Tag: Hope

faith, God, Motivation, Religion and Spirituality, Spirituality

Filled With Awe and Wonder

It was an ordinary morning, until I opened the door to let our dog Max out. He is still a puppy at 6 months old. It had snowed overnight here in Wisconsin. Then it occurred to me, Max has never seen snow!

I could not resist taking a video of him and his first look at snow. He is a Borderjack, a mix between Border Collie and Jack Russell terrier. He was a bit hesitant at first, but then his sense of awe and wonder came out and he starts jumping around in it! He loves it.

That made me think of God and His Creation. Daddy God loves to surprise us, just like He surprised Max today. I have to admit it, I have been a bit cynical with all the things going on in my life. I had let the cares of the world take over. I was too busy trying to figure out my life that I had missed it, Just watching Max today reminded me of what awe and wonder look like.

I believe that Daddy God wants to surprise us with amazing things. He is good, all the time. But if I lose my sense of awe and wonder I am not paying attention to Him. Forgive me Lord.

God’s Word for You

Place Your Life Before God

“So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.” – Romans 12:1-2 MSG

Jesus knew exactly what they were thinking and said, “Why all this gossipy whispering? Which is simpler: to say ‘I forgive your sins,’ or to say ‘Get up and start walking’? Well, just so it’s clear that I’m the Son of Man and authorized to do either, or both. . . .” He now spoke directly to the paraplegic: “Get up. Take your bedroll and go home.” Without a moment’s hesitation, he did it—got up, took his blanket, and left for home, giving glory to God all the way. The people rubbed their eyes, incredulous—and then also gave glory to God. Awestruck, they said, “We’ve never seen anything like that!” Luke 5:22-26 MSG

The enemy spoke,
        “I’ll pursue, I’ll hunt them down,
    I’ll divide up the plunder,
        I’ll glut myself on them;
    I’ll pull out my sword,
        my fist will send them reeling.”

You blew with all your might
        and the sea covered them.
    They sank like a lead weight
        in the majestic waters.
    Who compares with you
        among gods, O God?
    Who compares with you in power,
        in holy majesty,
    In awesome praises,
        wonder-working God?” – Exodus 15:9-11 MSG

My Prayer for You:

Surprise us Daddy. Show us your Glory. Just like you surprised Max this morning. Fill us with an amazing sense of awe and wonder for our everyday ordinary lives, in Jesus Name.

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faith, God, Hope, Prayer, Religion and Spirituality, Spirituality

3 Ways to Pray for those in Hurricane Dorian’s Path

I don’t know about you, but my heart hurts for the people in the midst of Hurricane Dorian. I live in the Midwest. I have never been in a hurricane. I can’t even imagine. But I can pray for all of the people impacted by Hurricane Dorian.

3 WAYS TO PRAY FOR THOSE IN HURRICANE DORIAN’S PATH

1. PRAYERS FOR PROTECTION

  • “The God of my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge; my Savior, You save me from violence. I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from my enemies.” – 2 Samuel 22:3-4
  • “Show Your marvelous lovingkindness by Your right hand, O You who save those who trust in You from those who rise up against them. Keep me as the apple of Your eye; hide me under the shadow of Your wings.” – Psalm 17:7-8
  • “The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit.” – Psalm 34:17-18
  • “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all.” -Psalm 34:19
  • “Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch out Your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and Your right hand will save me.” – Psalm 138:7
  • “We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.” – 2 Corinthians 4:8-9
  • “The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him.” – Nahum 1:7
  • “The LORD your God in your midst, the Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” – Zephaniah 3:17

 

2. PRAYERS FOR PEACE

  • “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27
  • “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.” Isaiah 26:3
  • “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, 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
  • “The Lord gives strength to his people, the Lord blesses his people with peace.” Psalm 29:11
  • “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
  • “Cast all your anxiety on Him because he cares for you.”1 Peter 5:7

 

3. PRAYERS FOR RESTORATION

  • “But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” – Isaiah 40:31
  • “You who have made me see many troubles and calamities will revive me again; from the depths of the earth you will bring me up again. You will increase my greatness and comfort me again.” Psalm 71:20-2
  • “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” 1 Peter 5:10
  • “Instead of your shame there shall be a double portion; instead of dishonor they shall rejoice in their lot; therefore in their land they shall possess a double portion; they shall have everlasting joy.” Isaiah 61:7
  • “Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.” Psalm 51:12
  • “And the LORD restored the fortunes of Job, when he had prayed for his friends. And the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before.” Job 42:10
  • “I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter, my great army, which I sent among you. You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God, who has dealt wondrously with you. And my people shall never again be put to shame.” Joel 2:25-26
  • “For I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal, declares the LORD, because they have called you an outcast: ‘It is Zion, for whom no one cares!” Jeremiah 30:17

restore 3

faith, God, Hope, Music, Religion and Spirituality, Spirituality, Videos, Worship

God’s Love

I have to remind myself that God’s love is greater than any challenge I face. Sometimes I forget. Here is a poem/song I wrote way back in 2010.  Recently our JAM Praise Band has started sharing our original songs. This is the first one I shared. Here is our band playing – no editing or Melodyne – just a group of us who love Jesus!

You can always watch Janesville Apostolic Ministries live Fridays at 6 PM for SOAK or Sundays at 10:30 am for Worship Service at Christian World Media .

God’s Love  by Diana Rasmussen 4/28/10

V1

God’s love is faithful, He’s forever true

He loves me with mercy and grace to be new.

His love has no ending, His covenant stands.

A promise between us, and I’m in His hands.

 

CHORUS

Gods love bears all things, believes all things,

hopes all things, endures all things,

God’s love never fails for me.

God’s love never fails for me

 

V2

How great is the love that Father lavishes on me

now I am called a child of God.

No eye has seen,  no ear has heard,

no mind has conceived  what God has for me!

REPEAT CHORUS

 

V3

God’s love is patient, His love is kind,

His love doesn’t envy, nor boast full of pride.

Not rude or self seeking, or easily angered

Keeps no record of wrongs, but rejoices in truth.

REPEAT CHORUS

 

 

God, Healing, Hope, Religion and Spirituality, Spirituality

Get Ready for Your Suddenly Moment

Just an ordinary day right? What if it wasn’t? What if today when you praise and worship God He shows up? Suddenly, everything would change! His presence brings peace, joy, and abundance. He can break every chain and resore every situation.

suddenly

Here are 3 examples from the Bible where Jesus shows up and changes everything suddenly.

  1. Suddenly God shows up and gives his people the Holy Ghost

“When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them [b]divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” – Acts 2:1-4 NKJV

2.  Suddenly God shows up and heals Sauls heart. He gives him a new name, Paul, and gives him a new commision.

“Now it happened, as I journeyed and came near Damascus at about noon, suddenly a great light from heaven shone around me. And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?’So I answered, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said to me, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.’” – Acts 22:6-8 NKJV

3. Suddenly God shows up and breaks his kiddos out of jail! He breaks every chain!

But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed. ” Acts 16:25-26 NKJV

Get ready for your SUDDENLY moment with God! He is the God of Suddenlies!

suddenly 2

 

Here is a prayer and praise to release your SUDDENLY moment!

delare

 

 

God, Healing, Hope, Music, Religion and Spirituality, Spirituality, Videos

Sovereign Over Us by Aaron Keys

My Pastor shared this song with me yesterday. The tears just started flowing. It really ministered to me. God bless you if you are walking through the valley. Remember, God promises that goodness and mercy will follow us all the days of our lives and we would dwell in the Presence of the Lord forever. Don’t give up, just rest in Jesus.

Sovereign Over Us

by Aaron Keyes
There is strength within the sorrow,
There is beauty in our tears
You meet us in our mourning,
With a love that casts out fear
You are working in our waiting,
Sanctifying us
When beyond our understanding,
You’re teaching us to trust
Your plans are still to prosper,
You have not forgotten us
You’re with us in the fire and the flood
Faithful forever,
Perfect in love
You are sovereign over us
You are wisdom unimagined,
Who could understand your ways
Reigning high above the heavens,
Reaching down in endless grace
You’re the Lifter of the lowly,
Compassionate and kind
You surround and You uphold me,
Your promises are my delight
Even what the enemy means for evil
You turn it for our good,
You turn it for our good and for your glory
Even in the valley You are faithful
You’re working for our good,
Youre ‘working for our good and for your glory
Songwriters: KEYES AARON / MOORING JACK ANTHONY / BROWN BRYAN EDWARD
Sovereign Over Us lyrics © WORSHIPTOGETHER.COM Songs, Chief End Music
you are with us
faith, God, Hope, Religion and Spirituality, Spirituality

And Then She Got Up – One More Time

What if you got up – just one more time? I understand being stuck. The last 9 months I have been stuck in my recliner due to a multitude of illnesses. I had pretty much given up hope of ever having a normal life again. But then God came to visit.

The presence of God surrounded her with peace and love and mercy. God covered her and loved the illness out.

Romans 12:2
– And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Philippians 4:8 – Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things

Anxiety, behavior, christian poetry, Depression, Hope, Life, Religion and Spirituality, Spirituality

What Do You Do When Your Plan Gets Interrupted?

What do you do when your plan gets interrupted? It may be due to a job change, an illness, a change in circumstances, or whatever. How do you respond? I find myself in that exact situation now. An illness has interrupted my normal everyday life and I find myself at a crossroads.

Here are the three ways people can respond to change according to Success Magazine:

  1. Be Non Active – people resist change and blame and stay stuck
  2. Be Reactive – people jump into the next crisis without thinking things through
  3. Be ProActive and Positive – people put their focus on what they could do, focused on the positive outcomes and took action

I have to admit, I have been the Reactive Person most of my life. I have jumped from crisis to crisis trying to fix everyone and everything and it usually turns into a trainwreck. I never had a problem finding a job – I would take the first one that came along. I always was a bit impulsive.

This illness has forced me to slow down and re-evaluate my life and my job and my family. My kids are all grown and working or going to college now. My Mom duties have diminished and I struggle with the Empty Nest syndrome as well. I am not sure what to do next. I pray and ask God for direction, and then sit here and wait. I have been out of work since last November and on Disability. It is very strange for me. I have worked my whole life on and off with kids. I struggle with trying to keep busy while living within the limits of what I can do currently. I have to fight off the spirit of depression and anxiety in the middle of this mess.

I am back in Therapy to learn some new tools for my toolbox for keeping myself well. We are body, soul, and spirit. I haven’t really taken the best care of myself. It was so easy to put everyone else first when you are the Mom.

How about you? Have you ever had your life interrupted? How did you respond?

God’s Word for You:

Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. – Isaiah 41:10 NKJV

isaiah_41_10_by_kc_lynne-d4iq28r

My Prayer for You:

Lord, I have absoluetly no idea why I am here. I was not ready for this interruption –  yet I choose to trust You in the proccess. Show me Your ways. Lead me in the path of understanding. I trust You Lord to lead me through this valley and on to the other side where my cup overflows and I sit in green pastures of peace, in Jesus Name.

Isaiah 55:8

 

 

 

 

 

faith, God, Hope, Quotes, Religion and Spirituality, Spirituality

Hold On Quotes to Give God a Minute

One of my husband’s favorite sayings is, “Give God a Minute.” Yeah, I know. I am not the most patient person. I’ll admit it. In this world of drive through food and instant internet access I really have to practice my patience. Here are a few quotes to help us all hold on!

holdon

Hold On Quotes to Give God a Minute

  • “When God is ready for you to move, He will make your situation uncomfortable.” ― Germany Kent
  • “Feed your faith and starve your doubts.” – Kenneth E. Hagin Sr.
  • To learn strong faith is to endure great trials. I have learned my faith by standing firm amid severe testings. – George Mueller
  • “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” – Corrie Ten Boom
  • “Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!” Hebrews 12:1-3 MSG
  • “There is no ongoing spiritual life without this process of letting go. At the precise point where we refuse, growth stops. If we hold tightly to anything given to us, unwilling to let it go when the time comes to let it go or unwilling to allow it to be used as the Giver means it to be used, we stunt the growth of the soul. It is easy to make a mistake here, “If God gave it to me,” we say, “its mine. I can do what I want with it.” No. The truth is that it is ours to thank Him for and ours to offer back to Him, ours to relinquish, ours to lose, ours to let go of – if we want to find our true selves, if we want real life, if our hearts are set on glory.” ― Elisabeth Elliot
  • Faith isn’t faith until it’s all you’re holding on to.” – Unknown
  • “Your true love for God is demonstrated through your ability to hold onto your faithfulness in the midst of Prosperity and Poverty, Happiness and Hardships, Sickness and Success; in whatever is Appealing or Appalling!” ― Israelmore Ayivor
  • “Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul and sings the tune without the words — And never stops at all.” -Emily Dickinson
  • “ 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
  • “Where God guides, He provides. No matter how things look, God is still in control. Stay in peace and be hopeful. Your blessing is coming soon.” ― Germany Kent
  • “Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God’s Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don’t know how or what to pray, it doesn’t matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That’s why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.” Romans 8:26-28 MSG

weary

 

faith, God, Life, Religion and Spirituality, Spirituality

This Life is Only Temporary

Hey all, been a while. I have recently broken my right arm so typing has been a challenge. No worries, God is more than able to heal. I will be back to my normal sassy self soon, lol! During this process I have to admit I have taken my health for granted. I never really got that sick so I never really thought about it much.

Then, I fell outside, landed on my right elbow. I broke my radius and 3 breaks in my shoulder in the humerus. Ouch! I’m in a sling and the Doc says with Occupational Therapy and time I will heal, but he said my shoulder will never be the same. Great.

So, here I sit, day after day, waiting for my body to heal. I admit, I really don’t like pain. I don’t know of anyone who does. Bone break pain sucks. It keeps me up at night. Then I turn into Cruella Deville. Yep, I’m cranky! Just ask my husband. And there is not a dang thing I can do about it.

I am taking my meds, doing my approved exercises, and wearing this sling and I have to sit and wait. You know me, I don’t like waiting. I love the drive throughs in places. You don’t even have to get out of your car! Can I have a drive through new shoulder please? Yes, and a side of elbow with that. I know, laugh or cry!

Anyway, this time has given me time to reflect. I would get so caught up in the little things that really didn’t matter anyway. This life is only temporary.  This world is not our real home anyway. We are Citizens of Heaven and children of the King of Kings!

citizen

So I set my thoughts on things above and do my best with what I have. It’s not perfect and I would rather be more comfortable, yet I press on to the goal God has set before me. I had to let go of what was, surrender to what is, and have faith in what will be. God is with me and as long as I stick with Him I know I’ll be alright.

I have many sisters in Christ who are helping me. A few of us text each other a Bible Verse every morning. I can’t tell you how this has helped me hold on to my faith during this time of difficulty. Today’s declaration was:

“I am blessed and it’s only a matter of time before things change. What I see now is only temporary. ” 2 Corinthians 4:18

This one got to me. Hallelujah, this too will pass!  This arm thing is only temporary!  Woohoo! I pray you have a blessed day and week, and let’s talk soon!

2corin

God, Hope, poem, Poetry, Religion and Spirituality, Spirituality

Show Me Your Scars

SHOW ME YOUR SCARS

Copyright 2019 Diana Rasmussen

scars 2

This world we live in is twisted and wrong, It’s not Heaven on Earth, but wicked and wrong

Life is hard, it’s not fair, Injustice is everywhere, Seems liars get ahead, when the Truth just offends

I know a Savior, Christ Jesus is his Name, He came to seek and to save all that are lost

He went to the cross to obliterate sin, He opened the door to Heaven, so we could get in

 

We can come boldly before the throne of Grace, To find hope and mercy in place of our stains

Jesus gives freedom and hope to all who call on His Name, Baptized with His Spirit He promised He’d save

He still bears the wounds on His hands and His feet, Those marks He got from hanging on that Cross

To carry away the sin of the world, and I call out to Him today

scars 3

 

Show me your scars, it’s your blemishes that show me you’ve loved me

Show me your scars, it’s how I know who you are

When you’ve lived a good life and loved someone deep, it’s gonna leave a mark

Open your hands and your heart, and show me your scars

 

He rose from the grave that held him, He sits on the Throne of God

Giving strength, hope, and wisdom to all who call on Him,

He’s preparing a place for you and for me, He’s coming back to take us out of this place

 

Show me your scars, it’s your blemishes that show me you’ve loved me

Show me your scars, it’s how I know who you are

When you’ve lived a good life and loved someone deep, it’s gonna leave a mark

Open your hands and your heart, and show me your scars

 

scars4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

behavior, Hope, Life, Quotes, Religion and Spirituality, Spirituality

14 Quotes on Fear and What to Do with It

Fear. We have all felt it. That paralyzing monster who stops us in our tracks. It comes from different places and each of us have different things that we are fearful of. Dread, terror, fright, dread – you know. But what do we do when we feel afraid?

fear is a liar

14 Quotes on Fear and What to Do with It

  1. Fear can paralyze us and keep us from believing God and stepping out in faith. The devil loves a fearful Christian! – Billy Graham
  2. You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, ‘I lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along. – Eleanor Roosevelt
  3. Everything you want is on the other side of fear. -Jack Canfield
  4. Our greatest fear should not be of failure but of succeeding at things in life that don’t really matter. -Francis Chan
  5. Don’t allow fear to hold you hostage, let your faith rest in God! – Lisa Osteen Comes
  6. I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear. – Nelson Mandela
  7. If you want to conquer fear, don’t sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy. – Dale Carnegie
  8. Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering. -Yoda
  9. Fear is the thief of opportunity! God hasn’t given you a spirit of fear, but He’s given you power, love and a sound mind. Be bold because He is with you! – Victoria Osteen
  10. The amateur believes he must first overcome his fear; then he can do his work. The professional knows that fear can never be overcome. He knows there is no such thing as a fearless warrior or a dread-free artist. – Steven Pressfield
  11. The enemy is fear. We think it is hate; but it is fear. -Gandhi
  12. Fear is a sickness. – Peter Nii Korley
  13. He who is not everyday conquering some fear has not learned the secret of life. -Ralph Waldo Emerson
  14. Have no fear, God knows what He is doing. What was meant for evil, He will use to make Himself glorified IN YOU. That means, their evil plans will not work. You’re coming out of this. – Paul A. Adefarasin

But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob,
And He who formed you, O Israel:
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by your name;
You are Mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,
Nor shall the flame scorch you.
For I am the Lord your God,
The Holy One of Israel, your Savior – Isaiah 43:1-3 NKJV

afraid