WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY

Please stop by AmyDeane's Blog for more words and images and consider joining her "Word-Filled-Wednesday" meme.John 10:9 (New Living Translation)
9 Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures.

This verse touched me this morning. We have put a contract on our home and it was as if God reminded me, "No matter where you go... I will take care of you." Isn't He wonderful?

Because of my upcoming move in June, I will be posting a lot less. I will miss connecting during this short time! Blessings to all.

Welcome to Monday Manna. The purpose of this meme is to get together and get to know Christ more through His Word. The first and third Monday of each month, anyone who wishes can post their thoughts on a verse Joanne introduced at her blog the Thursday before. It doesn't have to be a long post -- just a few thoughts, a picture you feel helps express it, a poem, a short story, a devotional.

TODAY'S MANNA: Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 1 John 2:15 For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world. I John 2:16

Wow, convicting! What do I crave? Do I lust after things? Where does my confidence rest? Do not our lives and our very extistence boil down to the answers to those questions. As a Christian, I know I should long for God, not want what everyone else has, and trust in God and not my finances or my job or even my husband's love and affection. And yet, I often find myself still on a journey to let Jesus be my strength when I am tired, my peace when I am troubled, my security when life is uncertain, and my hope when I feel down. The Lord is my Shepherd and I pray that I will turn to Him for my wants, for green pastures, for still waters, for paths of righteousness, for protection, for comfort, for goodness, and mercy. And today, I pray the same for you. May we not give into the world's lures and deceit. True love and lasting security come only from our Father in heaven!!

"What are you thankful for today? Stop by Sonya's blog, Truth 4 The Journey, to find out how to share your gratitude and see what others are thanking God for today."

My thankful list today:
1. I am thankful for VACATION! We went to the Great Wolf Lodge (Williamsburg, VA) for the past few days. Wow, there is nothing quite like getting away from it all. (I am thankful as a Christian that even when I can't physically get away, in my quiet times with Christ I find a retreat from all of life's problems and cares!)

2. I am thankful for divine opportunties. I had an opportunity on vacation to talk to a young girl, who was raised in the church, but is now questioning what she believes. I told her we all must decide what we believe and who we will follow, no matter our background. Sharing how I met Christ reminded me of how AWESOME He is and how He is working in other's lives even when we can't see it.

3. I am thankful for moving. It is looking more and more like our friends may buy our home. My husband is in between jobs and more than likely will not work here in Richmond when he graduates from school in the fall. This will set us up to move quickly and easily when the time comes. All of this transition has helped me grow closer to the Lord and my sweet husband.

4. I am thankful for this semester being OVER! YES! I teach part-time and yesterday I gave my last exam. I am thankful for my job, as I love it and it is great part-time work.

5. I am thankful for water. I love the water. I loved the waterpark on vacation. I love that we will join a pool somewhere once we know where we will be living. I love to swim.
God bless you today everyone! Have a supernatural day in Christ.

THANKFUL THURSDAY AND GOLDEN HEART AWARD

I am combining two posts that I would like to do today.

First, THANKFUL THURSDAY. I have been praying for those who have lost children or mothers or aren't yet able to be a mom. My heart, love, and prayers go out to you today and this upcoming mother's day. I know God will help fill and comfort your heart. I am thankful for my mom! (My dad will get a post in June:) Both I love so very dearly.

1. My mother sacrificed a lot for us always. She has always been there for my dad, me, my brother, and my sister. Thanks mama!

2. My mother is the kindest woman you will meet. She is always loving and thoughtful towards others. Thanks mama!

3. My mother is creative. She has always made things for me- birthday signs of what happened the past year, curtains, hair holders (can't spell squiggies???) Thanks mama.

4. My mother is a wonderful grandma. She loves each one and never greets them empty handed. Thanks grandma.

5. She is the best wife. She and my dad have stuck through it throughout the years. When I stop and think of how much they love each other, it brings tears to my eyes. Like right now:)
They taught me that love can last when two people stick to it~

Mama, I love you and thank you for helping make me become who I am today. I am so thankful you are my mother and wish I had more words or more ways to show you how much you mean to me. I look forward to celebrating with you. Love, Laurie

Second, GOLDEN HEART AWARD'

Thanks to Sitka of All God's Creatures for this honor! You really should stop by and read from this amazing dog! His ministry is so unique and his experiences (and his family's) will inspire you to do even greater things for the Lord. With this award comes the responsibility to pass it along to five other bloggers who exemplify a heart of Gold. This is a very difficult task,indeed. Really, I could choose many, many more.

But today, we honor these five! Ladies, please don't feel you have to pass this on. Thank you for your blogs!

PLEASE VISIT...
1. Joan at More God=Less Me. Name says it all, huh? She truly has a heart for the Lord and I always enjoy her rich insights.

2. Laurie Ann at A Magnolia’s Heartbeat. Get a pen, paper, and a spiritual appetite. She

has some of the most amazing teachings from the Word that I have ever read.

3. Yolanda at Joy Comes in the Morning. I look forward to her blog. She has such a hunger for the Lord. Her writings and her relationship with the Lord will speak volumes to you.
4. Susan at This Day. Again, this day you should stop by her site:) She is a sweet friend who I also appreciate. Her site always blesses me.

5. Sonya at Truth 4 the Journey. She started the Thankful Thursday meme above. And, if you would consider being a part of it, I think you would be very encouraged.

Have a wonderful day everyone! Thanks for reading this loooooooooong post!!

WORD-FILLED WEDNESDAY

Please stop by AmyDeane's Blog for more words and images and consider joining her "Word-Filled-Wednesday" meme.

*The photo is from photo bucket (w/words added:)

PSALM 23 NIV
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters,

3 He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

May this Psalm minister to your heart and life.

MONDAY MANNA

Welcome to Monday Manna. The purpose of this meme is to get together and get to know Christ more through His Word. The first and third Monday of each month, anyone who wishes can post their thoughts on a verse Joanne introduced at her blog the Thursday before. It doesn't have to be a long post -- just a few thoughts, a picture you feel helps express it, a poem, a short story, a devotional.

TODAY'S MANNA:
Then Jesus said to them, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's." And they were amazed at him. Mark 12:17

Ever wondered why...
Jesus spoke to the crowds in parables?
Jesus spoke to the Pharisees in plain Aramaic?
Jesus explained Himself more fully to His disciples?
Jesus speaks to the heart?

Well here is a poem to accompany our day's manna and those questions:)

FROM THE HARD-HEARTED:
We want to follow you, but please just show us some sign.
We want to follow you, but honestly, do we have the time?

We want to follow you, as long as we can keep our ways,
We want to follow you, as long as we control our days.

We want to follow you, just tell us all that means,
We want to follow you, but hold fast to our own dreams.

We want to follow you, but we need to know how,
We want to follow you, but no, we will not bow.

FROM THE TENDER SHEPHERD:
You may follow Me your way, but where will I be?
Waiting patiently for your return, as you decide to get less busy.

You may follow Me, and yes a sign I gave,
Just look for changed hearts and lives, and evidence of an empty grave.

You cannot follow Me, child and hold onto your ways,
Unless you desire the broad and empty path to accompany your days.

I won't tell you everything it means to follow after Me,
Thus you must learn to trust in Me, and not walk by what you see.

Bow your heart to me, seek Me first and you will find,
Endless love and truth and life and peace for your mind.

Deuteronomy 30 11-18 “For this commandment which I command you today is not too mysterious for you, nor is it far off. It is not in heaven, that you should say, ‘Who will ascend into heaven for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?’ Nor is it beyond the sea, that you should say, ‘Who will go over the sea for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?’ But the word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may do it. “See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil, in that I command you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments, His statutes, and His judgments, that you may live and multiply; and the LORD your God will bless you in the land which you go to possess. But if your heart turns away so that you do not hear, and are drawn away, and worship other gods and serve them, I announce to you today that you shall surely perish...

Father, soften our hearts and extend Your grace that we may follow You, without excuse, without compromise, and without delay! We will be Your followers, not hard-hearted and not in it for ourselves! We will accept what You say- how You say it- and do it, because we love You and call You Lord.