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Post by debs06vette on Jun 26, 2011 21:26:28 GMT -8
While my blow dryer at home has seen it's last days, the outside weather seems to take it's place with the 110+ degree weather and winds that have ranged between 5-25 mph at any given time. Sometimes the heat can cause me to be irritable and experience "brain fog" among other things, leaving well laid plans abandoned for comfort and a desire to simply rest. I am so glad we have a guide to lead the way.
God is good and has given us this amazing promise.
The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. Isaiah 58:11
So in this very sun-scorched land, I find strength in the knowledge that the LORD will guide the way, strengthen me and His living water will flow through me...me...(oh my goodness - imperfect sinner/saint me) and those waters will never fail. I can be used as a spring of life in all of my frailties and human-ness - we all can! Isn't that exciting? Imagine and step into that truth today. God bless you richly as you do.
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Post by debs06vette on May 24, 2011 21:01:50 GMT -8
We all mold one another’s dreams. We all hold each other’s fragile hopes in our hands. We all touch others’ hearts. It is true that we help to shape and mold another’s dreams and aspirations. A nod of approval, silence, or an excited smile and exuberant expression of what the realization of the dream may look like all contribute or detract from the confidence with which one allows the dream to flourish. When hopes are shared… they are laid out on a table bare for view as a small plant just starting to bud. If the life-giving sunshine it requires is withdrawn, it will wither away, never realizing the glory of the full bloom. We can provide that life-sustaining light or adversely cast a shadow upon someone’s hopes. It is a tenuous, trusting moment within which they have been shared and we must respect the privilege and be gentle in the care of it. So… today, with fear and trembling along with wild excitement at the possibilities I encourage you to – right where you are – revisit your dream. Share it with a trusted friend… and GO FOR IT!!!! A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. John 13:34
I’m rooting for you!
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Post by debs06vette on May 23, 2011 23:14:44 GMT -8
There is so much activity around me these days, sometimes I feel as though I'm in the midst of a whirlwind of good news, uncertainty, tragedy, mishaps and great delights and hillarity. This week has been a mixed bag for certain! Weeks like these leave me seeking a block of time to simply spend on my knees in worship and communion - sorrow, joy - a heart's cry. "And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead." Revelation 1:17 During times of deep worship it is as though I've touched His garment in the crowd and His peace, joy, love and life have washed over me. I pray this for you today. May you experience a new level of worship, peace, joy and life today as you seek His face. I hope this helps: www.godtube.com/watch/?v=DY667GNX
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Post by debs06vette on May 20, 2011 8:05:31 GMT -8
Gorgeous! Love to see it soon on a run.
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Post by debs06vette on May 3, 2011 22:43:32 GMT -8
Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. Philippians 4:8
What is noble that we should think about? The dictionary defines noble as high-minded, magnanimous, loftiness of principle, character, mind or spirit and consistently adhering to elevated principles – a greatness of mind or soul. Wow!!! Is noble, then, expecting the best of ourselves and seeking out the best in others and the situations around us? I believe it includes such things as elevating lunch room talk…and others. I believe it includes admiring and being grateful for the beauty of each day, writing, art, and music that elevate us to a better place so that we are encouraged and in turn encourage others toward making their mark… living today on purpose.
I continue to look for the noble today…so grateful for the opportunity to lift another along the way.
Have an awesome – day focusing on Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things
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Post by debs06vette on Apr 24, 2011 22:55:33 GMT -8
He has risen!! He has risen indeed!! What a wonderful way to start this week, celebrating new, redeemed life and our risen LORD. It is through our LORD, Who has concurred all things - even death, that we are able to do all things. As the flowers bloom around us, let us take their lead and bloom - open wide and live OUT LOUD reaching for the stars with arms wide open and spilling forth with the love that is overflowing from the Creator and Savior who first loved us. (Philippians 4:13) I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. So, with this knowledge in hand and in our hearts, go forth and take a step in faith - a step in renewal. God bless you greatly this week! gratitudeattitudetoday.blogspot.com/
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Post by debs06vette on Apr 10, 2011 21:23:28 GMT -8
How our heart cries out....who will love me for me? There is a wonderful song www.youtube.com/watch?v=PgGUKWiw7Wk that JJ Heller sings bringing home the message of our heart's cry. We all just want to know others and be known...and all "warts" exposed...be loved for exactly who we are. As a young woman, there was a particularly difficult time in my life where the world seemed to swirl about me and those "solid" friends seemed not so solid anymore. In a sparsely furnished duplex following a 600-mile move, feeling all alone...I received a note from a dear friend. It said simply, "I've heard some things that concern me, but I want you to know, no matter what, I love you." I can't say how long the tears fell down my face, only that I felt that love and it answered my heart's cry, "who will love me for me?" There was an answer. There was a Son alone, sooo alone, about 2000 years ago, Who wanted desparately to be known and for us to know His Father and His heart's cry in a prayer preserved for us was, ...I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. (John 17:23) Once you have known those deep anguished cries...you also come to know a deep, abiding love. Let it wash over you. Start this week knowing beyond all doubt it is so. (Psalm 139) 1 O LORD, you have searched me and you know me. 2 You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. 3 You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. 4 Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD...... 13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. 14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. If someone's been on your mind, let them know they are known...they are loved....right now, today, in the midst of this circumstance. And I will continue on my quest to better, "love you for you, not for what you have done or what you may become, I will love you for you..."
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Post by debs06vette on Apr 3, 2011 23:07:20 GMT -8
During the past several weeks the weather has been thoroughly unpredictable. I've seen forecasts change day by day for any specific date. At the same time, I have observed people in a variety of situations in my life behave just as unpredictably. Perhaps it is remnant effects of of the Supermoon or just the "mood" in general... I know I've had periods of being "out-of-sorts." Just as the wind has knocked things about a bit of late, we can feel as though we've been knocked about emotionally by others when they act unpredictably. Always, always, however, we have a choice. We can choose whether to "return fire" or to continue toward a day that blesses and honors the time given. Our reactions often reflect exactly what we have been focusing on. That is why we've been given these instructions: Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (Philippians 4:8) So, when there are mysteries swirling all about, be ready with those things that bring life....those things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable and praiseworthy. It helps in thinking the best of another - or sometimes just seeking to understand. Here is some help... "Take charge of your attitude. Don't let someone else choose it for you." (Author unknown) Truth: Today holds 24 hours. The way they are spent is entirely up to you. What will this day add/subtract from your legacy? gratitudeattitudetoday.blogspot.com/
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Post by debs06vette on Mar 31, 2011 0:09:19 GMT -8
Okay – take a deep breath. We’re almost there……
It’s Thursday!!!!
I was sooooo pleasantly surprised yesterday to get home and walk into the cool evening air. The light breeze added to my pleasure. Our pets welcomed me and I began working on those things “around the house” that needed to be completed. I’m smiling still from the wonderful evening that followed. So, today I “dressed up.” The best way to dress up is to put on a smile. A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.
"The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at outward appearance, But the Lord looks at the heart." I Samuel 16:7
How lovely that the smile dresses us both outwardly and inwardly. That one little action seems to cause a “smile inside” AND immediately improves our own mood…… I’m so glad, though, that God sees my heart and its desires and longings… and joy in each day – as well as those things that make you go “ugh.”
For today – let’s smile and improve not only our appearance, but those around us. I understand it’s catching. Have a great day!
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Post by debs06vette on Mar 28, 2011 22:54:14 GMT -8
I recently read, I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something, and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do. I was so inspired by it, particularly because of who the author was. She was left deaf and blind at 19 months as a result of a childhood illness, yet became one of the most thoughtful, poignant authors. Her name, Helen Keller. While she inspires me, I am also a bit ashamed. She touched so many lives, never seemed to feel sorry for herself or wallow in self-pity, though none of us would have blamed her if she had.
I am lead back to the question, "what will my legacy be?" What have I done that is noteworthy or inspiring? Or more importantly, perhaps, what am I supposed to be doing? I have come to believe that God puts desires in our heart and repeats them, kind of like "knock knock knock, I'm trying to tell you something.” I’ve found He speaks to me in my heart when I become excited and animated about something – my passion. I know what mine is; do you know yours, or has it become lost in the necessities of budget and responsibility? Take some time today – even 10 minutes and ask God to bring to your mind those things that make you feel exhilarated - – to remind you of your passion.
May He give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. Psalm 20:4
As you are reminded of your passion, share it with a trusted someone who will support and encourage you to follow it every day....even one step closer. And as you feel comfortable, please share with us. You can sign into the blog for that purpose. I look forward to reading your passions and what actions you are taking to follow them.
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Post by debs06vette on Mar 27, 2011 22:33:42 GMT -8
Success requires the vision to see, the faith to believe and the courage to do.
Often we look at ourselves and say…it’s too late, I’m too old, too young, etc.. Today, though, I ask you again to dream… to dare to allow the vision that you push away to wash over you. See it clearly. Embrace it. Hang on to it and believe. And right now… today… take one step toward it.
You will have exhibited belief and courage; not only in yourself, but in mankind. You don’t know who’s watching you and may be inspired to allow their own dream and vision for their life to flourish, take flight and carry them right along with it.
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men [and women] of courage; be strong.
1 Corinthians 16:13
How amazing that we live in a country where – because the Bible was the root of our founding father’s design – we have the freedom to “fly”, to “be”… to dream and ACT ON IT.
NOW GO DO IT!!!! And have a lot of fun along the way.
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Post by debs06vette on Mar 23, 2011 22:05:53 GMT -8
You're always welcome to run with us. We're a pretty easy going bunch. Hope to see you Sunday so we can welcome you properly.
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Post by debs06vette on Mar 23, 2011 22:02:16 GMT -8
Wow!! The last few weeks have held so much...great time with friends and family, hard ships and world events that have caused deep introspection - grief mixed with the inspiration to live each day full of grace and joy. The key to that joy is found in love - If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. (John 15:10-12) It sounds easy enough, doesn't it? Love one another. Love one another - not just in the good times when all is going well, but also in the difficult times when we fail to understand one another and need to extend grace and trust ... in love. Love even when we don't perceive another to be lovable. Love can be "holding your tongue" when another attacks. It may be "being still" while you wait upon another who seems a bit out of sorts. It may be in doing the mundane - washing dishes, cleaning, laundry, even picking up stray garbage that has blown in front of your neighbor's home. Today I encourage you to look for a way to show love to another...that your joy may be complete. gratitudeattitudetoday.blogspot.com/
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Post by debs06vette on Mar 18, 2011 11:27:55 GMT -8
Rick, Our prayers are with your sister and all of those seeking shelter now in Japan. Donation is on it's way. Also, if you find any other need we may be able to meet, please call us or post here and we will get it done.
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Post by debs06vette on Feb 22, 2011 21:19:47 GMT -8
Offered as a prayer - Give us true ambition—ambition to find our greatness in serving others, and the ambition to put into life more than we take out. — William Barclay My parents always said as we hiked, visited parks or most anywhere to always leave a place better than we found it…. Often this found us picking up trash left by less careful trekkers, but we saw it not only as a duty, but a delight to make the area more beautiful. There were those that would look at us as though we were nuts or at other times, somewhat grateful for the small improvement. In this “true ambition” we are to understand that it really is the only eternal thing we have to offer this world – and as believers – we are not home, but only here for a short while until we go home to be with our Heavenly Father. There is a line from a Christian song that has always struck me - we are but aliens in this world. Meaning – we won’t be understood fully, our actions may not make the headlines or cause us to be renowned, but we follow our Heavenly Father as adopted heirs through Christ Jesus, our Lord and Savior – and we march to a “different tune” – one I hope others find more loving, kind, considerate and refreshing. In my Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.... John 14:2 HOME I’m so grateful God is in control. Now go out and change your world! You can do it – one smile, act of kindness, conversation, or even piece of the discarded at a time. ENJOY! gratitudeattitudetoday.blogspot.com/
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