strength

"I am you strength and shield. I plan out each day and have it ready for you, long before you arise from bed. I also provide the strength you need each step of the way."

Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

Psalm 28:7 The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him and I am helped; therefore my heart exalts and with song I shall give thanks.

*****

Whatever God has planned for you... He has the strength for you!

I needed to hear this today, how about you? What has God planned for you?

one thousand gifts

three old things seen new

447. God is my strength

448. the Ingles visit!

Worship God

"Worship Me only. Whatever occupies your mind the most becomes your god."

Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

*****

What is occupying your mind this morning? Has it become your god? Place God back on the throne and worship Him.

Psalm 46:10 "Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."

*****

one thousand gifts

a song heard, a soft word, where you saw light

443. Nearer My God to Thee"

444. "Happy Birthday, Papa"

445. beautiful sunset

our words

I just finished eating at Don Pablo's. We went there for an early celebration of Tom's birthday tomorrow. We met Andy, Kelly, Amelia, and Asher. The food was yummy, especially the dessert!

Andy decided that since we were almost to the end of January, we should discuss how we are doing on our word for the year. Tom's word was devotion, Kelly's word was focus, Andy's word was opposites: work-rest, starting projects-finishing projects, etc.. (Matt's word is love, but he couldn't be with us for lunch), and my word was "healthy choices".

I like the idea of having a word for the year. Something that encapsulates what we would like to work on for the year. It feels less restrictive and easier to handle than resolutions. But the things that make it better for me than resolutions, are also the down fall of choosing a word. It seems much harder to quantify how you are doing. After all there aren't any concrete actions that you can check and say that you have done them.

I guess that is why that I have to have both, a word to encourage me and help me focus on my goal, and specific steps that I need to do to help me reach that goal. What are the difference from resolutions and my specific steps? To me a resolution is: I want to lose weight. Where my specific steps would be to eat low carbohydrate/high protein, to drink 8 glasses of water a day, to exercise 5 times a week.

Maybe this is all semantics, but so far this year focusing on making healthier choices and having my specific steps seems to be working for me. I have lost 10 pounds in January. I have gone back to church and joined a Bible study. I am keeping in better touch with Andy and Matt. Tom and I are communicating better.

How are you doing on your resolutions, words, or goals? I'd love to hear from you!

focus

"Keep your focus on Me. I have gifted you with amazing freedom, including the ability to choose the focal point of you mind.... I will guard you and keep you in constant Peace, as you focus your mind on Me." Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

Isaiah 26:3 The steadfast in mind Thou will keep in perfect peace. Because he trusts in you.

*****

What will you choose to focus on today?

*****

one thousand gifts

graces found in friends

489. security

490. mentoring

492. laughter and tears

493. deep calls to deep

trust

"Relying on your own understanding will weigh you down. Trust in Me absolutely, and I will make your path straight." Jesus Calling from Sarah Young

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean upon your own understanding . In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.

*****

I don't understand these blue days that I have, but I must rely on Jesus and trust Him.

*****

one thousand gifts

483 a gift before 9am-- the sun rises, whether I can see it or not

484. a gift before noon-- Tom meets with Matt

485. a gift after dark--Camomile tea and sleep

imperfect world

"Instead of seeking perfection in this fallen world, pour your energy into seeking Me the Perfect One." Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

John 16:33 These things I have spoken to you that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage, I have overcome the world.

*****

These dreary January days it is hard for me to take courage. I find myself slipping toward depression. The world seems not only dreary, but sometimes dark. This is the time I most need to cling to Jesus. He is the light of the world!

one thousand gifts

one grace borrowed, one grace found, one grace inherited

480. hope from Jesus

481. it is well with my soul

482. a generous spirit

be still

"Let My Love enfold you in the radiance of My Glory. Sit still in the Light of My Presence, and receive My Peace. These quiet moment with Me transcend time, accomplishing far more than you can imagine. Bring Me the sacrifice of your time, and watch to see how abundantly I bless you and your loved ones." Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

Hebrew 13:15 To Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name.

*****

Sit still and be with God.

*****

one thousand gifts

three things blue:

472. my Bible

473. Tom's eyes

474. my home

trials

"Thank Me when things do not go your way, because spiritual blessings come wrapped in trials. Adverse circumstances are normal in a fallen world . Expect them each day. Rejoice in the face of hardship, for I have overcome the world." Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

James 1:2 Consider it all joy my brethren when you encounter various trials.

*****

It's usually easy to look back and see how God had been at work in your life when you were going through a difficult time. It is not so easy to see His hand when you are in the midst of the difficult time. That is when we need faith. Knowing what God's word says (that He is with us and for us and working all things for good) and staying close to Jesus will help us overcome any adversity.

*****

one thousand gifts

3 things found in Jesus:

474. salvation

475. love

476. joy

It's alright to be human

"It's alright to be human." Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

II Corinthians 12:9 And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, My power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may dwell in me.

*****

Last night I had a bad dream about finances. Even after I was awake, I couldn't shake the feelings of fear. We are not in dire straits by any means, but we are like a lot of people and have debt... more debt than I am comfortable with. God has so blessed us and sometimes I feel like we haven't been good enough stewards of that blessing. So add to those feelings of fear, dis-appointment in myself. My day was not starting off on the best note. I decide that I may as well get up, I didn't think that I could fall back to sleep. I open my devotional and what are the first words I read--"It's alright to be human." Thank You God. It's alright to be human and make mistakes, it's alright to be disappointed in myself sometimes, it's alright because God can and does redeem my mistakes, He loves me, His strength is shown in my weakness. This does not mean that I can go on getting myself into more debt, God wants me to be a good steward of what He has given me. But it does mean that He forgives me for past mistakes and will help me to make better decisions in the future. He will care for me and provide for me. I need to trust in Him.

one thousand gifts

471. the pastor who spoke yesterday

472. the clear highway

473. His grace that is sufficient

trust in God

"Strive to trust Me in more and more areas of your life. Anything that tends to make you anxious is a growth opportunity. Instead of running away from these challenges, embrace them, eager to gain all the blessing I have hidden in difficulties." Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

*****

Psalm 52:8 But as for me, I am like a green olive tree in the house of God, I trust in the loving kindness of God forever and ever.

****

Like a green olive tree... I know nothing about olive trees, but I wonder if when they are young and green they are not very strong, but since this one is in the house of the Lord, it is protected and nurtured by God. Is that how you feel today, young and green and not very strong... or maybe you feel old and green and not very strong; trust in Jesus.

*****

one thousand gifts

468. the skies

469. my sister Chris

470. me

depending on God

"I want you to be all mine. I am weaning you from other dependencies. Your security rests in Me alone--not in other people, not in circumstances" Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

Deuteronomy 33:27 The eternal God is a dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms.

*****

Don't you love how God is always loving on us and always teaching us. Yesterday Tom arrived in Chicago after a long long flight to discover that his drive home was going to be snowy and icy. What normally takes him around 4 hours took him three times longer. I would have preferred for him to stay in Chicago, but he was anxious to get home and assured me that he would drive safely. That is when I had to turn to God and put Tom and me into His loving arms. God assured me as He always does, that He is sovereign and He was watching over us. Then this morning my devotion is about depending on Him. Yes, God I do!

*****

one thousand gifts

465. Tom home safely in the ice and snow

466. the calming of knitting

467. the strength in God's word

plans

"As you make plans for the day, remember that it is I who orchestrates the events of your life."

Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans for your welfare and not for calamity, to give you a future and a hope."

*****

I am trying to decide whether to drive to Illinois for the day. It is good to know that what God has planned for me is for my good! How about you? What do your plans look like for today?

I just got a call from my neighbor Bill saying that they have changed the weather forecast and that Illinois is getting snow and ice. No driving there today! Thanks Bill, and God for the forewarning!!

*****

One thousand gifts

462. my winter rose

463. no snow today

464. my neighbor Bill's warning about snow and ice in Illinois

My winter rose, from a rose bush that I brought in over the winter. I had almost killed it by neglect, but have been watering it and misting it daily and am rewarded with a winter rose!

Isn't it precious!

God blesses

"My Nature is to bless. Your nature is to receive with thanksgiving. This is a true fit, designed before the foundation of the world. Glorify Me by receiving my blessings gratefully."

Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

Psalm 118:1 Give thanks to the Lord for He is good; for His loving kindness is everlasting.

*****

Do we really believe that God's nature is to bless? Isn't that at the very core of what we believe that "God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son." God loved, and He gave. We are to received: "That who ever believes shall never perish but have eternal life." We are to believe and receive. Let's take some time today to just be receptive to what God wants to give to us, and then to thank Him!

*****

one thousand gifts

459. Beth Moore

460. Matt

461. Shannon and Jayme

"I am leading you along the high road, but there are descents as well as ascents. In the distance you see snow-covered peaks glistening in brilliant sunlight. Your longing to reach those peaks is good, but you must not take shortcuts. Your assignment is to follow Me, allowing Me to direct your path... hold tightly to My hand. Together we can make it!" Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

Habakkuk 3:19 The Lord God is my strength, and He has made my feet like hinds feet and makes me walk in high places.

*****

We don't have to find our way in life, we just have to hold Jesus hand as He walks with us.

*****

one thousand gifts

410. a warm robe

411. a warm meal

412. conversation with a friend

rejoice

"Come to Me with a thankful heart, so that you can enjoy My Presence. This is the day that I have made. I want you to rejoice today, refusing to worry about tomorrow. Search for all that I have prepared for you, anticipating abundant blessings and accepting difficulties as they come. I can weave miracles into the most mundane day is you keep your focus on Me." Jesus Calling

Psalm 118:24 This is the day which the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

*****

Rejoice!

*****

one thousand gifts

410. my warm robe

411. a warm meal

412. conversation

rely on Jesus

"Come to Me, and rest in My loving Presence. " Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

Matthew 11:28-30 Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and my load is light.

*****

Does what you have to deal with today feel too heavy? Maybe you are not sharing Jesus yoke. Are you trying to face your day without Jesus? He wants you to walk beside Him, letting him guide you and ease your burden. Rely on Jesus today!

*****

one thousand gifts

3 startling graces of God

407. the whiteness of snow

408. new mercies every morning

409. God's invitation to dance ( from the song "Come to Jesus")

Pictures Organized

I finally finished my project of copying my pictures to my computer. Here is the results:

the pictures on my computer in folders by their years

the actual picture filed away in boxes!

*Well all except for those pesky years 2003, 2007, and 2008; who are still hiding somewhere!

safe with Jesus

"My face is shining upon you, beaming out Peace that transcends understanding. You are surrounded by a sea of problems, but you are face to Face with Me, your Peace. As long as you focus on Me, you are safe." Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your mind in Christ Jesus.

*****

The peace of God doesn't mean that there will be no storms in your life, it means that you will be at peace through the storm.

*****

one thousand gifts

3 ways you glimpsed the startling grace of God

407. the whiteness of snow

408. new mercies every morning

409. God's invitation for us to dance

the heart

"It is easy to touch up your outward appearance, to look as if you have it all together. Your attempts to look good can fool most people. But I see straight through you, into the depths of your being. There is no place for pretense in your relationship with Me. Rejoice in the relief of being fully understood. Talk with Me about your struggles and feelings of inadequacy. Little by little, I will transform your weaknesses into strengths. Remember that your relationship with Me is saturated in grace."

I Samuel 16:7 But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him, for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."

*****

God sees our heart. He desires that we be transparent when we talk to him. He loves us as we are, but also knows what we can be, and is at work in us!

one thousand gifts

3 sounds you hear:

404. the geese flying overhead

405. the fire

406. the bells of the clock

adventure

"Try to view each day as an adventure, carefully planned out by your Guide... Thank Me for this day of life, recognizing that it is a precious, unrepeatable gift." Jesus Calling

Psalm 118:24 This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.

*****

Rejoice!

*****

one thousand gifts

something above, below, and beside:

441. my warm house

442. solid ground

443. Tom

prepared

"Let Me prepare you for the day that stretches out before you. I know exactly what this day will contain... I will not show you what is on the road ahead, but I will thoroughly equip you for the journey. My living Presence is your Companion each step of the way." Jesus Calling

Exodus 33:14 And He said, "My Presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest.

*****

What has God planned for us today? We know that He is preparing us for whatever we will face. Rest in His loving care!

*****

one thousand gifts

3 yellow thing that strike you as fresh mercy:

438. the sun

439. numbers on the clock

440. my sweater

prayer

" When you bring Me prayer requests, lay out your concerns before Me. Speak to Me candidly; pour out your heart. Then thank Me for the answers that I have set into motion long before you can discern results. When you requests come to mind again, continue to thank Me for the answers that are on the way." Jesus Calling

Psalm 46:10 Cease striving and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth.

*****

We are to pour out our hearts to God and then wait on Him with His answer... being thankful as we wait.

*****

one thousand gifts

a gift in hand, a gift you walked by, a gift you sat with:

432. my Bible

433. Chicago

434. Matt!

Chicago

Tom had to get a physical this morning in Chicago and was also on short call. He had made plans with Matt to have lunch together. I decided I would take a chance and hope that Tom didn't get called on a trip... which would have left me in Chicago with his car and needing to drive home by myself. So, I threw somethings into a bag (forgetting several important items) and we hit the road. We spent the night at the O'Hare Hilton. It was pretty nice, but I couldn't smile at the valet or check in person: my temporary front tooth is getting very flimsy and I only put it in when I am in public... unfortunately, it was packed away in my bag. I hadn't really thought about having to check in. Oh well, people in Chicago aren't all that friendly, so they probably didn't even notice that I wasn't smiling!! Tom got up early this morning for his physical and then brought back Cinnabon and Diet Coke for me. What a treat! We checked out and then drove to Matt's. We picked him up and made a quick stop at Kohl's, where he used some of his Christmas money. We then went to a pizza place and had Chicago deep dish pizza. One slice was so heavy, I could hardly lift it with just one hand! After we ate, we then dropped Matt off at his place and then drove home. Unfortunately, I got car sick on the way home... forgot to take Dramamine. Have to remember that although I am feeling so good--I still get car sick! All in all, a pretty good trip to Chicago.... after all I got to see Matt! Sorry no pictures. No I didn't forget my camera, just forgot to use it!

God's time

"I am with you and for you.... Much, much stress results from your wanting to make things happen before their times have come. One way that I assert My sovereignty is in the timing of events. If you want to stay close to Me and do things My way, ask Me to show you the path forward moment by moment. Instead of dashing headlong toward your goal, let Me set the pace. Slow down, and enjoy the journey in My Presence." Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

Luke 1:37 For nothing is impossible with God.

*****

What is God asking you to wait for? Usually while God asks us to wait for something, He asks us to be working on something--something to prepare us for what we are waiting on. What we do in the waiting time is often as important as what we are waiting for. Don't waste this time. Enjoy the journey of walking with God.

*****

one thousand gifts

light that caught you

a reflection that surprised you

a shadow that fell lovely

429. the candle lit for new believer Mayan

430. winter sun reflecting off frosted ground

431. stained glass at Geist Community church

hope

"Cling to hope, and my rays of Light will reach you through the darkness." Jesus Calling

Romans 15:13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

*****

Hope, not wishful thinking but expectant trust. God is the God of hope, He is trustworthy and faithful. We can rely on Him.

*****

one thousand gifts

3 graces from people you love

426. a call from an old friend

427. whole pretzels from Tom

428. "I love you" from Amelia

a thankful heart

"A thankful heart has plenty of room for Me." Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

I Thessalonians 5:18 In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

*****

In July, I read Ann Voskamp's book One Thousand Gifts. Since then I have been keeping a list of some of the gifts that God has given me. Ann is issuing a Joy Dare for 2012. She has printed out a January's Joy Dare on her blog... this is a list of possible gifts for you to journal every day. Find it here: http://www.aholyexperience.com/2012/01/the-1-habit-your-new-year-cant-do-without-giveaway/ Won't you join me in this dare?!

*****

one thousand gifts

from day 6... one thing in your bag, your fridge, your heart

423. pictures of my precious grandchildren

424. a pumpkin pie made for us by my Mom

425. Jesus

time is a trainer

"I am able to do far beyond all that you ask or imagine. Come to Me with positive expectations, knowing that there is no limit to what I can accomplish... Do not be discouraged by the fact that many of you prayers are unanswered. Time is a trainer, teaching you to wait upon Me, to trust Me in the dark." Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

*****

Ephesians 3:20-21 Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.

*****

Time the great trainer. What prayers do we have that are still unanswered? We need to remember that God is able to do more than we can even imagine, but His time is not our time. While He has us waiting for our answer, He is teaching us to rely on Him and trust Him.

*****

one thousand gifts

420. Practicing the Presence of People

421. the giraffe for Amelia and Asher

422. the sunshine

deep dependence

"You can achieve the victorious life through living in deep dependence on Me... True dependence is not simply asking me to bless what you have decided to do. It is coming to Me with an open mind and heart, inviting Me to plant My desires within you." Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

II Corinthians 5:7 for we walk by faith, not by sight.

*****

Many of us have just made new year's resolutions or picked words that we want to help define the coming year. Did we listen for God's voice in making our resolutions and picking words or did we plan ourselves? Let's take a few minutes today and ask God to tell us His plans and desires for us this coming year!

*****

one thousand gifts

416. dinner with Andy

417. sea salt scrub

418. the smell of chili cooking

419. faith

I trust you, Jesus!

"I want you to learn a new habit. Try saying, "I trust You, Jesus" in response to whatever happens to you... This simple practice will help you see Me in every situation, acknowledging My sovereign control over the universe." Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

Isaiah 40:10-11 Behold the Lord God will come with might, with His arm ruling Him. Behold His reward is with Him, and His recompense before Him, like a Shepherd He will tend His flock. In His arms He will gather His lambs and carry them to His bosom. He will gently lead the nursing lambs.

*****

Beside these verses in my Bible I have written, "God is a God of might and justice, but He is always gentle with His own!" We can know that He is sovereign over the world, but that He gently loves and cares for us. I trust you, Jesus!

*****

413. reconnecting with an old friend, Kim

414. the blues of the sunset

415. God gently dealing with me

Peace in our hearts

"Refresh yourself in the Peace of My Presence... I am both with you and within you. I go before you to open up the way, and I also walk alongside you. " Jesus Calling

John 16:33 These things I have spoken to you , that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage, I have overcome the world."

******

We are never alone. We have our Savior and Friend with us at all times. He knows what is coming and is preparing us to meet all challenges. We can face the future with Peace in our hearts.

******

one thousand gifts

409. Tom safe trip home after wintry weather

410. Matt having several days off to relax

411. beautiful sunshine

my third knitting project

I finished my third knitting project yesterday--a blue scarf.

I am excited because I may actually wear this in public!!

Relax in Jesus' Presence

"Relax in My Healing Presence. As you spend time with Me, your thoughts tend to jump ahead to today's plans and problems. Bring your mind back to Me for refreshment and renewal. Let the Light of My Presence soak into you, as you focus your thoughts on Me. Thus I equip you to face whatever the day brings." Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

Psalm 105:4 Seek the Lord and His strength, seek His face continually.

*****

Let's start today spending time with Jesus. We will accomplish all that He has planned for us after we have spent time talking with Him.

*****

on thousand gifts

406. the sun shining through the dark blue clouds

407. rest on the Sabbath

word for 2012

We started a tradition a few years ago in my family. At the beginning of the year we would pick a word for the coming year. This word would represent a goal or desire we had for the year. I wrote yesterday about my words for 2011, grace and communication. Today I want to share my words for this year. "Healthy Choices" This year I want to make healthier choices in all areas of my life.

I want to make healthy choices spiritually. I want to choose to follow God closely, to listen to His voice. To continue to have a daily devotional time that I spend with Him. I also want to make a healthy choice about attending church. I have been on a sabbatical from church for several years, but now feel like God has healed old hurts and is inviting me to get involved in a church body again. This may also include going to a Bible study. I am excited about this, but I also know I need to make healthy choices about which church and which Bible study to attend.

I want to make healthy choices physically. I want to choose more wisely my diet. I want to choose to take better care of my body.

I want to make healthy choices in my re

walking with God

"Come to Me with a teachable spirit, eager to be changed. A close walk with Me is a life of continual newness. Do not cling to old ways as you step into a new year."

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, " plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future."

*******

God has a plan for me in 2012. I want to make sure that I am letting Him guide me as we walk through this new year together. What about you?

one thousand gifts

403. a new year

404. Tom's word for the year "devotion"

405. my words for the year "healthy choices"