Food For the Soul

Another post that I wish I could take credit for writing – but it was sent to me.  It's just a little something to ponder over your coffee break.

Psalm 23

“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures;
He leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul;
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil
for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies;
thou anointest my head with oil
my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for eternity.”

The Lord is my Shepherd = That's Relationship

 I shall not want = That's Supply!

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures = That's Rest!

He leadeth me beside the still waters = That's Refreshment!

He restoreth my soul = That's Healing!

He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness = That's Guidance!

For His name sake = That's Purpose!

Yea, though I walk through

the valley of the shadow of death = That's Testing!

I will fear no evil = That's Protection!

For Thou art with me = That's Faithfulness!

Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me = That's Discipline!

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies = That's Hope!

Thou annointest my head with oil = That's Consecration!

My cup runneth over = That's Abundance!

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life = That's Blessing !

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord = That's Security!

Forever = That's Eternity!

What matters isn’t WHAT we have in our lives…
But WHO we have in our lives!

'Do not ask the Lord to Guide your Footstep

...if you are not willing to move your Feet'

It Pours

They say that 'when it rains, it pours'
And we know it to be true

Good news or bad
It always seems
to come like a storm

Through a storm of good news
we splash in the puddles
sing in the rain
and find ourselves chasing rainbows

A storm of good news
is delight
It's bliss
It's easy

Through storms of hard times
How our attitude changes

We retreat when we can
And when we have to face the storm
We put our heads down
And run like crazy
To dodge the rain

Oh to learn
to weather any storm
with our heads turned
towards the heavens

To let the waters wash over us
Bathe us with His grace

And ask not
for the skies to stop
But to learn
how to smile through the rain



Today I Pray...

...that I might see the beauty
in the storm clouds

...that I learn to turn my gaze to the heavens
instead of trying to dodge the rain

...for faith in Your plan
and perseverance to see it through

Please stay...
....and dance with me in the rain

In Heaven

I wish I could take credit for this story, but it is just an email I received today. Its message such a good one that I wanted to share it with you.

What Happens In Heaven

I dreamt that I went to Heaven and an angel showed me around. We walked side-by-side inside a large workroom filled with angels.

My angel guide stopped in front of the first section and said, "This is the Receiving Section. Here, all petitions to God said in prayer are received."

I looked around in this area, and it was terribly busy with so many angels sorting out petitions written on voluminous paper sheets and scraps from people all over the world.

Then we moved on down a long corridor until we reached the second section. The angel then said to me, "This is the Packaging and Delivery Section. Here, the graces and blessings the people asked for are processed and delivered to the living persons who asked for them."

I noticed again how busy it was there. There were many angels working hard at that station, since so many blessings had been requested and were being packaged for delivery to Earth.

Finally at the farthest end of the long corridor we stopped at the door of a very small station. To my great surprise, only one angel was seated there, idly doing nothing. "This is the Acknowledgment Section," my angel friend quietly admitted to me. He seemed embarrassed.

"How is it that there is no work going on here?" I asked.

"So sad," the angel sighed. "After people receive the blessings that they asked for, very few send back acknowledgments."

"How does one acknowledge God's blessings? " I asked.

"Simple," the angel answered. "Just say, 'Thank you, Lord.'"

"What blessings should they acknowledge?" I asked.

The angel replied, "If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep you are richer than 75% of this world. If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish, you are among the top 8% of the world 's wealthy. And if you get this on your own computer, you are part of the 1% in the world who has that opportunity."

"If you woke up this morning with more health than illness. You are more blessed than the many who will not even survive this day. "

"If you have never experienced the fear in battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation ... You are ahead of 700 million people in the world."

"If you can attend a church without the fear of harassment, arrest, torture or death you are envied by, and more blessed than, three billion people in the world."

"If your parents are still alive and still married ...you are very rare."

"If you can hold your head up and smile, you are not the norm, you're unique to all those in doubt and despair......."



Today I Pray...

...humbly
...thankfully
...sorry for all the times
I took life's many blessings for granted

I am so grateful
for all the blessings my life holds

...the love of my family and friends
...a roof over my head and food on the table
...the freedoms that come at a high cost to so many
...the opportunities that await me every day
...and God's unconditional love

Thank You for the obstacles in life
that challenge me to keep reaching

Thank You for loving me,
even in my darkest hours

Serenity

The simple abundance
of life's blessings
captured in the serenity
of the morning sky

Today I Pray...

...that your gift
of peace and serenity,
wrapped up in this beautiful sky
settle deep within my heart and soul
and stay long after the sun has risen

Sharing the Love

Since I don't typically post on a Sunday, I hope you'll forgive me from abandoning my usual format to share this. Today I Pray received some "award" love! Kristen at Ladybug Blessings surprised me this morning with this award.

The directions for this award are as follows:

1. Thank the person who gave it to you [thank you again Kristen!]
2. Copy the logo & place on your blog
3. Link the person who nominated you [which I hope would be done in thanking :)]
4. Name 7 things about yourself that people may not know
5. Nominate 7 kreativ bloggers [clearly the hardest part because there are so many wonderful bloggers out there!!]
6. Post their links
7. Tell them!

So here goes with my 7 random things :)

1. I love organizing things.
2. Despite this, I can be pretty disorganized at times.
3. At Christmas time I bake about twelve different kinds of cookies (and they are delicious, if I do say so myself!).
4. I love to knit (but can only make one thing well...a Prayer Shawl...go figure :-)
5. Susan Branch is my creative inspiration -- she is living my dream.
6. When I was little I had a cat named Leo (the Lion). The dogs in the neighborhood were afraid of him -- seriously.
7. My dream home is little more than an old farmhouse with a huge kitchen, and a big wraparound porch overlooking a lake.

Now...to share the love.

• Sema @ http://affirmart.blogspot.com/ -- she's so talented
• Superjaxter @ http://bloggingjax.blogspot.com/ (her kitty Oscar looks just like my Leo...but not nearly as ferocious!!)
• Judy @ http://justalittlesomethingforyou.blogspot.com/ (I wish she was my neighbor)
• Jill @ http://jmsmusings.blogspot.com/ (make sure you read her post called 100 Things About Me -- you'll see why she's so fun)
• Laura @ http://decortoadore.blogspot.com/ (just look, you'll see)
• Lorie @ http://encouragementfrommyheart.blogspot.com/ (you'll understand immediately why I like Lori's blog).
• Joye @ http://thejoyefuljourney.blogspot.com/ (-:

Kristen, thank you again for giving me this award. It means so much to me. I loved being able to share a little about me -- and I especially loved sharing the love!!

Now it's confession time. I actually received another award quite awhile ago, but I never did anything about it -- and for that I'm really very embarrassed. You see, at the time, I didn't think I could accept it. I was trying so hard to keep this blog in just the format that I had started, that I thought it didn't "fit."

When I received the award from Kristen this morning, all of the same thoughts went through my head -- but then something dawned on me...a thought really smacked me right over the head. This blog isn't about me controlling things -- it's about opening up my heart and trusting God's bigger plan. In this case, I needed to accept and receive the gift that was being given -- so that I could give something back in return.

Not that hard a concept -- but an ah ha moment that I felt I needed to share. Once again...mysterious ways.

I hope you all have a wonderful Sunday. Thanks so much for being here.

"They will greet you and give you two wave offerings of bread, which you will take from them." 1 Samuel 10:4

Welcome Friends

I woke to a knock on my door
Two virtual strangers stood there
Unexpected guests
Asking to come in

My house was a mess
But I opened the door
"Please come in"

I led them to the kitchen
Where they joined me at the table
They spoke to me kindly
And instantly I was at peace

We sat for quite awhile
and spoke freely
of hopes and dreams
And before long
These strangers became friends

As they were leaving
I thanked them for stopping by
And told them how their visit
Boosted my spirit
In ways
I never could have imagined

They promised me they'd be back
And that next time
...they'd bring friends

I assured them
there would always be room
at the table

I watched my new friends
As they headed off down the road

When they were finally out of sight
I closed the door
And stood there with a tear in my eye
And a smile on my face

Humbled
Blessed
Ever amazed

...By the way
You answer prayers



Today I Pray...

...with a grateful heart

For Christie and Lorraine at The BlogRollers...

Thank you for knocking at the door
...and asking me to be your featured blogger today
...then coming back and bringing your friends

For new friends...

...Thanks for stopping by
Take some time
Explore
Seek some inspiration of your own
And please, come back and visit again

For my old friends who keep coming back
...and showing your support

Thank you for being here
through all my ups and downs
It's an amazing journey that I'm on
and I'm blessed that you're walking it with me

And above everything today...

...I turn my gaze to the heavens
Humbled, blessed, ever-amazed...

...I've been asking,
and today You answered loud and clear.

Could This Be?

Seeking quiet inspiration
A broader reach
An outstretched hand

There is more to be done
More souls
That need to share
what's on their heart

Looking to the skies
I wonder...

Could this be more?
Should this be more?

I'm turning to you
for guidance

Today I Pray...


Friends...
I need your help

I've been kind of quiet lately
because I'm adjusting to a different kind of life

I'm a little blue...
...partially because I'm missing my daughter

...partially because I'm feeling a little lost professionally

...largely because I feel there's more for me to do
...but I don't know what or how

Many of you have shared your thoughts and reactions with me
about how I might use my words to do more good
...books, cards, artwork, etc.

I am looking at all of those possibilities
In hopes that I can do just that

But in the meantime, I'm asking for your input
Your thoughts about this blog
and whether or not it should be something more....

...maybe more of a community, where we could share
...or more open forum where you could post your prayers
and special intentions?
...one friend suggested I share more about myself,
and pay less attention to my daily inspiration format...

You are my friends, and I'd value your thoughts.

Sometimes

Sometimes...

... the sun rises
But the skies are not bright

....waves break
Though the ocean seems at rest

...birds fly
But don't swoop in fanciful flight

...people laugh
When inside they're crying

...life is good
But the heart still aches



Today I Pray...

...with a quiet and open heart

Breathe Your gentle peace
into my soul

That I might be aware
of Your unfailing presence in my life

Stay close, Lord

"Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light." Matthew 11:28-30

A Prayer for Aimee

Aimee - pronounced ay-MEE,

of French origin meaning: "Beloved Friend"

I met a special woman

"Young lady" oh so wise

Her words were like a melody

And God's light shone in her eyes

She said her ears were failing

Yet somehow she could hear

Kindness all around her

Joy, both far and near

She said her eyes were weak

Yet somehow she could see

Goodness in her neighbors

And the heart of true beauty

Sitting there beside her

The sunlight in her hair

I knew that God was with us

She was a living prayer

I met a special woman

"Young lady" oh so wise

Her words were like a melody

And God's light shone in her eyes

Today I Pray...

...for my new friend Aimee,

thank you for sharing the joy that is on your heart

your attitude uplifts and heals the people around you

...for my Dad,

thank you for being such a fighter

and giving your all to getting better for your family
...for my Mom,

thank you for loving and giving so much of yourself

to everyone you meet.

You will never know how many lives you've touched

just by being you. Every day you make the world a better place

...to God,

thank you for sending so many amazing blessings into my life

"With three things I am delighted, for they are pleasing to the Lord and to men: Harmony among brethren, friendship among neighbors, and the mutual love of husband and wife." Sirach 25:1

They Say the Best Things...

They say the best things in life are free...

...smiles

...hugs

...a good belly laugh

...the air we breathe

......unconditional love

And for a few more weeks

....you can add something else to the list

....Free Shipping from Dayspring :)

Use Coupon Code FREESHIP to Receive Free Shipping on All U.S. Orders from DaySpring through October 1, 2009.

Today I Pray...

...that you enjoy all the free joy that life has to offer

...If you choose to do some shopping with Dayspring,

please know that your support means the world to me.

Reflections

Quiet grey morning
The rain falls
And plays a somber melody

A crash of thunder
Lightening strikes
And the memories
come flooding back

Memories of a day
When our lives were changed
Forever

We screamed
We cried
We hugged
We lit candles
We raised flags
We reached out to comfort strangers

Quiet grey morning
The rain falls
Like tears from heaven

We will never forget



Today I Pray...

...for the heroes
whose valor left an indelible mark on our hearts
...that you are at peace

...for the families
whose lives were forever changed on this day
...that you are comforted

And with mercy...
...for the souls whose hearts
hold so much anger and hatred
...that somehow you hearts find peace

Today

I'm trying my best...

Today I Pray...

...for Your patience
...for Your wisdom
...for Your strength

It Doesn't Matter

Some say that prayer
doesn't matter

It's a useless waste of time

That no one
hears your cries
and most certainly
no one answers

Some say it doesn't matter

I say
Perhaps they're right...

It doesn't matter...
...what color your skin
...or the color of your hair

It doesn't matter if...
...you're young or old
...weak or strong
...woman or man
...rich or poor
...Gentile or Jew

Prayer is about faith.

It's about believing
in something bigger than you

It's about asking
for God's guiding hand
Upon your shoulder

It's about opening your eyes
and ears
and trusting in His plan

It's about realizing
...even in the darkest hours
That you are exactly where
you are meant to be

And in those hours
It's about
finding light
...and purpose
...and His unfailing love




Today I Pray...

...for the believers

that you continue
to find comfort
in His love

...for the doubters

that you take a moment
to consider the possibilities
that are born of faith

...for the non-believers

that you consider that perhaps
there is an alternate truth to your words
...It doesn't matter

"Amen, I say to you, if you have faith and do not waver, not only will you do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, 'Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,' it will be done. Whatever you ask for in prayer with faith, you will receive." Matthew 21:21-22

She Is

She is the one

who cheers for you

when you succeed

And the one

who holds your hand

when you are scared

She is the one you lean on

She is strong

She is the rock

She is the voice of reason

...and encouragement

She is also the one...

who bites her lip

so that you won't see it quiver

and swallows hard

past the lump in her throat

The one who turns away

so that you won't see

the tears that have welled up in her eyes

the one who worries

long after you've fallen asleep

She is...

Your mother

Your sister

Your daughter

Your wife

Your aunt

Your cousin

Your teacher

Your partner

....Your friend

She is a good soul in your life
...and she is human.

So be gentle...and handle with care.

image from Google images

Today I Pray...

with a joy-filled and gracious heart

...for the amazing women in my life

Thank you for your showing me...

...generosity of spirit

...hope and faith

...kindness

...trust

...sisterhood

...loyalty

...friendship

...strength

...and unconditional love

"Say, I pray thee, thou art my sister: that it may be well with me for thy sake; and my soul shall live because of thee." Genesis 12:13

Attitude

"No pessimist ever discovered the secrets of the stars, or sailed to an uncharted land, or opened a new heaven to the human spirit." Helen Keller


Today I Pray...

...for optimistic eyes
that see infinite possibilities

...for confidence in my abilities

...and a faithful heart that knows
You are with me
every step of the way

...for an attitude of gratitude

Today is a treasured gift
-- a blessing from heaven --

...help me to make the most of it

A Cool Breeze

With the turn of the calendar page

Comes a slight chill in the air

Refreshing

Invigorating

Awakening

Back to school

A breath of fresh air

A new outlook

Autumn's subtle approach

Not an ending

But a new beginning

Today I Pray...

...with gratitude for an awakened spirit

...for the confidence and wisdom

to make the most of this fresh start

...for an attitude that embraces

the infinite possibilities that You provide

Thank You for reminding me

to stop for a moment

....and breathe in Your goodness

...and live the life You've designed

....just for me