Rejoice in the Lord

Philippians 4:4 " Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice." Many times we look at our circumstances and forget to be thankful for what we have and how God has blessed us.

Ch.4:12-13 Paul says, "I know both how to be abased and I know how to be abound: everywhere and in all things I am instructed to be both full and to be hungry, both to abound and suffer need. 13. I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me."

Philippians is a short book with only 4 chapters, but full of a lot of practical instruction for guidance, behavior and hope that as Christians we can find encouragement in all our circumstances.

A Time To Reflect.....

This morning we celebrate and or recognize the beginning of the Lent Season. When I was a teacher in the Episcopal school system it was a common practice to have a time of silence each morning to reflect, read or draw for about 15 minutes prior to starting class during this time of of the year. It was during this practice that I started a journal of words and pictures that I have expanded to my current journaling today. I look forward to this time as being special, a time to contemplate and slow down if only for a few extra minutes each day. It is an amazing practice that to be so simple has had a profound impact on my life.

Whatever your views, beliefs or practices are regarding this time of the year, I pray we all draw closer to the one who sacrificed so much for us and come to know him in a more personal way this holiday season.

Enclosed is a Wikipedia link to the origin and details of Ash Wednesday.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ash_Wednesday

Headed Home......

Many times we grow weary and question what life is all about. We lose loved ones and see heartaches and question again, why? Then we remember......

This is a song that's on my heart. I pray it speaks to yours.

"Home Where I Belong " by the Gaithers. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GP6QG_pJuSM

Ready To Live!

This is a song that I identify with change and letting go. Risking the unknown and truly trusting God in action, not just in word or good intentions. Listen to the words and be encouraged in your dreams today, this week, this year. Song: "For The First Time" by Mark Harris. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ADEjnVh0d

Trusting God!

A great book I highly recommend if you're looking to grow is "If You Wanna Walk On Water You Have To Get Out Of The Boat"by John Ortberg. This book has been pivotal in my life in helping me to let go of the known and move beyond my comfort zone.

A few excerpts from the book about what walking on water means:

"Walking on water means facing your fears and choosing not to let fear have the last word."

"Walking on water means discovering and embracing the unique calling of God on your life."

"Walking on water means experiencing the power of God in your life to do something you would not be capable of doing on your own."

Is Christ calling you today to step out into the unknown and trust him to do something extraordinary? Fear is a natural reaction to such a request, but that is exactly where we will experience the power of God in our lives.

I will trust in You! 

Amazed!

"Today is the day that the Lord hath made, I will rejoice and be glad in it", is a chorus to a song that's on my heart. Listen to the words by Lincoln Brewster and be encouraged today! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEBO17uDw30

Another awesome song by him, "Amazed." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qVkzdK6N20&feature=related.

May God's words in song touch our hearts today.