Encouraging Quotes and Scriptures…

Read some of the most influential quotes and scripture that offer deep encouragement.

If people are kicking you in the behind, at least you’re in front of them.
Billy Graham

When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, “I used everything you gave me.”
Erma Bombeck

Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.
Proverbs 16:3, NIV

am not discouraged because every wrong attempt discarded is another step forward.
Thomas Edison

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.
2 Corinthians 4:7-9, NIV

God has created me to do him some definitive service. He has committed some work to me which he has not committed to another. I have my mission.
John Henry Newman

In this crazy world, there’s an enormous distinction between good times and bad, between sorrow and joy. But in the eyes of God, they’re never separated. Where there is pain, there is healing. Where there is mourning, there is dancing. Where there is poverty, there is the kingdom.
Henri Nouwen

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11, NIV

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose . . . to be conformed to the likeness of his Son . . .
Romans 8:28-29, NIV

If you think you are too small to be effective, you have never been in bed with a mosquito.
Betty Reese

am not what I ought to be;
I am not what I would like to be;
I am not what I hope to be.
But I am not what I once was,
and by the grace of God, I am what I am.
John Newton

Giving, With Reckless Abandon.

We have been going through a book called, “A Woman After God’s Own Heart” in women’s group at church. I was incredibly touched this week, when I read about giving to others. Being overly and abundantly generous with our time, money, and any resource that we have available to us.

(Luke 6:38 KJV) Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

(2 Corinthians 9:7 KJV) Every man according as he purposefully in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

I need to give more, and to give unconditionally and with joy without holding anything back. The way Christ gives to me…with reckless abandon. One of my goals in life is to be used with every ounce of being for God’s purposes and plans. I want to pour my life into others any way that I am able. It’s amazing at how much a tremendous difference a simple hello can make in someones life, or a smile. I realize lately that I am always in a hurry. So much that most of the time I don’t even notice people. It is sad, this is how our society is, always in a hurry, no time to talk, no time to look at others, no time to smile. I do not want to be a part of this crowd. I pray that God would continue to open my eyes to the other people around me. Weather it is a simple hello, an encouraging smile, or giving of my money.

Family Photo

We had dinner at Uncle Rick & Dar’s. We had to say goodbye to our niece Destiny who is going to live with her Dad. I am happy that her life will be better, but sad she will be so far away. We will all miss her this year.

Morning Devotion

This morning I was reading in Hebrews, and the verses about Moses and his faith really stood out to me….

Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he (Moses) had respect unto the recompense of the reward. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible. Hebrews 11:25-27

I love these verses about Moses. I think to myself, how easy that would have been for Moses to fall into the “treasures in Egypt.” Just think Moses had many earthly possessions; he was royal, wealthy, and respected. It would have been so easy for him to give in and just be simply wealthy. Or even to look the other way and remain comfortable in his surroundings. But Moses did not give in to earthly possessions, and he became very far from comfortable. He was not comfortable living the high life while his people around him suffered. So he gave it all up to take a stand for Christ. Everything…. in fact he even chose to suffer with his people than to live a comfortable life. “Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season” To free a nation of bondage. I think to myself how often am I asked to give up little things in life to take a stand for Christ? Why is it so hard to just do it? And to do it with all the faith Moses had when he took a stand. And yet most times we aren’t even asked to give up all that we have. Lord give me faith like Moses.

Verse of the Day

Seek His will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.  Proverbs 3:6 NLT

You may have heard this verse in another translation saying…

..in all your ways acknowledge him,  and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:6 NIV

It is comforting to know that I am not on my own when it comes to making decisions, the Lord is not far from me, He will show us which path to take when we are seeking after him.  This is God’s promise, He will never leave us “hanging,” as some in our lives. He will always direct our path when we seek after Him.

Wow, what peace that gives.

 

Nike+ Present

I love my hubby, he came home last night from work with a present…….

A new pair of Nikes from Nordstroms!

They are really cool shoes they are from the Nike plus line, you can put this in your shoe…

It is the Sport Kit which allows my Nike+ shoe to talk to my iPod. The sensor uses a sensitive accelerometer to measure any activity, then wirelessly transfers this data to the receiver on my iPod.

A New Year’s Day Poem

O Thou whose glory fills the heavens,
Whose bounty clothes the earth,
To Thee a poem of thanks we raise
For blessings from our birth.

For that untiring love Thou dost,
From day to day renew,
O may it on our hearts descend
Like heaven-distilled dew.

For mercy great, unending still,
Which gave up to the grave
Thine only Son, the Sinless One,
Our sinful souls to save.

While entering on another year
Our cares on Thee we cast,
Beseeching aid in days to come
Which cheered us through the past.

That still the freedom may be ours
To kneel down in Thy sight,
And worship Thee at shut of day,
And in the morning light.

That from temptation’s fatal paths
Thou turn our steps away;
And keep us from unholy thoughts
That lead the mind astray.

No more may lust of worldly wealth
Command thoughts that are thine;
Nor may we envy other’s lot,
Or at our own repine.

Than all the riches earth can boast
Or gems beneath the sea,
We know the pious, humble heart,
More precious is to Thee.

How needful, then, to train our thoughts,
And fan the heavenly flame
Of faith, in the believing heart,
Triumphing o’er sin and shame

And holding by the Word, thou hast
For grace and guidance given,
Pass trough this world in holy fear,
True candidates for heaven.
Charles Moir

I love this poem, I inserted into January Secret Prayer Pal newsletter.