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! 

Blessing Celebration Day 2017

I will extol You, my God, O King; and I will bless Your name forever and ever. Every day I will bless You, and I will praise Your name forever and ever. Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; and His greatness is unsearchable. One generation shall praise Your works to another, and shall declare Your mighty acts. I will meditate on the glorious splendor of Your majesty, and on Your wondrous works. Men shall speak of the might of Your awesome acts, and I will declare Your greatness. They shall utter the memory of Your great goodness, and shall sing of Your righteousness. 

Psalm 145:1-7

Utter the memory: gush out, abundantly, bubble forth with

Seventeen years ago, I coughed. Little did I know that cough would set off a chain of events that would literally change my life. BUT GOD knew. He had a specific plan.

Seventeen years. That's a LONG time to live in pain. BUT GOD has been faithful in caring for me!

Seventeen years. Looking back I could focus on all the things that went wrong with treatments, the disappointments, the frustrations, oh and there is the pain — BUT GOD has never left me nor has He forsaken me. Rather He has blessed me ABUNDANTLY! WOW, has HE!!!

Seventeen years. Today is my BLESSING CELEBRATION day! The day that I take time to UTTER THE MEMORY OF GOD'S GREAT GOODNESS!

Please join me in praising God today and let's talk about God's great goodness!

I'd love to hear some of God's blessings in your life! Please comment and let's DECLARE GOD'S GREATNESS today!

Want to be happy? (James)

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. James 1:12

Blessed: happy (In congratulations, the reason why one is to be pronounced blessed is expressed by a noun or by a participle taking the place of the subject)

Endureth: to endure, bear bravely and calmly

Temptation: specifically, the trial of man's fidelity, integrity, virtue, constancy

When he is: become, come about, happen

Tried: properly, accepted, approved

Shall receive: to gain, get, obtain absolutely

Crown: the eternal blessedness which will be given as a prize to the genuine servants of God and Christ

Life: real and genuine

Promised: to announce that one is about to do or to furnish something

Love: love to a master, God or Christ, the word involves the idea of affectionate reverence, prompt obedience, grateful recognition of benefits received

Want to be happy? Start loving God — with reverence, prompt obedience and grateful recognition of all God gives. Following Christ doesn't come with a promise of "easy street". There will be hardships along the way. But through it all, God remains faithful! 

Blessed—happy because no matter what happens, I choose to love God and obey Him with a thankful heart. 

Happy New Year (my Christmas card)

I had planned to create a Christmas card this year, I did begin one, however it was never completed. So, instead, I created a "Happy New Year" card. 

So, Happy New Year to each of you! 

Blessings Celebration Day!

This morning, I was thinking back over the past 16 years, and one thing that I LOVE is remembering the creativity of God in suppling each and every need and the fun surprises along the way. 

The details that God orchestrated to make sure everything was in place at just the exact moment it was needed. From places to stay, to Drs, to paying for medications, to the much needed fun adventures — including a ride in the Goodyear Blimp! (Yes, that REALLY happened!), to friends who came along side to support, encourage, and one very special friend who drove me to appointments whether in state or out of state. Just when I thought that God couldn't surprise me ..... He would! 

Only God could take a "grand stand" ticket and make it into a HOT PASS at a NASCAR race. (That was just awesome!) Only God could make a pharmacy pay for my medication. (YEP! And it was an EXPENSIVE one too.) Only God ......... 

so many cool and amazing gifts, adventures, and wonderful ways God each and every need.

I love taking time each year to reflect on God's amazing goodness. Each year, I continue to be overwhelmed the blessings that God has given me. I am a Princess of the King of kings, and I am blessed abundantly!

Thanks Living. Taking time to remember all that God has done. 

Thanks Living. Taking time to praise God for His goodness and blessings.

Today is the 16 Anniversary of my back injury. Today is not a day to focus on the pain, rather a day to focus on all the amazing and wonderful blessings God has given me over the past 16 years.

Please join me in my Blessings Celebration! Let's count our blessings... name them one by one!

Thanks Living: Recounting in Celebration! Let's Review 2

On March 23, 2016 I posted: 

Thanks Living: Recount in Celebration (TOWDAH). 

I'm taking time to RECOUNT in Celebration some of the wonderful blessings God has given me and remember some of the truths God has taught me over the past few years. So the next few days, I'm going to RECOUNT in Celebration and TOWDAH—thank God for what He hasn't done yet. 

Join me in RECOUNTING God's goodness! 

Posted on Wednesday, February 16, 2011 

God's Property

In June 1995, I bought a new car. My first NEW car. I think it had 13 miles on it when I bought it—a Ford Escort LX Hatchback. I was so excited to have a NEW car. Although "I bought the car", I knew that it was really God's car. For everything He supplies, belongs to Him; I'm just a steward of His property. 

A few weeks ago, I went to see my chiropractor, just as I do each week. Arriving in the town a little early, I stopped to get gas. I still had a few minutes, so decided to take the "scenic route" to his office. As I turned the corner up a side street I lost all power. The car died. I did manage to coast to the side of the road. I tried to start the car again—nothing. It was totally dead.

First, I called my chiropractor's office to let them know that I'd be late. Then I called my Emergency Road-side Service company for a tow. Then I called my good friend, Cathy, who is always ready to help,for a ride home.
The tow truck arrived, I made it to my chiropractor, and then Cathy brought me home. My car was taken to Roselle Tire & Auto—the "guys" have taken care of my car since I bought it. The problem included a few broken belts, water pump, and a couple of other necessary parts needed replacement.

When I arrived home, I was so confident I knew how I'd pay for this repair. I'd simply used one of my "credit card checks". The kind with a one-time fee and no interest for 6 months. That would provide some time to pay the repair bill. Well, I went to the file and got the credit card checks out—SURPRISE—they had all expired. Now what? I went through the budget and the money for this repair just wasn't there. 

Then I stopped and realized, that I was trying to take care of this bill on my own terms. Did I ask God what HE wanted me to do? It is after all HIS CAR, and He will take care of all the details, that includes repair bills. 

So, I stopped and did some talking with God. I decided that since God was now taking care of the repair bill, I'd do some straightening up around the apartment. With my  current pain level, I can only do a little cleaning at one time. I was just getting to a breaking point, and decided that I'd move one more small box of items. As I lifted the box—SURPRISE! There sat a set of credit card checks, good for another few weeks. 

How they ended up there, I have NO idea—well, okay I put them there—but why? I'm usually so very careful with those checks making sure they are in the file, or shredded. However, God used this "misplacement" to remind me that even if I think I know what He wants me to do, I have to stop and ask Him. 

Another example of: 

"What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.  Matt 6:31-33 (The Message)

This experience reminded me that God doesn't always take care of me the same way each time. Just because in the past, I've used the credit card checks to pay for repair bills, doesn't mean that I don't have to consult God on a new bill. Yes, God did use the credit card check again. However, He had to make sure I knew that this was HIS way to pay for this bill, not mine. 

This was a great lesson to teach me to ALWAYS consult God in ALL matters. Whether it be a car repair bill or something more minor or yes, even something larger. I don't have to worry about missing out, I'll find that all my everyday human concerns will be met. 

Focusing on that truth will make a very positive day—don't you think?

Thanks Living: Recounting in Celebration! Let's Review.

Yesterday's blog post focused on 

Thanks Living: Recount in Celebration (TOWDAH). 

I thought it was time to RECOUNT in Celebration some of the wonderful blessings God has given me and remember some of the truths God has taught me over the past few years. So the next few days, I'm going to RECOUNT in Celebration and TOWDAH—thank God for what He hasn't done yet. 

Join me in RECOUNTING God's goodness! 

Originally Posted: Friday, September 14, 2012

God's Gift of Laughter!

But let me run loose and free, 

celebrating God’s great work, 

every bone in my body laughing, singing,

“God, there’s no one like you."

Psalm 35:9, 10 (MSG)

Today did not go as I had planned.

However, it was not a surprise to God.

And He knew that I'd needed a special blessing today!

Today, during a treatment for my pain, we hit a nerve, literally, and it flared up my sciatic pain quite severely. We changed treatments to help settle down the flare. This is not what I had planned for today. I was trying to keep my pain level as low as possible, so that I would be the "best I can be" for Sunday's activity. 

However, we did learn something today when we "hit the nerve", it allowed us to pinpoint where a majority of my pain is generating. And that could prove to be very helpful for the treatment I'm receiving on Monday. God's timing is perfect. 

Although, I was "pleased" with the new information, that didn't help with the intense pain. I arrived home, checking my mail as I made my way to my apartment. I tossed the mail on the shelf, the mail would wait until later... looked like junk mail anyway. As I lay on the Daybed trying my tricks to lower my pain, I had to stop and take comfort that this was not a surprise to God. After resting for a bit, I got up and decided to read through the mail. Opened one envelope and found a check for $14.22. At first, I thought it was junk....then I read the letter and started laughing! 

God knew that I needed a GOOD LAUGH today! And I had to stop and think of God's great sense of humor. The check is LEGITIMATE. Come to learn, a company was reviewing what I had paid for my pain medications and I had overpaid. But what I thought was so funny was the DATE I had overpaid the $14.22.... was November 27, 2007... YES, FIVE years ago!! 

I laughed. God continues to supply my needs in the MOST creative ways. And once again, I was reminded that God is not limited by TIME! On a day I was feeling a bit low, God knew that I needed to laugh. So, He sent me a gift via a FIVE year old overpayment. God does have a great sense of humor!

Creating a positive day can be done even on the "not so good days" when I take the time to accept God's blessings...especially when He sends them in very creative and unconventional ways! 

Thanks Living: TOWDAH

Offer to God thanksgiving, and pay your vows to the Most High. Call upon Me in the day of trouble; Psalm 50:14

Offer to God thanksgiving. 

Offer: Sacrifice

Thanksgiving: TOWDAH

-TOWDAH-

Thanking God for “things not yet received"

as well as things already at hand.

Do I thank God for "things not yet received"? 

When I stop and remember all the blessings that God has given me—WOW! I can't imagine what He has in store. But then I remember that HE is GOD—He has unlimited resources, and He is very creative, and He loves me—so it should be a joy to give thanksgiving to God for things not yet received! 

Today's Sunday School lesson is on Joshua 3 and 4. God told the Israelites to set up a memorial stones to remember what God had done. Too often we forget what God has done — and forget that God can do it again, or something totally different, to meet our needs and take care of us—all to accomplish His will and bring Him glory and honor. 

-TOWDAH-

Thanking God for “things not yet received"

as well as things already at hand.

True Thanks Living is TOWDAH. Knowing with full confidence that God will continue to accomplish His will, in His way, in His time—because I know who God is, and remember what He has done. TOWDAH—thanking God! 

Thanks Living: Full of = Spontaneous Thanks!

Then Hezekiah answered and said, “Now that you have consecrated yourselves to the Lord, come near, and bring sacrifices and thank offerings into the house of the Lord.” So the assembly brought in sacrifices and thank offerings, and as many as were of a willing heart brought burnt offerings. 2 Chronicles 29:31

In 2 Chronicles 29:31, the word "consecrated" means "be full of". We are to "be full of the Lord". As I read that, I could only think of a sponge that is saturated with water. When you poke it, or squeeze it, out oozes water. If I am "full of the Lord", I should be oozing out Christ and a love and respect for Him. 

And if you offer a sacrifice of a peace offering to the Lord, you shall offer it of your own free will. Leviticus 19:5 

Spontaneous, "at your own will".

When was the last time that I presented a spontaneous Thank Offering to God? Oh, it's easy to offer thanks to God after He's given me a blessing or two. But when was the last time I spontaneously offered thanks to God simply because He is God? 

If I truly want to create a mind-set and heart-set of "Thanks Living" then I must develop an overwhelming sense of thanks so that I spontaneously offer Thanks Offerings to God. And that overwhelming sense of thanks, only happens when I am "full of the Lord". 

Thanks Living: Full of = Spontaneous Thanks!

Proverbs 11:7-11 Blessings are Contagious!

When a wicked man dies, his expectation will perish, and the hope of the unjust perishes. The righteous is delivered from trouble, and it comes to the wicked instead. The hypocrite with his mouth destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge the righteous will be delivered. When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices; and when the wicked perish, there is jubilation. By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted, but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked. Proverbs 11:7-11

Blessings are contagious! 

We like celebrations. If you google "holidays", you'll find some type of holiday for almost each day of the year. Just this past week, you could have celebrated: World Hello Day (11/21); Mother Goose Day (11/22); National Expresso Day (11/23); Celebrate Your Unique Talent Day (11/24); National Parfait Day (11/25) among other things. 

When a righteous person is blessed by God, those around him are also blessed. The blessing is contagious and spreads. 

Think of it on a smaller scale. If you work, there is one cubical, office, or area which people like to visit simply because the main occupant of that space is joyful and blessed. Others want to share in that atmosphere and walk away with a spring in their step. 

There are certain stores which we like to visit, because the employees are kind, courteous, have a smile and the atmosphere is happy. 

By the blessings of the righteous a city is exalted. 

Just think of living in a place where each individual was righteous. That city would be exploding with an abundance of blessings and goodness from God. That's a place where I'd like to live! But if I want to live there, I MUST first have a heart permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). For only when I fear God, will my attitude and actions be righteous. 

Blessings are contagious! Am I spreading them?

The Chariot

In August 2011, I was able to buy a 2012 Ford Fiesta. You can read about the details of how God led me to HIS best here:

http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2011/08/details-its-all-in-details.html

A few weeks ago, my Dad decided it was time for him to stop driving. He turned 88 this month, and he thought it was best to leaving the driving to someone else. And that someone, is me. 

Although I really liked my Fiesta, it was not comfortable for my parents, and it was a tight fit with their walkers and if needed in the future a wheelchair. So, I started praying and asking God what would meet the needs for us. 

I claimed Psalm 21:1-3 as my car searching verses: 

The king shall have joy in Your strength, O Lord; and in Your salvation how greatly shall he rejoice! You have given him his heart’s desire, and have not withheld the request of his lips. Selah For You meet him with the blessings of goodness; You set a crown of pure gold upon his head.

I was excited to

MEET the BLESSINGS of GOODNESS

that God had waiting for me! 

Since my cars had been Fords, I started looking at a local Ford Dealership. I looked at their Used Inventory and thought maybe an Escape would meet our needs. They had one in my price range, however, because of the power seats, I could not get it reclined enough for my back. 

I then looked at a new Focus hatchback. In my price range, and the hatchback would give me more trunk space. However, it was still on the small side and would not provide much room for my parents. 

A friend recommended that I check out his Uncle's Dealership. But his Uncle wouldn't be there until after lunch. And since I was hungry, I decided to stop and eat lunch. I was hesitant to spend the money, since I was looking to buy a different car—but I was HUNGRY. lol I stopped at a restaurant I like, and I learned I had enough reward points for a FREE LUNCH! How cool is that?! A nice "blessing of goodness"!

And it was God's way of saying: 

After lunch, I went to Sorenson & Schade Chevrolet. I met Andrew and we discussed what I was looking for and what would meet my needs. He said he'd talk with the Uncle, and see what they had in their inventory that would meet my needs. 

I received a phone call from Andrew that he had two possibilities for me. I went back to the Dealership and Andrew told me that the first he'd show me was an Escape. I almost said, "Tried that, and the seats don't work for me." But God kept my mouth shut. 

I sat in the Escape and the seat reclined! No power seats in this model. Ok, one key factor taken care of. Next, would be to see if my parent's would find it comfortable and would the walkers/wheelchair fit? 

I was able to test drive the Escape for a couple of days, and I found it met our needs quite well. But would the price be such it would fit my budget? 

I went back to the Dealership and met with Andrew to discuss the specifics of cost. After trading my Fiesta and my Dad's car, we were able to get the payments low enough for me to afford the Escape with the extended warranty. 

Here is a picture of The Chariot. A 2013 Ford Escape. (Yes, I too find it amusing that I was able to buy another Ford, even if from a Chevy Dealer!) 

Andrew with The Chariot

Oh, but God wasn't done with His taking care of EVERY detail! On the way home from buying the car, I stopped at my insurance company to notify them. It was an awesome surprise that my insurance is now $24 less a month (due to being a larger and safer vehicle). That savings will help pay for the gas since it will use more than the Fiesta. Those "Blessing of Goodness" kept on coming! God knows EXACTLY what I can afford and makes sure He takes care of all the details—when I let Him lead and direct! 

Once again, God led me to HIS best. In this case it was working with Andrew at Sorensen and Shade and buying a 2013 Ford Escape. Thankful for God's timing and His blessings of goodness! 

_________________________________

If you are in the Winter Haven, FL area and are looking for a car, I recommend Sorensen and Schade. Ask for "Andrew W." is very easy to work with and is a real gentleman. (And if you tell them that "Rhonda S." sent you, that would be nice.)

Proverbs 2:7: #TreasureUp

He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk uprightly; Proverbs 2:7

Stores up: reserve blessings, treasure up

Sound Wisdom: of the effect of sound wisdom, abiding success, efficient wisdom

Upright: straightforward, just upright; the upright among the people of God as distinguished from the wicked

Shield: a protector, a defense

Walk: walk in one's integrity; of moral and religious life

Uprightly: integrity of mind

He—the Lord, Yahweh— is storing up blessings! Treasure up! That would make an awesome hashtag: #TreasureUp. God is setting aside blessings of sound wisdom—abiding success for those who choose God's wisdom.

Not only that, God knows as we try to walk in obedience to His wisdom, we will encounter enticements from the wicked. Therefore, God not only supplies the treasure of wisdom, He provides a defense against the wicked. So, we can enjoy all that God has reserved—#TreasureUp—knowing that we have the Supreme Body Guard! 

#TreasureUp blessings of sound wisdom, abiding success. It's available. It's waiting. Along with a Body Guard to protect us as we grow in wisdom and apply wisdom each day. 

#TreasureUp. God in His grace is offering wisdom. And will I be so stubborn not to accept it? Will I ignore His wisdom and accept the path of sin and destruction? 

#TreasureUp. If I want to be upright, it all begins with a heart permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). For one who fears God, is ready to accept all that God has in store for him/her. #TreasureUp — it's available. 

What Do I Pray? Part 2

[For my concern is] that their hearts may be braced (comforted, cheered, and encouraged) as they are knit together in love, that they may come to have all the abounding wealth and blessings of assured conviction of understanding, and that they may become progressively more intimately acquainted with and may know more definitely and accurately and thoroughly that mystic secret of God, [which is] Christ (the Anointed One). Colossians 2:2 (AMP)

"that they may come to have all the abounding wealth and blessings of assured conviction of understanding" (AMP)

"rich in their ·understanding [ assurance of understanding]" (EXB)

There is a progression in this prayer that Paul has for the Colossians. First, that they be comforted and encouraged as they are knit together in the God's love. Once that foundation is laid, then each person can then come to a clear insightful understanding accompanied with blessings of understanding of the Gospel. 

Clear insight. Abounding wealth and blessings—not based on things but rather based on a solid foundation of understanding the saving grace of God. 

• Only with a solid foundation, is it possible to withstand the storms of everyday life.

• Only with a solid foundation, is it possible to have discernment of Truth.

• Only with a solid foundation is it possible to enjoy fellowship and friendship with God. 

What a great prayer to pray for others, that they will may have abounding wealth and blessing of assurance of the saving grace of God! Wow! 

And understanding of conviction starts with a heart permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31; MSG).

Maturity

Him we preach and proclaim, warning and admonishing everyone and instructing everyone in all wisdom (comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God), that we may present every person mature (full-grown, fully initiated, complete, and perfect) in Christ (the Anointed One). Colossians 1:28 (AMP)

God is doing an amazing thing in my life right now, and with it comes new responsibility. Responsibilities I haven't had in my life before. Exciting, yes. But it's also a growing time. I have to learn new things, so that I know what I am responsible for, and can take care of those responsibilities. 

Do you realize that knowing the Word of God brings responsibilities too? The more you study God's Word the more you are held accountable for obeying. Also studying God's Word should be changing you as you learn about God and His wisdom and instruction. 

Maturity. Yes, there is more responsibilities with growing and learning. But there is also more blessings and joys. 

If I want to become mature in Christ, it begins with being permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31; MSG), and then allowing that reverence to impact my life.

14 Years!

One week until my "Blessings Celebrate Day!" 

Can't believe that this year marks 14 years since I injured my back. Each year on/near the anniversary of Oct 25th, I celebrate the blessings God has given me over the past year. And each year, I continue to be amazed at His generosity, HIs kindness, and His creativity in giving me blessings. 

This year, I'd like to know what, if anything, you've learned because of my journey of chronic pain. I know that I have learned so much. But I'd like to know if you too have learned anything as you've followed me, prayed for me, or have gotten to know me over the past 14 years. 

If you have learned anything as you've read my blog, or followed my journey, please comment. 

Thank you. Looking forward to hearing what my friends are learning because of my journey.

Sunrise July 9.2014

As I was watching the Sunrise this morning, I noticed that the colors started to show to the left of the sunrise. It made me wonder if I had missed the colors on other mornings, since I was so focused on the actually "sun rising". That made me think even more.... how often am I so focused on MY solution, or where I think I'll find answers, help, etc, that I miss what God has planned "on the side-lines". 

I've written many times about God's creativity in supplying all my needs. He uses resources and ways that I could NEVER have even imagined. This week, He demonstrated how He planned WAY in advance (20 years!) to provide a discount on my car registration. (Click here for details.)

I hope that my pictures of this morning's sunrise will be a reminder to me, that I need to keep my focus on God, for He sees the "big picture"! If I focus on just one aspect, I'll miss out on some of His amazing blessings.

True and Long-lasting Blessings

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 67. Here is what I learned.

God is the source of our blessings; may every corner of the earth respect and revere Him. Psalm 67:7 (VOICE)

You mark us with blessing, O God. Earth’s four corners—honor him! Psalm 67:7 (MSG)

If I follow the thinking of commercials, if I buy the latest style of phone, or have new newest car, or a new pair of jeans, I’d be filled with peace and contentment. That is, until the next style of phone comes on sale.... then the “old” just wont do anymore. 

But as we all know, having the newest phone, or car, may give us a “moment of thrill”, but it soon fades. Finding contentment and peace in things, provides only disappointment. 

The focus of Psalm 67 is God, the True God. When God marks us with blessing.... not only do we have peace and contentment, but those around us can see God’s “blessing mark” upon us. 

God’s blessings aren’t about things, or being pain free. Rather God’s blessings are simply those reminders of His amazing love. It could be a beautiful sunrise, or sunset. It could be a smile from a stranger. Or a song that lifts our spirits. Blessings come in all shapes and sizes, and are often very unexpected. 

If you are looking for blessings in your life, stop looking to people or things, rather look to God .... He is the only source for true and long-lasting blessings! 

To create a positive day, I only have to be alert to the blessings God is giving me! 

“I” Needs to Get Out of the Way!

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 121. Here is what I learned.

I will lift up my eyes to the hills [around Jerusalem, to sacred Mount Zion and Mount Moriah]—From whence shall my help come? Psalm 121:1 (AMP)

The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore. Psalm 121:8 (AMP)

As I read Psalm 121 this morning, I noticed that the Psalm begins with “I” yet the focus soon changes to “The Lord”. The Lord is the source of light, strength, safety..... He is the source for everything that I need. 

So often I get stuck on the “I”, thinking that I can do it alone. Yet, when I try, I fall short, and miss so many of the wonderful blessings God has for me. “I” gets me in lots of trouble. 

As I continue to reflect on the past 13 years since my back injury.... all I can say is "Wow, what a great and awesome God I have!"  Although I'd like the pain to be GONE! I have to agree with Paul…. 

"…... I was given the gift of a handicap to keep me in constant touch with my limitations. Satan’s angel did his best to get me down; what he in fact did was push me to my knees. No danger then of walking around high and mighty! At first I didn’t think of it as a gift, and begged God to remove it. Three times I did that, and then he told me,

My grace is enough; it’s all you need.

My strength comes into its own in your weakness.

Once I heard that, I was glad to let it happen. I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ’s strength moving in on my weakness. Now I take limitations in stride, and with good cheer, these limitations that cut me down to size—abuse, accidents, opposition, bad breaks. I just let Christ take over! And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become." 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 (MSG) 

There are days when I don't see my pain as a gift… but when I stop and consider all the opportunities for me to share His great love, because of my pain, and I stop and realize that my pain is small in comparison to all Jesus Christ suffered for me—then I can say…. that God's grace and strength is all I need. My prayers is that "I just let Christ take over!" each and every day.

To create a positive day, “I” needs to get out of the way and allow “Christ to take over!” 

Each One

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 1. Here is what I learned.

Blessed (happy, fortunate, prosperous, and enviable) is the man who walks and lives not in the counsel of the ungodly [following their advice, their plans and purposes], nor stands [submissive and inactive] in the path where sinners walk, nor sits down [to relax and rest] where the scornful [and the mockers] gather. Psalm 1:1 (AMP

God’s blessings follow you and await you at every turn: when you don’t follow the advice of those who delight in wicked schemes, When you avoid sin’s highway, when judgment and sarcasm beckon you, but you refuse. Psalm 1:1 (VOICE)

God’s blessings. The sign on my front door says, “God blesses us every day,  It’s up to us to notice.” Some of God’s blessings are hard to miss... like the wonderful blessings God gave me while at Chicagoland Speedway. 

Some of God’s blessings are more subtle. It could be something that makes me smile, like Max flying to my shoulder and saying “happy”. Or a phone call, letter, email from a friend. Or a verse that reminds me that God loves me. 

Not all blessings are showy and create a fan-fair. Often it’s the every day and often “ordinary” blessings that I overlook, yet those are the very blessings that remind me that God loves and is caring for me. 

To create a positive day, I need to take notice of each one of the blessings God gives me every day. 

Even if He Sends Rain

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 8. Here is what I learned.

When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place. Psalm 8:3 (NIV)

I look up at your macro-skies, dark and enormous, your handmade sky-jewelry, Moon and stars mounted in their settings. Psalm 8:3 (MSG)

Woke up this morning to rain. Not the best weather for enjoying a Race. But as I read Psalm 8, I was reminded that I can’t control the weather—only God can do that! So, I figured God can still create an enjoyable day for me.... even in the rain.  Little did I realize what an awesome gift God was giving me.... BECAUSE of the rain! 

I arrived at Chicagoland Speedway, and it was raining. No thunder or lightening, just rain. I relaxed in the car until the rain let up then went to explore. I was able to talk with an old friend, who was working at the track as a volunteer!  That was really nice. 

Was able to enjoy some of the Chapel Service and get an autograph from Michael McDowell at the K-Love booth.  The rain continued off and on, mostly just a few drops now and then. Nothing heavy. 

I was given an Infield Pass, and was able to join the Air Force at the Infield Stage for the Swearing in Ceremony. As we waited for the Ceremony... the rain started again. And that rain, made the NASCAR people to change the order of events. They decided to introduce the Drivers, BEFORE the Swearing In Ceremony. So, I was able to enjoy the Driver Introductions, from the bottom of the Stage! I couldn’t get any closer! That was a great treat.... and all possible, because of a little rain. 

Today, I was reminded again, that God does things with specific purposes. Today, He used rain to add to my blessings. And I have to say that getting wet, was worth it. 

To create a positive day, I must remember that God is ultimately in control, and even if He sends rain, He has a very good reason!