Pray, love and give thanks

I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them;
intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. -1 Timothy 2:1, NLT

I've seen so many people so wrapped up in their politics that they forget that the names they throw out so easily about their opposing party may be hitting a friend directly between the eyes. While there may be differing opinions, we can certainly still respect and love one another. There are so many hurting from such a wide variety of concerns, some very public and others equally private. Let's pray for one another...share our views with respect and love and give thanks for the very differences that give us the creative force to be able to come up with solutions working together, communicating in love and understanding. Make today a better day than yesterday and not nearly as good as tomorrow. God bless you. 

Every Day Faith

Often of late, I've been in need of wisdom - for words, actions and direction. I know it is promised when we seek the Lord, but when referring to this promise, we are also called to have faith and do not doubt.

⁵If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. ⁶But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. ⁷That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; ⁸he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does. James 1:5-8

The words of a wise man speaking on faith came to mind. He asked - what is the first thing you do when you walk into a dark room? We all answered pretty much in unison that it is to switch on the light so that you can see where you are going. He then showed us the faith we initiate when reaching for the switch and our expectation that the room will be illuminated. Certainly, we do exhibit faith every time we reach for a light switch. In fact, we are surprised if the light does not come on. It is with the same expectation that we should go before the throne with our request for wisdom...with the assurance that God will answer our prayer. Further, we should actually feel the relief as we know His answer is coming and He will reveal the way and illuminate our path. Certainly, God is not a switch to be turned or manipulated, but rather we should hold the faith we do when turning on a light switch in the One who Is and Was and Will be - the Alpha and Omega. He is so much more trustworthy than what we see with our eyes before us.

I hope today holds much light, wisdom and faith for you.

Please don't forget to sign in to the blog - I will be adding more soon. Meanwhile also enjoy this offering from the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdO2cRXVHII. Carol Cymbala wrote this song at one of her darkest hours - not knowing what was to come, but knowing her history with God.

Be a Spark Toward Love and Good

My folks forwarded a wonderful, true story to me this evening. It is the story of Delta Flight 15. They were on a transatlantic flight when the events of 9-11 unfolded and they were instructed to land at the nearest airport. They ended up landing at an airport in Gander, Newfoundland as did 52 other jets. This town and surrounding areas of 10,400 hosted some 10,500 passengers as they were stranded for days. They welcomed them into their homes, acted as tour guides, served them wonderful meals and befriended the people stranded there. The passengers of Delta 15 were hosted by the town of Lewisporte. Upon their return to the airplane, a doctor proposed that they do something for the town that so willingly, even lovingly, hosted them during our country's time of crisis. He proposed a college fund for the town's students which he would match. By the end of the flight, there were commitments totalling $14,000. As of the date the stewardess penned her experience over $1.5 million was raised and 134 students had gone to college on the trust fund.

The stewardess shared the story because she wanted to remind us all that people can be amazingly kind, loving and generous.

I was certainly inspired and I hope the story inspired you as well. In times of life's great challenges we can all be a gift to another providing shelter in the storm or gratitude for the shelter provided.

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good. Hebrews 10:24

Let's go out and change our world....spurring one another toward love and good deeds.

Sharp and Effective

There are friends I love spending time with because I am so energized by the learning and ideas that come from/within conversation. Those friendships also hold the safety and love within which to be honest with one another at a deep level where one may tell the other a hard truth in love. It is one of the ways God speaks to us and that we grow, becoming more effective individuals.

As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.

Proverbs 27:17

God has blessed me with some trusted friends whom I can bounce things off of and hear an honest answer as to my part. It is an amazing privilege and incredible blessing. I am better for it. Hope your week brings one of these amazing synergistic conversations this week as you go forth sharper and more effective.

Blessings in the Midst

Today the clouds formed billowing into the sky...the wind came up, lightening pierced the sky and scent of water permeated the air. I've always loved a great storm, but admittedly, am not so fond of them in my life. But there in the midst of the wind, a tiny, exquisite hummingbird came to drink from one of the trumpet vines that grace my backyard.

It was as if a lovely gift was being handed me in the midst of the storm. A blessing as plain as day that brought joy to my heart and ministered to my soul. It brought the same lovely warmth to my soul that this word given by a friend brought. John 16:33 "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Indeed, He has overcome the world and sends gifts in the midst of our tribulation to remind us of that very thing. I am so very grateful for the amazing gifts of hummingbirds so small and heartwarming, the very blooms upon which they come to rest and the wonderful friends who share their stories and the Word to renew and encourage my soul.

What surprises did God bring to you today? What blessing did He write your name upon? Did you smile and say thank you?

Jackets of Friends

As the weather teases us between rain and bright sun – one day warm winds and another damp stifling heat – we are able to stand strong with a few adaptations. We may require an umbrella, a light jacket or experience the need to carry water.

Often the wind blows in our lives and we feel the need for safety and protection and “jacket” ourselves with a variety of things. Sometimes it is isolation, pushing away others; losing self in food, old movies or even shopping. None of those, however, will culminate in a new dawn of hope and determination.

“Jacket” yourself in the truth and at least one trusted friend. Often, in these times, we don’t see clearly without another to reflect back to us… even believing we “know” in our minds is often in error at those times…. We are hurt or afraid and need a hand not to push away others, but to embrace and be embraced.

Today – if someone has been treating you a bit differently or acting “out of sorts.” Extend your hand and a smile that welcomes… you may be the first to do so and it may be all they needed to be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel or to renew hope and faith.

1 Thessalonians 5:11Thereforeencourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

Lend a hand today, looking out from our busy-ness, my friend, and surely your time will be well spent.

Strength and Rest

Isaiah 41:10 fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

How I have needed those words of late...to know from the core of my being they are true and that I can count on that truth with greater certainty than the ticking of the clock brings comfort. Each day of the last week has held for me news of another illness, hateful act experienced, death, or despair of those I hold dear in my life.

What amazing instruction and assurance from our Creator. We have but one thing to do...to use our will to decide to believe. To choose not to be dismayed, to thank God as we receive His strength and for His help and to rest in His hands. It is a choice. Will you choose to believe, to be strengthened and rest in the His righteous right hand? Or will you choose to dwell in the muck and mire that may consume you?

I choose life. I am so very grateful for conversations with friends, for the honor and privilege of praying for and learning from them. I am so incredibly grateful as I am inspired by those around me who don't even know or realize in their humility that they are an inspiration. And I am grateful to my Lord and Savior for the blessings in my life that I have only begun to learn to fully appreciate. Join me...take courage for our God is with us. He will strengthen, help, and hold us up with His perfect, holy hand.

Make it a grateful day!!

Debby

Emblazoned Days

Think of a special day in your life that remains emblazoned upon your memory because of it's significance. You know you will never forget it because of it's impact. But why not make every day a day of significance? I must admit, there are far too many days that pass without reference because I failed to utilize them to their full. While I thank God for each day, sadly, I squander. Oh - what a waste to squander a gift so precious and rare - for it will not come again and I've no idea what tomorrow holds.

I will set out to bless and accomplish at least one thing that will emblazon this date in my heart! And as a reminder - you can't go wrong with 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a:

⁴Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.⁵It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.⁶Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.⁷It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

⁸Love never fails.

Attitude of Gratitude - the Dart Test

Dart Test... A young lady named Sally, relates an experience she had in a seminary class, given by her teacher,Dr. Smith. She says that Dr. Smith was known for his elaborate object lessons. One particular day, Sally walked into the seminary and knew they were in for a fun day. On the wall was a big target and on a nearby table were many darts. Dr. Smith told the students to draw a picture of someone that they disliked or someone who had made them angry, and he would allow them to throw darts at the person's picture. Sally's friend drew a picture of who had stolen her boyfriend. Another friend drew a picture of his little brother.Sally drew a picture of a former friend, putting a great deal of detail into her drawing, even drawing pimples on the face.Sally was pleased with the overall effect she had achieved. The class lined up and began throwing darts. Some of the students threw their darts with such force that their targets were ripping apart.Sally looked forward to her turn, and was filled with disappointment when Dr. Smith, because of time limits, asked the students to return to their seats. AsSally sat thinking about how angry she was because she didn't have a chance to throw any darts at her target.Dr. Smith began removing the target from the wall. Underneath the target was a picture of Jesus. A hush fell over the room as each student viewed the mangled picture of Jesus;holes and jagged marks covered His face and His eyes were pierced. Dr. Smith said only these words.... 'In as much as ye have done it unto the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto Me.' Matthew 25:40. No other words were necessary; the tears filled eyes of the students focused only on the picture of Christ. Jesus said, 'If you are ashamed of me, I will be ashamed of you, before My Father.'

God is not very interested in our explanations. He knows why we do what we do. He doesn’t need our rationalizing. But God is a marvelous listener to our confessions.

AND TODAY – no matter how hard it may seem – called only to love one another and our neighbor as ourself. “[We] can do all things through Christ who gives [us] strength” Philippians 4:13

God bless and strengthen you today!

Attitude of Gratitude - A Beautiful Thing

Every time you smile at someone it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.

MOTHER TERESA

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God and he who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love, does not know God for God is love. 1John 4:7-8

As people become irritated or unsettled in the heat and continued financial uncertainty – everyone trying to accomplish more with less - let’s show people who we are by greeting everyone with a smile. Who knows what the next person is thinking…. Their mind may be on a loved one in the hospital and so they bumped into you – or they may be facing the unchartered territory of a first year without a parent, spouse, relative or friend and are finding it bewildering. Let’s be God’s arms to reach around and love by using our faces to spread His love.

Remember… it may not be that another appears arrogant or unkind “on purpose” but we can sure “love on purpose.” It's a beautiful thing.