“I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.”
Philippians 3:14
Monthly Archives: July 2012
To the Finish!
“…The race is not to the swift
nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding,.. but time and chance happeneth to them all.”
Ecclesiastes 9:11
Psalm 138
“I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee.
I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.
In the day when I cried thou answered me, and strengthened me with strength in my soul.
All the kings of the earth shall praise thee, O LORD, when they hear the words of thy mouth.
Yea, they shall sing in the ways of the LORD: for great is the glory of the LORD.
Though the LORD be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off.
Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.
The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.”
Psalm 138
Peter’s at the Door!
How surprised we are when we see that God has answered our prayers!
“Peter …was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.
And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the guards before the door kept the prison.
And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he struck Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.
And the angel said unto him, Gird yourself, and bind on your sandals. And so he did. And he said unto him, Cast your garment about you, and follow me.
And he went out, and followed him; and knew not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision.
When they were past the first and the second guard, they came unto the iron gate that leads unto the city; which opened to them of its own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and immediately the angel departed from him.
And when Peter had come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord has sent his angel, and has delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.
And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.
And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a maid came to answer, named Rhoda.
And when she knew Peter’s voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate.
And they said unto her, You are mad. But she continued to affirm that it was so. Then they said, It is his angel.
But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished.” Acts 12:5-16
You see, although they had been praying and hoping for Peter’s release, they were still completely surprised to find that God had actually answered their prayers. They even said that the girl had gone crazy, because they couldn’t believe that Peter was actually at the door, and then they said that it must be his angel! (Did they think that he had died or something?) All of this, after such intense prayer and intercession had been offered up by them on Peter’s behalf!
Food for thought!
Out With The Old
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
II Corinthians 5:17
The Lighthouse
There’s a lighthouse on the hillside
That overlooks the sea
When I’m tossed it sends out a light
That I might clearly see
And the light that shines in darkness now
Will safely lead me o’er
If it wasn’t for the lighthouse
My ship would be no more
And I thank God for the lighthouse
I owe my life to Him
Jesus is the Lighthouse
And from the rocks of sin
He has shown a light around me
That I might clearly see
If it wasn’t for “The Lighthouse”
Tell me where would this ship be?
The Hinsons
The Hat Rack
Many years ago, one Sunday morning, we were visiting a new church for the first time, when an elderly lady came up to us and invited us to her house for dinner, following the service. We gladly accepted her invitation, and followed her home. As we sat in her living room, we shared in a very pleasant conversation, getting to know a little more about each other.. She was a long-standing member at her church and was well-loved by her church family. Although it was very apparent that she was elderly, her speech and expressions were vibrant, and she was very happy to talk about how much she loved the Lord, and how much He had done for her, as she enthusiastically shared some of her many testimonies. I talked a little about my own faith experience, and I mentioned how our two children, very small at the time, were miracle babies, and that I was believing God for another one.
She looked at me, with a smile in her eyes, and said, “You see that hat rack over there on the wall?” I answered, “Yes.” she said, “Whenever the Lord does something for me, I imagine that I’m hanging a hat on a hat rack…and everytime he answers I just keep adding a new hat. And the next time I find myself frustrated about something that I’m praying for, I just take a look at that hat rack, and I see all those hats hanging there, and I’m reminded of all the prayers that God has answered, some that I may have even forgotten, and I am encouraged that he did it before and he’ll do it again.” I really appreciated this example and made an effort to apply it in my own life.
Now, when I think back on this example, it reminds me of what young David said to King Saul, when he volunteered to fight Goliath…
“David said… The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine…” I Samuel 17:37
The lion and the bear were hanging on David’s hat rack!!! He just took a look back, and was fully persuaded, that God would do it again. :)
Has it been a while since you took a look at your own hat rack? Surely God has blessed you and answered your prayers in the past… Just take a look back, and like David be fully persuaded that God will do it again.
Two’s Company
“Two are better than one.”
Ecclesiastes 4:9
You Are Invited
“…Pray one for another, that you may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”
James 5:16
This post is an invitation for prayer requests. You are invited to do any or all of the following 3 things:
1. Post your prayer request under “Leave a comment”
2. Post a word of encouragement for someone
3. Pray for those who have posted a request
My prayer for you is that God will bless you, comfort you, and give you peace. – Amen
God is Faithful
Throwback Thursday- Two Rivers
Once, when speaking at a Women’s Conference, I began by sharing that I had “cried a River of Tears”.
I knew that there were women present who could relate, because they too had experienced the pain and disappointments that lead to crying lots of tears. I knew, because I had been there…
Sometimes people, in an effort to be comforting, may say,” I know how you feel”… but it’s much more of a comfort when you know that someone has actually experienced circumstances similar to your own. As women, we feel things so deeply, and “crying a river of tears” was the best way that I could describe the heartfelt sadness that accompanied me through this difficult time in my life. I knew that I was not the only one to feel this way.
Many mornings,when I was having problems with my health, and praying for a…
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Think
“…Whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
Philippians 4:8
Very Inspiring Blogger Award!
Thank you Julianna, http://simplyjuliana.wordpress.com/ and also to Spilled Cookies http://www.spilledcookies.com, for nominating me for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award! It is an honor and a blessing for this blog to be considered an inspiration, and I would like to say that I too am inspired by the comments, and responses that I have received. As the scripture says, “Iron sharpens iron” and that’s exactly how I feel about this blogging experience, as we walk through this life together, relying on God’s word,encouraging, uplifting, and inspiring one another.
Award Guidelines:
1) Display the award logo on your blog.
2) Link back to the person who nominated you.
3) State 7 things about yourself.
4) Nominate 15 other bloggers for this award and link to them.
5) Notify those bloggers of the nomination and the award’s requirements.
Seven things that are refreshing and inspiring for me:
My family, music, gardening, blogging, nice restaurants, vacation, and cooking
My “Very Inspiring Blog Award” nominees- I hope that you take the time to pay a visit, I’m sure that you’ll find them to be very inspiring! :)
Let Life In http://letlifeinpractices.com/
Living Lightly Upon This Earth http://pczick.wordpress.com/
Gracie’s Quest http://lifesearchforchrist.wordpress.com
Daily Bread Devotions /http://rabattyedaily.wordpress.com/
Shillingz N’ Pence http://iamdalea.wordpress.com/
Jump For Joy! http://jumpforjoyphotoproject.wordpress.com/
It’s a God Thing…http://godthang.wordpress.com/
Finding Hope and Peace In an Uncertain World http://learning2bestill.com/
JP Daily http://jpdaily.wordpress.com/
Reflections in the Word http://reflectionsintheword.org/
Mom Told Me To Write A Book http://momtoldmetowriteabook.wordpress.com/
Charis; Subject to Change http://charispsallo.wordpress.com/
I Was Thinking The Other Day About…http://iwasthinking.me/
Growing in Jesus http://jenniferbuczynski.wordpress.com/
Appetite for Life http://appetiteforlifeblog.wordpress.com/
Special Thanks– As I said before, I’m inspired by each of you who read, “like”, or follow this blog. Thank you and God Bless! -Faith :)
Beautiful
“He hath made every thing beautiful in His time.” Ecclesiastes 3:11
Pray, Believe, Receive
“And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, you shall receive.”
Matthew 21:22
A New Day
If life seems at its lowest ebb, because a day’s gone wrong,
Let not your heart be troubled, for a new day soon will dawn.
And we can never be quite sure, just what it has in store,
Since each one is so different, than the one just gone before.
As it penetrates the darkness, with its soft and tranquil beams,
It calms even the most restless soul, and brings new hopes and dreams.
So when a day’s been troubled, and the night is dark and long,
Lift up your fallen spirits, for a new day soon will dawn.
-Anonymous
Strong Tower
“The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run in and they are safe.”
Proverbs 18:10
Bless Me Indeed
“…Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying,
Oh that Thou would bless me indeed,
and enlarge my borders,
and that Your hand might be with me,
and that You would keep me from evil,
that it may not grieve me!
And God granted him that which he requested.”
I Chronicles 4:10
Comfort🕊
“Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.”
II Corinthians 1:3-4
Sweet Security
“…They that know Thy name will put their trust in Thee:”
“For Thou hast not forsaken them that seek Thee”
Psalm 9:10
Hang In There
“By perseverance the snail reached the ark.”
Charles Spurgeon
Catching Up is Hard To Do!
I am so blessed to have been nominated for these beautiful awards during my long absence! Thank you. It was a great “Welcome Back” surprise! You’ve made me very happy, and it’s so -ooooo good to be back. :)
Basically, these awards require that you acknowledge the person who nominated you, with a link to their blog, tell a few things about yourself, and pass the award on to 5,7, or 10 other bloggers as nominees, posting a link to their site.
I’m going to list the awards, and the lovely people who nominated me, tell a little about myself, and then nominate a few great blogs of the many blogs that I enjoy. Here we go!
A Little About Me:
I enjoy musicals, and some of my favorites are: My Fair Lady, The Sound of Music, and Fiddler on the Roof. :)
I consider it a great honor to have been nominated for each of these awards, and I sincerely appreciate all of the kind words and comments given by the very special people who nominated me.
Thank you P.C. Zick, pczick.worfdpress.com for nominating me for the “Sunshine Award”
My nominee for this award is: giselemorgan.wordpress.com, Beautiful photography, that just feels like “Sunshine!”
Thank you Lynn, lynnlovesediting.wordpress.com for nominating me for the “Beautiful Blogger Award”
My nominee for this award is: learning2bestill.com, beautifully encouraging, and uplifting blog, focusing on God’s Word
Thank you forhisgloryandpraise.wordpress.com for nominating me for the “Reader Appreciation Award”
My nominee for this award is: francineinretirement.wordpress.com, I enjoy and appreciate reading her blog, and I’m sure you will too!
Thank you April, lettersfromlilies.wordpress.com and Martha, inlovewiththelord.wordpress.com for nominating me for the “One Lovely Blog Award”
My nominee for this award is: grandmothermusings.com, a wonderfully warm blog with lovely photos!
Whew!! And last but not least…
A Special Thank you to those who read, “like”, or follow this blog! You’ve helped to make all of this possible. You’re the best!
Dry and Thirsty
” O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee,
my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is…
Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.
Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name.”
Psalm 63:1-4
His Way Is Perfect
“As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: He is a buckler to all those that trust in him.
For who is God save the LORD? or who is a rock save our God?
It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.
He maketh my feet like hinds’ feet, and setteth me upon my high places.
He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms.
Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up,
… thy gentleness hath made me great.”
Psalm 18:30-35
Another “Lovely” Award!
Thank you Pastor Chris, pastorchrisjordan.wordpress.com, for nominating me for the “One Lovely Blog Award” It’s a very special honor, and I am humbled. :)
Here are the rules for this award:
- Link back to the blogger who nominated you.
- Paste the award image on your blog.
- Tell 7 facts about yourself.
- Nominate 15 other blogs that you would like to give the award to.
- Contact the bloggers that you have chosen and let them know about the award.
Since I have been blessed to have received this award a few times now, and I’m trying really hard to catch up after a long absence, I’m going to have to keep my response short, sweet, and simple.
“Couple Facts About Me”
I love gardening and roses. Pink roses are my favorite!
“Two Very Lovely Blogs”
A Special Thank You
To everyone who reads, “likes”, or follows this blog.
It’s “Lovely” blogging with you! :)
Mrs. Sparkly’s Ten Commandments Award
Many smiles and heartfelt thanks, to Francine, francineinretirement.wordpress.com, for nominating me for this award!
It’s truly unique and has a very interesting name! I’m happy to have been chosen to receive it.
Rules
The rules for this award are that you must answer the following ten questions and nominate ten blogs that you think deserve the award. Due to my very busy schedule these days, I will be nominating only one. :)
1. Describe yourself in seven words.
Christian, Wife, Mom, Daughter, Sister, Friend, Smiles!!!
2. What keeps you up at night?
Playing “Words With Friends”
3. Whom would you like to be
Love being me.
4. What are you wearing now
Jean capris and a red T- shirt
5. What scares you
Not scared.
6. What are the best and worst things about blogging
Best Thing /Writing, sharing, making friends!
Worst Thing/ Falling behind and catching up!
7. What was the last website you looked at
My dog groomers
8. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be
Stop and smell the roses more often
9. Slankets, yes or no
What’s that?
10. Tell us something about the person who nominated you
Francine is a retired, Christian, Mom and Grandma, who shares life beautifully through great photography.
My “Mrs. Sparkly Ten Commandments Award” Nominee:
Jesus My Joy, jesusmyjoy.wordpress.com
Special Thanks to those of you who read, “like”, or follow my blog! You’re all very special, and you make me feel really “Sparkly” !!!!
Consider the Lilies
“Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith? And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”
Luke 12 and Matthew 6
Faithrises 