PSALM 27:14

"Grouch Times Four" By Marabel Morgan

"Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord." Psalm 27:14

Most mornings when I awaken, I am pleasantly surprised to find I'm still alive. On occasion I have been known to wake up mean and irritable, but even then I can choose not to stay that way. Yesterday is gone, and tomorrow may not come. Today is the only slot of time I really have. What a shame to blow it. I want to make today the very best possible.

Ultimate freedom, according to Dr. Viktor E. Frankl, is man's right to choose his own attitude in a given set of circumstances. Before I crawl out of bed, I thank the Lord for another day and ask for strength. Maybe I'm to clean the house, or work at the office, or talk with a friend over lunch. The tasks aren't the issue; my attitude is.

Sometimes I may choose to just pout or withdraw from the human race for a day, and there's a certain sadistic satisfaction in doing that too. But it doesn't compare with the exhilarating joy that comes when I fall into bed at night thinking, "What a day! I did well. I feel good. Thank you, Lord."

My own words:

Wow...now that is an awesome feeling to want....knowing that I got my attitude and actions lined with God's! Attitude adjusting must take place for each of us. I hope that I can get it right more than I fail. May we all work towards having positive attitudes and making actions that are in God's will for our life! AMEN

On fire for God

After driving home from work this past week....I saw this fiery sunset! GORGEOUS! I'm reminded from this picture of how wonderful life is when I'm on fire for HIM! I get so many things wrong in the way I talk and the actions I do not take! God wants us to be on fire for HIM! HIS LOVE FOR US BURNS BRIGHT! This thought gives me hope! I LOVE GOD! I may not understand things that are going on, but I will always know this...HE LOVES ME...and WILL NOT FORSAKE ME! Be on fire for God and get to know just how much on fire he is for you!

God Knows Best

Many times we all ger down and out...sometimes questioning what in the world God thinks when He gives us more the "we" think we can handle! :) I'm here to say...even in those times I wonder if He has this crazy since of humor...that God really does know what's best for us. I've been told a time or two that I'm crazy...I know...hard to believe...but I know that when I get out of the way...His way is the best! The past week and a half....and then some...has been a little busy and stressful. I hate feeling like my schedule is not my own, but I know that it will eventually slow down. Today....yes...like other days...God gave me some time with my girlfriends...Alison, Kara and Lesie. We painted pottery and had a great relaxing time....it got me thinking about the Potter and Clay story from the bible (Isaiah). So I did some searching...this version was shorter and really hit what I was thinking.....enjoy!

The Potter and the Clay
by Chelsea Chin
There was a couple who used to go to England to shop in the beautiful stores. This was their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary. They both liked antiques and pottery and especially teacups.
One day in this beautiful shop they saw a beautiful teacup. They said, "May we see that? We've never seen one quite so beautiful." As the lady handed it to them, suddenly the teacup spoke.
"You don't understand," it said. "I haven't always been a teacup. There was a time when I was red and I was clay. My master took me and rolled me and patted me over and over and I yelled out, 'let me alone,' but he only smiled, 'Not yet'".
"Then I was placed on a spinning wheel," the teacup said, "and suddenly I was spun around and around and around. 'Stop it! I'm getting dizzy!" I screamed. But the master only nodded and said, "'Not yet.'" Then he put me in the oven. I never felt such heat. I wondered why he wanted to burn me, and I yelled, and I knocked at the door. I could see him through the opening and I could read his lips as he shook his head, 'Not yet.'
Finally the door opened, he put me on the shelf, and I began to cool. 'There, that's better,' I said. And he brushed and painted me all over. The fumes were horrible. I thought I would gag. 'Stop it, stop it!' I cried. He only nodded, 'Not yet.'
Then suddenly he put me back into the oven, not like the first one. This was twice as hot and I knew I would suffocate. I begged. I pleaded. I screamed. I cried. All the time I could see him through the opening nodding his head, saying, 'Not yet.' Then I knew there wasn't any hope. I would never make it. I was ready to give up. But the door opened and he took me out and placed me on the shelf. One hour later he handed me a mirror and said, "Look at yourself." And I did. I said, "That's not me; that couldn't be me. It's beautiful. I'm beautiful."
"I want you to remember, then," he said, "I know it hurt to be rolled and patted, but if I just left you, you'd have dried up. I know it made you dizzy to spin around on the wheel, but if I had stopped, you would have crumbled. I know it hurt and it was hot and disagreeable in the oven, but if I hadn't put you there, you would have cracked. I know the fumes were bad when I brushed and painted you all over, but if I hadn't done that, you never would have hardened. You would not have had any color in your life, and if I hadn't put you back in that second oven, you wouldn't survive for very long because the hardness would not have held. Now you are a finished product. You are what I had in mind when I first began with you."
Jeremiah 18: 1-11
The Lord said, "Look, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are you in My hand..."
God knows what He's doing (for all of us). He is the Potter, and we are His clay. He will mold us and make us, so that we may be made into a flawless piece of work to fulfill His good, pleasing, and perfect will.
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful, he will not tempt you beyond what you can bear....
1 Cor 10:13

Holy Alphabet

This was sent through an e-mail. I thought I'd share it with you all! I hope you enjoy! Have a fabulous day and always remember you are strongest on your knees! Love you!


Whoever came up with this one must have had some Divine guidance!

Although things are not perfect
Because of trial or pain
Continue in thanksgiving
Do not begin to blame
Even when the times are hard
Fierce winds are bound to blow
God is forever able
Hold on to what you know
I magine life without His love
Joy would cease to be
K eep thanking Him for all the things
Love imparts to thee
Move out of 'Camp Complaining'
No weapon that is known
O n earth can yield the power
Praise can do alone
Quit looking at the future
Redeem the time at hand
Start every day with worship
To 'thank' is a command
Until we see Him coming
Victorious in the sky
We'll run the race with gratitude
Xalting God most high
Yes, there'll be good times and yes some will be bad, but...
Z ion waits in glory...where none are ever sad!

'I am Too blessed to be stressed!' The shortest distance between a problem and a solution is the distance between your knees and the floor. The one who kneels to the Lord can stand up to anything. Love and peace be with you forever, Amen.

Fruits of the Spirit - PATIENCE

Fruit of the Spirit -
The Nine Biblical Attributes

The fruit of the Spirit is a physical manifestation of a Christian's transformed life. In order to mature as believers, we should study and understand the attributes of the ninefold fruit:

Longsuffering (PATIENCE) --

We are "strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness" (Colossians 1:11).

"With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love" (Ephesians 4:2).

I remember when I thought I should pray for patience. Little did I know that asking for that meant that there would be millions of layers of patience, which involved learning lessons in order to gain a tiny bit of patience. I know pray for peace! :) I think everything that we ask for, we must work through in order to gain. It's like training for a marathon. You don't automatically run 26.2 miles. You have to slowly add mileage to your feet. So buckle up and get ready for God to teach you many things while you gain the skills needed!

When you want to scream at someone, quit your job, give up on God or anyone....remember to have patience. We all are sinners trying to survive this life until we get to go HOME! :)

Celebrating Creation - "He's Here"

There are so many things God is....one of the fabulous things about our Father is that He is always here! I was driving along and what does God nudge for me to do...take this picture. It's fascinating. I was feeling a little under the weather this past week and poof....God shows me He's here....He's ALWAYS here. Pastor Matt said a couple of Sundays ago that God wants to experience all of it with us, not just the times of need or major praise...the daily things as well! :) PRAISE GOD for caring enough to ALWAYS being here!

Philippians 4:8

The Spirit of Happiness
By Any Carmichael

"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."
- Phillipians 4:8

The Spirit of happiness is sheer miracle. It is the gift of the happy God, as Paul names our heavenly Father in writing to Timothy. It is the gift of the God of love. He pours it out of His own fountains, through unseen channels, as He poured it upon Paul and Silas before their feet were taken out of the stocks and their stripes washed; for "no created power of hell, or out of hell, can mar the music of our Lord Jesus, nor spoil our song of joy."

One of the great secrets of happiness is to think of happy things. There were many unhappy things in Philippi, things false, dishonorable, unjust, impure, hideous and of very bad report; the air of Philippi was darkened by these things. The Christians of that town might easily have had their lives stained by continually letting their thoughts dwell on what they could not help seeing and hearing and feeling, that evil they must often have met and fought in their striving together for the faith of the gospel.

But they were definitely told to think if things true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and of good report. "If there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things" (Philppians 4:8).

My own words:
God is always so good at reminding me and others of how good we have it. I can get on my soap boxes a lot when it comes to parents appreciating their kids or workers actually doing their job. I must say that this is fresh air to breath in. I have to remind myself to look at the positives and see the good in all things. I pray that I can see life through God's grace and love!

Christian Lyric Spotlight - "Your Grace is Enough" Chris Tomlin

"Your Grace is Enough" is one of my favorite (which I have a lot of them) that we sing at our church (Fellowship Church). Our praise band and singers have amazing God talent. It's so wonderful to be able to sing to God...His grace really is enough for me!

Great is Your faithfulness oh God
You wrestle with the sinner's heart
You lead us by still waters and to mercy
And nothing can keep us apart
So remember Your people
Remember Your children
Remember Your promise
Oh God
Your grace is enough
Your grace is enough
Your grace is enough for me
Great is Your love and justice God
You use the weak to lead the strong
You lead us in the song of Your salvation
And all Your people sing along
So remember Your people
Remember Your children
Remember Your promise
Oh God
Your grace is enough
Your grace is enough
Your grace is enough for me (x2)
So remember Your people
Remember Your children
Remember Your promise
Oh God
Your grace is enough
Your grace is enough
Your grace is enough for me
Your grace is enough
Heaven reaching down to us
Your grace is enough for me
God i see your grace is enough
I'm covered in your love
Your grace is enough for me
For me

Behind the Song:"The band and I were leading at a Youth Specialties convention. We were asked to back up a guy named Matt Maher for one of the sessions. Matt handed us the chord charts and, with less than5 minutes of practice, we were playing it live. I fell in love with this song immediately. You can't hear the message of God's sufficient grace too many times. Matt is a great lead worshiper and is a part of Life Teen, a growing worship movement in the Catholic Church." - Chris Tomlin

Breakdown of

“Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.”
V Psalm 119:105 (NIV)

Word:
¨ A unit of language, consisting of one or more spoken sounds or their written representation, that functions as a principal carrier of meaning.
¨ God’s word: the Bible


Lamp:
¨ A source of intellectual or spiritual light

Feet
¨ In a standing position
¨ In an independent/dependent position
¨ In a restored or recovered state; able to continue


Light:
¨ Something that makes things visible or affords illumination
¨ The sensation produced by stimulation of the organs of sight

Path:
¨ A trodden way,
¨ Route or course

Praise God for being a light. I would be completely lost without Him! Today in life, the world is very messed up. I heard on a 102.3 or 100.9 about the fact that there isn't a Global Warming, but Global Weirding. I can believe it. Things just aren't the same on weather, people, places or things. I pray that God gives us light everyday.

God's Yellow Pages

My mother-in-law sent this link in an e-mail.
God's Yellow Pages - http://web2.airmail.net/dpelc/yellow/

I always love getting 411 information on links to what's going on in today's life with help found in the bible. I hope this can be helpful for you and others. Enjoy!

PRAYERS AND LOVE SENT OUT TO ALL OF YOU!

Fruits of the Spirit - PEACE

Fruit of the Spirit - The Nine Biblical Attributes

The fruit of the Spirit is a physical manifestation of a Christian's transformed life. In order to mature as believers, we should study and understand the attributes of the ninefold fruit:


PEACE

- State of calm and quiet: public security under law
- Freedom from disturbing thoughts or emotions
- A state of concord (as between persons or governments) also an agreement to end hostilities

"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:1).

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit" (Romans 15:13).

1. What makes you at peace?

2. Describe a peaceful place.

3. What peace do you bring to others?

4. What does a peaceful life look like?

5. How was Christ PEACEFUL?

6. What things can you do to have peace in your heart?

For me, this is how I would answer the questions for my perspective and thought process....

1. Stepping aside and letting God work, being organized, spending quality time with family and friends

2. Laying under the stars with the breeze tickling my face while listening to Watermark!

3. I may not always bring peace to others, but I think when I do....it's sharing what God has taught me...my trials, successes, stubbornness...just sharing...others learn and hopefully don't have to go the path I took to learn something....learning through others is a lot faster and simpler method! :)

4. A peaceful life looks like...hmmm...when I trust God to do His work...taking time to create healthy boundaries while trying to keep on top of things...following through on things and feeling like I have purpose.

5. He is constantly at peace when he unconditionally love us. His works of beauty, grace and mercy shed light on so many things. He is PEACE!

6. PRAY, STUDY HIS WORD, LET GO AND LET GOD!

Celebrating Creation - "Mountains, Valleys and Water"

There will be days where we climb a mountain that really molds and shapes us. Every once in a blue moon we'll be in the valley, feeling like we aren't getting anywhere. Other days we will be in the water treading, floating or almost feel like we are drowning. What's important is to drop to your knees and give it over to Him! He'll always get us through whatever state we are in.

I took this picture on the way home from the 2008 OAE4-HA (Oklahoma Association of Extension 4-H Agents) Conference in Quartz Mountain Resort (Southwest Oklahoma).

Luke 8:25

Even This... by Amy Carmichael

"Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him." - Luke 8:25 NIV

Is there something you are facing - whether in your outer circumstances or in your inner character - that seems impossible to command? Something that has baffled you and outwitted you a thousand times, and appears that it will win over you in the end?

Don't despair. Don't shrug and give up. Our Lord - your Lord and mine - can command even the most difficult, unruly thing that seems as if it will never be commanded.

Let His word "even" be a comfort to you. He who commands even the winds and water (and they must obey Him) - He can say to that "even" yours, "Peace, be still." And there will come for you a "great calm" (Mark 4:39).

Remember that there is nothing you are asked to do in your own strength. Not the least, nor the greatest. Isn't that amazing? How utterly foolish it is to plead weakness when we - even you and I - may move into the stream of that power. If only we will.


God has definitely been so good to be in giving me peace and contentment. I still have moments where I cry and wonder what the answer to my questions and prayers could be, yet I know He has a plan. I've been praying for God to push me aside and let Him do His work. More has been accomplished this week by me stepping aside. I praise Him on High!

Christian Lyric Spotlight- "I Will Never Be The Same Again"

This is a praise and worship song that I was given during my Sophomore Year of College while attending the Hillcrest Baptist Church. I was going through a lot during this time. I can't get through it without tears welling up...just because I know I never will be the same again when God teaches me or leads me to the next lesson. God is always so good! Trust HIM! Enjoy the song! I absolutely love it!



I will never be the same again,

I can never return, I've closed the door.

I will walk the path, I'll run the race

And I will never be the same again.



I will never be the same again,

I can never return, I've closed the door.

I will walk the path, I'll run the race

And I will never be the same again.



Fall like fire, soak like rain,

Flow like mighty waters, again and again.

Sweep away the darkness, burn away the chaff,

And let the flame burn to glorify Your name.



There are higher heights, there are deeper seas,

Whatever you need to do, Lord do in me.

The Glory of God fills my life,

And I will never be the same again.



Fall like fire, soak like rain,

Flow like mighty waters, again and again.

Sweep aways the darkness, burn away the chaff

And let a flame burn to glorify Your name.



Fall like fire, soak like rain,

Flow like mighty waters, again and again.

Sweep away the darkness, burn away the chaff,

And let a flame burn to glorify Your name.



I will never be the same again,

I can never return, I've closed the door.

I will walk the path, I will run the race

And I will never be the same again.

And I will never be the same again.

And I will never be the same again.

Breakdown of Romans 12:10

Memory Verse:
“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
- Romans 12:10 (NIV)

DEFINITIONS:
Devoted:
¨ Characterized by loyalty and devotion

One:
¨ Being a single unit or thing
¨ Being one in particular
¨ Being the same in kind or quality

Brotherly:
¨ The state of being related

Love:
¨ A beloved person
¨ Unselfish loyal benevolent (charitable nature, an act of kindness) concern for others

Honor:
¨ To regard or treat with outward respect

Another:
¨ An additional one: one more
¨ One that is different from the first or present one

Above:
¨ More than: exceeding
¨ As distinct from

Yourselves:
¨ Used reflexively, for emphasis, or in absolute constructions

Footprints in the Sand

This poem is something to cherish for me when I was trying to be tough when my mom was really sick. I was in middle school and felt like I had to be the strong one. Mrs. Joyce Brumley, God rest her soul, was one of my angels who helped me see that God is hear for us through the good and bad times. She taught me so much in my christian walk. Praise God for angels amongst us to help guide our way.



Footprints in the Sand



One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord. Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky. In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand. Sometimes there were two sets of footprints, other times there were one set of footprints.




This bothered me because I noticed that during the low periods of my life, when I was suffering from anguish, sorrow or defeat, I could see only one set of footprints.


So I said to the Lord, “You promised me Lord, that if I followed you, you would walk with me always. But I have noticed that during the most trying periods of my life there have only been one set of footprints in the sand. Why, when I needed you most, you have not been there for me?”




The Lord replied, “The times when you have seen only one set of footprints in the sand, that is when I carried you.”

Fruits of the Spirit - LOVE

Fruit of the Spirit - The Nine Biblical Attributes



The fruit of the Spirit is a physical manifestation of a Christian's transformed life. In order to mature as believers, we should study and understand the attributes of the ninefold fruit:



Love:



"And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him" (1 John 4:16). Through Jesus Christ, our greatest goal is to do all things in love.



"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails" (1 Corinthians 13:4-8).



I had one of my Sunday School teachers a long time ago give us the assignment to replace love with our name:



"Chrissy is patient, Chrissy is kind. She does not envy, she does not boast, she is not proud. She is not rude, she is not self-seeking, she is not easily angered, she keeps no record of wrongs. Chrissy does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. She always protects, always trust, always hopes, always perseveres. Chrissy never fails"



OUCH...let's just say I'm a work in progress. After typing this, I think I have a lot to work on....now your turn...




"________ is patient, ________ is kind. ________ does not envy, ________ does not boast, ________ is not proud. ________ is not rude, ________ is not self-seeking, ________ is not easily angered, ________ keeps no record of wrongs. ________ does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ________ always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. ________ never fails"



How do you see yourself now after going placing your name in the blanks? Though we are far from perfect, God is awesome in loving us unconditionally. He ask that we try and do our best.

Celebrating Creation - "Rays of Light"

God gives us beautiful artwork daily. I took this picture a little bit back when crossing the river. It's like heaven is peeking through the clouds and shedding light on us all!

Philippians 4:13

Contentment by Jean Fleming



"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" Philippians 4:13


We face an unknown future. We do not know what the days ordained for us contain, but we can prepare for whatever lies ahead.


View life as a learning opportunity. Ask God what He wants you to learn from the situations you face. Daily Bible reading and prayer prepare us to receive instruction and direction from God. When we set aside specific time to listen, He often encourages us with His presence and promises, and interprets to some degree the circumstances of life. Take advantage of the natural lull after hard times when you're pulling together the pieces to sort through the events and ferret out the lessons.


The situations we face today can build a greater God confidence in our life and give us assurance that in Christ we can tackle what lies ahead. Incident after incident, lesson after lesson, year after year, as we experience God's great faithfulness, grace, and power, we will gain the confidence to say, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength."
In tough times, Paul was stretched beyond his human capacity, yet he experienced deliverance. From the abyss Paul asked, "Why me, Lord?" but "What do you want me to understand from this situation?" Paul concluded that everything happened "that we might not rely on ourselves but on God."