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Well - I made it all 31 Days! Yeah!!! Halloween is not a holiday that I celebrate but I do enjoy seeing all the children dressed in their costumes. My husband gets a kick out of giving out the candy and my dog runs and hides because he doesn't like to dressed in his little costume. This year he was a dinosaur but he wouldn't sit still long enough for me to take a good picture. The effect of this picture happened totally by accident! :-) October 31st - means it's time to pull out my fall decorations and Christmas is just around the corner! So I thought I end this 31 day blogging challenge with a few of my favorites quotes and acronyms that I've collected - I don't know where they all originated; plus a few scriptures from my journal. I hope you'll enjoy them. So, here we go... "Don't expect your life to change if you aren't willing to change how you live" "We need to allow God's Word to do a powerful work in us that thr...

  Matthew 6:25-34                              SEVEN REASONS NOT TO WORRY Matthew 6:25         The same God who created life in you can be trusted with the details of  your life Matthew 6:26           Worrying about the future hampers your efforts for today Matthew 6:27           Worrying is more harmful than helpful    Matthew 6: 28-30     God does not ignore those who depend you Him Matthew 6:31-32      Worrying shows a lack of faith in and understanding of God Matthew 6:33           Worrying keeps us from the real challenges that God wants us to pursue Matthew 6:34     ...

        The Lord your God has blessed you in all the work of your hands. Deuteronomy 2:7       Encourage each other daily and build each other up. 1 Thess 5:11

Be a STRONG FINISHER!!! Give it all you've got! Sometimes we're ready to give just before we reach our goals. That little extra push forward can make the difference between finisher strong or not finishing at all. 2 Corinthians 8:10-12 (NLT) Here is my advice: It would be good for you to finish what you started a year ago. Last year you were the first who wanted to give, and you were the first to begin doing it. Now you should finish what you started. Let the eagerness you showed in the beginning be matched now by your giving. Give in proportion to what you have. Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it eagerly. And give according to what you have, not what you don’t have. Here's a little clip from " Facing the Giants " that shows what it means to give it every ounce of you strength - give it all you've got. Make the most of every opportunity...Ephesians 5:16

God Knows! All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. Psalm 139:16 FAITH = Forwarding - All - Issues - to - Heaven Now FAITH  is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1 5 Ways to Market Your Business from the SBA. This article has some helpful ideas for reaching out to your customers, especially as the holidays approach. To see previous posts in my 31 days  blogging challenge, click on "31 days."

I will meditate in thy precepts.  Psalm 119:15   There are times when solitude is better than society, and silence is wiser than speech. We should be better Christians if we were more alone, waiting upon God, and gathering through meditation on his Word spiritual strength for labour in his service. We ought to muse upon the things of God, because we thus get the real nutriment out of them . Truth is something like the cluster of the vine: if we would have wine from it, we must bruise it; we must press and squeeze it many times. The bruiser’s feet must come down joyfully upon the bunches , or else the juice will not flow; and they must well tread the grapes , or else much of the precious liquid will be wasted. So we must, by meditation , tread the clusters of truth , if we would get the wine of consolation there from. Our bodies are not supported by merely taking food into the mouth, but the process which really supplies the muscle, and the nerve, and ...

For today’s post I decided to "unpack" Psalm 36:7. This is part of the blog hop in  Proverb's 31 "A Confident Heart" Study . Also. part of my 31 days blogging challenge. How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of Your wings. Psalm 37:6 Priceless - having value beyond price, invaluable. Unfailing - constant, everlasting, inexhaustible, sure. Love - ultimate expression of God's loyalty, purity and mercy extended toward His people. Refuge - shelter or protection from danger or distress. Shadow - shelter from danger. The abundance of God's love is poured out on all those who love and know Him - a personal, intimate relationship with Him. His Love for us in seen in His faithfulness, His justice, His deliverance and His abundant provision. See:  Verse Mapping . Have a great day and happy blogging!

Prayer - Part II Wow it's Day 24 of my 31 Day Blogging Adventure - Making Everyday Count ! If you missed the introduction or any of previous posts you can find them here . I will continue adding more posts for this adventure for the rest of the month! What a journey this has been.       How Should Pray?     Jesus example: After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone (Matthew 14:23). Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed (Mark 1:35) In Secret - Matthew 6:6 Without Ceasing - 1 Thessalonians 5:17 In His Name - John 14:13-14 Believing - Mark 11:24, James 5:15 With Thanksgiving - Philippians 4:6, Colossians 4:2 With Humility - 2 Chronicles 7:14, James 4:10 In Agreement - Matthew 18:19 With Praise - Hebrews 13:15 With Delight - Psalm 37:4 With Comm...

Prayer - Part I Prayer is not a formula. It is primarily a love relationship expressed between you and your loving heavenly Father. He is all-wise, all-loving, all-powerful, all-able to hear and to answer. God call us to Himself to speak with Him face-to-face. What is prayer? Relationship - verbalizing total child-like dependence on my faithful Father - John 1:12, Matthew 6:9, 7:11 Intimate two-way conversation between tow people who love each other, talking with God - James 4:8 Pleading promises - Joshua 23:14, 2 Corinthians 1:20 Acknowledging entire dependence on Sovereign God - John 15:4 Asking God for something - Matthew 7:7-8 Ministering to God - Deuteronomy 10:8 Pouring out our burdens on our caring Friend - Psalm 55:22, 1 Peter 5:7 The beginning of every move of God - Habakkuk 3:1-2 One thing I ask of the Lord this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in His tem...

Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life As we fill our hearts and minds with Truth, we can defeat the lies we tell ourselves, and the lies Satan whispers in our thoughts. Compare negative thoughts to the Truth God’s Word, the differences amaze me: My thoughts: I want to give up. God’s Word: Be committed (Philippians 4:13, Galatians 6:9). My thoughts: I’ll feel lost. God’s Word: He watches my paths and establishes my ways (Proverbs 5:21, 4:26). My thoughts: No one loves me. God’s Word: He loves me more than life (John 3:16). My thoughts: I’m ugly. God’s Word: I’m wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). My thoughts: I’m all alone and no one understands me. God’s Word: He will never leave me. He has plans for my life (Deuteronomy 31:6, Jeremiah 29:11). My thoughts: I’m just not good enough. God’s Word: I was created in His image (Genesis 1:26). When the enemy tries to slither in with false accusations, we must be ready to combat him with what God’s Word says about ...

Today, I'm wondering where the time's going and what will I post?! My brain is on empty. So, what comes to mind at this time is Mandisa's song "Overcomer" which has been playing on the radio a lot lately. Jesus said in John16:33, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Matthew Henry's Commentary on this verse: He comforts them with a promise of peace in him, by virtue of his victory over the world, whatever troubles they might meet with in it ( John 16:33 ): “ These things have I spoken, that in me you might have peace ; and if you have it not in me you will not have it at all, for in the world you shall have tribulation ; you must expect no other, and yet may cheer up yourselves, for I have overcome the world .” Observe: 1. The end Christ aimed at in preaching this farewell sermon to his disciples: That in him they might have peace . He did n...

For today’s post I decided to "unpack" Isaiah 49:23b This is part of the blog hop in  Proverb's 31 "A Confident Heart" Study . See:  Verse Mapping . Also. part of my 31 days blogging challenge.   " Then you will know that I am the Lord ; those who hope in me will not be disappointed.” Isaiah 49:23b There are three words in this passage that I want to unpack - Then-Hope-Know.   Then is an important word. It implies that something must come before. This confidence (knowing that God is the Lord, hoping in Him, not being disappointed) comes only when we: turn from our disobedience and follow God allow Him to rebuild and restore us from the deep, dark, desolate places in our hearts and lives. Hope = confident assurance that God will do what He says He will do. Believing in Him even through our doubts and disappointments. Heb 6:19 – We are anchored in all upheaval, roped securely to God’s Throne. Nothing can untie us. Hold to Hope rooted...

What's Love Got to do With It? God so LOVED the world - such a familiar passage of scripture. But what does it really mean? In the Amplified Bible John 3:16 reads, "For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He even gave up His only unique Son... God loved me so much that He allowed His Son - who He greatly loved - to hang naked on a cross and die a death like no other. The One who knew no sin, die for me; He took my place so that I might live and have eternal life in Heaven. God loved me so much, He says in His Word, He will never leave me or forsake me. (Deuteronomy 31:8) Friends and family may leave or forget but God never will. I am reminded of God's love for me during a time in my life when my heart was functioning at less than 30%. He was right there, He never left me. always reminding - "I will never leave you - Trust Me." It was a long road to full recovery but He walked beside me the whole way, leading me to the right doctor...

Romans 12:18 reminds us to Live Peaceably with All . "If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. It isn't possible to be at peace with everyone. But do as much as you can do. You can't always prevent friction between people, but don't let the friction be from your side. Live peaceably, as much as you possibly can. Too much time and energy are wasted fighting with people over things that don't matter. Be a peacemaker. You will be blessed.

Value-Driven Leadership (Psalm 15:1-5) Psalm 15 furnishes us with a list of leadership traits. The character of those who may dwell with the Lord. David describes a righteous person who walks with integrity and gains not only the respect of others, but also an audience with God (Ps. 15:1,2). He demonstrates why predetermined values and ethics, not expediency, must drive our leadership. How does David picture a godly leader? The leader... possesses integrity - v.2 does what is right - v.2 is honest and trustworthy - v.2 does not gossip - v.3 does not listen to gossip - v.3 does not harm others  - v.3 speaks out against wrong - v.4 honors others who walk in truth  - v.4 keeps their word even when it costs them  - v.4 isn't greedy to gain at the expense of others - v.5  takes no bribes against anyone - v.5  is strong and stable  - v.5  God honors those who keep their word. The Maxwell Leadership Bible, p. 656

Failure and Success: One Test Today: Success For we are not, as so many, peddling the word of God; but as of sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sight of God in Christ.— 2 Corinthians 2:17 Much that passes for Christianity today is the brief bright effort of the severed branch to bring forth its fruit in its season. But the deep laws of life are against it. Preoccupation with appearances and a corresponding neglect of the out-of-sight root of the true spiritual life are prophetic signs which go unheeded. Immediate 'results' are all that matter, quick proofs of present success without a thought of next week or next year. Religious pragmatism is running wild among the orthodox. Truth is whatever works. If it gets results it is good. There is but one test for the religious leader: success. Everything is forgiven him except failure. A tree can weather almost any storm if its root is sound, but when the fig tree which our Lord cursed "dried up from the...

Beware of Seeing Yourself - From the devotional "Jesus Calling" This spoke to me so deeply as I was reading it I wanted to share it with you and my fellow bloggers. Beware of seeing yourself through other people’s eyes. There are several dangers to this practice. First of all, it is nearly impossible to discern what others actually think of you. Moreover, their views of you are variable: subject to each viewer’s spiritual, emotional, and physical condition. The major problem with letting others define you is that it borders on idolatry. Your concern to please others dampens your desire to please Me, your Creator. It is much more real to see yourself through My eyes. My gaze upon you is steady and sure, untainted by sin. Through My eyes you can see yourself as one who is deeply, eternally loved. Rest in My loving gaze, and you will receive deep Peace. Respond to My loving Presence by worshiping Me in spirit and in truth. And without faith it is impossible to please G...

Take delight in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4 Desire will give you stamina and energy. We must know that we know the truth of God's Word. Today I'd like to give you a little acronym for Desire . D - daily activity, your six most important things to do list.  See Day 10 E - expect a miracle, there is nothing too hard for God's greatness. God directs my path. S - set daily/weekly/monthly goals and track them. I -  invade your brain with positiveness, positive affirmations and God's Word. R - rest and reflect at the end of each day. E - elevate yourself to new levels. Walk in confidence that you are doing what God has called you to do. Hope you had and are having a Magnanimous Monday! Be blessed & be a blessing. See what other 31 Day Bloggers are doing.

God's Word on Success Success by God's standards is not measured by material assets, but by godliness and all that is associated with it. Many are both materially successful and successful by God's standards. But we get into trouble when we gain material or worldly success at the expense of godly success. On the day of our death, when we lay aside all material assets, material success has not value. But how we have succeeded in godly matters counts in every way. What is True Success in God's Eyes? Faith in Jesus is true success...Acts 16:31 Love for God is true success...Matthew 22:37 Obedience to God's Word is true success...Psalm 119:115 Serving and helping others is true success...Matthew 20:26 Committing all you do to God and putting God first in your life is true success...Proverbs 16:3 True success, that which comes from God, is killed by our attraction to worldly things. When we lust for money, position, power, fame, we will be tempted to spe...

Find the Time Have you ever made one of these remarks-- "I just can't find the time" or "I don't want to lose time"? Well, think about it!  Time can't be lost!  It is always present, but often misused or wasted.  We must choose carefully the way we spend our time. it is very important for us to have a special prayer time-- --- a time that we mention the names of those we know need to be lifted up, --- a time to reflect on our situation and our needs, --- a time to be thankful for the blessings we have received, --- a time to pray for the miracle that only God can give, --- a time to listen to the voice of God as He speaks to our hearts and directs our paths.  Prayer time, coupled with the study of God’s word, will strengthen us as Christians,  as well as influence the lives of others. Our accent scripture for The Prayer Garden is “Pray without ceasing” 1 Thessalonians 5:17.  We all live very busy lives and obviously can’t de...

Path to Success - Part 2     Yesterday we explored the "C's" to Success, today we will explore the "P's" to Success .    Prayer - open up your calendar and pray over it; let God fill it with divine appointments Proverbs 16:3 Commit your work to the Lord Ephesians 2:10 we were created to do good works, God has a plan for us Plan your day. Plan your work and work your plan. Jeremiah 29:11 - God promises to gives us a hope and a future People - connect with people. Change up your routine. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different.  result. Matthew 7:12 - do to others what you would have them do to you -  "The Golden Rule" Prospects -  put every person the Lord puts in your head in your prospect book. Pray for those individuals Have great expectations Enroll everyone in your goal Possibilities are endless Make the right choices Everything ...

Path to Success Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. Hebrews 12:12 Y.E.S. = You Expect Success; your success blesses others. Expect Great things and Great things will happen. Are you expecting the best in yourself and in others? Speak truth into the lives of others. The power of life and death is in the tongue. Whether we realize it or not we are influencing others - either positively or negatively. The reverse is also true. We are like the 5 people we hang-out with the most. Who's in your inner circle (family counts as 1)? There are plenty of rules to obtain success but none of them work unless you do. Success is where preparation meets opportunity! Commit your work to the Lord and your plans will succeed. Proverbs 16:3 The 4 C's of Success Confidence - practice and master the skill of your profession or business. Contagious - Be Contagious- enthusiasm is contagious but so is ...

The Possibilities Are Endless! Sometimes we get so busy living our lives we forget to live. In the pursuit of happiness it's good to pause and just be happy. When we let fear determine our course we deny God's faithfulness. We shift our focus from Him and turn to defending and promoting our plans for ourselves. Faith built on a foundation laid by God: A God so loving He sent His Son for us He repairs what was lost He rebuilds what is broken Live from your imagination not you memory - you can't go back - move forward! We are to use our gifts to the fullest to bless others...to encourage each other. 1 Thess 5:11 No seed you plan every goes unnoticed - sometimes we just need to water it and nurture it. Listen to the Voice of Truth - God & His Word. God desires a real authentic relationship with His Redeemed people. Journal everything. The example we set by the life that we live - live a life of authenticity.

In Luke 5:27 Jesus said to Matthew (Levi), "Follow Me." He left it all, rose up to follow Jesus. Things left behind by people who rose up to follow Jesus... Fishermen left their fish The woman at the well left her waterpot the widow of Nain left her son's casket Lazarus left his grave clothes Mary left eh pieces of her alabaster box Bartimaeus left his beggar's clothes The people who soar the highest in the Lord are those who left things behind. We limit our Christian walk and witness when we are not willing to do so as well. Satan wants to weigh us down with the stuff of this world. Jesus wants to set us free. It time to free ourselves of the things we're trying to hold on to that have no eternal value. Time to line up our priorities with God's priorities. It's time to free ourselves of the weight of the world and focus on Jesus. Are you willing to "Follow Jesus" or do you want Jesus to follow you? The adventure doesn't ...

Sometimes you receive something in your email that's too good not to share. So I thought I'd share, you may have seen them but sometimes we just need to be remind. Hope that make you smile! :-) It's not my ability, but my response to God's ability, that counts. Corrie Ten Boom