Thursday, December 31, 2009

Joyful Bad Times: Yes it is possible!

Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” Romans 5:3-4

How is it that we can experience joy in times of pain?

That's because joy and happiness are not synonymous. Joy does not depend on our circumstances — happiness does. We can go through the ups and downs of life, the good times and bad, continuing to remain joyful.

Where can we find joy when we want our life circumstances fixed or healed – yesterday?

When we are in the midst of a painful circumstance it is very hard to see hope. The light at the end of the tunnel. But, there’s good news! God promises us that if we stay obedient to Him, the product of suffering is perseverance and character. These attributes produce hope.

There is purpose in your pain… your trial… those hard times. I know. I hate those times too! But, “our sufferings” do change us (Rom. 5:3-4). It shapes the heart.

So, pray for joy in the midst of the suffering. After all, He “poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us” (Rom. 5:5b). Because this promise is sealed with the Holy Spirit, you do not have to be discouraged by your sufferings. There is hope!

Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus, my hope giver. In times of suffering and difficulty in this life show me your joy, your light, your hope. Give me renewed courage to face my circumstances as I stay focused on your love and your dream for my life. Amen.










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Sunday, December 27, 2009

Thought for today: To keep your life simple, Run to Jesus.


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Saturday, December 26, 2009

Saving You Money Blog with Diana Watson from FOX Carolina WHNS-TV

Saving You Money Blog with Diana Watson from FOX Carolina WHNS-TV

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Freshen up your closets or drawers in just 5 minutes!

***Make your own sweet smelling sachets for drawers and closets by slipping scented bars of soap into drawstring cheese cloth bags or (you could use old stockings, or any thin cloth or bag you have.) Tuck a few in your underwear, sweater drawer. Toss over a hanger in the closet to add a nice fragrance to it. Tip: buy your scented soaps at a Dollar store to save money. When the aroma starts to fade, remove the soap from the bag and use it in your bathroom. This is alot cheaper than buying sachets from a store.


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Friday, December 25, 2009

Friday, December 18, 2009

Do you have the Holiday Blues?

Do you suffer from the Blues during the Christmas holidays? I usually do.
Read this and remember that God loves you and he can give you peace and restore your joy.

Read this devotion and give your burdens to the Lord.

JOY DOWN IN MY HEART

Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines; though the labor of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food; though the flock may be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls—yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer's feet, and He will make me walk on my high hills.” Habakkuk 3:17-19 njkv

“I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy, down in my heart... down in my heart to stay!” Remember how much fun it was to sing this song as a kid? Or, to hear your own children sing it? Whenever I hear it, I just can't help but smiling and forgetting about my present situation.

Today, I am reminded that the joy of the Lord is attainable even in the midst of trial or hopelessness. What we need to understand is that joy and happiness are not synonymous. Joy does not depend on our life circumstances, happiness does. We can go through the ups and downs of life experiencing the good times and the bad all the while remaining joyful. Why? Because it is not based on what happens!

No matter what is going on in your life, you can always “rejoice in the Lord.” The wonderful paradox of faith is the insurmountable joy you can experience when circumstances seem to be at their worst. Just as Habakkuk decided to surrender his fears to the Lord and wait, you too should place your confidence and faith in God no matter the circumstance. His joy is yours. Let it fill your heart today!

Prayer
Dear Lord, I give my burdens to You. Help me to wait, and while I wait, let me rejoice in who You are and what You will do in my life. Amen.



MERRY CHRISTMAS
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Tuesday, December 15, 2009

The True Spirit of Christmas

Key verse for today: Matthew 7:12

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
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Edwin Markham wrote a poem based on a story by Tolsoy that beautifully illustrates how we may demonstrate the true Christmas spirit.
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One night Conrad, a cobbler of shoes, dreamed that Christ would come to his shop on the following day. Early the next morning Conrad went to the woods to gather greens and flowers to decorate his simple shop for the Lord's coming.

All morning he waited, but the only visitor was an old man who asked if he might sit down to rest. Conrad saw that his shoes were worn. Before sending the stranger on his way Conrad put the best pair of shoes in the shop on the old man's feet.

Throughout the afternoon Conrad waited for the Lord's coming, but the only person he saw was an old woman struggling under a heavy load. Out of compassion he brought her in and gave her some of the food he had prepared for Christ. She went on her way refreshed.

Just as evening was falling, a lost child entered Conrad's shop. Conrad carried the child home, and then hurried back, lest he miss the coming of Christ.

Though Conrad waited long and patiently, Christ did not come. Finally, in disappointment, the old cobbler cried:

"Why is, Lord, that your feet delay?
Did you forget that this was the day?"
Then soft in the silence a voice he heard:
"Lift up your heart, for I kept my word.
Three times I came to your friendly door;
Three times my shadow was on your floor.
I was the beggar with the bruised feet;
I was the woman you gave to eat;
I was the child on the homeless street!".

God is all around us and in us. He is in our actions, our words, and our hearts. Everything we do for others, we do for God.
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Merry Christmas everyone!

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Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Free Advice for Tiger Woods in 2010

Click the title above for:

for the 10 Resolutions I think Tiger Woods should adopt in 2010!
Feel free to add your own in the comment section.

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Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Getting Back to the Basics of Christmas by Dave Ramsey

Dave Ramsey has a great article I would like to share here. Please read this.

GETTING BACK TO THE BASICS OF CHRISTMAS: BY DAVE RAMSEY

No matter what your budget is this Christmas, remember to be thankful. Take a deep breath in the middle of all this craziness.

You might have a lot. You might have a little. If you are driving a beater, be thankful for that beater. You would rather drive that than walk, wouldn't you? There is always something to be thankful for.

That's what contentment is all about. When you understand and really grasp contentment, it becomes easier to save money and invest. Stress slowly disappears. Budgeting is easier. Relationships improve.

Be happy with what you have. More than three billion people, almost half the world, live on $2.50 a day. Sometimes we need a little perspective to become content with our current situation.

Without contentment, it's easy to be bitter and apathetic. Happiness is sold to us, especially during this time of year. We think if we can just get one more piece of stuff that "true" happiness will be right around the corner.

We say things like, "I'll be happy when I get that house!" or "I'll be happy when I get that new car!" But happiness cannot be bought. Sure fun—in the form of a house, a car, a new LCD television—can be bought, but fun is temporary. True happiness, or contentment, is lasting.

You can get out of debt, save money, and get on a budget, but until you realize that stuff doesn’t bring contentment, you will always feel stressed and unhappy. Contentment brings peace. And isn’t this time of year about bringing "peace on earth and good will toward men"?

Remember what this deal is all about. It's not about trees, lights, gifts, baked hams, and shopping malls. It’s about a little child who was born in a manger and grew up to die on a cross. It’s about peace on earth and good will toward men.

So if the Christmas frenzy is wearing you out, you've missed the point of Christmas. Make a plan with your money, and make a plan to get back in touch with the true meaning of this special day.

You are invited to Dave's Give Like No One Else Christmas at DaveRamsey.com. Daily giveaways and great articles will make you want to check back every day to see what's new.


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But godliness with contentment is great gain.
1 Timothy 6:5-7 (in Context) 1 Timothy 6 (Whole Chapter)