Our attitude toward unpleasant things is a vital part of going through them successfully. Although God never authors bad things, He does use them for our spiritual growth. God may use a grouchy person to help us become more patient. God did not cause them to be grouchy, but neither does He remove them from our life when we asked Him to. Instead, He uses them to change us!
I love this time of year for what it means spiritually, the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! Physically, I don't like this time of year because it gets dark at 5:30 in the afternoon. When we start our day it's dark, and when we finish our work day it's dark. SEEMS dark all the time. Just because we feel it, doesn't make it real. But I've come to realize we base our understanding on how we look at things, not on how they actually are. I believe God allows time changes so we can appreciate the light when all seems dark. Same with our trials...we wouldn't appreciate the good if we didn't have the bad. But there is always something good in every situation, season, and heartache. If we can't see it, then we're not looking hard enough.
God has given us the gifts, talents, abilities, and grace we need to do His will in life. God's grace is actually His power and He will not only give us grace, but promises grace and more grace - and His power is available to us! Now, if we don't keep the right mind-set, the enemy can defeat us with thoughts of inadequacy, which he loves to do when he sees the opportunity. He is always prowling around.
Don't speak out of your emotions because how we feel does not always agree with God's Word. That's why it's important to realize that even though we feel it, it doesn't make it real.
We can easily deceive ourselves into thinking we have great faith but if we are easily defeated by challenges, then perhaps our faith is not as great as we thought it was.
Do your thoughts and words reflect your complete dependence on God, realizing that His abilities (not your own) empower you to do anything you need to do in life? I asked myself this question and did some self-examination and it did open my eyes to understanding that I need to make some changes, but changes for God are always good.
We must remember that negative words and words that speak of failure come from the enemy, not from God. God tells us to have courage, so always remember if you feel "dis- couraged," that is from Satan and if you feel "en-couraged," that is from God.
On this last day of November - I am, and always will be thankful for God who is forever on His throne. I am also thankful that though my little mind can't even begin to imagine the beauty and goodness of Heaven, this earth is not my home - all because of the hope I have in Jesus Christ!
Blessings,
Dalinda
Friday, November 30, 2012
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Scrooge Didn't Create The World; God Did
The world tells us how to look, how we need to behave, and what we should find entertaining. People seem to have an opinion on everything we think, say, and do. People can find all kinds of reasons to say, "Something's wrong with you." We, believers, must remember that Satan wants us to become self-focused by making us figure out what's wrong with ourselves.
The world is wrong!
Scrooge didn't create this world; God did. We are "in" this world, but we don't have to be "of" this world.
What would happen if I stop making everything about me and consider others?
What would happen if I made it my mission to be the best person I can be every single day, to reflect Christ’s attitudes and actions and compassion no matter what that day holds?
What would happen if I had the courage to stop dreaming and start doing?
What would happen if I started praying for those who hurt or annoy me instead of rehearsing every offense for days after it’s done?
What would happen if I let go of my fear of others’ opinions and did what God’s put in my heart?
What would happen if I took a break from things that overwhelm or distract me and replaced them with quiet time with Him?
What would happen if I began to focus on only the positive things in my life?
What would happen if I stopped begging God and started trusting Him to handle it in His time, His way?
What would happen if I took God’s promises and directives personally, like they were written specifically for me?
And yet we live as if we don’t know the answers to these questions.
What would happen if we stood in line to see Jesus just as we line up for Santa, good deals, new electronics, sporting events and concerts? But have we ever done that for Jesus? Have we been as excited over Jesus as we get over an expensive new phone or our favorite football team? Oh friends, let's get excited over JESUS!
Don't be the Scrooge "of" this world! Get excited over the one who laid down His life for you! Because of Jesus, we have hope of eternal life in Heaven with Him....NOW THAT'S SOMETHING TO GET EXCITED ABOUT!!!!!!!
Our hope isn't built on our performance but on Jesus' righteousness.
The Gospel isn't a one time message for the unbelievers but a constant miracle for the imperfect - the message that cleans up every mess.
The Gospel isn't just the hope of the unsaved - the Gospel is the very heart of the already saved.
Absorbing the truth of the Gospel daily isn't a cliche, it's critical. Otherwise, it's your very life that's in critical condition.
This world doesn't have anything that can burn down the faith of a heart on fire for God. AMEN!
We become what we believe we are; therefore, as we become convinced that we are right with God, our behavior will improve....NO MORE SCROOGE!
Don't wait another minute to believe that God accepts you. He views you as being in right standing with Him, and loves you unconditionally.
Blessings,
Dalinda
The world is wrong!
Scrooge didn't create this world; God did. We are "in" this world, but we don't have to be "of" this world.
What would happen if I stop making everything about me and consider others?
What would happen if I made it my mission to be the best person I can be every single day, to reflect Christ’s attitudes and actions and compassion no matter what that day holds?
What would happen if I had the courage to stop dreaming and start doing?
What would happen if I started praying for those who hurt or annoy me instead of rehearsing every offense for days after it’s done?
What would happen if I let go of my fear of others’ opinions and did what God’s put in my heart?
What would happen if I took a break from things that overwhelm or distract me and replaced them with quiet time with Him?
What would happen if I began to focus on only the positive things in my life?
What would happen if I stopped begging God and started trusting Him to handle it in His time, His way?
What would happen if I took God’s promises and directives personally, like they were written specifically for me?
And yet we live as if we don’t know the answers to these questions.
What would happen if we stood in line to see Jesus just as we line up for Santa, good deals, new electronics, sporting events and concerts? But have we ever done that for Jesus? Have we been as excited over Jesus as we get over an expensive new phone or our favorite football team? Oh friends, let's get excited over JESUS!
Don't be the Scrooge "of" this world! Get excited over the one who laid down His life for you! Because of Jesus, we have hope of eternal life in Heaven with Him....NOW THAT'S SOMETHING TO GET EXCITED ABOUT!!!!!!!
Our hope isn't built on our performance but on Jesus' righteousness.
The Gospel isn't a one time message for the unbelievers but a constant miracle for the imperfect - the message that cleans up every mess.
The Gospel isn't just the hope of the unsaved - the Gospel is the very heart of the already saved.
Absorbing the truth of the Gospel daily isn't a cliche, it's critical. Otherwise, it's your very life that's in critical condition.
This world doesn't have anything that can burn down the faith of a heart on fire for God. AMEN!
We become what we believe we are; therefore, as we become convinced that we are right with God, our behavior will improve....NO MORE SCROOGE!
Don't wait another minute to believe that God accepts you. He views you as being in right standing with Him, and loves you unconditionally.
Blessings,
Dalinda
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
No More Same Old, Same Old
Same old is comfortable. Same old is familiar. Same old is easy. But....Same old doesn't challenge us. Same old doesn't change us. Same old doesn't prepare us for the greater things ahead. Same old doesn't grow us in our spiritual walk with the Lord. Same old, doesn't bless us.
I believe God allows trials in our lives to bless us. Pain means we are being loved by God enough that He is pruning us to bear fruit. We, as believers, need to recognize God's pruning as being helpful, not painful. Life is too short to miss out on God's wonderful opportunities and blessings. Life is too short to go through trials and come out empty!
Seven years ago, I would have never thought that I could give thanks and praise God for allowing such heartache in my life. I have lost my Mom to cancer and my Dad to heart disease during these years, and am now battling health issues myself. But these years have been the most spiritually beautiful and enriched years which I have experienced in my entire life!
Trials present opportunities for thankfulness.
I am thankful for one more day, one more moment to live this life. Thankful for memories made, and memories revisited. As treasured as the material things can be, the things felt with the heart and soul are even more treasured.
God doesn't need your things. He needs you - your heart, your mind, your willingness, your all.
Lord Jesus, how awesome it is that You send or allow these trials that prepare us for greater things. May we recognize Your hand in them today and praise You for them. In Jesus' name...Amen!
Blessings,
Dalinda
I believe God allows trials in our lives to bless us. Pain means we are being loved by God enough that He is pruning us to bear fruit. We, as believers, need to recognize God's pruning as being helpful, not painful. Life is too short to miss out on God's wonderful opportunities and blessings. Life is too short to go through trials and come out empty!
Seven years ago, I would have never thought that I could give thanks and praise God for allowing such heartache in my life. I have lost my Mom to cancer and my Dad to heart disease during these years, and am now battling health issues myself. But these years have been the most spiritually beautiful and enriched years which I have experienced in my entire life!
Trials present opportunities for thankfulness.
I am thankful for one more day, one more moment to live this life. Thankful for memories made, and memories revisited. As treasured as the material things can be, the things felt with the heart and soul are even more treasured.
God doesn't need your things. He needs you - your heart, your mind, your willingness, your all.
Lord Jesus, how awesome it is that You send or allow these trials that prepare us for greater things. May we recognize Your hand in them today and praise You for them. In Jesus' name...Amen!
Blessings,
Dalinda
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Where The Mind Goes, The Man Follows
It's amazing how quickly and completely our thoughts can change our moods. Negative thinking of any kind quickly steals my joy and causes a variety of bad moods because negativity is a trait of Satan.
No matter how dark your circumstances, God can redeem them.
Plan A is always our first choice in life because it's our choice. But God sometimes has a different plan...Plan B. This plan sometimes SEEMS to be the upside-down, inside-out version where nothing goes as WE think it should. It's at this point the real test of our character comes in. We need to be more concerned with our character than our reputation...because our character is who we really are, while our reputation is merely what others think we are. When our life doesn't go as WE planned, do we wallow in self-pity and negative thoughts and play the victim or simply shift gears and make the best of the situation? The choice is ours. After all....life is all about how you handle Plan B.
When must stop merely waiting for something good to happen and take action to ensure something good will happen.
When we are negative and gloomy, other people don't enjoy being with us, and when our thoughts are down, everything else goes down with them. People who tend to be negative in their thoughts and conversation are usually unhappy and rarely content with anything very long. Even if something exciting happens, they soon find something wrong with it. As soon as they see one thing wrong, they tend to fix their minds on it; any enjoyment they might have is blocked by focusing on the negative. Satan is always fishing, hoping to catch someone in his trap; don't take his bait!
We have the ability to make ourselves happy or sad by what we choose to think. We can control what we think, and we can choose our thoughts. We don't have to meditate on everything that pops into our minds. We can break up with bad habits and form good habits. Learning to think great thoughts on purpose is the key to a great life. Lord, may Your light be the fire in my soul!
If we want rainbows in this life we gotta have rain. When the rain comes we gotta pull ourselves up by the bootstraps and go out and look for puddles to play in. We gotta train ourselves to look for the good in every situation. For when we focus on the Lord, He will bring us through. He's always giving us more opportunities to glorify Him in the daily events of our lives. There is ALWAYS a rainbow surrounding Christ.
However good or bad a situation is, it will change. But His light is always on me, even through darkness, even in rain. So no matter what is happening, no matter how I feel, I choose to look for the good and praise God!
A positive thought: The blue sky of Heaven is much larger than the dark clouds.
Don't take a chance with your life because life doesn't end here. Life goes on for eternity. Your eternity will either be in Heaven or Hell. It's your choice.
There are no surrogate promises with God. So stop talking trash and start talking truth to your heart.
Blessings,
Dalinda
No matter how dark your circumstances, God can redeem them.
Plan A is always our first choice in life because it's our choice. But God sometimes has a different plan...Plan B. This plan sometimes SEEMS to be the upside-down, inside-out version where nothing goes as WE think it should. It's at this point the real test of our character comes in. We need to be more concerned with our character than our reputation...because our character is who we really are, while our reputation is merely what others think we are. When our life doesn't go as WE planned, do we wallow in self-pity and negative thoughts and play the victim or simply shift gears and make the best of the situation? The choice is ours. After all....life is all about how you handle Plan B.
When must stop merely waiting for something good to happen and take action to ensure something good will happen.
When we are negative and gloomy, other people don't enjoy being with us, and when our thoughts are down, everything else goes down with them. People who tend to be negative in their thoughts and conversation are usually unhappy and rarely content with anything very long. Even if something exciting happens, they soon find something wrong with it. As soon as they see one thing wrong, they tend to fix their minds on it; any enjoyment they might have is blocked by focusing on the negative. Satan is always fishing, hoping to catch someone in his trap; don't take his bait!
We have the ability to make ourselves happy or sad by what we choose to think. We can control what we think, and we can choose our thoughts. We don't have to meditate on everything that pops into our minds. We can break up with bad habits and form good habits. Learning to think great thoughts on purpose is the key to a great life. Lord, may Your light be the fire in my soul!
If we want rainbows in this life we gotta have rain. When the rain comes we gotta pull ourselves up by the bootstraps and go out and look for puddles to play in. We gotta train ourselves to look for the good in every situation. For when we focus on the Lord, He will bring us through. He's always giving us more opportunities to glorify Him in the daily events of our lives. There is ALWAYS a rainbow surrounding Christ.
However good or bad a situation is, it will change. But His light is always on me, even through darkness, even in rain. So no matter what is happening, no matter how I feel, I choose to look for the good and praise God!
A positive thought: The blue sky of Heaven is much larger than the dark clouds.
Don't take a chance with your life because life doesn't end here. Life goes on for eternity. Your eternity will either be in Heaven or Hell. It's your choice.
There are no surrogate promises with God. So stop talking trash and start talking truth to your heart.
Blessings,
Dalinda
Monday, November 26, 2012
My Focus, My Choice
The one who holds the tongue, holds the power.
There are often contributing factors that lead to volatile reactions. Stress overload often weakens your resolve to respond to situations in a Christlike manner. Often times it is very difficult to respond with the gentleness of Jesus. But pure and simple, you learn to respond like Jesus even when you don't feel like it! How do you do this? You determine to. You make yourselves aware of where you are on your personal stress scale and, you adjust your schedule. For example, if you are weighing heavy on the stress side, you may want to avoid some situations or people, if possible, until you feel calmer. And if avoiding them isn't an option, ask the Lord to help you remain calm and respond with His gentleness.
When I think of the gentleness of Jesus, I think of power under control.
It takes great strength to contain your anger instead of lashing out. It's the Jesus thing to do, and it is His power, not yours, that enables you to respond this way. (See Luke 8)
My feelings are indicators, not dictators.
As we discern what is pleasing to the Lord, we will do what is good, right, and true.
Wherever we focus our attention the most, that will become the driving force in our lives. The more I focus on trying to figure out how to please God, the more of a magnified force He will become in my life. My focus, My choice.
Every year, the last Saturday of November is Football Rivalry Weekend for most college football teams. This event is usually fun. When I was a little girl, our neighbors across the street from us pulled for our rivals. We used to have the best time kidding one another about our teams. I remember a particular year, their team won. When we drove in the driveway from the football game, a stuffed Tiger was hanging from our basketball goal by its neck. The next year, our team won and we took the stuffed Tiger and my Mom sewed garnet and black chicken feathers in its mouth. We took an old shoebox and used green construction paper to make a football field. We placed the Tiger with the chicken feathers in its mouth, in the center of the football field, put the cover on the box, and took it to our neighbors. We had the best time with them! This is what rivalry games are supposed to be about....having fun!
On November 24 of this year, our team lost to the rival team. But not without volatile reactions by the opposing team...on national television. How sad that this sporting event has become so fierce when it is supposed to be fun! Two of their good players "showed their tail feathers", so to speak in a hostile fashion. But I am very proud to say that our players did not retaliate. In another incident, a different one of their players hit one of our players helmet to helmet and then taunted him. Still our players showed class and did not retaliate.
"A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinion." Proverbs 18:2 NIV
We must remember that the chaos isn't from our circumstance, it's inside us. It is very important to remember that the one who holds the tongue, holds the power.
There have been several of my Facebook friends who have made their feelings their dictators. Some examples of these include people posting a picture of the taunting after the sack. Two of their players got in the face of our player while he was still on the ground.
People have bragged about this player's behavior saying things like,"Cracking skulls is his job!" and "it's Football, Not Sunday School." So obviously some people chose to place their focus on football, not on pleasing God.
Other people have complained about having their friends delete them from Facebook because of negative comments they made. The focus of the people that deleted them is obviously in a much different place...on pleasing God.
Philippines 4:8 says, "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
*The one who holds the tongue, and the temper, holds the power. Focus on God, not your feelings.*
Blessings,
Dalinda
There are often contributing factors that lead to volatile reactions. Stress overload often weakens your resolve to respond to situations in a Christlike manner. Often times it is very difficult to respond with the gentleness of Jesus. But pure and simple, you learn to respond like Jesus even when you don't feel like it! How do you do this? You determine to. You make yourselves aware of where you are on your personal stress scale and, you adjust your schedule. For example, if you are weighing heavy on the stress side, you may want to avoid some situations or people, if possible, until you feel calmer. And if avoiding them isn't an option, ask the Lord to help you remain calm and respond with His gentleness.
When I think of the gentleness of Jesus, I think of power under control.
It takes great strength to contain your anger instead of lashing out. It's the Jesus thing to do, and it is His power, not yours, that enables you to respond this way. (See Luke 8)
My feelings are indicators, not dictators.
As we discern what is pleasing to the Lord, we will do what is good, right, and true.
Wherever we focus our attention the most, that will become the driving force in our lives. The more I focus on trying to figure out how to please God, the more of a magnified force He will become in my life. My focus, My choice.
Every year, the last Saturday of November is Football Rivalry Weekend for most college football teams. This event is usually fun. When I was a little girl, our neighbors across the street from us pulled for our rivals. We used to have the best time kidding one another about our teams. I remember a particular year, their team won. When we drove in the driveway from the football game, a stuffed Tiger was hanging from our basketball goal by its neck. The next year, our team won and we took the stuffed Tiger and my Mom sewed garnet and black chicken feathers in its mouth. We took an old shoebox and used green construction paper to make a football field. We placed the Tiger with the chicken feathers in its mouth, in the center of the football field, put the cover on the box, and took it to our neighbors. We had the best time with them! This is what rivalry games are supposed to be about....having fun!
On November 24 of this year, our team lost to the rival team. But not without volatile reactions by the opposing team...on national television. How sad that this sporting event has become so fierce when it is supposed to be fun! Two of their good players "showed their tail feathers", so to speak in a hostile fashion. But I am very proud to say that our players did not retaliate. In another incident, a different one of their players hit one of our players helmet to helmet and then taunted him. Still our players showed class and did not retaliate.
"A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinion." Proverbs 18:2 NIV
We must remember that the chaos isn't from our circumstance, it's inside us. It is very important to remember that the one who holds the tongue, holds the power.
There have been several of my Facebook friends who have made their feelings their dictators. Some examples of these include people posting a picture of the taunting after the sack. Two of their players got in the face of our player while he was still on the ground.
People have bragged about this player's behavior saying things like,"Cracking skulls is his job!" and "it's Football, Not Sunday School." So obviously some people chose to place their focus on football, not on pleasing God.
Other people have complained about having their friends delete them from Facebook because of negative comments they made. The focus of the people that deleted them is obviously in a much different place...on pleasing God.
Philippines 4:8 says, "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
*The one who holds the tongue, and the temper, holds the power. Focus on God, not your feelings.*
Blessings,
Dalinda
Friday, November 23, 2012
Hope Is An Attitude
We all experience moments of hopelessness in our earthly journeys. The death of our dreams, the crashing down of our hopes, the promises of God seemingly unfulfilled...we are no more immune to disappointment than Jesus' disciples were.
Many people fail to enjoy the abundance God has for them because they have an "I'm needy" mindset. I think acting as if God will not meet your needs or doesn't want us to have our needs met is rather insulting to Him. We should compliment Him by believing He is good and by expecting Him to meet our needs according to the promises in His Word.
Fearing we will not have what we need is exactly what Satan wants. We can open the door to his will through fear just as we can open the door to God's will through faith.
Hope is a mental shift that we choose for ourselves as we tap into our spiritual reserves. When we decide to be hopeful, we open ourselves to discover the wisdom and strength we may have not known existed. When we ask ourselves to stay positive and we answer the call, we are rewarded with knowledge of what we have learned in life. Our lessons, when viewed from this perspective, show us that things generally work out as they should. With hindsight, we are able to understand how a greater plan has been working in our lives.
Hope and a future, prosperity and peace - we can trust that, even when things seem hopeless, God is still at work, carrying out His promises.
My life is not without challenges, but I enjoy a lot more good things than bad ones. In the past, when I expected trouble, I often got it, but now that I expect good, I often get that. Sometimes I even get better than what I have hoped for or expected because that's the way God is. I am so glad God has taught me to aggressively expect good things to happen in my life. He gives us exceedingly, abundantly, above and beyond all that we dare to hope, ask, or think. (see Ephesians 3:20)
Blessings,
Dalinda
Many people fail to enjoy the abundance God has for them because they have an "I'm needy" mindset. I think acting as if God will not meet your needs or doesn't want us to have our needs met is rather insulting to Him. We should compliment Him by believing He is good and by expecting Him to meet our needs according to the promises in His Word.
Fearing we will not have what we need is exactly what Satan wants. We can open the door to his will through fear just as we can open the door to God's will through faith.
Hope is a mental shift that we choose for ourselves as we tap into our spiritual reserves. When we decide to be hopeful, we open ourselves to discover the wisdom and strength we may have not known existed. When we ask ourselves to stay positive and we answer the call, we are rewarded with knowledge of what we have learned in life. Our lessons, when viewed from this perspective, show us that things generally work out as they should. With hindsight, we are able to understand how a greater plan has been working in our lives.
Hope and a future, prosperity and peace - we can trust that, even when things seem hopeless, God is still at work, carrying out His promises.
My life is not without challenges, but I enjoy a lot more good things than bad ones. In the past, when I expected trouble, I often got it, but now that I expect good, I often get that. Sometimes I even get better than what I have hoped for or expected because that's the way God is. I am so glad God has taught me to aggressively expect good things to happen in my life. He gives us exceedingly, abundantly, above and beyond all that we dare to hope, ask, or think. (see Ephesians 3:20)
Blessings,
Dalinda
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Thanksgiving Is The Highest Form of Worship
I believe it’s especially important to thank our Lord during our deepest struggles.
Our thanksgiving is not dependent upon our circumstances. We can learn to give thanks even under the greatest provocations. Job is a perfect example to us!
The smallest of inconveniences often tip us over the edge to irritation, frustration, and anger. We certainly are not thinking of giving thanks. Every one of us struggles with adjusting to our situation when it isn’t in accordance with our will. How much better it would be for us if we did.
It’s not easy to be thankful when our world is falling apart, and God has yet to answer our prayers. It’s not easy to be thankful when our pain is so great. With the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in our heart, we can overcome our feelings and position ourselves to be thankful.
Because gratitude is a gift you can choose every day. This is a time to look forward...but also a time to look back...to see what has brought you here and give thanks for all that has happened on the road of life. It is the love and joy we attain that warms our lives and hearts, but it is the challenges we overcome that allow us to truly feel the glow of accomplishment in our spiritual growth.
So I am very thankful when I hear friends praise God for the dark times because even in those dark times, God is there.
We have much to be thankful for. So let us count our blessings and acknowledge God’s providential care for us. Let us rejoice in His love and mercy and grace.
The most important thing to remember this Thanksgiving is that Christian contentment is a convection that Christ's power, purpose and provision are sufficient for any and all circumstances. Contentment is saying out loud in your heart and soul: "I have Christ and that is enough." (see 2 Corinthians 12:9)
I am thankful for God who is forever on His throne. AMEN!
I am thankful that though I cannot imagine Heaven, this earth is not my home because of the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ.
Today also brings with it thankfulness for the promising days ahead. Knowing that through the terrifying events of the tribulation, I will be sitting at the feet of my Father in Heaven.
I am thankful for being able to share the Gospel truth with friends around the corner and across the world. For my soul purpose in sharing the Gospel with my friends is because I want to see all of you sitting at the feet of our Heavenly Father along with me. For all of God's promises are "Yes!" in Christ Jesus.
Blessings,
Dalinda
If you are on Facebook, please like my page at http://www.facebook.com/faithfriendsandfruitloops
Our thanksgiving is not dependent upon our circumstances. We can learn to give thanks even under the greatest provocations. Job is a perfect example to us!
The smallest of inconveniences often tip us over the edge to irritation, frustration, and anger. We certainly are not thinking of giving thanks. Every one of us struggles with adjusting to our situation when it isn’t in accordance with our will. How much better it would be for us if we did.
It’s not easy to be thankful when our world is falling apart, and God has yet to answer our prayers. It’s not easy to be thankful when our pain is so great. With the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in our heart, we can overcome our feelings and position ourselves to be thankful.
Because gratitude is a gift you can choose every day. This is a time to look forward...but also a time to look back...to see what has brought you here and give thanks for all that has happened on the road of life. It is the love and joy we attain that warms our lives and hearts, but it is the challenges we overcome that allow us to truly feel the glow of accomplishment in our spiritual growth.
So I am very thankful when I hear friends praise God for the dark times because even in those dark times, God is there.
We have much to be thankful for. So let us count our blessings and acknowledge God’s providential care for us. Let us rejoice in His love and mercy and grace.
The most important thing to remember this Thanksgiving is that Christian contentment is a convection that Christ's power, purpose and provision are sufficient for any and all circumstances. Contentment is saying out loud in your heart and soul: "I have Christ and that is enough." (see 2 Corinthians 12:9)
I am thankful for God who is forever on His throne. AMEN!
I am thankful that though I cannot imagine Heaven, this earth is not my home because of the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ.
Today also brings with it thankfulness for the promising days ahead. Knowing that through the terrifying events of the tribulation, I will be sitting at the feet of my Father in Heaven.
I am thankful for being able to share the Gospel truth with friends around the corner and across the world. For my soul purpose in sharing the Gospel with my friends is because I want to see all of you sitting at the feet of our Heavenly Father along with me. For all of God's promises are "Yes!" in Christ Jesus.
Blessings,
Dalinda
If you are on Facebook, please like my page at http://www.facebook.com/faithfriendsandfruitloops
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Love Is Why We Are Here
As Thanksgiving approaches, I want to really focus my heart in the right place.
It’s easy to get caught up in the holiday shuffle. And most times, this flurry of activity doesn’t cultivate in me a thankful heart.
Although we may be busier than ever, the key to slowing life down lies within the simple things.
The things that we sometimes overlook.
Love is the greatest force on earth, and is why we are here.
Love is a verb. Love is not just a feeling; it is an action. It is most evident in what you do, for there will be days when you will be called to love even when you may not have feelings of love.
Love is a choice. Understanding this concept will change your life significantly and may determine your ability to maintain lifelong happiness.
Love never ends.
Bumps in the road are an inevitable part of life that softens us, make us grow, and bestow upon us the virtue of compassion. For everyone we meet is carrying a cross.
How grand God is! He knows how dependent we are on Him for the everyday joy we need to carry on. And every day, He provides us with beauty all around to cheer and help us.
It may be through the smile of a child or a grateful face of the one we care for. Just today, as my youngest son and I were going to pick up my oldest from school, we saw a elderly lady walking with a cane, slowly making her way to her mailbox to get her mail. I stopped the car and told my son to get the sweet lady's mail for her so she wouldn't have to walk the entire way. He jumped out of the car and told the lady that he would get her mail for her. She stopped and gave him a big smile. He walked over to her and handed her the mail. She was so grateful! It's the little things that mean so much.
A smile of encouragement at the right moment may be the turning point for a troubled life. Sometimes we feel that we are all alone, as life brings us challenges to overcome and hardships to bear. But when we least expect it, help can appear. It may be a kind word from a stranger or a phone call at just the right time, and we are suddenly surrounded with the loving grace of God. Miracles happen every day because angels are everywhere.
Remember that what you make happen for others, God will make happen for you. Be someone's angel today....and every day.
Blessings,
Dalinda
If you are on Facebook, please like my page at http://www.facebook.com/faithfriendsandfruitloops
It’s easy to get caught up in the holiday shuffle. And most times, this flurry of activity doesn’t cultivate in me a thankful heart.
Although we may be busier than ever, the key to slowing life down lies within the simple things.
The things that we sometimes overlook.
Love is the greatest force on earth, and is why we are here.
Love is a verb. Love is not just a feeling; it is an action. It is most evident in what you do, for there will be days when you will be called to love even when you may not have feelings of love.
Love is a choice. Understanding this concept will change your life significantly and may determine your ability to maintain lifelong happiness.
Love never ends.
Bumps in the road are an inevitable part of life that softens us, make us grow, and bestow upon us the virtue of compassion. For everyone we meet is carrying a cross.
How grand God is! He knows how dependent we are on Him for the everyday joy we need to carry on. And every day, He provides us with beauty all around to cheer and help us.
It may be through the smile of a child or a grateful face of the one we care for. Just today, as my youngest son and I were going to pick up my oldest from school, we saw a elderly lady walking with a cane, slowly making her way to her mailbox to get her mail. I stopped the car and told my son to get the sweet lady's mail for her so she wouldn't have to walk the entire way. He jumped out of the car and told the lady that he would get her mail for her. She stopped and gave him a big smile. He walked over to her and handed her the mail. She was so grateful! It's the little things that mean so much.
A smile of encouragement at the right moment may be the turning point for a troubled life. Sometimes we feel that we are all alone, as life brings us challenges to overcome and hardships to bear. But when we least expect it, help can appear. It may be a kind word from a stranger or a phone call at just the right time, and we are suddenly surrounded with the loving grace of God. Miracles happen every day because angels are everywhere.
Remember that what you make happen for others, God will make happen for you. Be someone's angel today....and every day.
Blessings,
Dalinda
If you are on Facebook, please like my page at http://www.facebook.com/faithfriendsandfruitloops
Monday, November 19, 2012
Chosen
God chose you!
Chosen: God separated you from everyone else to perform a specific task....And God consecrated You for that purpose. Wow! What an awesome thought!
Nothing about us or our circumstances surprises God. He ordained that we should walk in those ways because we are uniquely qualified by Him to do so. He approved us, because He chose us for our specific situation. And He equipped us for every trial and difficulty we will ever face in life. What an awesome God we serve!
THANKFUL.....THANKFUL.....THANKFUL! Today, I am most thankful for "Answered Knee-Mail!" I got my report from my biopsy....NO Lymphoma!!! Another PRAISE GOD! THANK YOU JESUS! Prayer is not something to be taken lightly or used infrequently. Yet, in the rush of daily life, we often lose sight of God's presence. Instead of turning to Him for guidance and comfort, we depend on our own resources. I am thankful that though I focus too much attention on the "real" aka physical world, He is gracious and loving to prompt me again to pour myself more fully into the real world aka spiritual world. We can access His power anywhere. We don't need a wi-fi hotspot or a high-speed modem. We just need to look up. He's connected and waiting. ♥
God made us to fellowship with Him! If that fellowship demands trials for a season, rejoice that God thinks you worthy to share in the sufferings of Christ-and, eventually, in His glory. Praise His holy name! I am thankful to be a part of something so much grander than myself.
Problems that seem insurmountable to us are simply a breath to Him. God holds each one of us in the palm of His hand.
Blessings,
Dalinda
If you are on Facebook, please like my page at http://www.facebook.com/faithfriendsandfruitloops
Chosen: God separated you from everyone else to perform a specific task....And God consecrated You for that purpose. Wow! What an awesome thought!
Nothing about us or our circumstances surprises God. He ordained that we should walk in those ways because we are uniquely qualified by Him to do so. He approved us, because He chose us for our specific situation. And He equipped us for every trial and difficulty we will ever face in life. What an awesome God we serve!
THANKFUL.....THANKFUL.....THANKFUL! Today, I am most thankful for "Answered Knee-Mail!" I got my report from my biopsy....NO Lymphoma!!! Another PRAISE GOD! THANK YOU JESUS! Prayer is not something to be taken lightly or used infrequently. Yet, in the rush of daily life, we often lose sight of God's presence. Instead of turning to Him for guidance and comfort, we depend on our own resources. I am thankful that though I focus too much attention on the "real" aka physical world, He is gracious and loving to prompt me again to pour myself more fully into the real world aka spiritual world. We can access His power anywhere. We don't need a wi-fi hotspot or a high-speed modem. We just need to look up. He's connected and waiting. ♥
God made us to fellowship with Him! If that fellowship demands trials for a season, rejoice that God thinks you worthy to share in the sufferings of Christ-and, eventually, in His glory. Praise His holy name! I am thankful to be a part of something so much grander than myself.
Problems that seem insurmountable to us are simply a breath to Him. God holds each one of us in the palm of His hand.
Blessings,
Dalinda
If you are on Facebook, please like my page at http://www.facebook.com/faithfriendsandfruitloops
Friday, November 16, 2012
Steps Of Faith...The Jesus Plan
Pride prevents us from acknowledging that God's plans are always better than our own. We should be humbled and grateful for any opportunity He gives us to serve Him. The closer we grow toward Jesus, the less we are concerned with ourselves.
Today, I am thankful that My Father never wastes a crisis. Instead, He uses them to deepen my relationship with Him and strengthen my ability to trust His plan. I'm amazed and humbled that He would choose me. I want to give Him praise and glory for Who He is and for what He has done in my life.
The past three days have been rough for me health wise. But once again God has proven faithful in lifting my spirits. Today, I received an email from the Christian website that I submitted my Christian quotes to. ALL OF THEM WERE PUBLISHED! THEY ALSO PUBLISHED THE LINK TO MY FAITH, FRIENDS, AND FRUIT LOOPS BLOG. God is ALWAYS faithful, ALWAYS good, and ALWAYS by my side! ♥
Read the email below:
Hi Dalinda,
Thank you for your three quotes. They are very good ones. They have now been added to our quotes page at:
www.hopecrc.ca/quotes.htm
I also included the link to your website. Scroll down the page a little until you get to the quotes. All the best.
In Him,
John
Remember that it is a privilege to serve God at all. Be willing to do even the most basic and unappealing job for Him. Be faithful even in the desert season. Because God's glory often appears in desert places. We experience growth spurts of faith not when life is going smoothly, but when it's so out of control that only God can fix it.
The Lord is a strong anchor amidst life's storms. If He allows a crisis, He knows I am strong enough for it. As I've seen firsthand so many times, God won't allow anything that He hasn't prepared to ride out with me, provide for, and keep me strong through.
Blessings,
Dalinda
If you are on Facebook, please like my page at http://www.facebook.com/faithfriendsandfruitloops
Today, I am thankful that My Father never wastes a crisis. Instead, He uses them to deepen my relationship with Him and strengthen my ability to trust His plan. I'm amazed and humbled that He would choose me. I want to give Him praise and glory for Who He is and for what He has done in my life.
The past three days have been rough for me health wise. But once again God has proven faithful in lifting my spirits. Today, I received an email from the Christian website that I submitted my Christian quotes to. ALL OF THEM WERE PUBLISHED! THEY ALSO PUBLISHED THE LINK TO MY FAITH, FRIENDS, AND FRUIT LOOPS BLOG. God is ALWAYS faithful, ALWAYS good, and ALWAYS by my side! ♥
Read the email below:
Hi Dalinda,
Thank you for your three quotes. They are very good ones. They have now been added to our quotes page at:
www.hopecrc.ca/quotes.htm
I also included the link to your website. Scroll down the page a little until you get to the quotes. All the best.
In Him,
John
Remember that it is a privilege to serve God at all. Be willing to do even the most basic and unappealing job for Him. Be faithful even in the desert season. Because God's glory often appears in desert places. We experience growth spurts of faith not when life is going smoothly, but when it's so out of control that only God can fix it.
The Lord is a strong anchor amidst life's storms. If He allows a crisis, He knows I am strong enough for it. As I've seen firsthand so many times, God won't allow anything that He hasn't prepared to ride out with me, provide for, and keep me strong through.
Blessings,
Dalinda
If you are on Facebook, please like my page at http://www.facebook.com/faithfriendsandfruitloops
Thursday, November 15, 2012
With Less Of Myself, I See More Of God
My life....like yours is shaken to the core sometimes. But I know as long as I stay close to Jesus I will be okay. I am thankful for knowing that God is before me, behind me, and beside me and I NEVER have to fear.
God grants us with numerous miracles throughout our days. But all too often we continue to overlook them until something goes wrong with them. For me, things such as two eyes that behold the beauties of the world, and the defenses programmed into this body of mine that are working to ward off any invaders.
I didn't realize that I took these two things for granted until something went wrong with them. I have lost some vision in my right eye and my immune system, which is suppose to protect me from disease and infection, is now attacking healthy cells in my body by mistake. This is due to some kind of autoimmune disease. My rheumatologist is trying to figure out which one because there are over 80 different kinds.
God is teaching me so much in this school of affliction. Number one, don't take His blessings for granted. He is also teaching me that sometimes God builds your faith because what He has for you down the road is even more difficult. Kinda like you can't learn to multiply until you first learn to add.
Sometimes the crashing waves of your trials don't wash you away, but wash you alive. We all have different seasons in life. A full crop is made by ALL the seasons and the only way to have it all is by letting one season bring it's yield into the next. The seasons bring it all as He meant it to be. The only way to have it all....is to have Jesus--and like Him--give it all away.
With less of myself, I see more of God. There are thousands of ways to be stretched thin and it's the stretch marks that I wear that can be my thin places, giving me more of God.
At the bottom of my bad thing is a God who is there. God has given me tools that I need to win the battle. It is in the fight that I gain strength. The struggle makes me stronger. While I am struggling, God is strengthening me. I am becoming stronger for the next battle.
Going forward when the going gets tough is not a test of how tough you are but how strong your faith is. For He is the One who gives you strength to fight the battle. And there is only One power that can make us victors in the battle....JESUS!
Blessings,
Dalinda
If you are on Facebook, please like my page at http://www.facebook.com/faithfriendsandfruitloops
God grants us with numerous miracles throughout our days. But all too often we continue to overlook them until something goes wrong with them. For me, things such as two eyes that behold the beauties of the world, and the defenses programmed into this body of mine that are working to ward off any invaders.
I didn't realize that I took these two things for granted until something went wrong with them. I have lost some vision in my right eye and my immune system, which is suppose to protect me from disease and infection, is now attacking healthy cells in my body by mistake. This is due to some kind of autoimmune disease. My rheumatologist is trying to figure out which one because there are over 80 different kinds.
God is teaching me so much in this school of affliction. Number one, don't take His blessings for granted. He is also teaching me that sometimes God builds your faith because what He has for you down the road is even more difficult. Kinda like you can't learn to multiply until you first learn to add.
Sometimes the crashing waves of your trials don't wash you away, but wash you alive. We all have different seasons in life. A full crop is made by ALL the seasons and the only way to have it all is by letting one season bring it's yield into the next. The seasons bring it all as He meant it to be. The only way to have it all....is to have Jesus--and like Him--give it all away.
With less of myself, I see more of God. There are thousands of ways to be stretched thin and it's the stretch marks that I wear that can be my thin places, giving me more of God.
At the bottom of my bad thing is a God who is there. God has given me tools that I need to win the battle. It is in the fight that I gain strength. The struggle makes me stronger. While I am struggling, God is strengthening me. I am becoming stronger for the next battle.
Going forward when the going gets tough is not a test of how tough you are but how strong your faith is. For He is the One who gives you strength to fight the battle. And there is only One power that can make us victors in the battle....JESUS!
Blessings,
Dalinda
If you are on Facebook, please like my page at http://www.facebook.com/faithfriendsandfruitloops
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Faint Not! Fight On!
It matters not how the battle goes,
The day how long;
Faint not! Fight on!
Tomorrow comes the song.
God knows that you can withstand your trial, or else He would not have given it to you. His trust in you explains the trials of your life, no matter how severe they may be. God knows your strength, and He measures it to the last inch. Remember, no trial has ever been given to anyone that was greater than the person's strength, through God, to endure it.
Difficulties and obstacles are God's challenges to our faith. The very hardships you are enduring in your life today have been given to you by the Master, for the express purpose of enabling you to win your crown.
With all that being said, today has not been one of my better days. I am hurting more than usual and very itchy. I feel like someone attached me to a helium tank and blew me up....swelling is bad today. It's so hard to hurt like this and not know what is causing it. And on top of all that it is my Dad's birthday today. I miss him so much! But I am thankful that he is pain free and healed. I can see him now, dancing on the Streets of Gold with my Mom and singing praises at the top of his lungs to his precious Savior, Jesus.
The trials of life are sent to make us, not break us. Wherever He places me, he does so to strengthen my faith and power and to draw me into closer communion with Himself. And even if confined to a dungeon, my soul will prosper.
He will only do as much for us as we will allow Him to do in us. The same power that saved us, washed us with His blood, filled us with the power of His Holy Spirit, and protected us through numerous temptations will work for us to meet every emergency, every crisis, every circumstance, and every adversary. - The Alliance
How important it is for us to learn to pray through our circumstances and to fully examine our hearts with God's message to us! Otherwise, we will never claim all the fullness of His promise or all the possibilities that believing prayer offers. - A.B. Simpson
Never despair. Faint not! Fight on! God's time for mercy will come. Ask in faith without wavering, but never cease to petition the King simply because He has delayed His reply.
Blessings,
Dalinda
If you are on Facebook, please like my page at http://www.facebook.com/faithfriendsandfruitloops
The day how long;
Faint not! Fight on!
Tomorrow comes the song.
God knows that you can withstand your trial, or else He would not have given it to you. His trust in you explains the trials of your life, no matter how severe they may be. God knows your strength, and He measures it to the last inch. Remember, no trial has ever been given to anyone that was greater than the person's strength, through God, to endure it.
Difficulties and obstacles are God's challenges to our faith. The very hardships you are enduring in your life today have been given to you by the Master, for the express purpose of enabling you to win your crown.
With all that being said, today has not been one of my better days. I am hurting more than usual and very itchy. I feel like someone attached me to a helium tank and blew me up....swelling is bad today. It's so hard to hurt like this and not know what is causing it. And on top of all that it is my Dad's birthday today. I miss him so much! But I am thankful that he is pain free and healed. I can see him now, dancing on the Streets of Gold with my Mom and singing praises at the top of his lungs to his precious Savior, Jesus.
The trials of life are sent to make us, not break us. Wherever He places me, he does so to strengthen my faith and power and to draw me into closer communion with Himself. And even if confined to a dungeon, my soul will prosper.
He will only do as much for us as we will allow Him to do in us. The same power that saved us, washed us with His blood, filled us with the power of His Holy Spirit, and protected us through numerous temptations will work for us to meet every emergency, every crisis, every circumstance, and every adversary. - The Alliance
How important it is for us to learn to pray through our circumstances and to fully examine our hearts with God's message to us! Otherwise, we will never claim all the fullness of His promise or all the possibilities that believing prayer offers. - A.B. Simpson
Never despair. Faint not! Fight on! God's time for mercy will come. Ask in faith without wavering, but never cease to petition the King simply because He has delayed His reply.
Blessings,
Dalinda
If you are on Facebook, please like my page at http://www.facebook.com/faithfriendsandfruitloops
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
God Is Teaching Me To Glory In My Cross
The secret of knowing God's complete sufficiency is in coming to the end of everything in ourselves and our circumstances. It is then we will recognize these things as the necessary conditions for blessings. We will then turn from our circumstances to God, realizing they are the evidence of Him working in our lives. - A.B. Simpson
We ALL have crosses to bare. But do we make it a habit of thanking God for our struggles? We should! Yes, we thank God for all of our blessings, however, when carrying our cross we tend to look forward to the place where we will be rewarded for it, instead of thinking about our cross as a present glory itself.
2 Corinthians 12:10 says, "That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weakness, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
When God desires to create more power in your life, He creates more friction. He uses this pressure to generate spiritual power. Some people cannot handle it, and run from the pressure instead of receiving the power and using it to rise above the painful experience that produced it.
Opposition is essential to maintaing true balance in our lives. It is not enough to only have a propelling force. We need an equal repelling force. The struggles we endure further our progress and strengthen our foundation.
There is no shortcut to a life of faith, which is an absolute necessity for a holy and victorious life.
Have you ever heard of anyone being used greatly by God who did not experience a special time of waiting, or a complete upset of his plans at first? Have you been looking forward to telling about trusting Jesus, but instead He is asking you to show what trust is, by waiting?
My own experience is far less severe than Paul's but reveals the same principle. I have been on a roller coaster ride of waiting. I have had medical tests after medical tests over the last seven months trying to get a diagnosis of all my health problems.
I believe you can force a rosebud open, but you will spoil the flower. Same principle here: God often withholds our enjoyment and awareness of our progress, because He knows best what will actually ripen and further His work in us.
Life has blinding cycles of its own -- but our God is always blazing glory. When my semblance of power is lacking, His perfect power is excelling. God doesn't need anything from me, He wants something for me.
I am thankful for being a vessel used daily by an almighty God who doesn't have to use me, but wants to use me. I am thankful for both the weights and the wings He produces. For both work together and they work for good. We experience real growth in grace as a result of our struggles being sanctified by Him.
For how can you know if you have faith, until your faith is exercised?
Blessings,
Dalinda
If you are on Facebook, please like my page at http://www.facebook.com/faithfriendsandfruitloops
We ALL have crosses to bare. But do we make it a habit of thanking God for our struggles? We should! Yes, we thank God for all of our blessings, however, when carrying our cross we tend to look forward to the place where we will be rewarded for it, instead of thinking about our cross as a present glory itself.
2 Corinthians 12:10 says, "That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weakness, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
When God desires to create more power in your life, He creates more friction. He uses this pressure to generate spiritual power. Some people cannot handle it, and run from the pressure instead of receiving the power and using it to rise above the painful experience that produced it.
Opposition is essential to maintaing true balance in our lives. It is not enough to only have a propelling force. We need an equal repelling force. The struggles we endure further our progress and strengthen our foundation.
There is no shortcut to a life of faith, which is an absolute necessity for a holy and victorious life.
Have you ever heard of anyone being used greatly by God who did not experience a special time of waiting, or a complete upset of his plans at first? Have you been looking forward to telling about trusting Jesus, but instead He is asking you to show what trust is, by waiting?
My own experience is far less severe than Paul's but reveals the same principle. I have been on a roller coaster ride of waiting. I have had medical tests after medical tests over the last seven months trying to get a diagnosis of all my health problems.
I believe you can force a rosebud open, but you will spoil the flower. Same principle here: God often withholds our enjoyment and awareness of our progress, because He knows best what will actually ripen and further His work in us.
Life has blinding cycles of its own -- but our God is always blazing glory. When my semblance of power is lacking, His perfect power is excelling. God doesn't need anything from me, He wants something for me.
I am thankful for being a vessel used daily by an almighty God who doesn't have to use me, but wants to use me. I am thankful for both the weights and the wings He produces. For both work together and they work for good. We experience real growth in grace as a result of our struggles being sanctified by Him.
For how can you know if you have faith, until your faith is exercised?
Blessings,
Dalinda
If you are on Facebook, please like my page at http://www.facebook.com/faithfriendsandfruitloops
Monday, November 12, 2012
God Sees What People Cannot
God is at work behind the scenes.
God never sends you where He's never been.
Proverbs 16:9 says, "We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps."
God never wants us to live by our feelings. He wants us to face the facts, not feelings. He wants us to face the facts of Christ and His finished and perfect work for us. And once we face these precious facts, and believe them simply because God says they are facts, He will take care of our feelings.
If you will tend to God's business, He will tend to yours. - Joyce Meyer
For God is greater than our worried hearts and knows more about us than we do ourselves.
God will not accommodate our doubt by bending His promises. Our disbelief doesn't affect Him, it affects us. The promises are already ours, we just have to claim them.
I want all that God has for me, but what if that includes questions, mountains to climb, and uncertainty at times? Do you still sign up? Do you? For me, the answer is yes.
But how often do we charge off in one direction without stopping to see if we are following in His footsteps?
Following Christ is one of the most amazing and rewarding steps of faith we can take, but with the understanding that God leads us out of our comfort zone, and that destiny and purpose rarely waltz with comfort.
Choosing to follow the will of God is the most important choice we will ever make! It's less about what we feel and more about partnering with Him to discover what's out there that we can't see yet....an adventure marked with our name in God's handwriting.
Trusting God is not always easy, but I make the choice to trust Him no matter the outcome in this life. He NEVER stops being faithful no matter how bad it gets. Even when my path leads into the storm, I will follow.
God 's love is greater, bigger, more far-reaching than our trial. So trust Him and never push away the instrument He is using, or you will miss the result of His work in your life.
God's will is the most hopeful, pleasant, and glorious thing in the world because He is always with us.
Blessings,
Dalinda
God never sends you where He's never been.
Proverbs 16:9 says, "We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps."
God never wants us to live by our feelings. He wants us to face the facts, not feelings. He wants us to face the facts of Christ and His finished and perfect work for us. And once we face these precious facts, and believe them simply because God says they are facts, He will take care of our feelings.
If you will tend to God's business, He will tend to yours. - Joyce Meyer
For God is greater than our worried hearts and knows more about us than we do ourselves.
God will not accommodate our doubt by bending His promises. Our disbelief doesn't affect Him, it affects us. The promises are already ours, we just have to claim them.
I want all that God has for me, but what if that includes questions, mountains to climb, and uncertainty at times? Do you still sign up? Do you? For me, the answer is yes.
But how often do we charge off in one direction without stopping to see if we are following in His footsteps?
Following Christ is one of the most amazing and rewarding steps of faith we can take, but with the understanding that God leads us out of our comfort zone, and that destiny and purpose rarely waltz with comfort.
Choosing to follow the will of God is the most important choice we will ever make! It's less about what we feel and more about partnering with Him to discover what's out there that we can't see yet....an adventure marked with our name in God's handwriting.
Trusting God is not always easy, but I make the choice to trust Him no matter the outcome in this life. He NEVER stops being faithful no matter how bad it gets. Even when my path leads into the storm, I will follow.
God 's love is greater, bigger, more far-reaching than our trial. So trust Him and never push away the instrument He is using, or you will miss the result of His work in your life.
God's will is the most hopeful, pleasant, and glorious thing in the world because He is always with us.
Blessings,
Dalinda
Friday, November 9, 2012
Thankful For The Love Of My Heart
I am thankful for the love of my heart....Jesus Christ. For He is the Savior that has loved me and protected me all my life even when I had my back towards him. I am thankful He doesn't ask that I have it all together. He loves the whole messed-up lot of us. Stunning isn't it?
I am thankful that God's promises are all YES in Christ Jesus. {2 Corinthians 1:20}
I am thankful for this life I live, this family of mine, and each beat of my heart.
I am thankful that the King of Kings takes us as we are, but promises never to leave us that way. I love that He loves me too much to let me linger stagnant. He challenges me. He pushes me. He continues {and will always continue} to grow me.
I am thankful Jesus Christ is not my security against the storms of life, but He is my perfect security in the storms. He coaxes me out on limb after limb, cliff after cliff and asks me to trust Him again and again. He has never promised me an easy passage, only a safe landing.
I have so much to be thankful for in the ways the Lord continues to grow me. And I am so grateful that He chooses to keep growing me. He opens my eyes to things of this world, and promises & responsibilities in the Word.
I am thankful He doesn't heave expectations upon me which are beyond what He is able to empower me to reach.
I am thankful that God's strength is {somehow miraculously} made perfect in my weakness.
I am thankful that He brings healing to scars in my heart.
I am thankful for technology that allows easy contact with people worldwide. I am encouraged to tell the world of the hope in Jesus. He can be alive in all of us!
Blessings,
Dalinda
I am thankful that God's promises are all YES in Christ Jesus. {2 Corinthians 1:20}
I am thankful for this life I live, this family of mine, and each beat of my heart.
I am thankful that the King of Kings takes us as we are, but promises never to leave us that way. I love that He loves me too much to let me linger stagnant. He challenges me. He pushes me. He continues {and will always continue} to grow me.
I am thankful Jesus Christ is not my security against the storms of life, but He is my perfect security in the storms. He coaxes me out on limb after limb, cliff after cliff and asks me to trust Him again and again. He has never promised me an easy passage, only a safe landing.
I have so much to be thankful for in the ways the Lord continues to grow me. And I am so grateful that He chooses to keep growing me. He opens my eyes to things of this world, and promises & responsibilities in the Word.
I am thankful He doesn't heave expectations upon me which are beyond what He is able to empower me to reach.
I am thankful that God's strength is {somehow miraculously} made perfect in my weakness.
I am thankful that He brings healing to scars in my heart.
I am thankful for technology that allows easy contact with people worldwide. I am encouraged to tell the world of the hope in Jesus. He can be alive in all of us!
Blessings,
Dalinda
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Allow Your Faith To Lead You To Victory
Thankfulness - We can always, at any time, go to God with requests. But we need to daily tell God thank you for Who He is and what He has done.
We all have times of discouragement, but we aren't supposed to live there. When things are going bad for us we need to press on and engage more than when things are going great!
Even in the harshest of days, there is always reason to praise Him.
Don't allow fear to dictate your path. Instead, allow your faith to lead you to victory.
PRAYER REQUEST: I had my follow up visit at the Dermatologist this morning about my rash on my breasts. He had said if the rash was still there after 2 weeks of medication he wanted to biopsy it. So I had the biopsy today. The doctor took 4cm out. He is trying to rule out Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma. It could also be Psoriasis or Pokiloderma. Please pray that it is not Cutameous T-Cell Lymphoma because this is a form of cancer. I go back in 11 days (Nov.19th) to get my stitches out and get my report. Thanks for all the prayers! ♥
As I look back over the past seven months, I have been tested for MS, a Pseudo Tumor, Meningitis, Optic Neuritis, Lupus, and many other autoimmune diseases, and am still in this process. But...If I had the choice to swallow a pill that would take me back in time to where I wouldn't have to do any of this, I wouldn't even be tempted. Not even if I didn't have to struggle with chronic pain, or didn't have any limitations with my eyesight. Why? Because I now have a joy that no trial can diminish. I have an indestructible peace that has been forged as a result of my suffering. I no longer see the obstacles as things that stand in my way, but rather opportunities for God to reveal Himself to me. Through my faith, I have been set free.
We ALL have those days in life where we lose our perspective. We feel defeated and discouraged. We order fattening cheeseburgers and awkwardly burst into tears. And so God uses His Word and the encouragement of others to get us back on track. To remind us to keep doing the things He has called us to do.
Make your life about giving thanks to God! When thanks to God becomes habit, so joy in God becomes your life.
Blessings,
Dalinda
We all have times of discouragement, but we aren't supposed to live there. When things are going bad for us we need to press on and engage more than when things are going great!
Even in the harshest of days, there is always reason to praise Him.
Don't allow fear to dictate your path. Instead, allow your faith to lead you to victory.
PRAYER REQUEST: I had my follow up visit at the Dermatologist this morning about my rash on my breasts. He had said if the rash was still there after 2 weeks of medication he wanted to biopsy it. So I had the biopsy today. The doctor took 4cm out. He is trying to rule out Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma. It could also be Psoriasis or Pokiloderma. Please pray that it is not Cutameous T-Cell Lymphoma because this is a form of cancer. I go back in 11 days (Nov.19th) to get my stitches out and get my report. Thanks for all the prayers! ♥
As I look back over the past seven months, I have been tested for MS, a Pseudo Tumor, Meningitis, Optic Neuritis, Lupus, and many other autoimmune diseases, and am still in this process. But...If I had the choice to swallow a pill that would take me back in time to where I wouldn't have to do any of this, I wouldn't even be tempted. Not even if I didn't have to struggle with chronic pain, or didn't have any limitations with my eyesight. Why? Because I now have a joy that no trial can diminish. I have an indestructible peace that has been forged as a result of my suffering. I no longer see the obstacles as things that stand in my way, but rather opportunities for God to reveal Himself to me. Through my faith, I have been set free.
We ALL have those days in life where we lose our perspective. We feel defeated and discouraged. We order fattening cheeseburgers and awkwardly burst into tears. And so God uses His Word and the encouragement of others to get us back on track. To remind us to keep doing the things He has called us to do.
Make your life about giving thanks to God! When thanks to God becomes habit, so joy in God becomes your life.
Blessings,
Dalinda
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Some Moments Are Just "A-Ha" Moments
Another Presidential election has come and gone. And though Conservatives hoped for a different outcome, America now faces another four years of reckless spending and tip toeing around the Constitution.
But hope’s not lost…Almost half of America voted for a more Conservative path. Sometimes, in our self-pity, we forget that others ascribe to morality and integrity because the voices that boo God ring much louder.
But, almost 50 million people voted against “booing God and Jerusalem.” Fifty million. That's substantial! Does that mean all 50 million know Christ? No. But it does mean that half of the electorate shares many of the same values as Believers. We are not alone, even though the main stream media bends over backwards to sweep the voice of the moral majority under the rug.
On November 6, 2012, Americans slipped behind the voting booth curtains and voted, but ultimately God allowed President Obama to win re-election. He permitted President Obama another term in office because Americans chose to cast aspersions at their Creator and choose a path of destruction instead. (Almost sounds disciplinary, huh?) Ouch!
When the Government takes the place of God in people’s lives, at some point the stark realization strikes that a horrible error of judgment has transpired. In other words, they may “cry out, and the Lord refuse to hear.” Can you blame Him? When He’s booed, He’s obviously not welcome.
In the grand scheme of things, it really doesn’t matter who won. Whether you voted for the blue or for the red, the future of our country lies in our trust in the almighty God. He is mightier than any one political party or any man or women in office. Our job now is even more important than it was during the campaign. Don’t stop praying, don’t stop believing for God’s best. God can use anything or anyone to fulfill His desires for our country or for any country for that matter!
Some moments are just "a-ha" moments, why didn't I think of it that way before?
I am really praying hard that this election cycle has been an "A-HA" moment for many of you.
Here’s the good news: I believe, through evidence in the Bible, this election cycle points to an ever closer return of Jesus. The signs of the times as prophesied throughout the pages of God’s Word are rapidly being fulfilled.
To me, grace is a beautiful word. One of my favorite words. Because of grace, I have the greatest gift imaginable which is an eternity in heaven with God. All because of grace. And what is grace? Simply a GIFT I can choose to receive or reject, based on the precious gift of God's only Son Jesus' death on the cross, taking my sins and graciously covering them with His blood. Grace is not earned. You simply receive it. Thank You Jesus!
I am so, so very thankful that because of Jesus I do not have to fear what is to come! It is now that trust and faith in our God is tested. We must continue to trust Him with all our hearts and have faith that He is who and what He says He is. If you read about the end times in His WORD, you will recognize our nation and the world. We have to remain strong and uwavering in our faith. GOD IS NOT DEAD, HE IS SURELY ALIVE. We need to work diligently to be sure that we help as many people as possible come to know Him as their personal Lord and Savior so that when He returns for us they will go with us to be with Him forever in Heaven.
Christians…listen for the trumpet. Gabriel’s warming up…
Blessings,
Dalinda
But hope’s not lost…Almost half of America voted for a more Conservative path. Sometimes, in our self-pity, we forget that others ascribe to morality and integrity because the voices that boo God ring much louder.
But, almost 50 million people voted against “booing God and Jerusalem.” Fifty million. That's substantial! Does that mean all 50 million know Christ? No. But it does mean that half of the electorate shares many of the same values as Believers. We are not alone, even though the main stream media bends over backwards to sweep the voice of the moral majority under the rug.
On November 6, 2012, Americans slipped behind the voting booth curtains and voted, but ultimately God allowed President Obama to win re-election. He permitted President Obama another term in office because Americans chose to cast aspersions at their Creator and choose a path of destruction instead. (Almost sounds disciplinary, huh?) Ouch!
When the Government takes the place of God in people’s lives, at some point the stark realization strikes that a horrible error of judgment has transpired. In other words, they may “cry out, and the Lord refuse to hear.” Can you blame Him? When He’s booed, He’s obviously not welcome.
In the grand scheme of things, it really doesn’t matter who won. Whether you voted for the blue or for the red, the future of our country lies in our trust in the almighty God. He is mightier than any one political party or any man or women in office. Our job now is even more important than it was during the campaign. Don’t stop praying, don’t stop believing for God’s best. God can use anything or anyone to fulfill His desires for our country or for any country for that matter!
Some moments are just "a-ha" moments, why didn't I think of it that way before?
I am really praying hard that this election cycle has been an "A-HA" moment for many of you.
Here’s the good news: I believe, through evidence in the Bible, this election cycle points to an ever closer return of Jesus. The signs of the times as prophesied throughout the pages of God’s Word are rapidly being fulfilled.
To me, grace is a beautiful word. One of my favorite words. Because of grace, I have the greatest gift imaginable which is an eternity in heaven with God. All because of grace. And what is grace? Simply a GIFT I can choose to receive or reject, based on the precious gift of God's only Son Jesus' death on the cross, taking my sins and graciously covering them with His blood. Grace is not earned. You simply receive it. Thank You Jesus!
I am so, so very thankful that because of Jesus I do not have to fear what is to come! It is now that trust and faith in our God is tested. We must continue to trust Him with all our hearts and have faith that He is who and what He says He is. If you read about the end times in His WORD, you will recognize our nation and the world. We have to remain strong and uwavering in our faith. GOD IS NOT DEAD, HE IS SURELY ALIVE. We need to work diligently to be sure that we help as many people as possible come to know Him as their personal Lord and Savior so that when He returns for us they will go with us to be with Him forever in Heaven.
Christians…listen for the trumpet. Gabriel’s warming up…
Blessings,
Dalinda
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
God's Opinions Are Facts
I've been noticing that opinions are one of the most plentiful things in existence. Everybody has opinions about just about every thing. When you bring up certain subjects while among a group of people you can many times stand back and listen to many different sides of an issue. Not only can you hear different sides, but many times the opinions are stated as if they are fact.
Most of the time there is a big difference between opinion and fact. Opinions might be based on fact, but generally also include a person's life experiences mixed in. Many times people take an opinion they heard from someone else and begin spreading it as their own opinion, all the while feeling like they have formed it using factual information.
I am learning that the best opinion on any topic is God's opinion. I want to find out what God thinks about a topic. Once I determine what His opinion is then I can stand as firmly on it as I would stand on a rock. God's opinions are facts.
In our society, our beliefs and opinions hold everything! But let me ask you two questions -- 1) What good are beliefs and opinions if they aren't God's beliefs and opinions? 2) Do our beliefs and opinions change God in the slightest?
We can't make sense of God and his ways in our minds because our minds aren't big enough! So we need to continually ask God what He wants. There is no end to the searching for knowledge about God. The only limits that there are on what God can and cannot do are the limits of your mind.
In our society today, people tend go with the flow. They think, act, react, speak, and live the way the rest of the world around them does because that is the easy and acceptable route.
Are you doing things for God without God? Are you continually asking God what He wants?
Don't do things for recognition. Only do things because the Lord wants you to do them. It's a much better system!
God has called us, as believers, to do things that sometimes go against the flow of the the world around us. It's not always easy, either. But there are many mighty and miraculous victories that God desires to demonstrate in our lives, if we would only be willing to go against the flow.
I would much rather have the Lord tell me, "Well done good and faithful servant," than get a certificate of appreciation and have a group of people clap for me for 30 seconds!
He wants to use us but we must be made ready for His use! Let's give Him our circumstances and strive to rely on His strength to conquer them! He wants us to walk in His power, not our own!
Blessings,
Dalinda
Most of the time there is a big difference between opinion and fact. Opinions might be based on fact, but generally also include a person's life experiences mixed in. Many times people take an opinion they heard from someone else and begin spreading it as their own opinion, all the while feeling like they have formed it using factual information.
I am learning that the best opinion on any topic is God's opinion. I want to find out what God thinks about a topic. Once I determine what His opinion is then I can stand as firmly on it as I would stand on a rock. God's opinions are facts.
In our society, our beliefs and opinions hold everything! But let me ask you two questions -- 1) What good are beliefs and opinions if they aren't God's beliefs and opinions? 2) Do our beliefs and opinions change God in the slightest?
We can't make sense of God and his ways in our minds because our minds aren't big enough! So we need to continually ask God what He wants. There is no end to the searching for knowledge about God. The only limits that there are on what God can and cannot do are the limits of your mind.
In our society today, people tend go with the flow. They think, act, react, speak, and live the way the rest of the world around them does because that is the easy and acceptable route.
Are you doing things for God without God? Are you continually asking God what He wants?
Don't do things for recognition. Only do things because the Lord wants you to do them. It's a much better system!
God has called us, as believers, to do things that sometimes go against the flow of the the world around us. It's not always easy, either. But there are many mighty and miraculous victories that God desires to demonstrate in our lives, if we would only be willing to go against the flow.
I would much rather have the Lord tell me, "Well done good and faithful servant," than get a certificate of appreciation and have a group of people clap for me for 30 seconds!
He wants to use us but we must be made ready for His use! Let's give Him our circumstances and strive to rely on His strength to conquer them! He wants us to walk in His power, not our own!
Blessings,
Dalinda
Monday, November 5, 2012
The White Flag Of Surrender
“The rise and fall of our nation does not depend on a red flag or a blue flag but the white flag of surrender.” - Steven Furtick....This quote is such a great reminder for us in this election season.
In Steven Furtick's message, he talked about how God will not win a ballet FOR me until He first wins the battle IN me. He said the kingdom of God is not about position but about posture. When we posture ourselves in surrender, we allow God to do a great work in and through us.
Our faithful obedience and loyalty UNDER PRESSURE is the most powerful testimony we can give of our love and faith in God.
We must remember, what is morally wrong can never be politically right. - Lord Shaftesbury....But all to often the enemy's destructive intentions and attacks become God's means for testimony and victorious proclamation!
Truly we are living in remarkable times! The decisions made tomorrow will effect the world for years to come. But we should never lose sight of the fact that the Lord sets up and removes Presidents according to His perfect will and purpose; so whatever the outcome of tomorrow's contest, let's be sure that the King of all Kings sits on the throne of our hearts, and every outcome in this world is under His sovereign will, for our good!
Blessings,
Dalinda
In Steven Furtick's message, he talked about how God will not win a ballet FOR me until He first wins the battle IN me. He said the kingdom of God is not about position but about posture. When we posture ourselves in surrender, we allow God to do a great work in and through us.
Our faithful obedience and loyalty UNDER PRESSURE is the most powerful testimony we can give of our love and faith in God.
We must remember, what is morally wrong can never be politically right. - Lord Shaftesbury....But all to often the enemy's destructive intentions and attacks become God's means for testimony and victorious proclamation!
Truly we are living in remarkable times! The decisions made tomorrow will effect the world for years to come. But we should never lose sight of the fact that the Lord sets up and removes Presidents according to His perfect will and purpose; so whatever the outcome of tomorrow's contest, let's be sure that the King of all Kings sits on the throne of our hearts, and every outcome in this world is under His sovereign will, for our good!
Blessings,
Dalinda
Friday, November 2, 2012
God Writes The Most Amazing Stories
I'm thankful God works differently in all of us and that we experience conviction in different areas. I love how He is unchanging and dwelling in all believers at the same time, and yet that He speaks to us and works in us each as individuals. We all have a story to tell, but only if you are willing to be available -- God will do the rest.
So thankful for another ray of sunshine! God continues to bless me daily! After I posted my blog post yesterday I went to the mailbox and got the mail. I had received the results of my X-ray Lumbar Spine AP Lat.....NEGATIVE FOR ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS!!!! THANK YOU JESUS!!!!!!! Now we are waiting on the results from the blood tests on my thyroid. I know the thyroid antibodies are suppose to be below 35 and mine were 546 three weeks ago and I am on Synthroid 100 mcg. My T4 has always been borderline high since I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis in 2007. So this is the focus now. I vote just yank the thing out if that will fix it. But I will do whatever is in God's will! Please be sure to read my blog post from yesterday, November 1, 2012, for my other ray of sunshine God has give me. GOD IS SOOOOOO GOOD!!!!
Even in the harshest of days, there is always reason to praise Him. We serve a powerful God who still works miracles in the lives of everyday people. We tend to forget that He is now exactly what He was three or four thousand years ago, that He has the same sovereign power, and that He extends the same gracious love toward those who love and serve Him. We overlook the fact that He will do for us now what He did thousands of years ago for others, simply because He is the unchanging, living God. What a great reason to confide in Him, and in our darkest moments to never lose sight of the fact that He is still, and ever will be, the living God!
In just a little over 24 hours, three different countries have visited my FF & FL blog: Brazil (twice), England, and The Philippines. Thank you Lord for the encouragement you have given me by showing me that I make a difference through sharing my story for Your glory.
God writes the most amazing stories!
I think life is like a good book. The further you get into it the more it makes sense, because life is a continuous learning experience.
My life has an excellent cast of characters with God as my Playwright.
Blessings,
Dalinda
So thankful for another ray of sunshine! God continues to bless me daily! After I posted my blog post yesterday I went to the mailbox and got the mail. I had received the results of my X-ray Lumbar Spine AP Lat.....NEGATIVE FOR ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS!!!! THANK YOU JESUS!!!!!!! Now we are waiting on the results from the blood tests on my thyroid. I know the thyroid antibodies are suppose to be below 35 and mine were 546 three weeks ago and I am on Synthroid 100 mcg. My T4 has always been borderline high since I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis in 2007. So this is the focus now. I vote just yank the thing out if that will fix it. But I will do whatever is in God's will! Please be sure to read my blog post from yesterday, November 1, 2012, for my other ray of sunshine God has give me. GOD IS SOOOOOO GOOD!!!!
Even in the harshest of days, there is always reason to praise Him. We serve a powerful God who still works miracles in the lives of everyday people. We tend to forget that He is now exactly what He was three or four thousand years ago, that He has the same sovereign power, and that He extends the same gracious love toward those who love and serve Him. We overlook the fact that He will do for us now what He did thousands of years ago for others, simply because He is the unchanging, living God. What a great reason to confide in Him, and in our darkest moments to never lose sight of the fact that He is still, and ever will be, the living God!
In just a little over 24 hours, three different countries have visited my FF & FL blog: Brazil (twice), England, and The Philippines. Thank you Lord for the encouragement you have given me by showing me that I make a difference through sharing my story for Your glory.
God writes the most amazing stories!
I think life is like a good book. The further you get into it the more it makes sense, because life is a continuous learning experience.
My life has an excellent cast of characters with God as my Playwright.
Blessings,
Dalinda
Thursday, November 1, 2012
A Ray Of Sunshine On A Cloudy Day
Today I am thankful for God's ray of sunshine when the storms of life come thundering into my world and blow my umbrella inside out.
I love the hope we have in Christ. I love the reminder today that regardless of the trials, the limitations, and the suffering we experience in this life…our inheritance is complete and everlasting freedom...AMEN!
I started my medication for the nerve pain I have in my face and head on Tuesday. After two days on this medication I can tell a difference in my vision. It seems to be improving! Praise His Holy Name!!!!! God is simply reminding me that all things are possible with Him, not to lose hope.
My hope comes from Him. - Psalm 62:5
So when the storms of life come raging in, remember God is not raining rain on you - He is raining blessings!
If your problem in life is as big as a ship, never forget that your blessings are as wide as the ocean.
God has faithfully provided for my needs - and more than I dared to ask or imagine!
Living a life of faith often requires us to leave things alone. Since God knows what niche we are to fill, let us trust Him to shape us to it. And since He knows what work we are to do, let us trust Him to grind us so we will be properly prepared.
Friends, take good care of your faith, for faith is the only way to obtain God's blessings. To burn brightly our lives must first experience the flame. In other words, we cease to bless others when we cease to bleed.
For I know that sharing God's hope with others is like a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day.
Blessings,
Dalinda
I love the hope we have in Christ. I love the reminder today that regardless of the trials, the limitations, and the suffering we experience in this life…our inheritance is complete and everlasting freedom...AMEN!
I started my medication for the nerve pain I have in my face and head on Tuesday. After two days on this medication I can tell a difference in my vision. It seems to be improving! Praise His Holy Name!!!!! God is simply reminding me that all things are possible with Him, not to lose hope.
My hope comes from Him. - Psalm 62:5
So when the storms of life come raging in, remember God is not raining rain on you - He is raining blessings!
If your problem in life is as big as a ship, never forget that your blessings are as wide as the ocean.
God has faithfully provided for my needs - and more than I dared to ask or imagine!
Living a life of faith often requires us to leave things alone. Since God knows what niche we are to fill, let us trust Him to shape us to it. And since He knows what work we are to do, let us trust Him to grind us so we will be properly prepared.
Friends, take good care of your faith, for faith is the only way to obtain God's blessings. To burn brightly our lives must first experience the flame. In other words, we cease to bless others when we cease to bleed.
For I know that sharing God's hope with others is like a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day.
Blessings,
Dalinda
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