Friday's favorite - video day

I picked this song because of the verse below. "Give your dreams the wings to fly, you have everything you need..." 


In Jesus, the reason that we celebrate this season, we do have everything we need. He is the dream maker, the dream take-carer. If we can only have faith in Him and what He's doing with our lives, there is nothing and nowhere that we can't go. 


Have Faith. He will see you through.




Turn off the music on the sidebar and enjoy Josh Groban and Beyonce sing Believe. . .

Believe in what your heart is saying

Just believe

Hear the melody that's playing

There's no time to waste

There's so much to celebrate

Believe in what you feel inside 

And give your dreams the wings to fly

You have everything you need

If you just believe 

Blog Post of the Week: 6 Things Every Christian Blogger Should Know

This weeks post made me stop in my tracks. I like to think I'm pretty good at giving God control, and maybe I do, in a sense. But I still have a tendance to grasp onto that need to please people, to find acceptance and validation for what I do. What I write. But it goes farther than that.


I want to be seen as a good parent, because I believe I'm not. I get hurt easily by my kids when they don't seem to appreciate me, or listen to my oh-so-wise words, or follow through on my request. And I look to God while pointing an angry finger at them and say, "Look what they are doing!"


I would like to be a wonderful wife, but when my expectations of my husband fall short, when he lets me down, when not all of MY needs are met, I turn to God and stomp my foot as I cry, "How can I be a help-mate to someone who treats me like that!?!"


In my writing I put out one article and story after another, telling God, "I'm sending this out now. Lord, I need to make a living doing this if you really want me to keep doing this. I have bills to pay, you know."


As I read Six Things Every Christian Blogger Should Know written by Ann Voskamp, I stopped about midway through and wondered,

"Who the heck to I think I am? Seriously?"

And I began to do some quick apologizing and repenting.


Thing is, it's not about what my family does or doesn't do. Nor does my writing depend on how much I make... or don't make. When I'm a kingdom servant, I work unto God, not men. Whatever I do is in service to my Father God who knows all my needs, who is my one and only validation.


I don't need to worry, nor do I need to strive. It doesn't matter what others do, or what they think. I must keep my eyes focused on Him, my ears attuned to His words and my feet walking in the direction He has pointed out.


Everything is meaningless, a chasing after the wind, (Ecc 4:4) unless I'm putting all I do, into God's hands.


I hope you enjoy the post. It's a powerful message. Just click on the title link above to get over to it.



Blessings,

J.

Blog Post of the Week: Lisa Buffaloe's blog

I usually like to point you to one specific post that touched me this week, but with Lisa, it's too hard to pin just one particular entry. This past week I've talked about worry. I've shared my thoughts. I've shared scripture and what Jesus thought about it. . .


The thing with Lisa is that her very life is a testimony to overcoming worry. This dear friend has faced some neck-bending obstacles, yet has found a way to get over each one. But I know for a fact, she hasn't done it alone. With each step, she learned to lean heavily on her Lord.


This post in particular seemed to put the cap on the worry bottle. When you read it, you'll see that even when we aren't aware of what's going on, God is in control and he makes a way around the bad places. That is His great love for us in action.


Click on the link to read Wonderfully Made.


And while you're there, why not check out the list Lisa came up with of scriptures that tell about how God feels about you. Read, When you need those reminders that God loves you.


You know, while your there, just have a good look around. Lisa is a true blessing.




But before you go... sit back and listen to this beautiful song and think about what I've said this week. Set your worries in His lap. Enjoy your life, friends. He loves us so very much. He's given us such beauty, so many good things. Don't let a couple of bad apples ... well, you know. Right?

Don't forget to turn off the music on the sidebar before you hit play. Be blessed~ J.

Blog Post of the Week: You Are Enough

After writing Monday's post, (which I actually wrote Sunday morning) I was looking at my email. Everyday, I get feed from DaySpring's (in)Courage. What is (in)Courage, you might ask? Well, here's an excerpt from the site.

When we asked ourselves what kind of place we were building, we finally came to see it as a bit like a beach house. You can put your sandy, dirty feet on the coffee table, laugh late into the night with friends, and also hear God’s voice clearer than perhaps anywhere else. Life just feels more vibrant and real, as if you’ve stumbled upon a glimpse of heaven and it’s nothing like you ever imagined but everything you’d always hoped.

In Sunday's email post was a piece by Arianne from To Think is To Create. What I would like to direct you to this week, was her post titled You Are Enough. It was like she heard before hand my post on Monday, my questions about fear, and self-doubts and in poetic form, and reminded me that I Am Enough, just as I am, with all my failures and mess-up and craziness.

It was nice to hear.

Hope it blesses you as well. Check out both sites, they are sure to enrich your day.

God Bless,

J

Blog Post of The Week

I came across a blog post this week that really... well, it spoke to my heart. It spoke something I've been in a tangle about with God. What does it mean to reach out to others? Is it our "job" to teach, lead them on the right paths, cajole or nag...? Or is it our responsibility as Christians, as Children of God to simply be a friend?

The video on this blog I'm linking you to gave a real life example of someone who reached out and did exactly what I think Jesus wants us to do.

Be a friend.

I hope it blesses you as much as it blessed me.
J

Vonda Skelton - Love or Hate?

Life Support: A Way To Find Enjoyment

This came in my email and I thought, "This is good and it really encourages me. And it seems to be going right along with what I've been writing about lately."

So, I'm sharing it with you, my friends. At the end, there's a link you can click if you want to read more of Steve's work.

God Bless,

J.

A WAY TO FIND ENJOYMENT

At one time, Bangkok television aired the American situation comedy LaVerne and Shirley. For whatever reason, officials there believed that a disclaimer was necessary for the Thailand audience, so this subtitle was added to each show: "The two women depicted in the following episode are from an insane asylum."

Personally, I'm thankful there is a little silliness in the world. And I don't mind not acting like everybody else.

Like the "irrepressible" educator and speaker Leo Buscaglia once said: "I don't mind if people think I'm crazy. In fact, I think it's great! It gives me tremendous latitude for behavior."

Buscaglia knew how to laugh. And I think knowing how to laugh and have fun is an important part of living.

Someone asked me what I do for fun. I felt I should answer with something others enjoy, like golf or skiing. But my idea of fun is not usually associated with entertainment and recreation. It is more about squeezing as much enjoyment into every day as I can. Instead of looking for something fun to do, I try to make whatever I do a little more fun. And if I can't always do things I enjoy, I can learn to enjoy more of the things I do.

I like the word "enjoyment" because it has "joy" inside of it. So does the word "rejoice." And rejoicing is a way to find enjoyment of life.

Speaking of Leo Buscaglia, he used to tell a story about his mother and their "misery dinner."

It was the night after his father came home and said it looked as if he would have to go into bankruptcy because his partner had absconded with their firm's funds. His mother's response was to sell some of her jewelry to buy food enough for a grand feast. At first, other members of the family scolded her for it. But she told them that "the time for joy is now, when we need it most, not next week."

They learned to appreciate the hopeful attitude that lifted them out of fear and into joy.

I want to learn to be happy even in those difficult and trying times. I won't be happy FOR them (who likes problems?), just IN them. I need the soothing medicine of laughter when it hurts. I want to learn that the time for joy is now, when I need it most.

Maybe it sounds silly, but I want to learn to rejoice in all things. And If I'm doing that well, it really doesn't matter what I like to do for fun.

-- Steve Goodier

Life Support Systems

Lighthouse Everything Skit

This is such a powerful skit and beautiful song. There's not much to add. Just watch! Especially if you've never seen it before. If so, watch it again!!

Turn off music on the sidebar and enjoy. Be blessed.

The Poor In Spirit...

Blessed are the poor in spirit,

For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Matt. 5:3

I hadn’t fully grasped the concept of poor in spirit before. I always thought it meant someone who was down, sad, perhaps. Yet I think it may be more than that.

The poor. Without. Destitute.

At the end of your resources.

Completely empty.

Done.

This is what I’d written in my journal Monday morning. “Lord, you have to step in. I give up. I have no more fight in me.”

Blessed are the poor, those who have nothing, those who have run out…

For theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.

The Kingdom of endless supply. The kingdom that knows no bounds.

It is from this kingdom, where all his children dwell, both rich and poor that all can draw from and find all they need. It’s the Kingdom where God dwells. It’s the place where love rules.

“For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you being rooted and established in love may have power together with all the Lord’s people to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:14-19

I had given up on a situation. I just had no more fight in me. And when I told the Lord that I was empty, He sent someone that was full to help out. This person gave the encouragement and wise counsel that we needed to keep going.

And such is the Kingdom of God. When we are strong, we feed into the poor. When we are weak, someone who’s strong feeds into us. This is how I believe God intends for it to be. It’s why He tells us not to store up treasures on earth, but rather in His Kingdom. The Kingdom that’s never ending.

When we are part of the Kingdom, it’s ours. It supplies our needs. Provides shelter. It’s giving and receiving and giving back. It’s taking care of an orphan, or helping to feed the elderly who can’t fix their own meals, or encouraging a friend who is discouraged.

God didn’t get angry over my weakness. He didn’t lecture me about complaining or whining. He stepped in and He picked me up and He said, “Look little one, there’s still hope. I’m here. I’ll provide.”

And He does. And He will for all of his beloveds out there.

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19

A New Thing

I wanted to give an update on what's been going on with my job situation.

God works all things out for the good, time and time again.

I've began a side venture, focusing more on my writing. It's tugging at me again, that need to create, to say something. So I've decided to give the next year to putting 100% into making a living at writing. I'm learning to do freelance magazine writing, and continue to work on my novels. And I'm chronicling my journey along the way.

On the sidebar is a picture of my laptop and a link to my new site, Jackie Castle's Story. You'll see a lighter side of me as I talk about this new crazy venture I find myself on.

In the meantime, I told you last week that I was going to be able to substitute. Well, I'm official now, with a badge and a long-term job. So the next couple of months will be interesting. I'm praising God that he's made a way that I can pay my bills while I work toward my writing goal.

I hope you'll stop by my writing site and see what I'm up to.
I'm still here, though, sitting under my quiet tree, listening to Holy Whispers teach. I can't do anything without Him and His guidance. It all starts at the foot of the tree.

Blessings,
J.

Wanted to share this video while you're here. I love this song. And I'm glad that no matter what's going on, I have a closest friend until the bitter end. Enjoy!

My God is such an Awesome God!

OK, I just have to brag on God's kindness and Mercy and for being patient with his whiny children.

Tuesday morning, I was writing in my journal, talking about figuring out bills and thinking about writing the magazine ideas I had. My planned subbing job that I'd been counting on to supplement my income had fell through. I was jobless and after this last check wasn't sure how I'd get my bills paid. Even if I did begin publishing, it would take awhile to receive the money.

Yet, I've determined I will trust God in all this. That He does have good plans to prosper and not bring harm. I believe it, but when I'm sitting in front of my checkbook... well, you know.

I'd actually written these words:
"More than anything, I want to be in your will and I'm just uncertain right now. And I'm scared. And I hate that I'm not helping to support my family right now when Bob is working so hard."

Perhaps it was the sheer honesty of my words that changed things, I don't know.
But as I went about my day, I began to feel compelled to go up to the sub office and ask to be put on the list.

Let's get something straight, Jackie doesn't like like going anywhere and asking for anything. I get nervous and tongue tied and ... well, it's just embarrassing. But the thought wouldn't' go away.

About noon, I began to have his conversation with myself. Or maybe it was with God. Either way, this is what I heard:
"You belly-ache over not having a job. But when given a possible solution, you whine that you don't want to do that. For Pete's sake!"

Yes, I often say for Pete's sake to myself. I don't know why.

That did it. I decided, fine, I was going. I would just get my purse, drive up to the office and walk right in. I would just do it. I had nothing (seriously) to lose.

The whole time, that inner voice was saying, "Good, just go. Great, see ya. YOU HAVEN'T LEFT YET!!?"

So I went up there, told the man my story about how I'd been an aide last year and quit so I could sub and now I couldn't sub because there was so many people..."

When he heard I was a former employee, he took me into his office, looked up my application and said he would fit me in.

Wow!

I'm going to get to sub after all. All the worry-ful weight I'd been carrying slid off my back and dissipated like mist. Honest. I felt lighter. I would have a means of supporting myself while I wrote. My bills could still be paid. Praise God.

That's all I could do on the way home. Praise Him.

Praise Him and get to writing, which I've done. With a renewed sense of vigor and enthusiasm.

And that, my friends, is how truly Awesome the God I serve is.

Blessing,
J.

It's My Birthday... Again.

Just like one season after the next, these birthdays just keep rolling around. And now, here's another one and I'm wondering who do I write to unsubscribe?

Think I'd be happy to stay at the year I'm at. It's been all right. Not one of my best, but not one of my worst, either.

Actually, a friend posted this on my facebook wall:

HaPpY bIrThDaY

And I thought, Gosh, that looks like a roller coaster, which is kind of what this year has been like.

So that seemed appropriate.

And I'm thinking that Man's best laid plans really must be a joke to God. I mean, I had a plan. I knew where I was going and what I was going to do this year and that darned roller coaster took a sharp turn I didn't see coming.

I remember a scene from the movie Parenthood with Steve Martin where the grandma is talking about how some people like the merry-go-round. (I had my hand up saying, "Oh, me, me!) While some love the dips and turns of the roller coaster. She, on the other hand, had found the roller coaster more exciting.

I beg to differ. I've never been a roller coaster fan. Never. I even hated the kiddy ones when I was young.

Yet... I guess, in the long run, the dips and turns are what makes life interesting.

Well, here's to another InTeReStInG year!

Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
don't try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God's voice in everything you do,
everywhere you go;
he's the one who will keep you on track.
(Prov. 3:5&6 MSG)

Take-Away Value: The Twilight Series

OK, I admit it, I'm a huge Twilight fan.

And I'm kind of tired of getting flack for that, without people bothering to ask me WHY I'm such a fan.

This isn't my regular manner of post, but I've been thinking of doing something different on Fridays anyway. So, since this is my blog and my place to state my thoughts, I'm going to explain what I see in these teen-crazed books that might help you see things in a different light... or Twilight, or by a New Moon, or ...

Well, let's get on with this.

I got into Meyer's series because of my teenage daughter. She wanted to read them, and I'd heard mixed reviews about the stories. And knowing, at the age of 16, if she wanted to read something, she would find a way. So I bought a copy as well.

Twilight literally grabbed me by the shirt front and dragged me through the story of an unlikely couple and it didn't let me go until the very last page. Dazed and confused, I picked up the next one and was even more hooked as Edward- the vampire boyfriend- leaves Bella- the human main character and a bit of a twit. (if you ask me.) I honestly couldn't put them down until the end. As the books got longer, that became bothersome.

What really got me, wasn't the intense action - there was none at first. Nor the intriguing literary style - her stories are very easy reads. But the story beneath this twisted love story.

The Take-Away Value:

The first thing that intrigued me was the vampire family themselves. There's a scene in the first book when Bella comes to meet the vamp family. I thought it was funny how they're making her a dinner and the underlying tension is everyone is hoping she doesn't become the main dish.

Sorry, let me get back on track.

Edward begins to explain how none of them chose this life. Carlisle, the "father figure" of the clan, was actually a pastor's son. When he became a vampire, Carlisle fought against what he'd become. In the book Twilight, Edward explains how Carlisle found he could satisfy his hunger by feeding on animals and realized, "He could exist without being a demon. He found himself again." (pg. 337 Twilight)

As the others were turned, they too didn't wish to be demons. Hating the life they now found themselves born into, they found another way to exist without harming humans, without causing damage. Though, their choice came at a sacrifice on their part. It was a sacrifice they found they could live with.

I've pondered over this story for some time. Being a teacher in a title 1 school, I've come across many children from low socio-economic homes, plagued with drugs, gangs and little hope of making much of themselves. Working with these kids is a big challenge because they have little drive to learn academics when their main concern is what they will eat when they get home, if they have a home when they get out of school and what chaos will they face when they walk in the door.

Yet I see them, some even as young as fourth graders, carrying around these books. When I get a chance, I like to sit down and say, "Hey, you know what I really like about that story?" First, they are usually impressed that I've even read it, and second that I actually like them. But it opens a door for discussion about rising out of whatever bad circumstances we find ourselves in and making choices to do the right thing.

Stephenie Meyer has created a story world where Choice is what makes or breaks you. Where sacrifice and selfishness are in constant battle with each other, and isn't that true in real life?

Edwards view on the sanctity of marriage is often at odds with Bella's more modern view of young romance. There's a scene in Eclipse where they are arguing over the issue of marriage. Bella is dead (excuse the pun) set against it. But Edward, being from another place and time, remembers the value of it when he says, "I was that boy, who would have -- as soon as I discovered that you were what I was looking for -- gotten down on one knee and endeavored to secure your hand. I would have wanted you for eternity, even when the word didn't have quite the same connotations." (pg. 277 Eclipse)

I liked how he desired Bella, but even more, desired to have something real, despite the unreality of their situation, something lasting and committed. When I talk to young girls about relationships, I want to point out that Edward had it right. It's more than just sex, more than just "being together" its deeper than that. It's a commitment. A commitment that last for one's eternity.

Opening Doors to Discussion:

Most importantly, I'm glad that I took the time to read these books because of the opportunity it's created to discuss some deep issues with my daughter s. Like how Bella is a bit too worshipful of Edward, and too careless about her soul. Not every part of the books speak good, as I said earlier, I find Bella to be somewhat of a twit. However, it's created some great debate about her and other characters and what they stand for.

Maybe, as parents and educators, we need to not slam to door to things we haven't read ourselves. I encourage parents to monitor what their children read, but understand, if they are older, it's nearly impossible to keep them from reading what they want. I could have avoided the book, but I would have missed out on a chance to connect with my teenager and other young kids as well.

So that, in a nutshell, my friends is why I'm a Twilight fan.

Be blessed and if you feel the need to respond, please do. I only ask that you keep your words kind and not condemning.

Thanks,

J.

Faith and Prayer #37

Dear Glorious Saints,

Yesterday I was pondering God as our Father and I wrote in my journal, “God is our Father. What ‘good’ father withholds something good from his child unless there is something better to be given?” Then the Lord reminded me of the movie, “The Ultimate Gift.”

In this story the selfish, worldly playboy grandson goes to the reading of his extremely wealthy grandfather’s will expecting to come away with a huge bundle. Instead, the grandfather has left him with 12 tasks to perform and complete satisfactorily before he can receive his inheritance. As the tasks are revealed we see that they are all character building exercises that involve selfless things like becoming someone’s friend and giving from the heart. Through the course of the movie, as he jumps though his grandfather’s hoops the young man begins to change and grow to become the good hearted person that the grandfather always knew he could be, thus receiving the “ultimate gift.”

Later yesterday afternoon I came to realize that something that I had been looking forward to and expecting had come and then totally evaporated. Completely gone!
I was, of course, very disappointed but instead of my normal reactions I found myself praising the Lord. I was able to keep the “bears” of discouragement, self-pity and despair out and instead was thanking the Lord for His love for me and His good gift. Instead of withering, this little tree took a deep drink and stood, only just a little pale in the heat.

And I say to You this morning, Lord, I love You. I love You. I love You. Even when it feels like You have put me through the wringer, I love You. Even when the carrot is so close that I can almost grab it and You seem to move the stick, I love You. And I know that You are a good Father, the very best. You do love me and have my highest good in mind in all Your ways and in all You do toward me.

He is your Father too; and He loves you with the same kind of love that wants you to have the very best, the ultimate gift.

Believing and still standing,

Marianne

The Small Things

Not sure if it was more of a desperate plea or just wishful thinking, but I really, really wanted to get away from the chaos of the moment. I might have posted on a status update on Facebook: Where's a good retreat when you really need one? Or something like that. I had simply wanted to escape.

God hears those prayers. He doesn't always answer at the time you say them, but he hears all the same. And he sees your heart. And he works things out.

Life has calmed down a bit now. It's more manageable. Today, I'm leaving on a weekend retreat. I didn't arrange it, nor plan it. Matter of fact, I had pretty adamantly planned NOT to go. But the door was flung wide open and without me having to lift a finger on my part, I'm going. I only needed to pack!

That's the way of God. In spite of ourselves He will have His way.

I'm looking forward to it now. At first, I was reluctant, worrying over how things would work out, how could I leave right now, and all those things we use to ball-and-chain us. It's all worked out, and I'm free to leave right now with peace in my heart.

His ways are so good. He's a Master Planner, despite how much we get in the way.

I'm eager to see what He has for me this weekend. I'm expecting something amazing. If nothing else, at least a much needed rest in a pretty place that resounds with His spirit. It's gonna be great!

I'm reposting this video because I love how she talks about the importance of little things. Even the small things done in the secret quiet may not always have a great impact, but God sees our effort. And the Bible encourages us in whatever we set ourselves to do, that we do it as if unto the Lord and not men for the Lord always sees our heart and that's what matters most.

You may want to turn off the music on the sidebar while you enjoy this video.
God Bless,
J.

Faith and Prayer #35

Dear Glorious Saints,

As I spent time with the Lord recently I was thinking about how in prayer and worship I picture Jesus as Jesus of Nazareth, the carpenter or the Good Shepherd. To me He is so approachable and it is easy for me to see myself as Mary Magdalene, going to His feet and being there with Him.

But what I was reading challenged me to see Him as the risen Jesus of Heaven, the Jesus of Revelation with blazing eyes and a double edged sword in His mouth. This Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega. He comes riding in on a white horse with many crowns on His head. He is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. This Jesus is so big and awesome and glorious that He is scary to me!

I prayed and said to Him, “Lord, I know how to approach You as Jesus of Nazareth, but how do I approach You as this Jesus of Heaven?” He simply said, “You approach Me as My bride.”

That answer stunned me. Even though He sees me with all my faults and flaws and failings, He sees me as His bride. He loves me. He wants me. As a bridegroom longs for and desires his bride to come to him, that’s how He feels toward me!

I cannot express what this is doing inside of me. All I know is that my response was and is, “Jesus, make me beautiful and glorious for You.” I am overwhelmed at the notion that He loves and wants me as I am, but I so desire to be a fit bride for this One who is above all else, who rules and reigns and whose glory fills the universe! It is only possible by His grace.

This is not just for me. It is true for you as well. Dear Glorious Saint, that same magnificent Jesus loves you and wants you to come to Him. He is Faithful and True and He has already given you all you need. He wants you.

Overwhelmed and in awe,

Marianne

LifeSupport - Who's Your Hero?

One of those strange newspaper stories told of a 19-year-old woman who had been charged in Los Angeles with two counts of trespassing -- after sneaking into the home of actor Brad Pitt and trying on his clothes. I suppose we have different ways of adoring our heroes..

But who are our real heroes?

I was given a little quiz recently. See how well you do:

Name the five wealthiest people in the world.

Name five Olympic gold medalists.

Name the last five winners of your national beauty contest.

Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.

Name the last half-dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.

Name the last decade's national or world champions in your favorite sport.

These people, of course, are the best in their fields. But fame is fleeting and outstanding performance is too soon forgotten.

Now try another quiz:

List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.

Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.

Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.

Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.

Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.

Name half a dozen heroes whose stories have inspired you.

If you found the second quiz easier, it may be because those people who make a difference in our lives are not the ones with the best degrees or pedigrees, nor are they the most honored or acclaimed. The people who make a difference are those who care. They may never have seen a battle; never scored a winning goal; never been featured in a magazine. But they have been busy helping you to be the best you can be.

Let's remember and thank our real heroes. And don't be surprised if someone thanks you.-- Steve Goodier

You can check out more at Life Support.com

Prolific Blogger Award

I've been blessed to recieve the Prolific Blogger's Award from Lisa Buffalo's Blog. Please go check out this amazing lady's blog if you haven't already. She is an inspiration and a wonderful friend.

It’s time to share the love and pass this award on. Here are rules for sharing the award & what it is about…"A prolific blogger is one who is intellectually productive… keeping up an active blog that is filled with enjoyable content."

1. Every winner of the prolific blogger award please (if you have time) pass on this award to at least seven other deserving prolific bloggers to spread some love! (Beth Moore’s Living Proof blog is an exception to the rules, I know she is way too busy--but her blog is awesome!)

2. Every prolific blogger please link back to the blog from which he/she has received the award.

3. Each prolific blogger link this back to this post, which explains the origins and motivations for the award.

4. Every prolific blogger please visit this post and add their name in the Master Link so we can all get to know the other winners.

I love having the opportunity to share & promote blogs that bless. Thank you Lisa and thank you Prolific Bloggers!

Please check out these wonderful blogs:

Andrea's Arise to Write blog

Cathy's Word Vessel blog

Suzanne Woods Fisher blog
Rebecca's A Christian Worldview of Fiction blog
Robin's Robin's Nest blog
Victoria's Light for the Writer's Soul blog
Deb's Just Tell the Story blog

Faith and Prayer #34

Dear Glorious Saints,

Last night I had a dream that I really want to share with you. In the dream I was in a house that had a sliding glass door with a sliding screen. The door was open and the outside screen door was shut. A bear came up to the screen door and starting sliding it open. I was terrified and thought to myself, “He knows how to get in!” I ran to shut and lock the glass door before he made his way through.

In the dream there was another similar door and another bear. Again, I had the realization that he could get in if I did not do something to stop him.

When I awoke, I knew what the dream meant. I later got up and went to journal about it and noticed this entry of what I was sensing the Lord saying to me yesterday: “Do not fear. Do not let discouragement in the door.” It really confirmed the meaning of the dream to me.

The enemy knows my weaknesses and he knows how to “get in”. If I do not guard my heart, if I do not keep the door shut to him and locked, then he will try to find a way in. I believe the Lord showed me that I need to be as determined to guard my heart as I was to shut and lock the door to keep the bear out. My life and certainly my joy and peace depend on it.

I am grateful to the Lord for the vivid picture and for this key reminder for me. I have needed it. I am very thankful for Him, His care, wisdom and love, and for all of you who are so dear to me.

With love and gratitude,
Marianne

LETTING YOUR SOUL CATCH UP

This entry comes from the free newsletter LIFE SUPPORT SYSTEM, which shares life, love and laughter. Published by Steve Goodier.


Did you know that practicing some form of relaxation is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself? Taking time each day to quiet your mind and breathe deeply, can make a big difference in how you feel throughout your day and into the night. And dedicating a day every week for mental and spiritual renewal is equally important.

We're told that the word "relax" has its origin in the Latin word "relaxare," which means "to loosen." When we relax, we are in effect loosening tension, releasing tightly held energy and letting go. From the state of relaxation we can experience calm peacefulness.

Another great word is the Hebrew word "Shabbat" which, of course, is a day of rest. But it quite literally means to "quit; stop; take a break." Whatever you are doing, stop it. Whatever you are saying, be quiet. Sit down and take a look around. Don't do anything. Don't say anything. Fold your hands. Take a deep breath... .

Extended periods of rest are a biological necessity. The human body is like an old-fashioned wind-up clock. If it is not rewound by rest, ultimately it will run itself down.

A group of Americans made a trip with Brazilian natives down the Amazon River. The first day they rushed. The second day they rushed. The next day they rushed. One day, anxious to continue the trek, they were surprised to find the natives seated together in a circle.

When asked the reason for the delay, a guide answered, "They are waiting. They cannot move further until their souls have caught up with their bodies."

Do you owe yourself time to let your soul catch up with your body?

-- Steve Goodier

Stillness by Kate Sweeney

Stillness.

Perfect Stillness.

It is a very great gift, not always available to those who would most appreciate it or find joy in it, and often not appreciated by those who have it but are uncomfortable with it. External noise is inescapable in many places - traffic, sirens, people talking about everything everywhere, music (the kind my Grandma says has such thundering amplification that it makes the ground shudder).


Its amazing what a few days out of your normal environment will do. Going home is one of places where for short while, all the chaos of the moment gets muted. I think we get so accustomed to the noise of business we forget to seek silence and retreat.


I spent a night just gazing at stars, which were perfectly clear and sweetly glittering, and found myself completely engrossed in a conversation with God as though He was right there, chilling in the hot tub. Why doesn't that happen more often? Pretty soon though my mind began to race to other things: lyrics from a song...next week......project deadlines...doctor appointments.....NEO training........which led to thinking about all the emails sitting in my inbox....and I reached for my iPhone to set a reminder for later when I realized something. Not only was my mind racing but so was my heart rate and the peace of just sitting and being still was gone.

Ugh.


I think it is possible to learn stillness, but only if it is seriously sought. He did say "be still and know that I am God." The stillness in which we find God is not superficial, a mere absence of fidgeting or talking. It is a deliberate and quiet attentiveness - receptive, alert, ready. Wherever you are, be all there. This concept is easy enough if we're talking about sports.

Especially college football.
Got it.

For me, this quietness in the presence of God, this being "all there" for Him, though I desire it and treasure it, is not easy to maintain, even in the beautiful places I find myself in....like a hot tub and perfect night sky overhead.

Wouldn't it be a calming thing to just practice stillness, which is the absence of motion? Why not try a quiet day or quiet week without the usual noises and distractions?


Maybe a better question is, does God seem absent?


Yes, for most of us He sometimes does. Even at such a time may we simply be still before Him, trusting that He reads everything we cannot put into words?





My friend Kate Sweeney posted this on facebook, Monday, December 28, 2009 and it touched me so much, I asked her if I could share it with you. She graciously agreed. I hope it blesses you and encourages you to seek out still moments with our heavenly father.


God bless!
J