Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Cor. 15:58

design

Sunday, July 31, 2011

Day 43: Where to Put Your Hope

Psalms 43:5
Why am I discouraged?
Why is my heart so sad?
I will put my hope in God!
I will praise him again-
My savior and my God!

***************************************

There are days when I feel discouraged... I'm not going to lie.  I'm sure there are days, times, events when you feel discouraged too.

It's ok to feel that way as long as we don't let it drive us down into a hole.  We acknowledge the feelings of discouragement then we need to think on this verse. "I will put my hope in God!"

There are times when I think, "Why am I discouraged?  Why is my heart so sad?"  Those are the days that I have to check myself.  I have to take extra time to count my blessings.  Take time to thank God for everything I have--- not everything I want.  To thank him for being with me-- not asking where he is.  When I thank God... when I count my blessings... things don't seem so bad.

God has a plan for us even if we don't see it.

He will take care of us.  We should praise him for that.

God Bless You!

Kelly

Saturday, July 30, 2011

Day 42~ All Talk/ No Action

Proverbs 14:23

Work brings profit, but mere talk leads to poverty.

***********************

Some people are all talk and no action.

Do you know anyone like that?  Are you like that?

Having big dreams is great (we've talked about that before), however it profits nothing if you don't work at it.

I can talk until I'm blue in the face about what I'm going to teach.  I can have a big lesson plan-- awesome visuals-- the best books-- but if I get in the classroom, just sit down in a chair and do none of it, it means nothing.

Only work will bring profit.

And "work" can mean anything you need to do.  A room won't get clean simply by saying you are going to do it.  You actually have to do the work.


A dish isn't going to be washed unless you work to do it.

A song isn't going to be written unless you work to do it.

A book isn't going to be written unless you work to do it.


Lets look at our lives-- what are some things we 'talk' about, but haven't started the work on it?

Maybe it's time we did.....

God Bless You!

Kelly

Friday, July 29, 2011

Day 41~ Who Do You Belong To?

Psalms 21:1
The Earth is the Lord's, and everything in it.  The world and all its people belong to Him.

******************************

Oh-- How that makes my heart happy! :)

*I* belong to God!  God took the time to make me-- to follow me-- to guide me-- to laugh with me-- to cry with me-- to know me.

Me and everyone else who has ever lived in the entire world.

Everyone

Do you know what that means?  Even if you don't know God-- Even if you don't recognize Him-- He still loves you, and you belong to him.

He loves you, and cares for you just like every else (of course, like everyone, He'd love if you loved him back if you don't already).

The earth is God's too.  We need to do our part to take care of it (I need to do more of my part).

*You* belong to God! God took the time to make you-- to follow you-- to guide you-- to laugh with you-- to cry with you-- to know you.

That verse does my heart good.  Does it  yours?

God Bless You!

Kelly

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Day 40: When you think you are right....

Proverbs 12:15~ Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others.

************************

Ok.... who does this verse kick in the bottom today???? *ME!* (Rises Hand high!)

And I hate to admit it, but it's not the SECOND part of the verse (the 'The Wise Listen to Others') that hits me.

So that leaves.... Fools think their own way is right...

Yep, I'm a fool more often than not....

Sometimes, I believe that my way is the ONLY way.

What about you?  Are there things you think you HAVE to be right about?

Do you argue with your spouse about things that you just KNOW you are right over... not listening to their side of the story? How about a co-worker?....  How about a relative?....

How about God?...

OH.. yeah... that one hurts.

How about when we think we know better than Him?  When we think our way is the only way... our TIME is the ONLY time... our METHOD is the only METHOD.... Because, of course, we know best.....

We have to change our thinking (Ok, *I* have to change my thinking).

It's WISE to listen to others. It's not only wise, it's best practice, and it's the right thing to do.  We don't have to listen in the sense of being naive and believing everything we read/hear.  But we should listen to WISE councel and then pray about it.

As for God... it takes lots of faith to listen to Him fully... it takes COMPLETE faith to listen to Him AND do what He tells us to do. 

I don't know about you, but I'm praying about this and want to do it in my life.

God Bless You :)

Kelly

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Day 39: Tomorrow.... Tomorrow....

Proverbs 27:1~Don't brag about tomorrow since you don't know what the day will bring.

*******************

(This was written on July 11th...)

My oldest daughter is excited.  Tomorrow is her birthday!  She will be 6.

The excitement around here is massive. It's party-pooluza!  And to say she's looking forward to it is an understatement.

We are all like that in one form or another... and we SHOULD get excited about what the future holds.

However......

(not to be a downer..)

How do we know tomorrow will come?

Truthfully, we don't.

The Bible says not to brag about tomorrow. Instead we should rejoice and be happy in the now. It seems we are always planning for the future.  For the things we want.  The things we want to do.

Planning..

Always planning...

And planning can be good-- as long as we are as excited about the NOW as we are about whatever we are planning for.

Don't tell people you are going to be a great writer in 5 years-- You don't know that.

Instead, have your dreams-- have your plans (I do), but realize that things might not turn out the way you plan... and be HAPPY with what you have now. 

Lets be happy with today--- and let the future worry about itself.

God Bless You!

Kelly

(linked with Women Living Well Wednesday , Encouraging Words Wednesday )

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Day 38: The Heart

1 Samuel 16:7~ But the Lord said to Samuel, "Don't judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him.  The Lord doesn't see things the way you see them.  People judge by outward appearances, but the Lord looks at the heart."

**************************

I have a new laptop computer (yay!).

I also have a new webcam on said computer...... (Ummmmm)

Did you know that thanks to that webcam, I now know that I have a slight lisp and flaring nostrils?

Oh My!  I made a webcam video (just to try it out) and I, of course, picked out EVERYTHING!  EVERY SINGLE DETAIL of myself that I saw as just horrible.

*My lisp (which I have now thanks to a bit of nerve damage from wisdom teeth surgery a month ago... praying that heals soon because it's kinda weird having a partially numb tongue.... just saying..)

*My nose (I knew it would flare, but I didn't know an elephant could march through it!)

*My double chin (more to love.... right?)

*The fact that I look about 12 (I'll LOVE that at 50!)

Everything. 

And I actually had the thought, "Lord, well there it is.  There is no way I can ever be a speaker or even post youtube videos for you because I ain't no model."

YES, I actually said that... to GOD!  (I'm not perfect.... have I mentioned that before?)

That's why today's verse made me laugh when I saw it.  Today I'm reading my Bible in 90 Days, and the top verse is part of what I was reading (Timely I thought).

God doesn't care if you are cross-eyed, have no eyes, or have model-worthy eyes.

God doesn't care if you have a small nose, a Greek nose, or a clown nose.

God doesn't care if you stutter, have a lisp, or has the voice of a game show announcer.

1. God made you (and me) and he doesn't make mistakes!  We've talked about this before.  I'm exactly the way he wanted me to look.... flaring nose and all (it adds drama to any conversation...)

2. God doesn't look at your outward appearance anyway.  He looks at your heart. 

Is your heart pretty or pretty dirty?

God judges on our faith.... and our character, not what we look like... or what we *think* we look like (my husband says he can't hear a lisp...).

We need to pray and take steps to improve our heart and our attitudes. 

I remember one night I prayed, "God.. you know my heart."... and then I stopped.  My eyes got all big and I thought, "Oh.my. gosh!  He knows my heart! Do *I* know my heart?!?"  And I panicked a bit lol. 

When the world (now as it did then) judges on the outside, God judges on the inside.  Lets make our hearts worthy of Him. :)

God Bless You!

Kelly

Monday, July 25, 2011

Day 37: You are Loved!

Psalms 117: 1-2-- Praise the Lord, all you nations. Praise him, all you people of earth.  For he loves us with unfailing love; the Lord's faithfullness endures forever. Praise the Lord!

*********************

How's that for encouragement!!!!

Wow!

God is always with us!

God is always faithful to us!

God always loves us!

No matter when we don't think we deserve it..... He still loves us.

Even when we backslide and feel like we have gone back 10 paces in our journeys.... He still loves us.

Even when we have a horrible day and we feel so low... He still loves us.

Even when we feel like we are all alone.. He still loves us!  And He is always with us.

Even if He gave us nothing else in this life but that (which He is gracious enough to give us more), it would be enough because it means everything.

We are loved.... no matter how unworthy we feel at times.

Sometimes... we need to remember that.

Praise the Lord!

God Bless You!

Kelly

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Day 36: "Household Gods"

Zechariah 10:2-- Household gods give worthless advice. fortune tellers predict only lies, and interpreter of dreams pronoucne falsehoods that give no comfort.  So my people are wandering like lost sheep.  They are attacked because they have no shephard.

*************************

What I want to focus on today is "Household gods give worthless advice."

Even Christians.. even now... can and do have household gods.  We shouldn't.  God states pretty clear that He's our one and only... but still, sometimes we make our own Ba-als.

What can be a household god?

Well........
*money (if you love it more than anything else)
*power
*fame
*success
*Anything that you put above your time with God (computer, games, tv, hobbies, etc).

Anything that we expect will give us happiness--- that isn't the one God we are supposed to trust above all things-- is a household god.

It doesn't have to be pretty, shiny, gold, or silver to be a "god" or an "idol".

We have all done it.  I'm sure we don't even realize it at the time until we look back and go "WHOA!"  I can reflect and think of 1 or 2 things that I've put before my time with God recently. 

We have to accept that things won't make us happy.  We can never have enough money, fame, success, or time with our electronics to make us happy.  My Bible Commentary says "Its as silly to pray to a statue for rain as it is to expect money to make you happy."

Why do "Household gods give worthless advice"?
*Because household gods give NO advice.  Does your computer talk back to you (well, it can, but you get the idea)?  Does your fishing pole answer your prayers?  Do you seek above all else time with your game console--- and base your happiness on it?  Can having all the money in the world advise you on the ways of the heart and God?

It's easy to judge Israel.  They had a lot of statue 'gods'.  They never truly learned their lesson... but don't we do the same thing-- just in a different form?

The good news is that God forgave Israel (numerous times), and God will forgive us :)  It's something I never really thought about until today. How about you?  What "household gods" to you have?  How can you turn your focus away from them and back on God?

God Bless You!

Kelly

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Day 35: When the Smallest becomes the Greatest

Judges 6: 14-16~ (The angel of the Lord sat next to Gideon under a tree)
Then the Lord turned to him and said, "Go with the strength you have, and rescue Israel from the Midianites. I am sending you! "
"But Lord," Gideon replied, "how can I rescue Israel?  My clan is the weakest in the whole tribe of Manasseh, and I am the least of my entire family!"
The Lord said to him, "I will be with you. And you will destroy the Midianites as you were fighting against one man."

*******************************
A lot of times, we know God is telling us to do something, but we tell Him (like Gideon did) that we are too small-- not important enough-- to carry out the task He wants us to do.

Gideon told the Lord that he was the weakest of the weak.... that his tribe was the weakest and he was the smallest.

And what did God say?

He said, "I will be with you."

Whoa!

What army can go against a man who has God with him?  Apparently none of them.

A "tiny" man can conquer countries..... as long as God is with him.

And, guess what?  We can too!

If God is calling you, like Gideon, for some kind of service, don't see your limitations because you have none with God's help.  Don't waste your time arguing with God.... telling him all of your imperfections, your weaknesses, etc.  If God can work through Gideon, he can work through you. 

God doesn't make mistakes. He doesn't send the wrong calling to the wrong person.  And He already knows all of your "Imperfections"... and guess what?  HE chose you anyway!

That is something to smile and rejoice about :)

Be confident!  You're weakest will be God's strongest.  Your "I can't" is God's "WE can". 

The Lord will be with you.

God Bless You!

Kelly

Friday, July 22, 2011

Day 34: Being Thankful in the morning

Psalms 92: 1-2~ It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to the Most High.  It is good to proclaim your unfailing love in the morning, your faithfullness in the evening.

*****************

Consider this, when you wake up in the morning-- are you happy or sad?

If we really think about it, we are happy that we woke up at all--but unhappy to start the day. 

We hit the snooze button about 4 times.

We just want to sleep... just a few more minutes.... just a few....

We, without enthusiam, get up, brush our teeth, get dressed, and get ready for our day-- which will be just like every other day before (man.... that sounds a bit depressing, doesn't it?)

How about we try this instead?

How about every morning when we wake up, we say, "Thank you, Jesus!"  And.. you can't thank Jesus with a sad face (it's not possible.... try... I"ll wait..... SEE!  You smiled.)  There, we've already thanked Jesus for the day AND am smiling!  Wow, and our feet haven't even hit the floor yet!!! Imagine the awesomeness we can accomplish when after we've actually brushed our teeth!?! 

Then.. when we are smiling, dressed, happy... we need to take time to read our Bible.  Go to God in prayer.  Start our day off praising the Lord... and end it the same way.

What a difference it makes when we think of Jesus first and foremost in the morning!  When we start off happy, our day does seem to go better.  If we are happier, then maybe we can influence others around us to be happier... Hey, it can't hurt :)

God Bless You!

Kelly

(linked to Brag on God Friday )

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Day 33: Needing a Strong Leader

Proverbs 11:14-- Without wise leadership, a nation falls; there is safety in having many advisors.

********************

Ok, we aren't talking about judging/judgement today :)  Ok, well, sorry.. just looked... we are talking about the book of Judges....

In Sunday School, we have been studying the books of Joshua and Judges.  I won't get into all of the details, but it is a very interesting read for sure.  One of the main themes of the books, especially Judges, is that when the Israelites had a strong leader, they were a strong nation.  They conquered many cities with much bigger armies than they did--- all with the help of  a strong leader and God's hand on them.

During the time they had a strong leader, the Israelites believed in and worshipped God.  However, when that Judge died, they always went back to their sinful ways.  Worshipping idols and making nice with the temple prostitutes.

The point being a strong leader is essentional in all areas of our life. 

Home

Church

Work

Our country

All things need a strong leader.

What makes a strong leader?  Well, in Judges, the leaders weren't chosen because of their morals (Samson for example), but they were chosen for their willingness to submit to God's authority in their lives.  They all opened their hearts to God and allowed Him to use them.  They were all strong in one way or another, but their submission to God and His will made them stronger.

A quaility of beng a good, strong leader is listening to different advisors. (It could be your wife if you have chosen to live the 'Husband is the Head of the household' way.  It could be other church members if you are a pastor. It could be yourself if you life alone.  You could need to lead yourself... hold yourself responsible).  A wise leader listens and then that leader prays to God for the correct answer.

Are you a leader?  Are you a leader's helper?  Do you have a submissive heart to God?  Something to pray about for sure.

God Bless You!
(Smile your best encouraging smile today!! :))

Kelly

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Day 32: To Be Calm and Quiet

Psalms 131:1-2~

Lord, my heart is not proud;
my eyes are not haughty.
I do not concern myself with matters too great or too awesome for me to grasp.
Instead, I have calm and quieted myself,
like a weaned child who no longer cries for its mother's milk.
Yes, like a weaned child is my soul within me.

*******************************

I'm not going to lie, this has been one of the hardest ones for me to write so far. Wanna know why? Because I fought God on it (I know.. silly Kelly!). I'd have it in my mind... and try to write something different. Do you know what happened? Writer's Block which all writers know isn't fun. So finally, I gave in. I laughed... and I sighed... and I said, "I'm sorry, God. I'll write this for you."

And this is what He gave me.....

Lord, my heart is not proud; my eyes are not haughty.

Lord, my heart is proud; my eyes are haughty. (at times).

There is a fine line between being proud... and being prideful. And yeah, I'm pretty sure we all have crossed it at one time or another. It's not a bad thing to be proud of yourself or your achievements. Even God was 'well pleased' of his Son. He was 'proud' of him.

However, when that proud turns to Pride... and that pride turns to arrogance... and that arrogance turns to "I did it myself without any help from anyone." (Even God) that things turn bad. We talked before about how one small thing can grow into something out of our control. Irritation can finally lead to full on anger. A hurtful word to ourselves ("I can't believe I ate that cupcake... Pig!") can turn into detrimental self-doubt and a horrible self-esteem.

In that same line of reasoning, we all have to watch our pride. When we start deciding that 'we' did something and not God did something, then we need to quickly recognize it and pray for forgiveness.

Wouldn't it be awesome to be humble.... truly.. contentedly humble? It put God first in our lives. Then we would be able to feel secure-- no longer having to prove ourselves to anyone.

We, I, need to pray for that kind of humility. To be proud of our achievements, but not prideFUL of them. To be calm and quiet instead of loud and boastful.

That 131 Psalm really spoke to me. I hope it spoke to you in some way.

God Bless You!
(Encourage someone today :) )
Kelly

(linked with Women living well Wednesday , Word Filled Wednesday , and Women in the Word )

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Day 31: Being Thankful

Psalms 105: 1-2
Give Thanks to the Lord and proclaim His Greatness.
Let the whole World know what He has done.
Sing to Him; yes, sing his praises.
Tell Everyone about his wonderful deeds.

************************

Today, we have homework.

I want you to take a sheet of paper and write down 10 things to think God for.  Then, I want you to pick one--- And tell someone about it today.

For example:  Lets say your #7 was Thank God for the roof over my head.

Sometime thoughout the day, mention that fact to someone you encounter.  Lets say it's the lady at the register at the store. 

Me: "Looks like it might rain today."
Cashier: "Really? I haven't heard."
Me: "Yeah, I sure am thanking God for the roof over my head."
Cashier: "Oh really?  My roof leaks so I'm not a big fan of the rain."
Me: "I guess not. I'm sorry to hear that. I'll be sure to keep you in my prayers."

I doesn't have to be a big sermon, but even a little is more than nothing.

For some people, this will not be easy.  Some haven't said the Lord's name (in a good way) in years.. much less to a stranger.

It's time that we break our (yes OUR habit) of only mentioning God's name at church.  Lets proclaim his greatness!  If the few who read this blog all do this-- maybe there will be a ripple effect.  Maybe others will do the same, and then maybe people who never hear the Lord's name.. who never in their entire day think of Jesus will have their memory's jogged.

How can you tell someone about God?

*You can bring it up in conversation.
*You can use your facebook status
*You can write a blog post
*You can simply say "God bless you" when someone sneezes :) 

Please leave a comment blow sharing how you Thanked God Today.  And how you shared your one 'thank you God' to someone else today. 

On my other blog, I have started "Thankful Tuesday".  I had actually written this post before I even thought of doing it (how cool is that!).  On it, there is a linky tool where you can link your own blog post about your top 10 'Thankfuls' for the week.  I'm hoping that it will be an encouragement to others :) And a way for people to stop and for just 5 minutes, thank God... and be Thankful for what they DO have...

Lets keep encouraging each other.  The world is so negative at times.  Lets smile and add some positives to it :)

God Bless you!  And don't forget about your homework.

Kelly




(also linked to: Encouraging Word Wednesday )

Monday, July 18, 2011

Day 30: Silver and Gold

Proverbs 11:4-- Riches won't help on the day of judgement, but right living can save you from death.

*******************

Ok, the human part of me is feeling really bad.  THREE DAYS of 'Judgement' posts.. on an 'encouragment blog'  I'm sorry... well the human part of me is sorry.

The spiritual part of me... the part that listens to God... says. hey, we need this.  So, I'm sorry, but the God part has to win out.

Lets get on to the verse....

While we live on Earth, money will always be important. You can't get food without it.  You can't get water without it. You can't have much of anything (except air... and I have actually seen a store called the Oxygen Bar.. so I guess you can buy air) without money.

Ah... money.

In most cases, the more money  you have the more power you possess.  I can't think of many Presidents who were elected while working in a grocery store.

On Earth, money creates power.

But in Heaven, it doesn't even exist.

Even if you have every bit of money you have ever had in your entire life buried with you in your nice new casket and matching vault, sealed shut awaiting the Rapture--- It doesn't matter. You won't get it to Heaven with you.

It doesn't matter if you try to Fed Ex it to "Cloud #9, Heaven", it won't get there.

You can't take money with you to Heaven.

And you can't buy your salvation either.  1 Timothy 6:10 says, "The love of money is the root of all evil."

NOT money.  The love of it.  The need, the craving, the desire, the lust, the stop at nothing to attain it love of money is evil.

The craving for more of it is what can hurt our souls.

The trying to keep it all for ourselves so we can be (in a sense) buried with it is what hurts ourselves and others.

It doesn't matter if we have $1 or $1,000,000,000 here on Earth, we have to be concerned about our souls first and foremost.

Only 'right living' can save us from death.

Right living is accepting Jesus as your Savior, praying, loving your neighbor, and trying (not being-- but trying) to live a good life.

Now, of course, it won't save you from physical death. Unless Jesus comes back in our lifetime, we will all die, but 'right living' and our salvation through Jesus saves us from "true death" which is... well, not going to Heaven.

We all have to have money to live.  No doubt about that, but lets not let  it have a tight hold on us.  Lets give to our neighbors.  Lets concern ourselves with both our and others' souls because that's all we'll get to take to the afterlife with us anyway--- that--- and a smile :)

God Bless You!
(Be an Encouragement to someone today :) )

Kelly

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Day 29: Rainbows and Kittens...

James 4:12-- God alone who has given the law is the Judge. He alone has the power to save or to destroy. So what right do you have to judge your neighbor?

**************************

Ok, confession... today's post is NOT about 'Rainbows and Kittens' (As the Title suggests..) However, be honest, if you knew that we were still on not judging,  would you have clicked the link to read today? 

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm....

Sorry for the deception, but this must be important.

Well... lets look back at that verse... James certainly gets right to the point, doesn't he?!

"What right do you have to judge your neighbor?"

And the answer is.....

No right at all.

We have absolutely no right under the sun or heaven above to judge anyone... not based on how they dress... not based on what they wear... and not based on their actions... it's not OUR job to Judge.

We are supposed to fullfill our part of the bargain-- to fullfill God's law which is "Love your neighbor"

Now, go back and read that... that doesn't say, "Love your neighbor---as long as they believe like me---"

It doesn't say, "Love your neighbor-- as long as they dress like me"

No....

Love. Your. Neighbor. Period

(Sorry to yell there.)

We have enough to worry about with our own soul much less judging anyone else's.

In the end, only God gets to have the final say-- be their/our final judge.

"Wow, Kelly, you are being harsh today"

Not at all.

Lets flip this around... it doesn't MATTER what OTHERS think of YOU/US.  They can think we have ugly clothes, not their equal, weird, stupid, whatever-- It doesn't matter.  Because the only opinion that DOES matter is God's opinion.  He is our one and only judge.

As hard as it is (and yeah, I know it's hard) lets do our best not to judge others.  And as hard as it is, lets not let others judging comments get us down.

My soul is mine.  Your soul is yours. Their soul is theirs. 

In the end, our souls are all we are left with (either in Heaven or... well.. not in Heaven).  Lets take care of them.  Pray and ask forgiveness when we make mistakes... when we judge people... when we know we've done wrong.

So what CAN we do when we see others sinning?  We can talk to them (lovingly) about the sin they are committing.  We can show them, through our actions, how we need to live.  And most of all, we can pray.  Prayer changes even the hardest of hearts.  When we can't get through, God can.

God Bless You!
(And encourage someone today :) )

Kelly

Saturday, July 16, 2011

Day 28: When Our Enemy Falls

Proverbs 24: Don't rejoice when your enemies fall; don't be happy when they stumble. For the Lord will be displeased with you and will turn his anger away from them.

********************

"Well.... they deserved it!"

How many times have we said that..... "Well they deserved it."  or thought it.. when our 'enemy' falls?

"Oh no, Kelly. I don't have an enemy. I love everyone."

Ok, well... lets think about that.

Who is your enemy?

It could be someone you really don't like... or someone who has hurt you so badly that you absolutely loathe them.  It could be someone who meerly iritates you... to someone that the only time you think of them is when you wish them dead (harsh?  Yes, but so is God's judgement.)

Examine your life (Yeah, I'm doing the same.. I don't 'loathe' anyone.  But sometimes I get irked).  Who in it are your 'enemies'?  Who would you think "Oh they deserved it." if something bad happened to them?

The Bible says that thinking such a thing is the wrong kind of attitude to have.  We are supposed to love everyone-- even our enemies-- and not wish any type of pain or distress on them.  And not to be glad when they fall on hard times.

That is very hard.  The human part of us wants to be excited that they 'finally get theirs'.

If we think that, we need to recognize it and immediately ask God to forgive us.  We aren't supposed to be happy with anyone's suffering.

Anyone.

Evil or not.

Mean to us or not.

Annoying or not.

Anyone.

Easier said than done sometimes... but with God's help, we can do it! 

If we don't. If we continue letting these thoughts creep into our heads the verse says that "God will turn his anger away from THEM." and let me add... probably onto us.

I don't know about you, but I don't want God's anger turned to me.

God Bless you!!!

Kelly

Friday, July 15, 2011

Day 27: Let the Past Be the Past

Philippians 3:13-- No dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing-- Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead.

*****************

Paul (the writer of Philippians) had a pretty good reason for wanting to forget the past.  When he was Saul, he was instrumental in horrible, horrific things against the Christians/Gentiles.

But Paul knew, as we should, that once God forgives a sin-- He will forget it.  NEVER think on it again.

We have to be the same way with ourselves.  Everyone has a past.  Some seem worse than others.  Pray about YOUR past-- ask for forgiveness--- and then-- forget it.  If someone brings it back up again say, "I was a different person then." And TRULY mean it because it's true!  You WERE a different person then.  Everytime God forgives you, you become new again. 

Focus on what's ahead.  Focus on all of the blessings ahead of us... focus on the blessings going on NOW.  Not the past.  The past is gone... can't change it no matter how hard we try.

Sometimes I think back on some of my mistakes and I cringe.  Not that I've ever done anything 'bad', but there are some things I wish I hadn't of done.  I can see the mistakes I made now.. even when I didn't see them then.  I need to pray and let MY past be in the past.

Can you do the same?

Depression can result from dwelling on the past because its IMPOSSIBLE to go back and change it.  There is no time machine that can take you back to 1998 and undo something. It's not possible.  So dwelling on something that can't be changed is pointless.  Focus on the now.  Focus on your blessings NOW (and you have them... even if you don't realize it).

You may not can change the past, but you CAN forgive it (Others.. AND yourself!) and move on-- looking toward the future with a new, clean, hopeful heart.

God Bless You!

Kelly

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Day 26: The Ostrich in the Sand

Jonah 1:3-- But Jonah got up and went in the opposite direction to get away from the Lord.  He went down to the port of Joppa, where he found a ship leaving for Tarshish. He bought a ticket and went on board, hoping to escape the Lord by sailing to Tarshish.

*******************

Jonah exemplifies the proverbial "Ostrich putting his head in the sand"... Only except just his head going in-- he tried to dig all the way to China-- or Tarshish in this case.

He thought he could run from God.  What he DIDN'T take into consideration is that God is everywhere!  You can cover your head, close your eyes, stick your fingers in your ears, and go "Lalalalalalalalalalalalala"... but guess what?  God is still there (Probably shaking his head at you and smirking a little).

When you are lonely-- God always being there is an amazing comfort, but when God is telling us to do something--- and we stamp our foot and don't want to do it-- well it can be an overwhelming thought... he's ALWAYS with us!

In Jonah's case, God wanted him to go to Ninereh-- a very powerful-- very wicked city.  Jonah had grown up hating the people living there and truly didn't want them to repent.  They were Gentiles after all! (GASP!)

He wanted them to suffer God's punishment. How fitting that it was Jonah who got punished himself? Hatred can have that result. (not that we should be happy about it or think 'Yeah, he got his')

We all know how the story goes.

Jonah ran.

Storm came up.

Jonah threw overboard.

Jonah ate by a big fish (ewwwwww)

Can you imagine his face?  There, sitting in that dark fish, knowing that God put him there?  It probably  looked like the face we would make. You know that look-- first a grimace.  Followed by a scowl.  Then a deep heavy, heavy sigh.  Possibly followed by an eye roll.. a 'throwing the hands up in the air'.  Then plopping yourself down... moping a minute... followed by the headshake and semi- "You got me good, God!" smile,  then finally a smile accepting what God wants from you.

I'm sure Jonah had all of those expressions... and probably a few not so pleasant words (I mean, the man was inside a fish!)

We all know how the story ended.  Jonah, after being figuratively spanked and literally thrown up on the beach,  made his way to Ninevah where they eagerly accepted his message and repented.

We can't run from God. He has a purpose for everything he asks us to do--- even if he has to throw us in a big fish belly to get us to do it first.

God Bless You!

Kelly

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Day 25: You are an Encouragement!

1 Thessalonians 5:9-11-- For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us.  Christ died for us so that whether we are dead or alive when He returns, we can live with him forever.
So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.

******************

This entire blog is built on encouragement. I mean, its even in the title (the really, really, really long title!)

We, as Christians, have a responsibility to encourage each other.  Now, you don't have to be a preacher or a song leader or a teacher to encourage others. Your pressence... Your Pressence... encourages.

A preacher can't preach to an empty  house.

A song leader can't lead a choir if there are no members.

A Sunday School teacher can't teach a class without participants.

Everytime you enter a church (or enter a blog) you are an encouragement.

Doesn't that make you feel good?!?

YOU, just be being you, encourage!

Encouragement comes in many forms.  What ways are you encouraging others (and trust me, you are, even if you don't realize it)?  Lets be an encouragement to each other. Lets lift each other up! :)

God Bless You!!!

Kelly

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Day 24: A Thankful Heart

Colossians 4:2-- Devote yourself to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.

***************************

Anytime we pray, it is a good thing.  There is no 'bad' prayer.  God likes it when we take time from our day to speak to Him.

When do we pray?

Sometimes we pray in the car, in the shower, at the hospital, at school, whenever we see a friend request it on facebook, before we go to bed-- when we wake up.  The point being, we all pray at different times throughout the day.

How do we pray?

When we pray, we need to have a thankful heart.... even if we don't feel thankful at first. I know that a lot of times, what we pray for isn't positive (for example a sick relative or a hurting marriage), and we may not feel like' thanking' anyone.

It's times like that, though, when we DO need to focus on what we DO have.  You could start you prayer by saying, "Thank you, God, for allowing me to take up this morning." (because quite frankly He didn't have too. It's by His grace alone that we do.).  Or "Thank you for the doctors helping my sick father."

God is blessing us right and left and sometimes we don't even see it.  When we pray, we need to make sure to take a few moments to reflect and thank Him for it.

Be devoted to prayers.  If you pray for something, and it hasn't came in 'your' time, keep at it. Keep a prayer journal.  Write down your prayers: your desires, your burdens, your fears, people who need uplifting.  When the prayer is answered, write the date and a big ole 'Thank you, Jesus!".  It might take years for an answered prayer, or it might not be answered in a way we quite want/expect.  But the Bible says to be devoted to prayers.  Even when we want to give up.

And I know how easy it is to want to give up. 

Pray with an alert mind. Know what are you saying.  Don't just repeat the same prayer over and over.  While it's good that you are praying, you need to know what you are praying for.  Understand the words you are saying...

God loves us to talk to Him!  Devote yourself to your prayers (even when you don't want to, or even when you don't know how to start off).  It really does make a difference.

God Bless You!

Kelly

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Day 23: Just The Way You Are

Psalms 139:13-14-- You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb.  Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!  Your workmanship is marvelous- how well I know it.

**************

You know the worst part of magazines?

Looking at all of the beautiful (and handsome) people.

And they are beautiful.

They are just as beautiful to God as you are!

But we forget that sometimes.  We look in the mirror and see every single imperfection we have-- and maybe some we don't have and are just in our minds (What?! My left eye is a smiggin bigger than my right!? How ugly is that?!?!)

We forget that God made us just the way he wanted us. He didn't give you Uncle Edward's nose to punish you.  Everything God creates is beautiful to him.  Why would he think one nose is better than another?

God was with us from the beginning.  From our conception to the very first flicker of our heart to now and beyond.  He knew what we'd look like.  He knew if we'd have a disability.  He knew us and wove us "wonderfully complex".  His "workmanship is marvelous".  YOU are MARVELOUS! 

God made us and loves us--- just the way we are.

Thank the Lord for making us all different. How borning and monotonous would it be if we all looked the same-- even if all of us ladies looked like Angelina Joli?

God Bless You

Kelly

Day 22: Give Your Burdens To The Lord

Psalms 55:22-- Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall

***************
Have you ever wanted someone to take care of you?

I do... and I have.

Sometimes if I feel really bad-- don't really want to face the day-- feeling a bit down-- or sick (face it, Mama's don't get sick days)-- I want someone to take care of me.  My husband and I have had many conversations about it. 

It's easy, sometimes, to forget that the Lord is always there--- taking care of us-- even if we don't realize it.  He never leaves us... no matter what.  In Joshua ch. 7, the Lord was very angry at the Israelites. He wasn't going to go with them in battle any  more... BUT he was still with them.  He talked to them.  He was THERE.  He NEVER LEFT them.  He NEVER LEAVES us.

You can sometimes be seen as a 'silent partner' in life.  Always involved-- always around--but not always noticed... most of the time easy to miss and/or forget about completely.

That is.... as long as the business is going well...

When things are going bad, people tend to blame the 'silent partner'.  Diane Sawyer never comes on ABC News every night saying, "God blessed us with the sun rising again today.  Praise his name."  No.  But if there is a tornado, flood, natural disaster... THEN it's an "Act of God"  and the News will report the heck out of it.

Most people don't praise or even think of God in good times.  When their lives are great... things are hunky dorry... life is awesome... they never give God a second thought.

BUT, when something bad happens, when someone dies, when a disaster hits THEN people think about God.  Some pray to him to heal. Some curse him for 'making it happen'.  Some say, "How could God do this?", but they don't question, "How could God give us such a pretty sunrise?" 

If nothing bad ever happened, would we forget God completely?

A Christian's life is not perfect.  We have our highs and lows, our sorrows and our joys, our hapiness and our disappointments, our slips and our falls.  But through it all, God is with us.  Remember in Joshua 7, He was angry at Israel and not going to battle with them... but he was there.  He will take care of your burdens, and he will take care of us.

I remember when my Daddy died 8 years ago, it was hard.  One of the things I remember thinking was, "Now who is going to take care of me?"  I had my Mama, but I always thought of Daddy as the 'protector'.  When he was gone, I just wanted someone to take care of me... Little did I know that I already did.

God Bless You

Kelly

Saturday, July 9, 2011

Day 21: Finding Time For God

Romans 11-12-- Don't burn out; Keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant.  Don't quit in hard times; pray all the harder.

**************

How do we keep ourselves, our body, 'fueled and aflame'?  Well..
*We eat food.
*We drink water.
*We sleep.
Those are all things we must do to fuel our physical body. If we don't do them, our physical body slowly gets weaker and weaker.

For our spiritual body we..
*Read the Bible
*Fellowship
*Pray
If we don't do them, our spiritual body slowly gets weaker and weaker.

So how do we balance 'It all'?

Life can get hectic at times..... Ok, lets face it.. Life is hectic MOST of the time.

Between kids, work, home, chores, responsibilities--it gets overwhelming at times (and I'm including Stay at Home Moms there... don't think that I don't think you work.  You totally do!)

So, where does God fit in with diaper changes, carpools, and cleaning lists?

The truth is that sometimes we are so busy that we forget to spend time with Him.  We are so tired, stressed, running on all cylinders, etc... that God gets put on the back burner.

I don't think we mean to do it. It just happens. Our schedule is full of softball practices, dance classes, regular cleaning, etc that we just don't think about penciling God in. 

Softball, dance, whatever we HAVE To do are tangible things.  We know we have to do them so they are probably written down somewhere on a list--- or if  you are like me they are written down on 3 lists because it takes that many for me to remember it.  But most people don't pencil God into their day.

Our spiritual body needs just as much nurishment as our physical one does.  You wouldn't not eat, sleep, or drink water for one day (hopefully... and if you did, you'd feel pretty drained).  In the same vein, don't deprive your spirit of things IT needs every day.  Reading the Bible, Fellowship, and Prayer.  It does the same thing to your spirit as depriving your physicial body does. It makes you weaker.

I've started writing Read Bible and Pray on my daily chore charts in my Homemaking journal.  Not that's its exactly a 'chore', but just so I won't forget to spend time with God that day.

My usual time when I'm working is in the morning before I roll out of bed (hopefully before the baby wakes up).  I have my Bible next to the bed, and I'll either go chapter to chapter or just open and read.  You can do it either way... you get something out of either.

I have index cards next to the bed as well where I write down a verse I want to remember.  It may only take 15 minutes, but you will see a big difference in how your day goes when you start off with Him.

It is a hectic world.  Finding time to breathe sometimes seems nearly impossible.  However, it is important that we find something that we can do to spend time with God.  Maybe play Gospel music in the car on the way to work instead of whatever you usually listen to.  Maybe reading the Bible to your kids at night before bed. Maybe writing a daily verse down on some paper and putting it in your pocket.  That way, everytime you put your hand in, you are reminded of God's word.  Maybe even take it out throughout the day and read it.

Lets be creative and find ways to spend more time with God.  We wouldn't deprive our physical body... lets not neglect our spiritual one.

God Bless You!

Kelly

Friday, July 8, 2011

Day 20: Think Before You Speak

Proverbs 29:30-- There is no more hope for a fool than for someone who speaks without thinking.

**************

Ye Ole Think Before You Speak.....

If we aren't careful, our tongues can run away from us.  The old Two Edged Sword.  We can say things we never meant to say.  Tell secrets we never meant to tell.  Say harsh words that we never meant to say.  We have to be very careful of what we say because once it's out there, we can't take it back. 

We can ask for forgiveness, and the person may/may not grant it.  We can ask God to forgive us, and if we are saved, he will... never to think on it again. 

But we are humans, we aren't God.  We can forgive... and we can try to forget, but really, sometimes when we aren't thinking about it, it pops right in there.  And sometimes the hate, the pain, the anger, the sadness comes back along with it.

I don't really believe the old saying, "Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words can never hurt me." because words can hurt worse than sticks and stones ever thought of.  Physcical bruises fade.  Emotional/mental ones can endure years... maybe as long as we are on this earth.

If someone has said something against you and has said they are sorry (and mean it), forgive them.  Try to forget it.  Don't bring it up again even if you can't forget the exact words.  We know how much we wish we could take words back... imagine if someone threw it in our face every bad thing we said (some of you might know how that feels).

We have to watch our tongue.  Watch what we say.  I think I read somewhere that you  need to wait 3-5 seconds to carefully consider what you are going to say... which is hard and might confuse people, but you know what?  A confused person is much better than someone who is mad at you for not thinking before you speak.

Lets all (myself included) try to work on this more today :)

God Bless you!

Kelly

(linked to Brag on God Friday )

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Day 19: Helpful Critcism

Proverbs 28:23-- In the end, people appreciate honest criticism far more than flattery.

*************************

Ok, I LOVE that part "IN THE END" lol  Meaning you probably won't like it going through it... but IN THE END, you will find it helpful. 

Criticism should be given in a loving manner. It should be given using nice words, with the best of intentions, and with the tools for improvement. It should be used as a tool to grow and not used to destroy (as so many reality TV shows seem to think)

If someone criticizes you harshly, take a step back.  Think about their words (not their tone).  Think about if their words have truth in them.  And then, as always, PRAY about it.  A negative criticism will damper any spirit.  We need to focus on getting ourselves up and making changes for the better. 

Also if you are the one giving the critique, make sure you give an honest and loving one with good things they did (if possible... Hey maybe they wore a  nice shirt???).  But in the end, nicely tell them what they need to work on and THEN give them ways to work on it.

Make sure to encourage-- not discourage.

No one likes thinking they did something wrong (Ring Leader here!), but "IN THE END" an honest friend- an honest answer- is worth much more than someone who is just a "Yes, Man."

God Bless You!

Kelly

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Day 18: The Golden Rule

Matthew 7:12-- Do unto others whatever you would like them to do unto you.  This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.

*******************

The Golden Rule
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

Treat others how you want to be treated.

Reap what you sow.

However you want to state it:  It means the same thing.  If you want people to be nice to you, be nice to them.

Now--- we all know that not EVERYONE treats us well even if we are kind to them. That's life.  So does that mean we can replay them in kind?  After all, Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.  If someone treats you badly, shouldn't you be able to treat THEM badly???

Um----no.

Sometimes it would be nice to treat them unkindly if they have been that way to us.  But we know that it's the right thing to do.  A sinner could see how we are acting (not knowing our story/our WHY) and it would destroy our testimony. ("You're a Christian???  Foot, I act better than that?  Why would *I* want to be one of those if you are acting worse than I do?") 

Oh, as much as we don't like to admit it, people notice how we act... especially if we claim to be a Christian.  A Christian posting dirty jokes/videos on facebook is probably hurting his/her testimony.  People watch..... People are human... and people talk.  We definitely need to check ourselves.  We won't be perfect... not by a LONG shot!  But we do need to be careful what we watch, do, and say.

Kinda got off subject there a bit, but it was for an important reason that I believe God wanted us to think about.

No matter what-- we need to treat others kindly, gently, lovingly, respectfully, and calmly.  Even if they don't repay us in kind. In the end, it's OUR soul we have to focus on.  We can't control others, but we can control our own actions.

Today, think about how you'd like to be treated-- and how you treat others (even those who aren't the best to you).  Are they the same?  Are there things you'd like to change?  Are you following the Golden Rule?

God Bless You!

Kelly

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Day 17: God will provide...

Matthew6:25-27--I tell you not to worry about everyday life--whether you have enough food or enough drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn't life more than food, and  your body  more than clothing?  Look at the birds.  They don't plant or harvest or store food in barns for your Heavenly Father feeds them.  And aren't you more valuable to him than they are?  Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?

******************

Worry is probably about as useless and harmful to us as anger.  Worry stresses us and hurts our body just like being angry does.  But it's also another pretty common thing we do.

I'm guilty of this.  When I read this scripture, I had the urge to raise both hands and say, "YES! That's me!!!!"  Not that I'm proud of it, but because of the HOPE Jesus gives us in that scripture. 

Can you imagine?  Can you picture it? 

I couldn't until I read that....

God loves the birds.  He made them so of course he loves them.  He takes care of them. He provides stick and twigs for a nest.  He provides worms for their food and to feed their little babies. At our house, God provided a rather ugly bush that I wanted cut down that is taking over the front porch.  It is now the home to 3 cute little birds who live right at eye level.  My girls love watching them growing each day.  God took the time to provide everything that Mama bird needed...

So WHY should I worry that he won't take care of me?

I'll tell you why... because (unlike the bird)... I want God to take care of me the way *I* want him too.  I want a certain job... a certain answer to a prayer... a certain lifestyle.  I don't think the bird cares if the worm she's getting for her baby is generic or name brand. 

God provides for the birds... he WILL provide for us.  We have to believe that.  Because sitting and worrying about something never did anybody (including me) any good.  We need to take what he gives us... and be grateful for it.  Just like those baby birds are.

God loves you!  Give your worries to him :)

God Bless You!

Kelly

Monday, July 4, 2011

Day 16: No Law Against Good Things

Galatians 5: 22-23-- But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfullness, gentleness, and self control.  There is no law against these things.

*************
First, I wanted to talk about my oldest daughter. She's 5 and loves talking about God and Jesus.  The Holy Spirit, however, scares her.  "You mean you have a Ghost living inside you!?!"

That ended up being a long, hard, and awkard conversation lol, but I think she finally got it.  She was alright after that, but before then, she thought it was the weirdest thing ever.

I guess it does sound that way, but the Holy Spirit is as important as God and Jesus in our lives.  He lives in our heart and  helps us in our daily lives.

I just love what this verse says.  There is no law against being good.  What a novel concept!

But its still something we have to work on.  For most of us, being "good" doesn't come naturally.  Now, some people you see-- you wonder if they've ever even known what a sin is-- but those people are few and far between.  Most of us have to work on it.  That's why we have the Holy Spirit helping us.. guiding us.

Patience doesn't come easily for me. I think I leave it in the bed sometimes.  It's something I have to pray about daily because my girls deserve a patient Mama (and my husband a patient wife). 

Which of the Holy Spirit fruits do you need help with in your life?  Pray about it and ask God to help you.  A willing heart is all He needs.

God Bless You!

Kelly

Sunday, July 3, 2011

Day 15: Harvest what you plant

Galatians 6:7-- Don't be misled-- you cannot mock the justice of God.  You will harvest what you plant.

************************

We've all heard the expression "You reap what you sow."

I've always thought of it in a negative way.  If I sow anger, I get anger.  If I sow hatred, I reap hatred.  You wouldn't plant a watermelon and get a tomato (unless you were a really bad farmer).  So if you sow (or plant) a bad attitude, then that's what you will get in return.

However,

We can flip that... (HALLELUJAH!)

What if we sowed something POSITIVE?  Of course, we get something positive back :)

A smile reaps a smile.

A joyous heart reaps a joyous heart.

Happiness reaps happiness.

Enthusiasm reaps enthusiam.

Amens reap amens (ever been to a church when someone finally says Amen?... it gets contagious!)

The world has enough negatives.  Between the TV, the Internet, Daily unhappy people you meet at the store, it can be a pretty negative place.  Lets sow some positive seeds and watch them grow. 

God Bless You!

Kelly

Saturday, July 2, 2011

Day 14: Don't be Selfish

Philippians 2:3-- Don't be selfish; don't try to impress others.  Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.

********************

At first, that verse sounds intimidating-- depressing even.  Not really 'encouraging' in our 365 days of biblical Encouragement.  But lets look deeper...

We all know that it is important to not be selfish.  That you should think of others first--- BUT this does NOT include your health.  When that is concerned, you need to be as 'selfish' as you need to be.  (I've dealt with that some this summer..... and I really needed to know that.  Did you?)

What this verse means is if you DON'T put others first (in non-health related issues), it will hurt them.  Examples of this is:
*Not paying a tip (you selfishly kept your money)
*Not helping your elderly neighbor mow their yard (your time was more important)
*Refusing to take someone somewhere 'because you didn't feel like it (and it wasn't a major illness). 

All of those things hurts others and therefore God.  It also hurts our testimony if people see us as selfish.

Also, we aren't supposed to try to impress others.  When my oldest girl started Kindergarten, I felt bad about not having fancy/expensive clothes for her to wear.  I wanted to impress, and I was scared that she'd be teased because her "Mama" couldn't afford better clothes for her.

It was all in my mind.  Probably the Devil playing with me.  No one teased her, and she looked cute-- and confident (in fact, I've had several teachers come up to me and tell me how confident that little girl is!)

"Keeping up with the Jones" only hurts yourself in the long run.  "The Jones'" are probably so into themselves that they don't even notice-- or care-- that we are trying to be like them if we want to be frank.  Don't try to impress anyone.  God likes you just the way you are :)

Be humble-- think of others first. 

Now that doesn't meant to neglect yourself completely.  You should try to look your best, but not to the point of conceit or being overly prideful.  It's NOT selfish to take care of yourself.  You can't take care of anyone if you don't take care of yourself.  But we shouldn't take SO MUCH care in ourselves that it hurts others (ie spending all of our money on OUR clothes, thinking more of our money than giving tips, taking so much time to get ready in the morning to "look our best" that we make others wait for us.. therefore making it clear that OUR time is more important).  There is a fine line there that we all need to pray about finding. 

Challenge yourself to do something for others.  Give extra tip money.  Give to Goodwill.  Pay for the meal of the car behind you at McDonalds (I did that once..... the look on his face was worth the extra $5.00). Help a neighbor.  Pray for others.  A small gesture can go a long, long way.

Doing so will make you feel so much better on the inside-- and nothing is more beautiful than that! :)

God Bless You!

Kelly

Friday, July 1, 2011

Day 13: Worry Less By Praying More

Philippians 4:6:  Don't worry about anything; instead pray about everything.  Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done.

*****************

Whoa there, Kelly!!  Back that horse up.... Didn't we do this yesterday???

Yes, yes we did.  It appears we are going to do a mini study on this certain verse in Philippians.  God wouldn't let me leave it alone. It needed another day to be studied further. 

Yesterday, we talked about Thanking God for answering prayers.  Today, we are going to talk about worry.

Oh.My.Word. I'm going to admit it (might as well). I'm horrible at this... worry is one thing I'm pretty good at. 

I used to think worry was my middle name.  I honestly used to think that if I didn't 'worry' about something that it meant I didn't care.  Twisted thinking?  Yes!

Now that I have started studying the Bible, I KNOW to give my worries over to God.  I'm actually much better at it than I used to be. 

The notes in my Bible said, "If you want to worry less, pray more."  Wow, that's a novel idea!  And I truly  mean that.  That's great advice.  Matthew 6:27 says, "Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?"

That is so true.

Why do I worry?  Well, I worry because I want to control things... control the outcome, but I can't.  No one can, but God.  When I feel worry coming on, I need to pray and give it to God.  Worry will not do me any good.

Why do you worry?

In all honesty, worry probably shortens our life more than lengthens it because of stress related medical problems it can cause.

That doesn't mean that we shouldn't use common sense. Not worrying that a car will hit you and not looking both ways before crossing the street is foolish. But for everything else, give it to God.  He doesn't want you... me...US... to worry.

This is hard for me too-- But how awesome is it that we don't HAVE to worry!  That we can give things to God to take care of.  That is our Job.  To pray for things.... not to worry about them.

Lets all remember: Worry LESS by praying MORE!

God Bless you!!!!

Kelly

Linked with: Brag on God Friday