Shine for HIM

We are reflecting God’s amazing light and HE has equipped us to shine so brightly that it can be seen, even in the darkest night.

Nations may rise and fall but our light will last forever.

We can and will forever impact hearts and with Social Media that impact can extend further than our minds can even imagine.

We can reach the world for the Lord without even leaving our home.

We need to realize that we are always reflecting God if we are a Christian.  We need to use our talents for the Lord. We need to help others grow and mature with their knowledge of the Lord.  We need to encourage others to keep taking one step at a time…for the LORD.

People will think things of the Lord, based on what they see and think of us.  May they always see great things about Christ in me.

When I feel grumpy – shine

When I feel sad – shine

When I feel hopeless – shine

When I feel lost – shine

When I feel like God doesn’t hear – shine

When I feel alone – Shine

When I feel defeated – shine

Regardless of how I “feel” – those emotions will pass, but the light I give off will last.

While I want to reflect God’s love, greatness and mercy, I also want to be authentically me.  When things are rough, admit it and tell others that I’m relying on the Lord’s strength to carry me through.  When I’m grumpy, own it and apologize if I’ve hurt someone in the process.

I am responsible for the light I give. 

Reminder:  

We are a reflection of God’s light.  We do not need to fear the darkness as God will turn it into light.

Psalm 18:28 You, LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.

Matthew 5:14
Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

Matthew 5:16
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Father, help us to remember that we are a light, regardless of our feelings or how dark our world may be.  Help us to remember that even if we flicker a tiny bit, that we will help to rid the darkness of its power. May we always shine for you, in Jesus name we ask...Amen

Gift of God's Grace

I love the Grace of God.

I love the fact that HE looks for us!  He wants to spend time with us.  Not just hear our prayers, but he longs to just spend time together.

Isn’t that an amazing thought?

The King of Kings and LORD of Lords wants to spend time with us?

We wake in the morning and God sees us in our sleepy slumber and thinks, “THERE she/he is…. I HOPE they spend some time with me today!”  or maybe it is something like “I hope we can sit and remember the wonderful things that made him/her smile yesterday! What a smile it will bring again today!”

OR maybe it will be, “I can’t wait until she/he sings today! I know it’s never on key, but it’s pure joy to my heart!”

But I wonder how often God may think “ Well, at least they talk to me in prayer, they think they need so many things…I wish they would just trust me more.”

Are we guilty of that?

Are we guilty of using and abusing the grace that God so freely gives us?  

We know His grace will reach farther than our minds can even imagine.

Do we use HIS grace as a get out of jail free card?  Saying “well, I know that isn’t right but God will forgive me.”

It’s true, HE will – but intentionally trampling all over the gift of God’s grace is not a way of keeping the sweet fellowship that we all need, not to mention the horrible image of God that we are reflecting.

Imagine how your heart would sink if your children did that day in and day out.  Imagine how your heart would feel if your child was known as the child that took advantage of your good graces.  It’s not a feeling I want to endure.

God thinks we are so amazing and so precious that He sent His only Son to die for us.  His grace is a blood bought gift that I treasure from the King of Glory.

I HOPE that you treasure it as well.

Majesty gives us grace.

Royalty paid our debt

The King of Kings loves us more than we can ever know. 

Yes, we can come as we are, but think about bringing your best after we are part of HIS family.

Yes, HE calls us friend, but gladly show the respect that Royalty deserves.

Yes, we are his child and He will always adore us, but let’s love and ADORE our Father!

God’s Grace….don’t take it for granted. 

1 Timothy 1:14
And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 2:1
Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 1:9
Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began

Titus 2:11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men

Col 3:23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

1 Corinthians 1:3
Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

http://youtu.be/gQzrqmcwg8o

http://youtu.be/Oj06mYUj5Wk

Powerhouse of JOY

I was gifted an iPhone 4s and immediately fell in love with it!  (Thank you honey!)

I love how quick it is, how I can have my music and even purchase music.  I love how everything is just right there….the JOY of easiness.  I’m a happy camper!

BUT – being a person that loves spreading JOY, I want it to be a powerhouse of JOY to others.  I’m hoping that after you read what I’m using, you’ll be able to suggest apps that will enable me to use this powerhouse gift in even a more JOYful way than I ever imagined!

ALSO….

I love being connected, but on my own terms.  I’m just that way.

To do this I have ALL notification turned off, with the exception of a few (and I’ll share that below) that I choose to have remind me of things.  I don’t even allow my email to publish to my phone automatically.  It’s just one way that I make sure that Social Media and technology work for me, not the other way around.

Here are the apps that I have…I use them to bring me great JOY as well as bring Others JOY.  (For the sake of time, I’ll only link to the lesser known apps. You don’t mind do you? hmm?)

Social Media:

Twitter – The Standard Twitter that comes with it is awesome to me.  But, in all fairness, I love Tweetdeck and have that on there…just incase.

Instagram – I love Instagram! I love seeing the things that bring JOY to others.  I love sharing photos (almost as much as I love sharing music)

Facebook – you’d think that I’d check fb more often than I do with the ease of this app…. [shrugs]

Skype – I love being able to see my family whenever we are apart.

Google + - still learning how to better use it for spreadingJOY but love seeing the things posted there when I hop in.

LinkedIn – Do people really find other jobs, connections and such with this? Maybe I’m not using it properly.

Fun Stuff:

Quotes WP – I love quotes. I love the motivation and inspiration found there

Weird Facts – I love relaxing and flipping through the #RandomFacts here. I will often tweet them with my initial reaction to them. #makesmesmile

Gives Me Hope – Short stories of hope.  Amazing how the little things truly make a difference.

Demotivation – the silly pics with “motivational” thoughts…just check it out, you never know, you may love it.

DoodleBuddy – I am not an artsy kind of gal and this is just plain fun.

Encouragement:

YouVersion – Bible App. There are so many reading programs and bookmarking abilities.  You can share any verse and use just to read from the Bible.  I love the ease of this!

American Greetings – This is a free app and for now, the ecards are free.  I just saw recently that their site was charging to use it, so I’m not sure how long this will be free. I love how easily it works with my address book or my Facebook. This is one that I have reminders set for.  It will remind me of birthdays that are listed from my facebook friends.

Starbucks – mm mmmmm mmmmmm justsayin

Pinterest – I love this! I actually didn’t think I’d like it and that it would be just something else to keep up with.  I love the ease of seeing a picture that appeals and pinning it so that the entire article or recipe is there.

God Thoughts – This is one that I leave on the notifications.  I can set the amount of times I’m reminded to think about the Lord.  I have it set for the Max, 3.  You can easily tweet or Facebook the verse that is sent to you. (and I do…often)  I love this app.  Thank you @TheePottersHand for this gift of encouragement.

To create cute signs with quotes or my own thoughts:

I’m not artsy in any way, shape or form.  To be creative I use the free versions of the following to create cute pictures that will encourage.

Tweegram

Jusgramm

Instafram

Textgram

Versagram

Using these apps, the most non creative individual can have moments of creativity.  Total JOY!

 Photography:

TOO many to name and I’m sure a million more are being created as you read this!   Explore and have fun with this one.  But – if there is a tried and true one that you turn to time and time again – PLEASE leave the name and link to it in the comments below!

Entertainment:

Pandora – everyone loves that

NBC – love seeing shows on MY time

ABC Player – love full episodes

TV.Com – CBS player – keeps me close to the NCIS and CSI episodes that I love

Kindle – I looooove my Kindle, but when I can’t get to it, this is awesome to have

Olive Tree Bible Reader – You can get some awesome free books here too

Netflix – movie night with popcorn and m&m’s can happen anywhere

Games:

AngryGran – I don’t get this game. But I DO love wacking the people that go by with my umbrella.  LOLOL I know…that is just oooooozing of ick and not joy.

Words with Friends – I love this game, but I’ll tend to go 3 to 6 days before I remember it’s my move.  Remember, notifications are turned OFF.

Piano – This is for Megan

Whirly Word – I love this game.  You get 6 letters and make all the words out of it you can.  This game is all kinds of fun! I’ve only actually completely filled in 3 or 4 of the puzzles, so It can be a challenge sometimes.

Wordsearch – simple fun

BeJeweled – free version is just not long enough but it’s fun

Temple Run – I can’t turn the corners well, so it’s doubtful I’ll ever get past the first few turns.  No, I’m not even kidding.

Angry Birds – I have it, but suck at it, so I don’t play often.

Sky Burger – Megan has been to the moon on this one.  Me, I do ok. J This is a lot of fun.

Miscellaneous:

MobileRSS – I love this! I can tweet the articles, email, Facebook and many others that I don’t even use.  If you love having all of your favorite blogs in your Google Reader, then this app is for you!  Read, comment and share.  Easy, peasy….done!  I just love easy!

I know that there is soooo much more that my powerhouse of JOY can do for me and others!  I also know that even as you read this, it is changing and more great things are being created!

I hope that you’ll take a moment to share with me the apps that you turn to time and time again!  (PLEASE….pleeeeeeeeeeese do)

I need easy – as technology is usually not kind to me.

I prefer free – I know that we often get what we pay for, but I’m just that way.  [shrugs]

I love fun.  Who doesn’t?

Thank you for sharing with all of us and helping us to get more out of the technology that just brings great JOY!

Turn To HIM

Lord,

We turn to you Lord for the hope of tomorrow when today seems to drown us in despair.

We turn to you Lord when yesterday is gripping our hearts, hindering us from seeing your hand today.

We turn to you Lord when everything is going wrong and nothing will dry the tears.

We turn to you Lord we’ve prayed a million prayers for our child to draw near.

We turn to you Lord when we can’t even lift our head or utter a word.

We turn to you Lord to make us aware of the daily blessings you surround us with.

We turn to you Lord to thank you for the strength you give us daily

We turn to you Lord to praise you for the glorious gift of the Cross

We turn to you Lord to sing praises when the darkness ends

We turn to you Lord to thank you for the protection that just sheltered us from harm

We turn to you Lord to give thanks for the loved one that has returned to you

We turn to you Lord to show our heart of gratitude for the good that keeps us renewed, for the bad that strengthens our faith and the millions of things in between that remind us to keep praising and adoring you.

Father, may we stay so close to your side that all we have to do is turn to you and whisper a faint cry for help or whisper praises through the tears of joy you bring.  May our hearts never get so wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of life that we go a single day unaware of the gifts that you’ve poured out on us. May we praise you daily and spend time in the Word while loving and adoring you. May we always be aware of you, by our side, in Jesus precious name Amen.

What are you turning to HIM for?

The bad only?  The good only?

Faithfully turn to HIM in everything!

Wisdom From Proverbs 2

1. Proverbs 1:7 Want wisdom? Have a healthy respect/fear of the Lord
2. Proverbs 1:33 Need security? Listen to the Lord
3. Proverbs 3:5 Focus on the Father even when you don’t understand
4. Proverbs 3:6 Acknowledge the Lord in everything, even the little things. He will direct!
5. Proverbs 3:26 Lacking confidence? God will keep you balanced.
6. Proverbs 3:27 Do good for those who need it now. If you have it, don’t wait
7. Proverbs 4:25-27 Stay focused
8. Proverbs 14:12 The is a way that “seems” right to man, but only death awaits
9. Proverbs 14:15 Don’t just believe everything. Study, learn and find out for yourself
10. Proverbs 18:10 USE the Name of the Lord, run to Him and rest in his safety
11. Proverbs 18:15 if you are wise, you’ll continue to seek knowledge. Keep growing!
12. Proverbs 20:22 Don’t be vengeful, let God handle it and deliver you
13. Proverbs 22:8 You will get back what you give…so, tell me, what are you giving?
14. Proverbs 22:9 Share what you have with the poor and you’ll be blessed
15. Proverbs 24:8 When you plot evil, you will be KNOWN for those actions
16. Proverbs 24:17 Don’t be glad when your enemy falls. Be different from your enemy
17. Proverbs 24:29 Don’t just give back “what” has been given to you – give more than expected
18. Proverb s 26:11 Only the fool continues to do wrong over and over again
19. Proverbs 27:1 Don’t wait until tomorrow! Say I love you today! Inspire, encourage & hug TODAY
20. Proverbs 27:17 Be someone who builds and sharpens those around you. Anyone can destroy, but true iron sharpens iron.
21. Proverbs 29:10 if you intentionally mislead, you will fall as well. Don’t do it.
22. Proverbs 28:18 When you are faithfully doing right, you will be delivered from your season of pain
23. Proverbs 28:20 Be faithful & blessings will abound.
24. Proverbs 28:22 Don’t be stingy… you may be in poverty before you know it.
25. Proverbs 29:7 The righteous consider the less fortunate…who are you concerned for?
26. Proverbs 29:17 YOU are the parent, YOU run the home…not the kids! Discipline your children and they will bring delight to your heart
27. Proverbs 29:18 Focus on the path God gives you. Keep your vision
28. Proverbs 29:23 Your pride will bring you down
29. Proverbs 30:5 Count on God’s word! Rest in Him.
30. Proverbs 30: 24-28 Think your too small to be worth anything? Consider these exceedingly wise yet small things
31. Proverbs 31:10 Wives, YOU are more precious than fine jewels…do you act like it?

Your turn! 

What is your favorite bit of wisdom from Proverbs? 

Encourage all those who read this by leaving yours below. 

Peering Into The Darkness

Darkness is scary.  The unknown is scary.  Stepping into the darkness, not knowing what to expect, not being able to see is, at best, difficult.

While being surrounded by darkness we are often paralyzed in fear and are rendered powerless to move with confidence.  But, remember, as long as we are moving forward, we are making progress.

We all have seasons of darkness, fears, trials and issues that we feel will overpower us and shatter our world.

Let’s take a closer look into the darkness that can be more intimidating that we can imagine.

What do we see in the darkness?

• Nothing and in abundance
• Fear
• Intimidation
• Hopelessness
• Despair
• Loneliness
• Danger
• Enhanced Pain (pain is always worse at night isn’t it?)
• Discouragement
• Shame
• Guilt

There are many more things that we see in the darkness and those things often shield our eyes to the positive things that are also in the darkness.

It’s so much easier to see the negative, to dwell there and to let the discouragement of it take over our hearts.    But peering into the darkness doesn’t have to leave us paralyzed in fear, or feeling hopeless.

Have you considered anything positive lurking in the darkness?

May I remind you that GOD is right there with us in the darkness?  HE Lives in the darkness with us and if we focus on His light during the darkest day, we’ll make it through stronger, wiser and more faithful than we can ever imagine.

I know just how frightful and discouraging dark trials are.  I know firsthand financial troubles, health issues with children and how the sting of unemployment affects families.  I know the loneliness and fear that can consume your heart during those times of complete darkness.  I know how tightly discouragement holds on to you, rendering you powerless to even lift your head sometimes.   I know the pain and grief of families being torn apart and loved ones dying, never to hear their sweet voices or see their precious smile again.  I know how guilt and shame leaving you feeling like you have no right to blessings.  I know how the pain of any situation is enhanced in the darkness.

But….

I also KNOW the ONE who is right beside me as I’m peering into the darkness!  As I’m traveling through the darkness, HE doesn’t mind living there to protect me, to strengthen me and to guide me.

Our darkest days are no surprise to HIM.  Our tears of pain, aches of discouragement and feelings of failure are no surprise to Him.  Our anger and questions screamed at the top of our hearts because we simply don’t understand does not cause Him to worry or wonder what will happen.

Our darkness is another way for our Lord and Savior to remind us that HE LIVES! HE LIVES in our darkness along side of us!

The next time you find yourself peering into the darkness, and make no mistake…you will, remember that God lives there too.

When you peer into the darkness KNOWING God is with you, you’ll see:

• Peace that surpasses all understanding
• JOY unspeakable
• Light that brightens up the darkest of nights
• Hope, never ending
• Mercy, renewed each day
• Grace, marvelous grace
• Courage, because your Father has you
• Comfort, knowing you are not alone
• Faith, because HE will never leave you

There are many other positive things that are waiting for us in the darkness.

Would you share your thoughts of what you are going to look for the next time your world is engulfed in complete darkness?

Will you share the Bible verses that help you to see a flicker of light and hope when there seems to be no end to the trial?

Will you encourage the hundreds of others who will read this with the wisdom and faith that you’ve gained while peering into the darkness?

I hope that you will do so in the comment section below.

I also hope that as you are wandering around in the darkness that you’ll start to see the powerful things that live there too.

Never Alone

My heart is amazed at just how big this world is and how technology can keep us in touch with those who have moved away from us.

But sometimes, my heart is even more amazed at just how alone we can feel even though people are close to us physically as well as through technology.

We often feel alone when:

• The pain in the night is unbearable
• The silence is deafening
• Friends should rejoice with us but are envious
• Family squabbles become bitter feuds
• The darkness engulfs us
• The well deserved promotion is shot down by assumptions
• No one understands
• Everyone says they understand but act as if they could care less
• We’ve tried a million times but continue to feel like a failure
• We’ve asked for forgiveness but there is no hope of receiving it
• Good news is overshadowed by great hurt

You’ve probably been there and felt as if your prayers were going no further than the ceiling.  Let me remind you that not only does your Heavenly Father hear those cries, they matter to Him.  He hears you and cares about what your heart is feeling.

The time you feel completely alone is when you typically withdraw and close your heart off to the world.  Worse than that, you close your Bible and think; I don’t even know what to pray, so why bother and you let isolation MOVE YOU from your Father’s side.

God never moves from us.  We move from Him.  But, even when we stray, move or completely ignore Him…we are never alone.

What verses do you wrap yourself in when you feel completely alone?

Please leave them below and encourage those that are feeling completely alone.

I Know You’re There

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98nG3xH02wo&feature=related

2 Chronicles 13:12
And, behold, God himself is with us

2 Chronicles 32:8
With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God to help us, and to fight our battles.

You’re Not alone

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKj4Fcp5S1o

Deut 31:6  Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

Isaiah 41:10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

God With Us

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4N_s6nfdxew