365 Days of Praise Challenge-Day 305

As I listened to the women in my bible study last night recount how their summer was, I was awed by how unique all our circumstances were from me and my job stuff, one with unexpected death, one with a summer filled with weddings, one with a good fun summer and one with people coming in and out of her home all summer. The great part about all of this is how we just listened to each other with validation, support and encouragement. It was good to be back with these wonderful ladies. I laughed to myself on the way home thinking how did I end up with this group of older ladies. Oh, yeah, I started it. In looking back in my life, I always seem to have younger friends or older friends and not so much the same-age friends. But no matter the age or stages of life my friends are in, I am thankful to God for them. Praises to our awesome God for bringing friendships into our lives.

Romans 12:10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Out do one another in showing honor.

365 Days of Praise Challenge-Day 302

Today is the first official day of Fall. We all have our favorites and mine has always been the Fall. I think because it is more of a drastic change than the Spring is.  Spring doesn't seems to come all at once. First you see the daffodils, than the tulips than some trees start to bud and the grasses start to change from yellow to green. But the Fall is much more dramatic and sudden. That first colder weather pattern that moves through tells all the trees and grasses your time is about done. You wake up the next day and suddenly your whole world has changed. The temperature is a nice mild 50 degrees, the trees are changing colors and the mountain has its first bit of snow on it. I think we can feel that way everyday with Christ Jesus in our hearts. Everyday we are made new. We can ask the Lord for forgiveness for our sins of the previous day and be washed clean of them. Thank you Lord for this gift of a new day, a new beginning everyday. We so need it! If you are living in a place without hope, than its time to look to the one who gives us hope everyday like a mountain with fresh snow.

Ephesians 4:22-24 To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.

365 Days of Praise Challenge-Day 183

Summer is here! School is out. Grades were good. Summer camps are set-up. My daughter asks, "where are we going this summer?" Unfortunately, we are staying home. Finances will keep us close to the home as it may be for many people. Thankfully, we live in a beautiful area with plenty of hiking trails and parks. Camping may be an option as long as it's in a cabin with air matresses. Summer is a time of action. Do this-go there kind of attitude. We have to keep in mind that it's not about the places you go or the things you do but it's about being together. Let's go with whatever God plans for us and be content. Enjoy God's creation and your summer but remember it's about being together and God's plan.
Proverbs 14:22 But those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness.