For Everyday Blessings ~ Work Week

Okay, enough is enough. I am taking some time to get some work done.
I leave you this prayer until I return.

For Everyday Blessings

Dear God,
Open my eyes to the beauty of this day.
The yellow of an egg yolk in a blue bowl.
The scent of bacon frying in the pan.
The soft caress of the morning breeze.
The sound of children at play.
Awaken my senses.
Let me see, hear, and feel the beauty around me.
And be aware of the presence of the Great Artist in my everyday world.

Thank you LORD for everyday blessings.


Man goes out to his work
And to his labor until the evening.

Psalm 104:23

Amazing Grace

I just love to worship and glorify my Lord in song. I know it's not the best but here I am singing one of my favorites, Amazing Grace.



Praise the Lord! For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves it is the gift of God. Ephesians 2:8

Prayer Request

To all of my wonderful followers,

A dear friend of mine from my Sunday school class died this past Sunday and the funeral is today. Please keep her family and friends in your prayers on this difficult day. Thank you.

With all of His Love,

Brian

Do Not Worry

Look at the birds of the air;
they do not sow or reap or store away in barns,
and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.
Are you not much more valuable than they?

Matthew 6:26

Word Filled Wednesday is hosted this week by Susan at Forever His. Visit her blog for more visual inspiration!!

In Uncertain Times, God Teaches & Leads

God is always with you through uncertain times
and He wants you to learn and grow
from these experiences to draw you closer to HIm.

Leave inexperience behind, and you will live;
pursue the way of understanding.
Proverbs 9:6 Holman CSB

But grow in the grace and knowledge
of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
To Him be the glory both now
and to the day of eternity. Amen.
2 Peter 3:18 Holman CSB

Daily Affirmation

How Can a Single Affirmation Provide Power?

I saw this video the other day and began thinking about how positive affirmation can be a powerful tool in our lives. This little girl is so cute and her affirmations are full of love.

This got me to thinking that sometimes we try to make things so complicated especially when we begin to use pages of scripture to make these affirmations in our lives. I am not saying that we should not study the Bible but I began thinking how this affirmation does not have to be so overwhelming and complicated. This is especially true if your affirmation is based on the Word of God. There is amazing power to discover from simply meditating on a single Bible verse.

Meditating on the Word does NOT have to be a struggle!

Start by choosing a verse that seems to jump out at you, or that you connect with. You may not even understand why you are feeling attracted to that particular verse. Just go with it and start the process of planting it in your heart. The Psalms is a great place to find affirmations Bible verses.

Write the verse down and personalize it as your own affirmation. Keep it with you and read it to yourself as often as you think of it. Meditate on it and confess it as much as possible. Record yourself reading it and listen to it over and over.

Even if you don’t think it will have an effect just do it anyway. Why? Because we are told that God’s Word will not return void. You can have confidence that when you speak it, it will be accomplished and prosper. (Isaiah 55:11)

I challenge you to keep it simple. Grab hold of a verse from the Word of God. Make it your own and discover the life changing power you can have from a single affirmation.

May you continue to experience growing prosperity and love in your life!

~ Sunday Song of Celebration ~

Casting Crowns ~ Praise You In The Storm



If you would like to join this Sunday Song of Celebration please post your music video or audio track on your blog in order to praise, honor and worship our Lord, Jesus Christ. Be sure to grab the button in the sidebar. Then add your link in the comments below so I and others can visit and celebrate our Lord through song!


Sing to the LORD, all the earth;
Proclaim good tidings of His salvation from day to day.
1 Chronicles 16:23

Storms

I did not know His love before, the way I know it now.
I could not see my need for Him, my pride would not allow.
I had it all, without a care, the "Self-sufficient" lie.
My path was smooth, my sea was still, not a cloud was in my sky.

I thought I knew His love for me, I thought I'd seen His grace,
I thought I did not need to grow, I thought I'd found my place.
But then the way grew rough and dark, the storm clouds quickly rolled;
The waves began to rock my ship, I found I had no hold.

The ship that I had built myself was made of foolish pride.
It fell apart and left me bare, with nowhere else to hide.
I had no strength or faith to face the trials that lay ahead,
And so I simply spoke His name and bowed my weary head.

His loving arms enveloped me, and then He helped me stand.
He said, "You still must face this storm, but I will hold your hand."
So through the dark and lonely night He guided me through pain.
I could not see the light of day or when I'd smile again.

Yet through the pain and endless tears, my faith began to grow.
I could not see it at the time, but my light began to glow.
I saw God's love in brand new light, His grace and mercy, too.
For only when all self was gone could Jesus' love shine through.

It was not easy in the storm, I sometimes wondered why.
At times I thought, "I can't go on."I'd hurt, and doubt, and cry.
But Jesus never left my side He guided me each day.
Through pain and strife, through fire and flood, He helped me all the way.

And now I see as ne'er before how great His love can be.
How in my weakness He is strong, how Jesus cares for me!
He worked it all out for my good, although the way was rough.
He only sent what I could bear, and then He said, "Enough!"

He raised His hand and said, "Be still!" He made the storm clouds cease.
He opened up the gates of joy and flooded me with peace.
I saw His face now clearer still, I felt His presence strong,
I found anew His faithfulness, He never did me wrong.

And now I know more storms will come, but only for my good,
For pain and tears have helped me grow as nothing ever could.
I still have so much more to learn as Jesus works in me;
If in the storm I'll love Him more, that's where I want to be!

Author Unknown


Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of
many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith
develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work
so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:2-4

Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he bringeth
them out of their distresses. He maketh the storm a calm, so
that the waves thereof are still. Then are they glad because
they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven.
Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for
his wonderful works to the children of men!
Psalms 107:28-31

Fun Friday Meme

Today I’m participating in Fun Friday Meme suggested over on Faith Writers by Lynda. Basically, I’m supposed to answer a few questions about my own writing. If you would like to participate you can find the details here.

1. What’s the last thing you wrote? Besides the comments I have posted on other peoples blogs and my thoughts of some of the articles and videos I have posted, I wrote a poem for Mother's day on Oldman's Poetry Corner for my mother and I wrote the rough draft for my monthly column.

Was it any good? My mother really enjoyed it and I have had positive comments from other people so I would have to say yes.

What’s the first thing you ever wrote that you still have? I have a story I wrote in grammar school about a rooster.

Write poetry? Yes, I love to write poetry!

Do you type or write by hand? Like Lynda, I almost always type though I do write ideas down by hand as I have them especially when it comes to my poetry. For poetry, I will take the lines I have written by hand and then go to the computer and finish the poem.

Do you save everything you write? Yes, I save almost everything I write.

Does music help you write? Not really, I usually work in quiet.

Do you even show people your work? Yes, all of the time. I do have a couple of people I will share my work with before I share it with the world on occasion but it really depends on what I am writing. My poetry I usually share with a friend of mine who is a poet to get her advice before I share it with the world.

Do you want to write for a living? I want to!

Have you ever written something for a magazine or newspaper? Yes, I write a monthly column on health and fitness for a local newspaper.

The last thing you’ve had published for pay? I've never really been paid for writing except for a very small amount for the health blog I wrote for Today.com before they were bought out by MSNBC and the Today Show.

Fiction Writers…

Where do you get ideas for your characters? From people I have known but mostly from my imagination. A single character may have attributes of different people.

Are you a Pantser or a Plotter? I'm like Lynda again here I am totally a Pantser. I get a basic idea and run with it and see where it goes as I am writing.

Have you ever written sci-fi, fantasy, or horror? Yes, when I was younger but nothing recently.

Ever written romance or teen angsty drama? No, not really. There may be some romance in my story but I would not call it a romance story.

Genre of choice? Mystery, epic adventure, and drama.

Do you favor happy endings, sad endings, or cliff-hangers? I like happy endings though with twists and turns especially at the end.

Quote something you’ve written. The first thing to pop into your mind.

Buzzing, Screaming, Ringing Loud
Why disturb my dreaming cloud
Don't you know I want more sleep
Just five more minutes I won't fall deep

This is taken from The Nagging Alarm Clock, a fun poem I wrote last year.

OK IT'S YOUR TURN! I’m tagging all of you to copy and paste this FUN FRIDAY MEME onto your blog. Don’t forget to come back and let me know. I’ve love to check it out.

Fliers, Runners & Walkers

Faith doesn't exempt us from life's seasons; it just enables us to go through them victoriously.

Isaiah 41:9b-10 "I said, 'You are my servant'; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."

Isaiah 40:31 "but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

If you're a flier -- If you're being blessed by God and experiencing success beyond your natural abilities, enjoy it. But always remember, your ability to fly comes from God -- not you. Forget that, and down you will go!

If you're a runner -- Thank God you're still in the race. Don't compare yourself with high fliers or you'll get discouraged, and don't compare yourself with walkers or you'll become proud. Just keep running and your time will come.

If you're a walker -- Keep putting one foot in front of the other. some days pain, discouragement and fatigue make it impossible to fly high or run; all you can do is walk without fainting, and even that's hard. No problem; give yourself permission to be where you are. Walking counts with God. When it's the best you can do -- it's enough!

For more inspirational videos visit Oldmanblurts YouTube.

You're Never Alone

And the LORD, He is the One who goes before you.
He will be with you,
He will not leave you nor forsake you;
do not fear nor be dismayed.

Deuteronomy 31:8

I chose this photo because like our shadow God is always with us. He is there to carry us through all of our struggles. He is there to walk beside us as our friend. He is there to lead us through our lives and guide us to our destination. We can choose to ignore Him but He is always there pouring His love and grace down upon us.

Word Filled Wednesday is hosted this week by Amydeanne at The 160 Acre Woods. Visit her blog for more visual inspiration!!

Born Again American

I found this video very inspiring and believe all Americans should hear it because it speaks of many values we as Americans find important. I hope it inspires all of us to be more patriotic and better citizens of this great land. I want to take this opportunity to thank Stan at "AccordingtotheBook" for sharing this with me. Please drop by his blog, I'm sure you find it inspiring.

The Blessing of Unanswered Prayers

I asked for strength that I might achieve;
I was made weak that I might learn humbly to obey.
I asked for health that I might do greater things;
I was given infirmity that I might do better things.
I asked for riches that I might be happy;
I was given poverty that I might be wise.
I asked for power that I might have the praise of men;
I was given weakness that I might feel the need of God.
I asked for all things that I might enjoy life;
I was given life that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing that I had asked for,
but eveything that I had hoped for.
Almost despite myself my unspoken prayers were answered;
I am, among all men, most richly blessed.
Thank you Lord for all the many blessing You give.

~ Sunday Song of Celebration ~

Trading My Sorrows - Darrell Evans

If you would like to join us for Sunday Song of Celebration please post your music video or audio track on your blog in order to praise, honor and worship our Lord, Jesus Christ. Be sure to grab the button in the sidebar. Then add your link to Mr. Linky below so others can visit and celebrate our Lord through song!

Sing to the LORD, all the earth;
Proclaim good tidings of His salvation from day to day.
1 Chronicles 16:23

The Teacup

A couple vacationing in Europe went strolling down a little street and saw a quaint little gift shop with a beautiful teacup in the window. The lady collected teacups and she wanted this one for her collection, so she went inside to buy the teacup, and as the story goes the teacup spoke and said:

"I want you to know that I have not always looked like this. It took the process of pain to bring me to this point. You see, there was a time when I was just clay and the Master came and he pounded me and he squeezed me and he kneaded me and I screamed: "STOP THAT!". But he just smiled and said, "Not yet".

Then he took me and put me on the shelf and I went round and round and round and round... and while I was spinning and getting dizzier and dizzier I screamed again and I said, "Please get me off this thing... please get me off!!!" And the Master was looking at me and he was smiling, as he said, "Not yet".

Then he took me and walked toward the oven and shut the door and turned up the heat and I could see him through the window of the oven and it was getting hotter and hotter and I thought, "He's going to burn me to death!".

And I started pounding on the inside of the oven and I said, "Master, let me out, let me out, let me out!", and I could see that he was smiling as he said "Not yet". Then he opened the door and I was fresh and free and he took me out of the oven and he put me on the table and then he got some paint and a paintbrush.

He started dabbing me and making swirls all over me and I started to gag and I said: "Master, stop it... stop it... stop it please... you're making me gag". He just smiled as he said "not yet".

Then very gently he picked me up again and he started walking toward the oven and I said, "Master, NO!! Not again, pleeeease!!". He opened the oven door and he slipped me inside and he shut the door and this time he turned the heat up twice as hot as before and I thought, "He's going to kill me!!", and I looked through the window of the oven and I started to pound on it, saying, "Master... Master, please let me out... please let me out... let me out!".

I could see that he was smiling but I also noticed a tear trickle down his cheek as I watched him mouth the words, "Not yet!"

Just as I thought I was about to die, the door opened and he reached in ever so gently and took me out, fresh and free and he went and placed me on a high shelf and he said: "There, I have created what I intended. Would you like to see your yourself?" I said, "Yes". He handed me a mirror and I looked and I looked again and I said, "That's not me, I'm just a lump of clay".

He said, "Yes, that IS you, but it took the process of pain to bring you to this place. You see, had I not worked you when you were clay, then you would have dried up.

If I had not subjected you to the stress of the wheel you would have crumbled. If I had not put you into the heat of the oven you would have cracked. If I had not painted you there would be no color in your life. But, it was the second oven that gave you the strength to endure. Now you are everything I intended you to be - from the beginning." And I, the teacup, heard myself saying something I never thought I would hear myself saying, "Master, forgive me, I did not trust you. I thought you were going to harm me, I did not know you had a glorious future and a hope for me. I was too shortsighted, but I want to thank you.

I want to thank you for the suffering. I want to thank you for the process of pain. Here I am! I give you myself - fill me; pour from me, use me as you see fit. I really want to be a vessel that brings you glory within my life."

Author Unknown

1Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. 2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:1-2

Fiction Friday: We all need a little help now and then

Hop on Over, I'll Be There for You

Bunny Hop
Bunny Go
Along the trail
Off to the show

He hears a sound
Stops on the trail
He hops some more
Into a pail

He is so fat
And round you see
He can't get out
Needs help from me

I gently push
the bucket over
He hops right out
Into the clover

He looks once more
As if to say
Thanks my friend
You made my day

I sit and think
He's fat like me
Glad for friends
To set him free

Friends give me hope
Support my goal
To lose the weight
And make me whole

Like my friends
You make me think
To eat healthy
Watch what I drink

Bunny hop
Bunny go
Thanks my friend
Enjoy the show

~ Brian Russell ~
©Copyright 2009 Oldman's Poetry Corner ~ All rights reserved

Fiction Friday is being hosted today by Cat over at A work in progress. Please take the time to visit her blog and the other links to Fiction Friday.

Confidence in Christ

Many times in life we feel lost, alone or frightened. It is during those times I lean on my Lord for protection and confidence to overcome my fears and to walk beside me and guide me.

I can do all things
through Christ who
strengthens me.

Philippians 4:13

Keeping a Joyful Song in Your Heart

You will go out in joy
and be led forth in peace;
the mountains and hills
will burst into song before you,
and all the trees of the field
will clap their hands.

Isaiah 55:12

Word Filled Wednesday is hosted this week by Lori at all you have to give. Visit her blog for more visual inspiration!!

Prayer for Hearing God's Word

Dear Heavenly Father, I'm praying for all of those in my circle of family and friends who need Christ...

You are the God who gives life to the spiritually dead. (Romans 4:17b)

I thank You that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. But Scripture asks, How can these I'm praying for call on Jesus if they have not believed in Him? And how can they believe in Him if they've not heard about Him? And how can they hear without someone bringing the truth to them? And how can they hear unless that person is sent? (Romans 10:13–15a)

I ask You to send someone into each of their lives, someone with the message of life, the Word of Christ—for Your Word does not return empty; it accomplishes what You desire and achieves the purpose for which it is sent. (Romans 10:17; Isaiah 55:11)

May they hear the words of Christ, for His words are spirit and they are life. May the words that they hear not be stolen from their hearts. ( John 6:63; Luke 8:12)

Send someone they can respect to bring them the truth. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Tamara Lowe at Christ Fellowship

Honoring Mothers

A Day of Prayer

Father, we Your people come humbly before You on this another day that You have allowed us to be a part of. We humbly submit our will to You, and say thank you for Your grace and mercy, that through the blood of Your precious Son, Jesus Christ, have been extended to us. We thank you for His obedience and love for You and that He willingly took on the cross that we would not have to endure it. We thank you for our president and all those that work faithfully beside him. Let them run our nation under Your leadership, not man's. Let every decision made be brought before You before anything is finalized. Let prayer be first and foremost in their lives, any that cannot submit to Your will remove them. Bless their families. Father bless every leader throughout this great nation and all the people that we may submit to Your will as we go about our daily adventures, giving all the praise to You for all things. Let our decisions be Your decisions. Let us love and honor everyone, as You Father are love, let us show that love by the way we treat our fellowman. Your word says "With love and kindness have I drawn thee" let this be our daily goal to love and draw someone that is lost, hurting, not knowing which direction to take to You Father. Let Your people that are called by Your name, humble themselves and pray, seek Your face and turn from their wicked ways so that You can forgive their sins and heal our land. Your word is true and will not come back void. You are a light unto our path, let us be a light for others, and we will always give all the glory to You. We give You the highest praise "Hallelujah" to You Father. Bless all that took the time to say thank you and offer partitions in Your Son, Jesus Christ's name. I praise you and I love you. Amen

My God is Truly an Awesome God: Psalm 68:35

You are awesome, O God, in your sanctuary;
the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people.
Praise be to God!
Psalm 68:35

Word Filled Wednesday is hosted this week by PennyRaine. Visit her blog for more visual inspiration!!

Do You Know How The Apostles Died?

The only apostle whose death the Bible records is James (Acts 12:2). King Herod had James “put to death with the sword,” likely a reference to beheading. The circumstances of the deaths of the other apostles are related through church tradition. The most commonly accepted church tradition in regard to the death of an apostle is that the apostle Peter was crucified upside-down on an x-shaped cross in Rome in fulfillment of Jesus’ prophecy (John 21:18). The following are the most popular “traditions” concerning the deaths of the other apostles:

Matthew suffered martyrdom in Ethiopia, killed by a sword wound.

Mark died in Alexandria, Egypt, after being dragged by horses through the streets until he was dead.

Luke was hanged in Greece as a result of his tremendous preaching to the lost.

John faced martyrdom when he was boiled in huge basin of boiling oil during a wave of persecution in Rome. However, he was miraculously delivered from death. John was then sentenced to the mines on the prison island of Patmos . He wrote his prophetic Book of Revelation on Patmos. The apostle John was later freed and returned to serve as Bishop of Edessa in modern Turkey. He died as an old man, the only apostle to die peacefully.

Peter was crucified upside down on an x-shaped cross. According to church tradition it was because he told his tormentors that he felt unworthy to die in the same way that Jesus Christ had died.

James, just The leader of the church in Jerusalem, was thrown over a hundred feet down from the southeast pinnacle of the Temple when he refused to deny his faith in Christ. When they discovered that he survived the fall, his enemies beat James to death with a fuller's club. This was the same pinnacle where Satan had taken Jesus during the Temptation.

James the Great, son of Zebedee, was a fisherman by trade when Jesus called him to a lifetime of ministry. As a strong leader of the church, James was ultimately beheaded at Jerusalem. The Roman officer who guarded James watched amazed as James defended his faith at his trial. Later, the officer walked beside James to the place of execution. Overcome by conviction, he declared his new faith to the judge and knelt beside James to accept beheading as a Christian.

Bartholomew, also known as Nathaniel, was a missionary to Asia. He witnessed for our Lord in present day Turkey. Bartholomew was martyred for his preaching in Armenia where he was flayed to death by a whip.

Andrew was crucified on an x-shaped cross in Patras, Greece. After being whipped severely by seven soldiers they tied his body to the cross with cords to prolong his agony. His followers reported that, when he was led toward the cross, Andrew saluted it in these words: "I have long desired and expected this happy hour. The cross has been consecrated by the body of Christ hanging on it." He continued to preach to his tormentors for two days until he expired.

Thomas was stabbed with a spear in India during one of his missionary trips to establish the church in the sub-continent.

Jude, the brother of Jesus, was killed with arrows when he refused to deny his faith in Christ.

Matthias, the apostle chosen to replace the traitor Judas Iscariot, was stoned and then beheaded.

Barnabas, one of the group of seventy disciples, wrote the Epistle of Barnabas. He preached throughout Italy and Cyprus. Barnabas was stoned to death at Salonica.

Paul was tortured and then beheaded by the evil Emperor Nero at Rome in A.D. 67. Paul endured a lengthy imprisonment which allowed him to write his many epistles to the churches he had formed throughout the Roman Empire. These letters, which taught many of the foundational doctrines of Christianity, form a large portion of the New Testament.

Perhaps this is a reminder to us that our sufferings here are indeed minor compared to the intense persecution and cold cruelty faced by the apostles disciples during their times for the sake of the Faith. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake:

But he that endureth to the end shall be saved. Matthew 10:22.

It is not so important how the apostles died. What is important is the fact that they were all willing to die for their faith. If Jesus had not been resurrected, the disciples would have known it. People will not die for something they know to be a lie. The fact that all of the apostles were willing to die horrible deaths, refusing to renounce their faith in Christ, is tremendous evidence that they had truly witnessed the resurrection of Jesus Christ.