Here is the pun Halloween costume I wore to work this year :) Can you guess what I am?
I like simple, clever costumes. Other years my costume has been:
Having numbers all over me to be "someone you can count on"
Wearing a green sweatshirt with letters NV on the front to be "Green with Envy"
Wearing regular clothes and a sign around my neck that reads: "Nudist on strike"
Couple's outfit: Guy wearing a large E on the front of his shirt, me wearing a cartoon paperclip on my shirt. On his back said, "E-male" and on my back said "Attachment"
Wear a cute dress, draw read circles on my cheeks and attach a simple but large aluminum covered cardboard key to be a wind up baby doll
I have a few more ideas for the next two years but I'll save those. So the answer to this year's costume?
MUCHO "DeNiro" (pun for the having a lot of money in Spanish)
"Hmmm...we use to talk all the time. I should call her and see how she's doing lately." "Why does that guy & his mom at church keep popping up in my mind?" "I don't know if that woman needs help so why do I feel like I should give her a secret gift of money?" "That customer is really coming down on that guy and he's just doing his job, maybe I should encourage him?" Stopped at a red light, "Should I give that homeless man my take-home food from lunch?" "Why did I just wake up at 2am and think of that man in the hospital and his family?" "This picture would encourage Marie, I should send it to her."
Random thoughts? I believe with ALL MY HEART that they are not random. God's Spirit guides, leads and prompts us continually. Yet, how many of us follow through on these thoughts and how many simply blow them off as nothing? A few weeks ago, I was praying & crying my eyes out and more discouraged than I've been in two years. All of a sudden, I received a text message with a cute cat picture from a friend. Knowing this was not a coincidence, I prayed, "Okay, God, I'll text her and ask her for prayers." I texted and commented on appreciating the picture because I was feeling so discouraged and asked her to pray for me. Then she text back and asked if we could talk. I cried on the phone to her, she prayed for me and by the end of our phone call my heart was lifted. As I thanked her for following what God had put on her heart she said, "I just thought you'd like that picture so I sent it to ya." But I knew it was even more than that...God had put me on her heart and I am confident of this because God puts others on mine. :)
Lately, I've been talking alot with people about this and EACH person has ended up talking about someone that's been put on their heart recently. In fact, the examples above are from these conversations. Has someone been coming to mind or on your heart lately? Don't delay. Don't be lazy. Maybe they need encouragement, a listening ear, a cute card, some support or depending on the situation maybe you just could pray for them? God could be wanting to use you to help others in ways you may not even understand...how exciting is that?!
I'd love to hear what you think about this or any situations that may have come up recently for you too! May you follow His Spirit - Have a wonderful day.
The other morning, I was listening to an older song called Come To Jesusby Chris Rice and was moved to tears by a line that said, "and remember when you walk, we sometimes fall...so fall on Jesus..." Since I've been studying out the book of Luke, this line reminded me of the verse I had just read where Jesus is referencing Psalm 118:22. Luke 21:42-44 "Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures:
“‘The stone the builders rejectedhas become the capstone; the Lord has done this,and it is marvelous in our eyes'? Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit.He who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces, but he on whom it falls will be crushed."
So I flipped over, read all of Psalm 118 and felt inspired to read it again with the name of Jesus each time it said 'the LORD' and 'fall' right into Jesus' arms! Wow. Not only has this changed my mindset lately but I have enjoyed picturing this verse, "Jesus' right hand is lifted high" because I imagine seeing God raise up Jesus' hand like a ref does for a boxer when he declares the winner of the match. :) Anyway, my prayer is that this will inspire you today.
Psalm 118
1 Give thanks to Jesus, for he is good;his love endures forever. 2 Let Israel say:“His love endures forever.” 3 Let the house of Aaron say:“His love endures forever.” 4 Let those who fear Jesus say:“His love endures forever.”
5 In my anguish I cried to Jesus,and he answered by setting me free. 6 Jesus is with me; I will not be afraid.What can man do to me? 7 Jesus is with me; he is my helper.I will look in triumph on my enemies.
8 It is better to take refuge in Jesusthan to trust in man. 9 It is better to take refuge in Jesusthan to trust in princes.
10 All the nations surrounded me,but in the name of Jesus I cut them off. 11 They surrounded me on every side,but in the name of Jesus I cut them off. 12 They swarmed around me like bees,but they died out as quickly as burning thorns; in the name of Jesus I cut them off. 13 I was pushed back and about to fall,but Jesus helped me. 14 Jesus is my strength and my song;he has become my salvation. 15 Shouts of joy and victoryresound in the tents of the righteous: “Jesus’s right hand has done mighty things! 16Jesus’s right hand is lifted high;Jesus’s right hand has done mighty things!”
17 I will not die but live,and will proclaim what Jesus has done. 18 Jesus has chastened me severely,but he has not given me over to death. 19 Open for me the gates of righteousness;I will enter and give thanks to Jesus. 20 This is the gate of Jesusthrough which the righteous may enter.
21 I will give you thanks, for you answered me;you have become my salvation. 22 The stone the builders rejectedhas become the capstone; 23Jesus has done this,and it is marvelous in our eyes. 24 This is the day Jesus has made;let us rejoice and be glad in it.
25 O Jesus, save us;O Jesus, grant us success. 26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of Jesus.From the house of Jesus we bless you. 27 Jesus is God,and he has made his light shine upon us. With boughs in hand, join in the festal processionup to the horns of the altar. 28 You are my God, and I will give you thanks;you are my God, and I will exalt you. 29 Give thanks to Jesus, for he is good;his love endures forever.
I smile when I see my Sunny cat warming herself in the sunlight that God gives.
* Reflection #1:
Matthew 3:11"I baptize with water those who turn from their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is far greater than I am--so much greater that I am not even worthy to be his slave.” NLT ~John the Baptist~”
* Reflection #2:
Philippians 2:7“He made himself nothing; [Or He laid aside his mighty power and glory] he took the humble position of a slave and appeared in human form.” NLT
* Reflection #3:
1 Corinthians 7:22“And remember, if you were a slave when the Lord called you, the Lord has now set you free from the awful power of sin. And if you were free when the Lord called you, you are now a slave of Christ.” NLT
Mark “…Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, 44and whoever wants to be first must be the slave of all.” NLT
* Reflection #4: Apostles write - NLT
Romans. 1:1 “Greetings from Paul, Jesus Christ's slave,”
James 1:1 “Greetings from James, a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.”
2 Peter 2:1 “Greetings from Simon Peter a slave and apostle of Jesus Christ.”
Jude 1:1 “Greetings from Jude, a slave of Jesus Christ…”
Trust. Humility. Courage.
Practical: Return to the first scripture in 2 Peter 2:19 and consider “…For you are a slave to whatever controls you.” What controls you? What if the next 24 hours you imagined yourself being a slave for Christ? What would your day entail? How would that change your moment-to-moment decisions?
I thought I'd share a story with you from a few years ago. Enjoy!
It was a gorgeous and cool morning. I decided to open the balcony door to let in fresh air as I got ready for work. While putting on makeup, I heard a strange buzzing sound from the living room. I walked in and looked up to find a little hummingbird buzzing around my 10-foot vaulted ceiling. "Hmmm...now what?"
I decided to make the apartment as dark as possible, except for one open door, and hope the bird would know to fly “toward the light.” After darkening my apartment and calling my dad for reassurance, I went back to the other room to continue my morning routine. A few minutes later, the buzzing stopped. “Yay,” I thought, “the hummingbird must have left.” I went back into the living room, looked the place over, and saw no bird. Perfect.
Minutes later, I went to the kitchen and was shocked to pour my cereal, glance up, and see the hummingbird sitting on the kitchen bar with its wings spread wide. So I got as close as I could to take a picture on my camera phone. (After all, how often do these things happen?) As I was taking the picture, I noticed the bird's breathing was extremely heavy. At that moment, it looked at me as if to say "Help!" It was really in distress and very overheated. I walked carefully into the bedroom to grab a small mesh towel then quietly over to it again and reached out. I expected the bird to take off but instead this fast little “hummer” let me pick it up! I cradled it to me, carried it outside to the balcony, and opened my hands. It sat there for a second or two then flew off. It was truly beautiful. To this day, I feel very blessed to have been able hold this soft, delicate creature of God in my hands!
So the lesson I learned? Well, I am a 'do-it-yourself kind of gal' but that morning helped me remember that just like this little hummingbird, sometimes I can get myself in situations I just can't seem to get out of...sometimes we need to trust enough to let others help us. Have you had something hard going on lately? Maybe you've been wearing yourself out trying to 'fix' things all on your own? If so, I hope you take to heart the lesson to me from God's little bird and let someone help you too. :)
Here are some encouraging scriptures about God's amazing faithfulness!
1 Corinthians 1:9 God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Psalm 33:4 For the word of the LORD is right and true; he isfaithful in all he does.
Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised isfaithful.
Psalm 145:13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made.
1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
2 Thessalonians 3:3 But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.
Psalm 111:7 The works of his hands arefaithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy.
Deuteronomy 7:9 Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands.
Deuteronomy 32:4 He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.
Psalm 25:10 All the ways of the LORD are loving andfaithful for those who keep the demands of his covenant.
1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you isfaithful and he will do it.
Hebrews 3:6 But Christ isfaithful as a son over God’s house. And we are his house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast.
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, [God] isfaithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Wow! This is one of the most inspiring and comforting studies I've done. I want these verses to sink into my heart deeply.
Persecution can feel terrible no matter what level of persecution it is. The other night, I was bothered in my spirit about a conversation I had with someone. I was sharing my testimony but was treated like I'm just an interesting specimen to place in glass test tube and study. When I woke up the next morning the interaction was one of the first things to pop into my mind so I knew I had to get into the bible and talk to God about it.
Truly, 1 Peter 4:12-19 should have my name attached to it...
"(verse 12) Dear Morning Glory, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you....(verse 14) If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you...(verse 19) So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good."
Jesus says, "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who are before you." Matthew 5:11&12
I'm probably still too young spiritually to fully understand 'rejoicing in suffering' or 'being joyful in trials.' Someday, I pray, my heart will get there. I'm beginning to realize that when I am trying to love others [enemies or neighbors] I should focus on the fact that God's just happy that I'm sharing my faith and being faithful - this way I can be joyful no matter what their response. :)
Most of us have been there...you are working on a computer and all of a sudden it gives you an error or freezes. It gets stuck - completely. Sometimes the only option to get it going again is to do a scan or reboot the whole system. ...And sometimes that is the only option for us as well.
God had to scan my system a couple of weeks ago. I was frustrated about a situation. I fell asleep on a Wednesday night thinking about it and woke up Thursday morning thinking about it. Arg! So as usual, I sat down early Thursday morning and opened my blog to catch up on some other bloggers. That's when God's Spirit swooped in and my whole "Coffee & Cozy" was Him scanning me and showing me my true issue. (and it wasn't the situation that had me frustrated that was the problem.) I sat there reading stories of children in need and it really humbled me out. What had I been so frustrated about again? Someone disrespected me? Seriously, the things that get me all worked up sometimes are so...worldly! There are so many people in need and truly hurting. What I need when my 'system' gets stuck on situations, especially ones my friends refer to as "1st world problems," is perspective. So I'm letting God continue to scan me and reboot me to get some of those system 'errors' out. *smile* And...at this moment I'm thanking Him for that silly situation that got me all worked up because it lead me to reading Purity's story and to letting God use me to encourage her. Amen.
I emailed a letter to the young girl I sponsor, Purity, at the beginning of October. I didn't want her to wait to hear from me until I got 'my stuff together' so I sent her a quick introduction and some pictures of me. Compassion has this set up online so that you can pick out a cute template, write a little letter, attached pictures and just hit 'SEND.' Super easy.
Because it can take a while for a letter to reach her in Kenya, I really wanted to get something for Christmas in the mail to her. So yesterday I mailed my first real letter.
Inside the Christmas card, I wrote some encouragement for her and her family. I drew some flowers for her to color, cut out a snowflake, made a personalized word search with some very simple English words she might recognize since she's part of the Compassion program, included photos of my cats and a paper bracelet. I really wanted to send a bracelet to her but read that nothing but paper or things that are laminated are allowed through customs. I really hope the bracelet will go through!
Here's how I made it:
measure a strip of paper long enough to go around your wrist
draw/write whatever you want on it
laminate it with the simple laminating sheets you can purchase at the store
on the right end, cut a slit about 3/4 of the way upward into the bracelet
on the left end, cut three slits about 3/4 of the way downward into the bracelet (this will allow for adjustment of size) ta-da!
This bottom photo shows how it connects, although if you connect them "inside" the same way then the edges won't show.
I included the photos so she'll know it's a bracelet because otherwise it really just looks like a bookmark since I mail it "unattached" and flat.
A few friends, who either already sponsor a kid'o or are considering it, are talking about getting together once a month for a "letter writing" party to encourage them. I hope we can meet up, write letters, swap stickers and stuff, and pray for these children. How exciting!
When I think about water a few words come to mind: transparent, light, and refreshing. So today I'm thinking about what Jesus means by living water. My descriptive words for water are a lot like what my spirit needs to be and imitate in Christ so I'm asking myself, "Do those vivid words match my spirit?"
Songs of Solomon 4:15 “You are a garden fountain, a well of living water, as refreshing as the streams from the Lebanon mountains."
Revelation 21:6 “He said to me: ‘It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life.’”
Isaiah 12:3“With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.”
Practical: Write a short psalm or prayer about your spirit as compared to living water that flows from Jesus' fountain of life and all that it is nourishing.
Other verses: John 4:10-11, Rev. 7:17, Zech 14:8-9
Last week and part of this week, I have been feeling extremely lonely and sad because my hypersomnia has me so housebound. My feelings and questions of God began like a snowball catching speed rolling down a hill of "what will happen when..."
This morning, I can see that all my questions, my crying prayers, and my talks with sisters over the past two days boil down to the same question the disciples asked Jesus...Don’t you care?
The disciples asked Jesus during the storm (Mark 4:38) Martha asked Jesus the same question too (Luke 10:40)
It's so good for me to be open with God and with others about questions because worry and heartaches happen to everyone! Sometimes I think we act like or think that we should have already 'arrived' as a Christian. But if we are honest with ourselves and others, we know it's a continual process to stay close to God and you've just gotta trust the process. I've learned we can't always walk around in perfect perspective 'cause that's not real and it's not even human.
So lately, I've found myself asking, Lord, don't you care if I'm sick, if I'm lonely, if I'm sad? And this morning, as I close my eyes and see Jesus standing in front of me, arms spread for a hug, I almost can't even whisper the question...don't you care?...as my eyes glance down at nail marks in his wrist... because with one look I know he does!
He's cared about my soul long before I hit this earth so I know he will take care of me in all other aspects too! I just need to stay open with God and with people. I must stay real and I have to pray and read scriptures that fill me and remind me who God is in this life. And if life gets too overwhelming then I will just start with repeating to myself: “You can make it – HE is here.” :)
There is no perfect answer that one person can give to another whose heart is in pain. Only though God’s word does lasting and reliable comfort come to us. I do find it wildly comforting that we are not forsaken, abandoned, or given up on by the Lord because He promised He will never leave us. May you let that promise sink in deeply (Deut 31:6).
The scriptures below are some that give me hope in times of heartache and questions too.
Ecclesiastes 7:3 NLT "Sorrow is better than laughter, for sadness has a refining influence on us"
Psalm 52: 8 NLT "But I am like an olive tree, thriving in the house of God. I trust in God's unfailing love forever and ever." **Suggestion for a great book when dealing with any kind of loss:The Grief Recovery Handbook by John W. James & Russell Friedman
We've all seen those small, single sleeve albums for photos. Well, there are so many more ways you can use these for gifts besides pictures. Here are three simple ideas.
Cook Book You can make this for yourself or it's also great for a young woman who might be getting her first place or newly married. I remember when I moved away from home. It was the simple things about cooking that were so nice to have written down somewhere!
In a photo book, insert some note cards with your favorite recipes or cooking tips.
If your album flips up, list all the ingredients on one side then write cooking instructions on the side that shows once you flip it. or...
If your album opens like a book, then write the ingredients on the left and the preparation instructions on the right.
This is also a great way to keep track of new recipes and not worry about them being lost or smudging while cooking. Mom made me one of these photo cookbooks and I so appreciated it! (Probably because I called her all the time and asked her how to make something as simple as her awesome cornbread. ha)
Quote Book
In the first photo slot, write a cute title or “Quote Book” and the person’s name.
Print (or write) famous, inspiring quotes. You can cut around them with decorative scissors then lightly tape these quotes to creative stationary and slide them into the individual slots.
**Variations:- tell a funny story by using pictures you cut out from magazines or newspapers
The Book of You
On colorful paper, write different qualities you appreciate about your special person.
Slide each piece of paper in it's own sleeve to create a book of encouragement for them to pull out when times are hard.
But wait! There's more. LOL. Here's a slightly different idea I found. You take a simple CD case with sleeves and turn it into a photo album, cook book, quote book or encouragement gift too. I thought you'd appreciate the possibilities. So cute!
I hope you enjoy the ideas and get the chance to use it to encourage someone you love and appreciate!
Below are some verses that I'm meditating on today. The picture flat out inspires me too. :) There is hope, strength, & power in the name of our Lord!
This name was given by God to our Savior to remind us of the love, mercy, and forgiveness that is available to us. Matthew 1:21 “She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the nameJesus, because he will save his people from their sins." [Jesus is the Greek form of Joshua, which means the LORD saves]
1 Corinthians 5:4 “When you are assembled in the name of our Lord Jesus and I am with you in spirit, and the power of our Lord Jesus is present,”
Philippians 2:9-11 “ Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
Acts 3:16 “By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus' name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see.”
Acts 10:48 “So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.”
1 John 3: 21-23 “Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God and receive from him anything we ask, because we obey his commands and do what pleases him. And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us.”
John 14:12-14 “I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing, He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name and I will do it.”
Simple wine cork/mirror center piece I made for the dining table
I made this happy guy to go outside to greet the kid'os who stop by my door.
So cute...handmade metal ghost thrift store find! ($8) I don't really want my house to be scary but knew it was perfect when a little boy felt compelled to walk up to me in the store, ran his fingers across the corrugated metal and said, "This is spooky!" :)
Ever do "Random Acts of Kindness?" I was searching for ideas and I found so many websites. Below are some of the ideas I came across and really liked. I am praying that these inspire you too. :) If you have any of your own, I hope you'll comment and share!
Leave a bouquet at the hospital — the nurses will know who needs it the most.
If you are in a long line, invite the person behind you to go first.
Shower the pediatric wing of a hospital with $1 coloring books and $2 boxes of new crayons.
Hang a sign on a bulletin board that says "Take What You Need" — with tear-off tabs at the bottom for Love, Hope, Faith, and Courage. (love this!)
Bring courtesy back in an instant: Hold the door open with a flourish. haha
Drop off combs, toothbrushes, and toothpaste at a shelter or a soup kitchen.
Curb road rage: Let other cars merge onto the highway.
Leave your neighbors a note that tells them how much joy you find in admiring their garden.
Send a thank-you note to the brave officers at your local police or fire station.
Arrange to pay anonymously for a soldier's meal when you see him or her dining alone.
Slip a $20 gas card or public-transportation pass into someones shopping bag.
Sing an employee's praises to a manager on a comment card - a little recognition goes a long way.
Leave a copy of a book you love, with a note for the next reader, on the train or the bus.
Load extra change into the vending machine to buy the next person a Coke or tape a few bucks to a vending machine to make someone’s day!
Relay an overheard compliment.
Bring pennies to a water fountain and give them to anyone who wants a free wish!
Deliver cards, balloons and crossword puzzles anonymously to residents of a nursing home who don’t have frequent visitors. Also, pop in and visit with someone there sometime to lift their spirits.
Colossians 3:12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Purity Karimi lives in Kenya about 25 miles north of Meru. It's a desert community of an estimated 38,000 where the homes are constructed with dirt floors, wood walls, and tin roofs. She lives in an area considered high risk for exploitation and abuse.
She stays with three other children and her grandma, who is sometimes employed as a farmer. Purity's main household chore is carrying water. She's 8 years old, in 2nd grade, and her favorite activity is running.
I found her story while looking on the website calledCompassion. My spirit was moved when I saw her! I looked at photos and stories of other children too, because there are truly so many in need, yet my eyes kept falling back on her picture, with her gentle smile and small frame. She's in a Compassion program at the St. Mathews Child Development Center. From what I know so far, this center provides her bible studies, health screenings, sports and social clubs, computer training, tuition, tree planting activities, and arts & crafts. They also have income-generating activities for her guardian.
After two hours of prayer and some research on the company, the decision was made - I became hers. I am now her sponsor. Today I'm beaming to follow the Spirit and I know I will have to trust God to help me encourage her, love her, and be there for her in whatever way I can.
I should get a packet in the mail with more information soon...yay! I can't wait to share with you as it all unfolds. I'm excited to get the honor of writing her and sometimes I'll get letters from her too, which I will treasure. You might have already wondered, "How much is it to sponsor?" Beloved, it's only $38 a month. Honestly, most women spend that for a mani/pedi or a new pair of shoes each month! It is possible...maybe you could share sponsorship with your best friend or maybe your small group at church can sponsor a child together? I hope you'll pray about it. :) Oh, there is one other thing "Compassion" does ask ...they ask for PRAYERS! That's also going to be a blessing for me...to have this little one and her family to pray for specifically.
Wanna see the impact being a sponsor can make?! This inspiring video has young adults, who completed the program, sharing what a difference having a sponsor made in their lives - Click:"One Act"
To see other children longing for a sponsor & their stories (some have been waiting for a sponsor for well over a year!) click:Compassion
Won't you check it out? I know by faith that the right people for these children will read this post and decide to sponsor and help release a child from doubt, hurt, & poverty, in Jesus' name!
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
