Insecurity, Hiding, Alone

Do you ever feel insecure, like you are all alone in this world, or that nobody sees you and you don't really want them to? Well, I can say with much confidence that you aren't alone!

I believe that at some point in every woman's life she feels insecure. Standing in the check out line at the grocery store and you look at the magazine covers. A couple of interesting stories~ Age Proof your health simple steps to a better body, sharper memory and endless energy...or the latest celebrity in her bikini with a knock out figure and she's 50!!!! Yes, I think at some point insecurity sets in.

Yesterday, was the first day I could swim in the pool. It was wonderful, but I wasn't. I put on that swimsuit and it was not a pretty sight...let me tell you it was not good. I enjoyed the water, the relaxation, but the whole time it was that nagging you are in terrible shape, you look terrible and I was saying yes you are right. I always take a book and read. I picked up the right book and I know it was Spirit appointed. I've had the book for months and I actually went looking for it.

The book was talking about the Samaritan woman from John 4 and all the feelings that Sam would have had. Yes, she called her Sam and I like that...it was easier to identify with a woman that had a name. The story really began to speak to me, so I thought I'm going to share it from my point of view with you today.

We don't know what Sam looked like, but the story tells us that she was on her way to get water. A chore much like grocery shopping for some of us, to mail the bills, or to the dentist. A chore had to be done and she was on the way in the middle of the day. It was hot and she was alone. One must wonder what was going through her mind on the journey to the well. Did she speak to anyone along the way? Do you? Do you want to melt into the background and hope that nobody notices you?

Jesus was waiting. Sam didn't realize it was Jesus, but it was Him. He was tired and he was resting. Now first off Jesus the scripture tells us had to go through Samaria. Not a normal thing for Jews they didn't like Samaria most of the time they went around it rather than mingle with these folks...Jesus had an appointment to keep in the middle of a hot day at a well with Sam. He requested for her to give him a drink...Jesus knew that Sam needed something that only He could provide, so He came. He could have sent somebody else, but He knew she needed Him.

Jesus knew why she was at the well in the heat of the day, alone. He knew that she was insecure, she had things she wanted to hide and He wanted to give her something that she needed ~ Him. Something she could hang her heart to and know it was okay, something that would fill her hole in her heart. The things she was clinging into in her life, certainly were never going to fill her up...The men ~ 6 to be exact that she had tried to fill her life up with ~ was never going to fill her up. The thing that struck me that I didn't focus on before, so much was Jesus was waiting on her. Yes, He was taking the time for this one woman at the well. She didn't matter to anybody else, but she mattered to Jesus. He made the time for her. Do you ever feel this way? Jesus is waiting for you!

Jesus spoke to Sam on an ordinary day, doing a very ordinary chore. What about you?
What if you imagine Jesus standing beside you in that grocery store line or sitting at that red light? What would Jesus think about that fight that you and your spouse had this morning about nothing? Oswald Chambers had a quote that says "Get into the habit of saying, 'Speak Lord'," "and my life will become like a romance." I love it!

It is so true! If we begin to look for The Lord our life looks different. WE take the focus off ourselves and focus on Him and we are amazed at what we see. It is almost like looking through rose colored glasses. Things do look a lot different! Yesterday, in the pool I took my eyes off Jesus and on to myself and the insecurities grew, but right there I had my heart open for Him to remind me that He takes the time for me and that He loves me. Yes, I've got some work to do on this figure. Yes, I'm almost fifty. Yes, it doesn't matter!!! Jesus reminded me that He loves me and that He takes the time for me just like the woman at the well. It was awesome folks right there in my pool...I was reminded that God loves me and wants to spend time with me in the heat of the day when I'm alone and insecure He cares!!!

Don't miss the chance to see what God is doing in your life. Don't miss the time He is reminding you that He loves you. Look for Him it is the great I am ~ it is not a coincidence - it is much bigger than any coincidence it is a divine appointment!!!

Swimming with My Eyes on the Master,

Where is your treasure?

One particular verse really got my attention from Proverbs 11 and below is the verse from The Message ~
28 A life devoted to things is a dead life, a stump;
a God-shaped life is a flourishing tree.

Treasures in today's world is all about what is the latest trinket? A new iphone, a new sound system, a new boat, a new motorcycle, a new toy of any shape or size do any of these look like the latest trinket you just can't wait to get?

Truthfully, I have to admit that until a few years ago I loved the latest and the greatest, but in the past few years things have so changed. Always looking for the next thing to purchase would fill a void for a little while until the new wore off. I wasn't quite sure what was missing.

I know that some of you know that I began to search for reasons as to why I was unable to have children and God gave me a scripture from Isaiah 54 about the woman that was barren, but she would have many more children and need to enlarge her tent. I was so touched that God shared with me that I would have a lot of children just not my own.

At this point, my focus began to turn more toward God. I began to think about God and what He wanted to do with my life and it became the ride of a lifetime! I know this particular Proverb spoke to my heart and to my journey. The things I had in my life were dead like a stump to my heart, but when my focus switched from things to God my life did flourish and grow. I know that I truly feel like that beautiful butterfly that was transformed from a caterpillar into a beautiful butterfly. I was changed and my life looks entirely different and I know the things I value are entirely different. I must tell you that I still like my things, but not like how I like to see what God is going to share through His Word, or how He is going to show up in my life each day. My life is growing in ways that I only wish I had started this closer walk with God at a much earlier age.

So, treasure things from above that only Our Father can give you. After all, the things of this earth will be ashes they don't last...I know ~ I lost all of them in a fire a year ago February and you know what??? I can tell you I am the most blessed woman around because of My Savior and His Mighty Love! So please cast your eyes to Heaven and share the dance of a lifetime with Your Mighty Father.

Dancing,

Morning Walk

The young lady in the picture isn't me, surprise..She is in Thailand walking and I am here in Louisiana doing mine. I wonder if God talks to her on her morning walks? He did to me this morning on my walk. The Spirit wanted me to share something, so here I am again at the computer blogging...

You know the past few days have been about the Proverbs. Well, I'm also working on a women's conference that will happen in January and one of the speakers is Jan Silvious. Jan is a fabulous speaker and author. I've had the pleasure to hear her and to read her books. Over the past several days, I've been reading "Fool ~ Proofing Your Life" and yes it is about the fools mentioned in Proverbs. Many of you that know me ~ know that I don't believe in coincidences, I believe they are divine appointments from God.

Well, God pointed out once again on this walk this morning that He had a divine appointment with me and that I was to share a few of Jan's thoughts with you and encourage you to take a look at her book on this subject. So, here I am!

Jan's book is about dealing honorably with impossible people in your life. Do you know any of these type of folks? Look at the list of a few characteristics that a relationship with a fool makes the relationship difficult: despair, fear, guilt, always blamed when something is "wrong", walk on eggshells, chaotic...the list goes on and on. Do you have any relationship that you feel any of these things? Well, it might be you or your other party might be foolish at times....

A quote that she request we consider in the book is "To love a fool is like hugging a fan; you will only be sliced up in the process." Whoa, that is a bit harsh, but have you ever felt that way or do you think anybody might have felt this way with you? The Proverbs are definitely worth a look at and much prayerful thought given to them and I suggest you purchase Jan's book and give it a look and a thought as well.

In closing, take your walk with God today! It is so worth that intimate time to share a walk and a talk to get the fuel and refreshment that you need to get through this fabulous Friday!

Praising God,

Our words!

Did you know that a form of fool (s) foolish, is mentioned 84 times in Proverbs? When it is used it always defines the negative attributes of a person which can be changed by the individual. When you think about fool or foolish does our mouths and the things that come out of them come to mind?

Proverbs 10 is the focus for me today...Look at verse 12 -- Hatred stirs up quarrels, but love makes up for all offenses. Think about it like this..if somebody likes you - you can't do much to make them not like you. If somebody doesn't like you there isn't much that you can do to make it right. Love makes a big difference.

Wise words are mentioned. Too muck talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut. Wow, there is the mouth again. Probably making us look foolish when we talk too much. It goes on in verse. 20 to say that words of the godly encourage many, but fools are destroyed by lack of common sense.

Verse 27 -- Fear of the Lord lengthens one's life, but the years of the wicked are cut short. Remember Exodus 20:12 12 "Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you. Similar thought, isn't it? It must be important!!!!

The proverbs today taught me about our conversations. We don't have to listen to a person very long before we know whether we hold them with a certain amount of respect, right? Remember, when we open our mouths to speak to encourage, be wise, be thoughtful, be helpful and most of all don't be negative where someone might call you foolish.

Have a fabulous Friday!

Blessings,

Daily Life!

Lessons for daily Life! Who doesn't need any help with their daily things they do? Have you got it all down pat? Know exactly the right things and the right times to do everything? Are you tired of doing the right thing? or wrong thing?

Well, Proverbs 6 really addresses our daily life. I liked it. I thought it was very practical. It gives good advice about money ~ not always easy to follow. It warns us about taking care of a friend or a stranger's debt. You placed yourself in danger and the proverbs tell us to save yourself like a gazelle. Did you know a gazelle can run up to 50 miles an hour? Pretty fast to escape from a hunter...Get out of there...

The part that really got my attention is verses 6 -11. Take a lesson from the ants, you lazybones. Learn from their ways and become wise! Well, lets look at the ant and learn. First, lazybones is someone that resists, resents, even hates to work! Do you know anybody like this? Well, this is a problem. What is that saying Nasa I think we have a problem...Lazybones is definitely not like an ant. Let's look at the ant...an ant is a hardworker. A ant knows its job and does it. It doesn't have a boss to make sure it gets done...they self talk or motivate to get their job done.
If a person is self motivated they can get the job done. If you are unable to motivate yourself how will somebody else be able to get this done for you?

Though they have no prince or governor or ruler to make them work, they labor hard all summer, gathering food for winter. Does this not speak to motivation? The ant is planning ahead. Working ahead to get ahead. The ant values time and plans to make the best use of his time. After all, an ants life span is 6 to 8 weeks and they have to make the most of it. Value of time is something we all take for granted whether it be work related or just in our life span we take it for granted.

But you, lazybones, how long will you sleep? When will you wake up? Have you ever seen an ant sleep? We aren't sure they do. They slow down the pace and they don't have eyelids, so we aren't sure that they sleep. Sleep is a gift from God, but being lazy in the morning is not good. Success is not achieved by sleeping in...hard work bears success.

It goes on to tell us 6 things the Lord detests ~ haughty eyes ~ lying tongue ~ hands that kill the innocent ~ a heart that plots evil ~ feet that race to do wrong ~
a false witness that pours out lies ~ a person that sows discord in a family. Do you know anybody that falls in any one of these 6 things? Do you happen to fall into any of these at times? I know that I've fallen into the trap and it brings me great sadness. I've done something that the Lord hates. He is very upset with me, Debbie and Oops, that is not good. Not only do the people around you not like it neither does God!!! Grace, Thank you God for your grace! Those of us on earth aren't always so forgiving! We might take on those haughty eyes and definitely a lying tongue to think that we haven't fallen into one of these 6 things...
Today, look only at yourself and learn. Don't look at others only ourselves. Let God take care of everybody else today and every other day.

I love the Proverbs ~ Can he walk on hot coals and not blister his feet? Simple, but very profound! True, but why do we keep trying?

Blessings,

Basic Truths!

The purpose of the Proverbs is to teach people (that is you and Me) wisdom and discpline through basic truths. To help us become wise people. Do you want to partake? I certainly do! I know this may surprise a few people, but I admit I need a lot of help in this area..I do have the blond hair..

Anyway, I loved Proverbs 3 from todays reading...Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Simple shouldn't be that hard, but what about in the grocery store..someone gets in the line with more than the right amound of items are you still kind? Are you still loyal to that friend that is hurting or do you want to share the ugly reason she is hurting? Do either of these ever leave you? Simple...but..

Tie them around your neck., write them on your heart..remember them! Then we will find favor both with God and other people and we will earn a good reputation. You know what truly bothers me today, we use to worry about our reputations. Count today how many times you hear I don't care what others think...it grows into not worrying about your reputation..

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding...well,I'm good at giving things to God, but then I think He is so busy I'll just take that back from Him and try to handle it..Doesn't work!!!! Leave it with the Lord! Trust Him!

Joyful is the person who finds wisdom! Look around you, isn't this true? We will be guided down delightful paths; all her ways are satisfying! I know this is true! I know that since I've been on the path that God started with me seriously 6 years ago it has been delightful and oh so very satisfying. I know you are like ...come on you sound so very corny Debbie...so what, it's true and I feel like a new woman! I promise I am changed..I am at a new place of peace that I don't understand, but I'm there!!!

You can go to bed without fear; you will lie down and sleep soundly! I believe just like that baby in the picture we can sleep anywhere when we know and trust the Lord! God does take care of things and these proverbs are basic truths that we should get, but sometimes don't. We have to be reminded of these wise, insightful, truths to put one foot in front of the other and grow with the Almighty!! Thank you Father for the wisdom of leaving us with Your Book of Truths!

Delighted,

Dislikes! I promised to share these today...so here they are

Dislikes, yes I do have them! More than I like to admit....I dislike fear, bad weather that contains lightning. I don't like rocks on my bare feet. I dislike noisy and nosey people. I dislike people who think they are always right...even though I like for people to believe in themselves...I don't like to sweat or workout and this everybody can tell by very toned figure...

I don't like for people to be late. I don't like beans, corn, peas, if it's good for you and it's food I probably don't like it. I don't like to drink anything hot. I don't like crowded places. I don't like to fight crowds. I don't like busy highways. I don't like to mow. I don't like to dig in a garden. I definitely don't like snakes. I don't like spiders, but I like them more than snakes. I don't like evil people or things. I don't like to test things. I don't like haughty people. I don't like gossip, even though I fail at this one...women like to talk too much...I don't like scary movies.

I don't like for people to not accept others because they are different. I don't like it when we forget all people need to feel loved. I don't like it when I fall so short in reminding all people that God loves them and delights in them. I don't like it that we would rather see people fail than succeed it seems in America. Why is their so much dislike in the world? Acknowledge it, get rid of it and remember all the things there are to like in the world!!!

Liking,

God gave wisdom, understanding, knowledge as vast as the seashore!

Well, here are kings and the kingdom made out of sand! Sand have you ever played with it at the beach and looked at the tiny particles the numbers of sand particles is vast. Do you know what vast means? HUGE....Big...you get the picture.

God gave Solomon great wisdom, understanding, knowledge as vast as the seashore. How much is that? HUGE, BIG! We can't even comprehend how much God gave Solomon. After all, we can't comprehend what He does for us much less a king that lived a long time ago....or do you?

Solomon had a unified, secure, strong kingdom. They had enough food and drink and were very happy people, enjoying the basic comforts of life. Don't we have the same? God blessed America and what are we and what have we been doing with the blessings? It is never enough, is it? Are we squandering what God gave us? The reading today really bothered me as an American with the freedoms that we have and the general attitude of our country. We had a unified, secure and strong kingdom at one point, do we still? I think we are still secure and strong, but we certainly aren't unified...just turn on the nightly news. Which if we turned it off, we might unify quicker!!!

Solomon was so wise that he kept the horses and chariots placed for security reasons throughout the kingdom. They served as a deterrent for foreign aggressors. The barley and straw were supplied daily by the governors in each of the areas to be sure the horses were ready and strong to defend. Do we keep our military ready and strong to defend? Are we trying to pull back from our military? Let's keep them strong to defend. Let's learn from the wisdom of Solomon...Strength is important!!

Solomon was wise, but didn't always apply it to his own life. After all, how wise is a man that had 700 wives and an additional 300 concubines? 1000 women to get through helping to make them happy...not exactly wise to exist by is it? Solomon had the wisdom or knowledge, but didn't always use in regards to himself, did he? Maybe a little bit like us???

Solomon was wise (smart) with insight and God showed His faithfulness in all that he granted Solomon because of the promise he made him. Solomon was able to get to the core issues. He was smart and very knowledgeable. He wrote over 3000 proverbs and some of Ecclesiastes, a lot of the songs that are in Song of Solomon. We can still learn a lot from Solomon today! What do you think Solomon taught you through the reading today? Do you want insight to get through the day? Let's learn from Our Savior and consult with Our Father today!

Consulting,

Inspired by friends!

Inspired by blogs of my friends (Mommy Treasures and Dancing Commas) I have to do my I like day!!! It is important to talk about the things that we like around us! It is important to remember them and to thank God for them, so here are a few of the things I like! Check out these two blogs...

I like a warm bed on a cold morning. I like diet cokes. I like dogs. I like all kind of dogs. I like big dogs. I like little dogs. I like dogs. I like laughter and lots of it. I like the sunshine. I like to read a good book on a float in the swimming pool. I like to share a good movie with my hubby, Kenny. I like to travel with Kenny. I like to share adventures with Kenny. I like to study the Word and learn. I like to debate a topic with folks I love. I like to talk about scripture and see what the Word is saying to a friend. I like mountains. I like ice cream sandwiches on a hot day. I like to share a good meal with friends. I like steaks. I like french fries. I like meat and potatoes. I like church. I like sharing Jesus with others. I like to learn. I like to extend my boundaries. I like to grow my mind. I like to make new friends. I like to cherish old friendships. I like to shop. I like to go to the spa. I like to let Dora fix my hair. I like to go see a play. I like to ride our motorcycle. I like to enjoy an evening at home with Kenny and the dogs. I like rain on my face to feel refreshed. I like the beauty of the ocean. I like the mountains after a fresh rain. I like the cold water on the Colorado river. I like to share family memories together. I like to laugh with my nephews and nieces. I like college football. I like to watch my kids play ball. I like to share lunch with mom and Pam. I like to share a good trip with family. I like discovering new places with people I love. I like to cross stitch. I like to read a lot...I like to watch a butterfly fly. I like to see a dog run and play. I like to be around happy people. I like to see people sharing together with smiles and love. i like the fire on a cold night in a fireplace. I like living each day to the fullest and I like anticipating what the next day will bring. I like to see what God is going to do in my life each day. i like to see God at work in the world today. I like dancing with the stars. I like blogging. I like the people reading this and knowing that God is working in my life and that maybe they will want to dance with Our Savior! I like....Tomorrow I will share things I dislike...

Thinking on likes and dislikes,

She came to test him!

She came to test him! Not only did she come to test him...the Queen of Sheba traveled lots of miles to test him. The commentaries are not exactly sure where she came from, but a great distance is agreed upon. Some think it might have been modern day Yemen. Which is ...a journey of 1500 miles to get to Jerusalem! I think she had some questions that she needed answers for, don't you?

We, women know that feeling, don't you? I know that when I need an answer nothing is going to keep me from trying to get it! I will ask it a million different ways until I am satisfied that I have the complete answer. Now the Queen traveled all of this way to question Solomon and he didn't know she was coming. He had surprise guests.

The first verse tells us that she came to prove him with hard questions, she came to test him...they were difficult questions. The Hebrew word for "hard questions" is Khee-daw. It was used 17 times. Some translations say riddle. Picture the talk between this king and queen. It might have been like a sparring match or it might have been a true learning session.

At the end, the queen concluded that yes, Solomon was very wise. How lucky his people were and everything was true. In 2 Chronicles 9:4 "there was no more spirit in her." our version says "overwhelmed" ..after reserching the hebrew word for spirit is "ruwach meaning breath..same as in the New Testament for "spirit". The Queen of Sheba was left breathless. She couldn't wait to return and tell her findings about King Solomon. Do you know the feeling or let's say remember the feeling after you aced a test that you studied so hard for and you knew the answers? Fulfilled, Solomon fulfilled the Queen's test! The words she used were ...Praise the Lord your God who delights in you and placed you on the throne! She praised God! Solomon was able to answer her questions and she accepted the answers!

Also, interesting in today's reading is the absolute wealth of Solomon. How much is enough, you wonder....How rich was he? Well, let's see. The 200 large shields made out of gold would have been valued at 100,000 each in 2006. (according to the figures I located) He made another 300 shields a little smaller that would have been about 24,000 each. The throne was made of ivory and gold. He ate off silver plates that were to him like our disposable plastic plates. Silver was worthless during Solomon's time...What do you collect?

Solomon was definitely the richest and wisest man in the world and all because he requested wisdom from God. Again, how would you have answered the same question?

Praising the Mighty One,

Worthless?

What is your definition of worthless? I look at this picture and think wow the view must have been amazing. Isn't it amazing, how we all look at the same view and see different things? Even though Hiram called this area worthless, he still paid Solomon 9000 pounds of gold for it. I think I define worthless a little differently. Thank goodness God does too! I may seem worthless to you, but never to God!!!! I am beautifully and wonderfully made and so are each of you!!!

I've read these scriptures about the temple and the palace with wow...look at all the details. God is definitely into details, so that must mean He is in to the details of our life. Yes, even the little things that we don't think matter. Oops, even those things that we might think are hidden...God must care about those too!

Another thing that grabbed my attention was that it took Solomon longer to build his palace than the temple. 7 years for the temple and 13 years for his personal palace. Does this strike anybody else as not being quite right? Once again, did he put personal ahead of God? Do you think it was okay with God? We don't have any references that God was unhappy about it. We all know that the temple was built to the specs that God gave David, so it was the way God wanted it built. Do we care more about our own things than God's? Do we take more time for the me things? I don't like to look at these things sometimes, how about you?

The one thing that really got my attention from today's reading was from 1 Kings 8 around verse 56 ~~ Not one word has failed of all the wonderful promises he (God) gave through his servant Moses. Look at the people around you ~ do they keep their promises? God does ~ Always and Forever! Plus I am valuable to God always,

Hear us!

The reading for May 23 the part that caught my attention was "hear us from heaven where you live, and when you hear, forgive....about 15 times I think and maybe a few more than 15 times...it was stated along that line. Hear us and when you do Lord, please forgive us.

When you pray, don't you want God to hear you and forgive? I always think about those unanswered prayers or we thought they were unanswered, but in reality God answered them in a different manner than we requested. Looking back on your life thank God right now for knowing more than you did or I did when I lifted that prayer request...God does know what we need and when we need it!

Lift your prayers! Give thanks and yes, ask forgiveness for the wrongs that you have done. God knows our heart, so go ahead and open up...it will be such a gift to yourself.

Praying,

Creativity!

Details! Such attention to details is what came to my mind in today's reading about Solomon building his palace and the furnishings of the temple. I kept pondering all the details and why so many?

God showed up and shared with me it is about ME! I kept thinking share with me more...He began to tell me to look for more on the story. Look into your heart and what do you think I'm telling you. So, research began...

Did you know that creativity comes from the Latin word creatus and is related to the word "creator". It is our relationship with God, the creator that makes us who we are! I believe that it is our walk with The Lord that makes us more creative. Think about it...before your walk with Our Savior did you have any really good ideas?
I know that my best ideas have come since my walk with the Lord truly began and I think it is because I receive His ideas, straight from heaven so to speak.

Solomon was wise and he was creative because of his relationship with God. Wow, can you imagine with the combo what we can do? Ask the Lord today what idea do you have for me? Look at the picture...a blank page can become beautiful butterflies only because of God...just like you and me!

Thinking creative,

Only a Mother!

A mother's love is like no other...I watch my own mom and all the moms around me and know that only a mother's love ....love's us no matter what we do or don't do. I am amazed watching moms. It doesn't matter if you are with your mom all the time or you don't see her for months she is always happy to see you and to be with you. Always loving her babies!

Solomon teaches us the depth of a mother's love in 1 Kings 3:16-28. The story of the two women fighting over a child. Solomon decides the way to find the true mom is to propose a terrible solution. Let's cut the child in half and give part to you and part to the other. Well, Solomon in his wisdom knew that the true mother would be willing to let her child go rather than this happen.

The pain that mother felt was awful. I wasn't there, but you have to know she stood with another woman claiming her child and then the king was proposing to cut him in half and to save him she had to give him up. Oh the pain!! I know another story that is a little bit like this....A father that had to give up his son for another...the another is me and you. God gave up His son to save me and you, and you, and you....Oh the love Our Father shows each of us...Don't gloss over it, remember it with each step you take that God loves us so very much...only the love of a mighty Father

Loving,

So many choices!

Sometimes choices are really difficult, aren't they? Women have to have just the right outfit, for just that special occasion. We must have exactly the right pair of shoes that really make the outfit! We have to wear really knock out jewelry to go along with the rest of the outfit...so many choices and this is just about what to wear.

Today's reading, struck me Solomon was able to ask for anything from God and he requested wisdom. It got my little brain going what would I request?

In the world today we hear a lot about the choices we make and the consequences of those decisions, but think about Solomon what if he had made a different choice. God gave Solomon a divine vision in his dreams. Do you dream? Do you think God might give you a message in your dreams? I think He does with me at times. Oh, we all like to sometimes chalk things up to coincidences, but I believe they are divine appointments. I don't believe in concidences anymore.

Did you know that Solomon means peace? The name derives from shalom. Remember God told David that He would give his son, Solomon peace in the kingdom. God also named Solomon by telling David what to name him.

The scripture tell us that God was pleased with Solomon's choice. So God replied, Because you have asked for wisdom and you didn't ask for wealth, etc...I will give you what you asked for! I will give you a wise and understanding heart such as no one else had had or ever will have! And I will give you what you didn't ask for - riches and fame! No one will compare to you.

Wow, is the same true of us? If we put things in the right perspective, we learn to have wisdom and accept grace, they bring a prosperity in the right manner, don't they? How? By consulting with God and talking with him about everything!!! Yes, everything!

Prayer is the way to achieve wisdom in our choices, isn't it? If we listen or even a bigger issue if we wait for the answer. We must always talk to God about our choices to get the wisdom that we need to make the right one.

Solomon received wisdom because he requested it. Solomon received everything else because he did not ask for it!

Choosing,

Festivals!

Don't you love this time of year with all the spring festivals? In the Shreveport/Bossier area we have the Holiday in Dixie, we have crawfish or mudbug festival, we have the cinco de mayo and the list goes on and on. People love to get together and share the time celebrating...celebrating what?

Well, today's psalm that touched my heart was Psalm 81. One of the commentaries called it "Start the Music". I liked it right off. You can hear the noises in the air.

In the bible, we have 3 festivals. April - barley, May - wheat, October was the grape festival where they made the wine. This particular psalm was written during the grape harvest or the Festival of Tents. Now my tents in the picture are brightly colored and like we have now days at festivals, but these tents were made from animal skins that would have been at the grape harvest (tent). The people would go to the festival and live for one week at the festival in the tents. It was to be a reminder of the days of the people gone by when they left Egypt and God brought them to the new land.

Imagine, the noises, the people, the music celebrating God. The first 4 verses give us a good picture of singing praises, beating tambourines, playing the lyre and the harp, blowing the horns. You feel and hear it, don't you?

Now, we remember what God did for us. We have praised and we begin to get thoughtful and think. We remember how God set us free. How God took the load off our shoulders and freed us from those heavy burdens. We remember the time that we were in so much pain that we never thought we would be okay again, but God answered us and took us out of the storm.

After we remember we tend to forget, sometimes? don't we? We begin to think about ourselves first or what it is that we desire. We begin to put other things ahead of God and they become more important than God don't they? So what will you follow?

Trouble. Trouble when we put other Gods before our Heavenly Father right? When money, status, a habit absolutely anything is placed before God we are guaranteed that trouble is on the way!!

I love the image ladies. We are at a festival we are praising God, we celebrate, we remember, we are thoughtful and how soon we all forget exactly Who and What God has done for us. A very powerful image indeed.

Remember today, What God did for us and does for us. First and foremost, remember that God sent His son for you and for me! He pulls us out of our storms and takes care of us. Do celebrate God today, but always remember who He is Our Mighty Heavenly Father that loves us so very much!!!

Remembering,

Earthquakes, Horns & A Cup of Wine and Q & A's

Time just flies! It is Monday morning again and the emails are already going. I pause for a moment to share the Mighty Word with my friends. A wonderful way to begin the week, the middle and the end as well!

Today, I will focus on Psalm 75 and77. First, Psalm 75 one of the commentaries I read called it "Earthquakes, HOrns & A cup of Wine...interesting combo, isn't it?
Thanks! Give Thanks! The Psalms have definitely been showing us to give thanks for all that God does and this one begins the same. One of the things I learned is that the Hebrew wordings says "Your name is near to us" meaning God is where his name is. I love this say His Mighty name and be reminded that God is with you!!!

God is our judge and it is timing when He will do the judging. It also illustrates that God will drain the wine to the dregs. Meaning? God will judge the people completely, wholely, entirely, all the way. Down to the last drop in other words. The Message says it in verse 7-8
God rules: he brings this one down to his knees,
pulls that one up on her feet.
God has a cup in his hand,
a bowl of wine, full to the brim.
He draws from it and pours;
it's drained to the dregs.
Earth's wicked ones drink it all,
drink it down to the last bitter drop!

Psalm 77 ~ Verses 7 ~ 9 ~ Have we not ask the same Questions? Have you rejected me Lord? Will you be nice to me? Will you truly love me forever? Have you forgotten about grace? Did you slam the door on not letting me be hurt? At times, when life is hard do you question God? Do you talk to God? I am reminded in this Psalm to talk to God even when the questions are difficult. God is mighty, he is big and He will handle anything you ask him. He isn't afraid of the big questions!

This Psalm goes on to remind us that after all God is The God of Miracles and wonders. Remember the Red Sea? We must remember who God is ~ always!!! Not just in the Bible but today!!!

On this Monday morning, Remember exactly who God is and that He loves you, He delights in you and He takes every step with you!!! Praise the Lord!

Praising God,

So Obedient

Today, I am going to talk about a movie that I went to see yesterday. Not one that you will probably catch at the big theaters, but a wonderful movie. "The Cross" about Arthur Blessitt is a great movie. It is a documentary based on Arthur's journey around the world.

First, I have to tell you that I remember seeing images of this man on the news when I was a little girl. The thoughts that went through my mind were not good thoughts about him. I thought that man must be crazy, or he is just down right nuts. I have to admit that I was wrong ~ very wrong.

Arthur was being obedient to God. The definition is to dutifully comply to a command. God told Arthur to take the cross and go around the world and he was obedient and did just that. He didn't want to..He loved his ministry in LA on Sunset strip, but he did what God commanded.

I sat and watched the movie and was utterly blown away with where this man went with the Cross. Right through war zones, the jungle, the snow, the mountains, the desert, it was unbelievable, but what moved me the most was how all people responded to the Cross. Even if they didn't know the story they were drawn to the cross. Take your family and check out this man's story. God used him and is using him in a huge way!!

To dutifully comply to a command, isn't always easy. Are you ready when you get a command? How would you answer? How would I answer?

Shine Light Shine

I am reading the best book. The book is I am not but i Know I am by Louie Giglio. Fantastic is how I would describe this book.

Listen to these facts about light that were so fascinating...Light is fast..it travels at 186,000 miles per second. How fast is that you ask??? Well, snap your fingers one time and the light ray will travel the globe seven times. Wow!!!
Another fact he shared was when you walk outside your house and the warm sunshine hits your face it left the surface of the sun 8 minutes ago.

God is so huge, so powerful, so mighty that we just are not able to comprehend how big. Let this little light of mine shine...I'm gonna let it shine...Creation just says it all ...without another word...God Creation beyond our wildest imaginations...just imagine

Shining my light for God,

Just call on God!!

I know I already posted for today! God changes things and I have to share it!

I finished posting and was rereading the Word and God spoke once again! I was reading Psalm 145 and got to verse 18 and it was like God spoke the words himself to me....The Lord is close to all that call on him, (act on it) call on him!!!

I ask Lord what is it you want me to say? Once again, it was about the fact that He is at work in this world. Notice these verses 18 -20 they are all action verbs...He grants the desires of those who fear him, he hears the cries for help and rescues them. The Lord protects all of those who love him, and he destroys the wicked. (the very very bad ones).... Look at the action verbs grants, hears, rescues, protects, destroys ...Hallelujah!!!!!

Folks, he is acting and he is reminding each of us that He is working around us! I'm telling you that with all my heart He is in action!!! You ask how can you be so sure ~ He tells me so! These scriptures reassure me that He is acting, He isn't sitting somewhere in Heaven and taking a backseat...No sir...He is a God of Action and He is powerful and He is in charge.

Why you ask am I reminding you of this? Because He told me too....Very strongly! He reminded me very strongly..yesterday when I read these scriptures they didn't jump off the page at me, but when I reread them a few moments ago it was a very powerful experience. So, immediately I am back on here and sharing what I believe God wanted me to share.

Calling on Him,

Protected

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Psalm 144
A David Psalm
1-2 Blessed be God, my mountain, who trains me to fight fair and well.
He's the bedrock on which I stand,
the castle in which I live,
my rescuing knight,
The high crag where I run for dear life,
while he lays my enemies low.

3-4 I wonder why you care, God—
why do you bother with us at all?
All we are is a puff of air;
we're like shadows in a campfire.

5-8 Step down out of heaven, God;
ignite volcanoes in the hearts of the mountains.
Hurl your lightnings in every direction;
shoot your arrows this way and that.
Reach all the way from sky to sea:
pull me out of the ocean of hate,
out of the grip of those barbarians
Who lie through their teeth,
who shake your hand
then knife you in the back.

9-10 O God, let me sing a new song to you,
let me play it on a twelve-string guitar—
A song to the God who saved the king,
the God who rescued David, his servant.

11 Rescue me from the enemy sword,
release me from the grip of those barbarians
Who lie through their teeth,
who shake your hand
then knife you in the back.

12-14 Make our sons in their prime
like sturdy oak trees,
Our daughters as shapely and bright
as fields of wildflowers.
Fill our barns with great harvest,
fill our fields with huge flocks;
Protect us from invasion and exile—
eliminate the crime in our streets.

15 How blessed the people who have all this!
How blessed the people who have God for God!

Wow, build our life on God and trouble will not move us and most of all it will not move God this is what this psalm tells me! What more do we need to know?

I thought images were powerful with this Psalm especially for women. We all dreamed of the day that our Knight in shining armor would sweep us off our feet and protect us forever and ever. Well, ladies The Almighty does just that!

A lot of scholars believe that David wrote this Psalm about the time he was going to fight Goliath. The enemies refered to might indicate the Philistines. So long ago, but still so true for each of us.

Notice in verse 3, where David wonders why does God care for us and he had just answered that question in verse 2...Here is our why ~ He loves us!!!

God is doing mighty work today ~ right here. Look around you Do you see Him working? Did you wonder how did that just happen? Think about it! God is working and He is taking care of us right now! Praise God today! Tell someone today just how much God loves them be His arms and hug someone for God today!!!

Loving God,

Refreshment!

Oh, how The Mighty Word refreshs you and gets you ready for the day!! Well, more Psalms today and I've so enjoyed the readings. A fresh, new look at the scripture and oh how much I am learning. Thank you Lord!

The two that I want to focus on today are 133 and 131, both are songs that the pilgrims sang when they were ascending to Jerusalem for the festivals. Don't you just hear them singing on the journey, glorifying God and saying Thanks.

Psalm 131 was such a beautiful picture of harmony. It is a beautiful picture when all stay together and especially when brothers and sisters in Christ are all together in Christ. The visual is of the anointing oil being poured on Aaron's head and running all the way down his beard to his robe. The anointing oil would have been something like olive oil or another fruit and it would have smelled nice. This verse is also an indication about Aaron and the special servant that he was. Are we?

The next visual was the morning dew. Don't you love the dew in the early morning and the sign of the water that the grass and flowers need to get by. God gives us the dew (water) To live for the harsh or hot times that might be ahead.

Zion is very special to the Jewish people it became the place that God dwelled among them with Jerusalem being the place that they placed the temple on the mountain. Harmony in our lands we all love. All land is special because God gives it to us for our use and God blesses our life everlasting. Forever is a long time!!!

Psalm 131~ David was a powerful man, but he didn't feel more important than others. I love this psalm and the reminder that we are all the same. It reminds us that we need to do not concern ourselves with things that we don't understand. We need to be baby content in our souls knowing that God is in control. The imagery of the baby no longer crying, just satisfied that is what we all desire. The final reminder that we, believers in Christ must still today in 2009 place and wait with hope because we are God believers. Content and in harmony and only because of Jesus feelings we want all people to achieve. Share Jesus today!

Have a fabulous Friday! I'll be waiting for you in the morning in the Word.

Harmonizing,

God Benefits~

Everybody is always asking the question today what benefits do I get? What is in it for me? You've heard it, haven't you? I know I do ~ out society is always worried about me, me, and more me...It is a sad state of affairs.

In today's reading I was fascinated with 5 benefits that David wrote about in Psalm 103 that God gives each of us. In everything I studied they believe that David wrote this when he was a little older and understood things a little bit more. Do any of you relate? What is important to us at 21 isn't the same at 45 is it? It is kind of like the Garth Brooks song about Unanswered Prayers, isn't it? Thank you Lord for answering my prayers in a different manner than I requested. Are any of you able to relate?Psalm 103:3-5 (New Living Translation)

3 He forgives all my sins
and heals all my diseases.
4 He redeems me from death
and crowns me with love and tender mercies.
5 He fills my life with good things.
My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!

First - forgives what? ALL my sins
Second - heals all my diseases ~ eternal life not all illness is healed, but we do have eternity
Third - Redeems ~ Hebrew word used here goel which is a noun a kinsman to buy back which represents Christ
Fourth - Crowns ~ metaphor for lovingkindness we get to wear it like a crown
Fifth - Fills my life and youth renewed...satisfaction and a sense of years another way to put it is the old saying as long as you live.
These verses close with renewed like the eagles...well did you know that some eagles have lived has long as a 100 years. Wow, we are forgiven, healed, redeemed, crowned, satisfied and renewed. Pretty good benefits, don't you think? A benefit is defined as something advantageous or good. I think that I am going to apply for this job, how about you? The benefits are better than any I've ever heard of or ever will hear of ~ I'm in the front of the line for this job!!!

Waiting in line,

Thoughts on a prayer from the Psalm 86

A David Psalm 86
1-7 Bend an ear, God; answer me. I'm one miserable wretch!
Keep me safe—haven't I lived a good life?
Help your servant—I'm depending on you!
You're my God; have mercy on me.
I count on you from morning to night.
Give your servant a happy life;
I put myself in your hands!
You're well-known as good and forgiving,
bighearted to all who ask for help.
Pay attention, God, to my prayer;
bend down and listen to my cry for help.
Every time I'm in trouble I call on you,
confident that you'll answer.

8-10 There's no one quite like you among the gods, O Lord,
and nothing to compare with your works.
All the nations you made are on their way,
ready to give honor to you, O Lord,
Ready to put your beauty on display,
parading your greatness,
And the great things you do—
God, you're the one, there's no one but you!

11-17 Train me, God, to walk straight;
then I'll follow your true path.
Put me together, one heart and mind;
then, undivided, I'll worship in joyful fear.
From the bottom of my heart I thank you, dear Lord;
I've never kept secret what you're up to.
You've always been great toward me—what love!
You snatched me from the brink of disaster!
God, these bullies have reared their heads!
A gang of thugs is after me—
and they don't care a thing about you.
But you, O God, are both tender and kind,
not easily angered, immense in love,
and you never, never quit.
So look me in the eye and show kindness,
give your servant the strength to go on,
save your dear, dear child!
Make a show of how much you love me
so the bullies who hate me will stand there slack-jawed,
As you, God, gently and powerfully
put me back on my feet.

So many verses jumped out at me from this beautiful prayer. On Wendy Pope's blog today she pointed out the beautiful imagery of asking God to bend down and hear our prayer. Picture it in your mind...It is beautiful. You have God's undivided attention. You know how you feel or felt when you had your mom or dad's absolute attention? Well, this is even bigger. God is listening what do you want to say?

I like the way The Message says I put myself in your hands. Now you don't only have the picture of God bending to hear your words, but you are sitting in the palm of His Mighty hand. Is that not the most comforting image? Isn't it true? Don't you feel that when you pour your heart out to Our Father? The comfort, the relief, the love oh how wonderful it feels.

Bighearted ~ what comes to mind. so much love and forgiveness ~ you overlook our shortcomings. Trouble comes and we call on you. Isn't this true? Think about it when do you talk to God the most??? We know just like it tells that with all confidence God is going to show up. We believe it with all our hearts because He tells us He will.

I want to skip on down to the verse about You snatched me from the brink of disaster!
Once again, picture God picking you up out of a disaster and placing you in a field of peace. Oh I love the imagery, but yet He does this doesn't He?

Next, the verse about bullies rearing their heads. Picture the person in your life giving you the most trouble. The co-worker, the boss, the sibling, the parent, the illness, your finances, your health the list goes on and on all of these are our bullies and they do rear their heads. I typed in fighting to find the right picture and do you know it was amazing I think they had a picture of every living being fighting. Fighting is everywhere...at work, at home, in the fields.....

Once again, we are reminded that God is tender and kind, not easily angered, immense in love and that He never ever quits loving us! Never folks it doesn't matter what we do He loves us.

Now for the final imagery thought ~ God, gently and powerfully picks you and stands you back up on your feet. He does this daily doesn't He? He loves us so that He takes care of us from the bending down to hear our prayer to the placing us in His mighty Hand to protect us, to fighting our battles, to standing us back up our feet.
God is in control. Take the time today to ask God bend down Lord so that I can talk to you. Lift me into Your Mighty Hand so I can feel the love and peace of Only a Loving Father and the power and might of that Father that stands me back up again on my feet!

Loving God,
Debbie