Make a Smilebox scrapbook

What makes you smile?

What makes you smile? Here are some things that make me smile:
*A baby smile
*A dog with its head hanging out a moving car
*My girls getting along
*A beautiful sunset
*A campfire
*Thinking about my friends
*Knowing I'm saved
*My hubby playing with our kids
*A kiss from my daughter
*My daughter bringing me coffee in bed
*Smelling roses
*Thinking about my Grandma and how much I loved spening time with her
*Hearing babies giggle
The list could go on and on....I have a lot to smile about. I have to keep that it mind when things aren't looking so great. Hmmm, mental note!

Letting Go

Why is it so hard to let go? When something is clearly unhealthy, what holds me back? Is it that there has been so much invested (time, love and emotions) and I hold out hope that it can be fixed instead of letting go? I don't want to be held back and down. I want to move forward. I want to heal and not be afraid. I want to trust that the Lord is having me let go for a good reason. I need to let go. I need to trust. Help me let go, Father! I give this to Him...

Feelings of Accomplishment

I feel invigorated! I feel inspired! I feel....sore! I just won, 5-3, Baseball on the Wii tonight! This is my big accomplishment of the day. What will I do now? Put some Sombra (like ben-gay, but better..) on my arm and go to bed. Maybe when I win the World Series I'll go to Disneyland. Maybe Mickey could rub my arm? I'm still going to bed, regardless!

Its OK!

Yes, it is "OK" to be in transition. This is what I am learning. I have to leave the past behind in order to move forward, or transition, to the next phase of my life. Transition hurts though. Seasons change and when they do, things happen. I feel like I am in the season of "fall" with the changes that are going on in my life. Things are being left behind, falling to the wayside and blowing away. Its "OK!" There is a season for everything under heaven, and somehow, I am changing seasons. This is a good thing, I think. As I transition from a young adult into a mature one, ha ha, things that held so much meaning to me aren't nearly as important. My focus and my energy are narrowing in on what priorities really should be. My God, my husband and my family. Everything, and everyone, else comes after that. I am accomplishing something that maybe no one here on earth will see or appreciate, but my Father in heaven sure does. I want to hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant!" Its "OK!"

Life is like laundry....

Yes, you read that correctly. Tonight my brilliant thoughts surround the task of doing laundry. Many times I have referred to our struggles as "being in the fire" or "being broken." Tonight, its "being a piece of laundry." Think about it:

You've been worn out, you're dirty, you need cleansing. You get put in a confined spot, rather uncomfortably, being pushed and shoved in. Then, you get flooded with water, feeling like you are struggling to get a breath. And its soapy water at that! The tumbling and turning and churning begin. You get pretty beat up, you are at the mercy of the "washer" and then the world seems to spin, faster and faster, out of your control. Before you know it, it stops. The door is opened, you are lifted up and shook out. You are gently placed on a line, in the breeze, to catch your breath and feel the glorious warmth of the Son. You are clean, ready to be used again. But when you are worn again, the process will begin all over again.

Oh how I long to be on the line, in the breeze and feeling the glorious warmth of the sun on my face!


Note: The dryer analogy just wouldn't have worked!

Where to go from here?

So, I have a small dilemma. No one has read this blog, pretty much since I started, and I want to know how to make it a "could read" let alone a "must read!" I think I have decided to write about the random, and kind of crazy, things rolling around in my head from day to day. I think its interesting, and if you are reading this, I will be shocked, stunned and amazed!

First Thought:

Mosquitos

Why? Where do they fit in? They must have some benefit, as all of God's creation does. But what? This question has plagued me for some time now, usually after I've been bitten or I have them swarming around me as I water my plants outside. Can someone please explain?

Friday's Morning Glory

LORD God,
"Look upon my suffering and deliver me,
for I have not forgotten your law.
Defend my cause and redeem me;
preserve my life according to your promise.
Salvation is far from the wicked,
for they do not seek out your decrees.
Your compassion is great, O LORD;
preserve my life according to your laws.
Many are the foes who persecute me,
but I have not turned from your statutes.
I look on the faithless with loathing,
for they do not obey your word.
See how I love your precepts;
preserve my life, O LORD,
according to your love.
All your words are true;
all your words are true;
all your righteous laws are eternal.

Rulers persecute me without cause,
but my heart trembles at your word.
I rejoice in your promise like one who finds great spoil.
I hate and abhor falsehood but I love your law.
Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous laws.
Great peace have they who love your law,
and nothing can make them stumble.
I wait for your salvation, O LORD, and I follow your commands.
I obey your statutes, for I love them greatly.
I obey your precepts and your statutes,
for all my ways are known to you.

May my cry come before you, O LORD;
give me understanding according to your word.
May my supplication come before you;
deliver me according to your promise.
May my lips overflow with praise,
for you teach me your decrees.
May my tongue sing of your word,
for all your commands are righteous.
May your hand be ready to help me,
for I have chosen your precepts.
I long for your salvation, O LORD, and your law is my delight.
Let me live that I may praise you,
and may your laws sustain me.
I have strayed like a lost sheep.
Seek your servant, for I have not forgotten your commands."
In your Holy and Precious Name,
Amen.
Psalm 119:153-176

Thursday's Morning Glory

Father God, I thank you for this day. I thank you for all of your blessings, but above all, I thank you for giving up your only Son that we may live eternally with you. You are gracious and merciful, Father.

"Your statutes are wonderful;
therefore I obey them.
The unfolding of your words gives light;
it gives understanding to the simple.
I open my mouth and pant,
longing for your commands.
Turn to me and have mercy on me, as you always do
to those who love your name.
Direct my footsteps according to your word;
let no sin rule over me.
Redeem me from the oppression of men,
that I may obey your precepts.
Make your face shine upon your servant
and teach me your decrees.
Streams of tears flow from my eyes,
for your law is not obeyed.

Righteous are you, O LORD,
and your laws are right.
The statutes you have laid down are righteous;
they are fully trustworthy.
My zeal wears me out, for my enemies ignore your words.
Your promises have been thoroughly tested, and your
servant loves them.
Though I am lowly and despised,
I do not forget your precepts.
Your righteousness is everlasting and your law is true.
Trouble and distress have come upon me,
but your commands are my delight.
Your statutes are forever right;
give me understanding that I may live.

I call with all my heart;
answer me, O LORD, and I will obey your decrees.
I call out to you; save me and I will keep your statutes.
I rise before dawn and cry out for help;
I have put my hope in your word.
My eyes stay open through the watches of night,
that I may meditate on your promises.
Hear my voice in accordance with your love;
preserve my life, O LORD, according to your laws.
Those who devise wicked schemes are near,
but they are far from your law.
Yet you are near, O LORD, and all
your commands are true.
Long ago I learned from your statutes
that you established them to last forever."
Amen.

Psalm 119:129-152

Wednesday's Morning Glory

Good Morning! As we near then end of this week, I will cover two or three stanzas each day. I will not interject my thoughts, as I will turn them into my prayers for that day.
Samekh
"I hate double-minded men, but I love your law.
You are my refuge and my shield;
I have put my hope in your word.
Away from me, you evil doers,
that I may keep the commands of my God!
Sustain me according to your promise, and I will live;
do not let my hopes be dashed.
Uphold me, and I will be delivered;
I will always have regard for your decrees.
You reject all who stray from your decrees,
for their deceitfulness is in vain.
All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross;
therefore I love your statutes.
My flesh trembles in fear of you;
I stand in awe of your laws.

Ayin
I have done what is righteous and just;
do not leave me to my oppressors.
Ensure your servant's well-being;
let not the arrogant oppress me.
My eyes fail, looking for your salvation,
looking for your righteous promise.
Deal with your servant according to your love
and teach me your decrees.
I am your servant; give me discernment that I may
understand your statutes.
It is time for you to act, O LORD;
your law is being broken.
Because I love your commands more than gold,
more than pure gold,
and because I consider all your precepts right,
I hate every wrong path."
Psalm 119:113-128

Tuesday's Morning Glory

Good Morning to you! I love the fact that the LORD allows us to only see so far ahead, for if we could see farther, we wouldn't depend on Him. Look for His Light today as you navigate through the life He has set out for you.

Nun
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.
I have taken an oath and confirmed it,
that I will follow your righteous laws.
I have suffered much;
preserve my life, O LORD, according to your word.
Accept, O LORD, the willing praise of my mouth,
and teach me your laws.
Though I constantly take my life in my hands,
I will not forget your law.
The wicked have set a snare for me,
but I have not strayed from your precepts.
Your statutes are my heritage forever;
they are the joy of my heart.
My heart is set on keeping your decrees to the very end."
Psalm 119:105-112

Monday's Morning Glory

Father in Heaven,

"Your word, O LORD, is eternal;
it stands firm in the heavens.
Your faithfulness continues through all generations;
you established the earth, and it endures.
Your laws endure to this day,
for all things serve you.
If your law had not been my delight,
I would have perished in my affliction.
I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have
preserved my life.
Save me, for I am yours;
I have sought out your precepts.
The wicked are waiting to destroy me,
but I will ponder your statutes.
To all perfection I see a limit;
but your commands are boundless.

Oh how I love your law!
I meditate on it all day long.
Your commands make me wiser than my enemies,
for they are ever with me.
I have more insight than all my teachers,
for I meditate on your statutes.
I have more understanding than the elders,
for I obey your precepts.
I have kept my feet from every evil path so that I might obey your word.
I have not departed from your laws,
for you yourself have taught me.
How sweet are your words to my taste,
sweeter than honey to my mouth!
I gain understanding from your precepts;
therefore I hate every wrong path."
Amen.
Lamedh and Zayin
Psalm 119:89-104

Friday's Morning Glory

Good Morning! Are you waiting for something? I think we all are, but what are we waiting for? Is it for something special or something that holds no value? This stanza of Psalm 119 reminds us to be patient in our waiting, for we are waiting on the LORD. All is well and good in His timing, not ours.

Kaph
"My soul faints with longing for your salvation,
but I have put my hope in your word.
My eyes fail, looking for your promise;
I say, 'When will you comfort me?'
Though I am like a wineskin in the smoke,
I do not forget your decrees.
How long must your servant wait?
When will you punish my prosecutors?
The arrogant dig pitfalls for me,
contrary to your law.
All your commands are trustworthy;
help me for men persecute me without cause.
They almost wiped me from the earth,
but I have not forsaken your precepts.
Preserve my life according to your love,
and I will obey the statutes of your mouth."

Psalm 119:81-88

Thursday's Morning Glory

Good Morning! I apologize for having sent out yesterday's Morning Glory twice, I had Internet issues... All is resolved now and away we go.

Father God,
"Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding to learn your commands.
May those who fear you rejoice when they see me,
for I have put my hope in your word.
I know, O LORD, that your laws are righteous,
and in faithfulness you have afflicted me.
May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise
to your servant.
Let your compassion come to me that I may live,
for your law is my delight.
May the arrogant be put to shame for wronging me without cause;
but I will meditate on your precepts.
May those who fear you turn to me,
those who understand your statutes.
May my heart be blameless toward your decrees,
that I may not be put to shame."
Yodh
Psalm 119:73-80

Wednesday's Morning Glory

Good Morning to you! I pray that this finds you well and refreshed: body, mind and spirit. May the LORD bless you and keep you today!

Teth
"Do good to your servant according to your word, O LORD.
Teach me knowledge and good judgment,
for I believe in your commands.
Before I was afflicted I went astray,
but now I obey your word.
You are good, and what you do is good;
teach me your decrees.
Though the arrogant have smeared me with lies,
I keep your precepts with all my heart.
Their hearts are callous and unfeeling,
but I delight in your law.
It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.
The law from your mouth is more precious
to me than thousands of pieces of silver and gold."
Psalm 119:65-72

Tuesday's Morning Glory

Good morning to you this beautiful day! I feel led to share two stanzas with you today. I want to give Him all the honor and glory for all that He has done!

Zayin
"Remember your word to your servant,
for you have given me hope.
My comfort in my suffering is this:
Your promise preserves my life.
The arrogant mock me without restraint,
but I do not turn from your law.
I remember your ancient laws, O LORD,
and I find comfort in them.
Indignation grips me because of the wicked,
who have forsaken your law.
Your decrees are the theme of my song wherever I lodge.
In the night I remember your name, O LORD,
and I will keep your law.
This has been my practice;
I obey your precepts.

Heth
You are my portion, O LORD;
I have promised to obey your words.
I have sought your face with all my heart;
be gracious to me according to your promise.
I have considered my ways and have turned my steps
to your statutes.
I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands.
Though the wicked bind me with ropes,
I will not forget your law.
At midnight I rise to give you thanks for your righteous laws.
I am a friend to all who fear you,
to all who follow your precepts.
The earth is filled with your love, O LORD;
teach me your decrees."
Psalm 119:49-64

Monday's Morning Glory

Good Monday morning to you. This is my prayer for the day:

Waw
"May your unfailing love come to me, O LORD,
your salvation according to your promise;
then I will answer the one who taunts me,
for I trust in your word.
Do not snatch the word of truth from my mouth,
for I have put my hope in your laws.
I will always obey your law,
for ever and ever.
I will walk about in freedom,
for I have sought out your precepts.
I will speak of your statutes before kings and will not be put to shame,
for I delight in your commands because I love them.
I lift up my hands to your commands,
which I love,
and I meditate on your decrees."
Psalm 119:41-48

Friday's Morning Glory

Good Morning! Today I pray for a renewed sense of peace and an openness of mind for the changes He will bring.

He
"Teach me, O LORD, to follow your decrees;
then I will keep them to the end.
Give me understanding, and I will keep your law
and obey it with all my heart.
Direct me in the path of your commands,
for there I find delight.
Turn my heart toward your statutes
and not toward selfish gain.
Turn my eyes away from worthless things;
preserve my life according to your word.
Fulfill your promise to your servant,
so that you may be feared.
Take away the disgrace I dread,
for your laws are good.
How I long for your precepts!
Preserve my life in your righteousness."
Psalm 119:33-40

Thursday's Morning Glory

Heavenly Father, I thank you for the incredible blessings and mercy you bestow upon me. Thank you for sending your Son to suffer and die for me, so that my heart would be set free here on earth and I could spend eternity with you. Father, help me to set my heart and mind on you. In Your Precious Name, Amen.

Daleth
"I am laid in the dust;
preserve my life according to your word.
I recounted my ways and you answered me;
teach me your decrees.
Let me understand the teaching of your precepts;
then I will meditate on your wonders.
My soul is weary with sorrow;
strengthen me according to your word.
Keep me from deceitful ways;
be gracious to me through your law.
I have chosen the way of truth;
I have set my heart on your laws.
I hold fast to your statutes, O LORD;
do not let me be put to shame.
I run in the path of your commands,
for you have set my heart free."
Psalm 119:25-32

Wednesday's Morning Glory

Father God, I thank you for each one who receives this. I thank you for being faithful, even when we are not. Help us LORD, to fill our hearts with You and set our minds on You. Help us to seek You in all things. Help us to long for you. I thank you for all that You are doing in our lives, Father. In Your Holy Name, Amen.

Gimel
"Do good to your servant, and I will live;
I will obey your word.
Open my eyes that I may see
wonderful things in your law.
I am a stranger on earth;
do not hide your commands from me.
My soul is consumed with longing for your laws at all times.
You rebuke the arrogant, who are cursed
and who stray from your commands.
Remove from me scorn and contempt,
for I keep your statutes.
Though rulers sit together and slander me,
your servant will meditate on your decrees.
Your statutes are my delight;
they are my counselors."
Psalm 119:17-24

Tuesday's Morning Glory

Good morning! This morning I pray for a clear mind and a right heart, both focused on what the LORD has done. I also pray for strength, peace and comfort for us all.

Beth
"How can a young man keep his way pure?
By living according to your word.
I seek you with all my heart;
do not let me stray from your commands.
I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you.
Praise be to you, O LORD;
teach me your decrees.
With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth.
I rejoice in following your statutes
as one rejoices in great riches.
I meditate on your precepts
and consider your ways.
I delight in your decrees;
I will not neglect your word."
Psalm 119:9-16

Monday's Morning Glory

Good Monday morning to you! I pray that you all had a safe weekend. Today I want to start a three week focus on Psalm 119, the longest chapter in the Bible. This will take us right up to Holy Week and I feel that the LORD is guiding me to really look at each stanza of this poem in preparation for Easter. It is by no accident that we came to Psalm 119 at this time, as each stanza has an opportunity for self reflection and supplication. I will not, unless otherwise led by the LORD, interject my thoughts or opinions. As I feel that the LORD wants to use these words to speak to you individually.
Father God, I thank you for this opportunity to search my heart and line it up with Your Word. I ask, LORD, that you would shed light on any area where I need Your help, cleansing and peace. I thank you, Father, in advance for all that You will accomplish in and through me in the coming days and weeks. Father, guide me into Your Word and send Your Holy Spirit to help me understand Your will. In Your Precious Name I pray, Amen.
Aleph
"Blessed are they whose ways are blameless,
who walk according to the law of the LORD.
Blessed are they who keep his statutes
and seek him with all their heart.
They do nothing wrong;
they walk in your ways.
You have laid down precepts
that are to be fully obeyed.
Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees!
Then I would not be put to shame
when I consider all your commands.
I will praise you with an upright heart
as I learn your righteous laws.
I will obey your decrees;
do not utterly forsake me."
Psalm 119:1-8

Friday's Morning Glory

Good Morning to you. Are you a "glass half empty" or "glass half full" kind of person? I tend to go the way of the former, but have aspirations to become the latter. How many of us, as Christians, tend to look at the world through a negative lens? It is something that I struggle with on a daily basis, sarcasm and all. It is a choice that I make each day to try to see the world through God's eyes and thank Him for all He has done. The good and the bad alike. Most of us, at first thought, believe that death is the end of our time. Then, we move into the remembrance of what Christ did for us and recognize that we will have eternal life with Him. How do we get to the place where our first instantaneous thought is about our eternal life? I will venture to guess that it requires time spent with Him in prayer, asking for the realization and full acceptance of the fact that we have been set free. Then allowing His Holy Spirit to come and change our thought patterns, for it isn't something that we can do for ourselves.

"The LORD's right hand is lifted high;
the LORD's right hand has done mighty things!
I will not die but live,
and will proclaim what the LORD has done."
Psalm 118:16-17

Thursday's Morning Glory

Good morning, good morning! This morning I want to share a "Mommy moment" with you that I hope you will find as insightful I did. Last night while we were reading our family devotions, our soon-to-be three year old daughter blew us away. The title for the day was "God Sees Everything." As you can guess, the story was about God being everywhere and seeing all that you do. We were answering the questions following the story, and I asked "where is God?" Our eight year old, Meghan, answered "everywhere." Emilie quickly followed, very matter-of-factly, "God lives in my heart now." In her pure, concrete-thinking toddler mind, she gets it. She understands it, even when I don't. A lesson in having faith like a child, I would say. We know God's love for us intellectually, but do we know it in our hearts and accept it for what it is? Accepting it as concrete, never changing? He is faithful!! Let us set our hearts like a child's and walk out His love as adults made in His image.

"Praise the LORD, all you nations;
extol him, all you peoples.
For great is his love toward us,
and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever.
Praise the LORD."
Psalm 117

Wednesday's Morning Glory

Good Wednesday morning to you! I am going to share all of Psalm 116 with you today. Take your time reading it if you can, let the words speak to you. In them I hope you find peace and communion with our Heavenly Father, lay your concerns at His feet and let your soul "be at rest once more."
"I love the LORD, for he heard my voice;

he heard my cry for mercy.
2 Because he turned his ear to me,

I will call on him as long as I live.
3 The cords of death entangled me,

the anguish of the grave [a] came upon me;

I was overcome by trouble and sorrow.
4 Then I called on the name of the LORD :

"O LORD, save me!"
5 The LORD is gracious and righteous;

our God is full of compassion.
6 The LORD protects the simplehearted;

when I was in great need, he saved me.
7 Be at rest once more, O my soul,

for the LORD has been good to you.
8 For you, O LORD, have delivered my soul from death,

my eyes from tears,

my feet from stumbling,
9 that I may walk before the LORD

in the land of the living.
10 I believed; therefore [b] I said,

"I am greatly afflicted."
11 And in my dismay I said,

"All men are liars."
12 How can I repay the LORD

for all his goodness to me?
13 I will lift up the cup of salvation

and call on the name of the LORD.
14 I will fulfill my vows to the LORD

in the presence of all his people.
15 Precious in the sight of the LORD

is the death of his saints.
16 O LORD, truly I am your servant;

I am your servant, the son of your maidservant [c] ;

you have freed me from my chains.
17 I will sacrifice a thank offering to you

and call on the name of the LORD.
18 I will fulfill my vows to the LORD

in the presence of all his people,
19 in the courts of the house of the LORD—

in your midst, O Jerusalem.

Praise the LORD."

Tuesday's Morning Glory

Good Morning. It occurred to me this morning that the season of Lent has begun. It began last Wednesday, Ash Wednesday, where we are reminded of "repentance (sackcloth and ashes) and mortality: "You are dust, and to dust you will return" (Gen 3:19). I think it slipped by me since I was not expecting it this early. At any rate, there is something about Lent that always draws me in. I did a little search on Lent and found this, as well as a full history of the Lenten season: "Lent is one of the oldest observations on the Christian calendar. Like all Christian holy days and holidays, it has changed over the years, but its purpose has always been the same: self-examination and penitence, demonstrated by self-denial, in preparation for Easter."(Christianity Today, Christian History 1999. Ted Olsen's "The Beginning of Lent")
I welcome this time of self-reflection, as I find it necessary to align my heart and mind with what Christ did for me. It forces me to think about what things have become "idols" in my life. I need to give up those "idols" which sometimes come about without my knowing. Are there "idols" that you need to give up? I pray that as we get closer to Easter, the LORD will help each of us to lay down our "idols" and pick up the Cross that He had to bare.
"Why do the nations say,
'Where is their God?'
Our God is in heaven;
he does whatever pleases him.
But their idols are silver and gold,
made by the hands of men.
They have mouths, but cannot speak,
eyes, but they cannot see;
they have ears, but cannot hear,
noses, but they cannot smell;
they have hands, but cannot feel,
feet, but they cannot walk;
nor can they utter a sound with their throats.
Those who make them will be like them,
and so will all who trust in them."
Psalm 115:2-8
"The LORD remembers us and will bless us:
He will bless the house of Israel,
he will bless the house of Aaron,
he will bless those who fear the LORD--
small and great alike."
Psalm 115:12&13

Monday's Morning Glory

Good Monday morning to you! This weekend was an awesome time for me. I was able to spend time with relatives from out of town, time with my family (all together) and time with some very special friends. The most important part, however, was that my youngest daughter and two of our nieces were baptized yesterday. I can't help but get excited about the work the LORD is doing in our lives, mine especially. I am learning what being filled with joy is, something I don't think I really knew before. It excites me to see and hear my kids talking about and singing to the LORD. It excites me that they are eager to hear Bible stories and do our family devotions. Today's Psalm describes how even nature gets excited over God's great works. I believe that it is only natural for us to get excited too! So, today, try to get excited about something that the LORD is doing in your life, even if it is through a trial or struggle.
"The sea looked and fled,
the Jordan turned back;
the mountains skipped like rams,
you hills like lambs?
Why was it, O sea, that you fled,
O Jordan, that you turned back,
you mountains, that you skipped like rams,
you hills, like lambs?
Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the LORD,
at the presence of the God of Jacob,
who turned the rock into a pool,
the hard rock into springs of water."
Psalm 114:3-8

Friday's Morning Glory

Good Morning to you!! I want to end this week with some awesome words of encouragement. I know that we all have struggles, some even seem like the worst we've ever known, but in our struggles we are never alone. If the LORD sacrificed His only Son for you, do you think He would let you dangle and fall? He is there, holding you ever so gently and firmly, close to His heart. Give Him your struggle, leave your burden at the foot of the Cross. "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matt. 11:28-30) Remember, as you read these words from Psalm 113, that you are created in His Image. This incredible LORD, who does glorious works, lives in you!
"The LORD is exalted over all the nations,
his glory above the heavens.
Who is like the LORD our God,
the One who sits enthroned on high,
who stoops down to look on the heavens and the earth?
He raises the poor from the dust
and lifts the needy from the ash heap;
he sets them with princes,
with the princes of their people."
Psalm 113:4-8

Thursday's Morning Glory

Happy Valentine's Day! So much of this day is about commercialism, but we can look at it so differently as Children of God. The word "love" is referenced close to 700 times in the Bible in various forms. There are two specific Scriptures that I was drawn to for today. They are both found in the Gospel of John and are both well known. One tells of God's love for us and the other instructs us to pass that love on. I pray today that you will feel and experience God's amazing love for you in a way you have never felt before.
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,
that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
John 3:16

"A new command I give you:
Love one another. As I have loved you,
so you must love one another.
By this all men will know that you are my disciples,
if you love one another."
John 13:34-35

Wednesday's Morning Glory

Good morning to you! I am returning to my Bible study group this morning and I am excited to do so. The study itself is something that I have been longing for, it feels like a healing salve, if you will. ( I would encourage all you ladies to read this on your own, if you haven't already.) The book we are using is by Cynthia Heald and is called "Becoming a Woman of Excellence." I have only read and worked through the first chapter and I am incredibly encouraged by it. I am sharing this with you as some of the principles from this first chapter apply to today's Psalm. The chapter is on defining excellence through my thoughts, the world's eyes, the church today and the biblical view. In order to work towards excellence, we need to set our eyes on Him, fill our minds with pure things, trusting Him, leaving the old behind and striving for the things above. In other words, living an upright and righteous life pleasing unto God. Psalm 112 reassures us of the blessings we will receive for living a life apart from this world. One phrase from the book really stood out to me about excellence and living that upright life: "Excellence is not perfection." We can't be perfect, but we can strive for excellence!
"Praise the LORD.
Blessed is the man who fears the LORD,
who finds great delight in his commands.
His children will be mighty in the land;
the generation of the upright will be blessed.
Wealth and riches are in his house,
and his righteousness endures forever.
Even in darkness light dawns for the upright,
for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man.
Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely,
who conducts his affairs with justice.
Surely he will never be shaken;
a righteous man will be remembered forever.
He will have no fear of bad news;
his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.
His heart is secure, he will have no fear;
in the end he will look in triumph on his foes."
Psalm 112:1-8

Wednesday's Morning Glory

Good morning to you! I am returning to my Bible study group this morning and I am excited to do so. The study itself is something that I have been longing for, it feels like a healing salve, if you will. ( I would encourage all you ladies to read this on your own, if you haven't already.) The book we are using is by Cynthia Heald and is called "Becoming a Woman of Excellence." I have only read and worked through the first chapter and I am incredibly encouraged by it. I am sharing this with you as some of the principles from this first chapter apply to today's Psalm. The chapter is on defining excellence through my thoughts, the world's eyes, the church today and the biblical view. In order to work towards excellence, we need to set our eyes on Him, fill our minds with pure things, trusting Him, leaving the old behind and striving for the things above. In other words, living an upright and righteous life pleasing unto God. Psalm 112 reassures us of the blessings we will receive for living a life apart from this world. One phrase from the book really stood out to me about excellence and living that upright life: "Excellence is not perfection." We can't be perfect, but we can strive for excellence!
"Praise the LORD.
Blessed is the man who fears the LORD,
who finds great delight in his commands.
His children will be mighty in the land;
the generation of the upright will be blessed.
Wealth and riches are in his house,
and his righteousness endures forever.
Even in darkness light dawns for the upright,
for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man.
Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely,
who conducts his affairs with justice.
Surely he will never be shaken;
a righteous man will be remembered forever.
He will have no fear of bad news;
his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.
His heart is secure, he will have no fear;
in the end he will look in triumph on his foes."
Psalm 112:1-8

Tuesday's Morning Glory

Good Morning! It is another beautiful morning with the sun shining and blue sky. I savor winter days like today, as I know that the rain will return. I want to share all of Psalm 111 with you today. Read it and savor it, let it be your prayer this wonderful day. For there are so many wonders for us to ponder that came from the LORD's hand.
Psalm 111
1 Praise the LORD.

I will extol the LORD with all my heart

in the council of the upright and in the assembly.
2 Great are the works of the LORD;

they are pondered by all who delight in them.
3 Glorious and majestic are his deeds,

and his righteousness endures forever.
4 He has caused his wonders to be remembered;

the LORD is gracious and compassionate.
5 He provides food for those who fear him;

he remembers his covenant forever.
6 He has shown his people the power of his works,

giving them the lands of other nations.
7 The works of his hands are faithful and just;

all his precepts are trustworthy.
8 They are steadfast for ever and ever,

done in faithfulness and uprightness.
9 He provided redemption for his people;

he ordained his covenant forever—

holy and awesome is his name.
10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;

all who follow his precepts have good understanding.

To him belongs eternal praise.

Monday's Morning Glory

Good Monday morning to you! This morning I was thinking about King David and his life as I was reading today's Psalm. King David held such a place of honor and significance in the LORD's heart, and he was, by no means, a perfect man. This fact alone gives me incredible hope. King David knew he wasn't a perfect man, and made known his mistakes to the LORD, begged for forgiveness and tried again. This is an example for me, that when I mess up royally and go to the LORD for forgiveness, I don't have to carry that around anymore! I find that I will hold on to a poor choice or sin, even after I have repented and been forgiven. Why? Maybe I don't think I am worthy of the sin being wiped away for good, maybe I haven't forgiven myself or maybe I don't know how to let it go. Probably a little, or a lot, of all three, if I am completely honest. I want to fully experience the freedom that I have in the LORD. He has lifted that burden from me, and I pray, that I won't heap it back on myself! As Kay Arthur states in her book, "Lord, Heal My Hurts," "stop dragging the old, dead self out of the closet and chaining him to your leg!" Let the old self go, and live in the present new self, bought for us by the blood of the Lamb. For as King David said in Psalm 51 in regard to his sin, "Wash me, and I will be whiter than snow." (vs.7b) The LORD then brings us in close, even as close as His Right hand like He did for David, and gives us His freedom.
"The LORD says to my Lord;
'Sit at my right hand until I make
your enemies a footstool for your feet."
Psalm 110:1

Friday's Morning Glory

Good morning! I think I can safely say that we have all been hurt by someone we love and trust. Our hearts and minds then run the gamut of human emotions, including revenge. King David describes the revenge that he was seeking for the one who hurt him in today's Psalm. He prayed that the LORD would inflict some serious destruction on the life of the one who betrayed him. It is natural for us to have these emotions, the LORD gave them to us for a reason. I think that reason is to see how we act or react to these emotions. King David went to the LORD and cried out for justice and wrath. We, too, are to cry out to the LORD to sort through these hurts, but we are now called to love our enemies and to work on forgiveness also. The psalmists were under the Law and had not experienced Christ, but we have the benefit of the price He paid on the cross. So, in your hurt, seek His guidance in owning your part of the problem and trust the rest to Him!
"But you, O Sovereign LORD,
deal well with me for your name's sake;
out of the goodness of your love, deliver me.
For I am poor and needy,
and my heart is wounded within me."
Psalm 109:21-22

Thursday's Morning Glory

Good morning to you this beautiful day! It is so nice to see the sunshine for more than 5 minutes at a time. I guess its the So. Cal. kid in me! Yesterday I was sitting in the glorious sunshine, taking in God's handiwork and thinking ahead to Spring. I found such hope and peace just thinking about the time I will spend outside. I love to fill my flower boxes and pots with new life and beauty and then just sit and enjoy them. The hope that is found in those moments makes my heart sing with joy and praises for my Creator. He gives us hope in even the tiniest of things, and sometimes its those things that help get us through!
"My heart is steadfast, O God;
I will sing and make music with all my soul.
Awake, harp and lyre!
I will awaken the dawn.
I will praise you, O LORD, among the nations;
I will sing of you among the peoples.
For great is your love, higher than the heavens,
and let your glory be over all the earth.
Save us and help us with your right hand,
that those you love may be delivered."
Psalm 108:1-6

Wednesday's Morning Glory

Good Morning to you! As I reflect upon my own struggles as of late, I am truly encouraged by the hope and reassurance that the LORD continues to give me. I can't even put into words the place that the LORD has me. Everything I have ever known is changing and transforming into His will, not mine. Unknown territory, that's for sure! I look at today's Psalm and I am reminded that no matter what the struggle, when I cry out to Him, He will hear me. Even if I don't know the right words, He knows. If you can, take time today to read Psalm 107 in its entirety, I think it will encourage you too!
"Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble,
and he saved them from their distress.
He brought them out of the darkness and the deepest gloom
and broke away their chains.
Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for men,
for he breaks down the gates of bronze and cuts through bars of iron."
Psalm 107:13-16

Tuesday's Morning Glory

Good Tuesday morning! In reading today's Psalm I began to wonder how often we are like the Children of Israel. The Psalmist recounts the time in the desert, when even though He had performed many miracles and saved them time after time, the people rebelled and turned their backs on God. On certain occasions the LORD was ready to unleash His wrath and destroy them, when Moses or Phinehas stood in the breach before Him. Today, Christ is the one who stands in the gap for us. We, in our humanness, continuously fall short and, at times, even live in outright rebellion. We know what we are supposed to be doing, but we put that aside for what feels good or makes us fit in. Once we come to our senses, and quit running from God, we realize that He never left us and He will hear our cries.
"Many times he delivered them,
but they were bent on rebellion and they wasted away in their sin.
But he took note of their distress when he heard their cry;
for their sake he remembered his covenant
and out of his great love he relented.
He caused them to be pitied by all who held them captive.
Save us, O LORD our God,
and gather us from the nations,
that we may give thanks to your holy name and glory in your praise.
Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel,
from everlasting to everlasting.
Let all the people say 'Amen!'
Praise the LORD."
Psalm 106:43-48

Monday's Morning Glory

Good Monday morning to you! Yesterday a close friend of mine was asked how she was doing and I love the analogy she gave for her answer. She said she felt like she was floating on the ocean in her little dingy just trying to hold on. In my not-so-cheery state-of-mind, I wanted to add that I felt like I was on the anchor chain on the way down taking my dingy with it. (Yesterday was a down day for me!) There are times that we all feel like all we can do is hang on, trying to keep our head above water and pray that the LORD lifts us out. I think it is in the way we hold on, that the lesson from the LORD will be learned. Do we continue to struggle in our own strength to keep our heads above water? That will only push us further down. Seek Him and He will give us the strength to hold on, and He won't let us sink! And as we are holding on, everyone on that luxury cruise-liner passing by, will be watching how we react and wondering where that strength is coming from.
"Glory in his holy name;
let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.
Look to the LORD and his strength;
seek his face always."
Psalm 105:3-4

Friday's Morning Glory

Good Morning! Today's Psalm describes how all things were planned and made to work together according to the LORD's perfect design. All things, oceans and rivers, light and darkness, trees and plants, mountains and valleys, birds and beasts, and man. "How many are your works, O LORD! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures." (vs.24) He has provided for everything, and will continue to provide for us and all of His creation. Even when we find ourselves in situations that seem to be hopeless and never-ending, He will provide what we need. Trust in that, go to Him with your fears and He give you His peace.
"I will sing to the LORD all my life;
I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.
May my meditation be pleasing to him,
as I rejoice in the LORD."
Psalm 104:33-34

Thursday's Morning Glory

Good Thursday morning to you! We talked yesterday about how our LORD remains constant and never-changing, in an ever-changing world. What a comfort to know that He is always there. Today I want to share all of Psalm 103, as it breaks down the love our LORD has for us. I find it incredibly inspirational as I begin this day that He has given me. Praise be to God for all that He has done!

"1 Praise the LORD, O my soul;

all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
2 Praise the LORD, O my soul,

and forget not all his benefits-
3 who forgives all your sins

and heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit

and crowns you with love and compassion,
5 who satisfies your desires with good things

so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
6 The LORD works righteousness

and justice for all the oppressed.
7 He made known his ways to Moses,

his deeds to the people of Israel:
8 The LORD is compassionate and gracious,

slow to anger, abounding in love.
9 He will not always accuse,

nor will he harbor his anger forever;
10 he does not treat us as our sins deserve

or repay us according to our iniquities.
11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,

so great is his love for those who fear him;
12 as far as the east is from the west,

so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
13 As a father has compassion on his children,

so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him;
14 for he knows how we are formed,

he remembers that we are dust.
15 As for man, his days are like grass,

he flourishes like a flower of the field;
16 the wind blows over it and it is gone,

and its place remembers it no more.
17 But from everlasting to everlasting

the LORD's love is with those who fear him,

and his righteousness with their children's children-
18 with those who keep his covenant

and remember to obey his precepts.
19 The LORD has established his throne in heaven,

and his kingdom rules over all.
20 Praise the LORD, you his angels,

you mighty ones who do his bidding,

who obey his word.
21 Praise the LORD, all his heavenly hosts,

you his servants who do his will.
22 Praise the LORD, all his works

everywhere in his dominion.

Praise the LORD, O my soul."
Psalm 103

Wednesday's Morning Glory

Good Morning to you! Did you think about my question yesterday? Did you, as I did, realize that there is room for change and improvement? I have to constantly remind myself that life is full of changes, whether or not I like them or ask for them. Life requires change, it cannot be stagnate. We know that there are physical, emotional, relational, and situational changes that happen all throughout our lives. Isn't reassuring to know that there will always be a constant, NEVER changing force guiding us? Our LORD allows all of these changes in our lives and He never lets us fall. His love is never failing, His promises are always kept and His grace is always given. If we continue to seek Him and give Him the glory, even in the most difficult of changes, we will see the amazing blessing on the other side of it.
"In the beginning you laid the foundations of the earth,
and the heavens are the work of your hands.
They will perish, but you remain;
they will all wear out like a garment.
Like clothing you will change them and they will be discarded.
But you remain the same,
and your years will never end.
The children of your servants will live in your presence;
their descendants will be established before you."
Psalm 102:25-28

Tuesday's Morning Glory

Good Morning! My question to you this morning is, I hope, thought provoking. How do you want to live? It seems like an easy question on the outside, but let yourself look a little deeper. In processing through the recent deaths in my family and the trials I have been enduring, I have really become aware of how I want to live. I want to live for my LORD and Savior. I want to have Him be my guide in fulfilling the life and purpose that He has set for me. I want to live humbly and compassionately. I want others to see Christ in me. I want, as David did, to live blamelessly. Not being perfect, because no one is, but blameless in the eyes of my LORD. Being blameless in loving God and accepting His forgiveness. I cannot do this, however, without His divine intervention and empowerment. So, I seek Him and do the best I can, in this human flesh that He has created.
"I will sing of your love and justice;
to you, O LORD, I will sing praise.
I will be careful to lead a blameless life--
when will you come to me?
I will walk in my house with a blameless heart."
Psalm 101:1-2

Father God, I ask for your continued guidance and provision. I thank you for this life that you have given me. I thank you for fixing what I mess up and erasing it from your memory. I thank you for the forgiveness that You have given me through the death of your Son and the promise of eternal fellowship with You. I love you LORD, and I lift my voice to worship you, oh my soul rejoice. Take joy my King in what You hear. May it be a sweet, sweet sound in Your ear. Amen.

Monday's Morning Glory

Good Morning to you! Today marks the 100th Morning Glory, and I can't believe its gone so quickly. It feels like I just started this ministry. God is good! He is also gracious and faithful. Sunday morning He took my Aunt Nancy home to be with Him. She suffered from MS for thirty years, give or take. She was wheelchair bound for the last half of it and unable to do the things she loved to do. Now, she is whole and perfect. She is able to walk, jump and run, all in the presence of the Almighty! Through her suffering she persevered and kept her eyes on Jesus. She was and will remain to be an inspiration! Even through my sadness, I thank and praise Him, for He is good.
"Shout for joy to the LORD,
all the earth.
Worship the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
Know that the LORD is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations."
Psalm 100

Friday's Morning Glory

Good Morning to you this Friday! In these days of busyness and trials, how often does doubt enter your mind? Doubt about your purpose, your job, your finances and yes, even about your faith. The enemy would love for all of us to live in doubt because it makes us weak, susceptible to his attacks. How can we guard ourselves and fight off the doubt? We need to stay focused and securely grounded in the LORD, and rebuke the enemy at each turn. Ask for His help. Great is the LORD, and nothing is out of His control!
"The LORD reigns, let the nations tremble;
he sits enthroned between the cherubim,
let the earth shake.
Great is the LORD in Zion;
he is exalted over all the nations.
Let them praise your great and awesome name--
he is holy.
The King is mighty, he loves justice--
you have established equity;
in Jacob you have done what is just and right.
Exalt the LORD our God
and worship at his footstool;
he is holy."
Psalm 99:1-5

Thursday's Frozen Glory

Good Afternoon! I feel like the Postal Service...no matter what the weather or conditions I will try my hardest to get the message out! So, with the help of a generator and despite the 6 inches of snow, here we go! Let us rejoice in the things that HE has done for us, even if we don't understand them. Let us give Him thanks, even in advance, for what He is accomplishing in and through us!
"Sing the LORD a new song,
for he has done marvelous things;
his right hand and his holy arm
have worked salvation for him."
Psalm 98:1

If you get the chance today, read all of Psalm 98, its a good one!

Wednesday's Afternoon Glory

Good Afternoon! I have a question for you, one that I hope will get you thinking.
How seriously do you take your relationship with the LORD? I always thought I took mine pretty seriously, and this recent "refining" process that He has had me in has made me think otherwise. I thought I knew a lot on an intellectual level about my LORD and my relationship with Him. I am now beginning to feel it in my soul. I physically feel the work being done in me and am now, more than ever, able to see my sin up on that Cross. However, letting mindsets and habits go is an incredibly hard thing to work through. I know though, that it isn't for naught. There is a benefit and a blessing that comes from all of this and I can't wait to share it with you!
"For you, O LORD, are the Most High over all the earth;
you are exalted far above all gods.
Let those who love the LORD hate evil,
for he guards the lives of his faithful ones
and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.
Light is shed upon the righteous
and joy on the upright in heart.
Rejoice in the LORD, you who are righteous,
and praise his holy name."Psalm 97:9-12

Tuesday's Morning Glory

Good Morning to you! I'm sure that I am not alone when I say that there are certain sounds in nature that just bring joy to my soul. The sound of throngs of happy birds at the beginning of Spring, waves crashing on the seashore, the babbling of a brook, the breeze through the tall Pines and rain falling through the trees. It is amazing how nature rejoices in its Maker, and most of the time we don't even hear it. I can only imagine the beautiful and perfect chorus the earth will sing when our LORD comes back!
Psalm 96
"Sing to the LORD a new song;
sing to the LORD, all the earth.
Sing to the LORD, praise his name;
proclaim his salvation day after day."
verses: 1-2
"Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad;
let the sea resound, and all that is in it;
let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them.
Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy;
they will sing before the LORD, for he comes,
he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world in righteousness
and the peoples in his truth."
verses: 11-13

Monday's Morning Glory

Good Monday Morning to you! I want to start out this week with a Psalm of praise, as there is so much to be grateful for. He IS faithful, and He keeps showing me everyday. I am beginning to realize that His love for me is far greater than even the love I have for my own children. I am still having a hard time comprehending it, though. Thank you, LORD!
"Come let us sing for joy to the LORD;
let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.
Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol
him with music and song.
For the LORD is the great God,
the great King above all gods.
In his hands are the depths of the earth,
and the mountain peaks belong to him.
The sea is his, for he made it,
and his hands formed the dry land.
Come, let us bow down in worship,
let us kneel before the LORD our Maker;
for he is our God and we are the
people of his pasture, the flock under his care."
Psalm 95:1-7

Friday's Morning Glory

Good morning! It isn't always easy to give up our flesh and independence and leave it all to the LORD. We want to place our hands all over "our" lives and do it ourselves...but this only leads to more frustration and anxiety. Can you trust Him enough to provide for you, completely and wholly? It isn't easy, but when we do, the burden is then lifted off of us and a peace can take its place.
"When I said, 'My foot is slipping,'
your love, O LORD, supported me.
When anxiety was great within me, your consolation
brought joy to my soul."
Psalm 94:18-19

Thursday's Morning Glory

Good morning to all. How awesome is it to know that we are not alone? How awesome to know that, even though we may not see it, the whole of nature praises its Creator! If we really take in what the LORD has made and done, how can we not praise Him? Take a moment to lift Him up today, for anything, for all things!
"The LORD reigns, he is robed in majesty;
the LORD is robed in majesty and is armed with strength.
The world is firmly established;
it cannot be moved.
Your throne was established long ago;
you are from all eternity.
The seas have lifted up, O LORD,
the seas have lifted up their voice;
the seas have lifted up their pounding waves.
Mightier than the thunder of the great waters,
mightier than the breakers of the sea--
the LORD on high is mighty.
Your statutes stand firm;
holiness adorns your house for endless days, O LORD."
Psalm 93

Wednesday's Morning Glory

Good day to you. Have you ever wondered in the face of a trial "what is all this for?" On a good day, we know in our hearts that God is working in us and through us. That our trial is for our growth and His glory. On a not-so-good day we just want to throw up our hands and quit, because none of it makes any sense to us and we just want the pain and the trial to be over. He does promise us that the outcome will far outweigh the process, and that is what we need to be reminded of. I need to be reminded A LOT! I need to keep my feet firm in the Truth and trust Him.
"The righteous will flourish like a palm tree,
they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon;
planted in the house of the LORD,
they will flourish in the courts of our God.
They will still bear fruit in old age,
they will stay fresh and green,
proclaiming, 'The LORD is upright;
he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him."
Psalm 92:12-15

Tuesday's Morning Glory

Good Morning! I have the song "O How He Loves You and Me" floating around in my head as I start this day...not a bad way to start, I suppose. He is faithfully reminding me of His unfailing love and protection. It seems as though every scripture I come across in the last two or three days has pointed me to His promise to love me, lift me up and fix my broken spirit. Hallelujah! His Word really is living and breathing, from moment to moment. I have always intellectually known this, but how awesome it is to fully experience it working in my life and circumstances. What blessings are found in Him!
"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the LORD,
'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'
Surely He will save you from the fowler's snare
and from the deadly pestilence.
He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart."
Psalm 91:1-4

Monday's Morning Glory

Good morning. This morning I want to encourage any of you who are suffering in any way, especially if it strikes at the very core of who you are. I pray that you will join me in standing firm in our LORD and trusting that our suffering will produce perseverance, character and hope (Romans 5:3-5). I lift up our hearts that are heavy, burdened and broken, and give them to you, LORD. "A broken and contrite heart, O GOD, you will not despise" (Psalm 51:17). Let us walk out our suffering in the right manner, and continue, through our suffering, to be a beacon of light to the world.
"Teach us to number our days aright,
that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
Relent, O LORD! How long will it be?
Have compassion on your servants.
Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love,
that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.
Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us,
for as many years as we have seen trouble.
May your deeds be shown to your servants,
your splendor to their children."
Psalm 90:12-16

Friday's Morning Glory

Good Friday morning to you! As this week comes to a close, I'm glad that I can honestly end it on a good note. The LORD has really been doing a work in my heart, and as hurtful and difficult as it is, I can't help but thank Him and praise Him for what He is accomplishing. He is surely faithful!
"The heavens praise your wonders, O LORD,
your faithfulness too, in the assembly of the holy ones.
For who in the skies above can compare with the LORD?
Who is like the LORD among the heavenly beings?
In the council of the holy ones God is greatly feared;
he is more awesome than all who surround him.
O LORD God Almighty, who is like you?
You are mighty, O LORD, and your
faithfulness surrounds you."
Psalm 89:5-8

Thursday's Morning Glory

Good Morning! How wonderful it is for me to share this ministry with you. Not only is the LORD keeping me in the Word everyday, He is keeping me accountable to you. He is molding me and refining me, and I get to share it with you. (in all its not-so-beautiful glory) He is constantly reminding me of my humanness and my dependence upon Him. Would I have chosen to share my "dark side" with the world before now? NO! I would have rather dealt with it quietly and tried to keep a squeaky clean image, but He had different plans for me. Plans to share my struggle with judgment and self-righteousness. Plans to shed light on pain that I wish would just go away. Plans to rid me of a need for acceptance from the world, to focus on my audience of One. To Him who is faithful in love and forgiveness, I thank you! Continue to strip me of the world, Father. Fill me with your Spirit and make me apart from this world.
"O LORD, the God who saves me,
day and night I cry out before you.
May my prayer come before you;
turn your ear to my cry."
Psalm 88:1-2

Wednesday's Morning Glory

Good afternoon to you! Yes, I'm a little behind, again. I needed to really connect with the LORD on an extremely sensitive issue this morning and the process took me most of the morning. I appreciate the fact that I have a LORD that will walk me by the hand through some hard and hurtful truths, and bring me out on the side of grace, not anger. The benefits of being born in Him are astounding and awesome! Indeed, He is the source of life and blessing.
"Indeed, of Zion it will be said,
'This one and that one were born in her,
and the Most High himself will establish her.'
The LORD will write in the register of the peoples:
'This one was born in Zion.'
As they make music they will sing,
'All my fountains are in you."
Psalm 87:5-7

Tuesday's Morning Glory

Good morning! Today I am led to focus on the "heart," the center of the human soul or spirit. There are many references to the heart in Scripture, 743 actually (give or take).
The heart is a very important part of our relationship with the LORD, the biggest part. If the heart is hardened, the Spirit is hard at work to soften it. If the heart is broken, the Spirit can mend it. If the heart is full of joy, the Spirit will easily be poured out. Do you see where I'm going with this? Not only is the heart the source of physical life, it is the source of our spiritual life as well. Even when we are under attack, or feeling alone, the LORD is continually working on our hearts. His wants us to have "an undivided" heart. A heart that is pure and unselfish, not corrupted. He knows we cannot accomplish this without His help, and He wants us to ask Him for the help. We cannot do it alone. Our hearts were made to be in constant communion with Him, that is how He made us. And with one, cunning attack by the enemy that constant fellowship with Him was severed. So now, it is our choice to take our hearts to Him, willingly. Ask Him to help you examine your heart, you might be surprised at what you find.
"Teach me your way, O LORD,
and I will walk in your truth;
give me an undivided heart,
that I may fear your name.
I will praise you, O LORD my God,
with all my heart;
I will glorify your name forever."
Psalm 86:11-12

Monday's Morning Glory

Good Monday morning to you! I want to share that I have been under a pretty intense attack from the enemy in the last week or so. The basis of the attack is to discourage me from moving closer to the LORD, as is his goal in all of his attacks. The enemy wants me to believe that I'm not actually hearing the LORD and that the work I am doing in Him and for Him is in vain. I seem to rebuke the enemy at every turn throughout the day. I learned of others yesterday who are feeling the same attack of discouragement. It reminds me that the further we get in our walk, the larger the target we become. With each attack and each rebuke, I need to remember to just run to Him. All of this is for His glory, even the enemy knows that. So, for those of us who are feeling the attacks, Psalm 85 is for you.
"Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?
Show us your unfailing love, O LORD,
and grant us your salvation.
I will listen to what God the LORD will say;
he promises peace to his people, his saints--
but let them not return to folly.
Surely his salvation is near those who fear him,
that his glory may dwell in our land.
Love and faithfulness meet together;
righteousness and peace kiss each other.
Faithfulness springs forth from the earth,
and righteousness looks down from heaven.
The LORD will indeed give what is good,
and our land will yield its harvest.
Righteousness goes before him and prepares the way for his steps."
Psalm 85:6-13

Christian One Liners

Christian One Liners

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Don't let your worries get thebest of you; remember, Moses startedout as a basket case.

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Some people are kind, polite, and sweet-spiriteduntil you try to sit in their pews.

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Many folks want to serve God, but only as advisors.

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It is easier to preach ten sermons than it is to live one.

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The good Lord didn't create anythingwithout a purpose, but mosquitoes come close.

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When you get to your wit's end, you'll find God lives there.

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People are funny; they want thefront of the bus, the middle of the road, and the back of the church.

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Opportunity may knock once, but temptationbangs on your front door forever.

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Quit griping about your church; if it was perfect, you couldn't belong.

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God Himself does not proposeto judge a man until he is dead. So why should you?*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

Some minds are like concretethoroughly mixed up and permanently set.

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Peace starts with a smile.

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I don't know why some peoplechange churches; what difference doesit make which one you stay home from?!

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A lot of church members whoare singing "Standing on the Promises" are just sitting on the premises.

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We were called to be witnesses, not lawyers or judges.

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Be ye fishers of men. You catch them - He'll clean them.

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Coincidence is when God chooses to remain anonymous.

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Don't put a question mark where God put a period.

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Don't wait for 6 strong men to take you to church.

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Forbidden fruits create many jams.

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God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called.

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God grades on the cross, not the curve.

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God loves everyone, but probably prefers"fruits of the spirit" over "religious nuts!"

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God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage.

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He who angers you, controls you!

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If God is your Co-pilot - swap seats!

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Prayer:Don't give God instructions -- just report for duty!

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The task ahead of us is never asgreat as the Power behind us.

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The Will of God never takes you towhere the Grace of God will not protect you.

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We don't change the message, the message changes us.

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You can tell how big a person is by what it takes to.........discourage him.

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The best mathematical equation I have ever seen:1 cross + 3 nails = 4 given.

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Friday's Morning Glory

Good Morning to you this stormy Friday! I don't know what it is like where you are, but it is incredible wet and windy here...which is why this is going out a little late. As we finish off this week, I want to share all of Psalm 84. He knows us all, He takes care of us all and we are privileged to be loved by Him. Praise Him!!

"1 How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD Almighty!
2 My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. 3 Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young— a place near your altar, O LORD Almighty, my King and my God. 4 Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you. 5 Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage. 6 As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. [b]
7 They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion.
8 Hear my prayer, O LORD God Almighty; listen to me, O God of Jacob.

9 Look upon our shield, [c] O God; look with favor on your anointed one.
10 Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.
11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.
12 O LORD Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in you."
Psalm 84

Thursday's Morning Glory

Good Morning to you! Do you remember the words to the song "They'll know we are Christians by our love?" If you don't, they are just that: They will know we are Christians by our love. What kind of love are you showing in your everyday life? Do people see someone kind and caring, or someone harried and stressed out? For me, it kind of depends on the day. If we are walking examples of Christ, then we need to be aware of what "vibe" we putting out there. I don't expect anyone to put on a happy face in the midst of trial, because it starts with taking those trials to God first. If we truly give everything in our lives to Him, then His love and peace will start to shine through us. Then we can't help but walk in His light, and others will see it and wonder.
"Let them know that you, whose name is the LORD---
that you alone are the Most High over all the earth."
Psalm 83:18

Wednesday's Morning Glory

Happy New Year!! As this new year gets underway, I think about what the LORD would have us resolve to do. What are His instructions? He uses each and every one of us in His plan and for His glory. He will guide through each situation in our lives, if we ask Him to show us. What an awesome thing! But what are we to do with that? Are we to keep it to ourselves? NO! As I read Psalm 82:3-5, I couldn't help but make the connection with the Great Commission. Asaph refers to taking care of and defending those less fortunate, sharing with them because they walk in darkness. So, in making that correlation, and pondering what to say today, I came up with this. SHARE Him with others this year. It may mean stepping out of your comfort zone, but it may also mean being aware of how you live your life because people are always watching. You may not even know the example you are setting without saying a word. Ask Him to show you how to share Him with others, He will!
"Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless;
maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed.
Rescue the weak and needy;
deliver them from the hand of the wicked.
They know nothing, they understand nothing.
They walk about in darkness;
all the foundations of the earth are shaken."
Psalm 82:3-5

"Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Matthew 28:18-20