Hi little Sis!!! I got back one allaboutGod now without my computer freezing! Yippee!!!
Here's your late mail!! teehee
MMuuuaaaahh, Darlene
Love and Punishment By Jim Liebelt
For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:21
I read an illustration of a small boy who was always late coming home from school. His parents warned him that he would face punishment if he came home late again. The next day, the boy came home late. When dinnertime arrived, the boy came to the table and looked at his plate. Upon the plate was nothing but a piece of bread. In his glass, only water. He looked at his parent’s dinner plates and noticed that they were full of food, their glasses full of milk. The boy was stunned.
Then, without so much as a word about his son’s behavior, the father switched his own plate and glass with his son’s. As he began to eat the piece of bread, he smiled at his son. Later in life the son recalled that it was on that day as a boy when he learned what God was really like.
This story provides us with a simple picture of God’s love for us. The father in the story, who did not do anything wrong, out of love took upon himself his son’s punishment. The Scriptures provide us with the same message of God’s love for us—that through Jesus’ death on the cross and His resurrection, He who was sinless took upon Himself the guilt and punishment of our sins. What a gift that God’s grace is always greater than our sin!
If you have responded to God’s love through placing your faith in Christ, you are set free from the punishment of sin.
Today, in everything you do, let your life reflect your gratitude for God’s love.
Hi Charlene my name is Nikki and I am a friend of Darlene's, her computer keeps freezing when she tries to come onto allaboutgod, Darlene wanted me to let you know she is well and misses you very much, she is hoping to sort out the problem with her computer as soon as possible, She said she hopes you and the baby are keeping well and that the Lord is being close to you everyday. Take care Nikki
Hi Sis, how are you doing these days?
I came across this earlier...
"We're always getting ready to live, but never living."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson, writer
There is no lesson for today. You have permission to stop thinking for a moment and just enjoy yourself. Stop looking at your computer right now and go look at the world. Rediscover the natural wonders that you walk past every day. How can there possibly be that many shades of green? Let your mind be grateful for a break. Don't think, don't strain. Let the memories of loved ones remind you of your favorite times. Close your eyes and try to smell the sunshine. Listen to your heart beat in your ears. If it's raining, smile at the thought of the flowers that will soon follow. If you're surrounded by buildings, celebrate the creative genius of human beings. See the hope, the alarm, the love, the grief in faces that stream by. Thank the Lord for the chance to even be here. For a moment today, don't worry about being better. Just be.
If a person doesn't know Jesus as their Savior all the thanking in the world won't help. If they don't know their own Lord, how can they "just be"?
I like this and hope you do too. It's good to just stop even for a few minutes and look out at the wonder of creation. You could look at your own children just like I could look at mine and be amazed that God created each and everyone of your kids and mine. With lots of love, Darlene xoxoxoxo
Hi Sweet Sis, I have a new keyboard!! Yeah! This one is moore quiet than the last one was. Oops, Don just asked me to go to sleep cause he heard me typing. I guess this new keyboard isn't quiet enough.
Here's your mail...
How Close is God?
By Jim Burns
The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; Do not be discouraged.
Deuteronomy 31:8
How close is God? God is closer than your breath and closer than your skin. Philippians 4:5 tells us to never forget the nearness of your God. How much does he care for you? Scripture reminds us:
He knows our names (John 10:3).
He numbers the hairs on our head (Matthew 10:30).
He counts the steps of our feet (Job 14:16).
He bottles the tears from our eyes (Psalm 56:8, RSV).
He holds our right hand in His hand (Psalm 73:23).
He supplies all our needs (Philippians 4:19).
GOING DEEPER:
1. Memorize Deuteronomy 31:8.
2. List five struggles in your life and then write out how today's devotional applies to each.
FURTHER READING:
Psalm 116:5-7,12-14
I'm gonna do this tonight..I'll write out five struggles and how this devotional applies to each one. lots of love, Darlene
God sets the solitary in families; He brings out those who are bound into prosperity. Psalm 68:6
DAILY QUOTE
A home is a house with a heart inside.
Author Unknown
DAILY THOUGHT
She was a single mother with a five-year-old son and a ton of bills. Just to stay afloat, she rented a musty, cramped camper at a local RV park. She was embarrassed and discouraged by her surroundings. She cringed one day as she overheard someone ask her little boy if he wished they had a real home. But her grimace was replaced with a tear and a smile when she heard him give this reply: “We do have a real home; we just don’t have a house to put it in.”
Maybe you’re not happy where you are. But no matter how bad things look, don’t get so focused on where you want to go that you miss the good things you have right now. God has a good plan for your future—but He has also sprinkled gifts and blessings in the life you have now.
Make sure your eyes—and heart—are open to see them.
Dear Father, thank You for bringing me into Your family and thank You for those intangible blessings that make life wonderful. Amen.
************
He tends his flock like a shepherd:
He gathers the lambs in his arms and
carries them close to his heart;
he gently leads those that have young.
Isaiah 40:11
(this.one.is.for.you.Sis)
The Almighty God, Creator of heaven and earth, is pictured many times in.the Bible as a Shepherd God. This may not be shocking to modern readers- most of us don't know much about sheep herding beyond the few.sentimental ideas we may have about rural life. But nothing was more.ordinary in biblical times that sheep herding. It was a dirty job.
It.was a low prestige job. A shepherd lived with his sheep. Day and night.he was with them, paying attention to their needs, providing protection,and guiding them.
For the little ones in the flock, the most vulnerable ones, there was
often a need for individual care and attention. In times of special need.or danger, the shepherd would seek them out, lift them into his arms and.carry them close to his heart.
This is how God cares for us. God is a God of gentleness, of tender
affection, of protection, and of nurture. Our God is a Shepherd God.
When we feel afraid or vulnerable, God is aware of our need. We are
gathered into God's arms. We are carried close to God's heart.
I am your lamb, Lord
The wolves are not far off.
Pick me up and hold me in your arms.
Carry me close to your heart.
Allow me to experience the mystery of being held by your loving arms...Amen
Then he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."
Luke 12:15
Jesus told a story about a rich man who was a good businessman with a good business plan. He had been successful in his agricultural industry. His crops had produced. He was looking over his physical plant – and realized he didn’t have the facilities to store his crops. What’s a good businessman to do? Build a bigger warehouse, of course. Typical of a successful business owner, he saved his profits. He was able to say, "I’ve got enough now to kick back and take it easy: eat, drink and be merry." It sounds like the American Dream, right?
Yet, Jesus unfolds the story as follows: "But God said to him, ‘You fool!’ This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’" (Luke 12:20) Ouch. The rich man gets the bad news: Your life is over and you can’t take your riches with you.
What did this guy do that was so bad? Should people not be good at business? Should every business be non-profit? Should there be no planning for the future or retirement? Should there be no enjoyment of life and the fruit of our own labors? One might reasonably draw these conclusions as a first impression.
Fortunately, Jesus steps in with the moral of the story. It’s not really about business or profits, but perspective. Jesus concludes the story with "This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God." The rich man’s problem was not that he was rich, but that he was not humble before God. He demonstrated no concern for God’s place in his life. The rich man left God out of his life, and in the end he was left with nothing.
There is nothing inherently wrong with having hopes and dreams for the future, with developing your potential, with growing your business, with saving for your future. But, the most important issue is this: are you rich towards God? Apart from this, all other things amount to nothing. Personal achievements and personal kingdoms never last.
Be humble before God. Invite his participation and partnership in your life. Seek to develop your relationship with him. Give Him the rightful place as Lord in your life. If you do this, you’ll be in a secure place—with treasures stored for eternity—that no one or no thing, not even death, can take away.
GOING DEEPER:
1. Identify things, people or pursuits in your life that keep you from being rich towards God.
2. What action steps can you take to reorder your priorities?
FURTHER READING:
James 4:13-17; Matthew 6:31-33, 16:26; Psalm 127:1
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
John 10:10
I was talking with a friend about rhythm. Both of us are huge music fans, so the discussion started with our exploring what the other person had in his iTunes collection. As we went through each other’s collection, the discussion moved from musical tastes to favorite bands to songs that, in our humble opinions, are “flat-out amazing.” As we listened to each other trying to describe what moved us about certain songs, we kept saying, “I can’t describe it. You just need to hear this song.”
Music has a way of moving us, changing us. Sounds played in a certain rhythm, with words that capture our thoughts and emotions. For anyone who is a music fan, you know when a song comes together… and you know when one doesn’t. You know when it’s in rhythm, or whether it’s out of rhythm.
Our lives are similar, aren’t they? You just know when you are living life in a good rhythm. It may be hard to describe it, but you just know it. You can feel it. It just works together. At the same time, you can feel when your life is out of rhythm. It feels forced. You feel drained. You keep asking yourself, “Why is life so hard right now?”
One day, Jesus is walking with His disciples and makes this astounding statement, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” In essence, Jesus is saying, “I came to show you how to live, really live. I came to show you how to live in rhythm with God—a life both now and forever more.” Jesus came, not only to open the door that we may be reconnected to God; He came to show us the very best way to live in the here and now—a life in rhythm with how the Creator wired us to live.
Perhaps that’s why when we live as Jesus lived—a life of love and grace and generosity—we feel that we are tapping into something beautiful, something that feels right. This is the way God wired you to live. To live in any other way would be out of rhythm with how we were designed by our Creator.
Today, may you choose to live deeply in rhythm with how God created you to live: A life lived in the way of Jesus, empowered by His Spirit.
GOING DEEPER:
Take a piece of paper and write out a half dozen ways in which you could live in rhythm with how God created you today. Keep the list with you as you go through your day.
For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ . . . that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Ephesians 3:14, 17–19
DAILY QUOTE
O the deep, deep love of Jesus!
‘Tis a heav’n of heav’ns to me;
And it lifts me up to glory,
With You evermore to be.
Samuel Francis
DAILY THOUGHT
When everything around us crumbles, we will always have the love of God. No matter how bad we mess up, no matter how unloved—or unlovable—we’ve been, His love endures forever. His love is so deep that it’s incomprehensible, and sometimes the lack of love in our lives makes it hard for us to accept and understand that God truly loves us. But He does, and His grace can help us understand and live out the loving affection our Father has for us.
The song “O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus,” penned by Samuel Francis in the 1800s, describes this vast love of God. Find comfort in the knowledge that God’s love is unconditional and irresistible.
O the deep, deep love of Jesus!
Love of ev’ry love the best:
’Tis an ocean vast of blessing,
’Tis a haven sweet of rest.
Father, I know that You love me, but sometimes that reality is hard to accept. Help me live in Your love today, and help me share it with others. Amen.
And God spoke all these words: “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.”
Exodus 20:1
I love a mountaintop experience; I mean a real hike up the mountain that involves planning, challenge, hard work, sweat, a few stumbles, a full backpack and my favorite hiking companion. My husband, Jim, and I have covered many trail miles over the years and just can’t get enough of that mountaintop experience. Of course, we’re not talking Mt. Everest (yet), but we’ve seen some beautiful sights from mountain peaks across the country and both agree that some of our most amazing “God experiences” happen on the mountain.
Moses might agree. After leading the Israelites out of Egypt, Moses and the people came to the desert in Sinai. There the people camped in front of the mountain while Moses went to meet with God and acted as a go-between between God and the people. After one of these encounters, Moses brought the people some instructions from God, what we call “the Ten Commandments.” However, before beginning, God reminded them of two important things: Who He is and what He did for them. “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.”
I’ve always been surprised at how easily the people of Israel forgot the LORD and the things He did for them. The Old Testament is riddled with the phrases “and the people did evil in the sight of the Lord,” and “the Israelites again forsook the Lord.” I don’t get it! How could the very people who witnessed the devastating plagues in Egypt, who walked on dry ground between two walls of water, and who followed a pillar of fire by night and a cloud by day into the promised land forget and forsake the very One who made it happen?
Sadly, we’re no different in our generation. We also easily forget what God has done for us and return to our complaints. We forget the peace instead of pain, the restored relationship, and the endless answered prayers. God is I AM. He is our deliverer. He is the same “yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).
Maybe the journey from bondage to freedom causes short-term memory loss. Somewhere between the excitement of the journey and the reality of the road before us, we forget where we’ve come from and forsake the One Who delivered us. Today, take some time to re-chart your course.
GOING DEEPER:
1. What demonstrations of God’s goodness in your life have you forgotten?
2. What steps can you take to overcome this “short-term memory loss”?
Hi Charlene! How's things there? It's cloudy and pretty cold here! I'm not looking forward to winter and yet in some ways I am. I love the way new fallen snow looks on the branches of trees. I also love the sparkle on snow. It almost looks like diamonds. I just don't like the cold.
I brought your mail. Here it is...
By Kelly McFadden
I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing.
1 Corinthians 9:26 (NLT)
Sometimes, I am amazed by scriptwriters. I am astounded at the way they throw in symbolism, foreshadowing or teasers throughout a movie that give you a deeper glimpse, but at the same time are so subtle, you often have to see the movie again before you catch everything. Among other things, scriptwriters use outlines, notes, brainstorms, drafts and redrafts in an attempt to make sure everything interconnects properly.
Every word a writer puts down on paper has purpose. There is no word or event or thought that is not carefully crafted. The writer goes to tremendous lengths to make sure everything is interwoven and perfect before he moves on. It makes me wonder, what if I was a scriptwriter? What if my life, my story was being taken down with each step I took? Each word and action captured and presented. I’ll tell you one thing, I would be a lot more cautious and thoughtful about what I said or did.
This is the point. Our lives should be as thoughtful as scriptwriters making their movies. In every step, I should be running with purpose. In every step, I should be making sure I am an example for Christ and living a life that shines the light on Him. In every step, I should be thinking about the story of my life. It matters what I say. It matters what I do. I need to be purposeful in writing a script that glorifies God in everything I do. Instead, I often think about Him second, or forget to pray before making decisions, thinking that I am the only one who cares about my script.
Each step we take, each decision we make needs to be thoughtful and purposeful, not haphazard or careless. God calls us to be disciplined and in training all of the time for His kingdom. May it be that when we look back on the script of the lives we have created, we’ll look back satisfied in the knowledge that for God’s kingdom, our lives have been blockbusters.
GOING DEEPER:
1. What kind of script are you writing for your life?
2. What are ways in your life that you could be living with more purpose? How can you change this?
Hi Charlene, do people call you Char? Some call me Dar, so I was curious.
I hope you have a special weekend. Sometimes we can do things to make it special.
I hope you are feeling good. I know the last couple of months being pregnant aren't easy. I love you lots, Darlene
PS I brought your mail again. Here it is.....
Slow Me Down, Lord
By Jim Burns
Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of it's own.
Matthew 6:33-34
We live in a fast-paced society where at times we can become seduced by a culture that takes our mind off the Lord. To keep in touch with Jesus we must slow down our fierce pace and give Jesus our time and attention. This prayer has helped me for years with my tendency to over commit my life to unimportant things and leave God on the sideline.
Slow me down, Lord. Ease the pounding of my heart by the quieting of my mind. Steady my hurried pace with a vision of the eternal reach of time. Give me, amid the confusion of the day, the calmness of the everlasting hills. Break the tensions of my nerves and muscles with the soothing music of the singing streams that live in my memory. Teach me the art of taking minute vacations - of slowing down to look at a flower, to chat with a friend, to pat a dog, to smile at a child, to read a few lines from a good book. Slow me down, Lord, and inspire me to send my roots deep into the soil of life's enduring values, that I may grow toward my greater destiny. Remind me each day that the race is not always to the swift; that there is more to life than increasing its speed. Let me look upward to the towering oak and know that it grew great and strong because it grew slowly and well.
—Orin D. Crain
GOING DEEPER:
1. After reading Matthew 6:33-34 what does the Bible suggest be our first priority?
2. Are your priorities in proper perspective? Take a few minutes to give God your priorities and seek His kingdom first.
FURTHER READING:
Psalm 37:4; Proverbs 3:5-6
Wow, as I read this it seemed like it was speaking directly to me.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO 's
Hi Sweetie! Thanks for letting me know about your appointment.
"Our" little one will be here before you know it. That will be sooooooooooooooooooooo nice!!!!!! Notice, I said "our" little one? teehee. I really am excited about this little one of yours. Yes, I know this is your baby. I was just being silly...kinda...lol
Here's your mail......
Uninvited
By Mike DeVries
Then he turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven – as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.
Luke 7:44-47
In today’s Scripture, we read of two people and their interaction with Jesus: one, the dinner host, and the other who was uninvited. One was called a teacher; the other called a sinner.
Two people, both with access to forgiveness and peace. One was a religious leader, the other a person with a seedy reputation.
Jesus tells a story to his host, about two people who owed debts, one much more than the other—but both were such that neither could repay—yet both are forgiven. Jesus asked his host, Simon, “Which will love him more?” What Simon does not realize is that his answer will expose that he still sees with unforgiving eyes. The issue is not that one is allowed to love less, while the other is required to love more. The issue is that there is only one response to being made whole and free, and the only one who gets it is on her knees.
How will you respond? Will it leave you still living with labels and levels of grace, or will it leave you on your knees?
GOING DEEPER:
1. How are you responding to the love and generosity of Jesus? Is it making you more of a person of love and generosity, or more self-righteous?
2. In what ways can your life be lived more in tune to the love of Jesus?
FURTHER READING:
Luke 7:36-50; 6:46-49; John 8:31-32
HEY LITTLE SIS!!!!!! (that's my calling you) Where are you? I'm in chat and another lady was asking about you.
I hope you're having a relaxful time OR you may be having your appointment to see how you and the baby are doing. I just remembered that today is the day. I hope you and little one are doin real well. love ya, me
HI little Sis!! Don's sleepin so I want to be quiet.
I'm just dropping off your mail tonight.
Open to Instruction
By Leslie Snyder
Then I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.
Psalm 32:5
A 2004 Olympic gymnasts Terin Humphrey and Courtney McCool trained in our hometown. Each girl trained thousands of hours perfecting position, form and routine. Coaches spent endless amounts of time and energy preparing the girls for their Olympic tryouts. While hundreds of girls tried out for a coveted spot on the United States Olympic gymnastics team, only a handful made it. What made the difference? The ones who made it were open to instruction. They listened to the critique and instruction of the coaches and made the changes being asked of them. Stubbornness, pride and hard-headedness landed many girls on the bench. But those who were willing to heed instruction went on to chase Olympic dreams.
Proverbs 13:13 reads, He who scorns instruction will pay for it, but he who respects a command is rewarded. And Proverbs 19:20 states, Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise. Most of us would do well to learn from this wisdom. Too often, we insist on doing things our own way, thinking our own way is right. As a result, we create turmoil for those around us and ourselves. The ugly word for this is pride. Pride thinks of me first. It’s the attitude that says, “I’m right, you’re wrong.” “It’s my way or the highway.” But Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, said, He who obeys instruction guards his life, be he who is contemptuous of his ways will die. Proverbs 19:16
Today, wherever we find ourselves, it’s likely that some opportunity to either receive or reject instruction will come our way. Our challenge will be to choose to be open to instruction, remembering that the Scriptures tell us that pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall, and whomever gives heed to instruction prospers.
GOING DEEPER:
Are you open to instruction or do you dismiss help offered to you?
FURTHER READING:
James 1:5; Proverbs 16:18; Proverbs 16:20
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Here's your late mail!! teehee
MMuuuaaaahh, Darlene
Love and Punishment By Jim Liebelt
For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:21
I read an illustration of a small boy who was always late coming home from school. His parents warned him that he would face punishment if he came home late again. The next day, the boy came home late. When dinnertime arrived, the boy came to the table and looked at his plate. Upon the plate was nothing but a piece of bread. In his glass, only water. He looked at his parent’s dinner plates and noticed that they were full of food, their glasses full of milk. The boy was stunned.
Then, without so much as a word about his son’s behavior, the father switched his own plate and glass with his son’s. As he began to eat the piece of bread, he smiled at his son. Later in life the son recalled that it was on that day as a boy when he learned what God was really like.
This story provides us with a simple picture of God’s love for us. The father in the story, who did not do anything wrong, out of love took upon himself his son’s punishment. The Scriptures provide us with the same message of God’s love for us—that through Jesus’ death on the cross and His resurrection, He who was sinless took upon Himself the guilt and punishment of our sins. What a gift that God’s grace is always greater than our sin!
If you have responded to God’s love through placing your faith in Christ, you are set free from the punishment of sin.
Today, in everything you do, let your life reflect your gratitude for God’s love.
I came across this earlier...
"We're always getting ready to live, but never living."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson, writer
There is no lesson for today. You have permission to stop thinking for a moment and just enjoy yourself. Stop looking at your computer right now and go look at the world. Rediscover the natural wonders that you walk past every day. How can there possibly be that many shades of green? Let your mind be grateful for a break. Don't think, don't strain. Let the memories of loved ones remind you of your favorite times. Close your eyes and try to smell the sunshine. Listen to your heart beat in your ears. If it's raining, smile at the thought of the flowers that will soon follow. If you're surrounded by buildings, celebrate the creative genius of human beings. See the hope, the alarm, the love, the grief in faces that stream by. Thank the Lord for the chance to even be here. For a moment today, don't worry about being better. Just be.
If a person doesn't know Jesus as their Savior all the thanking in the world won't help. If they don't know their own Lord, how can they "just be"?
I like this and hope you do too. It's good to just stop even for a few minutes and look out at the wonder of creation. You could look at your own children just like I could look at mine and be amazed that God created each and everyone of your kids and mine. With lots of love, Darlene xoxoxoxo
Here's your mail...
How Close is God?
By Jim Burns
The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; Do not be discouraged.
Deuteronomy 31:8
How close is God? God is closer than your breath and closer than your skin. Philippians 4:5 tells us to never forget the nearness of your God. How much does he care for you? Scripture reminds us:
He knows our names (John 10:3).
He numbers the hairs on our head (Matthew 10:30).
He counts the steps of our feet (Job 14:16).
He bottles the tears from our eyes (Psalm 56:8, RSV).
He holds our right hand in His hand (Psalm 73:23).
He supplies all our needs (Philippians 4:19).
GOING DEEPER:
1. Memorize Deuteronomy 31:8.
2. List five struggles in your life and then write out how today's devotional applies to each.
FURTHER READING:
Psalm 116:5-7,12-14
I'm gonna do this tonight..I'll write out five struggles and how this devotional applies to each one. lots of love, Darlene
Your.little.one.will.be.here.before.you.know.it...
I'm.looking.forward.to.that.
I.found.this.and.thought.you.might.like.to.read.it.too...Darlene
DAILY VERSE
God sets the solitary in families; He brings out those who are bound into prosperity. Psalm 68:6
DAILY QUOTE
A home is a house with a heart inside.
Author Unknown
DAILY THOUGHT
She was a single mother with a five-year-old son and a ton of bills. Just to stay afloat, she rented a musty, cramped camper at a local RV park. She was embarrassed and discouraged by her surroundings. She cringed one day as she overheard someone ask her little boy if he wished they had a real home. But her grimace was replaced with a tear and a smile when she heard him give this reply: “We do have a real home; we just don’t have a house to put it in.”
Maybe you’re not happy where you are. But no matter how bad things look, don’t get so focused on where you want to go that you miss the good things you have right now. God has a good plan for your future—but He has also sprinkled gifts and blessings in the life you have now.
Make sure your eyes—and heart—are open to see them.
Dear Father, thank You for bringing me into Your family and thank You for those intangible blessings that make life wonderful. Amen.
xoxoxoxoxo.etc...
Don's.asleep.or.he's.trying.to.sleep.so.I.need.to.be.quiet...
and.just.drop.off.your.mail.again.
Lots.of.love..Darlene
************
He tends his flock like a shepherd:
He gathers the lambs in his arms and
carries them close to his heart;
he gently leads those that have young.
Isaiah 40:11
(this.one.is.for.you.Sis)
The Almighty God, Creator of heaven and earth, is pictured many times in.the Bible as a Shepherd God. This may not be shocking to modern readers- most of us don't know much about sheep herding beyond the few.sentimental ideas we may have about rural life. But nothing was more.ordinary in biblical times that sheep herding. It was a dirty job.
It.was a low prestige job. A shepherd lived with his sheep. Day and night.he was with them, paying attention to their needs, providing protection,and guiding them.
For the little ones in the flock, the most vulnerable ones, there was
often a need for individual care and attention. In times of special need.or danger, the shepherd would seek them out, lift them into his arms and.carry them close to his heart.
This is how God cares for us. God is a God of gentleness, of tender
affection, of protection, and of nurture. Our God is a Shepherd God.
When we feel afraid or vulnerable, God is aware of our need. We are
gathered into God's arms. We are carried close to God's heart.
I am your lamb, Lord
The wolves are not far off.
Pick me up and hold me in your arms.
Carry me close to your heart.
Allow me to experience the mystery of being held by your loving arms...Amen
Copyright Dale and Juanita Ryan
xoxoxoxo's
Don's.trying.to.sleep..Here's.your.mail..
Be Humble Before God
By Jim Liebelt
Then he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."
Luke 12:15
Jesus told a story about a rich man who was a good businessman with a good business plan. He had been successful in his agricultural industry. His crops had produced. He was looking over his physical plant – and realized he didn’t have the facilities to store his crops. What’s a good businessman to do? Build a bigger warehouse, of course. Typical of a successful business owner, he saved his profits. He was able to say, "I’ve got enough now to kick back and take it easy: eat, drink and be merry." It sounds like the American Dream, right?
Yet, Jesus unfolds the story as follows: "But God said to him, ‘You fool!’ This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’" (Luke 12:20) Ouch. The rich man gets the bad news: Your life is over and you can’t take your riches with you.
What did this guy do that was so bad? Should people not be good at business? Should every business be non-profit? Should there be no planning for the future or retirement? Should there be no enjoyment of life and the fruit of our own labors? One might reasonably draw these conclusions as a first impression.
Fortunately, Jesus steps in with the moral of the story. It’s not really about business or profits, but perspective. Jesus concludes the story with "This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God." The rich man’s problem was not that he was rich, but that he was not humble before God. He demonstrated no concern for God’s place in his life. The rich man left God out of his life, and in the end he was left with nothing.
There is nothing inherently wrong with having hopes and dreams for the future, with developing your potential, with growing your business, with saving for your future. But, the most important issue is this: are you rich towards God? Apart from this, all other things amount to nothing. Personal achievements and personal kingdoms never last.
Be humble before God. Invite his participation and partnership in your life. Seek to develop your relationship with him. Give Him the rightful place as Lord in your life. If you do this, you’ll be in a secure place—with treasures stored for eternity—that no one or no thing, not even death, can take away.
GOING DEEPER:
1. Identify things, people or pursuits in your life that keep you from being rich towards God.
2. What action steps can you take to reorder your priorities?
FURTHER READING:
James 4:13-17; Matthew 6:31-33, 16:26; Psalm 127:1
Another..good..one!!.Muaaaah!!
http://www.paperairplanemovie.com/index.html
It's.about.little.boys.flying.paper.air-planes....It's,cute.
I'm.doin.a.little.better...I've.been.depressed,but.I'm.pretty
.sure.I.know.why.
The.Bible.says,something.like.this...to.him.who.knoweth.to.do.good.and.doeth.it.not,to.him.it.is.sin.
I've.been.neglecting.doing.something.that.I'm.as.sure.as
.I.can.be.the.Lord.wantts.me.to.do.
Please.pray.for.me.
This.seems.like.a.difficult.thing.to.do,but.I.know.I.can.do.it,cause
.God's.word.says.I.can.do.all.things.through.Christ.who
.strengthens.me.
Here's.your.mail.sweetie,..love,Darlene...(or."big.Sis")
Rhythm
By Mike DeVries
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
John 10:10
I was talking with a friend about rhythm. Both of us are huge music fans, so the discussion started with our exploring what the other person had in his iTunes collection. As we went through each other’s collection, the discussion moved from musical tastes to favorite bands to songs that, in our humble opinions, are “flat-out amazing.” As we listened to each other trying to describe what moved us about certain songs, we kept saying, “I can’t describe it. You just need to hear this song.”
Music has a way of moving us, changing us. Sounds played in a certain rhythm, with words that capture our thoughts and emotions. For anyone who is a music fan, you know when a song comes together… and you know when one doesn’t. You know when it’s in rhythm, or whether it’s out of rhythm.
Our lives are similar, aren’t they? You just know when you are living life in a good rhythm. It may be hard to describe it, but you just know it. You can feel it. It just works together. At the same time, you can feel when your life is out of rhythm. It feels forced. You feel drained. You keep asking yourself, “Why is life so hard right now?”
One day, Jesus is walking with His disciples and makes this astounding statement, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” In essence, Jesus is saying, “I came to show you how to live, really live. I came to show you how to live in rhythm with God—a life both now and forever more.” Jesus came, not only to open the door that we may be reconnected to God; He came to show us the very best way to live in the here and now—a life in rhythm with how the Creator wired us to live.
Perhaps that’s why when we live as Jesus lived—a life of love and grace and generosity—we feel that we are tapping into something beautiful, something that feels right. This is the way God wired you to live. To live in any other way would be out of rhythm with how we were designed by our Creator.
Today, may you choose to live deeply in rhythm with how God created you to live: A life lived in the way of Jesus, empowered by His Spirit.
GOING DEEPER:
Take a piece of paper and write out a half dozen ways in which you could live in rhythm with how God created you today. Keep the list with you as you go through your day.
FURTHER READING:
John 14:5-13
WOW,this.is.a.good.one.for.me!!!!
Try.putting.this.in.your.serch-bar.
It's.a.song.called.."Precious..Lord"...lots.of.love,Darlene
What's.you're.daughter's.name?..
Tell.her.Darlene.says.happy.birthday,ok?
No,I.didn't.know.your.son.started.preschool..
From.what.you.said,it.sounds.like.he.likes.preschool.a.lot.
I.imagine.it.is.tough.waking.up.earlier.and.getting.dressed.
to.go.out.too.
Sometimes.I'm.still.in.my.pajama's.when.it's.close.to.noon...
and.sometimes.even.later!
I.brought.something.a.bit.different.to.give.to.you.
Here.it.is..
DAILY VERSE
For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ . . . that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Ephesians 3:14, 17–19
DAILY QUOTE
O the deep, deep love of Jesus!
‘Tis a heav’n of heav’ns to me;
And it lifts me up to glory,
With You evermore to be.
Samuel Francis
DAILY THOUGHT
When everything around us crumbles, we will always have the love of God. No matter how bad we mess up, no matter how unloved—or unlovable—we’ve been, His love endures forever. His love is so deep that it’s incomprehensible, and sometimes the lack of love in our lives makes it hard for us to accept and understand that God truly loves us. But He does, and His grace can help us understand and live out the loving affection our Father has for us.
The song “O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus,” penned by Samuel Francis in the 1800s, describes this vast love of God. Find comfort in the knowledge that God’s love is unconditional and irresistible.
O the deep, deep love of Jesus!
Love of ev’ry love the best:
’Tis an ocean vast of blessing,
’Tis a haven sweet of rest.
Father, I know that You love me, but sometimes that reality is hard to accept. Help me live in Your love today, and help me share it with others. Amen.
I.thought.you'd.like.this...
lots.and.lots.more.love,Darlene
Yep,mine!
All.the.other.keys.work.but.not.the.spacebar.
Don's.been.wanting.me.to.buy.a.silent.keyboard.so.I.guess.I'll.be.
doing.that.soon.
Here's.your.mail.sweetie....
Short-Term Memory Loss
By Leslie Snyder
And God spoke all these words: “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.”
Exodus 20:1
I love a mountaintop experience; I mean a real hike up the mountain that involves planning, challenge, hard work, sweat, a few stumbles, a full backpack and my favorite hiking companion. My husband, Jim, and I have covered many trail miles over the years and just can’t get enough of that mountaintop experience. Of course, we’re not talking Mt. Everest (yet), but we’ve seen some beautiful sights from mountain peaks across the country and both agree that some of our most amazing “God experiences” happen on the mountain.
Moses might agree. After leading the Israelites out of Egypt, Moses and the people came to the desert in Sinai. There the people camped in front of the mountain while Moses went to meet with God and acted as a go-between between God and the people. After one of these encounters, Moses brought the people some instructions from God, what we call “the Ten Commandments.” However, before beginning, God reminded them of two important things: Who He is and what He did for them. “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.”
I’ve always been surprised at how easily the people of Israel forgot the LORD and the things He did for them. The Old Testament is riddled with the phrases “and the people did evil in the sight of the Lord,” and “the Israelites again forsook the Lord.” I don’t get it! How could the very people who witnessed the devastating plagues in Egypt, who walked on dry ground between two walls of water, and who followed a pillar of fire by night and a cloud by day into the promised land forget and forsake the very One who made it happen?
Sadly, we’re no different in our generation. We also easily forget what God has done for us and return to our complaints. We forget the peace instead of pain, the restored relationship, and the endless answered prayers. God is I AM. He is our deliverer. He is the same “yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).
Maybe the journey from bondage to freedom causes short-term memory loss. Somewhere between the excitement of the journey and the reality of the road before us, we forget where we’ve come from and forsake the One Who delivered us. Today, take some time to re-chart your course.
GOING DEEPER:
1. What demonstrations of God’s goodness in your life have you forgotten?
2. What steps can you take to overcome this “short-term memory loss”?
FURTHER READING:
Exodus 19:1-25
bye.for.now...love.you,..Darlene
I brought your mail. Here it is...
By Kelly McFadden
I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing.
1 Corinthians 9:26 (NLT)
Sometimes, I am amazed by scriptwriters. I am astounded at the way they throw in symbolism, foreshadowing or teasers throughout a movie that give you a deeper glimpse, but at the same time are so subtle, you often have to see the movie again before you catch everything. Among other things, scriptwriters use outlines, notes, brainstorms, drafts and redrafts in an attempt to make sure everything interconnects properly.
Every word a writer puts down on paper has purpose. There is no word or event or thought that is not carefully crafted. The writer goes to tremendous lengths to make sure everything is interwoven and perfect before he moves on. It makes me wonder, what if I was a scriptwriter? What if my life, my story was being taken down with each step I took? Each word and action captured and presented. I’ll tell you one thing, I would be a lot more cautious and thoughtful about what I said or did.
This is the point. Our lives should be as thoughtful as scriptwriters making their movies. In every step, I should be running with purpose. In every step, I should be making sure I am an example for Christ and living a life that shines the light on Him. In every step, I should be thinking about the story of my life. It matters what I say. It matters what I do. I need to be purposeful in writing a script that glorifies God in everything I do. Instead, I often think about Him second, or forget to pray before making decisions, thinking that I am the only one who cares about my script.
Each step we take, each decision we make needs to be thoughtful and purposeful, not haphazard or careless. God calls us to be disciplined and in training all of the time for His kingdom. May it be that when we look back on the script of the lives we have created, we’ll look back satisfied in the knowledge that for God’s kingdom, our lives have been blockbusters.
GOING DEEPER:
1. What kind of script are you writing for your life?
2. What are ways in your life that you could be living with more purpose? How can you change this?
FURTHER READING:
Proverbs 19:21; 1 Timothy 6:12; Philippians 2:1-3
Muuaaah!! ooooooooo's
I hope you have a special weekend. Sometimes we can do things to make it special.
I hope you are feeling good. I know the last couple of months being pregnant aren't easy. I love you lots, Darlene
PS I brought your mail again. Here it is.....
Slow Me Down, Lord
By Jim Burns
Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of it's own.
Matthew 6:33-34
We live in a fast-paced society where at times we can become seduced by a culture that takes our mind off the Lord. To keep in touch with Jesus we must slow down our fierce pace and give Jesus our time and attention. This prayer has helped me for years with my tendency to over commit my life to unimportant things and leave God on the sideline.
Slow me down, Lord. Ease the pounding of my heart by the quieting of my mind. Steady my hurried pace with a vision of the eternal reach of time. Give me, amid the confusion of the day, the calmness of the everlasting hills. Break the tensions of my nerves and muscles with the soothing music of the singing streams that live in my memory. Teach me the art of taking minute vacations - of slowing down to look at a flower, to chat with a friend, to pat a dog, to smile at a child, to read a few lines from a good book. Slow me down, Lord, and inspire me to send my roots deep into the soil of life's enduring values, that I may grow toward my greater destiny. Remind me each day that the race is not always to the swift; that there is more to life than increasing its speed. Let me look upward to the towering oak and know that it grew great and strong because it grew slowly and well.
—Orin D. Crain
GOING DEEPER:
1. After reading Matthew 6:33-34 what does the Bible suggest be our first priority?
2. Are your priorities in proper perspective? Take a few minutes to give God your priorities and seek His kingdom first.
FURTHER READING:
Psalm 37:4; Proverbs 3:5-6
Wow, as I read this it seemed like it was speaking directly to me.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO 's
"Our" little one will be here before you know it. That will be sooooooooooooooooooooo nice!!!!!! Notice, I said "our" little one? teehee. I really am excited about this little one of yours. Yes, I know this is your baby. I was just being silly...kinda...lol
Here's your mail......
Uninvited
By Mike DeVries
Then he turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven – as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.
Luke 7:44-47
In today’s Scripture, we read of two people and their interaction with Jesus: one, the dinner host, and the other who was uninvited. One was called a teacher; the other called a sinner.
Two people, both with access to forgiveness and peace. One was a religious leader, the other a person with a seedy reputation.
Jesus tells a story to his host, about two people who owed debts, one much more than the other—but both were such that neither could repay—yet both are forgiven. Jesus asked his host, Simon, “Which will love him more?” What Simon does not realize is that his answer will expose that he still sees with unforgiving eyes. The issue is not that one is allowed to love less, while the other is required to love more. The issue is that there is only one response to being made whole and free, and the only one who gets it is on her knees.
How will you respond? Will it leave you still living with labels and levels of grace, or will it leave you on your knees?
GOING DEEPER:
1. How are you responding to the love and generosity of Jesus? Is it making you more of a person of love and generosity, or more self-righteous?
2. In what ways can your life be lived more in tune to the love of Jesus?
FURTHER READING:
Luke 7:36-50; 6:46-49; John 8:31-32
Muuuaaahhhh and hugs..OOOOOOOOOO's
I hope you're having a relaxful time OR you may be having your appointment to see how you and the baby are doing. I just remembered that today is the day. I hope you and little one are doin real well. love ya, me
I'm just dropping off your mail tonight.
Open to Instruction
By Leslie Snyder
Then I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.
Psalm 32:5
A 2004 Olympic gymnasts Terin Humphrey and Courtney McCool trained in our hometown. Each girl trained thousands of hours perfecting position, form and routine. Coaches spent endless amounts of time and energy preparing the girls for their Olympic tryouts. While hundreds of girls tried out for a coveted spot on the United States Olympic gymnastics team, only a handful made it. What made the difference? The ones who made it were open to instruction. They listened to the critique and instruction of the coaches and made the changes being asked of them. Stubbornness, pride and hard-headedness landed many girls on the bench. But those who were willing to heed instruction went on to chase Olympic dreams.
Proverbs 13:13 reads, He who scorns instruction will pay for it, but he who respects a command is rewarded. And Proverbs 19:20 states, Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise. Most of us would do well to learn from this wisdom. Too often, we insist on doing things our own way, thinking our own way is right. As a result, we create turmoil for those around us and ourselves. The ugly word for this is pride. Pride thinks of me first. It’s the attitude that says, “I’m right, you’re wrong.” “It’s my way or the highway.” But Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, said, He who obeys instruction guards his life, be he who is contemptuous of his ways will die. Proverbs 19:16
Today, wherever we find ourselves, it’s likely that some opportunity to either receive or reject instruction will come our way. Our challenge will be to choose to be open to instruction, remembering that the Scriptures tell us that pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall, and whomever gives heed to instruction prospers.
GOING DEEPER:
Are you open to instruction or do you dismiss help offered to you?
FURTHER READING:
James 1:5; Proverbs 16:18; Proverbs 16:20
Good night. love you, me
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