Gotcha! & Insight for the Day

Good Morning,
I hope all you DDO's are sparring well these days. Darting in and out as life unfolds.
Ever been going along minding your own business when BAM! something happens that knocks you right off your feet? Something you never thought about or imagined. Whether good or bad, this is part of life. As you read this devotion, you will probably do as I did. I did a hindsight on all the events in my life that I would consider a whopping surprise...Took me off guard...Moments I'll never forget... Actions and statements that are life changing.
Memories came in no particular order from
*a tender stroke on the cheek to
*a simple statement, "I want a divorce" to
*another simple statement, "Mother and Dad have been in a car accident" to
*Mother didn't make it." to
*"I love you. Will you spend the rest of your life with me as my wife?"
*"You are 3 months pregnant"
*"I already know...for your sake, you need to tell me"
*"You are already forgiven"
* "It's a boy"
*"I want to live with my Dad" (that one about killed me)
*"Mom, I'm coming home" (You Lift Me Up!)
*"Are you my daughter"?
*"You died when I died over 2000 yrs ago"... and the list could go on and on.
A lot of 'Whews' in life when you stop and think about it.
See if you don't walk down memory lane as well.
My walk helped to bring alive the emotions Chuck has reminded us of in this devotion. Which also is testimony that God goes before us, meets us there, prepares us for the surprises in life, without us even knowing it is going on.
I would love to hear some of your Whews in life...Share some events with me and let me know if you want me to pass them on.
Love and blessings to you,
Mom/Meme/Linda


December 17, 2009
Surprises
by Charles R. Swindoll
Genesis 17:15-17; 18:9-14; Joshua 6:1-22; 1 Corinthians 15:52-58


The feelings are familiar. Mouth open. Eyes like saucers. Chill up the spine. Heart pounding in the throat. Momentary disbelief. We frown and attempt to piece the story together without a script or narrator. Sometimes alone, occasionally with others . . . then boom! "The flash of a mighty surprise" boggles the mind, leaving us somewhere between stunned and dumb with wonder. "Am I dreaming or is a miracle happening?" So it is with surprises.
O. Henry did it with his endings. World War II, with its beginning. Surprises start parties and they stop partnerships. They solve murders, they enhance birthdays and anniversaries, they embellish friendships. Kids at Christmas love 'em. Parents expect 'em. Coaches use 'em. Politicians diffuse 'em.
We like 'em and we hate 'em. Just a few one-liners illustrate both reactions.
"Dr. Brown would like to discuss your X-rays right away."
"Class, take out a clean piece of paper . . . it's pop quiz time."
"We've been on the wrong road for an hour. Here, look at the map."
"The alarm didn't go off. It's almost noon!"
"Hello . . . I'm calling from the bank regarding your checking account."
"Honey, the doctor heard three heartbeats today."
"The boss wants to see you. No need to take off your coat."
"Congratulations---you made the cheerleading squad."
"We are happy to inform you your manuscript has been accepted for publication."
"This is Officer Franklin. We have your son down at the station. He's under arrest."
"The tumor we suspected to be malignant is actually benign."
"It isn't a carburetor problem, ma'am. Your whole engine is shot!"
"Sweetie, that wasn't leftover stew. It was Alpo."
"Did you know the bathroom scales weigh twelve pounds light?"
"Mom . . . Dad . . . Byron wants to marry me!"
And on and on they go. The highs and lows of our lives are usually triggered by surprises. Within split seconds we are sobbing or laughing like crazy . . . staring in bewildered confusion or wishing we would wake up from a dream.
Ever stopped to trace the surprises through the Bible? That Book is full of them when you look at certain events through the eyes of people in that day. Like . . . when Adam and Eve stumbled upon Abel's fresh grave. When Enoch's footprints stopped abruptly. When Noah's neighbors first realized it wasn't sprinkling. When aged Sarah said, "Ze angel vasn't kidding, Abe!" When Moses's ears heard words from a bush that wouldn't stop burning. When Pharaoh's wife screamed, "He's dead! Our son is dead!" When manna first fell from the sky. When water first ran from the rock. When Jericho's walls came tumbling down. When a ruddy runt named David whipped a rugged warrior named Goliath. When a judge named Samson said yes instead of no. When a prophet named Jonah said no instead of yes. When a woman from Samaria had a Jewish Stranger tell her all her secrets. When the disciples discovered that Judas was guilty. When the only perfect One who ever lived was nailed to a criminal's cross. When Mary saw Him through the fog that epochal Sunday morn.
And that's just a quick review of the snapshots. I mean, if we had time to enjoy the whole album, we'd be up 'til midnight. It's gasp-and-gulp city right up to the end.
And speaking of the end, that last page will be the greatest shock of all. Talk about "the flash of a mighty surprise!" How does "like a thief in the middle of the night" grab you? How about "in a moment . . . in the twinkling of an eye"? Gives me the willies just writing those words. Imagine all those open mouths, eyes like saucers, spine-tingling chills high up in the clouds!
Jesus's return will be the absolute greatest surprise. Well, maybe I had better not say that. The greatest surprise is that people like us will be included in the group, stunned and dumb with wonder. Let's face it, that won't be just a surprise or a dream. That'll be a flat-out miracle.

Excerpted from Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life, Copyright © 1983 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide. Used by arrangement with Zondervan Publishing House.
Philippians 4:7, "... His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus."

Listen Slowly & Insight for the Day

Listen slowly & Insight for the Day

Good Morning,
I'm learning the 'fine art' of lisenting. If I'm in a hurry, busy mind, or tired it is difficult. I am finding I have to listen between the lines which takes concentration (time) and care. I've always valued as gold the way the Lord 'hears my feelings'.
May that be our prayer. It is mine.
Love and blessings,
Mom/Meme/Linda


December 9, 2009
Dialogues of the Deaf
by Charles R. Swindoll
Leviticus 26:14, 18, 21, 27, 40-46; Luke 8:4-18; John 4:1-26; James 1:19

It is impossible to overemphasize the immense need humans have to be really listened to, to be taken seriously, to be understood. No one can develop freely in this world and find a full life without feeling understood by at least one other person. . . .
Listen to the conversations of our world, between nations as well as those between couples. They are for the most part dialogues of the deaf.¹
So wrote Dr. Paul Tournier, the eminent Swiss psychiatrist and author. His words convict me. They usually do . . . but these especially. Because they probe at an area of weakness in my own life. Not a glaring weakness; a subtle one. One that I'm able to hide from most folks because I'm often the one who's expected to talk. But some time ago it began to dawn on me that I needed to cultivate a discipline far more difficult than talking . . . and one that required an exceptional amount of skill.
Listening.
I don't mean just hearing. Not simply smiling and nodding while somebody's mouth is moving. Not merely staying quiet until it's "your turn" to say something. All of us are good at that game---cultivated in the grocery store, local laundromat, or on the front steps of the church building.
Dialogues of the deaf! Sounds come from voice boxes; guttural noises are shaped into words by tongues and lips. But so little is listened to---I mean really taken in. As Samuel Butler once stated: "It takes two people to say a thing---a sayer and a sayee. The one is just as essential to any true saying as the other."²
Illustration: Children. They express their feelings. Deep down in their fragile, inner wells are a multitude of needs, questions, hurts, and longings. Like a tiny bucket, their tongues splash out these things. The busy, insensitive, preoccupied parent, steamrolling through the day, misses many a cue and sails right past choice moments never to be repeated.
Or how about the person we spot without Christ? Have you ever practiced listening evangelism? Unless we're careful we usually unload the goods and go for the scalp. But people bruise easily. Sometimes irreparably. We must take care not to fold, spindle, mutilate, or assault! Sure, the gospel must ultimately be shared, but taking the time to listen patiently and respond calmly is an essential part of the process. I nodded with agreement when I read the admonishment of a rough and ready tycoon as he began the meeting with: "Now listen slowly!"
Check out Christ with the woman at the well (John 4). He could have blown her away with an endless barrage of verbal artillery. He didn't. He genuinely listened when she spoke; He "listened slowly." He read the lines of anxiety on her face and felt the weight of guilt in her heart. As she talked, He peered deeply into the well of her soul. It wasn't long before she found herself completely open, yet not once did she feel forced or needlessly embarrassed. His secret? He listened. He studied every word, each expression. Even the tone of her voice.
What does it take? Several things. Rare qualities. Like caring. Time. Unselfishness. Concentration. Holding the other person in high esteem. Sensitivity. Tolerance. Patience. Self-control. And---perhaps most of all---allowing room for silence while the other person is thinking and trying to get the words out. Wise is the listener who doesn't feel compelled to fill up all the blank spaces with verbiage.
Solomon said it clearly in Proverbs 20:12:
The hearing ear and the seeing eye,
The LORD has made both of them.
Two ears. Two eyes. Only one mouth. Maybe that should tell us something. I challenge you to join me in becoming a better listener. With your mate. Your friends. Your kids. Your boss. Your teacher. Your pupils. Your clients. Your fellow Christians as well as those who need to meet Christ.
If those who battle with blindness need Seeing Eye dogs, we can be certain that those who struggle through dialogues of the deaf need Hearing Ear friends.

1. Paul Tournier, To Understand Each Other (Atlanta: John Knox, 1967), 8.
2. Samuel Butler, "The Art of Listening," The Royal Bank of Canada Monthly Letter 60, no. 1 (1979), 2.

Excerpted from Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life, Copyright © 1983 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide. Used by arrangement with Zondervan Publishing House.

Philippians 4:7, "... His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus."

Freeedoooom!!! & Insight for the Day

Dear Devoted Ones,DO's
Can you hear it? Freeedoooom!!!
I can still find myself falling back into that old trap of the flesh...being who I think someone wants me to be. I'm a conformist at heart anyway. Before the Lord began the renewing of my mind, I conformed to the person I thought I needed to be accepted by another. I don't think I even knew who I was suppose to be. Now...well, now I am conforming to HIM. I love the word "Conformed"
1. (intr; usually foll by to) to comply in actions, behaviour, etc., with accepted standards or norms
2. (intr; usually foll by with) to be in accordance; fit in he conforms with my idea of a teacher
3. to make or become similar in character or form
4. (Christianity / Ecclesiastical Terms) (intr) to comply with the practices of an established church, esp the Church of England
5. (tr) to bring (oneself, ideas, etc.) into harmony or agreement
There is just something warm and comfortable, cozy about that word to. I think it is the 'fitting' that feels good.
To be free to be who it is that God created you to be is 'fitting', it is being comfortable in your own skin...that feels good, doesn't it? It makes you love yourself and I see that as freedom. Do you know how many people do not love themselves...and have you noticed that if you don't love yourself, it is almost impossible to love others?


A Renewed Mind
by Charles R. Swindoll
2 Corinthians 10:11-12

No hypocrisy, no competition. Wouldn't that be refreshing to live such a life? It all comes to those with a "renewed mind" . . . those who determine they are going to allow the Spirit of God to invade all those walls and towers, capturing the guards that have kept Him at arm's length all these years.
I can't recall the precise date when these truths began to fall into place, but I distinctly remember how I began to change deep within. My fierce tendency to compete with others started to diminish. My insecure need to win---always win---also started to fade. Less and less was I interested in comparing myself with other speakers and pastors. This growing, healthy independence freed me to be me, not a mixture of what I thought others expected me to be.
And now my heart really goes out to others when I see in them that misery-making "comparison syndrome" that held me in its grip for so many years. Not until you start thinking biblically will this independent identity begin to take shape.
It is when God is in control of the servant mind that we can realize as never before that life's greatest joy is to give His love away to those poor souls who are still stuck in the rut of comparative living.
The more you give, the more you'll get!

Excerpted from Day by Day with Charles Swindoll,
Copyright © 2000 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. (Thomas Nelson Publishers). All rights reserved worldwide. Used by permission.

Will I practice what I preach? & Insight for the Day

Dear Devoted Ones...DO's,
Giving Thanks on Thanksgiving Day may be a side dish. Our minds on food, gathering, and timing...giving thanks thrown in before the meal. Now none of us do that, I know...but going beyond this day is what I want to write about...where the rubber meets the road.
When I got the call 20 years ago that my Mother and Father had been in a serious car wreck my first thought was, "Am I going to practice what I preach"? I'm sure it was the prompting of the Holy Spirit.
I went upstairs by myself, got on my knees and said Thank You to the Lord. I could not say, "Thank you that my Mother and Father have been in a serious car wreck"...the fact that she was probably not going to make it and thank Him for that. But I expressed the desires of my heart, thanked him for the situation, acknowledged He was in charge/control and their life was in His hands. A peace filled my heart about the whole thing..not an assurance that she was going to make it, but a peace. It has NEVER left.
Of course all the human emotions were felt, but the Peace was bigger than all of them.
I experienced Satan trying to steal it from me. That's his job, you know...that sinking, sick, desperent, frozen feeling tries to take over.
God always brings to my mind to act as one who has Hope...not as those who have no Hope. Giving thanks in and for all things in this life does guard our hearts with Peace. Can't you just see that? What a picture!
So, DDO's, on this one day set aside for Thanksgiving, I want to encourage each of us to carry Thanksgiving where the 'rubber meets the road' in our daily lives.
I thank God for you allowing me to fill your Inbox full of emails from me. Blessings and love,Mom/Meme/Linda Giving Thanks:Philippians 4:7, "...Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus."

November 26, 2009

Count Your Blessings

by Charles R. Swindoll

Psalm 95
Sometimes when you don't feel like praying, or you're consumed with needing to speak to the Lord but can't gather the words, try that old standby---count your many blessings, count them one by one. lt's amazing how you can get carried away from worries and woes and self concern when you start naming out loud what you're thankful for. Right away your focus shifts from your needs to the Father's graciousness and love. Try this:LOOK UP . . . thank You, Lord . . .for Your sovereign control over our circumstances for Your holy character in spite of our sinfulness for Your Word that gives us direction for Your grace that removes our guiltLOOK AROUND . . . thank You, Lord . . .for our wonderful country for close family ties for an opportunity to help others for a place to live, clothes to wear, food to eatLOOK WITHIN . . . thank You, Lord . . . for eyes that see the beauty of Your creation for minds that are curious, creative, and competent for memories of pleasures and recent accomplishments for broken dreams and lingering afflictions that humble us for a sense of humor that brings healing and hopeHe is worthy of our highest praise and gratitude. To Him goes all the glory.If you can't pray, make a personalized list of blessings.
Excerpted from Day by Day with Charles Swindoll,
Copyright © 2000 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc.
(Thomas Nelson Publishers).
All rights reserved worldwide. Used by permission.

To call it, is to have it.

Wimpy, wimpy, wimpy.

By Linda Coles

You've heard the expression, "To call it, is to have it"?

Meaning tthings we usually see/hear in someone's life that we find ourselves making a judgement call, are more than likely true about ourselves as well. We may not realize it. If we do, we justify or deny it.

It's wimpy and hateful. I hate it. I hate it when I do it, and especially hate it when others do...of course.

OK. So what do we do with this wimpy, stupid, hateful attitude; since it shows it's face so much?

I am reminded of Paul saying in Romans 7 & 8, how he does the things he should not do and doesn't do the things he should.

Bottom line is Paul

THANKS GOD, THROUGH JESUS CHRIST,

that HE HAS DELIVERED HIM FROM THIS BODY OF DEATH...

meaning he has taken the power to obey our flesh away.

So on those grounds we can make a choice when that button is pushed.

*We can follow through with our crude remarks to the person,

*hold our tongue and have those lofty thoughts about them (you can almost see the snarled invisible nose on our foreheads),

*or gossip about this person all in the name of love or prayer. Any name will do as long as it sugar coats the sin.

Or...

the best choice that will make your Maker smile is to immediately say to your Father,

"Here...take this...
I surely must have it in me to have such buttons pushed by her/his actions.
You didn't die in vain for me.
You didn't suffer in vain for my victory over sin and death.
I am so bad you had to die for me,
You loved me so much you were glad to do it. "

I have also found to be disappointed in myself is to have believed there was some good in me.

Our righteousness is Jesus. Period!

I won't be disappointed in myself if I truly believe this.

All I need to do is to agree with that condemning voice.

I find it good to say,

"Yes, that's what makes Jesus so precious."

Somehow, there is a calm & mercy afterward. I wonder why!

A smile in my heart really feels so much better than that hateful ol' condemning spirit of myself or another.

Love you...have a great day, dear friend.

Unloading Zone & Insight for Today

We all know the truths Swindoll speaks of in the following devotion.
Why don't we take steps to make it happen? Life would be so much lighter.
God gave us each other for a reason. When you look around life, most everything is a pair or more. Doesn't that speak volume's?
Sharing is especially meant to be in His body. Christian brothers and sisters bearing each others burdens is a beautiful picture.
If you are carrying an especially heavy load and that back pack is getting bigger than you are, know that God intends for you to find an unloading zone and start sharing that load.
Whether it be a special friend, a group or family member. Try it out and see if the load doesn't get lighter.
There may be no answers, but to share is to let someone care and that lightens the load...or... I suppose, you could keep carrying that back pack of whatever and it could eventually swallow you up, breaking every bone in your body.
Have a wonderful day, Love & blessings

"The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever."

A Place to Unload

by Charles R. Swindoll

Galatians 5-6

This thing called life is an awfully long journey. For some, it seems an endless trip, filled with thankless responsibilities and relentless tasks, disappointments and deadlines, and daily demands.
Being imperfect doesn't help. Every so often we make stupid decisions. We say things we wish we could retrieve. Selfishly, we look out for number one and later regret it.
We act impulsively and realize, after the fact, how foolish we were, how dumb we looked. On top of all that, we hurt the ones we love the most. All this stuff caves in on us at certain times, and we wonder how anybody could ever love us . . . especially God.
When we start thinking like this, we need to turn our mind to the "one anothers" in the New Testament.
Here's just a sampling:
Love one another, build up one another,
live in peace with one another,
confess your sins to one another,
speak to one another,
admonish one another,
comfort one another,
pray for one another.
I deliberately saved my favorite for last:
"Bear one another's burdens" (Gal. 6:2).
Imagine two mountain hikers trudging along, each carrying a backpack. The one on the left has a tiny, light pack that a kid could carry, while the poor soul on the right is so loaded down we can't even see his head or his body.Let's imagine what he might be lugging in that pack down that long road. It could be a long-standing grudge that's poisoning his insides.
It might be a broken relationship with his wife or one of his kids. That pack could be loaded with unpaid bills, all of them overdue.
The question is, Where can that fella on the right go to unload so the fella on the left can help "bear the burden"?
By sitting in church alongside a few hundred or a couple thousand other folks? Hardly.
What he needs most is to be involved in an adult fellowship in a small-group setting, a place where there is person-to-person caring and the opportunity for authentic sharing. Where he will feel free, without embarrassment or shame, to tell his secret or state his struggle; where someone will listen, help him unload, and give him fresh strength.
Adult fellowships and small groups are not miniature church services. They are pockets of people who love Christ and believe in helping one another. They don't point fingers or preach or compare. They are your brothers and sisters in Christ.Once you begin unloading that pack, you'll discover how much easier the journey seems.
Are you involved in a small fellowship group?
If not, consider joining or starting a group---especially if your load is too heavy.

"I'm not telling" ... more than a joking expression & Insight for Today

Just to be light hearted, I have an expression I use when ask a question . You will hear me say "I'm not telling"; which may not really mean I'm not going to answer. I'm playing.
But when shared a confidence by a friend, we dare not take this trust worthiness lightly.
To justify their guilt, I've heard so many give 'reasons' why they told a confidence,. There are none that are acceptable.
Ever had that happen to you on either side?
All it does is make me know I can't share a confidence with them any more. All it does is make a reputation for yourself that you can't be trusted.
It's no big deal to see walls of trust crumble down, to loose respect, to be kept at a distance instead of drawn close.
So it's OK, go ahead and tell!
Yeah, right! No, it's not all right.
I pray we all have a room in our hearts that cannot be entered by any unauthorized person. The name on that door is TRUSTWORTHY.

On Being Confidential

by Charles R. Swindoll

Romans 1:21-32
Be honest now, can you keep a secret?
When privileged information passes through one of the gates of your senses, does it remain within the walls of your mind, or is it only a matter of time before a leak occurs?
Do you respect a person's trust or ignore it, either instantly or ultimately?

The longer I live, the more I realize the scarcity of people who can be fully trusted with confidential information. And the longer I live, the more I value those rare souls who fall into that category! As a matter of fact, if I were asked to list the essential characteristics that mark a person of integrity and trust, the ability to maintain confidences would rank very near the top.

A portion of the physician's Hippocratic Oath comes to mind: "And whatsoever I shall see or hear in the course of my profession . . . if it be what should not be published abroad, I will never divulge, holding such things to be holy secrets.

"We would be justly offended by a doctor who treated our "holy secrets" lightly. The same applies to a minister or an attorney, a counselor or a parent, a teacher or a secretary, a colleague or a friend. Especially a close friend.Solomon wrote some strong words concerning this subject in his Proverbs. Listen to his wise counsel and remember it the next time you are tempted to run off at the mouth:
When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise. (10:19)
He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy conceals a matter. (11:13)
The one who guards his mouth preserves his life; the one who opens wide his lips comes to ruin. (13:3)
He who goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets, therefore do not associate with a gossip. (20:19)
In light of these scriptural admonitions, I suggest we establish four practical ground rules:
1. Whatever you're told in confidence, do not repeat.
2. Whenever you're tempted to tell a secret, do not yield.
3. Whomever you're talking about, do not gossip.
4. However you're prone to disagree, do not slander.

Be honest now, can you keep a secret?
Prove it.
A confidence kept gives others confidence in you.

This is great! Pray for your husband...pray for your wife.

Head "Father, continually renew ____________’s mind, resulting in a transformed life. Help him bring every thought into captivity to make it obedient to Christ. Give him a greater understanding of Your Word. Help him to think on things that are pure and right and worthy of praise." (Psalm 119:15, Romans. 12:2, 2 Cor.10:5)
Eyes "Lord, keep opening ___________’s eyes to deep spiritual truths. Help him to see things as You see them. Please guard his eyes from looking at worthless things. " (Psalm 119:18, Psalm 119:37)
Ears "Father, let ____________ hear Your voice clearly. Help him to recognize your voice with certainty. Protect him from listening to anyone who is not seeking and walking with You. Help him not to be affected negatively by what others say and to discern between good and evil. Give him the ability to determine what is of You and what is not." (Isaiah. 30:21, 1 Kings 3:9, 1 John 4:1)
Mouth "Help _____________ to speak the truth in love. Help him to be quick to listen and slow to speak. Give him the courage to lovingly confront when necessary. Let the words he speaks be Yours, not his own. Help him speak words that bring grace and truth to the hearers. I also pray that you will help him to grow in his ability and desire to communicate with you and others." (Psalm 19:14, 119:13, 41:3; Ephesians 4:15, 4:29; James 1:19)
Heart "Give ________________a heart that seeks passionately after You. Teach him to guard his heart with diligence. Help him deal with anything in his heart that is not pleasing to You. Create in him a pure heart. Enable him to lead our family with integrity." (Psalm 78:72, 119:10-11; Proverbs. 4:23; 1 Thessalonians. 3:13)
Hands "Lord, I pray that everything ___________does would be done with his whole heart, serving You rather than man. I pray that You will also help him to increase his skills and his abilities. Bless everything he puts his hands to." (Psalm 24:3-4, Colossians 3:23)
Feet I pray _______________ would love Your Words and walk in Your ways. I pray that He would be able to walk in a manner that is worthy of You, bearing fruit in every good work, and that He would pass Your truths to our children as he walks along life's path. Father, when he walk through the valley of the shadow of doubt and difficulties, I pray that he would fear no evil because He knows that you are with him. (Deuteronomy 6:7, 8:6, Colossians 1:10, Psalm 23:4)

I've done this! I love it!

I loved getting this devotion! I could so relate to it.
You know Hines sight is 20/20 and as I look back I can see a thread that brought me to my full blown home based business of Home Design. One day I will share all those threads with you.
I will also be sharing some Home Design hints. Fun!
It is so interesting to get old enough to see some of the puzzle pieces fit together.

Encouragement for Today

Friday, September 25, 2009Forward to a Friend Free Newsletters Print

September 25, 2009
A Financially-Productive Woman
by Glynnis Whitwer
"She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes." Proverbs 31:24 (NIV)
Devotion:
In today's economy, I look for every way to save money. I'm a sale-shopping, coupon-clipping, leftover-loving woman. I'm a firm believer in Benjamin Franklin's well-known adage, "A penny saved is a penny earned." And this past couple of years, my family has certainly had to apply that to our lives in greater measure. Sometimes, however, saving money just isn't enough. As many families face a reduced income due to layoffs and company closures, there are only so many ways to cut corners. So I'm also a believer in trying to make money in creative ways. As many of us wonder what the future holds financially, I'd like to suggest we look at a biblical example of how to use the resources we have within our homes to increase our families' incomes. One of the best examples I know is found in Proverbs 31. Throughout chapter 31 we meet a woman who was a good manager of all her resources, and in verse 24, we learn that she used her weaving skills to make money. As I consider this women's ingenuity, I learn that she identified a need (merchants needed sashes) and then used her skills (making garments) and energy (selling them) to increase her family's financial well being. I wonder if many of us overlook this principle as we face a financially shaky future with dread. Perhaps we don't need to look for an employer that is hiring, but instead should consider how to use the resources God has already given us. On a recent trip, I met a wonderful example of a woman doing just that. She is past retirement age, lives alone and wanted to bring in extra income. Since I'm a small business owner, our commonalities got us talking. This productive woman buys used wool sweaters, shrinks them and sews them into designer mittens using other fabrics and decorative accents. Then she sells them in a local shop where she has a booth. That's not all she sells. She has added hand-made products made by women working at home in other countries, plus some unique new clothing items she buys and resells. It all started with a creative idea, the use of her talents and some energy to sell them. Artistic talents aren't the only resource we have to help our families. Many people have other skills that can be used to increase incomes. Some examples are physical strength, athletic training, organization, planning, love of travel, cooking, gardening and cleaning. Many have families that can help. This past summer I watched a local landscaper work every week with his two sons by his side. They are a family pulling together when it counts most. No one wishes for hard financial times - though we can learn much in them. When God is on our side, there are always opportunities waiting to be uncovered. Instead of dreading the future, perhaps God wants to tap into the unique resources He has planted within our lives and family for such a time as this. Dear Lord, I thank You today for the many resources You have given me. Thank You for my life, for my mind, for what health I have and for the hope you offer. Please help me to see how I might use these resources to become more financially productive. Only You know the true depth of my needs. So today I ask for Your help. I know I can do all things through You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Those Precious Servant Hearts!

Servant-Hearted
by Charles R. Swindoll
2 Corinthians 4:1-7
In his fine little volume In the Name of Jesus, Henri Nouwen mentions three very real, albeit subtle temptations any servant of Christ faces. They correspond with the three temptations our Lord faced before He began His earthly ministry. They also fit with three observations the apostle Paul mentions in his letter to the Corinthians (2 Cor. 4:1-7).
First Temptation: To be self-sufficient and self-reliant. Instead of being so self-assured, we need to be open, unguarded, and vulnerable.
Second Temptation: To be spectacular . . . a celebrity mentality. In Nouwen's words, "Jesus refused to be a stunt man. . . . He did not come to walk on hot coals, swallow fire or put His hand in a lion's mouth to demonstrate He had something worthwhile to say."
Third Temptation: To be powerful . . . in charge. To lead is appropriate, necessary, and good. But to push, to manipulate, to be in full control . . . never! To say it simply, one God is sufficient.
Servanthood implies diligence, faithfulness, loyalty, and humility.
Servants don't compete . . . or grandstand . . . or polish their image . . . or grab the limelight. They know their job, they admit their limitations, they do what they do quietly and consistently.
Servants cannot control anyone or everything, and they shouldn't try.
Servants cannot change or "fix" people.
Servants cannot meet most folks' expectations.
Servants cannot concern themselves with who gets the credit.
Servants cannot minister in the flesh or all alone.
Let me suggest five practical guidelines for cultivating the right kind of servant habits.
Whatever we do, let's do more with others. Ministry is not a solo, it's a chorus.
Whenever we do it, let's place the emphasis on quality, not quantity. Excellence, not expansion, is our goal.
Whenever we go to do it, let's do it the same as if we were doing it among those who know us the best. Not only will this keep us accountable, it'll guard us from exaggeration.
Whoever may respond, let's keep a level head.
If someone criticizes, don't allow it to get you down.
If someone idolizes, don't tolerate or fantasize such foolishness.
However long we minister, let's model the Master . . . a servant-hearted and a grace-oriented style.
Let's serve . . . in the name of Jesus.A servant-hearted attitude keeps us from self-minded attitude

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Good morning,
You know what?
"Jesus is not merely the rope that pulls us from the threatening waves; he is the solid beach under our feet, the air in our lungs, and the beat of our heart, and the warm sun on our skin, and the song in our ears, and the arms of our beloved.” John Piper

Where Do You Live?

Trouble Valley or Victory Mountain?
By Linda Coles

Let's be neighbors on Victory Mountain!

Please click the link below to read the message.

http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AUonif3MhRbsZGMzenJmN2NfMGZya3dkemQ5&hl=en

Are your mountains shaken?

"Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,' says the Lord, who has compassion on you."

Hear this and allow the truth of it to warm your heart,

soothe your pain,

and calm your fears.

God knows. He's been there, and He is there still.