Let Go in Faith

When you look outside, it appears as though a perfect day awaits. Some fluffy white clouds among the bright blue sky beckon us to “come out and play.” Things aren’t always as they seem. The heat smacks you in the face as you bear its brunt in the sunlight and entering your vehicle is like stepping into an oven.

When conflicts with people, a change in our business climate, the economy or just general problems bombard us, it can feel like the heat is on. Sometimes it can leave you feeling bewildered and wondering how to even pray. It is in those times that …the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words (Romans 8:26);

Sometimes it’s hard to remember that we can literally “let go and let God.”

Let us trust that perfect intercession is taking place on our behalf. As the heat bears down, I am grateful for an amazing physical embrace holding me in utter contentment and for the inner embrace of the Spirit.

My song? ….Oh Lord, Let Your Spirit fall here. Wind from heaven blow.

Purify our hearts today, fire of heaven glow….

Manifest Your glory, boldly now we call.

Nothing else will satisfy.

Let Your Spirit fall.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rneXrUBBKEY

I pray you are touched by the Spirit today in such a way as to know that God is with you, indeed the Holy Spirit will pray on your behalf and He knows your name.

Of all the "attitudes" we can acquire, surely the attitude of gratitude is the most important and by far the most life-changing. Zig Ziglar

Make it a Great Day!! Debby

Pray Dream Pray

Charles Swindoll said “There is no more significant involvement in another’s life than prevailing, consistent prayer. It is more helpful than a gift of money, more encouraging than a strong sermon, more effective than a compliment, more reassuring than a physical embrace.”

How many times do we look at a day ahead or a circumstance and try to “figure out” how we are going to make it work. Imagine me – a creation – thinking I can even see all of the opportunities, tools, etc. available to me…. When all along the Creator Himself has told us – you have not because you ask not. He makes all things work together for good for those who love Him. That’s ALL things. So while prayer is not tangible, it’s the most awesome way we can contribute to another’s well being. God in His amazing love, power and kingdom has ALL – THAT’S EVERYTHING at His fingertips and His plans are far greater for us than we perceive or can dare to dream.

So – open your heart, mind and soul. Close your eyes for a moment and remember your dream. Now – lay it at His feet…. And watch with wonder as He honors each step in faith as you walk toward the dream He has given you.

Blessings upon blessings to you today… and pray!

Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

Living on Purpose

Some time ago I chanced to speak to a lady who was heading out on a cruise the following week. As we spoke she indicated to me that this was a trip she and her husband had planned to take, but, alas, he died two months after a cancer diagnosis several months ago and so now her daughters would be accompanying her. She continued to say that they had been married for 53 years at his passing. You could see in her eyes that she was looking to another place and time as she lamented, “where did the time go? We had 14 years of retirement together. But, my time has just flown by. Where did the time go?”

 

Today, my friends, is again, a new day. We have the opportunity to make this day different from the rest… a new day to work on how we will be remembered. Are we living our lives in such a way as to make each day count? Are we living “on purpose?” I aim to. I want anyone who knows me to be able to smile, even chuckle, when they remember me…. as a character, an encourager, friend and lover of life and those within it.

So today is my opportunity to smile – and no matter what the day brings – make it count – ON PURPOSE.

 You gave me life and showed me kindness, and in Your providence watched over my spirit. Job 10:12 NIV

Today - let's show kindness, laughter and the light of love that comes from our Creator – remember that a smile can change your whole day – and someone else’s at the same time.

I can almost see your sparkling smile now.

Blessings

Wow!!! What a blessing! As I walked out of work today, a cool breeze was blowing and the sky had a couple of isolated, yet dark and menacing clouds. I thought perhaps we'd be in for a sprinkle, but as the night wore on, the bright flashes of light and rumbling told a more fabulous story! It was a wonderful surprise. Boom!! You're just going along and BAM a blessing just falls from above. Blessings,however, don't often show up with a flash and bang and we don't always call them blessings when they come. I don't think we will know until we leave this life, all those things we saw as annoyances and inconveniences and even trials that were indeed blessings: the alarm that didn't go off and further delay as the road was blocked with traffic due to a horrible accident - the one we might have been in had we been on time that morning; or the metal sliver that the wind blew into an eye, causing a doctor's visit, the exam revealing a more serious condition that, if discovered later, might have been fatal; or the job we didn't get...only to find that had we been employed at that time, our resume might forever carry the mark of a company that had defrauded its customers.



I encourage you to look back and to reflect on situations in your life that you could not see a benefit in at the time, but how God truly did work ALL things together for your good. Still, we see only a glimpse. I can honestly say, however, that some of my deepest and darkest times have also been times of incredible spiritual growth as I leaned wholly and only upon God. I wouldn't necessarily choose to walk through them again, but I wouldn't change those times in my life. But today, I encourage you to enjoy Laura Story's song, "Blessings". I've provided the link here for your convenience.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mmgV6mPvb0

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26

Blessings

Wow!!! What a blessing! As I walked out of work today, a cool breeze was blowing and the sky had a couple of isolated, yet dark and menacing clouds. I thought perhaps we'd be in for a sprinkle, but as the night wore on, the bright flashes of light and rumbling told a more fabulous story! It was a wonderful surprise. Boom!! You're just going along and BAM a blessing just falls from above. Blessings,however, don't often show up with a flash and bang and we don't always call them blessings when they come. I don't think we will know until we leave this life, all those things we saw as annoyances and inconveniences and even trials that were indeed blessings: the alarm that didn't go off and further delay as the road was blocked with traffic due to a horrible accident - the one we might have been in had we been on time that morning; or the metal sliver that the wind blew into an eye, causing a doctor's visit, the exam revealing a more serious condition that, if discovered later, might have been fatal; or the job we didn't get...only to find that had we been employed at that time, our resume might forever carry the mark of a company that had defrauded its customers.



I encourage you to look back and to reflect on situations in your life that you could not see a benefit in at the time, but how God truly did work ALL things together for your good. Still, we see only a glimpse. I can honestly say, however, that some of my deepest and darkest times have also been times of incredible spiritual growth as I leaned wholly and only upon God. I wouldn't necessarily choose to walk through them again, but I wouldn't change those times in my life. But today, I encourage you to enjoy Laura Story's song, "Blessings". I've provided the link here for your convenience.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mmgV6mPvb0

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26

Recently we received challenging news in the work place. There were different reactions by different people and some were crankier than others. There was one individual whom had rained on many a parade throughout the week, robbing some of victories and creating avenues of doubt and confusion for others. As I was becoming a bit unnerved at their unkindness, God reminded me so faithfully that I had not been praying for that person. I had not been asking God to soften their heart that they might be able to receive the love of God and kindness and love of others. I confessed this failure and sin of not praying for those around me in earnest, but only those prayer requests that had been presented to me for prayer to a trusted believer and we agreed to pray for those around us with greater earnest.

How can we expect to effect change and turn the tides toward love and gratitude, if we don't first prepare the way for it's receipt? As I pondered on this and began to pray more completely over the weekend, I was convicted again as the words of my daughter came to me. (God has often spoken truth in love to me through her.) She said, "Mom, you can't expect someone who doesn't show fruit in their life to do as God would have them do. You just have to pray for them." She is so wise.

This week I start a new... prayer list, new attitude, prayed up and filled with love for those around me that I and they might be healed and together we might accomplish much. I invite you to join me as I pray over this mailing list and include those God has placed upon my heart (along with those requests that come my way).

Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. James 5:16 I can't wait to see what God does!!

Our Choice - Every Day

But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:18) Each day we are given a gift...24 hours to do with as we choose. We have the choice whether we are going to step forward into the exciting process to be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will (Romans 12:2b). Or we may choose to simply let time pass filling it with gripes and complaints as we gather co-conspirators in misery. Choose life! Choose renewal! Open your eyes and heart that you may see that not only are we being transformed by the renewing of our minds, but we have a cheerleader - the lover of our soul - Christ Jesus as He has prayed to the Father I come to You Holy Father, keep them in Your name, the name which You have given Me, that they may be one even as We are. (John 17:11b) As you love, as you give, as you show kindness to others - you will hear His voice. You will recognize His handiwork and answers to even the smallest of details in your long ings. Then you will see outwardly the gleam, the joy the love that will not be kept inside any longer as it "flows forth" unable to be contained within any longer. The outpouring is contagious and soon you will notice that the world around you has become a different, more joyful, kinder place. One decision. One day chosen each day can create an amazing legacy with His name and image all over it as we are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.

Where trust and hope belong...

How many times do you catch yourself saying "I wish" I could do this or this problem would go away? While wishing upon a star seemed like a great idea as a youngster and I still make a wish upon a falling star, there is one place where we CAN place our trust and hopes. I have always found it in one of my favorite verses: Be anxious for nothing, but in all things through prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God and the peace that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6 :There have been times when - with all of my heart - I thanked God for provision that was needed, but I knew He would provide (there have also been those times where it was more of a challenge and I would say to God - You say this and now I am believing you for it). Each time when the provision came, my hope was renewed and my faith increased. Is there some situation in your life today that you would like to see change? Well - I suggest you roll up your shirt sleeves for your part and trust fully in God for the rest. You take that first step in faith and He will carry you the rest of the way - if you let Him. Now have a great day! http://gratitudeattitudetoday.blogspot.com/