20 years. Happy Blessings Celebration Day!

20 years
240 months
1,043 weeks
7,305 days
175,320 hours
10,519,200 minutes
631,152,000 seconds

20 things I’ve learned over the past 20 years. 

1. God makes no mistakes.
2. When I don’t know the why, I trust the WHO (God). 
3. When God does reveal His plan, hindsight is so awesome. 
4. God is very creative in supplying each need.
5. Look for God’s blessings, and you’ll find many! 
6. When you think God has forgotten you, He is really working behind the scenes preparing the next blessing! 
7. When people tell you it’s “your fault”, remember that they don’t know your heart or God’s plan. 
8. Pray for God’s will, rather than just want you think should happen. For when you change the focus of your prayer, you realize that God does know what He’s doing - and His plan is greater than what you can imagine. 
9. Our bodies are wonderfully made by God. Often one doesn’t realize how intricate the body is, until something doesn’t work as well. 
10. There are basically two types of Doctors. 1) All patients will fit into their pre-described molds. 2) Each patient is different and thinking outside the box is most beneficial for some. 
11. Don’t blame friends for not hanging around. Often when they can’t “fix” the problem, they move on. It’s ok. 
12. When God does bring friends into your life who are “God- sent” treat them as the awesome blessings they are! 
13. There is a balance between telling everyone all your aches and pains, and hiding it from everyone. 
14. Pain is NOT who you are. Rather, it’s apart of your life, and yes, it often dictates what you can and cannot do. 
15. When people share the newest and latest “fix” or remedy, Listen! You might just find something worth trying. The rest, well, just remember they want you to feel better. 
16. In spite of what all the TV ads say, medications do not provide an instant relief. 
17. The type of music, especially the words can and do impact your emotions and mental stability. Be careful what you listen to. 
18. It’s ok to cancel and say, “No,” without giving a specific reason. Sometimes you know if you can or can’t do something or be with people. 
19. Each day you have a limited number of “spoons”, be wise on how you use them. (Learn more about “spoons” here: https://butyoudontlooksick.com/articles/written-by-christine/the-spoon-theory/)
20. Take time to look back and remember all the blessings God has given you. If you want to look forward, remember that God has blessings waiting, so don’t try to figure it all out or get ahead of yourself . . . or God! 

October 25, 2000 - a day my life changed and I started to learn how to trust God in ways I could never imagine. 

20 years.

Happy Blessings Celebration Day! 

Psalm - Psalm 15

Psalm 15:2He who walks uprightly, and works righteousness, and speaks the truth in his heart.

Walks: behave

Uprightly: sound, wholesome, unimpaired, innocent, having integrity

Works: to do or make systematically and habitually

Righteousness: ethically right

Speaks: be spokesman, declare

Truth: faithful, right, sure, true, verity

Heart: he man himself—meaning characteristic

“Walk straight, act right, tell the truth." Psalm 15:2 (MSG)

Behave. Create a habit of being ethically right. Be a spokesman for truth. 

Actions. Attitude. Words. Are they in accordance with God and His Word? Simple question. Think about your response before you answer. Remember it's in accordance to God's standard, not what you think or feel. 

“Walk straight, act right, tell the truth." 

Psalm - Psalm 14

Psalm 14:1The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none who does good.

Corrupt: ruin, morally

Abominable: to loathe, ethically, detest

Works: in the sense of effecting; an exploit,  an opportunity -- act(-ion)

None: to be nothing or not exist

Does: accomplish

Good: moral good, good deed (graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness)

A wicked and foolish man truly believes there is no God. They are vile, their sinfulness nauseating to their Creator; their actions are soiled and repulsive; every deed is depraved; not one of them does good. Psalm 14:1 (VOICE)

I've been reading and re-reading this Psalm, especially verse one, for several days. As I read it, I couldn't help but think of the state of our Nation today. The riots, the lawlessness, the lack of a common moral compass - it's unfathomable to believe the simple lack of respect for one another in just the last few months. 

But I also couldn't help but think of how some Christians are acting as well. Some of their attitudes and actions are such that it leads one to think that they too say there is "no God". 

God is the standard by which we must base right and wrong. Just look at the 10 commandments. Simple straightforward rules/laws which prevent chaos and abominable works. 

There is no God. The truth is there is. And one day we each will stand before Him - either as Savior or Judge. 

Psalm - Psalm 13

Psalm 13:5But I have trusted in Your mercy; my heart shall rejoice in Your salvation. 

But I have trusted, leaned on, and been confident in Your mercy and loving-kindness; my heart shall rejoice and be in high spirits in Your salvation. Psalm 13:5

But I trust in Your faithful love; my heart leaps at the thought of imminent deliverance by You. Psalm 13:5 (VOICE)

My heart shall rejoice in thy salvation; which God is the contriver, author, and giver of, and in which the glory of his perfections is so greatly displayed: and a true believer rejoices more on account that God is glorified by it than because of his own interest in it; and this joy is an inward one, it is joy in the heart, and is real and unfeigned, and is what continues, and will be felt and expressed both here and hereafter. Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible

What makes my heart leap? What raises my spirits? The truth is that nothing on earth can make my heart leap—for pure joy. Oh, there are things that make me smile, and happy, but true joy comes only from God. True joy provides a constant that allows my heart to leap no matter the situation or circumstance. 

When I realize that God’s faithful love is ever-present and available to me, no matter the circumstance, or situation! God’s love is the constant that should make my heart leap! 

Think of that for a moment. God, the Creator of all, the Amazing Almighty God loves us. Can you grasp that fact? God loves me! God loves you! 

Stop and reflect on God’s amazing constant, unconditional love and then your heart will leap and your spirits will soar! 

Psalm 13 - God’s amazing constant, unconditional love

Psalm - Psalm 12

Psalm 12:6The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.

Pure: pure in a physical, chemical, ceremonial or moral sense

Pure Words.  Truthful. 

When you begin with pure words and refine them - 7 times - the words remain pure! There is no blemish or fault. The words of the Lord are true. He speaks only truth. He always keeps His promises. 

Pure Words. Truthful. 

In the midst of our World today, pure words are hard to find. Words are tainted by feelings of hurt, anger, rage, political viewpoints, and even evil. 

Pure Words. The words of the Lord are what we need, even more now than ever. It's time to share the true and pure words of God. 

Psalm 11 - Pure Words. Truthful. 

Psalm - Psalm 11

Psalm 11:7For the Lord is righteous, He loves righteousness; His countenance beholds the upright.

The Lord ·does what is right [is righteous], and he loves ·justice [righteousness], so ·honest people [the upright/virtuous] will see his face. Psalm 11:7 (EXB) 

The Eternal is right in all His ways; He cherishes all that is upright. Those who do what is right in His eyes will see His face. Psalm 11:7 (VOICE) 

For righteous [is] Jehovah, Righteousness He hath loved, The upright doth His countenance see!' Psalm 11:7 (YLT)

For the righteous Lord loveth righteousness - This would be more correctly rendered, "For Jehovah is righteous; he loves righteousness." The idea is, that God is himself righteous, and, consequently, he loves those who are righteous. He may be confided in, therefore, by the righteous as their friend, and being under his protection they have nothing to fear. Barnes' Notes on the Bible

If you look at my social media accounts, you can see some of my interests. I have followers and follow racing fans; Military and First Responders and Organizations and companies helping our Heroes; and Christian organizations, bloggers, among others. Those are people/organizations that are “like-minded”. 

As I read Psalm 11:7 this morning, I had to stop and consider the concept that God is Himself righteous and He loves those who are righteous. Now, on my own, I cannot nor could I ever reach God’s righteousness. But because of His grace and mercy, I am made righteous.

Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith. I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death. Philippians 3:8-10 (NLT)

I can’t reach righteousness on my own, but I can choose righteousness. If I love God, I want to be like-minded and love what He loves, I need to make sure that each and every day, I’m making the choice to obey God. If God had a social media account, would He want to “follow” me? Because He is righteous, He loves those who are righteous. 

Psalm 11 - A Righteous God loves Righteousness

Psalm - Psalm 10

Psalm 10:16aThe Lord is King forever and ever.

As I read Psalm 10, I couldn't help but think of the state of our nation today, in fact the world. I too with the Psalmist wonder why God is just "sitting back" letting evil rule the world. But then I remember that God in His mercy and love wants to give mankind an opportunity at repentance. 

Each time God brought judgement upon the World, He provided a way of salvation. He was going to destroy the World at one point due to the wickedness of mankind, but one man, Noah found grace in the eyes of God. God provided time and opportunity for salvation of any who would choose. 

There are also other examples in the Bible of God's mercy and grace. 

The Lord is King forever and ever. 

That is a fact. And if the Lord is no King of your life, then you have the opportunity to choose Him - today. 

If He is your King, are you bringing honor and glory to Him by the way you are living? 

Psalm 10 - The Lord is King forever! 

Psalm - Psalm 9

Psalm 9:9, 10

The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.

And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; for You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.

Refuge: a cliff or other lofty or inaccessible place, a secure height, retreat, stronghold

Oppressed: injured, afflicted, distressed, crushed

In times: now, when, long season, so long as

Trouble: adversary, adversity, affliction, anguish, distress, tribulation

Know: acknowledge, acquaintance, be aware

Your name: as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

Put their trust: be bold confident, secure, sure, put confidence, make to hope

Forsaken: forsake, fail, leave, leave destitute, refuse

Seek: usually to follow for pursuit, specifically to worship

The Lord ·defends [ is a refuge for] those who ·suffer [are oppressed/exploited]; ·he defends them [a refuge] in times of ·trouble [distress].  

Those who know ·the Lord [ your name] trust ·him [ you], because ·he [you] will not ·leave [abandon; forsake] those who ·come to him [ seek you]. Psalm 9:9, 10 EXB

Psalm 9 -

A secure retreat that provides hope

and reasons to worship of God Almighty! 

Psalm - Psalm 8

Psalm 8:9O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is Your name in all the earth!

Excellent:  majestic, powerful, famous, gallant, glorious, goodly, mighty, noble, principal, worthy
Your name:  by implication honor, authority, character
All: the whole; hence, all, any or every
Earth: nations, world

When I stop and think for just a moment about the majestic, worthy, wondrous the Name of God is — I can’t even grasp the full concept. But what I can grasp makes me praise God and gives me confidence that God is in control.

Just when I think I grasp how excellent, majestic and awe-inspiring God is — He is more than that. 

O Lord, our Lord, how excellent, majestic, worthy is Your name in all the earth! 

Psalm 8 - The majestic name of God! 

Psalm - Psalm 7

Psalm 7:1a, 17O Lord my God, in You I put my trust;
I will praise the Lord according to His righteousness, and will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High.

Trust: to flee for protection, to confide in -- have hope, make refuge
Praise: to revere or worship with extended hands
According to His righteousness:  God's attribute as sovereign
Sing praise: celebrate in song and music
Most High: as title, the Supreme

As you read Psalm 7, the first words are "O Lord my God, in You I put my trust". Then you read about all the wickedness that was happening to and around the Psalmist. But because the Psalmist put his trust in God, the Psalmist could end the Psalm with Praise to God!

Psalm 7 -

Trust in God will result in Praise to God!

Psalm - Psalm 6

Psalm 6:9The Lord has heard my supplication; the Lord will receive my prayer.

Heard: to hear intelligently, listen, understand
Supplication: petition for graciousness
Receive: take = carry off, seize
Prayer: intercession

To be heard. Often we just want someone to listen. Just by hearing us, our fears are calmed and are sadness is lessened. 

God Almighty is listening and is HEARING intelligently! Even our thoughts and jumbles words are understood by God! He will take what we say (and think) and seize it so that He can respond in accordance to His Will. 

Psalm 6:9 - I'm being Heard Intelligently! 

Psalm - Psalm 5

Psalm 5:11But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; let those also who love Your name be joyful in You.

Rejoice: cheer up, be make glad
Trust: to flee for protection, have hope, make refuge
Shout for Joy: To shout aloud for joy, triumph
Defend: to fence in, cover over
Love: beloved like, friend
Name: by implication honor, authority, character
Joyful: to jump for joy, triumph

Rejoice based on Trust in God Almighty.
Joy based on the Protection God Almighty provides.
Joy is a result of loving Who God is! 

Psalm 5:11 -

Rejoice & Joy because of Who God is! 

Psalm - Psalm 4

Psalm 4:8I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.

Peace: completeness, soundness, welfare
Alone: solitary
Dwell: make to abide, to remain
Safety: without care, confidence, hope, safely secure

As I read Psalm 4 there are many good truths. However, I continued going back to verse 8. Particularly, the words, "You alone". 

So many times people "give up" on Christianity, because they look at people. They look at what people have or have not done. They try to justify giving up on God, because of people - all who are sinners! Some of those sinners are saved by grace, but no the less sinners. 

We look at the World and wonder where God is. Why is He allowing such terrible things to take place. The reason, He gave us free will to choose or not to choose Him. The more people abandon God the more unchecked sin goes. Then we have "every man doing whatever is right in his own eyes" (Deuteronomy 12:8).

This is not the time to abandon God. Rather we need to look to Him ALONE. For God is the One who sets the standard and He is the one we desperately need. 

Psalm 4:8 - You Alone, O Lord! 

Psalm - Psalm 3

Psalm 3:3But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, My glory and the One who lifts up my head.

You: YOURSELF! (personal God!)
Shield: a protector
My Glory: honorable one

This Psalm speaks of those who are against the Psalmist. Those who have caused him trouble. 

Yet, the Psalmist knows that He has a personal God who will protect and care for him. 

I too, have a personal God, my protector! 

Psalm 3:3 - My Personal God! 

Psalm - Psalm 2

I'm choosing one verse from each Psalm to focus and meditate on each day.  

Psalm 2:11Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling.

Serve: to work
Fear: morally, reverence
Rejoice: root word - under the influence of emotion; be glad, joy, be joyful
Trembling: a shudder 

There are two actions in this verse - SERVE and REJOICE. Both are done with emotions based upon who the Lord (Yahweh) is. If my motivation to serve is based on the knowledge of WHO God is - then it will be done with rejoicing! 

Psalm 2

SERVE & REJOICE - because I know

who God is! 

Psalm - Psalm 1

It's been a while since I've posted on the blog. I've been posting on Facebook, and sorry to say, I've forgotten to post the information here. 

Today, I'm starting a new Bible Study. I'm going to pick out one verse from each Psalm on which to focus. 

Psalm 1

Psalm 1:2But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night.

Delight: things desired, purpose
Meditates: to ponder, contemplate, talk it over with oneself

But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law [His precepts and teachings] he [habitually] meditates day and night. Psalm 1:2 (AMP)

They ·love [delight in] the Lord’s ·teachings [laws; instructions], and they ·think about [meditate on] those ·teachings [laws; instructions] day and night. Psalm 1:2 (EXB)

I like that word in the Amplified Version - Habitually. It's important to create a habit of thinking about God's Word. If I habitually ponder what God's Word has to say, the greater impact it will have in my life. 

Psalm 1:2 - Habitually Meditate! 

Be Acceptable - February 2020

For 2020, my theme verse is Psalm 19:14. Be Acceptable! But not acceptable by what I think is right or what the world thinks, but acceptable in the sight of God.

Be Acceptable - January 2020

For 2020, my theme verse is Psalm 19:14. Be Acceptable! But not acceptable by what I think is right or what the world thinks, but acceptable in the sight of God.