365 Days of Spirit-Filled Fruits Challenge-Day 222 & 223

Despite being out-of-shape, I managed to survive a 5 mile round-trip hike on the Fern Lake trail in Rocky Mountain National Park. I was the slow-poke of the family. This trip through the forest was a testament to perseverance. My attitude was focused on getting to “The Pool” which was our destination. It was a lovely spot and worthy of the effort. It make me think of our spiritual journey with the Lord. It can be difficult with moments where you need to stop and stretch or times when you need to take a break for some water. There can even be times when you contemplate turning back or just stopping to catch your breath. These times in our spiritual journey are times when we get into our bible, pray or talk with a fellow believer. Our journey through life is difficult just as a hike up a mountain can be when you are not in the best of shape but with the right focus and those moments of prayer, study and worship the Lord gives us what we need to continue that hike. Those stretching breaks, water up times and rests for breathe provide us the strength to keep going. Be sure to do your stretches, drink your water and breathe in the living word of God and you will be able to preserve and enjoy the moments along the way.

Hebrews 12: 1 …and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

365 Days of Spirit-Filled Fruits Challenge-Day 159

In my Hebrews study by Warren W Wiersbe, the topic of progress and growth was discussed. Wiersbe said he once heard a preacher say “Most Christians are betweeners.” Well, he continued and asked him what he meant by that. This is how he responded:  “They are between Egypt and Canaan—out of the place of danger, but not yet into the place of rest and rich inheritance.” “They are between Good Friday and Easter Sunday—saved by the blood but not yet enjoying the newness of resurrection life.” I remember John Stevens our retired pastor preaching about this topic and saying are you Hot for Jesus or just luke warm. Our walk with the Lord is meant to be a continual growth process. Don’t let the things of this world get you stuck in between.

Hebrews 6:1 Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment

365 Days of Spirit-Filled Fruits Challenge-Day 152

Praising the Lord because I know I aced the test. There were probably only 3-4 questions that I wasn’t 100% sure of but all the rest I knew like the back of my hand! Now, I can relax and enjoy this beautiful day. Hope you are too!

365 Days of Praise Challenge-Day 149

I am on vacation and I have had time to just breath and pray and let God work in me without all the cares of life and my work weighing me down. I am praising God for these retreats where one can get away from it all and just have fun, love and be with God and each other. God gave us a retreat every week with the Seventh day being our day of rest. Take this day and open your heart to ways you have never done before. Not a journaler, try it! Singing not your thing, turn on the worship music and do it! Not big on being on the phone, call a believer and catch up!Haven't read the bible in who knows how long, open up Psalms and just read one! Take this day of rest and devote it to God.
Psalm 77:12 I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds.

365 Days of Praise Challenge-Day 23

It's times like these when I am in a lot of pain that my praying comes from the words of songs. The song that is playing over and over in my mind now is by Jeremy Camp. I think it's called "There Will Be a Day" but I will have to check on that. The words go like this: "there will be a day, with no more tears, no more pain and no more fears... The pain in my shoulder was the worst ever last night to the point of having a beer to take the pain away for a while. I don't drink much so that says a lot. 800mg of IB profin didn't do anything. I am staying home from work today just to let my shoulder have total and complete rest and will be icing off and on all day hoping to calm down the swelling. I got an appointment set up with Orthopedic doctor for January 3rd. It's not soon enough but in the end I am probably going to need surgery. So, I am off now to go ice it... I am thankful for my job but today I need a day of rest.
Jer 6:16 Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.

365 Days of Praise Challenge-Day 20

Today I am thankful for days of Rest. God had it right when he made creation and rested on the 7th day. We all need to have that rest time to reflect on what we have accomplished and to help us evaluate and set new goals. My days of rest are when I can be in my studio crafting. I can think, create, listen to music and just be. Here's what I created on my last day of rest in preparing for Christmas photos. Just a reminder to me of the reason for the season.

Psalm 91:1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.