The other morning as I was bringing mom breakfast I watched as she sat on the side of her bed and dressed for church. She was chatting with herself, "just one step at a time"
What wise counsel!!
At 95 another day IS another day.
When even simple, routine things become challenging it can be discouraging. But mom is not one to become discouraged. She has "bitten the bullet" more times than anyone can imagine ~ and now is no different.
She will not stop unless she is unable. Period.
So it is as we walk with our Savior.
One step at a time is the only way to travel this road to heaven. Anyone who has run ahead, lagged behind or fallen by the way side knows the best way is step by step with Him.
Slow down friend ~
He's never in a hurry and He has much to show you and teach you as you walk with Him!
Blessings~
Step by Step You'll lead me
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ve720TWDZdg&feature=fvwrel
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Isaiah 41:13
Years ago, while walking hand in hand in a busy mall with my fiance', I came out of the crowd holding someone else's hand~ a complete stranger!!
The Lord says in Isaiah 41:13, "For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you!"
Once we join hands with our Savior He will NEVER leave us. He will never let go!
Let Him guide you today. Stop tugging and pulling but make the choice to walk calmly by His side ~ growing into His Likeness and Image.
He never sleeps He never slumbers, He never tires of hearing our prayers!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=weApB5hrCx0&feature=related
Blessings!
The Lord says in Isaiah 41:13, "For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you!"
Once we join hands with our Savior He will NEVER leave us. He will never let go!
Let Him guide you today. Stop tugging and pulling but make the choice to walk calmly by His side ~ growing into His Likeness and Image.
He never sleeps He never slumbers, He never tires of hearing our prayers!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=weApB5hrCx0&feature=related
Blessings!
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Misunderstanding ?
Years ago my young son sat at the kitchen counter chatting with me. He said, " Mom, does Sister Margaret have any children?"
"No son she is a nun and is not married"
He sat there for a while with his "thinking cap" on and then replied, "well, how do the babies know she's not married?"
Sometimes we just have wrong information, we are ignorant of the truth and like this young boy we tend to lean on our own understanding.
Well it prayerfully goes without being said....we can be WAY off!!
We must use the TRUTH as our plumb line. There is only one Book, one God, one Jesus and one Holy Spirit that stand the test.
Joshua 1:8+9
"Study the Bible continuously. Meditate on it day and night so that you will be sure to obey everything that is written in it. Only then will you be prosperous and successful in all that you do.
Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or discouraged for the Lord Your God is with you wherever you go"
Friend OPEN the Book. Ask the Lord to open up your understanding and teach you His ways. You will never be the same!
Blessings!
Monday, August 20, 2012
Accountability
Person #1
"I need to admit something.....I have a tendency to abuse the use of wine. It starts out with a glass in the evening and often becomes a whole bottle"
Admittance is HUGE. When we recognise our frailty, our shortcomings, our addictions, it is the first step to freedom
Person #2
"I hear you.... I too have something I'm struggling with; late night eating. I reward myself when I'm sitting at the computer. This has nothing to do with hunger but all to do with indulgence, lack of self control and discipline"
One confession cracks open the door for another
Person #2
"I have decided to not eat past dinner...period. When I am tempted I will pray for YOU! How can I expect you to have any success if I am not able to myself? God is BIG enough to help us both! Remember in our weakness HE will show HIS strength. IT IS POSSIBLE to overcome these stumbling blocks!"
We text, call, leave messages...reminding each other that we are not alone, someone cares and is praying. There is someone on the same road that I am on and I can resolve to be strong for them.....
This is an example of accountability!
Let me pray with you...
Lord I bring __________ before Your throne. Lord we need Your strength, Your help. We long to serve You with our lives and be in control of our bodies rather than be controlled by them.
We wait Lord, We believe Lord, We know Lord that with You all things are possible!
Have Your way in us I pray!
Blessings!
"I need to admit something.....I have a tendency to abuse the use of wine. It starts out with a glass in the evening and often becomes a whole bottle"
Admittance is HUGE. When we recognise our frailty, our shortcomings, our addictions, it is the first step to freedom
Person #2
"I hear you.... I too have something I'm struggling with; late night eating. I reward myself when I'm sitting at the computer. This has nothing to do with hunger but all to do with indulgence, lack of self control and discipline"
One confession cracks open the door for another
Person #2
"I have decided to not eat past dinner...period. When I am tempted I will pray for YOU! How can I expect you to have any success if I am not able to myself? God is BIG enough to help us both! Remember in our weakness HE will show HIS strength. IT IS POSSIBLE to overcome these stumbling blocks!"
We text, call, leave messages...reminding each other that we are not alone, someone cares and is praying. There is someone on the same road that I am on and I can resolve to be strong for them.....
This is an example of accountability!
Let me pray with you...
Lord I bring __________ before Your throne. Lord we need Your strength, Your help. We long to serve You with our lives and be in control of our bodies rather than be controlled by them.
We wait Lord, We believe Lord, We know Lord that with You all things are possible!
Have Your way in us I pray!
Blessings!
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Sticks and Stones
May break my bones but
Texts will never hurt me!
We have all experienced it at one time or another.
Are you careful with what you say? The Scripture says in Matthew 12:36 that, "On the day of judgement we will be held accountable for every idle and/or careless word that comes out of our mouth"
We need to take this seriously.
Habits need to be broken.
Too often we give ourselves an excuse with "Well God knows I'm a worrier. He knows I'm just a complainer. He knows that I need to say these things.
I honestly don't think that we can be the exception to His Word. We will be held accountable ~ in fact we are already!
Lord Help me please!
Put a red light in front of me..cause me to hear myself and give me the grace to catch my words before they come out of my mouth. Father the Scripture says that out of my heart my mouth speaks! Lord create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me!
I depend and rely on You!
Blessings!
Texts will never hurt me!
A friendly reminder ~
Words, in whatever form you choose to use them, have power.
The power of life and death,
power of joy or hurt,
power to build up or crush,
We have all experienced it at one time or another.
Are you careful with what you say? The Scripture says in Matthew 12:36 that, "On the day of judgement we will be held accountable for every idle and/or careless word that comes out of our mouth"
We need to take this seriously.
Habits need to be broken.
Too often we give ourselves an excuse with "Well God knows I'm a worrier. He knows I'm just a complainer. He knows that I need to say these things.
I honestly don't think that we can be the exception to His Word. We will be held accountable ~ in fact we are already!
Honestly it is a hard habit to break!
BUT NOT IMPOSSIBLE~
As Christians we need to have a guard over our mouths. We carry Jesus remember? Lord Help me please!
Put a red light in front of me..cause me to hear myself and give me the grace to catch my words before they come out of my mouth. Father the Scripture says that out of my heart my mouth speaks! Lord create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me!
I depend and rely on You!
Blessings!
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Pass the Pepper Please
We have made a new young friend.
She is from China.
She has no specific beliefs.
She has visited with mom and I a few times.
She is lovely.
One day we were walking into the house when mom says "Marnie~ ____________ does not know about Jesus~!! We just need to do something about that!"
Subtle real subtle :)
One of my children came to me a few years back and told of one of their friends, who after visiting, said "your whole family talks ALOT about God all the time!"
You know what ~ I realize this!!! WE DO! It has just become a lifestyle, a habit. Jesus ~ God ~ the Holy Spirit is a central focus here.
The Scripture talks about us being like salt Matthew 5:13 (Message)
13"Let me tell you why you are here. You're here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You've lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.
I like this...it is a great picture, salt produces thirst.
But I like pepper as well.
On a typical day, would whomever you are "hanging" with, know by your speech, your actions, that you are a Christian?
Is there evidence of God's love in your life?
I pray today that your life will not only be salty but that it will be "peppered" as well. Peppered with Him, His Word and your testimony. I pray you will leave behind no doubt as to who you are and Whom you belong to !
Pray for opportunities and offer God.
What the world needs now is love sweet love ~
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cW8Alo_5uI&feature=related
She is from China.
She has no specific beliefs.
She has visited with mom and I a few times.
She is lovely.
One day we were walking into the house when mom says "Marnie~ ____________ does not know about Jesus~!! We just need to do something about that!"
Subtle real subtle :)
One of my children came to me a few years back and told of one of their friends, who after visiting, said "your whole family talks ALOT about God all the time!"
You know what ~ I realize this!!! WE DO! It has just become a lifestyle, a habit. Jesus ~ God ~ the Holy Spirit is a central focus here.
The Scripture talks about us being like salt Matthew 5:13 (Message)
13"Let me tell you why you are here. You're here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You've lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.
I like this...it is a great picture, salt produces thirst.
But I like pepper as well.
On a typical day, would whomever you are "hanging" with, know by your speech, your actions, that you are a Christian?
Is there evidence of God's love in your life?
I pray today that your life will not only be salty but that it will be "peppered" as well. Peppered with Him, His Word and your testimony. I pray you will leave behind no doubt as to who you are and Whom you belong to !
Pray for opportunities and offer God.
What the world needs now is love sweet love ~
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cW8Alo_5uI&feature=related
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
When Will IT Come??
How many times have you prayed, only to immediately turn to worry and/or determine to make something happen?
Why won't we give God a minute ~?!
Are we that impatient?
Have we made Him the vending machine in the sky?
Is it all about what and when you receive rather than faith and trust?
Let's remember who we are dealing with here ~
GOD~
Yup~ the
MAKER OF THE UNIVERSE!
HE HAS A PLAN~
God will not be mocked!
HE WILL answer you ~
He loves you~
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhMdWjL2kiU&feature=related
Blessings
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Rights
An awful thing happened last night. My son's car was broken into and a lot of his belongings were stolen. As we dialogued and processed the incident, words like victim, vulnerable, unfair, angry, frustrated, fearful and suspicious came to mind.
In these situations someone may say, "You have a right to feel ____________"
That is absolutely true! You "do" have a right .....but let's look at exactly what rights we do have.
We have the right to feel safe
Ps 34:7, Ps 91:2,4-5, Ps 91:8-11...etc
We have the right to be at peace
Mt 11:28-30, John 14:27, John 16:33
We have the right to not fret
Mt 6:25-27, John 14:27, Luke 12:25
We have the right to be joyful
Ps 5:11-12, Ps 63:5-7, Romans 15:13
We have the right to have a renewed mind
2Corinthians 10:5, Romans 12:2, Philippians 4:8
Remember we gave up "our rights" when we asked Jesus to take over our lives. We do not have to live in bondage any longer. A new road has been opened to us and we have a Savior that goes before us.
So today ~ look at your "rights" Are they the correct ones? Are you carrying the right perspectives? Are you able to "hold your peace" when sin and darkness assails you?
Just hold on to Jesus He's holding on to you!
Blessings!
In these situations someone may say, "You have a right to feel ____________"
That is absolutely true! You "do" have a right .....but let's look at exactly what rights we do have.
We have the right to feel safe
Ps 34:7, Ps 91:2,4-5, Ps 91:8-11...etc
We have the right to be at peace
Mt 11:28-30, John 14:27, John 16:33
We have the right to not fret
Mt 6:25-27, John 14:27, Luke 12:25
We have the right to be joyful
Ps 5:11-12, Ps 63:5-7, Romans 15:13
We have the right to have a renewed mind
2Corinthians 10:5, Romans 12:2, Philippians 4:8
Remember we gave up "our rights" when we asked Jesus to take over our lives. We do not have to live in bondage any longer. A new road has been opened to us and we have a Savior that goes before us.
So today ~ look at your "rights" Are they the correct ones? Are you carrying the right perspectives? Are you able to "hold your peace" when sin and darkness assails you?
Just hold on to Jesus He's holding on to you!
Blessings!
Monday, August 13, 2012
Do Not Reduce Him
In Lou Giglio's DVD "How Great is our God" he makes a statement; "Our sin tends to shrink God and magnify us"
Well have you ever had that "shrinking" feeling?
If not....it's time!
Isaiah 55:6-9
The Message (MSG)
6-7Seek God while he's here to be found,
pray to him while he's close at hand.
Let the wicked abandon their way of life
and the evil their way of thinking.
Let them come back to God, who is merciful,
come back to our God, who is lavish with forgiveness.
8-11"I don't think the way you think.
The way you work isn't the way I work."
God's Decree.
"For as the sky soars high above earth,
so the way I work surpasses the way you work,
and the way I think is beyond the way you think.
Just as rain and snow descend from the skies
and don't go back until they've watered the earth,
Doing their work of making things grow and blossom,
producing seed for farmers and food for the hungry,
So will the words that come out of my mouth
not come back empty-handed.
They'll do the work I sent them to do,
they'll complete the assignment I gave them.
If you have truly come into relationship with Christ, you will not argue or balk at His Word. You will submit to it and determine to set It as a guideline for your life. He will not bend to your ways, you must bow to His.
pray to him while he's close at hand.
Let the wicked abandon their way of life
and the evil their way of thinking.
Let them come back to God, who is merciful,
come back to our God, who is lavish with forgiveness.
8-11"I don't think the way you think.
The way you work isn't the way I work."
God's Decree.
"For as the sky soars high above earth,
so the way I work surpasses the way you work,
and the way I think is beyond the way you think.
Just as rain and snow descend from the skies
and don't go back until they've watered the earth,
Doing their work of making things grow and blossom,
producing seed for farmers and food for the hungry,
So will the words that come out of my mouth
not come back empty-handed.
They'll do the work I sent them to do,
they'll complete the assignment I gave them.
If you have truly come into relationship with Christ, you will not argue or balk at His Word. You will submit to it and determine to set It as a guideline for your life. He will not bend to your ways, you must bow to His.
HE IS GOD
Blessings!
PS. Friends, I have entered a Caregivers Cruise Give away.
Would you kindly go to this site and vote for me?
You can vote once a day until Sept 15th when the drawing will take place.
Thank you for this
Sunday, August 12, 2012
He Bends Down
I heard say "Sometimes God bends down, sometimes He bends WAY down"
Our God is a Compassionate Savior.
He always meets us more than half way.
His love can reach us where ever we may find ourselves.
Listen to this lovely old song's words and be reminded of the Savior's love and what it cost
Lift those loved ones that have not experienced His love and care. He longs for a relationship with them ~
Your prayers will make a difference!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIAgK_yd1T8&feature=related
He loves you friend!
Blessings!
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Trust Issue??
I just listened to a song posted by a friend on FBook that I have not heard in a l o n g time.
Play it a couple of times and let the words speak for them selves and then spend some time with HIM declaring your TRUST once again.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MV1ZY7AWNdY
Play it a couple of times and let the words speak for them selves and then spend some time with HIM declaring your TRUST once again.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MV1ZY7AWNdY
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Which Side of the Fence?
C.S. Lewis has been quoted as saying:
"Christians are the best argument for and against Christianity."
Unfortunately that is not hard for me to believe!
The only way that we can change this image is if YOU and I both become like Christ!
2 Corinthians 5:17 says: "This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone, a new life has begun!"
Well it is obvious that although I believe wholeheartedly that positionally the work has been accomplished it will take my whole life to be changed by the Word.
Friend we need to "lean in" Let's stop resisting change and the Lord's work in our lives. Get back up on that operating table and
let Him have His way.
God allows what He hates to bring about what He loves!
He loves to see us come into HIS image!!
Let the world see....
Sit still
Blessings!
"Christians are the best argument for and against Christianity."
Unfortunately that is not hard for me to believe!
The only way that we can change this image is if YOU and I both become like Christ!
2 Corinthians 5:17 says: "This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone, a new life has begun!"
Man ~ what has gone wrong?
Well it is obvious that although I believe wholeheartedly that positionally the work has been accomplished it will take my whole life to be changed by the Word.
Friend we need to "lean in" Let's stop resisting change and the Lord's work in our lives. Get back up on that operating table and
let Him have His way.
God allows what He hates to bring about what He loves!
He loves to see us come into HIS image!!
Let the world see....
"This little light of mine, I'm going to let it shine!"
Sit still
Blessings!
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Funneled!
I heard this word used this morning in a prayer meeting. It described how a person was feeling about moving after decades of being in the same house. She was feeling like she had to let go of "roomy" and many things to fit into a very small space. It was hard and felt kind of panicky
I thought immediately of God and Jesus.
Hebrews 2:14 ....The Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death.
Phil 2:5-11
........Christ Jesus, who though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.....he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross......
HE was funneled for sure!
Friend Do you feel funneled? If you are a follower, let HIM funnel you to where you need to be. It is out of kindness that HE does this! He knows that we would be lost if we did it on our own.....thus He funnels us.
I thought immediately of God and Jesus.
Hebrews 2:14 ....The Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death.
Phil 2:5-11
........Christ Jesus, who though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.....he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross......
It made me think...How did God ....GOD....funnel Himself down into the likeness of man? HE put HIMSELF into a human form! HE HUMBLED HIMSELF!
HE emptied HIMSELF!
HE took on the form of a servant!
HE DIED!
Friend Do you feel funneled? If you are a follower, let HIM funnel you to where you need to be. It is out of kindness that HE does this! He knows that we would be lost if we did it on our own.....thus He funnels us.
I love that....what a Gracious thing to do!
What a good Father!
What a Savior and Keeper!
HE FUNNELS US!
Oh precious thought!!
Blessings!
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Psalm 42:11
Have you ever encountered a person who is just "sour"? NO MATTER WHAT they are on the negative side of neutral!
What do you think that is all about??
It is not impossible to change.
WE are in charge of our countenance! We choose as to what it is going to be. Today I found myself whining about the heat and humidity....and then I realized it. I asked for forgiveness and for the grace to keep my mouth quiet, (after all my daughter just ministered in a very poor town in Brazil where it was winter and 100 degrees with NO WATER!)
I should complain??
So friend ~ think about this today. What do people see when they look at you? What do they hear?
The Scripture says: "Why so downcast oh my soul ~ put your hope in God!"
Pray as you first look in the mirror in the morning. Lord make me shine for You today! Please let me be a vision of Your loveliness!
Blessings~
Thursday, August 2, 2012
A Throng of People
Tonite a friend and I took a few hours to sit and listen to music at the Yankee Homecoming in Newburyport. It was a lovely evening and not only did we enjoy the music but also the "people watching"
EVERY one was there! Old, young, babies, children, teens, family units, ...Some visited, others "grooved" to the music and still others reminisced their childhood.
An old favorite of mine is Steve Green's "People Need the Lord"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AibBR6j2g54&feature=related
The Lord knows each and everyone.... but who knows Him?
Spread the Good News friend. HE has the power to save!
Blessings!
EVERY one was there! Old, young, babies, children, teens, family units, ...Some visited, others "grooved" to the music and still others reminisced their childhood.
An old favorite of mine is Steve Green's "People Need the Lord"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AibBR6j2g54&feature=related
The Lord knows each and everyone.... but who knows Him?
Spread the Good News friend. HE has the power to save!
Blessings!
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Sisters
My two other brothers are quite different from each other. My mom has said that you could practically draw a line down the middle of their room it was so obvious.
Kind of like Martha and Mary. I think about the gals quite alot. I get it ~ I really do BUT am not sure what to do about what I get!
How do we meld the two? I personally think that it is absolutely possible and often necessary. I don't know of anyone who can just "sit at the feet of Jesus" all day. Think about the Proverbs 31 woman...she was industrious and active. She spent her day wisely looking after her household.
I feel I do the same.....I also tell myself that even though I may not be sitting down my heart is kneeling and Jesus and I are in constant communication.
I want to practice stillness though...I know a handful of ladies that are practicing Centering Prayer, being still before God.
I'm just trying to figure it out.
When?
Today I got up, fixed mom her breakfast, readied for Bible Study, went to Bible Study, left early to take mom to the Dr's, went shopping for poison ivy meds and lunch for my itchy son, delivered them to Manchester, came home, fed mom, went to Market Basket in the deluge, came home put food away and fixed dinner for mom, I and a guest. Visited ....went out to the yard to fine tune it for guests tomorrow before it was pitch dark, ran to the church garden to pick some tomatoes in the dark, washed the floors, prepped for the luncheon tomorrow, and now am here tending to this....(knowing I need to be up early before ladies arrive)
I TRULY WANT TO FIGURE THIS OUT!
My life is full.....I know that when I put Jesus first everything falls into place...I actually experience it every day!
But Im not satisfied.... I want more MORE MORE!
How are you doing in the Martha/ Mary challenge?
Lord, Please show us and give us wisdom as to how to live our lives in a way that they will be pleasing to You and bless Your heart! I need help Lord, in more ways than one and I want to be sure that my priorities are straight and that You are not left in the dust ~ Teach me Lord Help me to understand Your ways!
Blessings!
Feed back please ~
Kind of like Martha and Mary. I think about the gals quite alot. I get it ~ I really do BUT am not sure what to do about what I get!
How do we meld the two? I personally think that it is absolutely possible and often necessary. I don't know of anyone who can just "sit at the feet of Jesus" all day. Think about the Proverbs 31 woman...she was industrious and active. She spent her day wisely looking after her household.
I feel I do the same.....I also tell myself that even though I may not be sitting down my heart is kneeling and Jesus and I are in constant communication.
I want to practice stillness though...I know a handful of ladies that are practicing Centering Prayer, being still before God.
I'm just trying to figure it out.
When?
Today I got up, fixed mom her breakfast, readied for Bible Study, went to Bible Study, left early to take mom to the Dr's, went shopping for poison ivy meds and lunch for my itchy son, delivered them to Manchester, came home, fed mom, went to Market Basket in the deluge, came home put food away and fixed dinner for mom, I and a guest. Visited ....went out to the yard to fine tune it for guests tomorrow before it was pitch dark, ran to the church garden to pick some tomatoes in the dark, washed the floors, prepped for the luncheon tomorrow, and now am here tending to this....(knowing I need to be up early before ladies arrive)
I TRULY WANT TO FIGURE THIS OUT!
My life is full.....I know that when I put Jesus first everything falls into place...I actually experience it every day!
But Im not satisfied.... I want more MORE MORE!
How are you doing in the Martha/ Mary challenge?
Lord, Please show us and give us wisdom as to how to live our lives in a way that they will be pleasing to You and bless Your heart! I need help Lord, in more ways than one and I want to be sure that my priorities are straight and that You are not left in the dust ~ Teach me Lord Help me to understand Your ways!
Blessings!
Feed back please ~
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