Today I was reading Emily Freeman's email, Let's Share What We Learned in March, where she briefly mentioned how valuable it is to her to look back at the end of the day and ask questions like, where did I see God today? It really got me thinking. Until last fall, I had a daily practice of writing down 10 things for which I was grateful at the end of each day. A big change in my routine caused me to abandon that practice. I regret it a bit. Maybe that's why asking the question, "Where did I see God today?" caught my attention. Do you evaluate your day before you turn in … [Read more...]
Something happened on Good Friday. I was preparing my Facebook posts for the An Extraordinary Day page... it wasn't something I wanted to do... I was just going through the motions... and then I found myself going from being detached... to totally desiring to speak and share Truth. God's Truth. Jesus' sacrifice. Something happened to my heart in the midst of writing and preparing those posts. Our church had a Good Friday service which we attended. For several weeks I had struggled to join in the corporate singing. But that night, I easily sang those songs. I sang Truth. And worshiped. Really … [Read more...]
I might as well say it. I'm in a funk. It's not a fun place to be. And it's an unhealthy one, too. I'm feeling sorry for myself because nothing is going my way. You've been in that place, I'm sure. That place where it feels like God is actively involved in the lives of others around you. But does He even know we exist? (Don't answer that!) Yesterday I was working at a little side gig... sewing away on pillows... upstairs of one of the little cute shops in our little downtown... when the shop owner came upstairs to ask me if I had a strong stomach. I … [Read more...]
Wouldn't you like to have God's blessing? One morning, because frankly, things have not been going as we hoped and prayed, I asked the Lord for a word of encouragement. As I opened my Bible it fell open to Jeremiah. I'm not sure why, but God has often used passages there to speak to my heart in big ways. I read a few chapters and came to these verses... But I will bless those who trust me. They will be like trees growing beside a stream— trees with roots that reach down to the water, and with leaves that are always green. They bear fruit every year and are never … [Read more...]
Is there something going on in your life that you're praying about and seeking God's help to see you through? Maybe you're like me. When I'm facing something big... I pray like crazy... I ask my close friends to pray like crazy... and when things don't seem to be moving along... I enlist others to pray... and possibly even seek advice. You know what my problem is? I lack faith. Recently I read a story about an elderly woman's exchange with a young man. He asked her what he should do to get God's help with his need. Her reply might surprise you. She told the … [Read more...]
Do you believe in coincidences? I prefer to think of them as God moments. To me those coincidences are reminders of God's hand at work in my life. I like to think of those coincidences as His attention-getting tools. He's pretty clever that way. Recently I received an email that contained a graphic with the word, endurance. I contemplated it for a minute and then was off to the next email. Later in the day a good friend left a comment on Facebook with a scripture verse. It was there that the word endurance popped out at me, again. Have you ever given much … [Read more...]
Download this 4x6 PRINTABLE for personal use HERE. 1 Corinthians 13 is known as the love chapter. It's often quoted and probably used more than another scripture for weddings. This love chapter is full of "what if's." What if I could speak all languages of humans and of angels? What if I could prophesy and understand all secrets and all knowledge? What if I had faith that moved mountains? (from 1 Corinthians 13 CEV) What if? Our what if's could go on forever. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love. Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for … [Read more...]
It's nearly Valentine's Day and you need some ideas. Quick! No need to fear. I've assembled 40 quick and easy last minute Valentine's Day printables... perfect for kids of all ages. You'll have a hard time choosing from all the creative cards, fun activity sheets, treat ideas, toppers, tags, and more. There are some amazing low-cost ideas too. Get ready.... because it's time to be inspired!! 40 Last Minute Valentine's Day Printables You are So Loved - Printable :: Bombshell Bling Have a Heart - Printable :: Bloom Designs Valentine Envelopes Free … [Read more...]
I have friends and family going through hard times right now. Maybe you're facing some pretty tough days with illness, loss, relationships, or finances? What do we do when faced with difficult times? Cling to this verse and remember... The Lord is fighting for ME! The Lord is fighting for you! So be still! Exodus 14:14 GW This verse needs to be our banner. Our theme song, so to speak. We need to write it down, post it on our mirrors, on our computer screens, on the fridge, over the sink, anywhere we might see it and be reminded. The Lord is fighting for you! So be still! Exodus 14:14 … [Read more...]
When I was in college I traveled to Europe. I saw and did some amazing things. One memorable event was to see "Carmen" performed. Don't be jealous. I watched it from the nose-bleed section of the Vienna Opera House in the standing-only section. Have you ever stood in one small spot to watch an entire opera? Let's just say it was extremely difficult. I wanted to sit down. It was painfully tiring to say the least. There I was, watching this incredible opera after spending a day of sightseeing, shifting from leg to leg. I remember the standing to see "Carmen" much more than anything from the … [Read more...]
Today we had the first sunshine in what seems like a week. At least. Oh how I missed the sunshine. To say I was elated to see sunshine in the forecast was an understatement. I wanted to spend my entire day outside, soaking in every single ray of light and warmth from that huge orb in the sky. However, at a whopping 13 degrees... even at 11 o'clock in the morning... I just looked out the window. Fortunately the temps quickly rose to the high twenties by mid afternoon and I made the most of it. Outside. As the day came to a close, we stood on frozen ice soaking in the beauties of the setting sun … [Read more...]
Valentine's Day... It seems people fall into three categories: Love it. Indifferent. Hate it. Like most holidays... we bring baggage to the day that colors the way we see it. The twist with Valentine's Day is that it's about love and romance. And others say it's just a commercial holiday that puts pressure on us. Where do you fall on the Valentine's Day continuum? I decided that Valentine's Day is a great time to shower love and kindness on our friends and family. Those who are indifferent or hate the day... I've never seen them protest a thoughtful gift. And the lovers.... they eat up … [Read more...]
Have you been facing many challenges and difficulties in your life? Do you resist them? Do you get angry and frustrated with God? Especially when circumstances don't change, no matter how hard you pray? My week was full of small challenges... on top of big ones that are already enough. Maybe you identify? Somewhere in the midst of my troubles I have come to realize that my role is not to wiggle out of these situations... but instead to move gracefully through them in God's strength and power. I'm not saying that there aren't ugly moments. Because there are. I have my melt-downs. I … [Read more...]
Many of us are going through something right now. If we aren't, then most likely someone we are close to needs our support. That something might be a job loss, a physical or emotional illness, a challenging relationship or a break in a relationship, finances, even death. The journey is difficult. And my words sometimes seem empty. One thing I know for sure..... ...the joy of the Lord is your strength! Nehemiah 8:10 This is true.... The JOY of the Lord IS our strength. It's not in our doing, striving, reaching, or any other effort. It's HIM...all … [Read more...]
Did you step into the new year with a new planner and a new plan to make this the best year ever? The success experts encourage us to set goals, to map our days, our work, even our relationships. As you penned those good intentions into your life planner have you set holiness as one of your goals? What? Who in this day and age, talks about being holy, let alone list it as a life-goal? That's a good question. Most of us would agree God calls us to holy living, but really, making that a penned-on-paper life-goal... whom among us is that purposeful? As obedient … [Read more...]
Did you notice that the blog loaded more quickly today? (Let me know if you noticed a difference.) I strongly dislike going to other blogs and twiddling my thumbs while I wait for them to load. That isn't fun. Along with the slow load time, I was having a few other issues. So, I decided that the most important thing for me to do was to get new hosting which I did. And we'll see if it impacts the other issues. I hope so. However, my timing was a little off and I made a rookie mistake and brought the blog offline for a few hours yesterday... during the time I had set aside to finish up this … [Read more...]
My favorite way to ring in the New Year is by hosting a party at home. Unfortunately, it doesn't happen that often. Usually after an incredibly busy Christmas season I have run out of steam and my party is just a dream by New Year's Eve. This year I had fun putting together a few ideas to ring in the New Year. They aren't New Year's Eve specific. If you host friends or family for a New Year's brunch to watch the Rose Parade (Some day I'm going to see those floats up-close and personal and even behind the scenes!) or a lovely sit down dinner, you'll love creating special memory book favors or … [Read more...]
