Beloved Name of God...series.."Diadem of Beauty"

Diadem of Beauty

 

"In that day shall the LORD of host be for...

a diadem of beauty, unto the residue of his people."

Isaiah 28:5 KJV

 

 

• Name of God the Father
• God is referred to as a "diadem of beauty" once in the KJV.
• A diadem is usually taken to mean a crown, but might also be translated as "a jeweled metal band worn around the head." It might also refer to a halo effect around one's head.

 Isaiah tells the people of Ephraim not to be too full of themselves (or their own wine). To God should go the praise for their prosperity. He is the Diadem of Beauty, and later Isaiah says the faith shall be "a crown of glory" and a "royal diadem" )Isaiah 62:3 KJV).

 

So that's how to sparkle! In living lives of adoration, we become jewels (tiny but nonetheless valuable) on the Diadem of Beauty that is our Marker.

A Broader View of Her Life

So have I told you guys lately how much I love the little thrift store in a town nearby? Well last Sunday I spent a little time checking out the books and look at the gem I found! For 50 cents!! I loved reading through the Little House on the Prairie books just several years ago- like in the last 10 years. I had not read them before.

And even though I have just read the first chapter of this book - I know I am going to love it as well. The first chapter basically goes over some history of how her parents came to be and ended with her being born. Only the first chapter read, but of so much delightfulness from this book!

 

"It was during these years that Ma wrote a little school composition on the subject of "home."  She told of her own home, and how she loved it, and she put down a thought that she carried close to her heart forever."

 

Ma's daddy died when she was seven. Several years later when Ma was ten - her mother remarried. And probably several years after that is when they are talking about "during these years" in the paragraph above.

 

Here is what Ma wrote:

 

"How sweet and enduring is the name of home! What music in that sacred sound!

It is there we can have the society of our beloved parents, brothers, and sisters; and how delightful it is after the avocations of the day to assemble around the bright, blazing fire variously employed: perhaps one with a book, to read aloud some interesting story, for the benefit and amusement of us all.

Although the wind is whistling without and blowing the snow, in every direction, making drifts as high as the fences; yet we heed it not. But we oftentimes think of and pity those who have no comfortable home, to secure them from the inclemency of the weather.

Who could wish to leave home and wander forth in the world to meet its tempests and its storms? Without a mother's watchful care and a sister's tender love? Not one.

 They would very likely meet with some warm friends, and some that would try to make it pleasant for them, and appear as much like home as possible, for which they would be very grateful. Yet after all it would not be like home.

Then give me a place at home, a seat at m father's fireside, where all is so happy and free."

 

 

Someone tucked a couple of newspaper articles into the back of this book - one of them from 1997. I am going to see if I can scan them and share with a friend - I might share them here as well.

 

Maybe you have a thrift store near you- have you looked for books there? You might be surprised at the gems you find! :O)

God Has Promised...series "Are You Lonely?"

This is very timely for me - since my husband is out of town. It does get lonely, but God is near. :O)

 

Are You Lonely?

 

We need never feel that we are alone. Angels are our companions. The Comforter that Christ promised to send in His name abides with us. In the way that leads to the City of God there are no difficulties which those who trust in Him may not overcome. There are no dangers which they may not escape. There is not a sorrow, not a grievance, not a human weakness, for which He has not provided a remedy.

None need abandon themselves to discouragement and despair. Satan may come to you with the cruel suggestion, "Yours is a hopeless case. You are irredeemable." But there is hope for you in Christ. God does not bid us overcome in our own strength. He asks us to come close to His side. Whatever difficulties we labor under, which weigh down soul and body, He waits to make us free. He who took humanity upon Himself knows how to sympathize with the sufferings of humanity. Not only does Christ know every soul, and the peculiar needs and trials of that soul, but He knows all the circumstances that chafe and perplex the spirit. His hand is outstretched in pitying tenderness to every suffering child.  The Ministry of Healing, p. 249.


Never feel that Christ is far away. He is always near. His loving presence surrounds you.
The Ministry of Healing, p. 85.

Jesus knows us individually, and is touched with the feeling of our infirmities. He knows us all by name. He knows the very house in which we live, the name of each occupant. He has at times given directions to His servants to go to a certain street in a certain city, to such a house, to find one of His sheep.  The Desire of Ages, p. 479.

At all times and in all places, in all sorrows and in all afflictions, when the outlook seems dark and the future perplexing, and we feel helpless and alone, the Comforter will be sent in answer to the prayer of faith. Circumstances may separate us from every earthly friend; but no circumstance, no distance, can separate us from the heavenly Comforter. Wherever we are, wherever we may go, He is always at our right hand to support, sustain, uphold, and cheer. The Desire of Ages, pp. 669,670.

We are never along. Whether we choose Him or not, we have a companion. Remember that wherever you are, whatever you do, God is there. ~The Ministry of Healing, p. 490

To those who... acquaint themselves with Christ, the earth will nevermore be a lonely and desolate place. It will be their Father's house, filled with the presence of Him who once dwelt among men.  ~ Education, p. 120.

God will not suffer one of His truehearted workers to be left alone, to struggle against great odds and be overcome. ~ The Ministry of Healing, p. 488


Not a sigh is breathed, not a pain felt, not a grief pierces the soul, but the throb vibrates to the Father's heart... God is bending from His throne to hear the cry of the oppressed. To every sincere prayer He answers, "Here am I." He uplifts the distressed and downtrodden. In all our afflictions He is afflicted. In every temptation and every trial the angel of His presence is near to deliver.  ~ The Desire of Ages, p. 356.

Every step in life may bring us closer to Jesus, may give us a deeper experience of His love, and may bring us one step nearer to the blessed home of peace. ~Steps to Christ, p. 125




The Results are In.....

So last week - I had some blood work done. Since my cholesterol is elevated my Dr wanted me to take some cholesterol lowering meds, I have probably already told you about that. Anyway I really did not want to start taking the meds- especially after reading the side effects. I feel like I put my body through enough with the 2 different chemo drugs going through my body, so if I can take care of this naturally - I would like to.

I am really beginning to realize that high stress can really affect many things with your body. Now I believe that it also affects your cholesterol levels. We will start with the total cholesterol - it had gone up about 20 points. And the LDL- up about 20 points. But I am happy to report that my HDL went up 3 points and my Tri. went down about 25 points.  My husband worked in the Corpus Christi area for 2 weeks - when he left we had no idea of when he would be coming home. That was stressful. Once he got home- there was the fact that he could be going to Florida anytime. That weighing over our heads was stressful. He did not go to Florida but went back to the Houston area to help rebuild damaged equipment and again we are not sure how long he will be gone. I also think that the time period in August when I was really having a hard time with several things played a big role in the elevated numbers. But I am not giving up. I know that what I am doing is the best thing for me and I will continue to work towards better health. And an added benefit - is weight loss. Slow and steady but going in the right direction.

So from my blood work - I learned that stress plays a role in our health. Oh this is not news to me - I already realized that long ago- I feel that very high stress caused my cancer. I was just reminded of the fact that stress plays a role. And I need to incorporate more quiet time - and more prayer time. Feeling closer to God helps take care of stressful feelings. When we realize that God is in control - it is easier to handle the things that come our way.

I was also reminded of this beautiful prayer that I think would do us all a lot of good to say each day:

 

 

There are things in our lives that we have no control over- we need to let God deal with those things.

There are things in our lives that we can change- and we need courage from God to make the changes needed. And we need wisdom from God sometimes to know the difference. Many times we think that we have to do it all- But there is a good reason why Philippians 4:13 in in the Bible:

 

To remind us that it is through Christ's strength that we are to live our lives. We can depend on God to supply everything that we need- even courage, wisdom and strength!

 

I go to the Dr Wednesday to talk to her about the blood results and all- I figure we will set up more blood work to be done in 3-6 months. I hope she is at least with all the positive results from my healthier living. :O)

 

 

 

Fall in Texas....

It's really a good thing that I have learned to hold my plans loosely. This morning I work up with the intentions of volunteering at the Emergency Depot in a town nearby. When I drove up there - there were already 18 cars in the parking lot. I have volunteered enough to realize that it might be hard for them to be able to use more than that many people at one time - so I changed my plans for the day. A park I like to walk at is nearby so I made my way there.  With encouragement from my sister, I pushed myself to make 3 miles. It had been a couple of weeks since I had walked that long at one time, so it was the perfect time to do it. It was already getting warm outside but I pushed through.

Speaking of warm, our highs each day are in the 90's. It is suppose to be fall, but here it is pretty warm still - summer like.

When I got home from walking - I decided to get some weed eating done. I have an area of my drive way which got out of control and I am slowly working to get it under control. Yesterday I had gotten my front and back yard mowed(except my chicken yard). And had worked a bit on weed eating. I really enjoy seeing the results of these outdoor jobs.

I have my list already for the week and will start working at crossing things off. The sooner I get the list taken care of the sooner - I will be able to add some fun things in. Oh don't get me wrong - I don't just do all the chores with nothing fun- I just can add more fun into my week when I work to accomplish my to do list. It really gives an incentive when you have some fun activities added in here and there through out your week.

Oh and I got my blood results back - but I don't have any more time right now to share about them. Be watching for that tomorrow.

Well I hope you all are doing well. See you soon. :O)

Beloved Names of God...series.."Passover Lamb"

 

Passover Lamb

"Get rid of the old yeast, so that you may be a new unleavened batch- as you really are.

For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed."

1 Corinthians 5:7 NIV

 

• Name of God the Son
• Jesus is referred to as the "Passover lamb" once in the NIV.
• The blood of a lamb was used to mark the doors of Jewish households so they might be spared on the night God began the plagues of Egypt. This ritual is now celebrated as the feast of Passover.
• In 1 Corinthians 5, Paul wrote to the Corinthians demanding that they deal with a case of immorality in their community, reminding them that Jesus died so they might be born anew. The "yeast" he spoke of referred to the earthly things that distract us from our true spiritual nature.

The original Passover lamb was to be male and without defect. Its death and blood marked the Hebrews and spared them from the plagues God visited on Egypt. The sacrifice of the lamb began the process by which the Jews, as a nation, were reborn- from slavery in Egypt to free people on their way to the Promised land.

Jesus was without defect and His blood marked the possibility of rebirth for each of us. In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul reminded them, and through them us, that because of the sacrifice of God's very own Passover Lamb, Jesus Christ, humankind can be born again, free from the slavery of sin, and on our way to a heavenly home.

 

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~Ok- I just have to add here - on the 3rd point above - it say that the blood was used the night God began the plagues of Egypt- well if I am thinking correctly that actually was part of the very last plague- the last night before they were to leave Egypt. Anyway I just didn't want to put out information that was not correct.

 

Come back next week when we will look at "Diadem of Beauty"

 



God Has Promised...series "Are Your Trials More Than You Can Bear?"

 

Are Your Trials More Than You Can Bear?

"The fact that we are called upon to endure trial shows that the Lord Jesus sees in us something precious which He desires to develop. If He saw in us nothing whereby He might glorify His name, He would not spend time in refining us. He does not cast worthless stones into His furnace. It is valuable ore that He refines. The blacksmith puts the iron and steel into the fire that he may know what manner of metal they are. The Lord allows His chosen ones to be placed in the furnace of affliction to prove what temper they are of and whether they can be fashioned for His work."

The Ministry of Healing, p. 471

 (in the "God Has Promised" book- they did not put the entire paragraph - I just added the last couple of sentences)

 

 

 "od has a purpose in sending trial to His children. He never leads them otherwise than they would choose to be led if they could see the end from the beginning, and discern the glory of the purpose that they are fulfilling. All that He brings upon them in test and trial comes that they may be strong to do and to suffer for Him."

Prophets and Kings, pg. 578

 

 "God's love for His children during the period of their severest trial is as strong and tender as in the days of their sunniest prosperity;"

The Great Controversy, pg. 621

The rest of the paragraph - I am adding because I think it is very helpful as well:

"but it is needful for them to be placed in the furnace of fire; their earthliness must be consumed, that the image of Christ may be perfectly reflected."

 

"Seek the Lord for wisdom in every emergency. In every trial plead with Jesus to show you a way out of your troubles, and your eyes will be opened to behold the remedy and to apply to your case the healing promises that have been recorded in His Word. In this way the enemy will find no place to lead you into mourning and unbelief, but instead you will have faith and hope and courage in the Lord... Every draught of bitterness will be mingled with the love of Jesus, and in place of complaining of the bitterness, you will realize that Jesus' love and grace are so mingled with sorrow that it has been turned into subdued, holy, sanctified joy." ~ Selective Message, book 2, pp. 273-274.

 

"The precious Savior will send help just when we need it. The way to heaven is consecrated by His footprints. Every thorn that wounds our feet has wounded His. Every cross that we are called to bear, He has borne before us. The Lord permits conflicts, to prepare the soul for peace." Colporteur Ministry, p. 116

 

"Our heavenly Father has a thousand ways to provide for us, of which we know nothing. Those who accept the one principle of making the service and honor of God supreme will find perplexities vanish, and a plain path before their feet." The Desire of Ages, pg. 330.  

 

"Those who are finally victorious will have season of terrible perplexity and trial in their religious life; but they must not cast away their confidence, for this is a part of their discipline in the school of Christ, and it is essential in order that all dross may be purged away."

~Messages to Young People, p. 63

 

 "If received in faith, the trial that seems so bitter and hard to bear will prove a blessing. The cruel blow that blights the joys of earth will be the means of turning our eyes to heaven. How many there are who would never have known Jesus had not sorrow led them to seek comfort in Him!"

~Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, pg. 10.

 

"We need not keep our own record of trials and difficulties, griefs, and sorrows. All these things are written in the books, and heaven will take care of them."
~The Ministry of Healing, pg. 487.

 

 

 "The Saviour is by the side of His tempted and tried ones. With Him there can be no such thing as failure, loss, impossibility, or defeat;"

~The Desire of Ages, pg. 490. 

 the rest of the sentence:

  "we can do all things through Him who strengthens us. When temptations and trials

Page 493

come, do not wait to adjust all the difficulties, but look to Jesus, your helper. "

 



Busy... How about you?

Hello~ so this is gonna be a busy week. And at this point next week doesn't look as full, but this week is only beginning so there is no telling what will be added to next week. Especially since I took my MIL to the Dr today. While there he suggested another test to be done. Looking to see if the heart has improved any since she had a blood clot several months back and lots of pressure was put on the heart. If the heart is alright- he really wants her to brpegin to exercise. He said that when a person is younger and they go into the hospital they tend to bounce back but the older we ge the harder to bounce back. And he told her that in order to build her energy level back up and he capacity of doing things- she would need to exercise. Sadly she has not exercised hardly at all throughout her long life- and seems very resistant to starting now. I tried to share with her that exercising usually isn't something people start don't no because they like don't no it. Most people I know that exercise- started off doing nag it because it was the right thing to do. And usually you are able to find some kind of exercise that you enjoy. There are so many benefits to exercising- it's worth it to use self discipline to start don't no it- you will find that you enjoy it. Some days it's harder than others for me to accomplish exercising for the day. But when I do I find I am happier and glad I did it! I hope my MIL will see the benefits and be will to start putting out effort. Our health doesn't just happen, like many other things, we have to work to make it good. Anyway- so there is a god d chance that I could be taking her for the echocardiogram next week.

So I have begun volunteering at the Emergancy Depot in a nearby town. Right now I'm only going once a week. During weeks that I'm not so busy I may start going twice a week. I am also helping with the food bank at my church. We will be having it tomorrow late afternoon. I am thankful I have the opportunity to help people. It's great to be able to make a small difference in someone else's life.

This week I am also going to be having blood work done. My Dr wants to see how my cholesterol is doing. It had been high. She had wanted me to go on meds, but I wanted to try lowering it by making better choices. The first time we checked after my lifestyle change found most of my bad numbers lowered by 50 points. I'm hoping to see those kinds of differences in my numbers this time as well. I will let you know. I don't see her till next week.

Well I am super tired, so I'm gonna close for now. Hope you are all doing well. :)

Beloved Names of God...series... God of All Comfort

God of All Comfort

Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort.

2 Corinthians 1:3 KJV

• Name of God the Father
• God is referred to as the "God of all comfort" once in the KJV.
• The name God of All Comfort implies that God is the source from which all good things flow.
• In 2 Corinthians 1, Paul was writing to the church in Corinth. He begins by introducing himself as "an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God" and then goes on to bless them in the name of the Father of mercies and the "God of all comfort."

No doubt the  young father thought he was sharing the load when he and his family went swimming in the hotel pool. While his wife took their baby into the changing room, he took his two-year-old son with him. He did a good job putting the child's needs first, and he spoke in soothing tones. But despite telling him how much fun it was going to be in the pool, the little boy cried for his mother the whole time. His sobs were heartbreaking. In reality, the mother wouldn't have done anything differently from the father, but her mere presence was a comfort to the child. We have a similar relationship with God. Without Him, we are desolate and no one can take His place.

The young family did have a good time splashing in the pool. Harmony was restored once the little boy was reunited with his source of comfort.

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Next week we will look at "Passover Lamb" Hope you have a happy Sabbath day. :O) 

The Attitude of Gratitude...series Day 5 and 6

Today we will be doing day 5 and 6 assignments - basically because half of day 5 is advertisement.

Day 5:

Today, try to call or write three people on the list you made yesterday, to express your gratitude for their influence and ministry in your life. ....... (advertising her thank you cards)...

Day 6:

Paul instructed the Ephesians believers to "give thanks always for all things...." (Eph. 5:20).

One man of God told of meditating on this verse while he was brushing his teeth one morning. He was challenged by the thought of thanking God for everything! He said, "I began by thanking God for my toothbrush. Then I thanked Him for the toothpaste. Then I realized I had never thanked God for my teeth!" He went on to ask this probing question: "If tomorrow's supply depended on today's thanksgiving, how much would I have tomorrow?"

As you go through this day, try to consciously thank God for all things....small things and big thing!

God Has Promised ....series "Are You Discouraged?"

 

Are You Discouraged?

It is Satan's work to discourage the soul; it is Christ's work to inspire with faith and hope.

~The Desire of Ages, p. 249

 

Satan is ready to steal away the blessed assurances of God. He desires to take every glimmer of hope and every ray of light from the soul; but you must not permit him to do this. Exercise faith; fight the good fight of faith; wrestle with these doubts; become acquainted with the promises.

~Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 629.

 

Christian life is more than many take it to be. It does not consist wholly in gentleness, patience, meekness, and kindliness. These graces are essential; but there is need also of courage, force, energy, and perseverance. The path that Christ marks out is a narrow, self-denying path. To enter that path and press on through difficulties and discouragements requires men who are more than weaklings. ~The Ministry of Healing, p. 497.

 

Instead of thinking of your discouragements, think of the power you can claim in Christ's name....

Let your thoughts be directed to the evidences of the great love of God for you.

 Faith can endure trial, resist temptation, bear up under disappointment. Jesus lives as our advocate. All is ours that His mediation secures....All experiences and circumstances are God's workman whereby good is brought to us.

~ Ibid., pp. 488, 489.

 

When in faith we take hold of His strength, He will change, wonderfully change,

the most hopeless, discouraging outlook.
~ Testimonies, vol. 8, p. 12.

 

Do not dishonor God by words of repining, but praise Him with heart and soul and voice. .... Do this, and see how smoothly everything will go. 
~Selected Messages, book 2, p. 267.

 

Some look always at the objectionable and discouraging features, and therefore discouragement overtakes them. They forget that the heavenly universe is waiting to make them agencies of blessing to the world; and than the Lord Jesus is never-failing storehouse from which human beings may draw strength and courage.  There is no need for despondency and apprehension. The time will never come when the shadow of Satan will not be cast athwart our pathway... But our faith should pierce this shadow. God calls for cheerful co-workers, who refuse to become discouraged and disheartened by opposing agencies. The Lord is leading us, and we may go forward courageously, assured that He will be with us, as He was in past years.

 ~ Gospel Workers, pp. 265, 266.

 

We are too quickly discouraged, and earnestly cry for the trial to be removed from us, when we should plead for patience to endure and grace to overcome.

~Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 310

 

I have seen the tender love that God has for His people, and it is very great. I saw angels over the saints with their wings spread about them. Each saint had an attending angel. If the saints wept through discouragement, or were in danger, the angels that ever attended them would fly quickly upwards to carry the tidings, and the angels in the city would cease to sing.... And all the angels in the city would weep....But if the saints fixed their eyes upon the prize before them, and glorified God by praising Him, then the angels would bear the glad tidings to the city, and the angels in the city would touch their golden harps and sing with a loud vice...And the heavenly arches would ring with their lovely songs.

~My Life Today, p. 302.

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Next Week we will look at quotes for "Are Your Trials More Than You Can Bear?"

 

 

 

 

The Special Race We Are In....

Today's post is an excerpt from the book I am reading - "The Answer is Prayer" by Morris L. Venden. Lately I have had a lot of questions about prayer so this has been the perfect book for me to read. I am making my way through it slowly...digesting it slowly.
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"My friend Jay Davis sent me and excerpt from a graduation talk he gave which I have prized and which I would like to share:

There is great interest and excitement these days created by the Olympic games. There is also growing support for a movement called the Special Olympics, a program that gives those specially challenged- the handicapped- a chance to strive, a chance to feel the thrill of putting their best on the line. They are invited to run, all out, to a friend or family member who calls encouragement from the finish line. No matter if the performance is awkward or clumsy. Everyone who finishes is a winner and is given a prize and hugs and glory.

Every time I witness one of these contest, I choke up because, you see, I am handicapped. I have a birth defect. I am a born sinner. And waiting at the finish line of this special race I'm in, reaching out to me and calling to me, is my beloved Father, who loves me- why, I don't understand. I'm slow and clumsy and awkward. My limbs won't work the way I want them to. Sometimes I look away from Him and stumble. I get off course and fall down, embarrassed and ashamed. But I have an Elder Brother beside me who helps me when I fall, who holds me up, and who even carries me.

Now, throughout this race, there is a heckler who delights in browbeating me. He keeps telling me there's no use to keep coming to my Father. He says that my Father at the finish line is disgusted with my performance, that I'm just making a spectacle of myself for nothing. However, when I look in the face of my loving Father, He is always there, reaching out to me.

"But I've shamed You," I cry.

He calls back, "Get up. Just keep coming."

And I am beginning to realize that the others in this special race- all with birth defects - are not my competitors at all. They are running to their Father, just as I am, struggling to finish, because everyone who keeps coming until the end of the race is a winner.

The longer this race continues, the more my attention span lengthens. Distractions grow weaker, and I can see His face more clearly. He does want me to get there~ This is becoming a glorious race, as He keeps reaching out to me, encouraging me to keep coming to Him, even when I falter.

The day is not far off when each one of us can stumble in our awkwardness across the finish line and lurch into His waiting arms. He'll gather you in, and clasp you in His arms, and you''ll know you're a winner- because He kept calling you, and you kept coming to Him. He's there, waiting for you, because He loves you. He really loves you."   

A Special Song For Today

So it seems like every 9/11 I listen to this song at least a time or two. It was a day that changed many peoples lives - even those of us who did not personally lose someone. And I like to take some time every year on this day to ponder where I have come from and where I am going.



So my husband spent 16 days in south Texas - Corpus Christi, Victoria, Beaumont, Bay City, Houston area. I was happy to see him when he got back yesterday! He did not come home empty handed - he brought me these and brought me and each of our boys a bag of beaver nuggets....lol - Something Buc-ee's sells...

Yes my cats have gotten into my roses, can you tell?

 

There is a chance that he and his crew might have to go to the Florida area - we don't know for sure about that.

 

I will check back in when I get a chance - I have some errands I need to run. See you soon. :O)

Beloved Names of God... Series.. Friend of Sinners

Friend of Sinners

 

"Behold...a friend of publicans and sinners."

Matthew 11:19 KJV

 

 

• Name of God the Son
• Jesus is referred to as a "friend of sinners" twice in the KJV.
• Jesus associated with tax collectors and prostitutes whom polite Jewish society shunned.
• In Matthew 11:19, Jesus was pointing out that just as John the Baptist was not fully appreciated because of his unusual lifestyle neither was He fully appreciated because of the imperfect nature of the people He associated with.

Jesus contrasted His lifestyle with John the Baptist's and ended by saying, "But wisdom is justified of her children." (Matthew 11:19 KJV).

 

John and Jesus were the children of wisdom. Their styles didn't matter, their works were the important thing. In John's case, it was to prepare the way. In Jesus' case, it was to come from God straight to those in the greatest need; the publicans and sinners.

 

Jesus was prepared to put up with scorn, ridicule, and death to be a Friend of Sinners. Let us be "children of wisdom" as well and be wise enough to say, "Lord, I am a sinner. Be my friend."

 

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Come back next Sabbath as we look at "God of All Comfort"  :O)



The Attitude of Gratitude...series Day 4

Day 4

Make a list of other individuals who have blessed or touched your life in some way. You may want to include pastors, teachers, friends, business associates, neighbors, authors, leaders of Christian ministries, etc. As you write each name, ask yourself, "Have I ever thanked that person for the way God has used him/her in my life?" Put a check mark next to each individual to whom you have expressed gratitude.

 

 

Importance of Setting a Baseline

Making a goal helps you achieve that goal. Last year my sister and I went to a 6 week Diabetes class. During this class we had a session in which we were encouraged to set goals for the next week. We were to set a goal that we were at least 75-80% that we could accomplish. Then we each shared what our goal was going to be. The next week we would again get into our circle and share with the class how we did on our goal. Each we would were encouraged to set another goal for the next week. It was amazing how we as the weeks progressed - we were more likely to set goals that we were going to meet. And each week we did better and better at accomplishing our goals. This section of our class taught me the importance of setting goals.

In July of 2016 when I first set my 50 by 50 goal, I knew that exercising would be a good part of what would help me accomplish my goal. I have done my best to do a decent amount of exercising each week. It's just what I do. I put exercising on my to do list - right up there in the morning along with my quiet time and taking care of my animals. And most every day I try to do some official exercising.

It is important to set a minimum amount of exercising that you do each week. You come closer on those week that you are really busy to make sure you at least do your minimum when you have set a baseline for yourself.

What I have set as my baseline is to walk or work out at least 30 minutes 3X a week. And work out using weights at last 2X a week. Now when you set this baseline, don't use it as a will I only have to do this much. This baseline is set in order to help you at least get that much done each week. You do your best to at least do that much each week. And if you are able to do more - than that is even better. Usually when I walk - I generally walk from 40 minutes to 1 hour. But if time is limited - then, because I have set this baseline - I will do my best to either walk for 30 minutes or do a 30 minute workout.

When you set goals - you are more likely to actually accomplish what you have set as your goals. So if there are things that you would like to incorporate into your life - how about pray about it and ask God to help you set a baseline goal. And then do your best to accomplish that goal.

God Has Promised..series... Do You Feel Sad?

Do You Feel Sad?

 

All heaven is interested in the happiness of man. Our heavenly Father does not close the avenues of joy to any of His creatures. ~ Step to Christ, p. 46.

 

Do no think that God wishes us to yield up everything which it is for our happiness here to retain. He requires us to give up only that which it would not be for our good and happiness to retain. ~ Testimonies, vol. 2, p. 588.

 

God would not have any of us remain pressed down by dumb sorrow, with sore and breaking hearts....Oh, the blessed Savior stands by many whose eyes are so blinded by tears that they do not discern Him. He longs to clasp our hands firmly, while we cling to Him in simple faith, imploring Him to guide us...If we will let the comfort and peace of Jesus into our lives, we shall be kept close to His great heart of love. ~ Selected Messages, book 2, pp. 257,258.

 

Many are sad and discouraged, weak in faith and trust. Let them do something to help someone more needy than themselves, and they will grow strong in God's strength. Christian Service, p. 151.

 

Do not allow the perplexities and worries of everyday life to fret your mind and cloud your brown. If you do, you will always have something to vex and annoy. Life is what we make it, and we shall find what we look for. If we look for sadness and trouble....we shall find plenty of them to engross our thoughts and our conversation. But if we look on the bright side of things, we shall find enough to make us cheerful and happy. ~ The Adventist Home, p. 430.

 

When the mind is free and happy from a sense of duty well done and the satisfaction of giving happiness to others, the cheering, uplifting influence brings new life to the whole being. ~The Ministry of Healing, p. 257.

 

Those who take Christ at His word, and surrender their souls to Him keeping, their lives to His ordering, will find peace and quietude. Nothing of the world can make them sad when Jesus makes them glad by His presence. ~ The Desire of Ages, p. 331.

 

When the Spirit of God takes possession of the heart, it transforms the life. Sinful thoughts are put away, evil deeds are renounced; love, humility, and peace take the place of anger, envy, and strife. Joy takes the place of sadness, and the countenance reflects the light of heaven. No one sees the hand that lifts the burden, or beholds the light descend from the courts above. The blessing comes when by faith the soul surrenders itself to God. _Ibid. p. 173.

 

It is the duty of God's children to be cheerful. They should encourage a happy frame of mind. God cannot be glorified by His children living continually under a cloud and casting a shadow wherever they go. ~ Ellen G. White, in Review and Herald, April 28, 1859.

 

 

 

A lot of Reasons to Exercise

Stop back by on Thursday when we will again talk about Exercising :O)

How My Health and Wellness Book is Helping Me

So when I began this journey towards better health and weight loss - I started a journal. The idea was to write down encouraging quotes and information along with my thoughts and feelings. And this has been helping me a lot.

Then, as you know, I found this awesome book and created my "Health and Wellness" book. I have added a few new quotes and information that I have recently come across. And then I have begun to go through my journal and copy great information into my H and W book. It will give me a quick reference for encouragement when I am discouraged along this pathway. Sometimes I get too focused on the desire to lose weight that I forget that my new lifestyle is not just about weight loss. Its about being healthier. And so the weight loss is slow. I would like to say slow and steady but its not always steady. Sometimes, many times its just slow. So I do get discouraged at times. And to be perfectly honest, if I had not felt like God helped me set the goal to lose 50 pounds - I think there would be times that I would have already given up on losing the rest of the weight I need to lose to reach my goal. I think I would have said - well I have been here so long - maybe this is my ideal weight. I am a strong believer in the fact that we are all different and that my "ideal" weight is NOT on a chart in a Doctors office. And I think that we get in to trouble when we don't take in to consideration other factors when looking at what our ideal weight should be.

Anyway - back to copying the encouragement into my H and W book- Just in the little bit that I have done - I have been so encouraged! And I think that this book will be a great asset to me for years to come!

"No longer needing to appear to the world as perfect people...."

 

"Practicing the principle of love we learn to accept others as they are,

not as we would have them to be."

 

"Perseverance brings us the reward of continuing, permanent recovery."

 

"The bottom line is you have to train your motivation like a muscle."

 

"Whatever you do for your body, will benefit your mind!"

or it would be the opposite if you are making bad choices....

 

"IF you don't exercise, your body will decay."

These are just a few of the quotes that I have come across that have really been encouraging. There are so many more but right now I don't have time for typing out a long post so I will just keep it with these short posts. I hope they encourage you as well. :O)

Just checking in....

Just checking in since I am on the computer and my adrenaline is flowing. This morning - I took a load of clothes to the Emergency Depot that helps in disasters. After I got done - I drove to a favorite little thrift store. Before I went in I checked email and noticed a $533. order that had went through our paypal account. Well I looked through what had been ordered and knew it was not things that my husband would have ordered - so I drove straight home to take care of it. I went directly to our paypal account and sure enough - it was a fake email. So very thankful - it scared me.

I just have to say that I am so thankful that I still had some clothes that I could donate. They were especially needing plus sized clothing and I had some to share. It makes me feel good to be able to help those affected by Hurricane Harvey. God has given us and our church many opportunities to help out those in need. We have a crew of people helping out at the Beaumont church - handing out food, water, toilet paper, and buckets of cleaning supplies. Every day they have had more than 1,000 people coming through for help. It feels good to be able to help these people and show God's love!

We are God's hands and feet and by helping others we are able to show God's love to them. And we need to be doing this whether there is a disaster or not. Even when there is not a disaster - there are still people who need help. When we ask for God to guide and direct us and open our hearts we are able to help those around us. Pray about it and see how God would like to use you. You just might be surprised! :O)

Beloved Names of God ....series "Friends of Sinners"

 

Friend of Sinners

 

"Behold...a friend of publicans and sinners."

Matthew 11:19 KJV

 

• Name of God the Son
• Jesus is referred to as a "friend of sinners" twice in the KJV.
• Jesus associated with tax collectors and prostitutes whom polite Jewish society shunned.
• In Matthew 11:19, Jesus was pointing out that just as John the Baptist was not fully appreciated because of his unusual lifestyle, neither was He fully appreciated because of the imperfect nature of the people He associated with.

 

Jesus contrasted His lifestyle with John the Baptist's and ended by saying, "But wisdom is justified of her children" (Matthew 11:19 KJV).

 

John and Jesus were the children of wisdom. Their styles didn't matter, their works were the important thing. In John's case, it was to prepare the way. In Jesus' case, it was to come from God straight to those in the greatest need: the publicans and sinners.

 

Jesus was prepared to put up with scorn, ridicule, and death to be a Friend of Sinners. Let us be "children of wisdom" as well and be wise enough to say, "Lord, I am a sinner. Be my friend."

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Next week we will look at "God of All Comfort" See you then :O)

 

 

 

 



The Attitude of Gratitude....series

Today, focus on expressing gratitude to and for your family members. Make a list of each member of your family (mate, parent, children, brothers, sisters, etc.). Then next to each name , write one quality about their life for which you are particularly grateful.

1.__________________   _______________________________
2.__________________   _______________________________
3.__________________   _______________________________
4.__________________   _______________________________
5.__________________   _______________________________
6.__________________   _______________________________
7.__________________   _______________________________
8.__________________   _______________________________

Take time to thank God for each member of the family He has given you. Then pick three individuals from your list to whom you can express gratitude today, either in person, by phone, or by means of a note. You might want to begin by saying something like this:

"Today I thanked God for you. And I wanted to tell you how grateful I am that you are a part of my family, and especially for this particular quality that I see in your life......."

 

(You may want to express gratitude to someone on your list who has been especially difficult to love!)