Friday, September 9, 2011

Karen Kingsbury - Leaving







I've featured Karen Kingsbury books on my blog before, but this one holds a lot of significance for me. Not only because I'm reading it right now, but I'm struggling with the decisions Bailey is making in the book. As many of you may know from reading my blog or being my friend in real life, it's always been a dream of mine to get a place of my own- a separate life from my parents. After all, I accomplished my goal once before: why can't I do it again??



The answer is quite simple really.. I can, but it's all a matter of timing-God's Timing! In short, I can plan all I want; but if it isn't God's will, it won't work out. That being said, I have a lot of decisions ahead of me.. I just hope I make the right ones!

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Dolphin Tale - Official Trailer



Welcome Back Everyone~
I came across this trailer while looking for something encouraging for today's blog; that's right, I'm bringing back Encouragement Wednesdays. Dolphin Tail tells the inspirational story of a boy and a dolphin without a tail

Monday, September 5, 2011

A new revelation from a classic hymn..

What a Friend We Have in Jesus


What a friend we have in Jesus,
all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
all because we do not carry
everything to God in prayer.

Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged;
take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful
who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy laden,
cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge;
take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In his arms he'll take and shield thee;
thou wilt find a solace there.




(Lyrics taken from the website:http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh526.sht)



Such a powerful message from a hymn!



While most hymns tend to focus on God in terms of His Might and Power; this one takes on another approach, calling Jesus a friend. I don't know about you, but this concept makes Him seem more accessible to me and everyone. After all a friend is someone in whom we can depend on day or night with our problems. He, like our human counterparts, cares for us and wants us to succeed in all we do.. So much so, that he gave his life for us. What an amazing sacrifice



Too often, though, we slip back into our old ways of thinking we can handle things ourselves and don't think we need God's assistance. But that's simply not true, God wants to be involved in all parts of our life-from the life-changing decisions to the insignificant ones. They all matter!



On the same token, although God's acceptance and friendship is unconditional, he wants us to trust him fully. That's not always an easy thing to do. I should know: I have experienced this time and time again in my stunt in the hospital. I may not been able to see what was going on behind the scenes, but had to believe that he had my best interests at heart. And even now-knowing about the victories I've had, I must put aside my own feelings of insecurity and walk blindly forward.. Knowing that God goes before us and knows the road ahead of us




The song, 'Tis So Sweet To Trust in Jesus is yet another reminder of how difficult a task this is. Yes, we are to take God at his word. But Verse 3 goes even further saying, " Yes, 'tis sweet to trust in Jesus, just from sin and self to cease; just from Jesus simply taking life and rest, and joy and peace. Refrain: Jesus, Jesus, how I trust him! How I've proved him o'er and o'er! Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus! O for grace to trust Him more!"




I don't know about you, but resting is something I've never been good at. In this world, we're taught to multitask in order to get things done. But God calls us to rest, believing in his promises and trusting that he knows best.




Food for thought.


Friday, September 2, 2011

The Grace Card: Study Scene







If you'll recall, not too long ago I mentioned The Grace Card in my blog; now that I've had a chance to watch it I would like to add my comments .. Although the storyline is racially driven to break down barriers in the inner-city, it also presents a powerful message of forgiveness and the power of God to use Christians no matter where they are-in the workplace, in the mission field. We are here to be a light in the darkness.




For that matter, the film also sheds light on the importance of fathers and the power they have to build up or breakdown their children. This and many more lessons were highlighted in the following blog entitled Ten leadership lessons from the grace card (http://briandoddonleadership.com/2011/02/26/10-leadership-lessons-from-the-grace-card/ ) I would encourage everyone to check it out as well as rent the movie and see it for themselves . You won't regret it; it might even change your life!




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