Bread

What is something that you think you must have everyday?  Is it coffee to begin your day?  Is it exercise that you must get that run in?  Is it a diet coke? (hmmmm.) We all have something that we desire daily, but in truth we don't have to have it.

Jesus is something we all need and we desire, but some of us may not realize that is what we are lacking in our life.  Jesus in John 8 referred to himself as "I am the bread of life..."  People in the ancient days would not have survived long without bread and they all knew this and Jesus knew the reference when He referred to himself in this manner.  Bread was baked daily in long ago days and it was mostly round looking like rolls or buns.  People had it in there homes, but it was used in worship as well.  People knew they needed bread.

We all need Jesus.  We walk through life trying to fill up on stuff.  Our stuff just looks different for each of us and it is quite a list I am sure, but truthfully all we need is Jesus.  

Ponder about Jesus today and Him being all we need to survive this world and look forward to eternity with Him.

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

Peace and beauty

A few weeks ago, I text Linda about a road trip.  Are you ready to take more photos?  Yes, when and where?  

Well, the day was here yesterday and it was just what my soul needed.

Peace and Quiet!

Absolutely stunning beauty in the waters out of Karnack, Texas.  The Cypress trees were beyond words and then the birds that just touched my soul.

God truly is amazing and one is reminded when you surround yourself in His Creation.  Whether it is in the bayous, the mountains, the birds, ourselves creation truly reminds us who God truly is...

I don't know about you with all the loud noise of this world I need days surrounded with Him!  Reminders that He truly is in this world and in charge!  I return home refreshed and renewed in Him and I can handle the ugly noises of this world.

When we first stepped in the boat this was my view and immediately it was as if God touched my shoulder and reminded me that Deb, I've got you and I've got this world.  Relax in me and it was truly amazing.

I leave you today with this verse from Psalm 122:8

For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, "Peace be within you."

Sweet blessings,

Light

Saturday sitting in the little rock chapel the thought crossed my little brain that "wow the light shining through looks like all of us."  We all bring different lights into this dark world.  We bring our own stories, we bring our own backgrounds, we bring ourselves and we are all unique and we are all wonderfully made by Our Lord.  Yet each of us are given the choice whether we allow our light to shine for Jesus in this dark world.

The chapel light was provided by nature.  Shining through the beautiful windows or through the open front door.  I felt so close to the Lord surrounded only by nature and this little chapel in the woods.  It was a beautiful moment and a wonderful reminder about allowing our lights to shine. 

I picked up something to read this morning and once again this thought came through my brain. Darkness and Light.  Sadness and being mean seem to rule this world.  I can't hardly watch any news anymore, because all of it wants to bring someone down.  Whichever side you lean towards it doesn't matter it is the same.  To bring someone down and enjoy watching them fall.  Why?  The devil is busy at work that is why!  Realize it folks and don't let the devil win.

Be the hope.  Be the sunshine in someones dark room.  Be the person you know in your heart that you are suppose to be.  Remember God's promises and not the hateful words that ring on all sides of this world.

Listen to these words found in Isaiah 60: 19-20

The sun will no more be your light by day, nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you,

for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory.

Your sun will never set again, and your moon will wane no more;

the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your days of sorrow will end.

One day our world will shine brightly with God's glory lighting everything and everyone.  Believe it, cling to this truth!  Treasure small moments with the LORD in little chapels while we know in our hearts He is the Light and He is the answer to all that is wrong in this world.  He holds our hands and helps us through the wrongs, so grab His hand and allow His Light to shine along the pathway of life.

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

Friday Night Lights

Friday nights have a whole new meaning to them with Blake playing football for Evangel.  I always looked forward to the weekends just like most of us do, but now it's a whole new ballgame!

Seriously, it's fun, it's nerve wracking, it's family time, it's a moment in time that is quickly passing right by.  Blake is special.  He is quite the athlete, but I'm not talking about that at the moment.  He is unique.  He treasures his family, his friends, and his faith.  His heart is huge and this is what makes him special.  

In our world today too many younger people don't realize what matters, but most of the time Blake does.  Oh, he definitely is true to form with teenager moments, but overall he gets it.  

I am a proud aunt that screams every time he moves almost.  (maybe I'm not that bad, but...) I might be.  I treasure these times because of Blake, but also my dad.  We go to every ballgame together and we join my sister and the rest of her crew to pull Blake through each game.  Yes, we believe it takes each one of us to help him through especially when those big guys from opposing defenses are heading his way.  

I know Blake is looking at a bright future with or without sports, because I know God definitely has plans for Blake.  But not just Blake, for each of us.  Even at 57, I know God still has plans for me.  Am I following His desires?  Am I following His promptings?  Am I ignoring Him?  What about you?

I claim the words found in Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

God's plans don't always look like our plans, but His plan is always better!

Claim God's Words and know His plan is the right way.

Well, it's Friday and I can't wait for the lights to turn on, the screaming to start, the referee whistles, the cheerleaders calling the cheers, Blake throwing a pass, the defense causing a fumble, but most of all another Friday night spent with family.  I hope you have a wonderful family too!  Also, say an extra prayer for all the players to be safe and healthy at the end of the games.

Sweet blessings,

Deb

Who?

Beautiful creation, isn't it?  A little of fall mixing in with a little tad of winter beginning to arrive.  It was a gorgeous day spent with wonderful friends just amazed with God's creativity with every turn in the road or even the turn of our head.  Stunning is one word that would describe the view that every turn of our eyes took in.

You know what else is stunning?  God shows up and shares when we open up His Words.  I love Isaiah 40 because it is a wonderful reminder of who He truly is and He reminds us with His questions and then His answers.  He is beyond my little brain, but that brings me great comfort.  Yes, comfort because it is about believing His words of Who He is and just accepting it.  We are told that we must become like little children to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven.  What do children do so well they trust, they believe and they just accept the gift.

Isaiah 40 is such a beautiful chapter.  The chapter is comfort for each and every one of us.  Do you need comfort with all the fires in California?  Do you need comfort after the Doctor visit?  Do you need comfort after the wild man in Las Vegas?  Only God provides comfort and this beautiful chapter will give it to you with wonderful reminders of Him.

One of my favorite parts begins in verse 25 ~

"To whom will you compare me?

Or who is my equal?" says the Holy One.

Lift your eyes and look to the heavens; Who created all these?

He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name.

Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.

And again in verse 29

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.  Even youths grow 

tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;

but those who hope in the LORD 

will renew their strength!

Yes, did you see it?  All will stumble and fall, but hose who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.  Do you know that in the milky way there is over 100 billion stars?  God calls each one by name!  

God cares and He will comfort and renew, but we must believe His words to find Him.  Look to Him after all no one else or anything compares to Him.

To close remember these last words of this chapter in Isaiah ~

They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Claim these verses today and keep your eyes firmly on Him!

Sweet blessings,

Debbie