Obey

As I was reading this today, I struggled with do I correct the mistake (words fall out of the frame) or do I just leave it?  So I left it. Why you ask (knowing that Obsess, Create, Distract was setting in)? For just that reason...why do we obsess? Because we THINK we are in control. We CREATE because God created us. But we are DISTRACTED by too much (yes I try to unplug and God paves that way by causing the floor to shake and my phone to fall off and into the tea I was steeping for my mom. Yes phone got dried off in time, but it caused me to unplug when I didn't especially want to let it go.)
I pray that you UNPLUG more. It isn't a good idol to have. And yes I said IDOL because it gets in our way of worshiping GOD and spending time with HIM.
Love you all!

Casting Crowns Somewhere in the Middle (w/ lyrics)

I like these verses. It is a very strong and yet peaceful realization that once again no matter where we are our God is always watching over us!

Open

Open the eyes of my heart, Lord
Open the eyes of my heart
I want to see You
I want to see You

Open the eyes of my heart, Lord
Open the eyes of my heart
I want to see You
I want to see You

To see You high and lifted up
Shinin' in the light of Your glory
Pour out Your power and love
As we sing holy, holy, holy

Read more: Michael W. Smith - Open The Eyes Of My Heart Lyrics | MetroLyrics 

Make it Monday

Make it right. Not just with your family, your friends but WITH GOD FIRST. Then all other problems and solutions will fall into place.  

i move

i grow

i run

i hide

i try

i return

i repent

i change

BY GOD'S GRACE - only by HIS GRACE.

Grace

Love my enemies...that is a really hard pill to swallow.  Our human pride DOES NOT want to let go of that hurt and show GRACE to our enemies much less a stranger that we are silently judging (Don't tell me you don't! You can say you try not to which is more believable but how many times do you HONESTLY not think "what was that person thinking?", "how dare they?" - Be honest to yourself! (Guilty - Pointing fingers at myself))

Grace is a strong and powerful reaction to our everyday life. How do you handle Grace? Is there someone who needs a Grace bridge (Thank you Kilah Many for that image!) built back to your life?  

We talk about some bridges need burnt and they do. But some need RE-BUILT! 

Today I pray that just as God shows us GRACE to begin anew as we REPENT from our sins and SEEK for HIS guidance to change our lives, that we are able to show that same GRACE to an enemy and act like a child of the Most High! 

Faithful Friday

Tasteful Thursday

Since we have been following a slight theme of hospitality and freedom this month, I thought what better way than with a DIY of the Pineapple Whip (No I have never had one. But I am looking at the recipe with a watering tongue.)
ECK! Okay - so YOU all get to try it but I will have to sit back and watch your reactions. (Stupid Banana Allergy.)

DIY DOLE Whip

By Kathy Patalsky
Published 05/31/2015

This is a copycat recipe for the yummiest dessert at Disney Parks, DOLE Whip! Rich in real pineapple flavor and goodness, this dairy-free frozen treat is sure to please!

Ingredients

• 2 cups (frozen-by-you) DOLE pineapple cubes, from a fresh DOLE pineapple (cut by you)
• 1 DOLE banana, frozen
• 1/2-1 cup non-dairy milk (soy, almond, coconut...)

Instructions

1. First you a pineapple, wait until it is fragrant and ripe, then chop it into cubes. Freeze the cubes. Also freeze your own ripe bananas.
2. Place the pineapple, banana and 1/2 cup non-dairy milk in a high speed blender. Place lid on and start blending from low to high. Continue blending and use your Vitamix tamper (Vitamix is advised for achieving best results.) You want to add as little liquid as possible to maintain the frosty thickness, but add more liquid in small splashes as needed to blend.
3. Pour the frosty whip into a serving cup, swirl on top with the back of a spoon and serve! Garnish with fresh pineapple if possible. Colorful umbrella optional.

Yield: 1 serving
Cook time: 00 hrs. 05 mins. 
Total time: 5 mins. 
Tags: DESSERT,PINEAPPLE,DOLE,DOLE WHIP,SNACK,BREAKFAST,HEALTHY,ICE CREAM,BANANA

Okay so it really sounds amazing...I will just have to stare at the pictures...

This really relates to today's bible reading of Psalms 103:6-12.
How many times do we look at pictures of others and dream, wish, hope or even PRAY that we could have what they have? Not truly knowing what their SOUL holds or where it is headed.
You may be thinking..Lady you really need to read those verses again....
No - hear me out -
Many people have a picture of God in their head of being a strict dictator - not "allowing" HIS children to have any FUN (that word is overrated just like the word NORMAL - the definition is different for EACH INDIVIDUAL PERSON.)  These verses paint us a different and beautiful picture of the loving Father many of us know, are still coming to know, and hopefully SHINING His LOVE to others.
I am constantly reminded by SATAN of my flaws, my brokenness, my less than value but I am also constantly reminded by GOD that none of that is true. That I am MORE! We all are! But we don't see it. WE are blinded by what we see as flaws and focus on those instead of seeing the beauty that God created.
My prayer today is that God removes the blinders and opens your eyes to the beauty HE sees not what the world THINKS it sees.  I pray that YOU are filled with a peace and joy to walk through the trials set before you. I pray that YOU are filled with comfort and strength in a time of loss. I pray you know you are LOVED! Amen!

Words of Wisdom Wednesday

Daily Bible Reading - Psalms 103:1-5

I will praise Him, praise Him

For He is worthy of praise

I will sing to Him in worship

ALL THROUGH THE DAY!

That was a song I grew up singing. I don't remember when I actually learned it but it stuck with me. It gets caught on loop kind of like other songs that will remain nameless so they don't get caught on loop.

I know that lately Life has been hard for many. Satan LOVES to steal our joy. God puts us through trials that test our faith. As we journey through these, continuing to PRAISE is sometimes the last thing on our mind.

I know it was when Mom started getting sick.But being a Prayer Warrior instead of a Prayer Worrier has helped. Grow that mustard seed!

Praying for your mustard seed to grow! You don't have to have a mountain of faith but it has to grow - just like a plant in your garden. Water it, nurture it, protect it!

Thankful for Random Acts of Kindness!

P.S. I need coffee and a new calendar...I am going backwards...LOL

Thankful Tuesday

As I was looking at today's Bible reading, I was also praying for God to send me what to say.  Of course, sometimes that is more than I have space to type in but maybe today's thoughts can be confined somewhat.
1 Corinthians 13:8-13 - the last part of the "Love" chapter.  When I Google'd Love is the Greatest, a question popped up. "Why is LOVE the GREATEST?"
The answer I found made me think even more (which is the whole reason behind diving into God's word.)  Love is the greatest of these not only because it is eternal, but because, even in this temporal life, where we now live, love is supreme. Love already is the greatest, not only because it will outlast the other virtues, beautiful and necessary as they are, but because it is inherently greater by being the most God–like. God does not have faith or hope, but “God is love” (1 John 4:8)
Today I am thankful God is LOVE, supreme, greatest, eternal! I am not talking mushy Valentine's day love..I am talking sacrificial, surrendering all, asking for nothing in return LOVE. Which many refer to as AGAPE!
I pray today is a shower of blessings and that God's grace rain down on you! May you see the LOVE someone has for you and you hold on to it. You don't have to do anything in return for it - just like God - He doesn't say you only get my love if you send a text message or flowers or candy (being sarcastic). God LOVES you because HE created YOU! He is an awesome Father! I pray that YOU see His LOVE through me! I pray for comfort and strength over my friends and family who are hurting today. I pray for complete healing over those loved ones in the hospital. I pray for wisdom and guidance in our daily walk. AMEN

Make it Monday

Make it YOUR Monday!

"So let my life be the proof

The proof of Your love

Let my love look like You

And what You're made of

How you lived, how You died

Love is sacrifice

So let my life be the proof

The proof of Your love"

Chorus of The Proof Of Your Love by for King &Country

Happy Father's Day

I have the greatest DAD in the world.  HE created the world!  God is an amazing Father and just like my earthly father, He demands the same things - Love, Respect, Honesty, Confidence, Truth, and Determination!
Today's bible reading is 1 Thessalonians 5:12-15. 

As I read it, my first thought went to honoring our leaders in government but I hadn't finished the sentence. In the Lord's work - honor those who guide you spiritually - your Pastor or Reverend, Sunday School Teachers or Small Group Leaders, Facebook Group Admins and Owners, and hopefully your PARENTS (even if God has called them HOME.)
I love the next part - Warn those who are lazy (Don't become LUKEWARM - Nobody likes lukewarm coffee...); Encourage those who are timid (They don't have to stand up and make a speech in front of a large group (to some that is just 10 people), but they need to take action - MOVE it, Move it, I like to Move it, Move it!); Take tender care of those who are weak - (I have had to practice this more than I want and earlier than I wanted. It is really hard when you seen the weakness develop before your eyes. For those you are caring for, it is just as hard. Remember they are losing their independence and do not want to be a burden.  Just remind them daily that they are not and let them do what they can for themselves; within reason, of course.)
Do not pay back evil with evil. Revenge does nothing be hurt everyone involved. God showed us Grace by sending His SON. He could have taken revenge and shown us EVIL for our EVIL and sins. BUT He didn't...HE choose to show us His GRACE and GOODNESS!
Praying today that your grace and goodness shines for someone who has or is hurting you.  I know it isn't easy - God also knows this. But He rejoices when HIS children follow in HIS ways just like your earthly father (or mother who pulls double duty) beams with pride when their children act accordingly.
I pray that you have a blessed and beautiful day.  Be Creative!

Are you ready?

Hurry up, it is time to go. Go..where are we going? Well that all depends on you. (Sorry for the bluntness of this post but it is just what was laid on my heart.) Do you have your ticket? No...I didn't go online and get a ticket - I don't even know where we are going...
How many times have you had a spare of the moment idea of travelling and were able to just pick up and go without worry of airline, train, or hotel reservations? I did this ONE time...When I was in Scotland for an internship with the National Museums of Scotland, I was travelling from Glascow to Kingussie and didn't think about where I would stay the night until I arrived and stepped off the train...in the dark, cold, rain... Yes I panicked but luckily there was a pub/inn close by and I was able to stay there.  But what could have happened if that hadn't been available.  I was not prepared to sleep outside IN THE RAIN....
This is how many of us travel through LIFE...UNPREPARED for what is coming next.  I am not talking about financial shortages, career changes, or anything of this world. I am talking about WHAT comes after you die or if you are able to survive until Jesus comes again.
What will become of your soul? I am not an expert on souls. I don't know what one looks like. I don't know EXACTLY what HEAVEN or HELL look like.
So what is all the fuss about then - if you don't know...WELL for starters...I have had enough fun with the torment here on Earth...I don't want to spend ETERNITY in it. I am tired of the wars, murders, famine, disease, etc. "Life was filled with guns and wars, and everyone got trampled on the floor...I wish we'd all been ready. Children died, the days grew cold, a piece of bread would buy a bag of gold...I wish we'd all been ready. There's no time to change your mind; The SON has come and YOU'VE been left behind." I would rather spend my eternity in a place with out all of that. I pray today that if you don't know where you are going or you have questions about it, Message Me - Sharon Rebecca Linder, Becky Faulkner, Heather Woodruff, or Denyse Paterniti to help find you the message YOU need to hear. We are here to help! We love you and want you to spend your eternity in Paradise! May today be beautiful and blessed!

Faithful Friday

Treasures..Treasures.. I like Treasures aka STUFF aka HOARDING (I mean holding on) all my craft supplies (I know that the 5 rubbermaid STORAGE BOXES (5 Gallon size) of buttons are going to be needed). Yes I will let that sink in for a second....

Yes I said 5 - 5 gallon boxes of BUTTONS. I have red buttons, blue buttons, gold buttons...BUT what do I really NEED all those buttons for. Your guess is as good as mine TODAY but when this obsession/addiction hit me, it made all the sense in the world. It was during a time that I wasn't as close to God as I should have been. It was during a time that I was trying to stand on my own. So my "happiness" was found in buying mixed bags of buttons from Hobby Lobby and other fabric suppliers and sitting for HOURS organizing them by color, shape, and size. Yes, I was not in a good place spiritually so it affected me mentally, emotionally and physically. Amazing HOW all those things are related...things that make you go HHHHMMM!

At that time the buttons made sense. I was majoring in Apparel Design. I had big plans to make all sorts of cool clothes and jewelry but God said NO....at least to the making clothes part. He still wants me to make my jewelry and is pushing me (yes I keep making excuses and resisting.)

I pray that today's bible reading: Luke 12:31-35 opens your eyes and heart to see how little "treasures" on Earth can pile up and steal your happiness! I pray that you listen to God and open up about these treasures to Him. He may know just the person who needs them.

So make a plan and start today building up TREASURES (to me this means building up other Christians) to give God the Glory!

Tasteful Thursday

So today is Tasteful Thursday and the recipe of Pineapple Salsa is brought to you by Foodie Fun on Facebook. It was linked to me through a devotional group (by Nicole McKinney) where we are studying Hospitality and Freedom. You are wondering how those fit together...I can see the wheels turning.  Well my friend, Becky Faulkner said, it best in a short devotional on Monday (That's Becky's devotional from Monday below):

 So what does that have to do with today's bible reading...EVERYTHING!  Because we worry about ourselves so much that we NEGLECT to help others (GUILTY). So step out and do it..(Oh but I can't...I have to take care of...)

Yes we worry so much where our next meal, next outfit, next pay check, next movie or tv show comes on...that we take our eyes off of God.  I am extremely guilty of this!  But thankfully my GOD is a forgiving God and allows me to try again tomorrow. But what if...NO..do not what if the situation. Pray for forgiveness from God, Repent (feel or express sincere regret or remorse about one's wrongdoing or sin.), and choose to move forward in Hospitality and Freedom!

Praying for your freedom to show Hospitality! 

Words of Wisdom Wednesday

Love your neighbor as yourself! What - Wait - EVEN that neighbor who doesn't think or look like I THINK they should. YUP! EVERY neighbor - next door, down the street, across town, a different city, town, state, or even country - EVERYONE! But that's TOO hard - I am going to have trouble with it. Of course you will! But that is why there is always a NEW day with NEW beginnings! If you hurt someone; pray about, apologize, and follow God's plan to help fix your relationship.

I am struggling with trying to help someone else mend relationships. I have to remember that THEY are responsible for those relationships with others as well as God. I can only pray and listen to their concerns. But what do you do when they say they have forgiven but they don't want anything to do with those people. Sometimes bridges are burnt beyond repair but we still must seek God's guidance and wisdom.

Praying for you and your relationship that need God's guidance and repair! May you find comfort and wisdom in God's grace!

Monday's Bible Reading

May His light shine through your darkness!

Thankful Tuesday

Today let's be thankful for growing relationships with God.  He is amazing and has so much love for His creation. Today's bible reading is Matthew 1:18-20. It is about the beginning of Jesus' birth when Joseph was going to give up on Mary. God revealed (through an Angel) His plan. Joseph still could have said "No way, Man...I am not up to this." But he didn't. He held his head up and went forward with Mary.
How many times have we had a plan revealed to us and we skirted away in fear. I know I have but I am so thankful that through skirting God's plan, I found His Love waiting for me AGAIN - just as He promised.  He is such a loving father!  He doesn't forsake me (or you)! God is ALWAYS and FOREVER!
I pray today brings you a refreshed and awakened spirit that welcomes renewing God's love and relationship!

Too long gone

I realized today that I haven't posted in my blog in over a year. Life has gone through several seasons and continues to evolve EVERY DAY! I don't get to create in my jewelry like I would and miss it greatly. I have began a journey to become closer to God through Bible Journaling and will begin posting my pages here.  Heartfully, I hope to get back to jewelry but at the present time, it is not an option. So my creativity is coming out through these pages. I pray that you will join me on this journey!

1 John 3:1-3

Being a child of God is more than being adopted into a family! It is being molded into God's image and blended into a magnificent creation! You are given gifts beyond measure!
My prayer for today is for God's wisdom and guidance be made more abundantly clear to each of you as we walk through this world that does not know Him. I pray that you let your trials and wounds heal and become scars of joy that you made it through a fire only by God's GRACE! GUILTY of leaning on my own - I did that, I am in control - NOT! God is and those reminders He delivers us through may feel like the end of the world but they are NEW BEGINNINGS! 
I pray that you find that you are living on the edge, waiting in God to step out into HIS plan for us. 
Much love to each of you! Rest in God's Grace, my Sisters!