"Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle and you will find rest for your souls." Matthew 11:28-29
I saw you before you were born. Even then you were on My mind, My daughter. I knew you were coming, and I did everything possible to express My love to you and extend My invitation to you. Now that you are Mine, I want you to continue to come to Me. Come to Me when you feel strong and when you feel weary. Come to Me when you are rejoicing and when your spirit is crushed. I ask you to come not only to give you rest, but also because there is so much more I want to teach you. There is more of Me I want to reveal to you. You see, I did not create you for this fallen world. I created you for Paradise, but the curse of sin tore us apart. I've conquered sin and death for you through the death of My son, so come to Me...and live.
Love,
Your King who is waiting
Exert from "His Princess: Love Letters From Your King" by Sheri Rose Shepherd
Monday, July 16, 2007
Thursday, July 12, 2007
What were your born to tell the world?
God has gifted you with a life message to share with the world. That message or idea is what he wants you to communicate to others. Being chosen as one of God’s spokepersons is both an important responsibility and an awesome privilege. Some women run from the task; others experiment with it for only a brief period of time; and some fully embrace it. Just remember that a message is not a message until it is delivered! It is your choice today to decide how you will respond to God’s invitation to carry his message to his world. It might be interesting for you to take note of what message your friends like to share with others for God! Uncovering their life messages will definitely give you a clue about God’s plan for their lives and why you like them so much. Perhaps their life message challenges you or helps you refocus.
God-Given Proclamations
Have you noticed that the same encouraging comment comes spilling out of your heart and mouth all the time? For example, Hope against all odds. Or, Jesus loves me. Do you sometimes feel like a preacher when you say someone: Serve as if you are serving Jesus. Or, you will find freedom in Christ. What Christlike theme ranks at the top of your list? Love one another. Or, surrender to Jesus Christ today. What do you wish you could shout from the mountaintop? Forgive one another. Or, protect unborn babies.
What Were You Born To Tell The World?
John the Baptist Had a Life Message from God
John the Baptist was sent to prepare the way for the Lord. His life message: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” Read Matthew 3:1-12. How would you like to have been assigned John’s message and place in history?
SCRIPTURE TO PONDER
However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task of the Lord Jesus has given me – task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace. (Acts 20:24)
So…What Insight, Prayer, or Action Step Has God Laid on Your Heart Today?
Exert from "Pathway to Purpose for Women" by Katie Brazelton
God-Given Proclamations
Have you noticed that the same encouraging comment comes spilling out of your heart and mouth all the time? For example, Hope against all odds. Or, Jesus loves me. Do you sometimes feel like a preacher when you say someone: Serve as if you are serving Jesus. Or, you will find freedom in Christ. What Christlike theme ranks at the top of your list? Love one another. Or, surrender to Jesus Christ today. What do you wish you could shout from the mountaintop? Forgive one another. Or, protect unborn babies.
What Were You Born To Tell The World?
John the Baptist Had a Life Message from God
John the Baptist was sent to prepare the way for the Lord. His life message: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” Read Matthew 3:1-12. How would you like to have been assigned John’s message and place in history?
SCRIPTURE TO PONDER
However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task of the Lord Jesus has given me – task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace. (Acts 20:24)
So…What Insight, Prayer, or Action Step Has God Laid on Your Heart Today?
Exert from "Pathway to Purpose for Women" by Katie Brazelton
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Conquering The Return to Reality Blues
By: Sandra Harris Frey
Vacation. This word rings such excitement! The daily routine of life can become very monotonous unless you “shake it up” with a great trip or two throughout the year!
You begin the process by selecting the destination, the date, the accommodations, and the activities for the length of your stay. The anticipation builds as you get closer to the date of the planned trip. You begin selecting your attire and ultimately begin the packing process (not one of my favorites). There are always purchases made in advance and it’s best to make a list. Sunscreen, camera batteries, a good book, board games or cards, hair care products, a new bathing suit if you're going to the beach, and don't forget to stop at the bank! Ladies, whatever you do, do not forget to pack your makeup! It could be an ugly week without this necessity.
The vacation date finally arrives and you are on your way for some fun! Your stay is a great one, but the days seem to be in fast forward. Before you know it, you are headed on that big highway back home.
For all of you who work outside the home, the first day back to work from vacation may bring on an onslaught of cranky behavior. It’s “back to the old grind”.
Why is that we have such fun during our week of leisure, but sometimes forget to have fun year round? Each day should be filled with fun, laughter, and excitement while fulfilling the purpose at hand. I don't think that a bathing suit is appropriate attire for your work/home life (unless you are a lifeguard), but why not make each day fun and fulfilling.
Here are some tips for adjusting to life after vacation:
* Be nice to everyone.
* Choose clothing or jewelry that makes you smile when you put it on. Why wear things that do not make you smile?
* Exercise extra patience with those around you – ESPECIALLY your loved ones at home. Isn't patience supposed to be a virtue?
* Devote more time to prayer. The Lord listens to each and every prayer and always seems to give us the right answers and soothes our weary souls.
Blessings and have an awesome week!
Vacation. This word rings such excitement! The daily routine of life can become very monotonous unless you “shake it up” with a great trip or two throughout the year!
You begin the process by selecting the destination, the date, the accommodations, and the activities for the length of your stay. The anticipation builds as you get closer to the date of the planned trip. You begin selecting your attire and ultimately begin the packing process (not one of my favorites). There are always purchases made in advance and it’s best to make a list. Sunscreen, camera batteries, a good book, board games or cards, hair care products, a new bathing suit if you're going to the beach, and don't forget to stop at the bank! Ladies, whatever you do, do not forget to pack your makeup! It could be an ugly week without this necessity.
The vacation date finally arrives and you are on your way for some fun! Your stay is a great one, but the days seem to be in fast forward. Before you know it, you are headed on that big highway back home.
For all of you who work outside the home, the first day back to work from vacation may bring on an onslaught of cranky behavior. It’s “back to the old grind”.
Why is that we have such fun during our week of leisure, but sometimes forget to have fun year round? Each day should be filled with fun, laughter, and excitement while fulfilling the purpose at hand. I don't think that a bathing suit is appropriate attire for your work/home life (unless you are a lifeguard), but why not make each day fun and fulfilling.
Here are some tips for adjusting to life after vacation:
* Be nice to everyone.
* Choose clothing or jewelry that makes you smile when you put it on. Why wear things that do not make you smile?
* Exercise extra patience with those around you – ESPECIALLY your loved ones at home. Isn't patience supposed to be a virtue?
* Devote more time to prayer. The Lord listens to each and every prayer and always seems to give us the right answers and soothes our weary souls.
Blessings and have an awesome week!
Monday, July 9, 2007
9 to 5 Sanctuaries
By: Glen Schneiders, Crossroads Christian Church, Lexington KY
Gordon MacDonald directed a ministry in downtown New York City. He became acquainted with the public transportation drivers because he regularly used their services. Every so often he would have breakfast with some of the drivers. At one particular breakfast a driver lamented his vocation.
He said to MacDonald, “I wish I had a job like yours that was making a difference in the lives of people.” MacDonald offered some very sage advice. “I want you to try something for me. When you get on your bus tomorrow morning, before you do anything else I want you to close the door and pray this prayer: God make this bus a sanctuary for your presence today and make me your instrument of mercy and kindness.”
The bus driver reluctantly agreed to pray that prayer but was quite skeptical that anything could possibly change his tedious, menial job into something as significant as a sanctuary for God to work. A month went by before MacDonald crossed paths with the driver again.
When he did, he found a man quite different from the one that he had dined with the month before. Incredulous, the man told story after story of how God had used him to minister to the pain and needs in the lives of his harried passengers. God had indeed made his ordinary bus into sanctuary to dispense God’s mercy and kindness.
I’m going to guess that some of you aren’t real thrilled with your occupation. You see no connection between what you do and what God wants to do in the loves of people.
Will you take a moment today, as soon as you can, to quietly say to God, “Make this office…make this classroom…make this shop…make this warehouse a sanctuary? Make me an instrument of your kindness and mercy today.”
Colossians 3:23 (NIV) “Whatever you do (italics mine), work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men…”
Instead of going to work today for your company, why not go to work for God? I look forward to hearing what God does through you and in you, because God will show up if we make our workplaces His sanctuary.
Gordon MacDonald directed a ministry in downtown New York City. He became acquainted with the public transportation drivers because he regularly used their services. Every so often he would have breakfast with some of the drivers. At one particular breakfast a driver lamented his vocation.
He said to MacDonald, “I wish I had a job like yours that was making a difference in the lives of people.” MacDonald offered some very sage advice. “I want you to try something for me. When you get on your bus tomorrow morning, before you do anything else I want you to close the door and pray this prayer: God make this bus a sanctuary for your presence today and make me your instrument of mercy and kindness.”
The bus driver reluctantly agreed to pray that prayer but was quite skeptical that anything could possibly change his tedious, menial job into something as significant as a sanctuary for God to work. A month went by before MacDonald crossed paths with the driver again.
When he did, he found a man quite different from the one that he had dined with the month before. Incredulous, the man told story after story of how God had used him to minister to the pain and needs in the lives of his harried passengers. God had indeed made his ordinary bus into sanctuary to dispense God’s mercy and kindness.
I’m going to guess that some of you aren’t real thrilled with your occupation. You see no connection between what you do and what God wants to do in the loves of people.
Will you take a moment today, as soon as you can, to quietly say to God, “Make this office…make this classroom…make this shop…make this warehouse a sanctuary? Make me an instrument of your kindness and mercy today.”
Colossians 3:23 (NIV) “Whatever you do (italics mine), work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men…”
Instead of going to work today for your company, why not go to work for God? I look forward to hearing what God does through you and in you, because God will show up if we make our workplaces His sanctuary.
Sunday, July 8, 2007
My Princess...
I Have Set You Apart
I have called you to be set apart, just as I called those who came before you. I know this calling will sometimes come with great cost, but the eternal rewards are priceless and beyond comparison. Just as I did with Queen Esther, I have given you the ability to walk in such a way so all will see that you are divinely Mine. Some will admire you for your dedication to Me, and some will want you to fail rather than follow your lead. You may fall because you are not perfect, but your mistakes can be the tutors that make you wiser. Don't put pressure on yourself to be perfect. I'm the only one who can perfect you, My princess. All I ask is that you let Me set you apart so that I use you as a witness for the world to see.
Love,
Your King who sets you apart
Exert from "His Princess: Love Lettes from Your King" by Sheri Rose Shepherd
"I knew you before I formed you in your mother's womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my spokesman to the world."
Jeremiah 1:5
Jeremiah 1:5
I have called you to be set apart, just as I called those who came before you. I know this calling will sometimes come with great cost, but the eternal rewards are priceless and beyond comparison. Just as I did with Queen Esther, I have given you the ability to walk in such a way so all will see that you are divinely Mine. Some will admire you for your dedication to Me, and some will want you to fail rather than follow your lead. You may fall because you are not perfect, but your mistakes can be the tutors that make you wiser. Don't put pressure on yourself to be perfect. I'm the only one who can perfect you, My princess. All I ask is that you let Me set you apart so that I use you as a witness for the world to see.
Love,
Your King who sets you apart
Exert from "His Princess: Love Lettes from Your King" by Sheri Rose Shepherd
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Make a Joyful Noise...
My morning drive to work takes about 25 to 30 minutes depending upon traffic. It’s the only time that I am alone during the day and it’s a good time to think about the day ahead or compile a “To Do” list to my “memory bank” or it’s just a good time to sing…and sing loud!
My morning commute is great entertainment for other drivers each day. Many of them catch me in mid-song at red lights (I’m an animated singer). Some may point, laugh or stare, but most smile knowingly because they are quite guilty of the same pleasure many times in their lives.
Some singers are famous. Some singers sing in a choir at church. Some singers sing their children lullabies at bedtime. Some singers sing to be joyful.
Singing can bring joy, peace, love, comfort, and happiness into our hearts. Remember hearing the bible verse “bring a joyful noise unto the Lord” when you were young? What better way to glorify the Lord than by singing his praises daily.
Let’s all become singers and sing a joyful song to the Lord each day.
By: Sandra Harris Frey
New iBloom Author
Meet Sandra Harris Frey, our newest contributing author to the iBloom blog.
Sandra Harris Frey began keeping a diary in her childhood years by jotting down humorous events of her day. To better develop and mold her writing interests, she enrolled in a creative writing class her senior year of high school at West Carter High School in Olive Hill, Kentucky and continued sharpening her skills by attending Morehead State University and Ashland Vocational Technical School.
Sandra Harris Frey began keeping a diary in her childhood years by jotting down humorous events of her day. To better develop and mold her writing interests, she enrolled in a creative writing class her senior year of high school at West Carter High School in Olive Hill, Kentucky and continued sharpening her skills by attending Morehead State University and Ashland Vocational Technical School.
Sandra is currently an Executive Secretary in Marketing and Community Relations at a local hospital in Lexington, where she is a contributing writer for their quarterly publication. She was previously affiliated with Jerrico, Incorporated from 1986 - 1990 and Thomas and King, Incorporated from 1990 – 2001, which are widely known corporations in the restaurant industry.
Sandra and her husband Jonathan reside in Lexington, Kentucky where they enjoy gardening, NASCAR racing, Thoroughbred racing, and relaxing on their back deck watching the wildlife. She is in the process of writing a "best seller" and hopes to have her works published in the next couple of years.
Sandra and her husband Jonathan reside in Lexington, Kentucky where they enjoy gardening, NASCAR racing, Thoroughbred racing, and relaxing on their back deck watching the wildlife. She is in the process of writing a "best seller" and hopes to have her works published in the next couple of years.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
