SPIRITUAL SUNDAY - PERSPECTIVE

My question for God:

How do I make sense of the seemingly random circumstances of my life? Is God really in charge, or do things happen by chance?

A Moment with God:

I am Joseph, your brother, whom you sold into slavery in Egypt. But don't be upset, and don't be angry with yourselves for selling me to this place. It was God who sent me here ahead of you to preserve your lives...So it was God who sent me here, not you! Genesis 45: 4-5, 8

The Lord will work out his plans for my life. Psalm 138: 8

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From a human perspective, the world and even our lives often seem to be random and unpredictable, but God is ultimately in control. In Joseph's story, God used even the cruel and unjust actions of Joseph's own brothers to fulfill his plan. People's sinful ways do not ruin God's sovereign plans. Your life is like a tapestry. Now you can see only small sections on the back, with all its knots and loose ends. Someday you will see the front in its entirety, the beautiful picture of world history and your personal story from God's perspective. If you can see unexpected and even unwelcome circumstances in this way, you can embrace both the good and the bad, knowing that God is weaving a beautiful picture with your life.

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Divine Promise

YOU SEE ME WHEN I TRAVEL AND WHEN I REST AT HOME. YOU KNOW EVERYTHING I DO. Psalm 139: 3

This lesson, again from "Divine Moments for Leaders, seemed so appropriate for today. The world sometimes feels so scarily out of control and this lesson puts everything into "God's Perspective!"

Many thanks to Charlotte and Ginger at Bloggerspirit.blogspot.com.

OUTDOOR WEDNESDAY

The pictures I have chosen for this Outdoor Wednesday are of my church looking from the field and small stream that runs through the back of the property. Where you see the birdhouse is a very small stream or as some would call it, a creek. In the far background is the Social Hall with offices and Sunday school rooms and auditorium. The church itself is to the left behind the trees.

The colors are just beautiful and I think this is the peak of the Fall season - the last week in October.

For more Outdoor Wednesday posts hosted by A Southern Day Dreamer go here

A PRAYER AT SUMMER'S END

For fruit warm ripe in summer's sun,

For love and work and wholesome fun,

For raindrops on the windowpanes,

For walks down grassy country lanes,

For sunshine bright, for moonlights glow,

For cornstalks marching, row on row,

For baby pigs, for laughter gay,

For fragrant smell of new mown hay,

For food...and music...birdsongs sweet,

For restful, healing nighttime sleep,

For home with its familiar joys,

For carefree shouts of girls and boys,

For safe returns, for loving care,

For all the bliss of answered prayer,

For dancing stars, for firelight's gleam,

Fulfillment of a cherished dream,

For books and friends, a faith that sings,

For happiness homecoming brings,

For hope renewed, for courage born,

For breathless hush of early morn,

For this -- a blessed interlude --

Dear God, accept my gratitude.

-Ruby A. Jones

A big thank you to Sister Charlotte and Sister Ginger for giving us a place to tell inspirational stories, share poems and scripture with all who come HERE

OUTDOOR WEDNESDAY

A friend and I went on a bus trip to Peddler's Village in LaHaska, Bucks County, PA yesterday. Below are some of the beautiful grounds around the assorted shops, cafes and restaurants located

in this picturesque area of Pennsylvania.

These pictures show some of the last "roses" of summer...still quite stunning.

Thank you to A Southern Day Dreamer and for more Outdoor Wednesday posts go HERE

A WONDERFUL PINK, SPARKLE SURPRISE!

I was the winner of Dana's, of The Stone Rabbit, 200th post! Now what have we here? Thank you so much Dana for these lovely gifts! All packed so neatly in PINK tissue paper!

Opening the box was a lot of fun and I pulled each item out carefully!

Oh Wow! Look at these neato pink pens with "The Stone Rabbit" printed on them! I LOVE them! As a writer, I'm always looking for great pens!

...And here is a photo of my "Thank You" to the Stone Rabbit!

Next came out the sweet note, the sparkley glitter hat, and the ice cream cone ornament in a pretty pink and white color.

Another picture of those great pens!

Ta Da! Look at me - lookin' at you wearing the very pretty, glittery hat that I intend to
wear:

GOLFING! Here I am posing with my new golf hat and seven iron
Thanks again Dana! That was fun!

DIVINE MOMENTS - SPIRITUAL SUNDAY

I'm choosing another post from the little book called "Divine Moments for Leaders" - Everyday Inspiration from God's Word. It seems once I pick up this book, I can't just read one "lesson!" Every one has some great advice from God's Word. Today I chose one called "Boundaries."

MY QUESTION FOR GOD

What boundaries do I need in my life, and why do I need them?

A MOMENT WITH GOD

Guard you heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. Proverbs 4:23 NLT

My child, listen and be wise: Keep your heart on the right course. Proverbs 23:19 NLT

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The purpose of a guardrail on a dangerous curve is not to inhibit your freedom to drive, but to save your life! That guardrail keeps you on the road and provides security and safety. The Bible tells us that without some restraints, we would go out of control. Look to God's Word to be a guardrail as you travel through life-----not to inhibit your freedom but to keep you safe and on the right path. If you don't guard your heart with God's Word and stay focused on the road God has laid out for you, you may have a terrible accident when temptation distracts you. This also applies to business and ministry. When you do what is right according to God's Word, you develop a reputation of integrity. You don't take advantage of others, you realize you can't take credit for your successes, and you know you need to rely on God and others to help you finish strong. These boundaries don't restrict you but in fact help you do well in business, or in any area of life.

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DIVINE PROMISE

JOYFUL ARE THOSE YOU DISCIPLINE, LORD. THOSE YOU TEACH WITH YOUR INSTRUCTIONS. Psalm 94:12 NLT

I thank Dear Charlotte and Dear Ginger for the chance to share inspirational insight with others.

To see more Spiritual Sunday posts go HERE

Hmmm, looks like someone is getting serious about some chores that need doing...

Yes, I see that we are, indeed, outside looking at some much needed painting...

Of these CHAIRS! Yes, I gave my lawn chairs a coat of mildew prevention primer paint. I had washed them using Murphey's Oil Soap and a scrub brush and it didn't help at all. So, I took drastic measures and PAINTED them!

I think they look pretty good...or I could have just bought four new chairs next summer...nah, this means four less chairs in the landfill!

Thanks to A Southern Day Dreamer for Outdoor Wednesdays and to see more OW blogs, go

HERE

SPIRITUAL SUNDAY

TAKING LIFE SERIOUSLY

To realize how short life really is, think of a life span of seventy years as a single day--from 7:00 in the morning until 11:00 at night. If your age is:

15, the time is 10:25 a.m.

20, the time is 11:34 a.m.

25, the time is 12:42 p.m.

30, the time is 1:51 p.m.

35, the time is 3:00 p.m.

40, the time is 4:08 p.m.

45, the time is 5:16 p.m.

50, the time is 6:25 p.m.

55, the time is 7:34 p.m.

60, the time is 8:42 p.m.

65, the time is 9:51 p.m.

70, the time is 11:00p.m.

This exercise reminds us that we don't have a lot of time to serve God. Let's get busy and make every day count for Him. -Anon-

I really liked this exercise and it was included in our Church Bulletin this past week. It made me think that when we are young, we feel the stretch of years ahead of us and think we have all the time in the world to do all the things we want to do. When time is broken down, as in this one 16 hour day, it shows us in real time how fast time can go by.

Thanks to Charlotte and Ginger and if you would like to see more Spiritual Sundays posts go HERE

OUTDOOR WEDNESDAY

Now, where is she? We were supposed to meet on the boardwalk at 6:00!

Thanks to Susan at A Southern Day Dreamer

OVER THE TOP!

Recently I received this wonderful award from Charlotte of At Home In Scottsdale



It is a neat question and answer meme and here are the rules:

1. You can only use one word in your answer
2. Pass this along to 6 of your favorite bloggers
3. Alert them that you have give them this award
4. Have fun!

QUESTIONS:
1. Where is your cellphone? Desk

2. Your hair? Head

3. Your Mother? Alive

4. Your Father? Alive

5. Your favorite food? Potatoes

6. Your dream last night? Forgot

7. Your favorite drink? Milk

8. Your dream/goal? Heaven

9. What room are you in now? Guest

10. Your hobby? Many

11. Your fear? Alzheimer's

12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Beach

13. Where were you last night? Home

14. Something you aren't? Lazy

15. Muffins? Blueberry

16. Wish list item? Outfit

17. Where did you grow up? Jersey

18. Last thing you did? Laundry

19. What are you wearing? Clothes

20 Your TV? Beautiful

21. Your pets? Plants

22. Friends? Christian

23. Your life? Busy

24. Your mood? Relaxed

25. Missing someone? Grandchildren

26. Vehicle? Nice

27. Something you're not wearing? Gown

28. Your favorite store? Book

29. Your favorite color? Blue

30. When was the last time you laughed? Lunch

31. Last time you cried? Days

32. Your best friend? Jesus

33. One place I go over and over? ATM

34. One person who emails me regularly? Annette

35. Favorite place to eat? Bonefish Grill

Now it is your turn...anyone who visits my blog and wishes to participate may take the award logo and have fun with this questions and one word answers meme. I have many friendly blogger friends and I can't really choose only six so I am sorry, Charlotte, but I am going to change the rules slightly - anyway, I certainly did have fun!!

SPIRITUAL SUNDAY

I chose another selection from "Divine Moments for Leaders Everyday Inspiration from God's Word.

My Question for God:

How important is a good reputation?

A Moment with God

"Here I am, a stranger and a foreigner among you. Please sell me a piece of land so I can give my wife a proper burial." The Hittites replied to Abraham, "Listen, my lord, you are an honored prince among us. Choose the finest of our tombs and bury her there. No one here will refuse to help you in this way. Genesis 23:4-6

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Like it or not, you already have a reputation. Whether you intentionally try to project a certain image or you couldn't care less what others think, people form an opinion of you based on what you do and say. Abraham's reputation earned him respect even among strangers. A life invested in obedience to God results in a reputation that brings honor and respect. Reputation is the yardstick others use to measure your character--the real you. Take a moment to imagine what others might be saying about you. Carefully consider what your reputation is built upon.

Divine Promise

CHOOSE A GOOD REPUTATION OVER GREAT RICHES: BEING HELD IN HIGH ESTEEM IS BETTER THAN SILVER OR GOLD. Proverbs 22:1

Thanks to Charlotte and Ginger for giving us a place to gather and share our faith. To find more inspirational posts go HERE