New Times and Seasons

 

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE "He changes times and seasons..." (Daniel 2:21, NIV) TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria God is always looking to take us to higher levels. He wants us to grow and increase in every area. Change is often a catalyst for growth in our lives, and it keeps up from getting stuck in a rut. To help keep us on our path toward our destiny, God will supernaturally open and close doors of opportunity. He will "stir us" out of comfortable situations and stretch us because He loves us too much to allow us to live in mediocrity. Do you know how an eaglet learns to fly? That mother eagle will take her eaglet to the very highest point—way out of its comfort zone—and then she just releases it. As the eaglet falls, the mother swoops down and picks it back up again. She does this over and over until the eaglet spreads its wings and soars through the air. That's what God wants for you today. He wants you to soar in life! You might feel like that eaglet learning to fly, but know that God is right there with you! He is bringing you new times and seasons so that you will rise higher and embrace the very best He has in store for you. A PRAYER FOR TODAY Dear God, today I open my heart and mind to receive all that You have for me. I trust that You are with me directing my every step. I embrace Your seasons of change and thank You for helping me grow and increase in every area. In Jesus' Name. Amen. - Joel & Victoria Osteen

 

"Make today so beautiful it will be worth remembering"

 

 

 

Q: What is a car trip? A: A summertime blessing and opportunity for personal therapy & reflection.

Faith Is Present Tense

8/16

Jeremiah 31:12

Faith Is Present Tense

When you suffer loss and failure, it’s natural to feel remorse or sorrow. That’s the way God made us. But you must make a decision that you are going to move on. It won’t happen automatically. You will have to rise up and say, “I don’t care how hard this is, I am not going to let this get the best of me.”

 

Don’t live in regret of remorse of sorrow. They will only interfere with your faith. Faith must always be a present-tense reality, not a distant memory. God will turn those disappointments around. He will take your scars and turn them into stars for His glory.

YOUR BEST LIFE BEGINS EACH MORNING-- THIS WEEKEND!

 

8/13

Lamentations 3:25

Overcoming disappointments

One of the most important keys to moving forward into the great future God has for you is learning how to overcome the disappointments in your life. Because disappointments can pose such formidable obstacles to letting go of the past, you need to be sure you have dealt with this area before taking the next step to living at your full potential.

 

Often, defeating disappointments and letting go of the past are the flip side of the same coin especially when you are disappointed in yourself. When you do something wrong, don’t hold on to it and beat yourself up about it. Admit it, seek forgiveness, and move on. Be quick to let go of your mistakes and failures, hurts, pains and sins. Don’t’ let your setbacks become your identity.

 

8/14

Deuteronomy 29: 29

Keep Trusting

All of us face disappointments from time to time. No matter how much faith you have or how good a person you are, sooner or later, something (or somebody) will shake your faith to its foundations. It may be something simple, such as not qualifying for a loan to buy that house you really wanted. Or it may be something more serious – a marriage relationship falling apart, the death of a loved one, or an incurable, debilitating illness. Whatever it is, that disappointment possesses the potential to derail you and wreck your faith.

 

Recognize in advance that disappointments will come. Be prepared to trust God when they do.

 

8/15

Deuteronomy 31:8

Hurts will Hurt

Disappointments almost always accompany setbacks. If you lose your job, most likely you are going to experience a strong sense of disappointment. If you go through a broken relationship, that’s going to hurt. If you lose a loved one, there’s a time of grieving, a time of sorrow. That is normal and to be expected.

 

When you suffer loss, nobody expects you to be an impenetrable rock or an inaccessible island in the sea. Not even God expects you to be so tough that you simply ignore the disappointments in life, shrugging them off as though you are impervious to pain. No, when we experience failure of loss, it’s natural to feel remorse of sorrow. That’s the way God made us. Just trust Him to be with you through it.

 

Respect for Authority

 

8/12

1 Samuel 24:12

Respect for Authority

When David suffered unfairly at the hands of King Saul, he could easily have gotten bitter. He could have said, “God, I thought you chose me to be king. What’s going on here?” But David didn’t do that. He kept a good attitude, refusing to hurt Saul, even when he had the opportunity. Although Saul wasn’t treating him right, David still respected Saul’s position of authority.

 

It’s easy to respect those in positions of authority as long as they are being kind to us or when we agree with them. But the true test comes when you get a “Saul” in your life, when somebody treats you unfairly for no apparent reason. If you will keep the right attitude, God will promote you at the proper time.

 

True Justice

Luke 21:19

True Justice

If you try to bring justice upon people who have done you wrong, you are closing the door for God to do it. Either you can do it God’s way, or you can do it your way. If you tell yourself you’re going to show them what you’re made of, that attitude will prevent God from avenging you His way. God can bring true justice into your life, if you totally turn it over to Him.

 

Maybe you’ve been involved in a situation for months or even years, and now you’re wondering, Is God ever going to bring about justice? Does He even care? Don’t give up! Keep doing the right thing. God is building character in you, and you are passing that test. Remember, the greater the struggle, the greater the reward. Trust God to bring justice in His timing, not yours.

 

Respect and Honor

8/11

James 1:12

Respect and Honor

When David was just a young man, he was anointed by the prophet Samuel to be the next king of Israel. Not long after that, he defeated the giant Goliath, and he became an instant hero throughout the land. People loved him, and his popularity ratings soared off the charts. But King Saul became extremely jealous of David and tried to kill him. David had to flee to the mountains, going from cave to cave, month after month.

 

Ironically, David hadn’t done anything wrong. Rather than rebel and take matters into his own hands, David continued to treat Saul with respect and honor. Doing what’s right doesn’t mean it won’t have a cost that goes with it.

 

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T-BONE STEAKS , Yellow Roses

I walked into the grocery store not particularly interested in buying groceries. I wasn't hungry. The pain of losing my husband of 57 years was still too raw. And this grocery store held so many sweet memories. 

He often came with me and almost every time he'd pretend to go off and look for something special. I knew what he was up to.... I'd always spot him walking down the aisle with the three yellow roses in his hands. 

He knew I loved yellow roses. With a heart filled with grief, I only wanted to buy my few items and leave, but even grocery shopping was different since he had passed on. 

Shopping for one took time, a little more thought than it had for two. 

Standing by the meat, I searche d for the perfect small steak and rem embered how he had loved his steak. 

Suddenly a woman came beside me. She was blonde, slim and lovely in a soft green pantsuit. I watched as she picked up a large package of T-bones, dropped them in her basket.. hesitated, and then put them back. She turned to go and once again reached for the pack of steaks. 

She saw me watching her and she smiled. 'My husband loves T-bones, but honestly, at these prices, I don't know.' 

I swallowed the emotion down my throat and met her pale blue eyes. 

'My husband passed away eight days ago,' I told her. Glancing at the package in her hands, I fought to control the tremble in my voice. 'Buy him the steaks. And cherish every moment you have together.' 

She shook her head and I saw the emotion in her eyes as she placed the package in her basket and wheeled away 

I turned and pushed my cart across the length of the store to the dairy products. There I stood, trying to decide which size milk I should buy. A Quart, I finally decid ed and moved on to the ice cream. If nothing else, I could always fix myself an ice cream cone..

I placed the ice cream in my cart and looked down the aisle toward the front. I saw first the green suit, then recognized the pretty lady coming towards me. In her arms she carried a package. On her face was the brightest smile! I had ever seen.. I would swear a soft halo encircled her blonde hair as she kept walking toward me, her eyes holding mine. 

As she came closer, I saw what she held and tears began misting in my eyes. 'These are for you,' she said and placed three beautiful long stemmed yellow roses in my arms. 'When you go through the line, they will know these are paid for.' She leaned over and placed a gentle kiss on my cheek, then smiled again.. I wanted to tell her what she'd done, what the roses meant, but still unable to speak, I watched as she walked away as tears clouded my vision 

I looked down at the beautiful roses nestled in the green tissue wrapping and found it almost unreal. How did she know? Suddenly the answer seemed so clear. I wasn't alone. 

Oh, you haven't forgotten me, have you? I whispered, with tears in my eyes. He was still with me, and she was his angel. 

Every day be thankful for what you have and who you are. 
(Please read all of this, it is really nice) 

This is a simple request. If you appreciate life, send this to your friends, including the person that sent it to you. 

Even though I clutch my blanket and growl when the alarm rings. Thank you, Lord, that I can hear. There are many who are deaf. 

Even though I keep my eyes closed against the morning light as long as possible. Thank you, Lord , that I can see. Many are blind. 

Even though I huddle in my bed and put off rising. Thank you, Lord, that I have the strength to rise. There are many who are bedridden. 

Even though the first hour of my day is hectic, when socks are lost, toast is burned, tempers are short, and my children are so loud. 

Thank you, Lord, for my family. There are many who are lonely. 

Even though our breakfast table never looks like the picture in magazines and the menu is at times unbalanced. 

Thank you, Lord, for the food we have. There are many who are hungry. 

Even though the routine of my job often is monotonous. Thank you, Lord, for the opportunity to work. There are many who have no job.

Even though I grumble and bemoan my fate from day to day and wish my circumstances were not so modest. 

Thank you, Lord, for life. 

Pass this on to the friends you know. It might help a bit to make this world a better place to live, right? A friend is someone we turn to when our spirits need a lift.. A friend is someone to treasure. 

For friendship is a gift. A friend is someone who fills our lives with Beauty, Joy and Grace and makes the world we live in a better and happier place. 

YOU ARE MY FRIEND! 

God bless you and yours.

Now send this to every friend you have and don't forget me.

 

 

 

!

 

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Life is too short

Life is too short to wake up with regrets.   So love the people who treat
you right.   Love the ones who don't just because you can.   Believe
everything happens for a reason.   If you get a second chance, grab it with
both hands.

If it changes your life, let it.   Kiss slowly.   Forgive quickly.   God never said life would be easy.  He just promised it would be
worth it.

Today is Sister's Day. Send this to all your sisters - even me, if I am like one.
If you get back 7, you are loved.
Happy Sister's Day !

I LOVE YA SISTA!!! :-)

Girlfriends and Sisters Week
I am only as strong as the coffee I drink, the hairspray I use and the friends I have.
To the cool women that have touched my life... here's to you!
National Girlfriends Day
What would most of us do without our sisters, confidants and shopping,
lunching, and traveling girls?

Let's celebrate each other for each other's
sake!

TO MY GIRLFRIENDS!
If you get this twice you know you have more than one girlfriend. Be Happy!
It is good to be a woman

and if you don't forward.....for whatever reason, you're still loved and you're still a great woman!

  

 

 

------ End of Forwarded Message

 

 

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Hotmail has tools for the New Busy. Search, chat and e-mail from your inbox. Learn more. =

The New Busy think 9 to 5 is a cute idea. Combine multiple calendars with Hotmail. Get busy.

YOUR BEST LIFE BEGINS EACH MORNING

 

Ephesians 4:32

Forgive to be Free

If you want to live your best life now, you must be quick to forgive. You need to forgive so you can be free, out of bondage, and happy. When we forgive, we’re doing it for our own good. When we hold on to unforgiveness and live with grudges in our hearts, all we’re doing is building walls of separation. We think we’re protecting ourselves, but we’re not. We become isolated, alone, warped, and imprisoned by our own bitterness. Those walls don’t merely keep people out; those walls keep us penned in.

 

You must forgive the people who hurt you so you can get out of prison. Forgiveness is a choice, but it is not an option.

 

 

Jonah 4:4

Deal with the Inside

What does the toxic waste of unforgiveness look like in our lives? For some people, it seeps out as anger. In other people, it smells like depression. For others, it reeks of low self-esteem. It can show up in many different ways, sometimes doing damage before we even realize it has reappeared. The simple truth is that if we have bitterness on the inside, it’s going to end up contaminating everything that comes out of us. It will contaminate our personalities and our attitudes, as well as how we treat other people.

 

If you are harboring anger, ask yourself why. If you’re always negative about yourself, about others, about life in general, ask yourself why this is. You must deal with the inside first, then you can really be happy. Then you can experience true, untainted, unalloyed victory in your life.

 

 

 

Proverbs 28:13

Forgive for Your Own Sake

A few decades ago, several American companies authorized by the U.S. government attempted to bury toxic waste products underground. They filled large metal drums, sealed them tightly, and buried them deep down below the topsoil. Within a short time, however, containers began to leak and the toxic waste seeped to the surface, causing terrible problems – killing vegetation, ruining water supplies, and forcing people to move. What went wrong? They tried to bury something that was so powerful that it was too toxic for the containers to hold. Had they disposed of them properly in the first place, they wouldn’t have had this terrible problem.

 

It’s the same with us when it comes to unforgiveness. We must forgive or else its toxic poison will continue to contaminate our life.

 

 

Proverbs 4:23

Guard Your Heart

Rather than letting go of the hurt and pain we’ve experienced, too many of us attempt to bury it deep down inside our hearts. We attempt to cram unforgiveness, resentment, anger, and other destructive responses into our “leakproof” containers, but one day the things you have tamped into your subconscious or buried deeply in the recesses of your heart will rise to the surface. We can’t live with poison inside us and not expect it to eventually do us harm.

 

Forgiveness is the key to being free from toxic bitterness. Forgive the people who hurt you. Forgive the boss who did you wrong. Forgive the friend who betrayed you. Forgive the parent who mistreated you when you were younger. Don’t let the root of bitterness grow deeper and continue to contaminate your life.

 

 

 

 

A Lesson in Life

Everything happens for a reason. Nothing happens by chance or by means of good or bad luck. Illness, injury, love, lost moments of true greatness and sheer stupidity all occur to test the limits of your soul. Without these small tests, if they be events, illnesses or relationships, life would be like a smoothly paved, straight, flat road to nowhere. 

If someone hurts you, betrays you , or breaks your heart, forgive them. For they have helped you learn about trust and the importance of being cautious to who you open your heart to.

If someone loves you, love them back unconditionally, not only because they love you, but because they are teaching you to love and opening your heart and eyes to things you would have never seen or felt without them.

Make every day count. Appreciate every moment and take from it everything that you possibly can, for you may never be able to experience it again.

Talk to people you have never talked to before, and actually listen. Hold your head up because you have every right to. Tell yourself you are a great individual and believe in yourself, for if you don't believe in yourself, no one else will believe in you either.

You can make of your life anything you wish. Create your own life and then go out and live it.

 

Favor with GOD!!!

God's goodness to guide me is BIGGER than the devil's ability to deceive me! "  Favor with GOD!!! I am supposed to pick 12 women (who have touched my life) and whom I think would want to participate. I think that if this group of women were ever to be in a room together, there is nothing that would be impossible. I hope I chose the right twelve. My hugs, love, gestures and communications hopefully remind you how special you are. Remember trust God for something before you read the prayer. That's all you have to do. There is nothing attached. Just send this to twelve people and let me know what happens on the fourth day. Sorry you have to forward the message, but try not to break this, please. Prayer is one of the best free gifts we receive. Did you trust God for that something yet ? If you don't, it won't come true.. This is your last chance to exercise trusting God before you pray! May today there be peace within. May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others. May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been g iv en to you. May you be content with yourself just the way you are. Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us.' Now, send this to 12 women within the next 5 minutes. .       =       .

 

God knows our every need

A friend who is a commercial pilot told me about a flight in which he encountered a serious mechanical issue—a problem with dangerous implications. When the situation occurred, the warning lights in the cockpit informed him of the problem and he monitored it all the way to the destination, ultimately landing safely.

Once on the ground, the pilot immediately went to the maintenance staff and reported it. To his surprise, the mechanics responded, “We already know about the problem and are ready to fix it. When you got the cockpit warning, we automatically got an electronic warning as well.”

As he shared that incident, I couldn’t help but compare it to Jesus’ words about our heavenly Father: “Your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him” (Matt. 6:8). He said this in contrast to people who believe that they must “use vain repetitions . . . . For they think that they will be heard for their many words” (v.7). Jesus presupposes God’s knowledge of and concern for His children.

Even though God knows our needs, He still wants us to share our hearts with Him. He stands ready to hear our prayer and to repair our brokenness by His grace.

 

Although God knows our every need,
His work He wants to share;
He takes us into partnership
By calling us to prayer. —D. De Haan

Prayer is the voice of faith, trusting that God knows and cares.

 

 

Forward Not Backward

Jeremiah 7:24

Forward Not Backward

The apostle Paul was full of fire and brought this attitude into his everyday life: I’m forgetting what lies behind, and I’m pressing forward. I recommend you adopt the same attitude this morning. Shake off the ashes of yesterday’s discouragements and disappointments and say to yourself, “I’m throwing away my rearview mirror. I’m not looking back anymore at the mistreatment or the times when I got the short end of the stick. I’m not looking to the left or to the right. I’m looking straight ahead. I’m pressing forward, knowing God has good things in store for me.’

 

Nobody can put God’s fire in your soul. I can encourage you. Your friends can cheer you on. But it’s not going to do any good until you put your foot down and make a decision to move forward with God

 

Forget What God Forgets

 

 

 

Psalm 103:12

Forget What God Forgets

When you make mistakes, ask God for forgiveness and then move on, confident that the moment you ask, God forgives you. Not only does God forgive you, but He chooses not to remember your mistakes. If somebody keeps bringing up negative incidents from your past, you know that’s not God. Furthermore, He doesn’t even keep a record of it. He’s not going to flip back through His files and say, “Oh, wait a minute. I found something back there in 2005. I can’t bless you.’

  

No, as far as God is concerned, you don’t even have a past. It’s forgiven and gone. You are ready for a great present and a bright future. God let go of the past. The question is: will you let it go? Will you quit remembering what God has chosen to forget?