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Saturday, November 22, 2008

Pray First

Well it's swim season again, our 4th season. This is always a busy time a year for us. Mixing Thanksgiving, Christmas, 5:30 am practices and 2 a-day practices during holiday break makes for some challenging times. Getting people here and there (on time) and taking care of every day life takes planning, patients, and lots of prayer. It's during those times that we need to make sure to start and end each day with prayer.

During that prayer time we need to ask God for discernment - how to prioritize our day. We can't be so busy being busy that we lose site of what is truly important - Jesus. During the this holiday season stop and smell the evergreen. Take time to enjoy the true meaning of the holiday. Spend time with family and friends for they are a special gift from God.

What has God blessed you with this holiday season?

I want to thank my friend Dee at jumping tandem for showing me the Wordle website which was used to create the Gator word picture above.

Friday, November 21, 2008

Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars

Don't these look yummy ! You can get the recipe here.

Remember, we are never alone; sometimes God sends help via the internet which is where I found this wonderful recipe. What useful things have you found on the internet? Just remember - just because it's in print doesn't make it true, use good judgment.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Monday, November 17, 2008

Flat Tire

On a previous post I said I was going to search out God in the small, everyday things.
Well here is a small everyday blessing:

I got a flat tire today, no that's not the blessing though I suppose God could use that situation some way. The tire that went flat is on the front passenger side. I would have never noticed it on that side. A friend at work told me about the flat.

Here's the blessing, the person who parked beside me and told me about the flat usually parks on the street not in the lot where I was parked. Had that person parked where he normally does I would have drove home on the flat and maybe ruined my tier.

Thank you God for the small everyday things you do for us.

Saturday, November 15, 2008

The Shack

I just finished "The Shack" by William P Young. Thank you Dee for loaning me your copy.

Even though this book is a story of fiction, I want to believe that the author did a great job of capturing God's love and how He works... sometimes, and how we are never alone. Click here to read more about the book, the author and The Missy Project.

Great reading, I can't wait to discuss this book during the Women's Ministry Holiday Party and Book Club Kickoff, Friday, December 5, at 7:00 pm.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Dark Times

Again I am drawn to:

Ecclesiastes 3:1 says:
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heaven:...

I know there is a time for everything; without sorrow we would not appreciate joy, without the hard times we would not appreciate the good times. And I know that during ALL times God is walking right beside us; even carrying us from time to time. But knowing and believing all that doesn't make the darkness go away. Some would say it's because my faith is not deep enough, I don't believe that for a minute. Do I have room to improve my relationship with God, YES by leaps and bounds but the faith and trust doesn't waver.

I am going through a dark period of time right now. I've gotten to the point where I would just rather stay home and not go anywhere. I know what's causing part of it, but not sure what to do about it. Ok, yes I know what I need to do about it, but I was hoping I wouldn't have too. So I will keep praying for discernment. I am sure there is a lesson for me in all of this. God has just choosen not to reveal it to me yet, or I just plain have not opened my eyes/heart to hear the lesson.

Until that time I need to take better care of myself. In today's world we don't eat the way we should (or at lest I don't) and with all the processed food we don't get the vitamins we need. I don't take the time to exercise and I am starting to feel like one of those weebles that wobble but don't fall down, which is a good thing because I don't know if I would be able to get back up? Maybe this is part of my "darkness". Why is it during these times we know what we need to do but just can't seem to do it?

I was reading on "The Hatched Egg" about vitamin D deficiency and the importance of vitamin D as well as other suggestions for taking care of ourself. So until I can discern God's lesson in all of this I have decided to conduct a two week experiment. The experiment is taking baby steps to improving my health - spiritually, mentally, and physically. As of today, my plan is to start taking a vitamin D supplement along with my daily vitamin (which doesn't always get taken either). Stretching out my muscles everyday and walk the treadmill for at least 10 minutes a day. That last part, even though it sounds simple enough, will be a challenge because I just don't feel like doing anything once I get home.

I love having my quite time, reading devotions and reflecting on what I read. I just haven't done much of that lately. God is with me always, even if I can't get to that physical reading I want to do, I will search Him out in all areas of my life. I will look for the small signs in everyday life and reteach myself to appreciate the little things and the many blessings He gives me each and every day. I love God so deeply for His love and everything He has done/is doing/and will do that I will never be able to express it enough. But one step towards that expression will be to get my act together, put others needs ahead of mine and share the love of Christ.

I want my family and friends who are reading this to keep me accountable to my two week challenge. That is why I have posted it here, when you're the only one that knows it's easier to blow it off and just forget it.




Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Make it a GREAT day !


Grab your favorite mug, fill it with your favorite hot beverage and enjoy the day.

God Loves You ! ! !

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Shortest Distance

The shortest distance between a problem and a solution is the distance between your
knees and the floor. For the one who kneels to the Lord can stand up to anything!

Monday, November 3, 2008

The Lighthouse-The Ultimate King


Lighthouses are used to mark dangerous coastlines, hazardous reefs, and safe entries into harbors.

The Word of God is like a lighthouse, it shines serenely through the darkest nights and brings us to safe harbors.

It's to that lighthouse that I am looking to right now. On the eve of the most historical election for our country I find myself not sure who to vote for. I am not politically savoy and I am afraid that I am not educated enough in this election to cast a vote. In my heart I know I need to vote so I will keep looking toward the Light of God to direct me. I pray that when this election is over, regardless of who is elected into office, we can come together as a united nation with a common goal.

As my pastor said yesterday, and yes Harry I was listening, irregardless of who is put into office, God is the Ultimate King.

So Pray, then Vote.

Saturday, November 1, 2008