Heart Choices: 2011-11-27 -->

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The Reason I Can Thrive



Today I am hosting "In Other Words Tuesday".

The quote I chose for us to write about is:

"We can thrive -- and even offer life-giving rest to others -- because God is at home in us."  Bonnie Gray ~ Faith Barista

When I first read this quote on Bonnie's blog Faith Barista, it really resonated within me.

God is at home within me.  How amazing is that?  And yet, I realize how easy it can be to take this precious gift for granted.

When I received Jesus as my personal Savior, His Spirit came to live within me.  However, it wasn't until years later that I came to appreciate, acknowledge and finally surrender to the Holy Spirit's leading in my life.  He became Lord of my life.  I still struggle for control at times because my flesh is still active as long as I'm living on this side of heaven.

However, as I've gone through some tough seasons of trials and challenges, I've learned to more readily submit to His leading.  I'm learning that He is trustworthy and to listen and obey more quickly.

I've discovered that I am surviving even in the midst of many losses:

  • The death of my mother
  • The loss of my dream home
  • The change in life circumstances and return to full time work
  • The loss of time with friends I love and enjoy
  • The loss of financial freedom
As I was driving to work on the freeway recently, I realized that I was not only surviving ...I was thriving.


I had fought many of the changes in my lifestyle and had many moments of anger and sadness.  But I've learned so much during this time of uncertainty and change.  Material possessions are temporary and can easily be taken away.  But my relationship with the Lord continues to grow more intimate.  He is with me and He continues to teach me.  He has a plan and a purpose for my life.


I recently had the pleasure of spending an evening with friends.  I have close friends who are missionaries overseas.  Pete and Susan had served in China and now Taiwan and were home on furlough.  During the evening, Susan pulled me aside and shared something that touched my heart.  She told me that she often shared some of my story and used me as an example to encourage some of the women who were new believers.  I was close to tears when I heard this.

And recently at work, a teacher came up to me and said that I surely must have a perfect life.  She noticed that I always seemed to be so happy and smiling.  I almost laughed out loud since I was back to work because my life had been turned upside down.

But I also realized why I could be happy and smile.  Yes, my day to day life was completely changed.  But I have come to learn what it is to rely on God as ...my Comforter, my Sustainer, my Strength, and my Contentment.  I am learning to rest in Him.  How thankful I was that others noticed.  And I could quickly give Him the glory.  He is the reason I can smile.  He is the reason I can be content.  He is the reason I can share that life giving rest with others.

I encourage you to take this quote and link up your blog below.  I love to read how each person interprets our quotes differently.  You are also invited to add your comments to this post.

Blessings and love,

QuickEdit

The Joy of Learning


I am a life long learner.  I've often described myself this way because I truly believe we are never too old or too young to learn.

It is such a blessing to witness the look of excitement and triumph when a little child learns something for the first time.
This week the children in our three year old class sorted their snacks. Cheez-its and Cheerios were sorted and graphed on paper.  Once they completed the assignment, they place their hands on their heads.  Every one of the twenty students accomplished this task.

The children learn sight words such as "the, and, on, in".  They begin to recognize these words in their reading books.  I love the little booklets that use the words they've learned along with little pictures.  The children pair up and read to one another.  Oh my, I almost tear up as I watch this happen.  Their little voices sound so sweet as they learn to read.  When they finish, they get to take the booklets home to read to their mommies and daddies and sisters and brothers and dogs and cats and grandmas and grandpas.  They love to tell Heidi and me who they will read their book to.

Google image
I had to laugh as I taught little Max something new.  I taught him to snap his finger.  He tried and tried for so long.  His little fingers just weren't able to accomplish this.  Even while he was on the playground, he'd come over to me and show me how he was trying.  The next day, he proudly approached me and ...snapped his finger.

If only more adults could learn from children.  Persistence and practice takes time but ends up with results.


The children were so excited when a visitor came into our room.  Heidi's dad is a retired fireman.  He was so kind and patient with the children as he explained that firefighters were their friends.  His instructions were clear and the children got to try on his helmet, boots and other pieces of equipment.  It was such a fun day for them.
I had the pleasure of meeting my good friends John and Helen this week for Sunday services.  It was Helen's birthday so I had asked her what I could do.  She asked me to attend church with her and I was so glad I agreed.

No matter how far I believe I've come in my spiritual walk, I learn how much I need prayer.  During the service, the pastor asked if anyone needed prayer would they raise their hand.  In the midst of seeking those everyday blessings, I still have moments that are very challenging and uncertain.  I recognize my need for the Lord and the prayers of others.

As the pastor prayed, many hands were touching my back and arms. I began to wipe tears from my eyes as I felt the love and support from others.  What a blessing that was for me to experience.

#248  The joy of seeing the excitement on children's faces as they learn to read
#249  The simple joy of learning to snap a finger
#250  Celebrating a dear friend's birthday
#251  The blessing of prayer
#252  Feeling the love from others
#253  Having a life long friendship


I'm linking up with Ann Voscamp of A Holy Experience for Multitudes on Mondays.



Blessings and love,

QuickEdit

TSMSS ~ Do Everything






It's Then Sings My Soul Saturday.  I've been listening to this song on my way to work and ...I love it.

It's called "Do Everything" by Steven Curtis Chapman.  The words have such meaning to me as I pray that I would live this way each day.



I try to remember this when:

  • A small child is trying to tell me about her boo-boo and taking so long to use her words
  • I am cleaning up the floor after a child vomits at school
  • I am telling the children that we are all friends for the tenth time in the same day
I'm sure you can add your own scenarios.

Just remember to ...do everything you do to the Glory of the One who made you!  

I'm linking up with Amy of Signs, Miracles and Wonders for Then Sings My Soul Saturday.

Blessings and love,

QuickEdit

I'm Hosting In Other Words Tuesday December 6



I will be hosting "In Other Words Tuesday" next Tuesday, December 6.

The quote that I've chosen for us to write about comes from Bonnie Gray of Faith Barista blog.

“We can thrive — and even offer life-giving rest to others — because God is at home in us.”Bonnie Gray, The Faith Barista 

This quote resonated within me when I first read it.  What does it say to you?

I encourage you to write a blog post and link up next Tuesday on Heart Choices.

If you're not a blogger, you are invited to add your thoughts in the comments Tuesday, December 6.

I look forward to reading your thoughts.  Many of us offer differing points of view and I love that.

Blessings and love,

QuickEdit

Keeping Christ as Christmas


Everything is beginning to look a lot like Christmas.  I hear the Salvation Army bells jingle as I enter the grocery store.  The decorations are up at our school.  I listen to Christmas carols on the radio.  I'm starting to feel the pressure of finding the perfect gift for loved ones.

But ...I want this Christmas to be different.  

I don't want to be stressed.

I want to experience what Christmas is all about; the birth of my Savior Jesus Christ.

Let me introduce you to Jennifer Walker.

Jennifer writes a blog called Smelling Coffee.  I began following her blog back in 2008.  I was drawn to her for many reasons.  We share a love for the Lord.  We had similar denominational backgrounds. She was a teaching leader in a well know Bible study organization.  She had to deal with struggles and life changing events.  I read her posts as she wrote about her faith and trust in God even when she and her husband had to sell their home and move to a new location and a new job.  Her words helped me in my own struggles and challenges.  Jennifer is authentic and kind and loving.  And did I mention how cute she is?
I read how she was writing an eBook called "Keeping Christ as Christmas".  She asked for feedback on Smelling Coffee.  I responded.

I was amazed at how quickly she was able to pen this book.  But then she felt the Lord leading her to do this so ...why was I surprised?

The more I heard about "Keeping Christ as Christmas" I knew I wanted to read it.  I emailed Jennifer and she sent me an advance copy of the eBook for free.

I read it and ...I loved it!

And now I want to ask you to check it out for yourself.

  • Do you want to experience God's peace during this Christmas season?
  • Do you want to make time to read God's Word even in the midst of the hustle and bustle?
  • Do you want to teach your children what Christmas is all about?
  • Do you want to experience a different Christmas this year?
I recommend that you visit Jennifer at Smelling Coffee and get to know her.

I recommend that you purchase "Keeping Christ as Christmas" for only $4.99.  You can download it as a PDF, buy it for your Kindle, or buy as an EPUB and download it to most e-reading devices.

Here's the link to learn about the eBook: Keeping Christ as Christmas.


Do you want to experience peace during this Christmas?

Blessings and love,

QuickEdit
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