"Put your HOPE in the right things,
                                        live in JOY regardless of difficult circumstances and
                                               stay in PEACE as you follow God's direction."

I found this uplifting mini book collection called "Gifts of God" by Joel Osteen, just love what it says in all of these three collections of Hope, Joy, and Peace!!!

Seek

Proverbs 3:6
"Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take."

"What does it mean to seek God's will?  It simply means before you make a decision, pray and ask God for direction.  Then be sensitive and listen to your spirit.  If you have peace, then move forward, knowing God is guiding you down a good path.  But if there's an unrest or uneasiness, don't override those feelings.  If you will seek God, He will protect you.  He will help you avoid trouble and go from good decisions to great ones.  It's when we ignore these inner feelings that we can get ourselves into trouble.  As you listen to God's voice, you'll start walking in God's will."
~ Joel Osteen

Give Him Your Cares

1 Peter 5:7
"Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about."

Give Him Your Cares

God desires to take care of whatever may be concerning you today. He invites you to give your worries and cares to Him simply because He loves you! How do you give Him your cares? First of all, understand that cares show up in your mind. When negative, self-defeating thoughts of worry come, you have to recognize them as cares and replace them with the Word of God. For example, if you are concerned about a need today, say out loud, “My God shall supply all my needs according to His riches in glory.” If you have fear about something, say out loud, “God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind.” If you have sickness in your body, declare, “By His stripes I am healed.” As you meditate on the truth and focus your heart and mind on the Father, those cares and concerns will disappear. Then, thank Him for giving you peace and joy. Thank Him for working in your life. As you keep an attitude of faith and expectancy, give Him your worries and cares and get ready for the blessing He has for your future!

A Prayer for Today

"Father in heaven, I come to You today casting my cares on You. I choose to believe Your Word and trust that You are working behind the scenes on my behalf. I give You all the praise and glory in Jesus’ name. Amen." ~Joel Osteen Devotional I know all of us along the Texas coast and other areas beyond are worried and concerned about how Hurricane Harvey's powerful winds and rain will do to us.  All we can do is pray to God and ask him to protect and take care of us and let our hearts be open to help those that are in need!

One morning I read a devotional and scriptures relating to it about being strong and not being afraid for the Lord is always with you and that is so great to always just know!!!  And then I asked God what He wanted to show me today.  I opened this study book that someone had given to me called Growing in Christ and this what my eyes fell on.  I had already done this study on forgiveness and because what has been happening in my life the last couple of weeks, it was the perfect guidance to read again!!!

The scripture was Ephesians 4:32 and the question in the book was - what should be your attitude toward those who have offended you?
"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ."
Scripture Luke 23:34 comes to mind about forgiveness, "Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."..."
This scripture is what I think about at different at times when my feelings are hurt.  And this when I have to forgive even it was someone else's doing or mine.  Anyway, if you don't let it go and just forgive. you won't have a happy heart!!

Peace in your Heart

Colossians 3:15
"Let peace of Christ rule in your hearts, ..."

"Our hearts are the center of conflicts because there our feelings and desires clash - our fears and our hopes, distrust and trust, jealousy and love.  How can we deal with these conflicts and live as God wants? Use the rule of peace - which choice will promote peace in our souls?"
~ Life Application Study Bible

Psalm 90:14
"Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days."

"Encountering Jesus' loving presence in the morning equips you to sing for Joy and be glad."
- Jesus Always by Sarah Young

Thanks to Him in Song

Psalm 28:7
"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped, my heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song."

Ever since I downloaded songs from iTunes, I realized I was downloading songs that spoke to my heart and thought maybe this is the way God is speaking to me.  Really listening to the words in a song has been something new to me since age 60, unbelievable!  Earlier in my life I would like listening to the tunes, but not really the words, hmmm.....?  I love to dance, grew up dancing in my younger years, and now I love to country line dance, actually I love to country western dance, but my husband doesn't, so line dancing works out perfectly for me!

This scripture means a lot to me, God is reelee there for you, He loves you and wants to help whenever you are in need!!!

Be Bold

2 Timothy 1:7
"For the Spirit of God gave does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and discipline."

"We need to be bold.  When we allow people to intimidate us, we neutralize our effectiveness to God.  The power of the Holy Spirit can help us overcome our fear of what some might say or do to us, so we can continue to do God's work."

"Power, love, and self-discipline are available to us because the Holy Spirit lives in us."
- Life Application Study Bible

I have to keep remembering this scripture all the time, because I can let people intimidate me all the time, and when that happens I get down on myself and get upset with myself for letting people steal my joy!

Light of the World

Matthew 5:14-16
"You are the light of the world...let your light shine before others."

"If we live for Christ, we will glow like lights, showing others what Christ is like.  We hide our light by...being quiet when we should speak; going along with the crowd; denying the light; letting sin dim our light; not explaining our light to others; or ignoring needs of others.  Be a beacon of truth - don't shut your light off from the rest of the world."
Life Application Study Bible

I was called out of darkness into His marvelous light!!!

Mindfulness

6 Simple Steps to Being More Mindful

Truly easy ways to pay more attention to what's happening right now

by Carla Naumburg, PhD 

Mindfulness is a major buzzword these days, representing a state of living in the moment that many of us aspire to even as we berate ourselves for spacing out, forgetting something, or wasting time on our phones. We tend to think of mindfulness as a difficult pursuit requiring time, commitment, and maybe even new clothing or a special cushion. But none of that is necessary. Mindfulness is possible for all of us, even if we can't take two weeks off for a silent retreat.

The first step is to understand what's meant by mindfulness: It's about choosing to pay attention to the present moment in a curious and nonjudgmental way. Mindfulness calls on us to notice when our thoughts have drifted to the past or wandered into the future, and when we are regretting, fantasizing, or worrying rather than engaging with what is right in front of us. Each time we are able to step away from the pinball game in our mind and focus on the present, we give ourselves the best possible chance to make the best possible choice, whatever that may be.

And the best thing? When we (inevitably) forget to pay attention, it doesn't mean we've failed. There is no way to fail at mindfulness, which is one of its many gifts. What it does mean is that we have another chance to step back into the present moment, but only if we notice that our mind has wandered in the first place.

The most effective way to get better at noticing when you've left the present moment is to practice mindfulness in small ways as often as you can. Here are six simple tips to get you started:

Start when it's easy. Many people get interested in mindfulness as a way to deal with stress or difficult situations, and this is a great idea. However, trying to be mindful for the first time in the middle of a crisis is a lot like trying to score the game-winning goal when you've never gone to a single practice. Don't make it harder for yourself! Start with the pleasant moments, and you'll be ready to deal with life's challenges when they come your way.

Pay attention to something you do every day. A great way to start is to pick one or two activities you do every day – such as brushing your teeth, riding the bus to work, or reading a book to your children at bedtime – and get in the habit of paying attention to what you're doing. Your mind will wander, possibly within a few seconds, but don't sweat it. Just bring your attention back to your teeth or the book.

Approach situations with curiosity. If you're not sure how to respond to a situation, or if you're feeling frustrated in ways that aren't helpful, try getting curious about what is happening instead. You can't be angry and interested at the same time. It just doesn't work that way. Not only will your curiosity help you get out of a difficult headspace, but it will likely help you gain a little more clarity so you can make the most informed choice about how to move forward.

Remember the four T's. Those stand for: transitions, teatime, toilet, and telephone. I've expanded on this idea from Meena Srinivasan, author of Teach, Breathe, Learn: Mindfulness In and Out of the Classroom. Each time you are moving from one activity to the next, drinking tea or coffee, using the bathroom, or checking your phone, take a couple deep breaths and come back to the present moment.

Breathe whenever you can. Breathing is a key mindfulness practice because it is something we always do out of necessity, and it's also a good way to bring our awareness back to the here and now. Taking three or four deep breaths (and paying attention to them) at any given moment can help you calm down and focus.

Ground yourself physically. If concentrating on your breathing isn't quite enough, sit down and notice how the chair feels under your body. Put your hands flat on the counter or a table, and notice how the hard, cool surface feels. Keep a small stone handy and run your fingers across it. These and similar actions will bring your awareness into the present.

As you practice moments of mindfulness on a regular basis, you will notice that they come more naturally and easily to you. You'll be more likely to slow down at critical moments in the day, and you'll find it much easier to take a few deep breaths so you can respond thoughtfully rather than react hastily to a fussy child or difficult colleague.

Don't get me wrong – you'll still forget to be mindful more often than you'd like, and you'll still have moments that you wish you had handled differently. But you'll also be able to get back on track more quickly and let go more easily than before.

The Lord is with You

"Be strong and courageous.  Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
Joshua 1:19

The Lord is With You

No matter what today has in store, as a believer in Jesus, you can approach the day with boldness and confidence. Why? Because the Lord is with you, and in Him is everything you need in this life. That means if you need provision for something today, provision is with you. If you need wisdom today, wisdom is with you. If you need strength, joy or peace today, they're with you. You can be confident today knowing that all of your needs are supplied spiritually, physically and emotionally because the Lord is with you. And best of all, He's promised never to leave you! Isn't it good to know that you will always have whatever you need any time you need it! Today, don't let lies from the enemy or pressure from the world keep you from taking hold of everything the Lord has for you. Open your heart by faith and receive whatever it is that you need today. Just begin to thank Him for His provision in your life and move forward in confidence and strength knowing that the Lord is with you!

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me today. Thank You for Your faithfulness. I know that You are closer to me than the air I breathe. Today I receive Your promises in faith and choose to cast all of my cares on You in Jesus' name. Amen. ~ Joel Osteen

The Gift of Today

When I looked at Joel Osteen's daily devotional this morning, I thought how true!!!  So I would like to share it with you!

The Gift of Today "Sometimes, our days can be so full and busy that we forget how precious and fragile our time on earth really is. It can be so easy to allow little things to creep in and steal our peace and joy. Maybe something didn’t go your way, or someone said something upsetting. Even traffic can cause us to get our focus off if we let it. But, we have to remember that each day is a gift. If we choose to focus on what’s wrong, we’ll miss out on the beauty that each day has to offer." "I encourage you today; don’t let the precious moments of life pass you by. Don’t wait for holidays and birthdays to show people that you care. Remember, each day is unique and irreplaceable, a gift from heaven above. You have been given time that can be invested or wasted, hours that can be used or misused. That’s why the psalmist prayed to God, “Teach us to number our days.” He was saying, “Teach us to value every moment we’ve been given so we can live a life pleasing to You.” A Prayer for Today "Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of today. I choose to focus on the blessing of each moment instead of allowing the little things to steal my joy. Keep me close to You always as I submit every area of my heart and mind to You in Jesus’ name. Amen."

The Blessing

 Numbers 6:24-26
"The Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace."

 "A blessing was one way of asking for God's divine favor to rest upon others.  The ancient blessing in these verses helps us understand what a blessing was supposed to do.  It's five parts conveyed hope that God would 1)bless and keep them (favor and protect); 2) make his face shine on them (be pleased); 3) be gracious (merciful and compassionate); 4) turn his face toward them (give his approval); 5) give peace.  When you ask God to bless others or yourself, you are asking him to do these 5 things.  The blessing you offer will not only help the one receiving it, it will also demonstrate love, encourage others, and provide a model of caring to others."
~ Life Application Study Bible

I got up this morning about 6:00 and went directly to our big window in our bedroom and looked through a little splace between our drapes and there staring so brightly at me in the was the morning star, Venus, what a treat!!!  I had just been praying to and thinking about God!

I googled about the "morning star" and it lead me to 2 Peter 1:19 -
"...as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts."

"Christ is the "morning star" and when he returns, he will shine in his full glory.  Until that day we have Scripture as a light and the Holy Spirit to illuminate Scripture for us and guide us as we seek the truth."
- Life Application Study Guide

Psalm 23

"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
     he leads me beside quiet waters,
     he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
     for his name's sake.
Even though I walk
     through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
     for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
     they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
     in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
     my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and love will follow me
     all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

   

Nehemiah 8:10
"... the joy of the Lord is your strength."

John 16:22
"... no one will take away your joy."

Psalm 16:11
"You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand."


"Joy isn't something that can be taken away.  It is a gift from God to you and is your strength.  Yet joy can also be something we can give away without even realizing it.  Even when challenges are in front of you , when it feels like the world is closing in, God promises He will give you joy.  No person and circumstance can take that joy away from you.  Remember, joy is God's gift to you."
~ Joel Osteen

Just Help

Wednesday, June 21st, 2017

Read Matthew 7:9-12

Don’t judge, so that you won’t be judged. You’ll receive the same judgment you give. Whatever you deal out will be dealt out to you.

- Matthew 7:1-2 (CEB)

My wife and I were enjoying our ride together when we passed a man holding a sign that read, “Will Work for Food.” Later, we saw him getting into a car. Cynically, I wondered aloud what he was going to do with the money he had collected that day. But my wife asked me to follow him so we could also give him some money.

He pulled into a gas station and bought only $2.00 worth of gasoline. My wife and I quickly agreed that I should talk with him. He indicated that he had lost his job, had not been able to find work for over six months, and that he was trying to feed his family. I told him that we would like to help him in the name of Christ.

While I filled his car with gasoline, my wife went with the man and bought some food for his family. As we parted, my wife and I gave him more money and a copy of The Upper Room. Then we prayed together.

Through my wife, God taught me a lesson. Since that day I’ve been less judgmental and more accepting of others. How that man used the gifts we gave him was between him and God. I learned that it is not my place to judge but to help.

This devotional is from http://devotional.upperroom.org/

Matthew 28:20
"... And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."


This is what my Study Bible says about this scripture.  "How is Jesus with us?  Jesus was with the disciples physically until he ascended into heaven, and then spiritually through the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit would be Jesus' presence that would never leave them.  Jesus continues to be with us today through his Spirit."

Throughout the day pray..."Jesus, keep me aware of your presence."

The devotional I read every morning, Jesus Always by Sarah Young, she says "The more of Jesus you have in your life - through staying close to Him - the more joyful you will be and the more He can bless others through you."  I reelee believe that!!!

Romans 8:26-27
"The Spirit helps us in our weakness.  We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through groans that words cannot express.  And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God's people in accordance with the will of God."


This morning, I wondering how to tell my younger sister about the Holy Spirit and just happened to run across the scriptures in my Study Bible when looking for another scripture and this is how it explained the verses.  "As a believer, you are not left to your own resources to cope with problems.  Even when you don't know the right words to pray, the Holy Spirit prays with and for you, and God answers.  With God helping you to pray, you don't need to be afraid to come before Him.  Ask the Holy Spirit to intercede for you in accordance with the will of God.  Then, when you bring your requests to God, trust that he will do what is best."

Deuteronomy 31:18
"The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

God is your companion who will never leave you, he is a boundless source of Joy!  There is good to be found in every day because of God's constant presence and steadfast love.  He is always there holding you by your right hand.  God is your Joy!!!

John 16:24
"Until now you have not asked for anything in my name.  Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete."

With Jesus as your Savior and Lord,  you have the unique privilege of speaking directly with your heavenly Father through Him.  God wants you to come confidently into His presence through Christ and to talk to Him about everything.  He is intensely interested in you and your needs.  He is!!!

Isaiah 26:3-4
"You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you."


We can never avoid strife in the world around us, but with God we can know perfect peace even in turmoil.  When we are devoted to him, our whole attitude is steady and stable.  Supported by God's unchanging love and mighty power, we are not shaken.  Through my experience, keep your thoughts on and your trust in God if you want peace!!!

Psalm 91:4
"He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge: his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart."

So remember always, God is our shelter, a place to go to when we are afraid.  He will protect you and keep you safe.  All you have to do is just trust in God and have faith!

Psalm 13:5-6
"But I trust in your unfailing love, my heart rejoices in your salvation.  I will sing to the Lord, for he has been good to me."

I have found out that instead of giving up or giving in, trust wholeheartedly in God and hold on to your faith.  In times of despair, it is harder to hold on than to give up.  But if you give up on God, you give in to a life of despair, with no peace or joy.

Philippians 4:6-7
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, and present your requests to God.  And with peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

So, pray about all your concerns, trust in God, bring your prayers with thanksgiving and present all your requests to God.  Living this way will shield you from anxiety and bless you with Peace!!!