Mornings With Jesus

On my mornings off I like to have my cup of coffee and read my One Year Bible first thing. 

I remember the days when I was so bleary-eyed from being a young mother that I

couldn't even see the pages. I couldn't focus my eyes much less my mind. I knew I was supposed to read and have my devotions but it was sooo hard.

When I'm working, I read there.

I'm loving my IPad for study's sake. As I read I get busy looking up places and

other things that catch my attention. In January when I was off before school started back, 

I would sit for 2-3 hours at a time. I felt a little guilty but then thought..."who needs me right now?

Isn't it okay if I schedule time to learn? and just be a "Mary" and sit at Jesus' feet?"

Here's just a sampling of things that have jumped out at me today:

Proverbs 13:5 "The righteous hate what is false, but the wicked bring shame and disgrace."

This week end we had an incident. Somehow Mr. R remained calm & controlled.

He was seeking a peaceful solution to the rising anger issue in another who eventually brought shame and disgrace to his name, his family's name and his business. 

Psalms 84: 11 "... no good thing does he withhold from those who walk blameless." 

{{ 58 }} Friends

At my first Reliv National Conf. in Atlanta, GA

In our business you get to know the most awesome people.

Lisa (L) is one of those. She lives her beliefs on the mission field in Central America.

She's been saved by the Grace of Jesus and once again He saved her health

with the nourishment of the products we love. I am so honored to have met her and

so thankful her life was spared. Also with us is Marcia who consistently lifts me up.

I am reminded of this verse:

Psalm 139: 17, 18

 How precious to me are your thoughts, God!
   How vast is the sum of them!
Were I to count them,
   they would outnumber the grains of sand— 

{{ 47 }} Lanterns

I've always liked lanterns; even as a little girl. By Jr. High I was hooked and bought my first one at Six Flags. There's something that takes you back to the days of Robin Hood....well, for me that's the time perios my mind goes to. I think they are all beautiful. 

The only verse that comes to mind is..."Thy Word is a Lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path."  Psalm 119:105 

That's plenty.

{{ 34 }} Therapy

This is what I do for therapy.

I must admit I don't completely come up with my own ideas.

I am inspired by many things I see and incoporate them into my play time.

I am reminded of this verse:

Psalm 147:4

He counts the number of the stars and calls them all by name.

I really like the "all" part. 

{{ 31 }} Companion

I made this as the companion piece to Candace and Andrew's  anniversary gift. I had thought to keep it myself because I was having a difficult time. This was exactly one month before I gave up my desires and everything attached to them to submit to going to Israel as missionaries. It was a hard thing for me.

 {There's more to that story than I'll go into with this post.}

What I know: the process of creating a pure heart can be quite painful. It does not become "pure" without be worked over.

If it isn't pure, whose motives are behind the work?

Looking back I'm thankful He chose to work me over. 

{{ 11 }} Shaping Up

Let your love, God, shape my life
with salvation, exactly as you promised;
Then I'll be able to stand up to mockery
because I trusted your Word.
Don't ever deprive me of truth, not ever—
your commandments are what I depend on.
Oh, I'll guard with my life what you've revealed to me,
guard it now, guard it ever;
And I'll stride freely through wide open spaces
as I look for your truth and your wisdom;
Then I'll tell the world what I find,
speak out boldly in public, unembarrassed.
I cherish your commandments—oh, how I love them!—
relishing every fragment of your counsel......Psalm 119:41-48 (The Message)