Every Day, some where we can't be, a child is lost, never to laugh again...
Dear Lord,
We ask of you, keep these children safe and sound, let
no harm come before they are found. They are lost from their family, from
the ones they love, return them home, and protect them from
above. Place your loving arms around them today, guide them safely back
home, to You this we pray.
define 'Self Denial'- self-de·ni·al (s lf d-n l) n. Sacrifice of one's own desires or interests.
It was a much warmer morning today at dawn! I got ready and headed out with a friend for a last morning of volunteering before I start a month long course in February at the local collage. I wondered as I watched the children play at the non-profit organization nursery, why more people don't take the time to come out and enjoy the children there. We spent 1 1/2 hours talking about orange juice, family pets and the assortment of things to play with. They happily enjoyed a snack provided of cookie's, fruit and juice while their Mom's had time to themselves. After the children were picked up, I cleaned up the toys, wiped the table and headed to the car. As usual, I left smiling.....
"“the real "work" of prayer is to become silent and listen to the voice that says good things about me."
~Henri J.M. Nouwen
I recently visited a friend of mine who I caught right in the middle of writing a study to present to her Bible study class. While interrupting her, I noticed her had in her possession this book by Henri JM Nowen. She allowed me to take it home for a day or two to read. Its a wonderful book written to inspire the reader to connect with the Christ self, becoming aware of just how loved we all really are and believe that you ARE the Beloved ♥
“When we claim and constantly reclaim the truth of being the chosen ones, we soon discover within ourselves a deep desire to reveal to others their own chosenness. Instead of making us feel that we are better, more precious or valuable than others, our awareness of being chosen opens our eyes to the chosenness of others. That is the great joy of being chosen: the discovery that others are chosen as well. In the house of God there are many mansions. There is a place for everyone - a unique, special place. Once we deeply trust that we ourselves are precious in God's eyes, we are able to recognize the preciousness of others and their unique places in God's heart.”
― Henri J.M. Nouwen, Life of the Beloved: Spiritual Living in a Secular World
"That was
deliberate!That was deliberate!" ~Gimli from Lord of the Rings
Doing things on purpose is
what we try to do as humans. As we know, we all get caught up in the
distractions. Things that take our mind away from what we are
trying to do to succeed. Trying to do things to get results, we must on
Purpose to do the right thing. Making
relationships work, paying bills on time, eating right for health, saving that
$20 bucks out the pay every time is what makes the difference. If we sit and
wait for it to happen, it never will on its own.
Being Spiritual is the
same. We must work at this to become more aware of how God is trying to help
us.
Our motto should be:
"Be a Christ centered person, becoming like a disciple who will sacrifice,
love and serve to help my community in any way I can."
What does Christ centered
person mean, you might ask me? I define Christ centered person as a kind,
humane believer in a higher source that bringing health and healing sought by
faith, with-out medical treatment: )
Be stubborn about doing
the right thing, even if it’s just making sure your empty Tim's cup makes it to
the right recycling bin.
How to do this-
1- Focus daily on what you
want- 1 Corinthians 3:6-9
2-Get rid of
distractions-Philippians 1-11
3-Trust-a act of faith,
that as you lose your old self, a new one will develop! Luke 17:20
So the mural to
'Resolutions for a New Year' are, Give up the un-needed, take up what you need
to change and Journey on!
"Our greatest fear should not be of failure, but of succeeding at things in life that don't really matter."
After going over last Sunday's lesson at the service, I decided to feature this question for my fellow blogger's...How do we find what God is doing in our life." Myself, I am always looking for sign's that God has tried to talk to me, a pebble I find, response from people I met and maybe the color of the rising /setting Sun.
In my opinion, here's what to look for daily-
~New Stories- A tale over coffee, a gossip at the store or a thought that intrudes your prayer/meditation.-Luke 10:29-"But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”
~New Songs- Looking for life rhythms that sooth your moods. It can be a obvious music, humming a nameless tune or the ticking of your clock that brings harmony to life. -Psalms 40:3-"He put a new song in my mouth, praise to our God! Many will watch and be in awe."
note-Read 1 Samuel 3:1 -21 : )
How do we find the "Word" this in our daily life?
1. Seek the lord! -Jeremiah 29:11-13-"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. "
2.Obey! -1 Samuel 3:10- God came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”
3. Take new territory! Hosea 10:12 "Sow righteousness for yourselves, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, until he comes and showers his righteousness on you."
After some controversies at the beginning of the Holiday season, I did manage to spend a Sunday,December 23, afternoon at the Son, Chris's home with my daught-in-law,Samantha, two daughters, two grand daughters and him-self...we had a lovely turkey cooked to perfection with all the trimmings. On Christmas eve, I attended the service at my church with music, old friends and new ones : )
Christmas day was quiet. I did go to the local Christmas Dinner hosted my the Lion's club in Yarmouth. My old friend, Alex Giggeroff recited "A Night before Christmas, sang and kept me entertained for a hour or so with his humor. I also had a chat with members of the local Liberal party who were attending there.The food was good, the choir excellent and they even gave me some fruit to take home. After me and my friend spent most of the afternoon & evening planning what we will do in 2013. I want to thank all my friend's who contributed to my holidays with gift's food, rides and entertainment! blessings to All of you Angels! I've been working on my book a bit this week plus a few writer's contests that have come to my attention, getting my soap box warned up and waiting patiently for the next step in my
"fight for freedom"... Here's a picture of my gift's from Santa for ya's ♥
