Advertisements

Tag Archives: Hope

16 Inspirational Father’s Day Quotes

17 Saturday Jun 2017

Posted by in God, Hope, Music, Quotes, Religion and Spirituality, Spirituality, Videos

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , ,

What do you think of when you hear the word Father? That word has so many meanings today. Our families really don’t look the same anymore. Let’s face it, many kids are not growing up with their father.

Today 1 in 4 children under the age of 18 — a total of about 17.2 million — are being raised without a father and almost half 40% live below the poverty line.  (US Census Bureau, Household Relationship and Living Arrangements of Children Under 18 Years, by Age and Sex: 2016)

From Fathers.com:

More Data on the Extent of Fatherlessness

  • An estimated 24.7 million children (33%) live absent their biological father.
    Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey, “Living Arrangements of Children under 18 Years/1 and Marital Status of Parents by Age, Sex, Race, and Hispanic Origin/2 and Selected Characteristics  of the Child for all Children 2010.” Table C3. Internet Release Date November, 2010.
  • Of students in grades 1 through 12, 39 percent (17.7 million) live in homes absent their biological fathers.
    Source: Nord, Christine Winquist, and Jerry West. Fathers’ and Mothers’ Involvement in their Children’s Schools by Family Type and Resident Status. Table 1. (NCES 2001-032). Washington, DC: U.S. Dept of Education, National Center of Education Statistics, 2001.
  • 57.6% of black children, 31.2% of Hispanic children, and 20.7% of white children are living absent their biological fathers.
    Source: Family Structure and Children’s Living Arrangements 2012. Current Population Report. U.S.  Census Bureau July 1, 2012.
  • According to 72.2 % of the U.S. population, fatherlessness is the most significant family or social problem facing America.
    Source: National Center for Fathering, Fathering in America Poll, January, 1999.

 

There is an opportunity here. Every kid needs a male figure to look up to, to model, and learn from. We desperately need Spiritual Fathers for these kids.  We need men who will step up and step in to a child’s life to make a difference.  How will our sons learn honor and how to protect? How will our daughters learn how valuable they are?

Thank you Lord for providing for the fatherless kids, thank you Lord for the men who will step up and show our boys how to be men and our girls how to be women. And God please bless those men who do.

father to the fatherless

At that time the followers came to Jesus. They said, “Who is the greatest in the holy nation of heaven?” Jesus took a little child and put him among them. He said, “For sure, I tell you, unless you have a change of heart and become like a little child, you will not get into the holy nation of heaven. Whoever is without pride as this little child is the greatest in the holy nation of heaven. Whoever receives a little child because of Me receives Me. But whoever is the reason for one of these little children who believe in Me to fall into sin, it would be better for him to have a large rock put around his neck and to be thrown into the sea. – Matthew 18:1-6 NLV

wp-myfather.jpg

16 Inspirational Father’s Day Quotes 

  1. “A good father is one of the most unsung, unpraised, unnoticed, and yet one of the most valuable assets in our society.” – Billy Graham
  2. “”The heart of a father is the masterpiece of nature.” – Antoine-François Prévost
  3. “To be a father requires patience, love and giving up the ‘all about me’ attitude.” Catherine Pulsifer
  4. “I encourage all fathers to focus on the intangibles, because those are the gifts that make the difference.” Asha Patrick
  5. “Becoming a good father is not automatic – it takes time and effort. We must be willing to invest in this job – our most important, second to being a husband – as any other career we might pursue.” Dr. John C. Maxwell
  6. “I have repeatedly stated and emphatically declared that the key to the restoration and preservation of a sane and healthy society is the salvaging of the male, especially as a responsible father.” Myles Munroe
  7. “Any man can be a Father it takes someone special to be a Dad.”  – Author Unknown
  8. “When I was a boy of fourteen, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be twenty-one, I was astonished at how much he had learned in seven years.” – Mark Twain
  9. “By profession I am a soldier and take pride in that fact. But I am prouder – infinitely prouder — to be a father. A soldier destroys in order to build; the father only builds, never destroys.” – Douglas MacArthur
  10. “It takes a strong man to accept somebody else’s children and step up to the plate another man left on the table.” – Ray Johnson
  11. “I want to congratulate all the men out there who are working diligently to be good fathers whether they are stepfathers, or biological fathers, or just spiritual fathers.” – TD Jakes
  12. “I have repeatedly stated and emphatically declared that the key to the restoration and preservation of a sane and healthy society is the salvaging of the male, especially as a responsible father.” – Myles Munroe
  13. “The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him.” -Psalm 103:13 (NLT)
  14. “When you’re young, you think your dad is Superman. Then you grow up, and you realize he’s just a regular guy who wears a cape.” – Dave Atell
  15. “It is easier for a father to have children than for children to have a real father.” – Pope John XXIII
  16. The father of godly children has cause for joy. What a pleasure to have children who are wise.” – Proverbs 23:24 (NLT)

Father

 

Advertisements

Learning to Rest

15 Monday May 2017

Posted by in Anxiety, faith, God, Healing, Hope, Religion and Spirituality, Spirituality

≈ 8 Comments

Tags

, , , , ,

Learning to rest. It is not always easy in this digital world. There are so many pretty things to look at. Plus you can see who is doing what any time you want. It’s insane. I miss the simpler times. The days without cell phones – when you had to leave a message on the answering machine and we could call them back when we wanted to. Our kids will never know life without cell phones. I mean really – I did not have internet when I grew up. No computer at home. Really. My kids think I’m a dinosaur.

There are times I have to unplug. Just rest and be. Go for a walk, dig in the dirt, just breathe. This life is so fast. The older I get, the faster time flies.

Can you relate?

 

rest 4

God’s Word for You:

  • “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” – Matthew 11:28-30 NKJV
  • “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
    will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
    I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
    my God, in whom I trust.” – Psalm 91:1-2 NIV
  • “The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place.” – Mark 6:30-32 NIV
  • “Six days you shall labor, but on the seventh day you shall rest; even during the plowing season and harvest you must rest.” – Exodus 34:21 NIV
  • “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.- Philippians 4:6-7 NIV

My Prayer for You:

Dear Lord,

Help us to let go of this world and rest in you. Bring to our minds the peace of spending time just resting in You. Let us choose to trust you with all our trials and tribulations knowing that this life is only temporary. You are the Author and Finisher of our faith. Forgive our disbelief. Our beginning and our ending is in You and what you have already done. Increase our faith, in Jesus Name.

 

 

rest 2

14 Inspirational Mother’s Day Quotes

10 Wednesday May 2017

Posted by in Hope, motivational, Quotes, Spirituality, Women

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

, , , , ,

14 Inspirational Mother’s Day Quotes

mothers day

 

  1. “An ounce of mother is worth a ton of priest.” — Spanish Proverb

  2. “A mom’s hug lasts long after she lets go.”—Author Unknown

  3. “I remember my mother’s prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life.” — Abraham Lincoln

  4. “Motherhood: All love begins and ends there.” — Robert Browning

  5. “As is the mother, so is her daughter.” — Ezekiel 16:4

  6. “Mothers were meant to love us unconditionally, to understand our moments of stupidity, to reprimand us for lame excuses while yet acknowledging our point of view, to weep over our pain and failures as well as cry at our joy and successes, and to cheer us on despite countless start-overs. Heaven knows, no one else will.” — RIichelle E Goodrich

  7. “Most mothers are instinctive philosophers.” — Harriet  Beecher Stowe

  8. “Having children just puts the whole world into perspective. Everything else just disappears.” — Kate Winslet

  9. “Mothers hold their children’s hands for a short while, but their hearts forever.” — Unknown

  10. “The real religion of the world comes from women much more than from men — from mothers most of all, who carry the key of our souls in their bosoms.”  — Oliver Wendell Holmes

  11. “Mama was my greatest teacher, a teacher of compassion, love and fearlessness. If love is sweet as a flower, then my mother is that sweet flower of love.” — Stevie Wonder

  12. “Mothers were the only ones you could depend on to tell the whole, unvarnished truth.”―Margaret Dilloway,

  13. “Mother, the ribbons of your love are woven around my heart.” — Author Unknown

  14. “A mother is a mother still,

    The holiest thing alive.” – Samuel Taylor Coleridge

mothers day 2.jpg

 

Related Posts:

What to Do When Life is Frustrating

26 Wednesday Apr 2017

Posted by in God, Hope, Religion and Spirituality, Spirituality

≈ 6 Comments

Tags

, , , , , ,

It was one of those days. You know. You wake up too early, before the alarm. Can’t  get back to sleep. Ugggh. Go to work and find out what you did wrong this week. Dumb mistakes.  Double ugggh. Thinking to yourself, “How did I screw that up?  I can’t believe I did that.” Then you lose your phone at work. Yeah, been one of those days. Hopefully it will turn up tomorrow.

Am I happy – no. Am I joyful – no. Let’s be real. Some days just suck. But what do you do with that frustration feeling? Call me crazy – I looked up verses on frustration. I know I can’t be the only one  having a bad day.

img_0625

7 Verses on What to Do When You Are Frustrated

  1. Jesus answered them, “Do you finally believe? In fact, you’re about to make a run for it—saving your own skins and abandoning me. But I’m not abandoned. The Father is with me. I’ve told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.” – John 31-33 MSG

  2. “Haven’t I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don’t be timid; don’t get discouraged. God, your God, is with you every step you take.” – Joshua 1:9 MSG

  3. “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” – Matthew 11:28 MSG

  4.  “I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back. So let’s keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you’ll see it yet! Now that we’re on the right track, let’s stay on it.” – Philippians 3:12-16 MSG

  5. When God, who is the best shepherd of all, comes out in the open with his rule, he’ll see that you’ve done it right and commend you lavishly. And you who are younger must follow your leaders. But all of you, leaders and followers alike, are to be down to earth with each other, for— God has had it with the proud, But takes delight in just plain people. So be content with who you are, and don’t put on airs. God’s strong hand is on you; he’ll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you. ” – “1 Peter 5:4-7 MSG

  6. “But you, Israel, are my servant. You’re Jacob, my first choice, descendants of my good friend Abraham. I pulled you in from all over the world, called you in from every dark corner of the earth, Telling you, ‘You’re my servant, serving on my side. I’ve picked you. I haven’t dropped you.’ Don’t panic. I’m with you. There’s no need to fear for I’m your God. I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you. I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.” – Isaiah 41:8-10 MSGimg_0626

  7. “This is God’s Word on the subject: “As soon as Babylon’s seventy years are up and not a day before, I’ll show up and take care of you as I promised and bring you back home. I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. “When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I’ll listen. “When you come looking for me, you’ll find me. “Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I’ll make sure you won’t be disappointed.” God’s Decree. “I’ll turn things around for you. I’ll bring you back from all the countries into which I drove you”—God’s Decree—“bring you home to the place from which I sent you off into exile. You can count on it.” – Jeremiah 29:10-14 MSG



God Doesn’t Need a Power Cord

20 Thursday Apr 2017

Posted by in faith, God, Hope, Kingdom Authority, Music, Religion and Spirituality, Spirituality, Videos

≈ 10 Comments

Tags

, , , , , ,

It was the end of another day.  Then God decided to show me something. My husband works in IT and brings his laptop to work everyday.  He carries it in a computer bag. Well last night God showed up in our ordinary everyday life!  Have you ever seen the power of God just show up?

Bob grabbed his computer bag. He reached in and grabbed his computer. It was still closed and not attached to any power source. Immediately it started playing a David Crowder song. “Oh Wanderer come home, you’re not too far” is what we heard. It’s from the song “Come As You Are.”

God doesn’t need a power cord. He can show up at any time in any way in our ordinary everyday lives. 

The power of God lives in each of us and sometimes when you touch things stuff happens.

All Bob did was touch the computer and the song started playing. The computer was not on. The computer by all rights should not have done that. But there is our God – breaking all barriers and reminding us that He can do anything. He is the power above all powers – even computers, lol!

I have blown up so many light bulbs I can’t tell you. I have turned off televisions and radios and other stuff just by touching it. Some of my pianos have taken a hike too. The power of God lives in each of us believers and it is amazing!  No wonder God wants us to lay hands on the sick – the power of God lives in us and can heal.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” – 2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV

The power of the living God is flowing through you. The blood of Jesus is flowing through your veins. The same power that rose Jesus from the dead is in you if you have received the Holy Spirit.  Now what will we do with it?

presence

 

Here is the song God played for us last night:

 

Come as You Are
Crowder
Come out of sadness
From wherever you’ve been
Come broken hearted
Let rescue begin
Come find your mercy
Oh sinner come kneel
Earth has no sorrow
That heaven can’t heal
Earth has no sorrow
That heaven can’t heal
So lay down your burdens
Lay down your shame
All who are broken
Lift up your face
Oh wanderer come home
You’re not too far
So lay down your hurt
Lay down your heart
Come as you are
There’s hope for the hopeless
And all those who’ve strayed
Come sit at the table
Come taste the grace
There’s rest for the weary
Rest that endures
Earth has no sorrow
That heaven can’t cure
So lay down your burdens
Lay down your shame
All who are broken
Lift up your face
Oh wanderer come home
You’re not too far
Lay down your hurt lay down your heart
Come as you are
Come as you are
Fall in his arms
Come as you are
There’s joy for the morning
Oh sinner be still
Earth has no sorrow
That heaven can’t heal
Earth has no sorrow
That heaven can’t heal
So lay down your burdens
Lay down your shame
All who are broken
Lift up your face
Oh wanderer come home
You’re not too far
So lay down your hurt
Lay down your heart
Come as you are
Come as you are
Come as you are
Come as you are
Songwriters: David Crowder / Ben Glover Glover / Matt Maher
Come as You Are lyrics © Capitol Christian Music Group
light

14 Quotes on Why Easter Matters

12 Wednesday Apr 2017

Posted by in faith, God, Hope, Quotes, Religion and Spirituality, Spirituality

≈ 7 Comments

Tags

, , , , , , , ,

Easter. It’s one of the biggest Holidays if you are a believer. The day of all days! Hallelujah there is life after this one! Jesus came and died and paid the price for our sins – for our trying to live life without God and denying His existence.  I used to live my life without God and without hope. Ended up in a Hospital Ward – more than once.

For me the resurrection of Jesus means I can have a resurrection too. Easter means that my life can change from death to life with Jesus. For me it means that there is hope, I am not alone, and the God of all the Universe is on my side and will help me. Easter means that I have hope and joy and love and grace – all as a gift from God for what Jesus decided to do for us. We didn’t ask Him. While we were still sinners and not even born yet Christ died for us. I didn’t know Him yet – but He knew me and you. Easter means that God will give us a helper – the Holy Spirit to help us through this quagmire called the world. For me Easter means that this world here on planet Earth is only the beginning – there is way more fun stuff to come in Heaven. Streets of gold, pearly gates, constant praise, with no more sorrow, no more tears, no more suffering – sign me up!

HeisRisen

God’s Word for You:

“Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, 9 knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him. 10 For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. 11 Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 6:8-11 NKJV

“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” She said to Him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”” – John 11:25-27 NKJV

“But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.” – Romans 8:11

Easter

14 Quotes on Why Easter Matters

  1. “Jesus Christ did not come into this world to make bad people good; He came into this world to make dead people live.” – Lee Strobel
  2. ” God undertook the most dramatic rescue operation in cosmic history. He determined to save the human race from self-destruction, and He sent His Son Jesus Christ to salvage and redeem them. The work of man’s redemption was accomplished at the cross.” – Billy Graham
  3. “Easter says you can put truth in a grave, but it won’t stay there.”- Clarence W. Hall
  4. “The resurrection gives my life meaning and direction and the opportunity to start over no matter what my circumstances.” — Robert Flatt
  5. “For me the most radical demand of Christian faith lies in summoning the courage to say yes to the present risenness of Jesus Christ.” – ― Brennan Manning
  6. “Do not abandon yourselves to despair. We are the Easter people and hallelujah is our song.” – Pope John Paul II
  7. “Here is the amazing thing about Easter; the Resurrection Sunday for Christians is this, that Christ in the dying moments on the cross gives us the greatest illustration of forgiveness possible.” — T.D. Jakes
  8. “The cross is the lightning rod of grace that short- circuits God’s wrath to Christ so that only the light of his love remains for belivers.” – A.W. Tozer
  9. “Before the resurrection of Christ, the Holy Spirit came upon individuals only on certain occasions for special tasks. But now, after the resurrection, Christ through the Holy Spirit dwells in the heart of every believer to give us supernatural power in living our daily lives.” – Billy Graham
  10. “Our old histroy ends with the cross, our new history begins with the resurrection.” – Watchman Nee
  11. “Let every man and woman count himself immortal. Let him catch the revelation of Jesus in his resurrection. Let him say not merely, “Christ is risen,” but “I shall rise.” — Phillips Brooks
  12. “We are adopted into God’s family through the resurrection of Christ from the dead in which he paid all our obligations to sin, the law, and the devil, in whose family we once lived. Our old status lies in his tomb. A new status is ours through his resurrection.” – Sinclair B. Ferguson
  13. “The resurrection completes the inauguration of God’s kingdom. . . . It is the decisive event demonstrating thet God’s kingdom really has been launched on earth as it is in heaven. The message of Easter is that God’s new world has been unveiled in Jesus Christ and that you’re now invited to belong to it.” – N.T. Wright
  14. “The resurrection gives my life meaning and direction and the opportunity to start over no matter what my circumstances. ” – Robert Flatt

Easter 2

The Wisdom in Avoiding Extremes

26 Sunday Mar 2017

Posted by in God, Hope, Religion and Spirituality, Spirituality

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , ,

I admit it. I struggle with extremes. It’s that alll or nothing mentality. You either love me or you hate me. I’m a hopeless sinner or a forgiven saint. It’s all flesh, I know. But I struggle. Sometimes my emotions get the best of me. I act before I think. I jump in with both feet first with no consideration of the consequences. Sometimes that works, and other times I find myself drowning.

I don’t want to be reckless, or a wandering gypsy my whole life. I look back and I am amazed I am still here. I know there is a God – I am still breathing! I’m amazed at all that the Lord has brought me out of – depression, despair, violence, etc. My whole life has been covered with His mercy and grace. Every time I fell, He gently picked me up and led me out of the desert. He led me beside quiet waters. Now what do I do, lol? God give me wisdom.

What about you?

wp-1490550421138.jpg

God’s Word for You:

Ecclesiastes 7:16-20 Do not be excessively righteous like those given to self-conceit, and do not be overly wise pretentious—why should you bring yourself to ruin? Do not be excessively or willfully wicked and do not be a fool. Why should you die before your time? It is good that you take hold of one thing righteousness and also not let go of the other wisdom; for the one who fears and worships God with awe-filled reverence will come forth with both of them. Wisdom strengthens the wise man more than ten rulers who are in a city. Indeed, there is not a righteous man on earth who always does good and who never sins.

wp-1490550430963.jpg

Proverbs 4:5-9 “Get skillful and godly wisdom! Acquire understanding actively seek spiritual discernment, mature comprehension, and logical interpretation! Do not forget nor turn away from the words of my mouth. “Do not turn away from her Wisdom and she will guard and protect you; Love her, and she will watch over you. “The beginning of wisdom is: Get skillful and godly wisdom it is preeminent! And with all your acquiring, get understanding actively seek spiritual discernment, mature comprehension, and logical interpretation. “Prize wisdom and exalt her, and she will exalt you; She will honor you if you embrace her. “She will place on your head a garland of grace; She will present you with a crown of beauty and glory.”

Proverbs 16-3

James 1:5-6 If any of you lacks wisdom to guide him through a decision or circumstance, he is to ask of our benevolent God, who gives to everyone generously and without rebuke or blame, and it will be given to him. But he must ask for wisdom in faith, without doubting God’s willingness to help, for the one who doubts is like a billowing surge of the sea that is blown about and tossed by the wind. 

My Prayer for You:

Dear Lord,

Help us with this wisdom stuff. Let us not be thrown about with the waves of our emotions. Feelings are so fickle Lord. Give us discernment to run every thought through your Word to see if it is true or not. Help us to reject the words that are not true and hold on to the promises You have given us. Lord, give us wisdom about the right way to go. Help us to stop and think. Help us to stop and wait for You to lead, in Jesus Name.


10 Inspirational Quotes on Not Giving Up

19 Sunday Mar 2017

Posted by in Hope, Motivation, motivational, Quotes, Religion and Spirituality, Spirituality

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , ,

10 Inperserverancespirational Quotes on Not Giving Up:

  1. “You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.” – Maya Angelou

  2. “Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.” – Thomas Edison

  3. “Success seems to be largely a matter of hanging on after others have let go.” – William Feather

  4. “When the world says, “Give up,” Hope whispers, “Try it one more time.” – Author Unknown

  5. “Failure is only the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently.” – Henry Ford

  6. “The best way out is always through.” -Robert Frost

  7. “If you are going through hell, keep going.” – Winston Churchill

  8. “When you cstrength3ome to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt

  9. “When you get into a tight place, and everything goes against you till it seems as if you couldn’t hold on a minute longer, never give up then, for that’s just the place and time that the tide’ll turn.” – Harriet Beecher Stowe

  10. “The greatest oak was once a little nut who held its ground.” – Author Unknown

 

“ Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.” – James 1:2-4 MSG

repost-us-image-9428669

“There’s more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we’re never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can’t round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!” – Romans 5:3-5 MSG

 

enjoy the water

“So let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don’t give up, or quit. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith.” – Galatians 6:9-10 MSG

Hope is Our Anchor

21 Tuesday Feb 2017

Posted by in faith, God, Healing, Hope, Music, Religion and Spirituality, Spirituality, Videos

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , ,

Have you ever been on a boat? There is something peaceful about being in the water. I love it. The waves, the air and the freedom is exhilarating.  Inside every boat is an anchor. When we want to stop or rest or steady our boat all we need to do is drop anchor. The anchor goes down to the bottom of the river, the sea, the lake or whatever and stops our movement. The best thing about anchors- it’s  already in the boat!

When life gets crazy and things don’t make sense – throw out that hope anchor.

When you get bad news or are worried – throw out that hope anchor.

When a friend talks trash about you or betrays your trust – throw out that hope anchor.

God will catch it and us. He is our hope of glory. He will catch us when we fall. He will heal our broken hearts – He promised!

 

img_0567

Hebrews 6:19-20 This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek. 



Hebrews 6:18 We who have run for our very lives to God have every reason to grab the promised hope with both hands and never let go. It’s an unbreakable spiritual lifeline, reaching past all appearances right to the very presence of God where Jesus, running on ahead of us, has taken up his permanent post as high priest for us, in the order of Melchizedek. 


Climb that Mountain!

18 Saturday Feb 2017

Posted by in faith, God, Hope, Religion and Spirituality, Spirituality

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

, , , , ,

You remember that old song? Climb every mountain? Want to know why? God is waiting to meet you at the top of that mountain! Remember Moses? He had to climb that mountain more than once. But God met him there and he received the Word. 

Exodus 24:12-18 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Come up to Me on the mountain and be there; and I will give you tablets of stone, and the law and commandments which I have written, that you may teach them.” So Moses arose with his assistant Joshua, and Moses went up to the mountain of God. And he said to the elders, “Wait here for us until we come back to you. Indeed, Aaron and Hur are with you. If any man has a difficulty, let him go to them.” Then Moses went up into the mountain, and a cloud covered the mountain. Now the glory of the Lord rested on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days. And on the seventh day He called to Moses out of the midst of the cloud. The sight of the glory of the Lord was like a consuming fire on the top of the mountain in the eyes of the children of Israel. So Moses went into the midst of the cloud and went up into the mountain. And Moses was on the mountain forty days and forty nights. 

What about Peter and James and John? They had to climb that mountain to. Jesus walked them up the mountain.  Guess who was there waiting? God and Elijah and Moses! 

Mark 9:2-10 Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John, and led them up on a high mountain apart by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. His clothes became shining, exceedingly white, like snow, such as no launderer on earth can whiten them. And Elijah appeared to them with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus. Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”— because he did not know what to say, for they were greatly afraid. And a cloud came and overshadowed them; and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!” Suddenly, when they had looked around, they saw no one anymore, but only Jesus with themselves. Now as they came down from the mountain, He commanded them that they should tell no one the things they had seen, till the Son of Man had risen from the dead. So they kept this word to themselves, questioning what the rising from the dead meant. 

Don’t give up my friends. Whether it is the mountain of debt, the mountain of discouragement, or the mountain of sickness – God and His Saints are waiting to meet you there and conquer! We are more than conquerors with Christ. Jesus walks with us to the top of that mountain. Get up and get going! You have a Divine Appointment coming your way!

The best news yet! You won’t only climb that mountain – God will use your faith to MOVE IT!

Matthew 17:1-9, 20-21 Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid. But Jesus came and touched them and said, “Arise, and do not be afraid.” When they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only. Now as they came down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, “Tell the vision to no one until the Son of Man is risen from the dead.”

 So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” 

Learning to be Flexible When the Wind Blows

05 Sunday Feb 2017

Posted by in God, Hope, motivational, Music, Religion and Spirituality, Spirituality

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , ,

According to the dictionary:

Flexibility is a personality trait — the extent to which a person can cope with changes in circumstances and think about problems and tasks in novel, creative ways. This trait is used when stressors or unexpected events occur, requiring a person to change their stance, outlook, or commitment.

What happens when the wind blows in your life? 

Do you bend with it or do you break?
Are you rooted in Christ to withstand the storms?

Or have you built your house (life) on sinking sand?

I guess in life the deeper my roots go in Christ – the more I can sway with the breeze. 

Life Changes. People change. Winds come and go. Will you bend or break?

Be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. – Romans 12:2


Roots bring strength to the whole tree. 

They hold us up in the storms of life. 

Roots anchor us. 

Roots constantly grow and spread out. 

Roots carry water and nutrients to the whole tree. 

How are your roots these days? 

Need more water? 

Come to the Well!

 

Bring Peace to the Storm

01 Wednesday Feb 2017

Posted by in faith, God, Religion and Spirituality, Spirituality, Videos

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

“Peace. Be still.” That all He said. The wind stopped, the waves quoted, and the boat stopped rocking. What if we did that? What if we brought peace to the storm in our lives and the lives of those around us?

What would we feel like if we brought peace to our spirits?

What would our family look like if we brought peace?

What would work look like if we brought peace?

What would our world look like if we brought peace?

 

I have to admit – it’s not my first thought. I think God knew that. That’s why He had to give me His peace. He knew mine wouldn’t always be so agreeable, lol!

 

peace 2

 

God’s Word for You:

Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ—the Message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way. – Colossians 3″15-17 MSG

 

 Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. – Philipians 4:6-7 MSG

 

 

When Jesus saw that a curious crowd was growing by the minute, he told his disciples to get him out of there to the other side of the lake. As they left, a religion scholar asked if he could go along. “I’ll go with you, wherever,” he said.  Jesus was curt: “Are you ready to rough it? We’re not staying in the best inns, you know.”  Another follower said, “Master, excuse me for a couple of days, please. I have my father’s funeral to take care of.”

Jesus refused. “First things first. Your business is life, not death. Follow me. Pursue life.”

Then he got in the boat, his disciples with him. The next thing they knew, they were in a severe storm. Waves were crashing into the boat—and he was sound asleep! They roused him, pleading, “Master, save us! We’re going down!” Jesus reprimanded them. “Why are you such cowards, such faint-hearts?” Then he stood up and told the wind to be silent, the sea to quiet down: “Silence!” The sea became smooth as glass. The men rubbed their eyes, astonished. “What’s going on here? Wind and sea come to heel at his command!” – Matthew 8:18-27 MSG

My Prayer for You:

Lord help me bring peace, not chaos, to myself, my friends, my family, and my world. Let me not say the first thing that I think. Let me bring grace and peace to those I love. Let me be a peace-maker, not a peace-taker in Jesus Name.

 

Here is a video I made about PEACE – enjoy!

Peace