power of words

bring joy

“The voice of the Lord…” is powerful, majestic, breaks, strikes, shakes and twists. Psalm 29

In Genesis, His words brought things into being.
His breath is what gave man life.

Is God still speaking and breathing?
Are we discounting the power of His word and promises?

“Life and death are in the power of the tongue…” Proverbs 18:21

Do we take our own words seriously?
What does God think of what comes out of our mouths?

In Luke 9, James and John knew the power of their words and were going to call down fire to destroy. Jesus rebuked them.

His greatest desire is for us to love Him and love others.

It has definitely made me more aware of my words…

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29

honoring mom

Today is mom’s 75th birthday!

She doesn’t look it or act it and I know it’s another way I am like her – teehee!

One of the most precious parts to this year has been walking the beaches with mom again. She is a woman who wants to share life with others, shower them with blessings, and always stay in touch. She is definitely the glue that keeps our distant and diverse family together.

When you see that woman with the smile,
You can trust she wants to bring you joy.
She is protective of her family,
A guardian to those alone and
Courageous to causes close to her heart.
She will do all she can to honor you,
Encouraging along the way.

She is my beautiful mother and
Today is her special day!

Love you momma!
Thank you for being you!

new focus

seeking the sun

It’s been fun few weeks with various house guests, shoreline excursions, AND garden time! These beautiful cone flowers were even allowed to keep their leaves this season!

Many blessings come our way. How often do we not notice them?

We can blame and make excuses but should that be where our heart and eyes are focusing?

The Lord is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and rich in love.
The Lord is good to all;
he has compassion on all he has made.
All your works praise you, Lord;
your faithful people extol you.
They tell of the glory of your kingdom
and speak of your might,
so that all people may know of your mighty acts
and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
and your dominion endures through all generations.
The Lord is trustworthy in all he promises
and faithful in all he does.
Psalm 145:8-13

natures wonders

I can seldom sit in nature and not marvel at God’s creativity.

How do the leaves know when to uncurl, to bring the buds and seeds, then release them in the wind to dig their way to the dirt and begin again?

To walk the shore and think of what lies beyond? Stories, secrets, mysteries…will they ever be discovered?

There is so much we won’t be able to explain in life. Yet we often act like we understand it all. We become satisfied with where we are, what we know, and the wonder of it all is no longer embraced.

Yet…there is always so much more….

“What no eye has seen,
what no ear has heard,
and what no human mind has conceived”—
the things God has prepared for those who love him—
these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit.
The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.
1 Corinthians 2:9-10

back to beginnings

New Discovery

Think of those feelings you have with a new discovery?

A great recipe, a hidden beach, a new store, or a blossoming relationship. We have an excitement we want to share with others. Often we’re distracted by the bad things around us but let’s concentrate each day on the good.

The past few months have been such a treat with the ALPHA group at my church. Many years ago I was in one of these groups – meeting new people, discovering things about God, and feeling free to ask more questions. To discuss with people at all different places in there journey is refreshing and helps you rediscover the wonders of Jesus all over!

Don’t settle for a comfortable belief in our Heavenly Father. He wants to show us more things that will make us rejoice each day. He wants to lavish His love on us, sing over us and show His delight.

Rediscover your Savior. He wants to show you great and amazing things.

And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you’ll be able to take in with all followers of Jesus the extravagant dimensions of Christ’s love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:17-19 Message

limited vision

This is not just a vision test…

Cover one eye – look at your surroundings.

What is the main difference seeing with only one eye?

Unless you have some other unique thing – the main difference is a limited field of vision. The scenery doesn’t change it is just how much of it you see.

Now cover half of your brain –

Did you find that a little difficult?

What is the main difference if using one side of your brain?

Our sight is very similar to our brain – logic vs creative, knowledge vs revelation.

We have gotten very used to using the grown-up, rational, and responsible part of our brain so we can be serious and conscientious people. But God created us ALL with a right brain too – a creative side. A place of dreams, passions, and innovative ideas. Unfortunately we often outgrow.

Maybe it’s time for some change.

listen with your eyes

Colombia – Rio Claro (clear river)

Do you every hear with your eyes?

More and more communication is on a screen. Without mutual presence, we try to read between the lines and often come up with wrong answers.

Our Listening Prayer group has given new meaning to this important word…LISTENING

God gave me a picture of us sitting by a river. The water was very clear. Moving along, I could see the ridges in the sand as the current pushed it towards the bank. He was telling me the lessons of the water –

movement carries things
buoyancy more important
stuck if too weighted
REFRESHING
let it carry you

He doesn’t always need a lot of words, do we?

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
Psalm 23:1-3

excitement lingers

New Discovery

The Message is as true among you today as when you first heard it. It doesn’t diminish or weaken over time. It’s the same all over the world. The Message bears fruit and gets larger and stronger, just as it has in you. From the very first day you heard and recognized the truth of what God is doing, you’ve been hungry for more. It’s as vigorous in you now as when you learned it….
Colossians 1:5-6

Are you still hungry for more?

ever increasing

Imagine your house…

What parts of your life do you want to see “ever increasing” and why?

“Imagine yourself as a living house. God comes in to rebuild that house. At first, perhaps, you can understand what He is doing. He is getting the drains right and stopping the leaks in the roof and so on: you knew that those jobs needed doing and so you are not surprised. But presently He starts knocking the house about in a way that hurts abominably and does not seem to make sense. What on earth is He up to? The explanation is that He is building quite a different house from the one you thought of – throwing out a new wing here, putting on an extra floor here, running up towers, making courtyards. You thought you were going to be made into a decent little cottage: but He is building a palace. He intends to come and live in it himself.”
CS Lewis Mere Christianity.

It reflected prayer in the morning and group conversation at night.

Are you content with your house?
Is it fit for our King?
Does God lead your improvements?

Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:15-18

creative messages

This was week 4 of meeting with some women and talking about living God’s dreams. The outline created several years ago is getting enhanced as we share and discuss. It’s been beautiful!

This week we listened to a message and went through magazines. Yes – using both sides of our brain at one time! Extreme multi-tasking!

We cut out pictures and words that caught our attention. After the message, we shared fabulous AHA & WOW thoughts. Then we let God lead us to the words and pictures for our collages. This was mine.

There is always more to the story when we create something. Each of us will study our piece for awhile and see what more God says through it.

A God moment as I was uploading the photo – I thought, “Maybe this is the cover design for the book that is to come.” As I did a drag and drop to the photo…it ended up in my “writings” folder. He definitely has a sense of humor.

I’m thanking you, God, from a full heart,
I’m writing the book on your wonders.
I’m whistling, laughing, and jumping for joy;
I’m singing your song, High God.
Psalm 9:1-2