Remain Faithful in Legacy Creation

So today you find yourself tempted to give in – it may seem harmless – but after all we are building a heritage/a legacy for others to see and say, “you made a difference in my life. You inspired me.” In order to do that, we must not give in, even to what appears to be the smallest of temptations – like participating in gossip, or giving an opinion where not welcomed nor invited, or supposing to know another’s motives in a negative light.

Don’t give in. It will change everything!

You are not alone. Others have been where you are and stood fast for much is at stake. Remember: No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. 1st Corinthians 10:13

I believe in you and there are so many that are watching your moves this very day to see how you handle the unkind comments of a co-worker, that trial at home or the casual onset of gossip. Be a peacemaker – be bold and faithful. There is a way to stand up keep your very legacy intact today.

And just for kicks – remember for a moment that person you aspire to be – the one God created you to be – and smile.

Pray with Gratitude

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 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 with joy and gratitude…. 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!

Free Indeed

William Penn wrote, “There can be no friendship when there is no freedom. Friendship loves the free air, and will not be fenced up in straight and narrow enclosures.”

Each aspect of our freedoms in this world have come with pain and suffering of one on behalf of another. Jesus died a horrible death – conquered death and rose - that we may be free, many lost their lives escaping from terrible tyranny and the inability to worship God and pray as their heart called in the trips and trials to America. The civil war was truly about the fact that no one should be enslaved to another as “all men are created equal under God.”

Those that would rob us of freedom continue to fight for their own way… yet in the place of the heart, I’ve recently learned within my own struggle… that it loves best when truly free. Stars return to our eyes when we allow, assist, encourage and even love enough to set flying those whom our hearts hold dearest. And while we may fear the launch… the open hand… the sending….it is only in freedom that we can remain friends and lay fertile ground for love to continue it’s flight.

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36 (NIV)

Loving well says, “I want the best for you no matter what.” So today- along with loving the heroes who’ve brought our physical, educational, and spiritual freedom to this place, I encourage you to look again toward your dearest loved ones with stars in your eyes and allow their flight to the greatest heights they can achieve as we cheer along the way, understanding we truly hold no one…. Yet God holds on to us.
You’ll find in the “release to soar” that you feel refreshed and liberated from grasp as well – for the Son has set you free – Enjoy being free indeed.

Joy Joy Joy - Live Life with Gusto

I read a great story. I think it's who I aspire to be...tee hee.... about a 63 year old woman who had been found (after five days) stranded on a river, her little inflatible fishing boat stuck to debri from a storm. Her son's comment to a reporter a day or two after she went missing was that "she's probably out somewhere she shouldn't be." And sure enough, in his opinion, she had been - out by herself fishing on the river. I admire her tenacity and spirit. She was a bit weather worn and dehydrated but was fully recovering and I'll bet she'd be so fun to know. I wonder if she used to have a partner in crime (like Lucy had Ethel).

I can think of many an adventure with friends or family where we laughed so hard at our predicament that we could not stand or in one case I remember, see for the tears from laughing so hard. I hope you can, even now, cite one of those times and revel in the joy of it. It's the same joy, I believe we can bring to this world every day...the same joy that I pray you experience from God.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)

So, as this day unfolds - reflect - enjoy and project the joy of this life in the midst of it all.

http://gratitudeattitudetoday.blogspot.com/

Blessings Bountiful Anew

There was a man named Jabez, who was just an average man, but his prayer was noteworthy - enough so that he is mentioned only this once in scripture.

"Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!" So God granted him what he requested. (1 Chronicles 4:9-10)

Does your heart long for blessings? Would you bless others with the outpouring? God's favor upon you.... Do you understand that God is waiting to bless you - to pour out blessings that would spill over not only upon those you seek to bless, but those they seek to bless as well?

I once knew a man who asked "why doesn't God make me wealthy? I could give so much to this cause?" It wasn't long after that that you could find him complaining that he was NOT the recipient of a "free hat" that was reserved for the cause volunteers. He went so far as to boast that he was a donor and deserved one. I don't think he understood how loudly his actions spoke that day. His answer in plain view for all to see, but lost on him.

And so, today, I ask God for His blessings, to enlarge my territory to bless, for His hand to guide and direct my path, that He would keep me from evil that I might not cause pain.

I do not measure the blessing in dollars and cents, but rather in love and kindness...let's make Jabez' prayer our own that we may be a blessing indeed here and now. You can start with a smile and twinkling eyes, a "thank you" or "God bless you." I'm going to.....I'm looking for yours! :-)

Attitude of Gratitude - Inspired by a Legacy of Love

A young police officer and Marine boldly in Afganistan and his two tours in Iraq, and more quietly here stateside lived out a legacy each and every day that encouraged and inspired. Every day simple gestures that changed the world around him....yet to him, a simple act of kindness so much a part of his nature that it required no deliberation or second thought. Little did he know buying cookies for a young boy would be his last interaction with another on this earth.

How would you be remembered? Would it be your kindness? love? mercy? inspiration or even sense of humor that lit a room? Would it be an act "heard round the world" such as our young police officer?

And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body [a]to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing.

4 Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, 5 does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, 6 does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; 7 [b]bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never fails;(1 Corinthians 13:3-8a)

I hope the following inspires you to live your life out loud in love and listen to that voice inside of you that prompts you to act and JUST DO IT. Every step you take will become more familiar and before you know it, your life will reflect a life of love and kindness and every day will hold "life changing" moments as those around you witness/feel your love in action.

http://www.godvine.com/Police-Officer-s-Final-Act-of-Kindness-Caught-on-Tape-Before-Dying-1065.html

It's a New Week and a New Dawn

Nicole Nordeman sings wonderful, soul-touching songs that speak to so many of our our heart's cries - part of one of her songs ....

It's a fear that keeps me wide awake, In the middle of the night
When the expectations are too great and the bar gets raised too high.

So I do the best with what I've got and hope that no one knows...that I strain to see how high I can try to stand on these toes
until I'm measured, but you know better

So thank You, Jesus - Even when You see us just as we are, fragile and frail and so far from who we want to be
So thank You, Jesus - Even when the pieces are broken and small, dreams shatter and scatter like the wind
Thank You even then...

I can relate to standing on my tippy toes to try to measure up, and having failed (at least my own expectations). I can feel consumed with sadness, fear and a horrible resolve that as a failure, "it will always be this way" when in fact, every day is filled with new opportunity.

22 Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. 23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-23)

I can stand today knowing that I am loved and this is a new week, a new morning - fresh, clean and full of opportunity. We never have to fall into "it will always be" when we are promised otherwise with each new dawn.
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Enjoy a great new day!

(to hear the whole song go to http://www.music-lyrics-gospel.com/free_mp3_downloads.asp?artist=Nichole+Nordeman&id=art.14668 and select "Even Then.")

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