Doing a little decorating..although my heart just isn't in it, I do it for the kids I guess. Going to focus more on the reason this year...Finding Joy and seeking Goodness in the Glory of the only gift with meaning...My wish for each of you is to enjoy the season as it should be...

I Believe everything happens for a reason! People Change so you can learn to let go, things go wrong so that you can appreciate them when they're right. You believe lies so that you will eventually learn to trust no one but yourself, and sometimes, good things fall apart so better things can fall together.

Just be...

But I don't give to get a blessing. I give to be a blessing...

Give freely and spontaneously. Don't have a stingy heart. The way you handle matters like this triggers God's blessing in everything you do, in all your work and ventures."

The testing of your faith produces endurance.
-James 1:3

(Repost)
I have learned much through studying God's word and meditating on God's promises. But I also learn by the way I see God working through the experiences of my life. For instance, after a long series of tests and illnesses, I learned that our walk with Jesus Christ goes through valleys of loneliness and suffering, shadows and light, that lead us to green pastures where our God feeds us.

When I have felt abandoned, God's word has said to me: "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness" (2 Cor. 12:9)After reading that, I felt new strength. At dawn one day, when deep pain in my leg was keeping me awake, I felt Jesus' consolation and peace. After that, I was able to fall asleep.

Through trust in God's promises, which are reinforced by my own experiences, I have learned to wait patiently for God's answers to my concerns. Even when the storm surrounds me and my ship looks like it is about to sink, I can be patient because I know that Christ's light will lead me safely to a peaceful harbor.
(Jesús Quintanilla Osorio)
Read Romans 5: 1-5

Little is much if God is in it.

(evening sun in Cades Cove)

Dear God, thank you for letting us feel your protection and the light of your love in the midst of our struggles. Amen.
(from the upper room)

The wintry portions of my life are those which often give birth to a deeper understanding of who you created me to be, O God...

If you listen...

If you listen...You won't get lost...

Stand at the crossroads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way lies; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls.

I wonder how often I ask God for direction but don't stop and listen. Am I just speeding on in life or rushing through the day with just a cursory glance heavenward? I need to study God's word, the Bible, more closely and to take the time to listen receptively to God.

Thank you, heavenly Father, that you always have your eye upon us, always desire to lead us, always want to make your ways known to us. As Jesus taught us, we pray, "Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil." Amen.

Hilary Allen (Somerset, England)

Iwaited patiently for the LORD;
he inclined to me and heard my cry.
He drew me up from the desolate pit,
out of the miry bog,
and set my feet upon a rock,
making my steps secure.
He put a new song in my mouth,
a song of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear,
and put their trust in the LORD.
Happy are those who make
the LORD their trust,
who do not turn to the proud,
to those who go astray after false gods.
You have multiplied, O LORD my God,
your wondrous deeds and your thoughts towards us;
none can compare with you.
Were I to proclaim and tell of them,
they would be more than can be counted.
Sacrifice and offering you do not desire,
but you have given me an open ear.*
Burnt-offering and sin-offering
you have not required.
Then I said, ‘Here I am;
in the scroll of the book it is written of me.*
I delight to do your will, O my God;
your law is within my heart.’
I have told the glad news of deliverance
in the great congregation;
see, I have not restrained my lips,
as you know, O LORD.
I have not hidden your saving help within my heart,
I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation;
I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness
from the great congregation.
Do not, O LORD, withhold
your mercy from me;
let your steadfast love and your faithfulness
keep me safe for ever.

“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

would you...

Would you remember me in your silent prayer today...just whisper my name. I have burdens, that weigh me down. I have also suffered a headache for well over a week...I thank you most kindly...