Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow!

Blessed with a good night's rest, a warm bed, food on the table, health, family and friends! Each day whether we realize it our not we have blessings pouring down from our Creator.

I started a brief exercise with my students, having them write down each day for this week what they were grateful for and to give something to someone else that could not be returned. What I hope they learn from this is that they are energized and happiest when being mindful of their blessings and thus creating a grateful heart and helping others.

I shared my gratitude from my recent trip to the states of how grateful I was for a warm, soft bed, with no noise. I slept forever and loved it when I had a chance to return to the states over the holidays. What I explained is that I had taken that luxury for granted until it was gone. Now that I am back in India though I asked what allows me to be happy on my hard bed when often times I am cold? I shared that as I lie in bed on these times of discomfort I think to the kids and families on the river not far from me who are sleeping on the dirt, with no beds and a modicum of blankets to keep warm. Suddenly my bed seems softer and warmer. See it all depends on my view.....

What I am trying to say is that gratitude does not come from having everything perfect or even everything we want. It comes from seeing what we have as a blessing compared to many around us.

I shared another story when growing up to my students about being told as a kid to eat everything on my plate that kids in Africa were starving. They all kinda laughed and I explained that I never really got it, but after being here I can understand better what they were trying to say.

Sometimes in life we have to go through hardships in order to see the good. My prayer is not to have to go that path, but when and if I do I know I will be a kinder, sweeter person for the journey, loving those around me with more gratitude for each day!

May you be blessed with a heart full of gratitude as you look around to all that you have and let those in your circle know how much you love them and how grateful you are to your Creator for allowing you to have another day to share with them!

Love and blessings to all.....http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/p/r/praisegf.htm

I Will Follow You All of My Days

"I trust in thee oh Lord." Psalm 31. Psalm Ch. 34. "Oh love the Lord, all ye his saints for the Lord preserves the faithful and plentifully rewards the proud doer. Be of good courage and He shall strengthen your heart,all ye that hope in the Lord."KJV.

As I read this passage I am encouraged to get out of my comfort zone and really trust God. If we want to grow we have to stretch our wings, try new things and take risks. Trust, faith and hope really do not hold meaning if they are not put to the test. I can say I trust you, but until I am willing to put my words into action they are merely a belief or thought. I must act, jump, move, or as the scripture says be a doer.

This sure is easier to talk about than to do, but as all goals start with one step, we choose to step into the unknown to grow personally and ultimately in Christ. We understand that if we are not strong then we are in no position to help those around us in any arena, spiritually, professionally, or materially.

So get out of your comfort zone and try something new today that takes you one step closer to your God given destiny. He will take you places you have never dreamed of!

Godspeed to all on your journey.....http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzAUuX5g6KY

Wait Upon The Lord!

The picture of the eagle always reminds me to wait, having learned that its' ability to soar higher than all the other birds is based on their instinct to wait for the right updraft of air that will bring them higher where they are destined to fly! I do not know about you, but waiting is hard for me, yet I am gently reminded every time I see this magnificent bird!

In Psalms 25-27,  just after the famous passage of "The Lord is My Shepherd",  begins a prayer of trusting in God's provision in the midst of turmoil, looking to him for forgiveness and direction. Psalm 25:2, "Oh my God I trust in thee, let me not be ashamed let not my enemies triumph over me", is a chorus that goes with this verse. The chapters conclude in  27:14,  "Wait on the Lord, be of good courage and he shall strengthen thine heart, wait I say on the Lord."

Often times this is easier said than done. The devil attacks and we panic. Things get rough and we lose hope. We look around at the storm and forget God is with us. We try and make it on our own and come up short and get stressed out. His word reminds us to keep the faith, trust, believe and yes sometimes just hold on! He promises to never leave or forsake us. Wait upon the Lord.

I am grateful and humbled by the intimate knowledge of God's constant provision and blessing.  I know, that I know, that I know, no matter the circumstances he is there with us, his children. With that confidence there is a peace that passes understanding, that this world cannot give. For greater is he that is in me,  than he that is in the world. He is working ALL things to good that love him. The word of the Lord.....

May God keep our hearts and minds fixed on the one true God, the author and finisher of our faith, in Jesus name I pray. Song. "Everlasting God" by Chris Tomlin. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TxifqtpW4H4

Where Are You Turning?

I know we have all been there, when life is hitting us from all directions and we do not know which way to turn, what do we do? If you were in the woods and lost, the advice would be to stay put and let the rescuers find you. Is that the same with God? Should we quit struggling, fighting and wait on him to speak to us for divine guidance and direction?

If you are like me there are many times you have been faced with difficulties that left you helpless and merely an actor on the screen being played out before you. The question of "why" naturally pops up, but not far behind I hope is that instant prayer of Lord help me, I cannot make it on my own. As we start each day with prayer and reading of the scriptures seeking his divine guidance, we are better prepared with the full armor of God for each new day and all that it brings.

 God's word is like a compass that gives us direction in our storms. John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Matthew 5:44 "Do not the sinners love their friends, but I say to you love your enemies, pray for those who persecute you, that your light may shine".

Is God using you today to shine bright in your difficult situations? Calling you to be the "light" to those who are lost around you? Like Lot are we being allowed to endure difficulties for our witness for God? Is he allowing hardships for our own growth? We may never know the answers to these difficult questions here on earth, but with faith, hope and belief in the one true God that gives us peace during our most difficult times, we can rest in his word and promises.

Psalms 23:4 "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me".

Hebrews 13:5 "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you".

Where, who or what are you turning to today?

Song. Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nO4uIyz_d90

The Promises Of God!

Deuteronomy Ch. 29 -30, Moses reminds the children of Israel of God's provisions and promises. The consequences of their disobedience and encouragement to obey God's voice. In summary Chapter 30:19-20. " I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse: therefore choose life that both thou and thy seed may live. That thou mayest love the Lord thy God and obey His voice and cleave unto Him, for He is thy life and length of thy days."

                                                              Alex North Photography

As a parent I am perhaps even more conscience of my actions and how they affect my child. The Lord promises blessings to us and our children if we choose wisely. As a parent there is no stronger motivation for me, than that of my child. Cleanse our hearts oh Lord, our minds and our souls that we might receive life and life more abundantly.

Song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXDGE_lRI0E

Your Name!

Jesus's name! A strong and might tower. I am so grateful to have the privilege to call on God's name when I am stressed and anxious. What a privilege we are to have God as our Father!

The power of prayer. Rarely a day goes by without a whispered prayer for guidance, healing or hope for myself or those in my path. What a privilege as God's children to be able to go to him in prayer and know he hears our request.

Are you aware of your role as God's child? His word says, you have not because you ask not. 1 John 5:14 "And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him".

May we be ever mindful and grateful, recognizing where our blessings and favor come from, and be like the one leper who was healed and ran back to thank God.

One morning while walking around a lake in India a young girl about 9 or 10 years old ran behind me to catch up to me while I was jogging and asked for money. As I reached in my pocket and gave what I had thought to give to another person further along the way, the child reached up and kissed my cheek. Grateful for another meal, hope for today, with a heart of gratitude.

Is that not what God asks of us? How many of us have asked and prayed, yet when the answer comes we are dismissive and unappreciative and go on as if nothing happened?

Having spent a few years in developing countries, my level of appreciation for everything has magnified! We are so blessed in America and I am so grateful, for what I use to take for granted, because it was so common.

 May we be as bold as this child that ran up to me and asked unabashedly! Then when receiving give gratitude to the one that hears our prayers with hearts of thanksgiving, never taking for granted God's endless mercies as a loving Father.

Song:  "Your Name". http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=othYj8jWSwc

Worship His Holy Name

Having returned from the states for an extended holiday, I am reminded of just how blessed we are in a very practical way. I cannot remember a time when I was appreciative of clean water, a soft bed, warmth, ease of transportation, clean food, abundance of everything, not to mention family and friends.
Yet for all we have and as grateful as I am, I reflect on the vast difference in the way people live in other parts of the world and their walk with Christ.

What I see where I am currently, is a lack of physical needs, provisions and what I would call basic necessities, yet I also see an abundance of family, working together, helping each other, gratitude for the simplest of things, an outward expression of faith whether it be Christian, Hindu, Jew, Muslim etc. An acceptance and tolerance of each other without government mandates.

My question then goes to me. How do I choose to live in light of my observations? Do I need to live in a state of deprivation to have my hope and trust in God real? Do I have to do without to appreciate all that I have?

I think my experience has indeed been life changing for me and I hope by extension for others that I have shared, but what do I do with that? Where do I go next? How do I use the information I now have to live more intentional, keeping Christ center in a world of abundance? Thought provoking questions for me that I pray guide me into 2014 and beyond. What about you?

I pray 2014 is a year of reflection and intentional living for all of us as we run the race God has set before each of us. May we all live intentionally, deliberate and reflective in all we do each day!

I love Psalm 56-57, "A Prayer for Deliverance." During times of calamities, injustice and perhaps persecution we can have a confidence in God for deliverance, trusting in a living God that hears our cry. May we be strengthened and encouraged in our walk today as we read his word and may he speak to our hearts and encourage us in all our circumstances of abundance or lack and bring us closer to him and by extension each other in our own country and or around the world.

May God's peace that passes understanding keep our hearts and minds on him, the one true God, and may his love be reflected in all we think say and do each day!

Song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWJLy3-iRQo

Reflections

As I sit waiting for my flight, I was thinking of what really makes a difference in my life, by reflecting on where I have been and where I am headed. Sometimes when I look back I get sad, for loses along the way, then other times I am encouraged by God's provision in my life and those that are close to me.

My thought then takes me to today, this moment that I have. How am I living it?  Do I reflect God's love that lives within me to my family, friends and those that are new to me? What kind of garden am I growing? Am I planting seeds of encouragement, hope and love to all I meet? Have I said yes to those in need, whether it is a kind word or deed?

As we get older I think our steps become more intentional.  Maybe that is wisdom, if we use the lessons we have learned wisely or maybe it is understanding our frailties. According to scripture we are but dust. Many books have been written about our purpose, what it is and how to find it. I find that staying busy sometimes keeps us from reflecting or planning, maybe that is because it is hard and or painful.... 

As we journey into another year may we all reflect on our moments each day. Each day that I close my eyes can I answer one question. Did I use my time wisely today, by reflecting God's love to someone? If I make that a habit of each day then I am looking for opportunities to bless someone with the gifts and talents God has given me each day and at the end of the year I will have been an inspiration to many no doubt, but I dare say the biggest growth will be in me as I strive to become more Christlike in my daily actions. Like all good goal setting or traveling, we have to access where we are and make intentional specific goals for each day to reach our destination, frequently reflecting and making sure we are on course for our intended outcome.

If in our checkpoints we find we are going in the wrong direction, there is nothing wrong with doing a U turn! Recently driving with my daughter has taught me a lot about those. The beauty is she uses them  as much as needed, no hesitations.

How about you. Do you know where you are and where you want to go? Are you on the right path to get there? Do you know the steps that need to be taken to achieve the goal? Are you willing to make a U turn and get on the right path when you find yourself off course? Do you have a friend that can help?

Teaching has taught me a lot about the value of questions, for it causes all of us to think about why we are doing what we are doing and take intentional steps to achieve our goals.

I pray we are all encouraged to take the first step, this moment, each day, keeping our eyes fixed on Christ, the author and finisher of our faith, to reach our final destination.

Blessings and Godspeed to all this upcoming year, one day at a time....

Song:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzAUuX5g6KY