Our places in life...
I was thinking about this thought early this morning..."our places in life" or our paths...as I wandered through my emails....letters, notes from all over the world...people coming and going to various places near and far...each with a purpose, each with a path...all driven by the gifts and talents that God has freely bestowed...some easier, some harder...some upfront, some behind the scenes...some walking, riding, some on their knees...some seeng the miracles, some hearing second hand about the salvation given...but with purpose...all with key parts in the whole picture...
Thank YOU for so great an opportunity...in whatever place You have placed each individual ....
"John 1:12-13 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.
Nothing new for you, but what blessing you are too others...taking that time, resources to those who would believe and planting seeds in Others hearts to be born of God...what a privilege....how humbling it is that God so entrusts each one of us to be a part of His kingdom work in whatever capacity he gives us...some on the front lines, others in the background...all for His glory..." My Note to returning missionary ...
Spoken of John the Baptist...
Luke 1:77-79 to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins,
because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.”
Romans 12:4-8 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
Monday, July 31, 2017
Thursday, July 27, 2017
Weddings...
Weddings...
I have had the awesome privilege to help with a multitude of weddings over the years...friends, family, clients, associates, customers....it is a happy time, sometimes stressful, but mostly happy...
I love creating the personal flowers to make a bride's dream come to life...I love working with the families, whether washing dishes, making salads or general food, cleaning in the background of family gatherings to smooth the path of the special days or simply washing the mounds of dishes that accumulate on counters watching the interaction of those around...I just like helping to make life simpler...
Sometimes I get hugs along the way, a smile, a handshake which add to the enjoyment of seeing others happy...
I go home rejuvenated, a little tired, but knowing it was worth it...another happy couple well on their way, another adventure...another chapter in the lives of another family ...life moving forward...
As Christians, we are preparing for a wedding as well...not sure when it will happen, but it is coming nonetheless...we are the bride of Christ...and wedding will be like no other...
We are learning, growing in the fruit of the spirit, we are enduring life here on earth...all in preparation for that wonderful day, that wonderful feast, our new adventure in eternity...an endless honeymoon of looking at our grooms face, living in his prepared home, singing praises, living in the glorious light of His love...
Thank YOU...help me be ready for the wedding...
Revelation 19:7-9 Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready.
Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.” Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of God’s holy people.
Then the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!” And he added, “These are the true words of God.”
Isaiah 61:10 I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
John 3:29 The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete.
Ephesians 5:25-27 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.
I have had the awesome privilege to help with a multitude of weddings over the years...friends, family, clients, associates, customers....it is a happy time, sometimes stressful, but mostly happy...
I love creating the personal flowers to make a bride's dream come to life...I love working with the families, whether washing dishes, making salads or general food, cleaning in the background of family gatherings to smooth the path of the special days or simply washing the mounds of dishes that accumulate on counters watching the interaction of those around...I just like helping to make life simpler...
Sometimes I get hugs along the way, a smile, a handshake which add to the enjoyment of seeing others happy...
I go home rejuvenated, a little tired, but knowing it was worth it...another happy couple well on their way, another adventure...another chapter in the lives of another family ...life moving forward...
As Christians, we are preparing for a wedding as well...not sure when it will happen, but it is coming nonetheless...we are the bride of Christ...and wedding will be like no other...
We are learning, growing in the fruit of the spirit, we are enduring life here on earth...all in preparation for that wonderful day, that wonderful feast, our new adventure in eternity...an endless honeymoon of looking at our grooms face, living in his prepared home, singing praises, living in the glorious light of His love...
Thank YOU...help me be ready for the wedding...
Revelation 19:7-9 Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready.
Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.” Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of God’s holy people.
Then the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!” And he added, “These are the true words of God.”
Isaiah 61:10 I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
John 3:29 The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete.
Ephesians 5:25-27 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.
Friday, July 21, 2017
Protection...
Protection...
At a local nature center, a pair of swans have recently hatched out their new family of four...
"Though they can swim from birth, cygnets may sometimes ride on the backs of their parents or take shelter under their wings until they are old enough to strike out on their own". (Animals.mom.me)
I happened to be there the day before they hatched and the parents took turns sitting on the eggs while the other stood, fed or swam nearby...very protective of one another and those precious eggs...
Now, they are very protective of those precious babies...guarding front and back or surrounding them when feeding...a hawk flew over at one point and the father trumpeted his warning loudly...the parents are very vigilant in their care...
What a picture of God's care for us...protection...
Not that bad, hurting things don't happen, but God is always there even through them...with his love...thank YOU...
Psalm 17:8 Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings
Psalm 32:7 You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.
Psalm 36:7 How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
Psalm 91:4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
John 17:11-12, 15 I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you.
Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one. While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me.
None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled.
My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.
(Love)1 Corinthians 13:7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
2 Thessalonians 3:3 But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.
At a local nature center, a pair of swans have recently hatched out their new family of four...
"Though they can swim from birth, cygnets may sometimes ride on the backs of their parents or take shelter under their wings until they are old enough to strike out on their own". (Animals.mom.me)
I happened to be there the day before they hatched and the parents took turns sitting on the eggs while the other stood, fed or swam nearby...very protective of one another and those precious eggs...
Now, they are very protective of those precious babies...guarding front and back or surrounding them when feeding...a hawk flew over at one point and the father trumpeted his warning loudly...the parents are very vigilant in their care...
What a picture of God's care for us...protection...
Not that bad, hurting things don't happen, but God is always there even through them...with his love...thank YOU...
Psalm 17:8 Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings
Psalm 32:7 You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.
Psalm 36:7 How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
Psalm 91:4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
John 17:11-12, 15 I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you.
Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one. While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me.
None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled.
My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.
(Love)1 Corinthians 13:7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
2 Thessalonians 3:3 But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.
Wednesday, July 19, 2017
Moving...
Moving...
I am packing...again....five years of settledness and now packing again...and it is hard...from the known to the unknown again... And it is just stuff again...
Sorting through books, I have read or not or plan to...stuff I kept the last go around and haven't used...to take or not...decisions again and again...
Will I really do this craft or sew this material? How many sets of towels, sheets, do I really need/use? What is really worn out or am I just tired of seeing the same things over and over again...
Simplify...pare down...reality...and for what purpose?
There used to be so much to do, a purpose each day... A list for each day of things to get done...life gets simpler as one ages, they say, you do the important things...but you still need purpose to meet each day with gusto...serving others, taking care of family...using your gifting in some way in the world around...as I age, I still want to meet those challenges with a willingness to serve...
Thank YOU for that opportunity ...help me serve with a smile, a willing spirit...in the ways You have planned...
Hi - I'm reading "Jesus Always (with Bonus Content): Embracing Joy in His Presence" by Sarah Young and wanted to share this quote with you.
"July 19 I AM YOUR HELP AND YOUR SHIELD. Pay special attention to the possessive pronoun your. I am not just a Help and a Shield. I am yours—for all time and throughout eternity. Let this forever-commitment strengthen and encourage you as you walk with Me through this day. I will never leave you or forsake you. You can depend on Me! Because I am your Help, you don’t need to fear your inadequacy. When the task ahead of you looks daunting, rejoice that I stand ready to assist you. Openly acknowledge your insufficiency, and trust in My infinite sufficiency. You and I together can accomplish anything, as long as it is My will. You definitely need Me as your Shield. I protect you from many dangers—physical, emotional, and spiritual. Sometimes you’re aware of My protective work on your behalf, but I also shield you from perils you never even suspect. Find comfort in this assurance of My powerful Presence watching over you.
Fear no evil, My cherished one, for I am with you. We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield ...Psalm 33:20
Deuteronomy 31:8 The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
Start reading it for free: http://a.co/8ruLkA8
I am packing...again....five years of settledness and now packing again...and it is hard...from the known to the unknown again... And it is just stuff again...
Sorting through books, I have read or not or plan to...stuff I kept the last go around and haven't used...to take or not...decisions again and again...
Will I really do this craft or sew this material? How many sets of towels, sheets, do I really need/use? What is really worn out or am I just tired of seeing the same things over and over again...
Simplify...pare down...reality...and for what purpose?
There used to be so much to do, a purpose each day... A list for each day of things to get done...life gets simpler as one ages, they say, you do the important things...but you still need purpose to meet each day with gusto...serving others, taking care of family...using your gifting in some way in the world around...as I age, I still want to meet those challenges with a willingness to serve...
Thank YOU for that opportunity ...help me serve with a smile, a willing spirit...in the ways You have planned...
Hi - I'm reading "Jesus Always (with Bonus Content): Embracing Joy in His Presence" by Sarah Young and wanted to share this quote with you.
"July 19 I AM YOUR HELP AND YOUR SHIELD. Pay special attention to the possessive pronoun your. I am not just a Help and a Shield. I am yours—for all time and throughout eternity. Let this forever-commitment strengthen and encourage you as you walk with Me through this day. I will never leave you or forsake you. You can depend on Me! Because I am your Help, you don’t need to fear your inadequacy. When the task ahead of you looks daunting, rejoice that I stand ready to assist you. Openly acknowledge your insufficiency, and trust in My infinite sufficiency. You and I together can accomplish anything, as long as it is My will. You definitely need Me as your Shield. I protect you from many dangers—physical, emotional, and spiritual. Sometimes you’re aware of My protective work on your behalf, but I also shield you from perils you never even suspect. Find comfort in this assurance of My powerful Presence watching over you.
Fear no evil, My cherished one, for I am with you. We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield ...Psalm 33:20
Deuteronomy 31:8 The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
Start reading it for free: http://a.co/8ruLkA8
Thursday, July 13, 2017
I have had the fun of "raising" four Painted lady butterflies...
They came in a jar with food as tiny caterpillars, crawling around their environment continually....growing quickly...until one by one they each attached themselves to the lid and turned into a cocoon..they remained that way for 7-10 days, finally emerging quickly as a butterfly, ready to fly...short distances at first and then off they went...
I had them in a net "cage" furnished with flowers and sugar water, until
all had emerged, ready to take wing and fly...so I asked my little neighbors (ages 4 and 6) if they wanted to help let them go...they nodded expectantly, so we captured each one and held them, putting each on a flower after watching them walk up our arms, tickling as they pranced lightly, finally going to the flower branch....and finally into the big world....
What fun...not only for me, but for us all.... then off we went back into our worlds...rejoicing at butterflies...
I checked the flowers later and found one still there, but on the ground, wobbling around...
You see, one cocoon dropped off the lid about two days into the change...
I wondered if it would still develop. It did, but emerged with curled wings...so it flew crooked, not quickly as its fellow butterflies...it wobbled...
I picked it up and placed it, instead, in a bouquet of flowers, lavender, from the single flowers we had placed the others...lots of close blooms, hoping it would survive in the multitude, without having to fly much...
What surprises we can find in life...the joy of butterflies, the joy of smiles, the joy of watching, the joy the doing the unusual, the joy of friends, thank YOU...delights each one...in a sometimes harsh world...
Psalm 21:6 Surely you have granted him unending blessings and made him glad with the joy of your presence.
Psalm 65:8 The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders; where morning dawns, where evening fades, you call forth songs of joy.
Psalm 96:12 Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them; let all the trees of the forest sing for joy.
Sunday, July 9, 2017
Old friends...
Old friends...
I have had the privilege and honor and enjoyment of visiting old friends over the past few months, those which I no longer live near...
The ones from grammar school, high school, college, various places we have lived, tried and true ones...those whom there is shared history, families, heartaches , joys, life...
We have had babies close to one another, preschoolers, teenagers, weddings, grandchildren ...
We have lived through the energy of the 20's and 30's, the midlife , the menopause...cancer, aging and passing of parents, and now the aches and pains of growing older ourselves..
We can send serious birthday cards or the funny aging ones as well as the sentimental ones...
We called each other out as we needed, bolstered one another in worries and anxieties, prayed for one another over a myriad of issues...mentored one another and loved them through difficulties...laughed at ourselves...
We are friends...
A few friends---
David and Jonathan were close friends...
Daniel went through the fires with his friends...
Jesus called his and instructed...
Friends had faith, took apart a roof and lowered their friend through the hole for healing...
Jesus called forth his friend...
He ate dinner, fixed breakfast for his friends...
Jesus died for his friends....
Thank YOU for the friends you have given over the years...
Proverbs 17:17a A friend loves at all times,....
1 Samuel 20:42 Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the Lord, saying, ‘The Lord is witness between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants forever.’” Then David left, and Jonathan went back to the town.
Job 6:14 “Anyone who withholds kindness from a friend forsakes the fear of the Almighty.
Proverbs 27:6a Wounds from a friend can be trusted, ...
Proverbs 27:9 Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.
Luke 15:6 and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’
John 3:29 The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete.
Acts 13:38 “Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.
I have had the privilege and honor and enjoyment of visiting old friends over the past few months, those which I no longer live near...
The ones from grammar school, high school, college, various places we have lived, tried and true ones...those whom there is shared history, families, heartaches , joys, life...
We have had babies close to one another, preschoolers, teenagers, weddings, grandchildren ...
We have lived through the energy of the 20's and 30's, the midlife , the menopause...cancer, aging and passing of parents, and now the aches and pains of growing older ourselves..
We can send serious birthday cards or the funny aging ones as well as the sentimental ones...
We called each other out as we needed, bolstered one another in worries and anxieties, prayed for one another over a myriad of issues...mentored one another and loved them through difficulties...laughed at ourselves...
We are friends...
A few friends---
David and Jonathan were close friends...
Daniel went through the fires with his friends...
Jesus called his and instructed...
Friends had faith, took apart a roof and lowered their friend through the hole for healing...
Jesus called forth his friend...
He ate dinner, fixed breakfast for his friends...
Jesus died for his friends....
Thank YOU for the friends you have given over the years...
Proverbs 17:17a A friend loves at all times,....
1 Samuel 20:42 Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the Lord, saying, ‘The Lord is witness between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants forever.’” Then David left, and Jonathan went back to the town.
Job 6:14 “Anyone who withholds kindness from a friend forsakes the fear of the Almighty.
Proverbs 27:6a Wounds from a friend can be trusted, ...
Proverbs 27:9 Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.
Luke 15:6 and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’
John 3:29 The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete.
Acts 13:38 “Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.
Saturday, July 8, 2017
No message selected...
No message selected....
When I open up my email, the first screen says "no message selected". So then I have to go to the "inbox" and up pops the messages that have accumulated...
It was a reminder that God is always speaking, but I may not be listening or looking for his messages...I have to tune my heart to hear those messages he wants me to have...
I have the choice to "delete", read, answer, forward...each message in my "inbox" each day...just as I may choose to listen to God's speaking...
But there are consequences in each choice......and i need to consider each...prayerfully...
Thank YOU that you always have a message for me...
Help me to choose wisely, not "deleting" and going my own way...
Psalm 138:2 I will bow down toward your holy temple and will praise your name for your unfailing love and your faithfulness, for you have so exalted your solemn decree that it surpasses your fame.
Proverbs 1:5 let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance—
Jeremiah 29:13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
When I open up my email, the first screen says "no message selected". So then I have to go to the "inbox" and up pops the messages that have accumulated...
It was a reminder that God is always speaking, but I may not be listening or looking for his messages...I have to tune my heart to hear those messages he wants me to have...
I have the choice to "delete", read, answer, forward...each message in my "inbox" each day...just as I may choose to listen to God's speaking...
But there are consequences in each choice......and i need to consider each...prayerfully...
Thank YOU that you always have a message for me...
Help me to choose wisely, not "deleting" and going my own way...
Psalm 138:2 I will bow down toward your holy temple and will praise your name for your unfailing love and your faithfulness, for you have so exalted your solemn decree that it surpasses your fame.
Proverbs 1:5 let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance—
Jeremiah 29:13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
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