Let the Light In...

I give thanks this morning for the sunshine coming in the window of my kitchen.  I give thanks for my beautiful kitchen and the joy of cooking and just being in my kitchen.

Many of you know that I lost my  home to fire and everyday I am thankful for "my home", "my safe place", and I so love it when God's Light shines in and from my home.  I am on a journey this year with a gratitude journal to celebrate the little things that make us realize and spend time with who and what truly matters.

We hurry through life and we don't enjoy life.  To find the joy in life we must enjoy each moment as much as possible and the world we reside in tries to steal the joy...or the devil does working in the world!  I read Ann Voskamps' book "One Thousand Gifts" and it really opened my eyes.  If you haven't read it, give yourself a gift and read this book.  It will make a huge difference!

I am about to share her study based on this book beginning in February and this morning while studying she shared Psalm 39:6 ~ Man is a mere phantom as he goes to and fro; He bustles about, but only in vain;...

her translation busy rushing ends in nothing...Sit on that a moment...Spurgeon stated about this verse that men fret, spew, and worry for nothing.  He goes on to say listen to the city streets, the breach of quiet, is made up of fleeting vanities.  We aren't in the moment to enjoy the moment.  We are so hurried that we rush through and miss the moments...and for what?  Psalm 39 goes on to say these words ~ he heaps up wealth, not knowing who will get it.  We work hard, but we don't know our next steps.  We don't know when in a moments notice things change.  Yet we hurry and we don't have the joy.

So give thanks!  Enjoy your moments big or small.  Write them down.  Have a gratitude journal it does make a difference!  You do find joy in the moment and yes it even slows you down.

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

P.S. for my friends that notice the Santa images still high up on my cabinets...so what...I'm enjoying my moment!  I'll get to them when I get to them and it is so much more enjoyable not worrying about those Santas...enjoy!

Even flipping eggs...

Okay, I am going to share about my eggs.  I love a morning when my eggs flip the way I want them to.  Does this bother any of the rest of you?  It upsets me when they don't flip just right...just saying when I go to cook Kenny's eggs I think it makes them better, when they flip right!

I know, this totally has nothing to do with my thoughts today, but I wanted to share this with each of you.  Are any of you similar in your thoughts or about cooking eggs?  Well, it is all in your own perspective...perhaps it needs to change?  I know my perspective does need to change in some ways.

Okay, today I want us to think about our perspective.  The way we view different situations might call for us to change our positions.  Let's think about this and be honest with each other.

I know that God is working on me lately with my firm view of different situations in the world.  I am realizing that I am to love and let Him handle everything.  Our world is divided and so messy and perhaps to heal we need to let go and let Him!

He lead me to one of my favorite stories Zacchaeus this morning found in Luke 19.  I love this story and to me it hits so many of us between the eyes.  We all want to see Jesus, some of us just may not realize it!  It is that hunger that perhaps we try to fill up with stuff and that stuff never works.  Again, I sidetrack...sorry.  Zack realized that Jesus was coming to town and well he knew his height was a factor.  Realizing this myself a lot of the time, a short person will do whatever is necessary to see whatever it is they are trying to see and for Zack that meant to climb a tree. 

It was crowded the crowd would line the street surrounding Jesus and well Zack was not a popular person, so he had to go to more extreme measures.  No we are hard on people that we view as living a way that we might not deem okay.  So, no we wouldn't let him (Zack) slide in by us, nope in fact we probably link arms to keep him back away from Jesus.  

Zack was willing to do what he had to do and climb that tree.  He was willing to climb the tree, but what about the person that might not be able to climb the tree?  What about that person that because we have our arms linked so tightly together can't get through?  Sometimes we are a stumbling block and we need to change our perspective!

How did Jesus respond?  He noticed Zack in the tree...the one that the others viewed as not deserving.  Jesus teaches all of us in this passage so much, if we notice.  He teaches us to change our perspective and allow Him to change people.  We can't change people and honestly perhaps we are the ones that might need changing...oops.  Did you get that perhaps we might be the one that needs changing?  I know I do at times.

Look at the passage, the ones standing in the crowd were muttering...rather than celebrating that this little man named Zack was about to be changed for the better they were muttering.  Picture it.  I know you can, because we have all been muttering on the side judging rather than loving.  It's not our job to mutter and judge.  It's our job to change our perspective and become more like Jesus.  Yes, we are to live a certain way...but it's God's work in all of us that allows us to change our own sinful ways!  Only God will be able to repair this world...in the meantime, let's change our perspective and let God...

Perhaps we all need to climb a tree and be forever changed.

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

A little more wine please...

Water into wine...I love this story found in John about a wedding that took place before Jesus really began His ministry.  A story of a couple beginning their journey together and a story of Jesus beginning His ministry with everyone...

Imagine, the setting everyone is busy celebrating.  The best wine is always served first at a wedding as is the custom, so the best was served and not only the best, but all the rest too.  The party is in full swing when suddenly Mary went to Jesus and simply stated, "They have no more wine."  Simple enough remark, but Jesus knew she was referring to something more.  She knew Jesus could do something about it.  So He replies that it isn't his time yet.  But Mary went to the servants and told them to do whatever Jesus told them to do.  Don't you love Mary?  She knew Jesus would do something and we should all know and believe the same once we know Him.  The hard part is when the answer is different from our desire. 

He did do something though in this story.  He told the servants to fill six stone water jugs with water and they did.  He then told them to draw some out and take it to the master.  Imagine, the master thinks this is the best wine just now being served.  Never realizing what had happened, but the servants knew!  The master missed the miracle, but The servants knew what Jesus had done.  He simply turned water into wine.  Simply?  No.

His first miracle that only the servants, his disciples and His mother knew about...why?  Why would Jesus perform his first miraculous sign so quietly?  Is it the ones closest that sometimes doubt?  Was this so that the ones closest would believe and have faith?  Was it so that the servants would realize how special they are because they knew who Jesus was, before the people they served?  Was it so they would all realize how special they truly were to Him?  Perhaps a little bit of all of it?

Amazing isn't it?  Jesus allowed these servants the special gift of witnessing His first miracle.  Jesus is amazing!  Amazing that He loves me and pursues me always...He does everyone else too, but yet we all feel unique and special to Him.  Only God is able to make each one of us feel marvelous and then to truly believe it.  When we have that moment just like the servants did in this story found in John, we know it's true.  The moment that only God knows about, the moment you only talked to Him about, the moment that you only whispered to Him...that moment just like this moment with the servants that we all realize we are truly HIS!  He loves us and He wants only the best for us too!  

Treasure your moments meant only for you, but share some of them with others as well...So that they will see  ~ Psalm 34:8

Taste and see that the LORD is good blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

Listen carefully...

Recently, I've realized that it is truly amazing how well animals hear.  I was a  long way from these critters and they knew exactly the moment I moved.  Check out their ears and when you click on the pics you see it in their eyes.  It's amazing how God create animals to really be in tune with their surroundings.

Well, I believe He created us the same way.  Only we have created a lot of noise to go in the surroundings, where we don't hear the words He shares with us.

If you are anything like me, until recently I always had noise in the house.  I had the tv on for the noise, we have our cell phones to our ears constantly and we are constantly looking at our computers.  Noise, noise, noise...seldom did I just shut down and be...

I am improving.  I have a long way to go still, but I am improving.

The words from Isaiah 55:3 in the Message just struck a chord with me this morning and with this thought process...

Pay attention, come close now,

listen carefully to my life -giving, life-nourishing words.

I'm making a lasting covenant commitment with you,

the same that I made with David: sure, solid, enduring love.

Are we paying attention?  Are we coming closer, so that we may receive these amazing words that each of us so desperately need to hear?  Don't tell me you don't need to be reminded that you are loved with a sure, solid, enduring love...We all need these words over and over and we are told these beautiful words, but are we able to hear them?  Are we able to pause a moment and come close to feel His Amazing love?

Today, have your ears in tune to hear this amazing reminder of God's amazing love.  The only love that truly gives life and nourishes our soul at the very same time.  We are all starving for this love that only God provides so today stay tuned in to God's amazing words...

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

Good morning Sunshine!

I love the Son and the sunshine!

During the winter months, I find that I must place myself with reminders of sunshine and "The Light" everywhere.  I am one of those people that must have sunshine, so I buy sunflowers, on warm days I sit in the sun outside and I read God's Word and things about our faith walks constantly.  Winter brings darkness, but we can take steps to overcome the darkness.  Again, we must put action in to overcome, so get to stepping or acting!  We must take steps on our own to bring the LIGHT into our worlds.

Today, I want to share a blog that I encourage each of you to read daily.  She is real, she is honest, she shares God's Light in spite of what might be happening around her.  She also is one of the best writers in our time...in my humble opinion.

Please take the time to add her to your blog - roll...

www.aholyexperience.com

Yesterday, Ann shared the story of a beautiful man that will touch your heart and your soul.

Look for the Son today!

Psalm 75: 1

We give thanks to you, O God, we give thanks, for your Name is near; men tell of your wonderful deeds.

Share about what God is doing in your life today with someone that needs the Light and Hope!

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

What makes you happy?

What makes you happy?

I'll name a few of the things that make me happy...

my nephews and nieces happy

laughter of friends and family

my doggies

Kenny and I traveling or mom and I traveling or anybody traveling with me

lunch with great friends

Bible study

mountains of Colorado

hair blowing in the wind with the open car window

worship music loud celebrating God's love for little old me

drawing even though I'm not very good

reading

laying on a float in the pool reading a good book letting the sunshine on me...

these are just a few of the things that make me happy...

Which brings me to a verse from Psalm 89:15 (NLT)

Happy are those that hear the joyfull call to worship, for they walk in the light of your presence, LORD.

It is so true!  You are happy when you hear...so listen carefully!

Please share some things that make you happy!  Let's celebrate them together!

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

Come and you will see...

Over the past several Sundays, I've heard some great words shared at church on John 1.  I've enjoyed the thoughts and it got my mind running...those of you that know me know that means my mind is running and running in a lot of different directions at the same time!  Oops, but I'm learning.

The words that just have jumped off the page at me are the ones above that Jesus shared with two disciples that followed Him.  Always I must imagine the scene unfolding, so I picture these two men feeling excited, yet unsure of themselves, but yet they take the steps to follow Jesus.  Don't you really wonder what John said about Jesus that made two men just drop everything and follow this stranger down the road?  Or was it the look Jesus had and the aroma that surrounded Him that indeed He is special?  If it was John's words or if it was Jesus himself, they took very brave steps to follow Jesus.

Immediately, Jesus turns and speaks to them.  Don't you know the sparkle in His eyes was so bright, the smile on His face so welcoming that they only wanted more right away?  His mere appearance left them wanting more and once words were spoken in that comforting, yet commanding voice there was no turning back.  Peace surrounded them and they only wanted more.

Isn't it true of us?  I just want to sit on a bench like pictured in the photo and take in more and more of Jesus.  Don't you want your story like perhaps John's leaving people desiring more and more of Jesus?  Whatever words John shared gave these men a burning desire for Jesus not for John and that is what each of us should desire.  Our words be His Words, so that they will  follow Jesus!

I want more of Jesus and His story.  Lately, He seems to be drawing me to simply look at His Word.  Don't pick up the commentary to dig, don't pick up the word meaning in Hebrew or Greek just me and you ~ Debbie.  Sometimes, we just need to pick up His Word and listen quietly while He speaks the words...

Come Debbie and you will see...

Today, listen to His Words and follow,

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

Hope reminders from the football field?

Yes, hope might be found on the football field!

First, I have to tell  you that I watch tons of football.  Teams I like, teams I don't like and I even took a class in college about football.  Also, let me further add that it wasn't about taking a class with a bunch of guys either...I wanted to know about football plays!  Okay, I'm a little bit of a sports geek!  I admit it and it's out there now!  I drive all my nephews, hubby, and my daddy crazy talking sports with them, but I love it! (more than some of them do)

I've always been a Peyton Manning fan, so that's out there for you too.  The guy deserves credit for his hard work, whether you pull for him or not.  But, you know what else he gives a lot of people?  HOPE!

Watching the Broncos all season has been a lot of fun, but also such a wonderful reminder that hard work  pays off.  Peyton underwent 3 surgeries (not easy ones) and unless you were not reading a newspaper or watching a television you know this, but it needs to be mentioned.  He had doubts that he could come back, but yet he did.  Did he do it alone?  No, in fact he tells you that without his wife, Ashley, his family, and his team he might not have made it.   He went through 3 painful surgeries and then his team (yes, the team that he built the stadium) let him go...yes he lost his job too! A very public loss of something he held so very dear.  A team and a city that he helped to build.  Yet, he never gave up!

He shows each of us the way to believe to have hope...to keep on trucking even when it hurts!

Yes, I found hope watching Peyton.  Hope about endurance and running the race.  He may not win another Super Bowl, but he is winning this race!  The race called life, because he believes and he is willing to do his part to get there!  Peyton is a Christian and has been quoted stating that your relationship with Christ should be your number one priority.   

Hope received from watching a young man that endured tough painful times, whether they were health wise or emotionally.  He had to walk through difficult situations and yet watching him a lady in Louisiana can't help, but see hope surrounding him.  I am also reminded of a scripture found in Hebrews 12 ~ ...let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.  Let us fix our eyes on Jesus...

Yes, indeed I saw hope on the football field and I hope you have found it too!

Sweet blessings,

Debbie 

Are you a worrier?

Okay, what is your first thought when you read the words above? 

Really?

How?

Seriously?

Okay?

Done?

Any of the above or perhaps all of the above?

I want to share that I was the #1 worrier, before I realized just how wrong it is to be wearing that word like it was a crown or something...I had it all wrong.  I thought it was great to worry about someone or something that it was showing that I cared, but in reality it was showing that I didn't really believe the words God gave me and you.  I finally realized that concern and worry or two totally different things!  

I finally realized that showing concern and worry are different.  The words found in Matthew 6 truly came to life for me one day.  One day I had the world by the tail and the next most of my things were all gone.  Yes, in a few minutes my things were all gone by a fire and you know what I survived!  I survived because God was still with me! ALL the stuff was gone that I thought I treasured, but God was right there showing me the most amazing things that were still with me!

It was an amazing experience!  It wasn't something I had on my "to do" list or my "bucket list" as so many people have, but wow God showed up and it was awesome!  I had special notes from God in trees yes...pieces of God's Word that survived the fire would show up in the trees around my burned home and it would be just the word I needed for that day...My own private little message in a tree, instead of a bottle!  Truthfully, I saw God in so many special ways and the fire taught me so many things and worry was one of them.  Worry only hurts us.

Last year, I waited for several days not knowing a diagnosis from a test, but honestly I didn't sit wringing my hands in the fear that not so many years ago would have held me captive.  Yes, worry is like a chain holding you prisoner.  I know, because I've been set free from worry.  

I treasure the words in Matthew 6:26 and 27 the most...because they remind us how much God truly cares about all of His creation even the birds and me!

Look at the birds in 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?  Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

I know that until each of us walks through our "own fires" we don't truly grasp this verse, but once we do we realize just how much God cares.  Worry only takes away from life, it doesn't add anything...Concern is another issue...we all need to show concern for each other, but let God to be God.  He is in charge of every detail!  Trust Him and Believe Him!

Sweet blessings and no worries,

Debbie

Get well soon!

Not feeling well?  Do you want to feel better soon?

Today, I'm not talking physically, but spiritually.  I found a beautiful verse in Psalm that I want us to ponder today...

Psalm 107:20

He sent forth his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave.

Are you hurting?  Are you angry?  Are you down in the pit?  Well, this verse might help with what is ailing you...

God gives us His Word and definitely it heals what hurts!  The only problem is to be healed we have to pick up the Bible and read it.

I know that I have found even in God's disciplining with His Word it heals me.  It may hurt me in the moment or even for awhile, because I've disappointed God, but I know in His love He is showing me the way!  His way that will heal my hurt for the long haul.

I loved Strong's translation that says He delivered them from their destruction.  How often is it our own destruction that caused the pain?  With me...a lot!  Yet, God saves me.  He heals me.

I spend a lot of time sharing with women and others that the way to help deal with this tough, old world is in God's Word.  I pray for those that aren't in His Word, because I'm in it (the Bible) and it is still tough at times!   Satan resides in this world too and he never gives up on us, so we need to arm ourselves with knowing God and His Word...

Yet, I find such peace in the words above and I pray you do too...Be healed today pick up God's Word and allow Him to be your healing balm!

He sent forth his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave.

Blessings,

Debbie

Doors

I like doors!  I notice doors... I notice whether it looks welcoming or it gives the signal don't dare knock on this door.  I notice doors, so I fell in love with this picture.  It shows old doors, some more unique doors, some ugly doors, and some that "will you knock or not"?  Do you remember the show "Let's Make a Deal" with behind curtain number 1, 2, or 3; well I think it should have been doors, but that is just me...anyway

Doors open and close throughout our life.  A door may open for a time period and close at another point, so that God might teach you a very important lesson in the door that He opened or the one that He shut.  Yes, I believe that God might open the door or shut the door for us, but at times I also believe He waits for us to choose.

I've been in prayer and making some pretty tough decisions, because I felt God leading me to make some tough choices for the journey He has for me.  Our journey's are each unique to each of us and so exciting, if we allow Him to guide us.  If we pick the random door that wasn't the one He desired, we might learn some difficult lessons in the process, but He will still use all of it! (if we let Him)

Do you remember in the story of Noah when they get on the ark we are told in Genesis 7:16 ~ ...then the LORD shut him in.  God closed out the waters from Noah and the ark.  He protected them from the storm.  Also, we are told  in Matthew 7:7 ~ ...Knock and the door will be opened for you. God does have a plan and some of them include doors.  Jennifer Rothschild wrote on her blog about doors the other day and referenced a Kirk Franklin tweet about doors being Gods creation and a part of our plan.  She went on to discuss how Jesus in John called himself the "door for the sheep".  Jesus is the way.

What doors are you opening and closing?

Is it a little scary to open a new door?  Well, you aren't alone, but God's plans are so much better than ours that we must allow Him to show us the door that we need to open or close...

Jennifer wrote it so beautifully on her blog...these were her words  

Every door that God opens, closes or creates is just an extension of His role as “The Door.” Every door you encounter this coming year will be a reflection of Jesus’ care for you – His protection, provision and shepherding in your life.

So, as God opens, closes and creates doors for you this coming year, take time to remember that He is not only “The Door,” but He is your Door. He invites you in to be safe and found in Him.

Isn't that a great thing to look forward to with each new door?  Jesus is "The Door", we will be safe with Him, so open the door, shut the door whatever it is that He is asking you to do...go for it!  Find the adventure behind the door with Jesus.

Sweet blessings,

Debbie