was lost.

He was stunned with grief and anger. "God, how could you do this to me!" he cried.

Early the next day, however, he was awakened by the sound of a ship that was approaching the island. It had come to rescue him. "How did you know I was here?" asked the weary man of his rescuers. "We  saw your smoke signal," they replied.

It is easy to get discouraged when things are going bad. But we shouldn't lose heart, because God is at work in our lives, even in the midst of pain and suffering. Remember, next time your little hut is burning to the ground-it just may be a smoke signal that summons the grace of God.

For all the negative things we have to say to ourselves, God has a positive answer for it.

You say: "It's impossible"
God says: All things are possible (Luke 18:27)

You say: "I'm too tired"
God says: I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28-30)

You say: "Nobody really loves me"
God says: I love you (John 3:16 & John 13:34)

You say: "I can't go on"
God says: My grace is sufficient (II Corinthians 12:9& Psalm 91:15)

You say: "I can't figure things out"
God says: I will direct your steps (Proverbs 3:5-6)

You say: "I can't do it"
God says: You can do all things (Philippians 4:13)

You say: "I'm not able"
God says: I am able (II Corinthians 9:8)

You say: "It's not worth it"
God says: It will be worth it (Roman 8:28)

You say: "I can't forgive myself"
God says: I FORGIVE YOU (I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)

You say: "I can't manage"
God says: I will supply all your needs (Philippians 4:19)

You say: "I'm afraid"
God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear (II Timothy 1:7)

You say: "I'm always worried and frustrated"
God says: Cast all your cares on ME (I Peter 5:7)

You say: "I don't have enough faith"
God says: I've given everyone a measure of faith (Romans 12:3)

You say: "I'm not smart enough"
God says: I give you wisdom (I Corinthians 1:30)

You say: "I feel all alone"
God says: I will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5)

     

Today's Verse:

But remember the LORD your GOD, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today.
                                                                                                              Deuteronomy 8:18

Thoughts on today's verse:

As we enter the month often associated in the USA with giving thanks, this reminder from Moses is an important one!  We so easily forget to give thanks when things are going well. It's easy for us to whine and ask God to help us when we are in trouble, but we often feel like we "deserve" the good things that happen to us. God reminds us that what we have is simply a confirmation of his grace and his faithfulness to do what he has said. We need to remind ourselves, and each other, that the blessings we have come for his hand and not because we deserved them more than someone else.

My Prayer:

Generous Father, forgive me for my forgetfulness. Deep down I know I don't deserve  all the good things you poured into my life, yet I sometimes find myself thinking that I have earned them. Use your spirit to forge in me a heart like Jesus' heart, that did deserve good and yet gave it all up to come to earth and give me the greatest gift imaginable~~the gift of your salvation! Thank you so much for this gift of grace and the many other undeserved gifts that you have lavished upon me. In Jesus' name I thank you. Amen. 

Triple filter??? What is a "Triple filter???

 


  Hello and happy, happy, Friday! We are sitting at 47 degrees this morning with a bit of wind and gloomy, hazy skies....I think this is supposed to be the warmest we will be the entire day, our afternoon high is set for 40 degrees with snow moving in to our area...hey wait...my leaves have not even fallen from my trees as of yet!!! OH MYLANTA, I am not ready for this!!!!
     In prayer this morning it seemed no matter how I tried to find my peaceful, quiet zone it was not to, my dog was panting, my cat wanting attention, this and that! I began to get very frustrated and was thinking I will just hurry through it and be done, but then I began to think...WHAT???, I am going to let a little noise and chaos deter me from lifting prayer for those who are in such need! How weak am I? I then steadfastly blocked all of the distractions out and felt such a beautiful reward for having had patience and determination. I said my usual prayers asking God for mercy and grace for each of you this day, I prayed over all of the requests that were sent in over the course of the night and as I was coming to the close of my prayer I felt a very strong sense of calm come over me, not  a physical calm, but more of a spiritual calm...I felt loved, I felt as if I am on the right track and I felt good! I pray that you receive validation today that you are on the right track, that you are doing what you know is right and that you are following in the footsteps of Christ even if it is more difficult to follow than to stray off course! Don't play in to anyones drama today, don't allow others to steal your joy, don't allow nay sayers to rain on your parade and most of all don't doubt! If life seems harder today than yesterday...pray harder, love stronger, dig your feet in and let God be your strength! DON'T EVER GIVE UP, DON'T EVER GIVE IN...WITH GOD IN YOUR HEART...YOU WILL WIN!!!
     I came across this little tidbit this morning and found it something that I swear by! If you practice this you will never have to walk around with "egg on your face" don't play into other people's misery, it is very easy to say STOP!

THE TRIPLE FILTER!!!

In ancient Greece, (469 - 399 BC), Socrates was reputed to hold knowledge in high esteem.

One day an acquaintance met the great philosopher and said, “Do you know what I just heard about your friend?”

“Hold on a minute,” Socrates replied. “Before telling me anything, I’d like you to pass a little test. It’s called the Triple Filter Test.”

“Triple filter?”

“That’s right,” Socrates continued. “Before you talk to me about my friend, it might be a good idea to take a moment and filter what you’re going to say. That’s why I call it the triple filter test.”

“The first filter is TRUTH. Have you made absolutely sure that what you are about to tell me is true?”

“No,” the man said, “actually I just heard about it and...”

“All right,” said Socrates. “So you don’t really know if it’s true or not. Now let’s try the second filter, the filter of GOODNESS. Is what you are about to tell me about my friend something good?”

“No, on the contrary...”

“So,” Socrates continued, “you want to tell me something bad about him, but you’re not certain it’s true. You may still pass the test though, because there’s one filter left: the filter of USEFULNESS. Is what you want to tell me about my friend going to be useful to me?”

“No, not really.”

“Well,” concluded Socrates, “if what you want to tell me is neither true nor good nor even useful, why tell it to me at all?”

This is why Socrates was a great philosopher & held in such high esteem. We should all use this triple filter each time we hear loose talk about any of our friends, family and other associates

  

He really does RAISE ME UP!!!

   

 Good evening, I pray your day has been a good one, I pray that you have had spiritual time today and that this evening has afforded you to take some time for yourself. Time for you is so very important, we tend to get so wrapped up in our day to day "junk" in caring for everyone else, in going, going, going, and doing, doing, doing....just please remember that if we do not maintain our automobiles they will eventually quit running! Take care of you so that you can continue being the kind, loving, example of Christ that you are!
     Today has been a hard day for me, my lupus seems to be trying to take my body over and I am aching from the top of my head to the bottom of my feet! Ugh, I hate days like this, but I know with prayer and rest and less stress it will be better! I have been basically laying around doing not much of anything today and am praying that tomorrow will be a better day for me! Thank goodness for heating pads and a sweet loving Wayde who takes such good care of me when I am "down."
     In prayer tonight I said my usual prayers asking our Father in Heaven to bless and give mercy to each and every person in need this night, to hold each of us and protect us! I asked him to guide us in our doings each day and to keep us filled with hope that things will get better. I know of several people battling with terminal illnesses and who are really struggling with pain and fear, please Father hold them in your arms give them relief in body and in spirit! I prayed for you and yours, for those who are struggling with depression, lack of faith, with internal fires that seem to be raging out of control, with confusion and with lack of self! Father please fill each of us with peace, calm and comfort and please bless my daughter and her unborn baby with strength and health. God we love you, we know that with you in our corner all things are possible and we know that the sacrifice you made allows us to repent and to be forgiven when we make poor choices, I stand in awe of all of the blessings you provide me and I thank you for being my Father in heaven. In Jesus' name ask mercy, grace and blessings for all, amen.
     All afternoon the song "You Raise Me Up" has been on my mind, I am going to print the words to the song as I know our Father in heaven is needing me to share these words with you or perhaps he is just needing me to see the words in print, either way I will never deny a prompting when it is given me!

When I am down and oh my soul, so weary.

When troubles come and my heart burdened be. 

Then I am still and wait here in the silence,

until you come and sit awhile with me.

You raise me up so I can stand on mountains, 

You raise me up to walk on stormy seas. 

I am strong when I am on your shoulders,

you raise me up to more than I can be.

Wow I did not realize there is really on two verses here and the others are all repeats of the second one. I get it though, when we I am down and my soul is weary, when my troubles and my heart is burdened, all I can do is sit in the silence and meditate, all I can do is spend time with him because I know that when I am low, I am humble..when I am humble my heart is more receptive to his presence and I can see and hear more clearly. He does raise me up to stand on mountains, he does help me come through stormy seas, I am strong when I am on his shoulders and he gives me sight that I can be so much more! I pray if you are needing any motivation that you will listen to this song and know that if you do sit in the silence and tell him how you feel, what you are thinking and were your short comings are...he will raise you too! God bless each of you with love and laughter, may the coming week be filled with only good things and may blessings be in abundance for you and yours!