Heart Choices: 2010-11-28 -->

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Prayer Changes Perspective


Today I am hosting “In Other Words Tuesday”. I chose the following quote for us to write about:
“Prayer invites us to rest in the fact that God is in control, and the world’s problems are ultimately God’s, not ours. If I spend enough time with God, I will inevitably begin to look at the world from the point of view that more resembles God’s own. What is faith, after all but believing in advance what will only make sense in reverse.”    From Philip Yancey: "Prayer: Does it Make Any Difference?" 
How does prayer impact your life?

Who is in control of your world? Is it you? Or …is it God?

There are times when I become so frustrated when:
  • I see and hear all the things going on in our world today.
  • People don’t respond in the manner I’d hoped.
  • Friends disappoint us.
  • There seems to be a general lack of respect.
  • People don’t tell the truth.
  • Others don’t seem to understand what you’re going through.
  • Everyone seems to be so busy.
  • World leaders have different values than you.
We all experience disappointments. Do you take your disappointments to God? Do you really share all that’s on your heart with Him? Or do you call a friend and begin to complain about how so and so mistreated you?

As I spend time in prayer, I realize that God is ultimately in control. Nothing takes Him by surprise. I don’t need to spend time wringing my hands and worrying. I don’t need to be pointing fingers at others. I don’t need to fret because life can seem so unfair.

God sees all. God knows all. And best of all, God can see right into each one of our hearts.

God not only sees the outward actions and behavior but He sees and knows …our true motives.

According to today’s quote by Philip Yancey, faith is …'believing in advance what will only make sense in reverse’.

Hebrews 11:1 (NIV) says:

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”

If I truly believe that God is in control, by faith I can rest in Him.


As I learn to trust in His perfect timing, my perspective begins to change. I realize I may not be seeing the big picture.

So what do I do? I share my heart and then lay my requests at His feet. I go about my day and I continue to …abide in Him.

When someone is rude to me, I’m reminded that I don’t know everything that person may be going through. I need to trust that God sees and knows how I feel but there are bigger issues at hand right now. So I forgive that person.

When others don’t honor God in the way I believe they should, I realize that God sees and knows. I continue to live out my life in a way that honors God.

Hebrews 11:23 (NIV) says:

“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.”

How about you? Who is in control of your life? Does prayer change your perspective?


Blessings and love,



QuickEdit

Are You Running On Empty?


Are you weary and tired?  Do you feel like you're running on empty?  Do you feel like you've nothing left to give?

There will be times or seasons in your life when it may feel like the river is going to sweep right over you.  We are to expect difficulties and challenges, according to God's Word.

But often we can bring some of it on ourselves.  We can place such high expectations on ourselves especially during the holiday season.  Maybe you're trying to meet the expectations of others.  Does everything really  have to be so perfect?  Are you setting yourself up for more stress and running on empty? 

It doesn't need to be that way!

The secret to remaining full is ...abiding in Christ.

Cling to the Vine. 

During this Christmas season, consider this:
  • Spend time with the Lord daily
  • Begin each day in prayer.
  • Praise God and give thanks today.
  • Ask for His strength for this day.
  • Ask Him to open your eyes to His Divine appointments for you today
  • Spend time quietly before Him so you can listen to His voice.
  • When you become stressed or feel empty, return to Him at that moment as you pray.

Photo Credit: Iris Nelson Photography
Iris of Grace Alone captured a perfect photo to illustrate this.

May you be filled to overflowing with His Holy Spirit.  And then may that Spirit overflow in love to others. 

Have a wonderful Monday!

Blessings and love,

QuickEdit

Remembering Mom at Christmas



Kelly of Sufficient Grace is hosting a special giveaway and an opportunity to share memories of your loved ones who are in heaven. 

Christmas was a very special time for my Mom.  She loved to get all dressed up and have the family together.  Although my mom is now in heaven, I miss her so much.  It's been more than five years since she's been gone.
My mom loved to cook.  We loved to sit together and sift through cookbooks.  Some people read books.  Although my mom was an avid reader, she loved to spend hours reading cookbooks.  She would collect lots of recipes and actually try them. The family either gave the recipe a thumbs up or thumbs down.  I still have her recipe box of favorites that I treasure.
My mom also loved to have a pretty table setting.  I found notes that she had written for each dinner party she hosted.  It wasn't unusual for her to have fresh flowers and of course, a special tablecloth and napkins.

My mom loved my dad.  She was so loyal throughout the more than 50 years they were married.  She saw the best in him.

My mom wanted our family to carry on the Norwegian traditions of Christmas.  We always celebrated on Christmas Eve and now my sister continues that tradition. 

My friend Kathleen of Sassy Granny shared this video recently and I thought it was so appropriate to remember my mom in heaven.



Do you have a loved one who is in heaven?  Would you like to share some memories?  It's not too late to link up with Kelly at Sufficient Grace.

Blessings and love,
QuickEdit

Peace on Earth



I'm so glad to be joining in with Then Sings My Soul Saturday today.  I link up with Amy of Signs, Miracles and Wonders.    If you want to sing some wonderful Christmas carols, I'm sure you will find many on the link up today.

The song that's been in my  heart this past week is "Let There Be Peace on Earth".  We live in a world that is anything but peaceful.  There are wars, rebellion and lots of sin.  It's hard to insulate yourself and your family completely.  And even as Christians, we don't always respond peacefully or in a God honoring way to others or our circumstances.

I've learned so many lessons through one of the most challenging seasons of my life.  However, each day God shows me something else He wants me to learn. 

As I've begun working full time with little children, I can't help but look into their sweet faces and know that God loves each one of them.  They come in all shapes, colors and sizes and yet each one is unique.

As I step on the playground to greet them, I find that I cannot even take a step because I am swamped with little arms hugging my legs.  It warms my heart to be greeted with shouts of "Hi Miss Debbie" and "oh look, Miss Debbie is here". 

For a woman who longed for children, this is ...a gift from God. 

We may not have permanent peace on earth this side of heaven.  But each day I have to make a choice as to how to react and interact with others who may not share my faith.  As I have conversations with parents and teachers of various backgrounds, I can show respect, be kind and share the love of Christ even without words.  



Will you choose to let peace begin with you?

Blessings and love,

QuickEdit

I'm Hosting In Other Words Tuesday


I will be hosting "In Other Words Tuesday" next week.

I chose the following quote for us to write about:

“Prayer invites us to rest in the fact that God is in control, and the world’s problems are ultimately God’s, not ours. If I spend enough time with God, I will inevitably begin to look at the world from the point of view that more resembles God’s own. What is faith, after all but believing in advance what will only make sense in reverse.”


From: Philip Yancey, Prayer: Does it Make Any Difference?

I invite you to join in next Tuesday.  If you've never participated, this might be a great week to do so.  Simply write a blog post on this quote and then return on Tuesday morning to link up with us.  I love how each one of us has a unique way of writing on our quote.

I look forward to reading each one of your posts.

Blessings and love,

QuickEdit
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