The other day, I was jotting down some notes in a notebook, when I turned the page and saw a little drawing from my daughter– a happy face with an “I love you” next to it. It was a cute surprise, and it made me smile.
It also made me pause and be grateful for the other little surprises–the little gifts–in my life. Sometimes, I go about my day and take for granted those gifts—a hug from my daughter, hearing my son laugh, spending time watching a movie with my husband, getting a card from a friend, or even finding a good parking space at the store.
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1. Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego replied to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to give you an answer concerning this matter.
2. “If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire ; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king.
3. “But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.” Daniel 3
It’s one of my favorite Bible stories, one to inspire courage and trust.
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Aside for my adolescent affection for David Banner and his mean green alter ego, “The Hulk,” I’ve never been a fan of movies or T.V. shows based on comic books. Had I not married a man who stomps his feet with excitement whenever a trailer promoting the latest flick about an iconic hero with superpowers is shown for the first time, I most likely would have gone the rest of my life without watching such characters.
The first time my husband brought me to a theater to see a movie based on some legend from his childhood was to the premier of X-Men.
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My heart is breaking. Transition is taking place. Change is happening and I don’t like it at all. I told the Lord she was His long ago, even reminded Him on occasion about our deal when she annoyed and irritated me. This day seemed so far off. Tucking her into bed, reading her stories, watching her dimples flash with joy over the simplest of things. A giggle. A word. A memory. My precious, precious child.
My oldest is moving out on her own. At almost eighteen years old, she is too much like her mother. Now in college, she wants to experience everything, taste and see it all.
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But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul. Deut. 4:29 NIV
Have you ever wondered what God’s plan is for you? Have you asked him? For the past couple of days the Lord has been speaking to my heart about the thing I am passionate about – finding God’s plan for your life. Then I came across this verse in Deuteronomy this morning. It all came together.
So often we want to know what God has planned for us, and we pray and ask Him.
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Are you a numbers person? Do you favor odds over evens or evens over odds? I favor evens. I have no idea why. Numbers have never really been my thing, but words, however, have always been able to hold my attention. When it comes down to it though, numbers are mentioned several times in the following verses and I don’t think they are entirely the point. It’s not about numbers. It’s about one word: Forgiveness.
Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times…” Matthew 18:22
I’m a believer that we work out forgiveness with God, in the same way we work out our sanctification.
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October is my favorite month. It may be because we enjoy many birthday celebrations and anniversaries. I am sure that my love of cooler temperatures helps my mood as I am a nester who loves the warmth of the fireplace, a cup of cocoa, and football!
In recent years I have enjoyed the sport even more as we have watched men who care about the image they project both on and off the field. It all began with Kurt Warner, who openly shared his faith as he took our team to a Super Bowl victory. Coaches like Tony Dungy and Jim Tressell, who have guided their teams with passion and with faith and integrity.
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Do you see this handsome young man here? (Please overlook the pink elephantine ears, they aren’t really his.) Samuel had an important question for his father and I today.
His 8 -year-old perfect timing = smack dab in the middle of The Dollar Store.
Samuel: How much does a foster kid cost?
Me: What???
Samuel: How much does a foster kid cost? My new friend in class is a foster kid. He doesn’t have a family, Mom. Do you and Dad have enough money to buy him?
Dad: Well, I’m not sure if we do son. Have you thought this through Samuel?
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