Easter - The Light

Easter is coming very soon.  Many will celebrate the day with the bunny, candy, and hidden eggs.  The real reason for this day is Jesus, the light of the world.  I came across this poem on the internet and wanted to share it with you.  This is the true reason for Easter - Jesus.

God, the creator, called light into existence and then separated it from the darkness. He made the sun, moon, and the stars to give light both day and night. All throughout the Bible, darkness is used to portray wickedness and blindness to spiritual truth. In fact, this darkness is powerful, enslaving men and women to walk under its brutal reign. Sadly, these slaves are not able to break free from its power; rather, they love this darkness and by walking in it, they are doing what they want to do.


On a seemingly normal evening some 2,000 years ago, a special star gave light to mark the place where the Light of the World would enter space and time. Born of a virgin, his name is Jesus. He spoke about deliverance from darkness, its lord, and its power; he said, “Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

The people, who walked in darkness, saw this great light, but they shared condemnation with the darkness and its lord because they still loved the darkness, themselves having evil deeds. What’s worse is that their lord, the god of this world, poisons their minds and blinds their eyes so that they cannot see the light of Jesus. These servants of darkness took the perfect Lord of glory, the Light of the World, the One in whom is no darkness, and they crucified Him. Hanging on that tree, He died.

However, darkness and its power could not defeat the Lord of glory for he rose from the dead in triumph and continues to shine his light in the darkness. 

There was a day when the same God, who said, ”let there be light” in the midst of darkness, looked into my dark heart and shined his glorious light. I believed in Jesus, that his death and resurrection could deliver me from darkness. So I asked him to do just that, to deliver me from the reign of darkness and to place me into his kingdom, where his light shines freely. He did! I now walk in the light and enjoy its life. One day I will see even more of God’s light. That heavenly city will not need stars, sun, or moon; Jesus himself will shine and his glory will be the only light I’ll ever need.

Day One of Gratitude Challenge

Colossians 3:12-17 (NASB)

¹² So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; ¹³ bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. ¹⁴ Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. ¹⁵ Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. ¹⁶ Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. ¹⁷ Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.

It has been said that “gratitude is learning to recognize and express appreciation for the benefits we have received from God and from others.”  The scripture above shares with us that we should allow God's Word to DWELL within us - which means to abide or live within us.  Get rid of the negative things that cause "heartache" and put on a new heart filled with God's blessings. 

Attitude of Gratitude

New Year Attitude of Gratitude Challenge. 

Okay, maybe I should be starting a diet as that is the usual New Year's challenge that people vow to complete.  I used to do that each year but it never worked.  I do intend to lose weight but that will be part of my Attitude of Gratitude Challenge.

I now realize that there is more to a problem than just the problem. . . What?  I am overweight.  Why is that?  It is more than just being overweight.  How did I get there and why?   How do I fix this problem(s).  I am starting my transformation with an attitude adjustment.  I am starting with GRATITUDE.  I am a Christian - but am I truly grateful to God for the blessings in my life?  In my recent bible study of God's graciousness and gratitude, I realize that I do not measure up.  Gratitude is more than saying THANK YOU.  It is the demonstration of gratitude through my life.
 "Attitude determines Altitude."

Gratitude is the key to transformation.  “Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.”

Psalm 118:24 This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Colossians 3:17 Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord giving thanks to God.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you

This challenge is inspired by Revive Our Hearts.  Here is to a new heart and new year.

Thought for the Day

Verse for today.

Are you too busy to hear God?  He is there.  Always and forever.

Kyria Blog: Square Dancing with a Dog

Kyria Blog: Square Dancing with a Dog  by LaTonya Taylor

For the last few days, I’ve been taking long, slow walks with my new-to-me dog, Jazz.

But these haven’t been the leisurely, quiet walks you might envision. Instead, Jazz and I walk two or three steps, then turn around and head in the opposite direction. Another few steps are followed by another turn. Basically, it looks like we’re doing a strange human-canine square dance, with each partner swinging the other.

Jazz, a silky terrier, joined my home a few weeks ago. Before that, she lived in a foster home with a couple who nursed her to health after rescuing her from a neglectful situation. In the few weeks since she came to live with me, I’ve enjoyed having a cute little companion who follows me from room to room and sits contentedly nearby while I work or read. I’ve also liked having a reason to walk a couple miles every day.

Then the square dancing began.

Because Jazz is a rescue, she wasn’t leash-trained when I got her. At first, I thought—naively, I now know—that she would quickly realize that she was tethered to me, and adjust her walking pace to mine. Instead, Jazz pulls me around with every muscle in her 11-pound body: through doors, down stairs, and up and down the sidewalk. A couple weeks ago, as we walked past a strip mall full of glass doors, I saw our reflection: a very short woman being walked by a very small dog.

I consulted a friend who is a former dog trainer, as well as the teacher at our obedience classes. Both suggested that, on our walks, I walk with Jazz at my side until she runs ahead and starts to pull. At that point, I either stop walking until she returns to me, slackening the leash, or I turn and walk in the opposite direction. The point of the exercise is to help Jazz understand that she needs to follow my lead.

What I like about this training method is that it employs Jazz’s intelligence. She’ll slowly realize that our walks are better—and faster—when we move together. But I don’t like the halting pace of our walks these days, and the test of my patience versus Jazz’s polite stubbornness. While I know the training will be worth it in the end, I’m not enjoying it right now.

As Jazz and I do our dance, I sometimes think about what it’s like to be caught in this kind of pattern spiritually. To my great frustration, I sometimes find myself dealing with the same old problems, time and time again—and moving two or three steps forward, then turning around and heading back . . . :

• toward imbalance between the energy I give to my work and personal lives.
• toward neglect of the spiritual practices that help me stay connected to God.
• toward an isolating perfectionism that can keep me from developing deep relationships.
• toward a tendency to get stuck wallowing in past pain or disappointments.
• toward an intense focus on a particular discipline, only to become distracted or get
derailed.
• toward a level of busyness that occasionally leads to burnout.

It’s not unusual for me to crash and burn, then realize that I’ve done it again: gotten caught up in something I thought I’d conquered. After walking a few steps in the right direction, I’ve gotten turned around again.

In moments like these, I can relate to the people in the Bible who struggled to get right and stay right. I sympathize with the children of Israel, whose route to the land God had promised them had its own twists, turns, and stalls. I’m less critical of Jesus’ disciple Peter, who could be zealous and misguided at the same time. I understand the prophet Elijah, who suffered a momentary setback after a time of great spiritual triumph. These people knew what it’s like to move forward, back, and slowly forward again. Re-reading their stories encourages me.

I’ve also found that staying in touch with close friends who have insight into my life is helpful. These friends gently warn me when I’m headed into an old pattern, and sometimes see it before I do. And as I watch the lives of my church family and friends, I’m reminded that we are all in process together—moving through life as God’s children whose lives are guided, and restored, by his grace.

I have a feeling it will be a while before Jazz and I walk together smoothly in the same direction. In the meantime, I will take the opportunity to exercise my patience—and to reflect on what it means to move toward the holiness and health God calls me to.

Kyria Blog: Square Dancing with a Dog

Kyria Blog: Square Dancing with a Dog

Protection from the Lord

Ephesians 6:10-18 New King James Version (NKJV)

The Whole Armor of God
(Soldiers of Christ Arise)

Armor, battle, war, blood, evil?  Sounds scary to me. 

Amid all the "political correctness" of our day, we tend to be afraid to share our faith lest we offend someone else. And when we do take a stand for our faith, we’re often branded as "judgmental" - "intolerant" - "right-wing faction."  The PC Society today would rather focus on non-controversial topics like "love" and "forgiveness" rather than confronting Satan’s lies.  The let's all get along philosophy.   However, the spiritual battle is real and the stakes are too high for us to run away.  Satan’s forces have filled the world with injustice and lies.  They are on the prowl.

The best way to start your day off (other than pouring a cup of coffee) is by putting on the WHOLE armor of God.  That is the secret.  Be prepared.  Put on the PANOPLY God has supplied.  The dictionary's definition of panoply is a full suit of armor; ceremonial attire; a magnificent or impressive array; a display of all appropriate appurtenances.   How dazzling and impressive. We know God is not going to leave us to fend for ourselves.  Among other things, we have His protection and His Sword - His Word. 

The "armor" reference used by Paul in Ephesians is an illustration of the armor worn by the Roman Army of that time period.  They looked impressive and ready for battle.  The soldiers needed to hook one piece of armor to the other for it to be effective or it would not protect them.  The purpose of ARMOR is to protect  - not just look good.  You actually have to put the armor on for it to work - not just hang it in your closet.  

God's "fashion-sense" is not dictated by the PC standards of the day or "cafeteria style" where you get to pick and choose.  He has His own designer-label.  Why would we leave the house without ALL our clothes on?  The same is with God's Armor - it will not work effectively and protect us unless all the pieces are put on EVERY DAY.  God provides the Armor - all we need to do is pick it up and put it on.  

It is like God's Grace - it is there, available to each one of us - but we need to accept it.  
Why would anyone want to go to battle without using all the protection available to them?  We are in a battle against spiritual hosts of wickedness.  We need to wear spiritual armor to fight a spiritual battle - not thoughts and tools of the world.  It would be like fighting a house fire with a squirt gun.  We need God's power and might so we can stand firm. 

Written by Charles Wesley, 1749:

Soldiers of Christ, arise,
And put your armor on,
Strong in the strength
Which God supplies
Through his eternal Son.

Strong in the Lord of Hosts,
And in his mighty pow’r,
Who in the strength of Jesus trusts
Is more than conqueror.

Stand then in his great might,
With all his strength endued;
But take, to arm you for the fight,
The panoply of God.

Leave no unguarded place,
No weakness of the soul;
Take ev’ry virtue, ev’ry grace,
And fortify the whole.

Ephesians 6:10-18

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.

11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness,

15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.

17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;

18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—

 

Soldiers of Christ Arise

Nourishment for the Soul - Part 1

But the fruit of the Spirit is Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-control

. . . Galatians 5:22-23

This is currently a work in progress.  I am working on this on this blog post on my breaks at work and free time and I will be adding to it.  However, in the meanwhile, here it is.

Our Sunday morning bible class has been discussing several sensitive issues and I wanted to write a summary.  There are so many people struggling in life.  So many issues, distractions, and stress.  Is there hope?  What is a woman to do?  What do we nourish ourselves with to keep us strong.  One place to start is with the Fruit of the Spirit. 

Love

What does the Bible say about Love?  I Corinthians 13 has a beautiful explanation:

 Love is patient,

love is kind and is not jealous;

love does not brag and is not arrogant,

does not act unbecomingly;

it does not seek its own,

is not provoked,

does not take into account a wrong suffered,  

does not rejoice in unrighteousness,

but rejoices with the truth;

bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never fails.

. . .

My husband's definition of true love is:

Love means doing what is in another's best interest

without considering the cost to yourself.

We don't keep score - we don't say you won last time so its my turn - we aren't glad when someone falls on their face - we don't say better them than me - not be selfish - don't get our feelings hurt so easily - pray not panic  BUT  we need to think of others first - wait - take our time - bear believe hope and endure all things. 

This is the type of love our Lord demonstrated in His life.

Happy Mother's Day

The Red Thread Movement - - We wear their freedom on our arms.

http://www.eternalthreads.com/redthread/

In itself, wearing a red bracelet is not important.  It is merely some threads woven together and worn on one’s arm.  But what if there was a story behind that bracelet?  What if the person who wove those threads together was a twelve-year-old girl from Nepal?  And what if that same girl had been rescued on the border of her country from a sex trafficker, before being enslaved by one of the most prominent international crimes to date?

Freedom is something we may take for granted, but it is denied many women and girls around the world. By wearing a Red Thread Movement bracelet, you are proclaiming that freedom has not been forsaken, as you seek to restore it.

The impact of the Red Thread Movement is three-fold.  First, wearing the red bracelet creates awareness of sex trafficking [it’s happening more than we might think, with as many as 12,000 girls trafficked across the Nepal border each year].  Second, making the red bracelets provides employment for girls in Nepal who have been rescued from the hands of sex traffickers at the border.  Third, the revenue from the Red Thread Movement [each bracelet costs $3] employs not only the rescued girls but also funds the safe house that welcomes them and continues the establishment of border units.  These border units along the Nepal/India border each rescue as many as 100 girls per month from the bondage of slavery.
What we find unavoidable we deem acceptable.  Sex trafficking is not an unavoidable crime, and it must be combated.  Wearing a Red Thread Movement bracelet promises victimized girls that we will not leave them.

We wear their freedom on our arms.

Day Seven - Ephesians 6:4

Today's verse is dedicated to my son, Josh.  I absolutely love to watch him with his son (2 1/2 years old).  Josh had to work last night and Gabriel spent the evening with us. Gabriel kept watching out the window waiting for his Daddy to come home.  Suddenly the garage door opened and Gabriel starting yelling "Daddy's Home...."  He ran to the door and jumped into Josh's arms.  No matter how hard your work day was, coming home to your little one makes your day!!  God bless the both of you.

Galatians 5:22 Fruit of the Spirit

Enjoy the blessings of God when we partake of the Fruit of the Spirit.

Day Five Jeremiah 17:7-8

Day Four Acts 2:38

According to the gospel . . . 

Day Three - John 15

I enjoy reading John 15 as it tells about our relationship with Jesus.  Does Jesus reside (abide) with you every day -or- does He only abide with you on Sunday?  Is He standing outside or is He welcome? 

Day Two Joshua 1:8-9

This is one of my favorite section of verses as it tells us about God will be with us always.  This is one of numerous reminders about the power of God.  There is no reason to be afraid or discouraged as long as we follow God, allowing God to be God.  Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.  

Intro and Day One - Scripture a Day Challenge

I saw a similar challenge recently and thought I would try it.  Study a verse each day and allow it to pentrate your heart and soul.  Meditate upon it and make it practical.  Just knowing a verse doesn't mean much unless you apply it to your life!!  Do you really know Jesus?  It should be more than a religion - but a relationship. 


Day One:

John 15:14-15 is a section of verses that I really enjoy studying.  It shows us how we can abide in Jesus and have a relationship with Him.  Jesus tells us "I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me - just as the Father knows me and I know the Father - and I lay down my life for the sheep."  It is more than just believing that Jesus existed.  Jesus knows you but do you really know Jesus?   This is day one to that adventure.

Be still and know that I am God

This is probably one of the hardest verses for me to apply in my life. 

I need to get out of the way, turn off the all noise pollution and techno distractions that overwhelms my life and allow
God to show His power and Glory. 

Second Half of the Motherhood Journey

I found a new blog.  http://www.nanahood.com/

It is described as "The Second Half of the Motherhood Journey."

I am just starting out blogging and found this wonderful site by
Teresa Bell Kindred.

It is what my blog wants to be when it grows up.

Thank you Teresa.

You even inspired me to change my profile picture.  I am so brave.

Go Nanas!!!!