Sometimes I’m guilty of running ahead of God. I see an opportunity, conditions look good, and I move forward. However, if our movements don’t fit into God’s plan then it doesn’t matter how good the opportunity looked in the first place.
Satan doesn't usually try to tempt us with the ridiculously evil, but with the seemingly good. We take a good thing and turn it into a God thing. The problem isn't with our pursuit...it is with our priorities.
Waiting on God brings us to the journey's end quicker than our feet. - Mrs. Charles E. Cowman
Just because it's more convenient or faster doesn't mean it's the best way. Sometimes being open to what you weren't expecting is the best way to find what you were looking for all along.
We need to remember that there are no short-cuts to anyplace worth going.
His timing may seem slow to us, but His timing is certain!
People get into trouble when they think they can do life without God. I need God...That's it! When I choose to live this truth, everything else falls into place. We mortals make a mess of things when we run ahead of God. God has created a world that unfolds according to His timetable, not ours...thank goodness!
God is the only one Who could justifiably control us and yet He regains from doing so. He gives us freedom to choose. When I think I'm the boss and God simply does as I wish, I'm in deep yogurt!
Many of us have discovered that when we get "our glass slipper", it doesn't fit. "God's glass slipper" always fits.
We must be willing to get rid of the life we've planned, as to have the life that is waiting for us.
Depend on it, God's work for your life done in God's way will never lack God's supplies or God's timing.
He ALWAYS answers prayer when we wholeheartedly seek His guidance, He is there and so is His answer. Just be ready for the answer that waits for you. Because we are fallible human beings, we are impatient for things to happen. But, God knows better.
God's plan does not always happen in the way we would like or at the time of our own choosing. But our task, as believers who trust in a benevolent, all-knowing Father, is to wait patiently for God to reveal Himself. And reveal Himself He will. ALWAYS. But until God's perfect plan is made known, we must walk in faith and never lose hope. And we must continue to trust Him...ALWAYS.
Blessings,
Dalinda
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
How Do We "Appreciate Our Grass" No Matter What Side Of The Fence We're On?
Do you like your life and enjoy it? Or do you struggle with it and wish you had a different life? Do you want to look the way someone else looks, or have someone else's family or career? Wanting what others have is called "covering" in the Bible, and God forbids it.
The grass may look greener on the other side, but it's just as hard to cut!
We are never going to have someone else's life, so wanting it is a waste of time. And, I think it is an insult to God for us to spend time trying and wanting to be someone we're not.
Faith is not necessarily the power to make things the way we want them to be; it is the courage to face things as they are. - Ronald Dunn
Never allow situations to define God. Situations may not be good, but He still is. We must remember, that it's not the load that breaks us down; it's the way we carry it.
Sometimes things that seem like the biggest inconvenience to us, end up being the greatest gift from HIM!
There is a heavenly reason for everything in life; may we always learn and grow from our experiences. I think that sometimes things are the hardest when we are headed in the right direction God wants for us. I often forget that the process is the point. The process of seeking God and knowing Him is the goal.
Better to limp along the right road than speed along the wrong one.
Contentment with life is not a feeling; it's a decision we must make. Contentment doesn't mean we never want to see change or improvement; it simply means we'll do the best we can with what we have and will maintain an attitude that allows us to enjoy the gift of life. God hates it when we pass up on the real life and settle for false promises of this world.
Be assured that if you define success as seeking God first, you will never be a failure.
The grass is not greener on the other side, it is greener where we water and fertilize it.
In Him,
Dalinda
The grass may look greener on the other side, but it's just as hard to cut!
We are never going to have someone else's life, so wanting it is a waste of time. And, I think it is an insult to God for us to spend time trying and wanting to be someone we're not.
Faith is not necessarily the power to make things the way we want them to be; it is the courage to face things as they are. - Ronald Dunn
Never allow situations to define God. Situations may not be good, but He still is. We must remember, that it's not the load that breaks us down; it's the way we carry it.
Sometimes things that seem like the biggest inconvenience to us, end up being the greatest gift from HIM!
There is a heavenly reason for everything in life; may we always learn and grow from our experiences. I think that sometimes things are the hardest when we are headed in the right direction God wants for us. I often forget that the process is the point. The process of seeking God and knowing Him is the goal.
Better to limp along the right road than speed along the wrong one.
Contentment with life is not a feeling; it's a decision we must make. Contentment doesn't mean we never want to see change or improvement; it simply means we'll do the best we can with what we have and will maintain an attitude that allows us to enjoy the gift of life. God hates it when we pass up on the real life and settle for false promises of this world.
Be assured that if you define success as seeking God first, you will never be a failure.
The grass is not greener on the other side, it is greener where we water and fertilize it.
In Him,
Dalinda
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
The Power Of Optimism
For most of us, life is busy and complicated. Amid the rush and crush of the daily grind, it is easy to lose perspective....easy, but wrong. When our world seems to be spinning out of control, we can regain perspective by slowing ourselves down and then turning our thoughts and prayers toward God.
He is a God of possibility, not negativity.
We never get anywhere, nor do our conditions and circumstances change, when we look at the dark side of life. - Mrs. Charles E. Cowman
A pessimist is someone who believes that when her cup runneth over she'll need a mop.- Barbara Johnson
So, on that note, I'll ask you this question....Are you an optimistic, hopeful, enthusiastic believer? You should be! After all, as a believer, you have every reason to be optimistic about life here on earth and life eternal. But sometimes, you may find yourself pulled down by the inevitable demands and worries of life-here-on-earth. If you find yourself discouraged, exhausted, or both, then it's time to take your concerns to God. When you do, He will lift your spirits and renew your strength.
Blessings,
Dalinda
He is a God of possibility, not negativity.
We never get anywhere, nor do our conditions and circumstances change, when we look at the dark side of life. - Mrs. Charles E. Cowman
A pessimist is someone who believes that when her cup runneth over she'll need a mop.- Barbara Johnson
So, on that note, I'll ask you this question....Are you an optimistic, hopeful, enthusiastic believer? You should be! After all, as a believer, you have every reason to be optimistic about life here on earth and life eternal. But sometimes, you may find yourself pulled down by the inevitable demands and worries of life-here-on-earth. If you find yourself discouraged, exhausted, or both, then it's time to take your concerns to God. When you do, He will lift your spirits and renew your strength.
Blessings,
Dalinda
Monday, May 28, 2012
Freedom Is Not Free At All
On this Memorial Day, we need to remember that freedom is not free at all. Someone must pay...Jesus paid for our spiritual freedom...our military all too often pays for our physical freedom with their own lives.
The American soldier who gave his or her life for U.S. citizens to enjoy life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness won’t be telling us how to observe the holiday. But I believe they would want us to “think of life, not death”. I believe this would honor the fallen soldier. Their sacrifice follows the example of Jesus Christ laying down His life for our freedom. It's selfless love for others – not so they can mourn forever, but live!
"We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters." 1 John 3:16
We are blessed to be living in a free society. May we honor our American soldiers for the liberty we have in this country. May we also give thanks to Almighty God for the freedom we have to spend eternity with Him because of His gift of forgiveness through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
"But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners." Romans 5:8
Happy Memorial Day!
Blessings,
Dalinda
The American soldier who gave his or her life for U.S. citizens to enjoy life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness won’t be telling us how to observe the holiday. But I believe they would want us to “think of life, not death”. I believe this would honor the fallen soldier. Their sacrifice follows the example of Jesus Christ laying down His life for our freedom. It's selfless love for others – not so they can mourn forever, but live!
"We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters." 1 John 3:16
We are blessed to be living in a free society. May we honor our American soldiers for the liberty we have in this country. May we also give thanks to Almighty God for the freedom we have to spend eternity with Him because of His gift of forgiveness through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
"But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners." Romans 5:8
Happy Memorial Day!
Blessings,
Dalinda
Friday, May 25, 2012
Keep Growing
When it comes to your faith, God doesn't intend for you to stand still. He wants you to keep growing as a spiritual being. No matter how "grown-up" you may be, you still have growing to do. And the more you grow the more lovely you become, inside and out....the more you look like Jesus.
Each day you can expect God to teach you something if you pay attention to what He is saying and revealing.
God is concerned about everything that concerns you and His plan is to be intimately involved in every aspect of your life. Knowing and believing this truth has made my walk with Him an adventure rather than a religious obligation...It's all about relationship.
Part of the growing process with Christ is realizing how much farther I have to go. I'm so thankful that God is merciful and deals with me a little at a time. He is patient, loving and kind.
Don't we need to learn? We know so much, and yet we know so little. The age of information is the age of confusion: much know-how, hardly any know-why. We need answers. Jesus offers them.
The longer we live in Him, the greater He becomes in us. It's not that He changes but that we do; we see more of Him and less of us.
So until we take our last breath or until Jesus returns to take us home, we will always need to keep growing. He is not finished with is yet. We are all...His work in progress.
I want to be more like Him and less like me. So, I'm going to keep growing! How about you?
In His Mighty Hand,
Dalinda
Each day you can expect God to teach you something if you pay attention to what He is saying and revealing.
God is concerned about everything that concerns you and His plan is to be intimately involved in every aspect of your life. Knowing and believing this truth has made my walk with Him an adventure rather than a religious obligation...It's all about relationship.
Part of the growing process with Christ is realizing how much farther I have to go. I'm so thankful that God is merciful and deals with me a little at a time. He is patient, loving and kind.
Don't we need to learn? We know so much, and yet we know so little. The age of information is the age of confusion: much know-how, hardly any know-why. We need answers. Jesus offers them.
The longer we live in Him, the greater He becomes in us. It's not that He changes but that we do; we see more of Him and less of us.
So until we take our last breath or until Jesus returns to take us home, we will always need to keep growing. He is not finished with is yet. We are all...His work in progress.
I want to be more like Him and less like me. So, I'm going to keep growing! How about you?
In His Mighty Hand,
Dalinda
Thursday, May 24, 2012
My Enemy Is Big....But My God Is Bigger
Have you ever wanted to put you Christianity on a shelf and be as mean to someone as they are being to you? I don't have enough fingers and toes to count the times I have felt this way! This is the exact point where I had to make a choice of whom I wanted to partner with in these situations....God or Satan.
As bad as I wanted to seek revenge, I was reminded that revenge removes God from the equation. Only God assesses accurate judgements. We impose punishments too slight or severe. God dispenses perfect justice. Psalm 103:6 says, "For all who are mistreated, the Lord brings justice." God knows each person's story and will make things right in His perfect time and in His wise and loving ways.
I've come to realize that people on edge must have a lot of stored up misery....and they want to make everyone else miserable too. Their reactions to me probably have a lot less to do with me and a lot more to do with what is going on in their lives. And my job isn't to fix them or set them straight or prove how wrong they were acting....it's God's job.
Remember, the words we speak have power. They can hurt or heal, repel or attract. They also provide a fairly accurate barometer as to what's going on in our hearts.
"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight. O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer." - Psalm 19:14
Blessings,
Dalinda
As bad as I wanted to seek revenge, I was reminded that revenge removes God from the equation. Only God assesses accurate judgements. We impose punishments too slight or severe. God dispenses perfect justice. Psalm 103:6 says, "For all who are mistreated, the Lord brings justice." God knows each person's story and will make things right in His perfect time and in His wise and loving ways.
I've come to realize that people on edge must have a lot of stored up misery....and they want to make everyone else miserable too. Their reactions to me probably have a lot less to do with me and a lot more to do with what is going on in their lives. And my job isn't to fix them or set them straight or prove how wrong they were acting....it's God's job.
Remember, the words we speak have power. They can hurt or heal, repel or attract. They also provide a fairly accurate barometer as to what's going on in our hearts.
"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight. O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer." - Psalm 19:14
Blessings,
Dalinda
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Take A First Step, But Don't Stumble
You can never arrive at your final destination without taking a first step.
Faith is first a decision, then an exercise in obedience, then a gift from God as it is multiplied.
Faith is a spiritual muscle that needs to be exercised in order to prevent atrophy, which makes our entire spiritual being weak.
I have a steep stairway in my house, and every time I look too far ahead when I walk up or down the steps, I stumble and fall. I don't have any problem when I pay attention to the step I'm on or the one that's just ahead. It's the same for our lives. Looking too far ahead can cause us to stumble.
God is not asking you to be perfect. He is asking you to allow Him to be perfect in you. God is not asking you to have your whole future figured out. He is asking you to trust that He has your future planned. Thinking too much about the future can keep you from fully living the life God has given you now.
Focus on giants...you stumble. Focus on God...your giants tumble.
Whenever we decide NOT to trust God we stumble. Faith is our DAILY decision to trust God. When we exercise our obedience by trusting Him, He meets DAILY needs DAILY and miraculously. And our faith is multiplied...Hence, faith is first decision, then an exercise in obedience, then a gift from God as it is multiplied.
Our big God blesses our small faith.
Faithfully His,
Dalinda
Faith is first a decision, then an exercise in obedience, then a gift from God as it is multiplied.
Faith is a spiritual muscle that needs to be exercised in order to prevent atrophy, which makes our entire spiritual being weak.
I have a steep stairway in my house, and every time I look too far ahead when I walk up or down the steps, I stumble and fall. I don't have any problem when I pay attention to the step I'm on or the one that's just ahead. It's the same for our lives. Looking too far ahead can cause us to stumble.
God is not asking you to be perfect. He is asking you to allow Him to be perfect in you. God is not asking you to have your whole future figured out. He is asking you to trust that He has your future planned. Thinking too much about the future can keep you from fully living the life God has given you now.
Focus on giants...you stumble. Focus on God...your giants tumble.
Whenever we decide NOT to trust God we stumble. Faith is our DAILY decision to trust God. When we exercise our obedience by trusting Him, He meets DAILY needs DAILY and miraculously. And our faith is multiplied...Hence, faith is first decision, then an exercise in obedience, then a gift from God as it is multiplied.
Our big God blesses our small faith.
Faithfully His,
Dalinda
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Fear Corrodes Our Confidence In God's Goodness
Doesn't everyday deserve a chance to be a good day? Want to blow the cloud cover off your gray day? Accept God's direction. Each day emerges from God's drawing board. Including this one.
Even though we may be believers who have been given the assurance of salvation, even though we may be believers who have received the promise of God's love and protection - we find ourselves fretting over the countless details of everyday life.
Fear corrodes our confidence in God's goodness. Fear is a form of spiritual amnesia. It dulls our miracle memory. It makes us forget what Jesus has done and how good God is. When we start the day in fear we are looking at the day from the wrong side....the flesh side. Someday we shall see it from another standpoint, and understand because we will see things from the right side....God's side. God sees all. We see in the moment. He knows our needs far better than we do. We need to learn to trust God, just because He is God.
It's not ours to worry about.
Worries carry responsibilities that belong to God, not to us. Worry does not enable us to escape evil; it makes us unfit to cope with it when it comes. - Corrie ten Boom
Sometimes our focus is so concentrated on the destination that we lose sight of the One leading us there. Maybe the destination is God Himself.
What are you focusing on....His plan or your problems?
Our anxiety fades as our memory of God's goodness doesn't. As we meditate on Christ's life, we find strength for our own.
We will have days it may feel like three steps forward and two steps back. But we have to keep our eyes on Jesus and know that if He is our Lord and Savior, then we will have the ultimate victory. Trust in ultimate victory gives ultimate courage.
Remember, God is good....all the time!
Blessings,
Dalinda
Even though we may be believers who have been given the assurance of salvation, even though we may be believers who have received the promise of God's love and protection - we find ourselves fretting over the countless details of everyday life.
Fear corrodes our confidence in God's goodness. Fear is a form of spiritual amnesia. It dulls our miracle memory. It makes us forget what Jesus has done and how good God is. When we start the day in fear we are looking at the day from the wrong side....the flesh side. Someday we shall see it from another standpoint, and understand because we will see things from the right side....God's side. God sees all. We see in the moment. He knows our needs far better than we do. We need to learn to trust God, just because He is God.
It's not ours to worry about.
Worries carry responsibilities that belong to God, not to us. Worry does not enable us to escape evil; it makes us unfit to cope with it when it comes. - Corrie ten Boom
Sometimes our focus is so concentrated on the destination that we lose sight of the One leading us there. Maybe the destination is God Himself.
What are you focusing on....His plan or your problems?
Our anxiety fades as our memory of God's goodness doesn't. As we meditate on Christ's life, we find strength for our own.
We will have days it may feel like three steps forward and two steps back. But we have to keep our eyes on Jesus and know that if He is our Lord and Savior, then we will have the ultimate victory. Trust in ultimate victory gives ultimate courage.
Remember, God is good....all the time!
Blessings,
Dalinda
Monday, May 21, 2012
Always Be Joyful. Pray Continually. Give Thanks Whatever Happens.
I don't know about you, but I don't want to live my life in the past lane. I want to find a zillion things to be thankful for today.
Nothing blows the winter out of the day like the Caribbean breeze of thankfulness. Need some trade winds?
What are you thankful for right at this moment! Start today by being grateful for the tiniest things: a moment to rest, the color of a sunset, or a song on the radio.
Every garden will have a few weeds, but there is always something to be thankful for.
What if you woke up today with only the things you thanked God for yesterday?
Being thankful is a choice. It's up to us to take the lemons life hands us and make lemonade out of them. We can choose to let circumstances rule us or we an choose to rule the circumstances. God created us with a free-will. Part of that fee-will is the ability to make choices. Are you content letting life hand you lemons? Lemonade is much sweeter and tastier than plain lemons, don't you think?
Gratitude lifts our eyes off the things we lack so we might see the blessings we possess. Life is full of ordinary moments....but if you take a closer look, they become so much more. Give thanks whatever happens.
We seem to talk more about our bad days than our good ones. Are we glorifying God in this? No! Let's change our focus. Instead of expecting it to be a bad day, let's expect it to be God's day. Focusing on our blessings keeps our heart from becoming bitter.
The optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty. The optimist deals with reality, the pessimist doesn't. Let go of the what-ifs.
Our thoughts and attitudes determine the emotional reaction we have to any event. Each of us determines the meaning and value of whatever we face in life.
Satan keeps you and me from prayer. He tries to position himself between us and God. But
he scampers like a spooked dog when we move forward. Pray continually.
What a world this would be if we could forget our troubles as easily as we forget our blessings. Let's decide to be thankful and encourage one another to cultivate grateful hearts. God is so thankful for you. He gave His Son to reclaim your life. He invites you into the joy of salvation. That's an awful lot to be thankful for right there. And something else to be thankful for? The fact that you are here to be thankful!
To share your joy with others, to love others as Jesus loves you, is not only a form of thanksgiving and praise but also a way to cause others to wonder what you are so happy about.
What a blessing for us all to grow older, traveling this earthly pilgrimage, knowing, if we are believers, we will be together with Him (and each other) in eternity.
I am thankful for the security of His presence, even when the earth shakes under my feet.
I am so thankful for chances He has given to allow me to grow and trust Him as never before. Opportunity to let His light shine through me. So thankful!
Remember, your message, your salvation, your body, your struggles, your success - all proclaim God's glory.
Joyfully,
Dalinda
Nothing blows the winter out of the day like the Caribbean breeze of thankfulness. Need some trade winds?
What are you thankful for right at this moment! Start today by being grateful for the tiniest things: a moment to rest, the color of a sunset, or a song on the radio.
Every garden will have a few weeds, but there is always something to be thankful for.
What if you woke up today with only the things you thanked God for yesterday?
Being thankful is a choice. It's up to us to take the lemons life hands us and make lemonade out of them. We can choose to let circumstances rule us or we an choose to rule the circumstances. God created us with a free-will. Part of that fee-will is the ability to make choices. Are you content letting life hand you lemons? Lemonade is much sweeter and tastier than plain lemons, don't you think?
Gratitude lifts our eyes off the things we lack so we might see the blessings we possess. Life is full of ordinary moments....but if you take a closer look, they become so much more. Give thanks whatever happens.
We seem to talk more about our bad days than our good ones. Are we glorifying God in this? No! Let's change our focus. Instead of expecting it to be a bad day, let's expect it to be God's day. Focusing on our blessings keeps our heart from becoming bitter.
The optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty. The optimist deals with reality, the pessimist doesn't. Let go of the what-ifs.
Our thoughts and attitudes determine the emotional reaction we have to any event. Each of us determines the meaning and value of whatever we face in life.
Satan keeps you and me from prayer. He tries to position himself between us and God. But
he scampers like a spooked dog when we move forward. Pray continually.
What a world this would be if we could forget our troubles as easily as we forget our blessings. Let's decide to be thankful and encourage one another to cultivate grateful hearts. God is so thankful for you. He gave His Son to reclaim your life. He invites you into the joy of salvation. That's an awful lot to be thankful for right there. And something else to be thankful for? The fact that you are here to be thankful!
To share your joy with others, to love others as Jesus loves you, is not only a form of thanksgiving and praise but also a way to cause others to wonder what you are so happy about.
What a blessing for us all to grow older, traveling this earthly pilgrimage, knowing, if we are believers, we will be together with Him (and each other) in eternity.
I am thankful for the security of His presence, even when the earth shakes under my feet.
I am so thankful for chances He has given to allow me to grow and trust Him as never before. Opportunity to let His light shine through me. So thankful!
Remember, your message, your salvation, your body, your struggles, your success - all proclaim God's glory.
Joyfully,
Dalinda
Friday, May 18, 2012
This Is God's World, Not Our World
"With hurricanes, tornados, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one end to the other, and the threat of terrorist attacks, are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?" - Jay Leno....Or out of the country for that matter? God does not stay where He is not wanted.
This is not our world, so we can't live however we want to live and expect the sponsorship of the God of the Universe. This is God's world.
It is disgracing that natural disasters are often termed "acts of God" while no "credit" is given to God for years, decades, or even centuries of peaceful weather. Sometimes God ALLOWS natural disasters as judgement against sin. Sin is the ultimate cause of natural disasters just as it is the cause of death, disease, and suffering. Such events shake our confidence in this life and force us to think about eternity.
Why does God allow the innocent to suffer? The first thing to consider is whether such a thing as "the innocent" even exists. No one is innocent in the sense of being sinless, except Jesus Christ. Sin's effects permeate everything, and the suffering we all see around us is a direct result of that sin. But God did not leave us here to suffer pointlessly. Our loving merciful God has a perfect plan to use that suffering to accomplish His threefold purpose. Trials and distress are not unusual in life; they are what it means to be human in a fallen world.
God's plan is perfect, His character is flawless, and those who trust in Him will not be disappointed!
God does not force you to trust Him. He wants you to choose to trust Him. But we must remember that there will come a time....when it will be too late to decide what you believe. Then it will no longer be your choice. God will decide your eternity for you.
Luke 9:26 says, "If anyone is ashamed of me and my message, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he returns in his glory and in the glory of the Father and the holy angels."
Eternally Yours,
Dalinda
This is not our world, so we can't live however we want to live and expect the sponsorship of the God of the Universe. This is God's world.
It is disgracing that natural disasters are often termed "acts of God" while no "credit" is given to God for years, decades, or even centuries of peaceful weather. Sometimes God ALLOWS natural disasters as judgement against sin. Sin is the ultimate cause of natural disasters just as it is the cause of death, disease, and suffering. Such events shake our confidence in this life and force us to think about eternity.
Why does God allow the innocent to suffer? The first thing to consider is whether such a thing as "the innocent" even exists. No one is innocent in the sense of being sinless, except Jesus Christ. Sin's effects permeate everything, and the suffering we all see around us is a direct result of that sin. But God did not leave us here to suffer pointlessly. Our loving merciful God has a perfect plan to use that suffering to accomplish His threefold purpose. Trials and distress are not unusual in life; they are what it means to be human in a fallen world.
God's plan is perfect, His character is flawless, and those who trust in Him will not be disappointed!
God does not force you to trust Him. He wants you to choose to trust Him. But we must remember that there will come a time....when it will be too late to decide what you believe. Then it will no longer be your choice. God will decide your eternity for you.
Luke 9:26 says, "If anyone is ashamed of me and my message, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he returns in his glory and in the glory of the Father and the holy angels."
Eternally Yours,
Dalinda
Thursday, May 17, 2012
It Doesn't Matter What Happens To Us, But What Happens In Us
Earthly seasons don't upset us. But unexpected ones certainly do....
Is the foliage of your world showing signs of a new season? Heaven's message for you is clear: when everything else changes, God's presence never does.
If things stay the same, then there is no progress....no growth. Each season of life has a learning curve. But when you cease to grow, you begin to die. Events can only change your life if you let them. It's better to embrace change before change is forced upon you. Life is easier when you are open to change.
Knowing that my trials are developing something greater in my life does bring (joy) peace. The world may be falling apart around me, but I know that my God is in control and that He loves me. That joy gives me the strength to carry on.
The most important thing is not how we start, but how we finish. It doesn't matter what happens to us, but what happens in us.
[Jesus said,] "I've come to change everything, turn everything right side up." - Luke 12:50
We cannot choose whether or not we should be shaken, but we can choose what we are standing on when we are shaken. God is training me as His co-pilot. My life (and the world) runs perfectly....as long as I remember who's in charge.
Wonder how much we could change the world with our "change?"
Life teaches us the same lessons over and over again until we learn it....until there's change.
So make friends with whatever's next. Embrace it. Accept it. Don't resist it. Change is not only a part of life; change is a necessary part of God's strategy. To use us to change the world, He alters our assignments. Mary: from peasant girl to the mother of Christ; He changed David from a shepherd to a king. Peter wanted to fish the Sea of Galilee. God called him to lead the first church.
God makes reassignments (change) for our good and for His glory. "To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under Heaven. - Ecclesiastes 3:1
Blessings,
Dalinda
Is the foliage of your world showing signs of a new season? Heaven's message for you is clear: when everything else changes, God's presence never does.
If things stay the same, then there is no progress....no growth. Each season of life has a learning curve. But when you cease to grow, you begin to die. Events can only change your life if you let them. It's better to embrace change before change is forced upon you. Life is easier when you are open to change.
Knowing that my trials are developing something greater in my life does bring (joy) peace. The world may be falling apart around me, but I know that my God is in control and that He loves me. That joy gives me the strength to carry on.
The most important thing is not how we start, but how we finish. It doesn't matter what happens to us, but what happens in us.
[Jesus said,] "I've come to change everything, turn everything right side up." - Luke 12:50
We cannot choose whether or not we should be shaken, but we can choose what we are standing on when we are shaken. God is training me as His co-pilot. My life (and the world) runs perfectly....as long as I remember who's in charge.
Wonder how much we could change the world with our "change?"
Life teaches us the same lessons over and over again until we learn it....until there's change.
So make friends with whatever's next. Embrace it. Accept it. Don't resist it. Change is not only a part of life; change is a necessary part of God's strategy. To use us to change the world, He alters our assignments. Mary: from peasant girl to the mother of Christ; He changed David from a shepherd to a king. Peter wanted to fish the Sea of Galilee. God called him to lead the first church.
God makes reassignments (change) for our good and for His glory. "To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under Heaven. - Ecclesiastes 3:1
Blessings,
Dalinda
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Flip The Switch
God has wired His world for power, but He calls on us to flip the switch.
We don't work unless we stay plugged in. We can coast along for a little while away from the source, but will eventually shut down. We have to stay plugged in, connected to God. Only He can make us "run" like we were designed to do.
I'm not capable, but God's spirit in me is very capable. In my strength my gifts are "D" effort at best, but when surrendered to Christ there is no end to what He can do with them. Whatever I have the faith to surrender fully, willing to rid myself of my comfort zone or my conveniences, He can make beautiful.
When I "flip the switch" I pursue Him and He pursues His perfection in me. He desires me to see the world through His eyes, with His heart. There is no way for me to do that in my own strength.
When we pray, things change. Sometimes prayer brings about a change in our circumstances, but prayer ALWAYS brings about a change in our hearts.
If your father were Bill Gates and your computer broke, where would you turn? If your father is God and you have a problem on your hands, to whom would you go?
"God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance." - 2 Corinthians 9:8
In Him,
Dalinda
We don't work unless we stay plugged in. We can coast along for a little while away from the source, but will eventually shut down. We have to stay plugged in, connected to God. Only He can make us "run" like we were designed to do.
I'm not capable, but God's spirit in me is very capable. In my strength my gifts are "D" effort at best, but when surrendered to Christ there is no end to what He can do with them. Whatever I have the faith to surrender fully, willing to rid myself of my comfort zone or my conveniences, He can make beautiful.
When I "flip the switch" I pursue Him and He pursues His perfection in me. He desires me to see the world through His eyes, with His heart. There is no way for me to do that in my own strength.
When we pray, things change. Sometimes prayer brings about a change in our circumstances, but prayer ALWAYS brings about a change in our hearts.
If your father were Bill Gates and your computer broke, where would you turn? If your father is God and you have a problem on your hands, to whom would you go?
"God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance." - 2 Corinthians 9:8
In Him,
Dalinda
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
The Wise Don't Expect To Find Life Worth Living; They Make It That Way
It takes a lot of Jesus for me to be a good Mom. Maybe He knew I needed a lot more sanctifying. That's the more likely reason.
The goal has never been about perfection. It's about....our growth. There is no room in His will for our faint-less efforts to be perfect in an imperfect world. Our goal should be for our children to look more like Jesus than they look like us.
It's the journey that matters. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 says, "These words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise."
God doesn't want me to fix the people in my life. Not even the little people in my life. He simply wants to use me as an instrument in His purpose for my children's lives.
If my aim and my boys' aim is some version of myself then they will fall far short of their best. The issue is this however, as parents we are the ones leading our children's faith walk. Whether I am intentional in this or not, it's still the truth. I don't want to lead them haphazardly or in bits and spurts. I want to lead them continually closer to Jesus, to be more like Him, to love Him, and to be His hands and feet...
Remember...Life's dividends depend on interest.
Blessings,
Dalinda
The goal has never been about perfection. It's about....our growth. There is no room in His will for our faint-less efforts to be perfect in an imperfect world. Our goal should be for our children to look more like Jesus than they look like us.
It's the journey that matters. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 says, "These words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise."
God doesn't want me to fix the people in my life. Not even the little people in my life. He simply wants to use me as an instrument in His purpose for my children's lives.
If my aim and my boys' aim is some version of myself then they will fall far short of their best. The issue is this however, as parents we are the ones leading our children's faith walk. Whether I am intentional in this or not, it's still the truth. I don't want to lead them haphazardly or in bits and spurts. I want to lead them continually closer to Jesus, to be more like Him, to love Him, and to be His hands and feet...
Remember...Life's dividends depend on interest.
Blessings,
Dalinda
Monday, May 14, 2012
When You Sing God's Praises, You Can Never Go High Enough
When was the last time you told God how much you appreciate Him?
What words would you use to describe God? Loving. Merciful. Eternal. Glorious. Dependable. Truthful. Compassionate. Faithful. Friend. Father. Savior. Every word you can think of is reason for praise. When you pray, share more than a a list of requests with God. Tell God how much He means to you. Choose one attribute of God and tell Him how that character trait has made a difference in your life.
"Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things." - Psalm 98:1
Yesterday was Mother's Day, a day where children around the world show and tell Mom how great she is. I am glad my kids think I am a great Mom. But I hope they think I am great all the time, not just when I've made them happy. I hope their belief that I'm the best Mom in the world doesn't fluctuate depending on how happy they are with what I've done. I love to hear them say I'm the greatest even when it doesn't involve getting something - when it's just because they love me.
I bet God likes hearing us tell Him He's the greatest too. In fact, I know He does. The Bible says that He inhabits the praise of His people. With all the places He could choose to dwell, He chose our praises.
But we fail to praise Him enough. Praising God usually isn't high on our priorities list. We're perfectly willing to thank Him when He does something we like, but praising Him? Are we really supposed to spend time telling Hom how great He is?....YES! It's not because He doesn't know He's great. It's because we need to spend time contemplating His greatness.
God is worthy to be praised all the time. His worthiness doesn't depend on His having just done something for me, or on whether I'm busy that day. He deserves to be praised ALL THE TIME!
I want to make it my goal to praise Him more often. Will you join me in that goal? If so, you will not only bring pleasure to God's heart, which is reward enough in itself, but you'll also experience the incredible blessing of having your heart filled as you praise.
"I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders." - Psalm 9:1
For His Praise and Glory,
Dalinda
What words would you use to describe God? Loving. Merciful. Eternal. Glorious. Dependable. Truthful. Compassionate. Faithful. Friend. Father. Savior. Every word you can think of is reason for praise. When you pray, share more than a a list of requests with God. Tell God how much He means to you. Choose one attribute of God and tell Him how that character trait has made a difference in your life.
"Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things." - Psalm 98:1
Yesterday was Mother's Day, a day where children around the world show and tell Mom how great she is. I am glad my kids think I am a great Mom. But I hope they think I am great all the time, not just when I've made them happy. I hope their belief that I'm the best Mom in the world doesn't fluctuate depending on how happy they are with what I've done. I love to hear them say I'm the greatest even when it doesn't involve getting something - when it's just because they love me.
I bet God likes hearing us tell Him He's the greatest too. In fact, I know He does. The Bible says that He inhabits the praise of His people. With all the places He could choose to dwell, He chose our praises.
But we fail to praise Him enough. Praising God usually isn't high on our priorities list. We're perfectly willing to thank Him when He does something we like, but praising Him? Are we really supposed to spend time telling Hom how great He is?....YES! It's not because He doesn't know He's great. It's because we need to spend time contemplating His greatness.
God is worthy to be praised all the time. His worthiness doesn't depend on His having just done something for me, or on whether I'm busy that day. He deserves to be praised ALL THE TIME!
I want to make it my goal to praise Him more often. Will you join me in that goal? If so, you will not only bring pleasure to God's heart, which is reward enough in itself, but you'll also experience the incredible blessing of having your heart filled as you praise.
"I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders." - Psalm 9:1
For His Praise and Glory,
Dalinda
Friday, May 11, 2012
Little Eyes Are Watching Us (Happy Mother's Day)
This coming Sunday, May 13, is Mother's Day. My mother passed away from cancer 5 1/2 years ago. I miss her everyday. But I can't be sad this Mother's Day because I don't have a Mother...I am rejoicing because I did!
I am so thankful for the mother God chose to bless me with. It is because of my parent's love for one another and their love for God that I am the woman I am today. They taught me so much...not with lessons, but by example. They lived a life in front of me that permeates my being today. They were a kind, loving example of a family committed to God.
I am a mother of two boys ages: 8 and 13. Anytime I wonder if my life matters, whenever I want my life to count for eternity, I have to look no further than the carefully drawn crayoned artwork on my refrigerator. There is my children's handwriting...proof that at least one thing I do makes a difference.
My husband blesses me by supporting, teaching and inspiring me. He is not stingy with his praises but lavishly tells me what a great wife and mother I am. It is a lot easier to serve and sacrifice with such a man by my side. Now don't get me wrong. I am not perfect and neither is my husband, however, our teacher is a GOOD...very good! I know I will never be a Proverbs 31 woman, not this side of Heaven anyway, but I have God and certain people cheering me on and guiding my ways.
Ask God to draw you so close to Him that your children see God in you, even in the hardest of times. They see peace even when it makes no sense. They see joy when there is no reason to be joyful. So when they do come to the end of themselves, they remember a mom who turned to Christ for strength...a mom who prayed...a mom who caught them doing things right and noticed...a mom who stood firm as she trusted her children to grow and become better people...They'll know God is real.
So let's make sure we don't neglect our own spiritual growth in the busyness of tending to our children. After all, God should still come first in our lives. Let's give Him the place He rightly deserves: first place, even before our families. Putting God first doesn't take anything away from our families. In fact, it's quite the opposite, because one of the best things we can give them is a mom who knows and loves God.
Happy Mother's Day! Enjoy your blessings.
For His Glory,
Dalinda
I am so thankful for the mother God chose to bless me with. It is because of my parent's love for one another and their love for God that I am the woman I am today. They taught me so much...not with lessons, but by example. They lived a life in front of me that permeates my being today. They were a kind, loving example of a family committed to God.
I am a mother of two boys ages: 8 and 13. Anytime I wonder if my life matters, whenever I want my life to count for eternity, I have to look no further than the carefully drawn crayoned artwork on my refrigerator. There is my children's handwriting...proof that at least one thing I do makes a difference.
My husband blesses me by supporting, teaching and inspiring me. He is not stingy with his praises but lavishly tells me what a great wife and mother I am. It is a lot easier to serve and sacrifice with such a man by my side. Now don't get me wrong. I am not perfect and neither is my husband, however, our teacher is a GOOD...very good! I know I will never be a Proverbs 31 woman, not this side of Heaven anyway, but I have God and certain people cheering me on and guiding my ways.
Ask God to draw you so close to Him that your children see God in you, even in the hardest of times. They see peace even when it makes no sense. They see joy when there is no reason to be joyful. So when they do come to the end of themselves, they remember a mom who turned to Christ for strength...a mom who prayed...a mom who caught them doing things right and noticed...a mom who stood firm as she trusted her children to grow and become better people...They'll know God is real.
So let's make sure we don't neglect our own spiritual growth in the busyness of tending to our children. After all, God should still come first in our lives. Let's give Him the place He rightly deserves: first place, even before our families. Putting God first doesn't take anything away from our families. In fact, it's quite the opposite, because one of the best things we can give them is a mom who knows and loves God.
Happy Mother's Day! Enjoy your blessings.
For His Glory,
Dalinda
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Born To Stand Out
Stop trying to fit in when you were born to stand out. To lead the orchestra, you have to turn your back on the crowd. - Max Lucado
My personal challenge for the next few days is to look at my life not the way a perfect stanger would, but the way a Perfect Savior would.
We need to stop thinking about ourselves .... There is so much hurt in the world, people really need a touch from the Lord. When we fear rejection or what others think, it can keep us from sharing His love with them and they need His love.
People will never want to meet your Jesus until they see the reality of Him in your life. You never know how God is going to use you until you let Him.
Do not follow where the path my lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Life isn't always about who we keep in touch with. Sometimes it's about who we touch along the way.
Blessings,
Dalinda
My personal challenge for the next few days is to look at my life not the way a perfect stanger would, but the way a Perfect Savior would.
We need to stop thinking about ourselves .... There is so much hurt in the world, people really need a touch from the Lord. When we fear rejection or what others think, it can keep us from sharing His love with them and they need His love.
People will never want to meet your Jesus until they see the reality of Him in your life. You never know how God is going to use you until you let Him.
Do not follow where the path my lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Life isn't always about who we keep in touch with. Sometimes it's about who we touch along the way.
Blessings,
Dalinda
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Hope....A Small Word With Big Meaning
Some people place their hope in financial security. Others hope their popularity, abilities, or connections will get them where they want to go. But only those who place their hope in God can face tomorrow without any fear of the future. When you trust in God, you do more than hope for the best. You rest in knowing God's best is His plan for your life.
If we are believers, the Bible says that we are sealed with the Holy Spirit, and He guarantees that we will arrive safe, preserved from all destruction, on the final day of deliverance from sin and all it's effects. WOW!
Just think of what it will be like to actually see God face-to-face, to have no more tears, no more sorrow, no more dying...to see our loved ones who have passed on and never be separated from them again. These thoughts leave me totally awestruck!
But it is so easy to lose heart when your focus is on difficulties that persist day after day. That is why it is so important to reconnect with God every morning. Time together reminds you that an all-knowing and all-powerful God is in your corner, ready and able to help. It helps you sift the trivial from the eternal. And restores hope to it's rightful place in your life, where it can shine a light on God's goodness and faithfulness to you.
Life is not about losing. Life is about overcoming. As long as I hold tight in my heart the fact that His plans are GOOD, then I can fight through the obstacles life throws at me, to see the light of the reward that will greet me in the end.
Remember, God is bigger than your biggest problem, stronger than your most frightening enemy, and greater than your doubts and fears. WOW, WE SERVE AN AWESOME GOD!
All our hope needs to be in God because He is the only One Who can make us happy.
Hope is the ability to hear the music of the future; Faith is the ability to dance to it today. I hope you dance.
In Him,
Dalinda
If we are believers, the Bible says that we are sealed with the Holy Spirit, and He guarantees that we will arrive safe, preserved from all destruction, on the final day of deliverance from sin and all it's effects. WOW!
Just think of what it will be like to actually see God face-to-face, to have no more tears, no more sorrow, no more dying...to see our loved ones who have passed on and never be separated from them again. These thoughts leave me totally awestruck!
But it is so easy to lose heart when your focus is on difficulties that persist day after day. That is why it is so important to reconnect with God every morning. Time together reminds you that an all-knowing and all-powerful God is in your corner, ready and able to help. It helps you sift the trivial from the eternal. And restores hope to it's rightful place in your life, where it can shine a light on God's goodness and faithfulness to you.
Life is not about losing. Life is about overcoming. As long as I hold tight in my heart the fact that His plans are GOOD, then I can fight through the obstacles life throws at me, to see the light of the reward that will greet me in the end.
Remember, God is bigger than your biggest problem, stronger than your most frightening enemy, and greater than your doubts and fears. WOW, WE SERVE AN AWESOME GOD!
All our hope needs to be in God because He is the only One Who can make us happy.
Hope is the ability to hear the music of the future; Faith is the ability to dance to it today. I hope you dance.
In Him,
Dalinda
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Remember : God Is Never Late
While it would be nice if God owned the same watch that we do, we can always count on His reply - in His timing.
The phrase "timing is everything" is never more true than in your walk with God. However, it is most accurately stated, "His timing is everything."
We are in a hurry, God isn't. He takes time to do things right.
God's timing seems to be His own little secret. We may not know what He is doing, but He does. As a society we bind ourselves to time that can be measured, but God's perfect timing is rooted in eternity. Make life simpler by setting aside your impatience and cultivating trust. God's timing is like the seasons, unfolding in a higher wisdom than the human mind can understand. Trust that fruition will come in perfect ways, in God's time.
When we come to a place where we trust that God's timing is perfect, we can be content no matter where we are because we know that God will not leave us there forever.
Time spent waiting on God is never wasted. God is working while you are waiting!
Remember, a delay is not a denial. God may not be early, but He won't be late.
God wants us to be blessed. He wants us to have not only what we want, but what is best for us. If we truly trust God, we must trust Him when He says "no" to our request as much as we do when He says "yes" to them.
In Him,
Dalinda
The phrase "timing is everything" is never more true than in your walk with God. However, it is most accurately stated, "His timing is everything."
We are in a hurry, God isn't. He takes time to do things right.
God's timing seems to be His own little secret. We may not know what He is doing, but He does. As a society we bind ourselves to time that can be measured, but God's perfect timing is rooted in eternity. Make life simpler by setting aside your impatience and cultivating trust. God's timing is like the seasons, unfolding in a higher wisdom than the human mind can understand. Trust that fruition will come in perfect ways, in God's time.
When we come to a place where we trust that God's timing is perfect, we can be content no matter where we are because we know that God will not leave us there forever.
Time spent waiting on God is never wasted. God is working while you are waiting!
Remember, a delay is not a denial. God may not be early, but He won't be late.
God wants us to be blessed. He wants us to have not only what we want, but what is best for us. If we truly trust God, we must trust Him when He says "no" to our request as much as we do when He says "yes" to them.
In Him,
Dalinda
Monday, May 7, 2012
Life Is Like A Mirror....We Get The Best Results When We Smile At It
Every journey is accomplished one step at a time.
Trials come in various categories. They may be physical, emotional, financial, relational, or spiritual. They may slip in unexpectedly and knock on the door of your business, your church, or your home. They can be directly related to our own sin, the sin of others, or not related to sin at all.
James 1:2-4 says, "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have it's perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing."
Most often, because of the discomfort, the pain, or the hardship, we try to cut our trial short - to put an end to them. Instead, James says, endure the trial; let it come to completion. When it does, you'll be a better person for it.
Remember, God is fully aware of the trials in your life and two things should comfort you: First, these squalls surge across everyone's horizon. Second, we all need them. God has no other method more effective. Even the little, constant irritations humble us and compel us to submit to Him and His chosen role for our lives.
God doesn't dispense strength and encouragement like a druggists fills a prescription. The Lord doesn't promise to give us something to take so we can handle our weary moments. He promises us Himself....and that is enough.
Jesus is the central piece of suffering's puzzle. If we fit Him into place, the rest of the puzzle - no matter how complex - begins to make sense. Our whole perspective changes when we catch a glimpse of the purpose of Christ in it all. Take that away, and it's nothing more than a bitter, terrible experience.
Blessings,
Dalinda
Trials come in various categories. They may be physical, emotional, financial, relational, or spiritual. They may slip in unexpectedly and knock on the door of your business, your church, or your home. They can be directly related to our own sin, the sin of others, or not related to sin at all.
James 1:2-4 says, "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have it's perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing."
Most often, because of the discomfort, the pain, or the hardship, we try to cut our trial short - to put an end to them. Instead, James says, endure the trial; let it come to completion. When it does, you'll be a better person for it.
Remember, God is fully aware of the trials in your life and two things should comfort you: First, these squalls surge across everyone's horizon. Second, we all need them. God has no other method more effective. Even the little, constant irritations humble us and compel us to submit to Him and His chosen role for our lives.
God doesn't dispense strength and encouragement like a druggists fills a prescription. The Lord doesn't promise to give us something to take so we can handle our weary moments. He promises us Himself....and that is enough.
Jesus is the central piece of suffering's puzzle. If we fit Him into place, the rest of the puzzle - no matter how complex - begins to make sense. Our whole perspective changes when we catch a glimpse of the purpose of Christ in it all. Take that away, and it's nothing more than a bitter, terrible experience.
Blessings,
Dalinda
Friday, May 4, 2012
No More Same Old Same Old
Tomorrow, May 5, I will turn 41. I have been through two major losses in my life over the past 5 1/2 years. The first being the passing of my mother to cancer when I was 35. The second being the passing of my Dad to heart disease when I was 39. And yes, there were times that I felt that I would never see the light at the end of the tunnel. But God keeps His promises and there is a rainbow after the storm.
Isaiah 43:18,19 says, "Do not [earnestly] remember the former things; neither consider the things of the old. Behold, I am doing a new thing! In this scripture, God says he is doing a new thing. As you move into the future He has for you, you will encounter all kinds if new opportunities, and challenges. The days ahead will be full of new experiences, things you have never done before. You may not know how to do them, but you will learn. Everything you are doing today was new to you at one time - and look, now you can do it.
When I look back over the past 5 1/2 - 6 years of my 41 years of life, I see how God challenged me so I could develop new abilities which is extremely important to your spiritual growth and maturity.
God laid it on my heart to start my encouragement blog. He said to me, "Dalinda, you have not done this before, but don't be afraid. I'm taking you to a place you have never been before. I'm going to ask you to do something you don't know how to do!"....So here I am today, almost to the 1 year anniversary of my blogging. :)
Remember, God has already been where He is leading you, and He has prepared the way. Step out in faith and you will experience the faithfulness of God.
Let go of what lies behind and press into the great future God has planned for you. I can promise you: God is with you. He will lead you. He will strengthen you. He will help you.
In Him,
Dalinda
Isaiah 43:18,19 says, "Do not [earnestly] remember the former things; neither consider the things of the old. Behold, I am doing a new thing! In this scripture, God says he is doing a new thing. As you move into the future He has for you, you will encounter all kinds if new opportunities, and challenges. The days ahead will be full of new experiences, things you have never done before. You may not know how to do them, but you will learn. Everything you are doing today was new to you at one time - and look, now you can do it.
When I look back over the past 5 1/2 - 6 years of my 41 years of life, I see how God challenged me so I could develop new abilities which is extremely important to your spiritual growth and maturity.
God laid it on my heart to start my encouragement blog. He said to me, "Dalinda, you have not done this before, but don't be afraid. I'm taking you to a place you have never been before. I'm going to ask you to do something you don't know how to do!"....So here I am today, almost to the 1 year anniversary of my blogging. :)
Remember, God has already been where He is leading you, and He has prepared the way. Step out in faith and you will experience the faithfulness of God.
Let go of what lies behind and press into the great future God has planned for you. I can promise you: God is with you. He will lead you. He will strengthen you. He will help you.
In Him,
Dalinda
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Time-Out
God created the world in six days. Then He took a day to sit back and enjoy all of the good things He's done. The Bible tells us God doesn't tire or sleep, but even He knew the value of a time-out.
We should be able to take time off without working and not feel guilty about it. We don't always have to be working in some way to justify our existence on earth. If work isn't balanced out with rest and fun, then we become a slave to it. Our fast-paced, high-pressure society urges us to accomplish as much as we can as quickly as we can - so we can then accomplish even more.
Most people, myself included, are extremely goal oriented. But I have learned that the intense pursuit of one goal after another can cause us to miss out on some of the enjoyment life offers us. God does have purposes and plans He wants us to fulfill during the course of our earthly lives, but He also wants us to enjoy and make the most of every day we live.
I challenge you to go to a whole new level of enjoyment in your daily life. Don't wait for a special occasion to enjoy life. Enjoy it moment by moment, day by day. Live with passion; laugh more; relax more; smile more; and simply enjoy more.
Take a time-out to enjoy true life and authentic happiness - the rich, deep, joy-filled life God intends for us.
HIS,
Dalinda
We should be able to take time off without working and not feel guilty about it. We don't always have to be working in some way to justify our existence on earth. If work isn't balanced out with rest and fun, then we become a slave to it. Our fast-paced, high-pressure society urges us to accomplish as much as we can as quickly as we can - so we can then accomplish even more.
Most people, myself included, are extremely goal oriented. But I have learned that the intense pursuit of one goal after another can cause us to miss out on some of the enjoyment life offers us. God does have purposes and plans He wants us to fulfill during the course of our earthly lives, but He also wants us to enjoy and make the most of every day we live.
I challenge you to go to a whole new level of enjoyment in your daily life. Don't wait for a special occasion to enjoy life. Enjoy it moment by moment, day by day. Live with passion; laugh more; relax more; smile more; and simply enjoy more.
Take a time-out to enjoy true life and authentic happiness - the rich, deep, joy-filled life God intends for us.
HIS,
Dalinda
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Where I Find My Joy
When I meditate on God and begin to give Him thanks for what He has blessed me with, I begin to feel joy. As I think about His everlasting mercy I can't help but begin to dance before Him...maybe not physically, but certainly in my spirit.
Trials will make you bitter or better...It's your choice. Focusing on your blessings keeps your heart from becoming bitter and you become a better person for your experience. But if you're too busy having a pity party, with you as the only guest, you will become bitter.
I am joyful for this season of life that I find myself in. When I think it mundane or I'm just plain tired, I remember the pit from which I was pulled and I am joyful. God is God of the past and the future, but He is also God of the present and that is where I choose to live my life and find my joy!
Blessings,
Dalinda
Trials will make you bitter or better...It's your choice. Focusing on your blessings keeps your heart from becoming bitter and you become a better person for your experience. But if you're too busy having a pity party, with you as the only guest, you will become bitter.
I am joyful for this season of life that I find myself in. When I think it mundane or I'm just plain tired, I remember the pit from which I was pulled and I am joyful. God is God of the past and the future, but He is also God of the present and that is where I choose to live my life and find my joy!
Blessings,
Dalinda
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Never Let The Urgent Crowd Out The Important
We face many challenges and crises in life. During a crisis situation we immediately run to friends or family before we run to God. Sometimes the crises are major; sometimes they are minor. To avoid living in a constant state of emergency, we need to seek Him continuously. I have learned that if I ever want to get out of a crisis mode, I need to seek God as if I were in desperate need of Him all the time.
We often give God low priority when things are going well for us. But I have observed that if the only time we seek God is when we are desperate, He often keeps us in desperate circumstances in order to keep is in fellowship with Him.
God loves us so much that sometimes He gives us what we need and not what we ask.
Never allow situations to define God. Situations may not be good, but He still is.
Prayer is more than a crisis resolution. Prayer is a two-way conversation.
And remember, that He hears and answers our prayers because He is good, not because we are.
Humbled,
Dalinda
We often give God low priority when things are going well for us. But I have observed that if the only time we seek God is when we are desperate, He often keeps us in desperate circumstances in order to keep is in fellowship with Him.
God loves us so much that sometimes He gives us what we need and not what we ask.
Never allow situations to define God. Situations may not be good, but He still is.
Prayer is more than a crisis resolution. Prayer is a two-way conversation.
And remember, that He hears and answers our prayers because He is good, not because we are.
Humbled,
Dalinda
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