Knock and keep on knocking

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For everyone who asks and keeps on asking receives; and he who seeks and keeps on seeking finds; and to him who knocks and keeps on knocking, the door shall be opened.
Luke 11:10 AMP
http://bible.com/8/luk.11.10.AMP

God never tires of us coming to Him with the same problem over and over.  He never says “What is it this time?!” or “Just get over it!”  Problems and conflicts are used by God to shape and mold our character and train us for battle.  In the Book of Judges, the 3rd chapter, it says God intentionally kept the inhabitants of the Promised land, who were idol worshipers and human sacrificers in the land to test the Isrealites, to see if indeed they would keep their promises and remain faithful to Him.  God does not set us up for failure.  He is never surprised by our choices because He is God, after all.  But He never ceases to give us second chances and opportunities to do over and to do better.  Like a father teaching his child to ride a bike God allows us to make mistakes.  He does not give up on us or get frustrated with us when we have to do it over and over.  While we  are feeling like utter failures or idiots He is saying just agree with Me that what you did was wrong and let us put that behind us.    God does not hold grudges or bring up the past to hang guilt  on us.  We have a buggar in our corner who is our enemy and loves to point his bony finger of accusation at us and we quickly agree with him that we are worthless and undeserving of God’s grace but God LOVES US!!!   He is patient and kind, slow to anger and full of loving kindness.  God invites us to come to Him with all cur concerns.   He says “Cast ALL your cares upon Me
because I care for you.”

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Meet Santa Bob. God’s answer to one man’s bucket list

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Bob is one amazing and grateful guy.  Over the past couple of years he beat the odds of surviving a major heart attack.  He gives all the credit to Jesus for his remarkable recovery.   Today he is the picture of health and vitality.   And the only thing on his bucket list was to be Santa Claus.   Bob said he prayed for God to give him a Santa job and not only did God get him hired to work as a Santa Claus He provided Bob  Santa  work for a year round resort nearby that is just in the making. This resort sits on 200 acres of forest land and will be called The Zip Line At Santa’s Village.
There will be two separate campgrounds,  a trout pond for fishing,  a zip line,  rides, an artisan village where  visitors can learn crafts and leather working, and, of course, Santa’s Village.   Bob will be Santa in every season and help out in the leather working venue.

By July the resort will be open and hosting the Special Olympics. 
Bob is so rejoicing at God’s tremendous answer to prayer.   Bob said his dad had a hand made cross he passed down to him and he plans to wear it  under his beard on his furry Santa Suit lapel.  When children reach up and find it he will explain how God loves us so very much.

God bless you Santa Bob!

In the little things: A prayer of thanksgiving

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I thank Thee God for sight
that I can see the light
That I can know and judge
The right from wrong.

I thank Thee Lord for eyes
Your words that make me wise
And ears that hear Your love
In every song.

It’s in the little things
Like little diamond rings
My walls like melting snow
Come gently down.

Then I see that I am free
To truly now be me
For You have cut the cords
That had me bound.

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Change: Its about THE DANCE

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He cradles us and delights in our trust.  He sings over us songs of deliverance and friendship and the dance.  He invites us to invite others into the dance that will never end but reflects His sufficiency in each new stanza.  Our partners may change faces but it is really Him in each refrain.  But must we change?  I am happiest with THIS SONG!  I know this one best but I feel the change is at the door and it feels like death not new beginnings.  Am I allowed to grieve?  Must I celebrate?  Must I dance?  “Yes, my beloved, dance!”  You smile as only you can, a smile that comes from a broken heart that carries our griefs and bares our sorrow to free us to love and receive love without borders.  “Yes, DANCE!” You laugh, “But let Me lead!”

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Change: Its about THE DANCE

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He cradles us and delights in our trust.  He sings over us songs of deliverance and friendship and the dance.  He invites us to invite others into the dance that will never end but reflects His sufficiency in each new stanza.  Our partners may change faces but it is really Him in each refrain.  But must we change?  I am happiest with THIS SONG!  I know this one best but I feel the change is at the door and it feels like death not new beginnings.  Am I allowed to grieve?  Must I celebrate?  Must I dance?  “Yes, my beloved, dance!”  You smile as only you can, a smile that comes from a broken heart that carries our griefs and bares our sorrow to free us to love and receive love without borders.  “Yes, DANCE!” You laugh, “But let Me lead!”

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Good morning! Today is the day for

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Believing God for BIG things!

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For He is Faithful.  His mercies are new EVERY morning!

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Dream Big!  For there is nothing too hard for Him.

 

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Just remember to use the right address when you call or write because there are many paths but only one that leads to His door.
Acts 4:12.

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Have an AWESOME day!!!

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Cute beyond words: Aren’t grandkid so great?!!!

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Between crawling and standing the entertainment is huge.

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What a tremendous gift and blessing!  I pray for them to remember how much I love them.  I pray these lambs find my God early and know, like me that He is a good Shepherd.  May they know when they stumble, and we all do, that God is merciful, forgiving, faithful, strong, complete and not needing or wanting our pain or indulgences.  May they journey in hope and joy and fearless confidence in faith knowing God has a plan for their lives and He always has their backs.

Bless the Lord O my soul

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And forget none if His benefits.

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Who crowns each moment of my life with something of sweetness and love to remind me that He is good.  As the water reflects the sky and hills,  may my thoughts not become dull or weary with Your faithfulness O my God.

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You have planted so many abilities and unique talents in each one of us.  All of creation speaks to your heart to bless and see us thrive where we are planted.  Give me eyes and heart to recognize and affirm the giftings I see in myself and others. 

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I see flowers filled with busy bees gathering pollen to mix it up with other plants bearing flowers.  Without  this interchange where would be the fruit?  Where  would be the  honey? What is it that is helping my life accept and gain blessings and sweetness from others?  Could it be the activity of the Holy Spirit?  Yes.

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You lead me beside quiet waters to restore my soul.  I am grateful for times less busy, less demanding yet I haven’t appreciated when those times have been forced on me from illness or when my abilities are no longer needed.  I have felt sad, frustrated, sidelined, useless.  I forget you are not a silent observer.  You wept at Lazarus’ funeral even though you knew all along you would be calling him back to life from his tomb.  Easter is coming.  I need to daily rise from the ashes of my disappointments.  I know because You live, Jesus, I also live.  I live.  You came to turn my chaos  onto order; my self pity into purpose.  You are my Good Shepherd.

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As flowers strain to catch the sun rays and thrive when basking fully in its light, I ask for a constant infusion of Your Light in my thinking, my heart, my choices.  King David said “Better is one day in your courts than thousands elsewhere.  My heart and soul cries out for You, the Living God.  Your words are water to my soul.”