A little gratitude

Recently, I met this precious woman named Carol.  I met her on the side of the road outside Sedona at a scenic overlook.  I was running around taking pictures (for those that know me that's all I do)  and enjoying God's creation, when I noticed this beautiful woman with the most beautiful smile.  We struck up a conversation and I walked back with her to her table of jewelry.  

She is very talented and I was enjoying sharing in her gift of making jewelry.  Kenny walked over and joined in on the conversation about her journey.  She is a member of the Navajo people and she really is gifted.  We were enjoying the conversation, when I picked up this beautiful bracelet.

She shared that this bracelet represents her people's long walk.  We listened intently and ask a few questions throughout her story.  She began to share that her grandmother taught her not to be bitter about what happened to her people, but to let it make her better.  To use it to strive towards the future with the thought of being better not bitter.

She touched my heart.  Kenny bought this bracelet for me and it is truly a treasure, because of Carol.  Notice her smile in the photo, she smiled from the moment that I noticed her and we began to talk and share.  

I have thought a lot about her from the moment our life paths crossed.  She taught me a lesson in a short amount of time - "better not bitter" and about gratitude.  To be grateful and grow forward.

I am choosing the word gratitude for my focus word in the upcoming year.  I want to truly learn about gratitude and experiencing being grateful and giving thanks for everything!  God is good all the time even in the difficult moments, so I want to grow to always remember to let things make me better not bitter.  I want to allow God to use my life to help others always and to be in a state of gratitude for it all.

In our present times, would we not all be better, if we allowed the things that happen to make us better not bitter?  Our world could use a little bit or a whole lot of Carol's attitude about life.  I am in a state of gratitude that God allowed my path to cross Carol's!

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

News about January 1

Well, beginning on January 1, I am once again going to begin the chronological Bible (NLT).  I am excited and wanted to invite/encourage you to join me.  I don't know, if this is my fifth time or sixth, but it is life-changing.  I know what it did for me, so I ask you to consider joining me on this journey.  

I promise you that God will use your taking the time to change your life - for the better.  I am only able to speak for myself, but I know what it did in my life.  So, I want this for you and yours.  Join along and see what God will do.

I will blog about it. (maybe not everyday, but some)  I will share on facebook and you can share or not share.  Totally up to you.  It is about you and however, you want to join along.

I did have to order a new Bible this go around.  My old one is worn and written all over.  Also, this time I ordered big print.  Yes, I am at that point and I don't care!

Pray about it and hopefully watch for a post on January 1.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

Seeds? Journey of Sisters Friends update

Friends in this wonderful journey, I had to share an update that happened this week with all of you. If you were a part of  the journey of sisters ministry along with me, then read this with a full heart and celebrate. 

 I was in Bible study on Wednesday morning and we were sharing about seeds.  Did we know about seeds that were planted?  Did we want to share about any seeds and about planting seeds in our faith journey.  I listened and thoughtfully was processing offering a word here or there, but very much thinking of some of the ladies that crossed our paths during this special time in our journey.  I was pondering where they might be, what had happened to them and praying they were doing well. 

I returned to my car, turned my phone on and the text and messages began to come to my phone.  I pulled over to read a long message from one of the special ladies that served with JOS, but also we served.  God gave me a hug and He wanted me to share it with all of you that served along with me.  One of our ladies wanted to update that she was and is doing great.  She is about to graduate from college and was putting in resumes and is using me as a reference.  She went back to school, got her degree in the social service area and wanted to share her good news with us.  God is so good!  Talk about a special God hugging moment.  Thank you Lord for sharing these seeds that were planted in such a special way!

I love each of you and thank you for the gift of your friendship and for these special moments!  Let's go plant seeds today.

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

Outstanding Book! SHELTER OF THE MOST HIGH BY CONNILYN COSSETTE

I love to read Christian Historical Fiction.  It makes me think deeper.  It makes me research deeper, so in turn my faith becomes stronger.  These books by authors who truly research the Bible and everything else they are able to get their hands on truly help to grow your faith stronger.  Who doesn't need that?  Connilyn Cossette is one of the best, if not the best.

Shelter of the Most High is truly a great follow up in the series of Cities of Refuge written by Connilyn Cossette.  It kept my attention, it provided mystery, it provided hope, and it made me think.  I love a book that makes me think about the plot and rewards me in the process by growth or making me think outside the box.

I don't give away plot lines, because being an avid reader (I DON'T LIKE THIS).  Suffice it to say that Sofea is a beautiful daughter of a pagan priest that is in trouble.  Her path crosses the path of Eitan, who resides in a city of refuge.  A city provided for those that need protection because of accidental killings, or very bad situations.  God provides and the two meet.  Sofea doesn't know the great I AM, but soon from Eitan's family grows to love Eitan and God.  Imagine, she must learn the language and everything else of these very different people to her.  

I will share one of my favorite lines from this book, because I believe it applies to each and everyone of us.  Eitan is having a conversation with Eleazar, the high priest and Eitan says these words. "But I do not deserve-"  "Deserve?"  His voice rose, echoing in the empty chamber.  "did we Hebrews deserve to be rescued from Egypt when most of us had turned to 

Egypt's gods there?  Did Cain deserve to be pardoned from death and preserved by the mark of Yahweh after he killed his brother?  Did Mosheh deserve to become the leader of our nation after he buried that murdered overseer in the sand?  No, none of us deserve such kindnesses, especially from the Holy One whose justice and righteousness are beyond all comprehension.  If you have freely been given mercy, who are you to question it?"  Is this not the truth?  I loved Connilyn's reminder through these words that none of us deserve mercy, but God gives it! 

5 stars seriously aren't enough.  I love this book and all of Connilyn Cossette's books and recommend you order them today off of Amazon or your local bookstore.  You will love the story and you will be filled with hope.  What more could one desire from a good book?

I was given this book for my honest review by the author and publisher.  It did not matter to them if it was favorable or unfavorable, they wanted my honest thoughts.  Honestly, it is fabulous.

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

P.S.  Don't you love the cover?  Sofea is beautiful and loved.

Timing is everything!

Surprises from God are so special.  He works out all the details and everything falls into place and He surprises you.  Are you paying attention to share this special moment with Him?  Am I?  Sometimes, but sometimes I miss it.  Simply because I am not paying attention.

I am writing scripture with a group called Anchored in His Word and this time around, He is speaking into my life.  He is giving me strength and courage and reminding me to always Praise Him!  It truly is helping me through a difficult time with many different situations and I treasure those moments that I know He is telling me Debbie I've got you and I've got this situation.  Trust in me.  

My little Cassie is sick and I've been nursing her around the clock.  Friday I left her at the vet to be observed and went on a planned photo trip with Linda Perkins to Caddo Lake.  We like to get out in nature and take photos.  I always pray that God will surprise me with something that will just touch my soul.  Friday we had many beautiful surprises between spoonbills, egrets, herons, and this beautiful owl among the trees.  I love owls!  It was wonderful and I was renewed once again to face another night.  God is so good.  He provides exactly what we need, not what we want.  Thank you Lord.

Get out and let God surprise you!  Quit thinking it just happened or whatever and know God sees you!  He loves you and He goes before you!

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

My mother-in-law still sharing

Thank goodness this sweet lady still helps me keep this big guy straight!  The picture is of Kenny and his mom recently at dinner.  I love to see this big man laugh and cut up with his momma.

Earlier this week, I was sitting visiting with my sweet mother-in-law and she began to share about Jesus.  She isn't quite like she was memory wise, but she still knows what matters in life and that is Jesus.  Yes, she still shares her story, but mostly what Jesus did and does in her story.  

It truly is amazing to listen to her, because you see the love flow through all she is...she shares these words about life: "I don't know how people do this journey without knowing Jesus.  I just have to do my part to be sure that I don't miss an opportunity to share about Him with others".  She knows in her heart to still share Truth with all that she crosses and she does.

Mike (my brother-in-law) shares about leaving a doctor visit and a lady following them to the vehicle just to give his mom a hug and extra thanks for sharing about Jesus with her.  Still at 87, doing the Lord's work!  She teaches each of us  daily how to walk the talk.

Every time, Kenny and I are with her she shares a similar story and it always focuses on the only way to get through life is allowing Jesus to take the wheel in your life.  She also tells us that God is in control and to let go and let Him.  I saw a quote this week that I shared on my facebook page by Elisabeth Elliott that sounds just like Margie B "Leave it all in the Hands that were wounded for you."  My sweet mother-in-law definitely walks the talk and we all love her dearly.

I just thought I would share this with all of you and allow her to share Jesus with each of you too!

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

Women and friends, Different yet alike but true treasures in this journey

Friends truly are gifts from above!  Recently, I traveled with two of my friends to New Mexico and Colorado and we laughed, we discussed, we explored, and we sang!  Yes, we had the radio going and turned over to the 70's channel.  Well, let me tell you it was a wonderful experience.  We had traveled for hours looking for Buffalo in this wonderful state park in Texas didn't find one buffalo, but we found lots of beauty without the big beast.

After we left the park, and we were riding along suddenly the song "I am Woman by Helen Reddy" began to play.  Well that car became a trip back in time with all three of us remembering the words, the hand motions even (yes I know) and it was epic.  We laughed and I suddenly said I think it is so funny that I have always loved this song, feminist that I am now.  Well, feminist isn't a word that I would use to describe myself, but we began to discuss this and Valine pointed out that one we are all 3 strong women, we have worked hard to become who we are, and that indeed we are women!

I am sharing a couple of photos of us on our trip.  Linda and I go way back to junior high and then our families working together in business and church.  (she is in the middle)   Linda and Valine ( she is one with dark hair) met in college and are besties from that time forward.  Yet, we all get along great and like to explore and travel, so the bond formed.  Oh and I can't forget Cassie!  Yes, my doggie is a member of this group too!

I think our group is a great example for the world today.  We are all very different in some ways, yet alike in so many others.  We are able to accept each other and love each other and bond over our similarities and build and treasure great friendship.  Do we sometimes disagree?  Yes, but you know what we do?  We agree to disagree and move forward.  Oh, how I wish we could take it out of that vehicle into the rest of the world.

Again, laughter is great medicine for the world.  It got me to thinking what do we laugh at?  We laugh at funny memories, we laugh at these old stories like they happened to each of us and it is so good for the soul.  We find things that we all like to talk about or do.  We all like photography, we all like nature, we all like crafts, we like to read, we all like to try something new.  Linda, is working with both of us on painting and we like it.  

We accept when we aren't all quite ourselves.  On this last trip, I wasn't feeling 100% actually went to the doctor twice before we left town trying to get better.  I was a little better, but not myself by any stretch, but they overlooked I wasn't 100% and didn't act like they noticed. Yet, something else we need to extend in this world. I don't think I ever mentioned to Valine I had been sick and to the doctor, but hopefully Linda told her.  Anyway, Valine if you didn't know now you know why I didn't have much energy, but I did try to keep going.  We accept, the good, the bad, and the ugly and keep going!

We allow each other to be ourselves knowing that is truly what matters.  Yes, we are women and sometimes we roar, but most of the time we laugh, share, and grow!  Also, we are Christian women that still hold some of the same belief system, but not all of it, but we allow each to soar like eagles!  Yes, remember the scripture in Isaiah 40:31:  I love this verse and it just comes to life, when you get the joy of watching an eagle soar.

...those who hope in the Lord renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not grow faint.

  

The eagle isn't soaring here, but resting next to the nest.  Look close at this photo in the hole and notice the eagle inside the nest too!  God gives such wonderful surprises even after the trip is over and you are back home celebrating friendship and love.  

I can't wait for our next adventure!  

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

Rest on every side

When I stand on the back porch in Colorado, truly I worship God.  I don't always have my hands in the air, but I do worship Him.  The mountains surround me and I see Him and feel Him everywhere so very profoundly.

Where do you worship God?  Is it everywhere?  Anywhere?  Only at certain places?

Last Sunday at Simple Church, Justin preached from 2 Chronicles 20 and it really got my attention.  So I have been pondering on it all week.  I have looked at, read it, and written about it all week.  The reason being it is about truly trusting God and letting go.  Totally believing in God and trusting in Him and letting Him handle it all.  Go read it for yourself.

How many times do you give something to God and in a few days pick it right back up again?  Or should I say think you can handle it because perhaps God isn't doing it the way we expect Him to or we don't know what He is doing, so let's help Him out?

I am going to share a portion of the story, but please read it for yourself.  Jehoshaphat is about to lead the people into a battle.  He isn't sure what to do, but he calls the people of Judah together to seek God's desires.  God tells him to not be afraid or discouraged because the vast army isn't theirs to fight.  It is God's battle.  So Jehoshaphat listened to the instructions and the next morning instructed certain men to sing and praise Him for the splendor of God.  Yes, the choir lead the army into the area for battle.  Well, confusion took over the enemy and they took care of each other!  God definitely works in mysterious ways!

Yet, isn't it so cool that they were singing and trusting God to handle it and He did!  How often do we try to handle the battle going on in our life, but it is not ours to handle?  While looking at this verse this week the words that struck me is verse 30 ~ And the kingdom of Jehoshaphat was at peace, for his God had given him rest on every side.  What about you?  Does peace on every side sound good?  Have you thought about perhaps the reason you aren't at peace is you are trying to handle something that isn't yours to handle?

All week I have reflected on the awesome picture in my head of the choir singing at the top of their lungs headed into battle with the soldiers following behind.  Do you wonder what was the choir thinking or were they totally lost in worship?  Was the army lost in worship as well?  Isn't it beautiful that an army was so into worship that they let go and let God handle things?

Another thought that is along the same thought process of trusting and letting God handle the battles was a story that Ann Voskamp shares in her latest devotional book.  It is about a Rabbi that sat down beside her on an airplane and he said these words to her, "You may believe in God, but never forget-it's God that believes in you."  He continued by pointing out the window saying "Every morning the sun rises and you get to rise.  That's God saying He believes in you, that He believe's in the story He's writing in you."  Isn't this so good?  

WE say we believe in Him, but yet He proves every moment that He believes in us!  Take a moment and worship the One that loves us and believes in us always!  Let Him handle whatever battle you are facing.

Trusting Him,

Debbie

A Secret Blessing

Nature is a blessing.  When I take a few moments to just step out into the great outdoors I receive a secret gift from God.  In someway, I always experience a blessing only He provides.  I look for Him everywhere and I am so aware of God being the Creator that it is a gift to just be...I receive a secret blessing in these wonderful moments!

In my morning reading, I was looking at the story of the wedding  about the first miracle that Jesus provided. It wasn't a big moment to a lot of people, because not everyone even knew about it, but the servants did!  I love that Jesus performed His first miracle of making wine in John 2 and that He shared it only with those that were close to Him and those serving at the wedding.  Imagine, these servants when they realize that they are in on this amazing secret blessing!  They realize they know something their masters and all the important people at the wedding don't even know.  They realize they matter!  Jesus took water in jars and turned it into wine.  The servants had to take it to the master for tasting.  I just picture their faces realizing what they know, but the master doesn't...this was water a few moments ago, but Jesus turned it into wine.  The scripture says in verse 9 ...though the servants who had drawn the water knew.  Jesus, Jesus, Jesus sweetest name I know.  I love that old hymn and I love Jesus so much more.  Only Jesus!

Today, take a moment and read about the water into wine story in John 2 and remember that you matter.  Look for beautiful moments that only God provides.  

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

Ponderings

Recently, late in the afternoon I told Kenny I was headed up to watch the sunset at Caddo Lake.  Absolutely a stunning lake here in north Louisiana and east Texas.  Well worth anyone spending time by the shoreline and pondering life.  I've pondered life and death a lot lately.   I wish that I had gotten a few things earlier in life, but again I realize God's timing is so important to all factors of life.

Lately, people I love have lost the fight here on earth and I am watching their loved ones struggle with the loss and the questions of what's next.  We all face these times in life and well they aren't easy, because we are human.  We don't want to let go of someone we love and we don't like change - which are just two of the things that we face, but if we know Jesus we know in our heart and soul that they are in a much better place with Jesus!  Imagine it!  So much better than anything we have here on this planet they are in heaven.

Easter is this Sunday.  What does Easter mean to you?  Is it the Easter egg hunts making family memories?  Oh that is a good thing, but Easter is so much more.  Jesus died for you and for me and He rose again!  He conquered the grave so that each of us could spend eternity with Him!  Celebrate Easter remember the story of Easter.

Remember Jesus felt some of the same feelings that you feel.  He felt alone.  He was in the Garden of Gethsemane. He had brought friends along, to help Him.  Friends that went to sleep and He was alone talking to His Father.  He knew deep in His heart that He wasn't alone although His Father was quiet.  Yet He called out to Him knowing that He was with Him and knowing that He would face death and pain.  Jesus knows all that we feel or all that we may feel in the future.  We all struggle with these feelings at some point, but will we turn to God like Jesus did?  

Will we remember that we all need Jesus?  Jesus saved us and we didn't do anything to deserve it, but He did it.  Remember trust and believe and perhaps even go read the story of Easter in John 19-20.

Take a moment and ponder some of your thoughts of Easter and give thanks for all your many blessings.  The older I get the true realization of what matters gets bigger and bigger and the importance of sharing of Jesus and His amazing love for each of us.

Happy Easter!

Debbie

Our story

I have been away from writing for awhile.  Truth is I needed a break from sharing.  

Yesterday, I went to the movie "I Can Only Imagine" which is about my favorite song.  The story of the man who wrote the song.  I even use to have it play on this blog, because it touched my heart so deeply.  Well, the movie did too!

I do not intend to give away the story, because you need to let God unfold it for you in the manner He desires that you go see it.  I just encourage you to go and let God speak.  

He will show up, but will you?

I have felt the urge lately to get back to writing and sharing, but knew sitting in that dark theater that I was suppose to. He was speaking to me about sharing how He works. So here I am not exactly sure how this will unfold or how often, but I will show up.

Share your story.  Share those moments that only God provides.  Our world needs God moments those moments that touch you to your soul and give chills throughout your body.  You know those moments share them.

I know I am asking each of you to share, so I will too.  

Lately, I haven't known and still don't really know where God is leading me.  It is hard for me to admit because I think I moved away from Him and that is probably why I am uncertain.  I never moved totally away, but I quit totally allowing Him to consume my every thought and choice.  Difficult to admit, but that is my truth.  How, why, might be questions you are asking and I really don't know other than life got in the way.  Again, you are probably asking the same questions how and why?  I allowed it without even realizing it.  

The amazing story of how this song came to be is only a God thing and how He showed up with the words I Can Only Imagine.  Are you going to allow God to show up and then you share about it?  I hope so, because He will use your story to grow His Kingdom and this world needs His light shining through each of us!

A Light on the Hill by Connilyn Cossette Book Review - Fantastic!

Beauty in the eyes of the Beholder!  A story so real that every woman will find something to relate to this book and every man should!  We women walk around so worried about our appearances and this story of a physical wound causing so much pain and heartache and the true way to find healing is wonderful.

Connilyn Cossette is a true weaver of the words that grabs your attention from the beginning to the end.  A book that you will want to never put down, because you will want to discover if Moriyah finds justice and healing.

I want to share so much of the story because it is one that truly stays with you, but I won't share much.  I don't want to ruin it for you the reader, but I do encourage you to order it today.  Do you need hope?  Do you need to see that indeed God heals, but not in ways that we might think of?  This wonderful book is for you!

Moriyah is a young woman that is harmed when she is a little girl while in the town of Jericho.  It is a horrible injury and one that she walks with long after the event. She is branded on her face with a mark of the Canaanite gods.  Yes, you read that right.  Imagine it for yourself.  How many of you might be walking with a horrible scar on the inside or a physical one?  Moriyah learns to exist in her father's home, but he is aging.  He wants to find a suitable man for Moriyah.  He thinks he does, but...I just can't share more the story it is so touching and one that you must read for yourself.

  This book truly might help to heal a wound that only God is able to heal.  He touched me through these pages and the way He allowed Connilyn to weave the story is super.

The story is one that will at times break your heart.  It will give you surprises that you are not expecting and it will provide hope through a woman that knows in her heart that God loves her. If you need adventure, this one contains adventure, love, and healing.  

I am on Connilyn's team that helps to get the word out about her books and she truly is a researcher that makes you think from a different perspective.  The book is beautiful and I can't wait for her next book and I just finished this one!

If a review is written on a star basis, well there are not enough stars.  It truly is that good or it was to me.  Who doesn't need to be healed from something in this world we reside in?  Which brings me to another point our world isn't so different from the time of Moriyah and you will see that in this book as well.

Order it today or pick it up at your favorite book store.

Sweet blessings,

Debbie 

My word for 2018 is "Quest"

2017 represented a year of reconnecting with people that I loved, but life had taken us along different paths for a time period.  People that made and still make a huge difference in my life.  People that teach me to be a better person and are honest with me along the journey. People that I trust and love to always tell me the truth.

On one of these trips was about reconnecting with my dear friend Linda and new friend Valine who shared with me about new things that might interest me.  Project Life, Chatbooks, how to do different things they were teaching me and along the way the topic of a word for the year came up.  I had half way done this a time or two, but not with my whole heart.  Linda shared on a trip to Canton that she thought her word might be "gathering"  and it got me to thinking what will my word be for 2018.

I narrowed it 3 words.  Hope, adventure, and quest truly believing that I was being lead to "hope" after all who doesn't need more hope?  Yet, it never settled into my soul.  I kept thinking perhaps the reason I never saw a word through the whole year was it wasn't my word.  I really want to grow and learn with the one word.  So, then I thought adventure.  After all, I love an adventure and travel, but yet again I felt that it wasn't the right word and finally I knew it in my soul.  My word is "Quest" and I truly believe it is my word for this coming year.

I have been doing a Bible study by Beth Moore that lead me to the word and really got my brain thinking.  It made me ask more questions.  If you meet me, I always ask a lot of questions.  I want to learn more about you, so I quiz you.  My hubby sometimes gets rather annoyed with my questions, but it's me.  The only way to grow is to ask questions and a quest is about growth.  I want to grow and learn.  We are never too old to quit learning and searching to become all that we are suppose to be after all, we don't want to just stay the same.  Oh it is safe, but it is not near the same trip!

The last few years I have grown because I have trusted God and gotten out of my box.  I have traveled alone taking pictures and being alone with God asking questions.  I have sought out relationships that help me to grow.  I am taking classes that definitely take me out of my comfort zone to become more of the person that I believe God desires me to be.  If for no other reason than to learn by the process of trying and being willing to say I gave it a whirl and look what I learned in the process.

I ordered my book from Ali Edwards to journal through this year with my word and I'm excited.  Do you know that the actual meaning is a long and arduous search for something, seeking something, or the last one mentions an adventure and journey!  Well, I get to cover two of the words almost and I know that hope will be found while searching and growing.  Also, perhaps it is about asking myself questions that I always ask others.  Digging a little deeper into who Debbie is...wow, that may be a really interesting adventure!

I looked at quotes about quest and these two really sealed the deal for my word.

"Rarely do we find men who willingly engage in hard, solid thinking.  There is an almost universal quest for easy answers and half-baked solutions.  Nothing pains some people more than having to think."  Martin Luther King, Jr. and the other is by Maya Angelou which is "Our stories come from our lives and from the playwright's pen, the mind of the actor, the roles we create, the artistry of life itself and the quest for peace."  I am not exactly sure where this journey will take me, but I have my camera ready, my bags on stand by, and my heart open to see where God takes me in this journey to grow and learn!

The other people that I reconnected with were some of my mentors that I love dearly, Dave and Annette Fortuna.  A couple that I know God placed in my life to teach me and help me grow to be all that He desires me to be.  I stood in the mountains in Colorado and was once again was touched with their genuine hearts!  Annette stood with her arms spread wide out in worship and it was the most awesome reminder to get outside my box! This is a memory that lead me to the word quest because these two people are constantly growing and sharing with others.

Thanks friends for being willing to teach this girl to be all that I can possibly be!  Love all of you dearly and you all know who you are whether your name appeared here or not...you know who you are!!!  I can't possibly name all of you that teach me daily...

Beginning my quest,

Debbie