Friday, October 26, 2012

Day 26 - 31DSS

Colossians 1:15-18 (MSG)
We look at this Son and see the God who cannot be seen. We look at this Son and see God's original purpose in everything created. For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible, rank after rank after rank of angels, everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him. He was there before any of it came into existence and holds it all together right up to this moment. And when it comes to the church, he organizes and holds it together, like a head does a body.

He made it all. He has organized every detail. He manages it all. None of my life is chance or happenstance but a part of His great plan.

I can enjoy great comfort in this knowledge.

DV-NMV

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Day 24 - 31DSS

Acts 20:35 In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' "

This isn't something our parents said to keep us from counting the number of gifts with our name on the tag at Christmas, it's a true piece of wisdom.

I love how often I am reminded of the simple truth behind these words.

That which you give will be multiplied and returned to you. Give the first tenth of everything you reap.  More of the same from the pages of the Bible, I'm just not familiar with exactly where from.

DV-NMV

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Day 23 - 31DSS

Galations 5:13 (NLT) For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.

Galatians 5:13-15 (MSG) It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don't use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom. Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love; that's how freedom grows. For everything we know about God's Word is summed up in a single sentence: Love others as you love yourself. That's an act of true freedom. If you bite and ravage each other, watch out—in no time at all you will be annihilating each other, and where will your precious freedom be then.

A good reminder as the election is just around the corner and the opponents are slinging mud.  I read a blob post yesterday (since I'm posting late) that talked about such things.  We should always be focused on the good we're doing rather than the bad that others are doing.  That is our purpose, to serve one another in love.

Make your choices deliberate and wisely.

DV-NMV

Sunday, October 21, 2012

Day 21 - 31DSS

1 Timothy 4:8 GNT
Physical exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise is valuable in every way, because it promises life both for the present and for the future.

On a day where my pain level is a 12 (rated on a scale of 1-10) while I "rest" this verse seems an appropriate reminder where to store my strength.
Hope the chiropractor has an opening tomorrow because this back/hip pain has got to go. :0(
Got any prayer requests? Share them, I'm conversing with God a lot today.

LuvNHugz - SupportNPrayerz
DV-NMV

Friday, October 19, 2012

Day 19 - 31DSS

Isaiah 26:3 You, LORD, give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm and put their trust in you.

Help me to always remember this in all I do.  That my purpose is to glorify you, following where you lead, doing as you ask and trusting that you are always in control.

From daily life to elections, facing times of great joy and frustrating trial, you are there as a faithful beacon on the foggiest of days and a glorious sunrise on each new day.

DV-NMV


Thursday, October 18, 2012

Day 18 - 31DSS

Isaiah 55:8  "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord . "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

His plans are not our plans.  We aren't meant to understand his plans.  Here is yet another time I hear him asking me to trust in what great works he is creating. Having faith that all things do come together for a great and beautiful good.

Such a simple yet complicated request.  One only made a bit more undertakeable only because I know what He faced for me.

DV-NMV



Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Day 17 - 31DSS

Proverbs 3:7 (NLT) Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the LORD and turn away from evil. Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones.

This is one I could just read and reread again and again. Using it to remind myself where to turn in times of uncertainty and need.
These 17 days have not been what I've hoped but they've been good anyway.  Praise the Lord for all His great works each day!

DV-NMV

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Day 15 - 31DSS

Luke 6:37-38 "Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

Agree to disagree.  Such a simple phrase but sometimes that's all we need to remember.  There are times in life that you will be faced with something or someone that you disagree with.  This is a daily thing, yes, daily.  A coworker, spouse, child, friend, anyone, no one will do things the exact same way you do them, nor do you want them to.  This is what makes us individuals.  We cannot judge another's decisions and being mindful of that is supporting their right to choose.
We are blessed with many options regarding just about anything in life and while I choose one way and my friends choose another, it is my responsibility to respect their decision.  It is not my right to question the validity of the choice or say negative things about it, they deserve my support regarding it.  The way we handle these choices and situations is a great measure of the God's grace shining through us.  We all are created human, full of human failings and yet God has forgiven us for every transgression before we even commit it.  Instead of carrying the barrel of righteousness and judgement with you each day, walk with the ladle of wisdom and grace sharing such blessings to others wherever you go.


DV-NMV

Sunday, October 14, 2012

Day 14 - 31DSS

Mark 8:36 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?

This is one of my favorite verses because it is something we all have to deal with daily.  We live in a society that puts value on how much and what you have, such a materialistic world.  A person's worth and status is based upon how you compare to your neighbor.  Bigger is better, more, more, more and spend, spend, spend.
It is hard to not get caught up in this mindset, a true trap of the devil.  Selling your soul for the next new thing.  I read a book awhile back that hit this on the head, hard to read but such a valuable point.

Value your soul.  Evaluate what's really important.  Less is more.  Live a simple life.  Set true priorities.

DV-NMV

Saturday, October 13, 2012

Day 13 - 31DSS

Romans 8:38 NLT And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Taking such sweet comfort in this tonight.  Lots of thoughts tonight, just not ready to write it out. Say a prayer for me, leave a note below and I'll happily return the favor.

LuvNHugz - SupportNPrayerz
DV-NMV

Friday, October 12, 2012

Day 12 - 31 DSS

James 3:13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.  NIV

James 3:13 If you are wise and understand God's ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom.  NLT

Oh, how I love to read the different translations of the Bible and someday it would be such a blessing to be able to read it in the Latin or Greek translations as well.  The words written down for us are a true guidance of how to walk the walk and talk the talk.
It is not just about making attendance each Sunday at church, logging your daily devotions and making the appropriate comments.  It is in how you handle those moments but also in how you handle the every day details that life tosses at you.  The stranger stranded on the side of the road, the neighbor with a broken down car, the mom with kids in tow at the grocery store, in those moments, are you being Christ's hands and feet?  Are you reaching out in love and stepping over to help?  This is what we are called to do in His name.  Treat others as you are loved, unconditionally and with abounding grace.

Go, do, be - let God's love shine through you.

LuvNHugz - SupportNPrayerz
Nicki


Thursday, October 11, 2012

Day 11 - 31DSS

1 Chronicles 16:34 Give thanks to the Lord , for he is good; his love endures forever.

Open that gratitude and keep counting all the ways He loves us.
The sunshine, the rain, the harvest, the child's awe at combine and tractor rides, the sweet memories of said rides.  The coolness of fall days, the quick pain of an accident, the passing of a loved one, the sadness at watching your child walk a "different" path than which you had planned for her.
It is in these small things that He showers us with love.  It is in the presence of simple beauty and scary weakness that He is always good to us.
God love is always there, He is always caring, always patiently waiting.  Whatever path you're on, wherever you're going, whatever the choices, whomever you're with.

Amy Grant sings it beautifully in Better Than a Hallelujah Sometimes.

God loves a lullaby
In a mother's tears in the dead of night
Better than a Hallelujah sometimes

God loves the drunkard's cry
The soldier's plea not to let him die
Better than a Hallelujah sometimes

We pour out our miseries
God just hears a melody
Beautiful,the mess we are
The honest cries of breaking hearts
Are better than a Hallelujah

The woman holding on for life
The dying man giving up the fight
Are better than a Hallelujah sometimes

The tears of shame for what's been done
The silence when the words won't come
Are better than a Hallelujah sometimes

We pour out our miseries
God just hears a melody
Beautiful,the mess we are
The honest cries of breaking hearts
Are better than a Hallelujah

Better than a church bell ringing
Better than a choir singing out, singing out

We pour out our miseries
God just hears a melody
Beautiful,the mess we are
The honest cries of breaking hearts
Are better than a Hallelujah

We pour out our miseries
God just hears a melody
Beautiful,the mess we are
The honest cries of breaking hearts
Are better than a Hallelujah

(Better than a Hallelujah sometimes)
Better than a Hallelujah
(Better than a Hallelujah sometimes)

LuvNHugz - SupportNPrayerz
DV-NMV

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Day Ten - 31DSS

2 Samuel 7:22 "How great you are, Sovereign Lord! There is no one like you, and there is no God but you, as we have heard with our own ears."

What beautiful rejoicing we can partake in with this knowledge.  What reassurance we have in His amazing grace.  There is nothing like worshipping our wonderful father and feeling his love.

This isn't shaping up like I planned but I sure am enjoying this journey anyway.

DV-NMV

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Day Nine - 31DSS

Matthew 11:28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

One of my favorite verses, an absolute favorite.

I'm not all that successful at doing my daily writing this year.  I'm struggling to follow through on many of my routines right now.  Not sure what kind of funk I'm in honestly.
Off to get me some rest and prepare for whatever tomorrow may hold.

DV-NMV

Saturday, October 6, 2012

Day Six - 31DSS

What an amazing weekend.  I already mentioned that I am in Milwaukee, WI to attend the Women of Faith conference with a friend.  It is my second year to attend and my friend's first.  Such a blessing and so uplifting.  All of the speakers talk to me and share inspiration that spoke directly to my heart in some  way.  What a great way to start my month and even in a way inspire me for my 31 Days of Scripture Studies.

My verse for today - Isaiah 52:7 How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, "Your God reigns!"

Our God is an amazing God
He reigns from heaven above

Such a perfect scripture for me today as I spent the day rejoicing in His greatness and basking in the warmth of His love as shared amongst all these women today.  Yup, I do believe I picked the right theme for my 31 days and it will be a wonderful journey to take this month.

Amen and God Bless!!
DV-NMV

TFF(S) - Welcome

Yesterday was Five Minute Friday and while I enjoyed checking out other's posts, I didn't take time to write one myself.  So, here I am Takin' Five for Friday on Saturday and happy to do so.

10:17

Welcome

I don't always think of welcome as a word but more as an action.

You welcome someone to your home, family, gathering and yet you don't necessarily "say" the word welcome much, do you?

Just like as God welcomes us to Him.  It's an action, He says "come to me" calling your name and welcoming you with open arms, no matter what the time of day or night.

God's family welcomes you and I with open arms at all times, in all circumstances because we all are loved by the greatest Father.  He asks us to love each other as we would want to be loved and that means to be welcoming and caring in all circumstances and ways.

10:22

So, welcome to FnF and thanks for stopping by.  It is great having you here and a blessing to me.

Have a wonderful rest of your weekend!!

DV-NMV

Friday, October 5, 2012

Day Five - 31DSS

A weekend away.  Yes, I ran away from home, well kind of.  I made the trip to Milwaukee, Wisconsin to enjoy the Women of Faith conference with a girlfriend.  So, okay, I didn't run away but I do have the privilege of a "mom is getting away" weekend.  Those are precious and priceless.

So, the verse for today makes me smile.  I love to look around and appreciate the beautiful things around me and today is no different.  Starting with the quiet of a household that I tiptoed through while I got ready and loaded the car before taking off, greeted with a beautiful sunrise as I got on the road and so much beautiful scenery on the long drive of the day.  These are the things that I am blessed with only because of what the Lord has done.

Matthew 19:26 - Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."

With God all things are possible.
Enough said for me.

DV-NMV

Glorious Morning

Filled with wonder
Awestruck wonder

Holy, Holy, Holy

With all creation I sing
Praise to the King of Kings
You are my everything
And I will adore you

DV-NMV


Thursday, October 4, 2012

Day Four - 31DSS

Well, I missed days two and three.  I did "study" on both days I just didn't get up early enough to study AND write, so the second part got left out.

So, back at it I go.

1 Timothy 1:15 - Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.

Calling me to due diligence of being mindful of my actions.  Even the smallest thing that is my sin.  I am human, I do sin.  We all do.  There is nothing that we can do that protects us from doing so.  We all err and this is the weakness that was in us since the fall of man when Eve fell for the deception of the snake.  The weakness we're borne into as being human.  The weakness that we all face each day.
This weakness I can handle because He has done His duty and has already taken this burden from me.  I shall go into the world with every effort not to sin and spend my days glorifying my father but when I fall I can rise again with His help because He loves me enough to always have a hand out to grasp.  Being an example and glorifying Him through my sin is a blessing enough to keep me going whenever I face a trying time.

Amen

DV-NMV

Monday, October 1, 2012

Day One - 31DSS

This morning was not a fabulous kick-off, like I'd hoped, but all the same I'm here and going to follow through anyway.

Today's Scripture (NLT) -Titus 2:11 For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people.

This is a good one.  It reminds me that God's grace is for ALL people.  Not just the ones sitting in the church pews on Sunday, not just for the ones in the missions fields around the world, not just for the ones that are doing all the rights things and saying all the right words but for ALL OF US.

I mulled it over all day and only just am taking time to capture my thoughts in writing but I think that's a good thing today.  Earlier today I was talking with a friend about how we should "hate the sin but always, always love the sinner" and that even if we don't approve of what someone is doing with their life doesn't mean we can't support them anyway.  We all sin and yet God wants us all to come home to Him anyway.

Here is the perfect quote to wrap this up with - Grace is when God gives us what we don't deserve and mercy is when God doesn't give us what we do deserve.  ~Unknown

Shower grace upon everyone around you each day, do this from the abundance of grace that your Father showers upon you, He has blessed this world with enough for each and every one of us and then some.

DV-NMV