Rolling the dice

Do any of you have control issues or is it just me?  I am a lot better than I use to be...but still at times I think I'm in control.  You did catch the word " I think" didn't you?  I know deep down that one phone could change everything and that I don't control anything...

Reading Proverbs 14 - 16:33 this morning reminded me over and over whose in control and well it's not me or you!  It's God.  The quicker we learn this wise fact the better our journey truly is...it's just hard to think we aren't helping Him, isn't it?

Listen to a few that caught my thinker this morning...

Proverbs 16:9 ~  We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.

Proverbs 16:20 ~ Those who listen to instruction will prosper; those who trust the LORD will prosper.

Proverbs 16:33 ~ We may throw the dice, but the LORD determines how they fall.

I know some of you think differently than I do, but I believe with all my heart that God will do whatever it takes to get our attention.  I also believe He allows us to make our decisions (good or bad) that if we follow Him then He is able to use all of them.  We get to decide ~ it's our free will, but we aren't free without the LORD.  

I know in my own journey the freedom I now know is only because of Jesus absolutely nothing to do with me.  I know that God loves me and will indeed determine exactly how my journey goes.  I find great comfort in allowing God the controls,  even if that means I have to sit in the back seat.  I've learned this peace is indeed like nothing else.  A peace that is only explained through the love of Jesus.

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

Crowing about things is foolish!

Proverbs 11 - 13:25

Well, do you know that fool (s) or foolish is mentioned 84 times in Proverbs?  When the word is used it is always in a negative fashion.  It will attribute qualities which are negative, but they are things that a person is able to change.  Change if it is desired...How many of us like change?  Even when we know the thing we need to change is bad for us, we still don't like to change.  Or perhaps you aren't guilty of this and you like change.  Well, good for you!  Sad thing is I'm not sure I believe you I've never met a person that will say I love change!

Reading this morning one of the verses that spoke to me and made me think about myself and others I know and love is this one...

Proverbs 13:16 ~ Wise people think before they act; fools don't-and even brag about their foolishness.

Okay, pause a moment think of everybody you know and yourself  - think of foolish acts that you know of did much thought go in to the action before it took place?  Well the definition of foolish is lack of sense, unwise, lacking forethought.  When I think of myself with times I acted without much thought sometimes "foolish" definitely happened!  Did you then go on to brag about it?  Well, sometimes I did...oops!  Yes, I wasn't very wise!  I don't like to think about times that I crowed like the rooster about a foolish time that turned out okay, but with absolutely no thanks to me.

Do you know what word is used more than double the times of foolish?  Some form of wisdom it is mentioned 184 times.  Being wise thinking before we act or speak is important.  It is important to be wise and think before we act foolish and then crow about it!

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

Treasures

Where do you place your priorities or what is it that you treasure?

I thought I knew the answer to that question until one day a fire happened...things I thought really mattered well not so much.  I learned a very important lesson when I lost my home to fire...no matter what - stuff is just stuff.  Whether it is that necklace you just had to have or that piece of furniture...well in the big picture they do not matter...I realized on a much deeper level what truly matters and what goes with you everyday during a difficult time and that is God sand His Word!  I treasure HIS WORDS on a much deeper level after going through the fire and you know what...I wouldn't change a thing because I grew so much closer to God through the walk!  He showed up everywhere and spoke to my soul.

Today, let Him speak to your soul!  I don't know what you are facing whether it's a fire, a flood, or even a bigger issue of illness or death, but God is walking with you!

Today, reading I was reminded about our treasures with these words from Proverbs 2:2-8

Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding.  Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding.  Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures.  Then you 

will understand what it means to fear the LORD, and you will gain knowledge of God.  For the LORD grands wisdom!  From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.  He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest.  He is a shield to those who walk with integrity.  He guards the path of the just and protects those who are faithful to him.

Seek understanding and insight and collect the most awesome treasure - a relationship with God!

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

Traveling for wisdom

Queen of Sheba when you read those words what comes to your mind?  Have you ever heard anybody ask somebody who do you think you are the Queen of Sheba?  Well, I guess she was all that you think when you hear the word Queen of something.  She was important and everybody knew it.

What intrigued me this morning reading in 1 Kings 10 about her was how far she traveled to ask questions.  Yes, questions and not easy questions - hard questions that would test King Solomon.  She traveled over 1500 miles over very rough terrain and circumstances.  It's not like the way we travel by getting in a car or airplane with cool air or warm air along with restroom stops that are indoors with nice facilities no this was a very hard trip.  Yes, she was a queen, but even for a queen it would have been difficult to make this trip. Rough roads, deserts, critters and so much more. Yet, she said YES to this adventure to seek answers!  

All that keeps going through my mind is how far do we go to seek answers?  Is it to our computers or ipads?  Is this really the answers we seek or do we want more?  

We should all learn from the Queen of Sheba that she traveled a long way to ask important questions that she desired answers for and it did not matter how difficult the trip was to get what she needed!  It will not always be easy in this trip of life!  The answers we seek may cost us in blood, sweat, and tears.  If we truly seek answers even if it hurts, we will go through the difficulty to get some of the answers ( and it probably isn't what we think we need)  Are we willing to travel even across the hall for answers?

Another thing that struck me was she brought a lot of gifts with her.  She wanted something to offer as well in return for what she would receive.  What are we willing to offer the LORD when He gives us the answers we need?

Even the Queen of Sheba realized the gift Solomon had by the answers and all that surrounded him.  She was overwhelmed and amazed so she even offered praise to the LORD.  We don't know if she truly believed, but she was moved and she had to speak of it.  She realized God blessed Solomon.

Say Yes to the adventure!  Seek the answers!  God is big enough to answer them, but be ready to be surprised...it will be in His Way not ours.  Say Yes for the trip of a lifetime and eternity!

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

Mercy forever

1 Kings 8: and 2 Chronicles 5

Today reading the story of the ark being brought into the temple just touched my soul.  Imagine the scene for yourself the sounds of the priests playing trumpets and cymbals, harps, lyres and the singers all praising God and giving thanks!  Over and over the words that were said in Hebrew were these...

For He is good, for his mercy is endless.

Imagine it and suddenly the glorious presence of the LORD filled the temple!  Wow!  Don't you love those goose bump moments?  Well, this is definitely a goose bump moment!  God showed up!

The words above tell us exactly who God is...yesterday, today, and forever!  Claim it daily these words ~

For He is good, for his mercy is endless.

Always, God's love, kindness, mercy is forever!  Claim these words and have your very own goose bump moment!

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

Awe of the king

Today reading from 1 Kings 3 - 6 and 2 Chronicles 2: 1-18 the wisdom of Solomon given by God really shows up.  In the first part the story of who is the real mother always grasp my heart.  Picturing this scene before the king with the usual women flare of he's mine, no he's mine and the king listening intently knowing in his heart the real mother would give the child up rather than harm come to the child.  So wise!

Then we begin to read about the temple building with all the details, but you know what really caught my attention?  The king handing out complements to the people about their work.  Yes, he told the King that he desired the timber from that no one could cut timber like them.  He got exactly what he desired by giving out kuddos to the people first to receive what he desired.  Yes, wise man.

The words that really caught my attention you ask?  Didn't I hear you ask?  No, well you are going to read them anyway my friends....they are found in 1 Kings 3:28 all Israel heard the king's decision, the people were in awe of the king, for they saw the wisdom God had given him in rendering justice.

Do we see the wisdom of God in our leaders decisions?  Are we in awe of them, perhaps this is part of our problem with our leaders.  We don't hear God's wisdom in their decisions.  Let's pray for our leaders to seek the wisdom that God desires in the decision making process perhaps He is being left out and we are no longer in awe of our leaders.

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

Wisdom

Do you remember the quote from Socrates which is "Wisdom begins with wonder"?  Do you agree?  I do!

I remember the day that I spotted this beautiful owl in Oklahoma with Kenny.  When the wings were spread out he or she was huge and beautiful.  Of course, we couldn't get the pic of that, but we did get this one.  He watched us with wonder.  It was really one of those special moments.

I thought of the owl this morning when I read about Solomon asking for wisdom from God.  Out of all the things that Solomon could have ask for he asked for wisdom.  What about you?  What are you asking God for right now?  

I never feel closer to God than when I am totally in wonder with Him or like I refer to WOWED with Him!  The wonder of all that God is really brings me into His arms closer than any other time, Solomon was really a smart man in my opinion about His request...now he forgot to use his wisdom with all those women!  Absolutely no way for that to work...but you know what they say about hindsight being 20/20.

Read the story found In 1 Kings 3:5-15 this morning about Solomon asking for wisdom and ponder what you need to talk to the LORD about or even ask of Him today.  Also, look for the wonder of God today!

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

Are you carrying a heavy load?

Always I try to think of women that truly carry a huge load...when I do images of the women at the well carrying water back and forth to their homes.  It's hard to relate when we just turn the faucets on.  Truth is we don't know what it is like to carry a real load.  We have our vehicles that we bring our goods home from the market.  Women around the world put it on their backs.

Reading God's Word in Psalm 79, 80, 81, and 82...I loved these verses found in Psalm 81 beginning at the end of verse 5 ~ 

I heard an unknown voice say, "Now I will take the load from your shoulders; I will free your hands from their heavy tasks.  You cried to me in trouble, and I saved you; I answered out of the thundercloud and tested your faith where there was no water at Meribah.  Listen to me, O my people, while I give you stern warnings, O Israel, if you would only listen to me!

Quite honestly I feel like God is talking to us (all of us) right now with all the flooding, tornadoes, snow, no water, earthquakes think about it...all around the world natural disasters and unlike others I don't blame Global warming...I believe God is talking to all of us, but are we listening?

God will take our loads, but are we even giving Him our heavy loads?

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

Also, my images I purchase from Dreamstime or they taken by me...Check out dreamstime

Sharing THE stories...

Psalm 75.76, 77, and 78

Once upon a time...remember those words when your mom was reading you some of your favorite childhood stories?  I do.  I loved story time and I still do!

Books surround me.  I love books!  Amazon loves me...oh well, that's another story!

Today, reading I was reminded how important it is to share God's story!  In Psalm 78, we are reminded to listen to God's instructions, to open our ears, and how He will teach us these words.  Well, if we aren't reading God's word how is He going to teach us?  I don't know about you, but I am really good for awhile and something will distract me and well I get off track, but God doesn't get distracted!  He wants each of us to know of HIS hope found in Him alone.

We need to know God's Word, because who knows when it might not be where we are able to place it in our hands, or even on our coffee tables...or even in our homes.  We need to know the stories to share with children and other big people too!  Listen to these words found in Psalm 78 beginning in 5

...He commanded our ancestors to teach them to their children.  So the next generation might know them-even the children not yet born-and they in turn will teach their own children.

So each generation should set its hope anew on God, not forgetting his glorious miracles and obeying his commands.

Then they will not be like their ancestors- stubborn, rebellious, and unfaithful, refusing to give their hearts to God.

Share the story today!

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

Yet I still belong to you...

Psalm 50, 73, 74

Do you ever have a moment when you think will I ever get myself together?  It doesn't matter how old we are...we still mess up!  Now it's a totally another issue, whether we admit it or not...

I found comfort in the Psalm reading this morning from Psalm 73 beginning in verse 21...read this slowly and see if at some point you might have had some of these feelings and then give thanks when you are reminded of who God is and that is what truly matters...

Then I realized that my heart was bitter, and I was all torn up inside.  I was so foolish and ignorant-
I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you.

Yet I still belong to you; you hold my hand.  You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny.  Whom have I in heaven but you?

I desire you more than anything on earth.  My health may fail,

and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength in my heart;

he is mine forever.

I looked up the original meaning to the word  "hold" in Hebrew that is used here and it so very meaningful.  God takes possession, He grasp, He seizes, He takes care, He is our guardian!  Today, when you face a moment of doubt or less than remember who is holding your hand!  Remember, He is grasping your hand to protect and take care of you even when we have those bitter moments when we are less than we should be...we all have those moments, so admit it and seize His Hand the one that will protect you when you are weak!

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

Sanctus Real - On Fire (Lyric Video)

Inspiration!

Recently, when Kenny and I were at our favorite place in Colorado I found many blue birds.  I kept trying to get a photo and finally I was able to get just a couple before off the blue bird flew.  The blue is just so blue and so beautiful!  I was so inspired to keep trying...to keep looking for that little blue bird in those huge mountains.  It wasn't an easy task, but one that I wanted so badly, so I kept trying!

What inspires you daily?  Who inspires you daily?

Okay, for those of you that know me well ~ you know I love to encourage!  It's something that I believe everyone of us is quite capable of doing, but it is whether we choose to help someone smile rather than frown.  It is our choice just as it is our choice what we think on hot topics!  So today, choose to help someone smile!  Another thing that a lot of you know is that I love television shows that also inspire you to make people happy rather than bring someone down.  Life is tough enough with real life, so why not encourage right?

Well, I am about to get on my soapbox, so if you don't want to go any further...see  you next time!  Why, why all the drama with everything now?  A couple of examples for me recently that have grasp my attention...deflate gate with the NFL.  Some people say what's the big deal...well the big deal is someone cheated.  Is that so difficult to admit?  Pay up.  Accept that you make a bad choice and you must pay a price. After all you are teaching young people, if you don't pay a price then  it's okay to cheat.  I am a huge football fan and yes they are an awesome team, but inspire rather than cheat.  I'll admit that I am not so much  a Patriot fan, but if my favorite team the Broncos cheat, then I would want the same penalty!  

Okay, next we have George S...on Good Morning America.  I love George watch him every morning, but we don't agree on anything politically, but I love him.  Yes, I don't agree with him and still like him!   I appreciated this morning that he admitted he made a mistake.  He admitted it and let's move on...so what  if we don't all agree on politics.  

Now, I move on to something that I love even more and that is Dancing with the Stars.  Yes, it's been a hard week for me as many of you know I am a huge Hough fan!  I did not agree with the way the powers that be showed packages about Nastia that were less than favorable...yet she handled herself with grace and beauty!  I know the producers showed the package at least 3 times and I think 4  ~ of a small period of time that hurt Nastia.  All for drama.  Here is a young couple that brought absolutely nothing but beauty and light into the ball room and yet from the focus of the package you would think it was tempers...Yet even in the voting from the ballroom this young couple taught all of us how we need to handle ourselves when dealt a bad deal...Bring light, grace, and beauty even into difficult moments! 

We touch more people with turning the other cheek or looking for the blue birds in the journey!  Today, encourage someone, lend a helping hand.

Psalm 138: 1

I give thanks, O Lord, with all my heart; I will sing your praises before the gods.

Yes, today sing God's praises as you spot the blue bird!

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

I believe!

Today, I am going to share my heart...not your heart, not anyone else's heart ~ my heart!

I believe that the Bible is God's Word.  I believe that Jesus is the Way. 

Does this mean that I hate others because they believe different from me?  No.

Where does all the hate come from?  I have the same rights to believe and choose for myself that every other individual does after all God gives us each free will.  I also believe you can't take away my rights to my truths and that you should not hate or think less of me for believing differently than you do.  I also believe that this is where compassion and love really presents itself...acceptance of each other with our differences.  Yes, this is where we really must walk the talk.  Honestly, this is when we need Jesus the most...we cannot do this without Him.  Only with Jesus are we able to be more like Him...He provides the Way!

I don't want to force my thoughts on you and I don't want your thoughts forced on me.  It's what free will is all about...we each get to choose.  We will each answer for ourselves when we stand before God and I know I have enough of my own stuff that I don't need anybody else's to answer for, because we are all sinners!  Yes, we are ALL sinners!  

Our world is difficult enough without adding to all the noise.  Today, let's all walk the talk and become more like Jesus!  Help each of us Lord to be the person that you desire not the one the world desires that spews hate rather than love.  Spread love today!

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

Hope on this Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day!

Reading God's Word this morning these words spoke to my heart...

Psalm 37:34

Put your hope in the Lord.  Travel steadily along his path.

Today and everyday we need to put our hope in the Lord and keep on the path with Him!  We all have women to thank today that have helped to show us the path...My mom is the first woman that showed me where hope is truly found and that is the LORD.  Always she pointed to Him and His ways and I give thanks for her love and support...

I have many more women and honestly I don't want to start a list and forget anybody...you all know who you are!  I love you and thank you for the gift of your love, friendship, and helping to teach me about this wonderful journey.

Happy Mother's Day and most of all for sharing your journeys with me!

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

The Lord's...

Psalm 24

The earth is the Lord's and everything in it.

The world and its people belong to him.

For he laid the earth's foundation on the seas

and built it on the ocean depths.

I read these verses and find comfort.  It doesn't matter what is happening on earth I trust the LORD.  Do I know all the answers?  Nope.  Do I know the why's, the how's, the answers?  Nope...but I do believe with all my heart in God's Word and the verses above and I trust that I don't have to have the answers...God knows them!

Trust today with every step you take that God's got this...

Sweet blessings,

Debbie