Shout with joy to God, all the earth! Psalm 66:1
Glorious Creator, Living Christ, Holy Spirit and Wisdom, Hear my joy!
We are so blessed with the beauty around us; the hills, mountains, the green and brown, water and desert, sky and sun, moon, stars. How can we not but shout with joy.
Please forgive us when we overlook or forget to thank You for these gifts.
This week I pray we may be bold enough, care enough, to witness to others the glory of your gifts. My we tell everyone you send us that we love You and know You are our God.
May we reflect Your love and care through our actions and words. Give us the words, Holy Spirit. Let us do no harm this week.
AMEN
Showing posts with label praise. Show all posts
Showing posts with label praise. Show all posts
Friday, April 24, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Slow Down !!
Absolutely one of the most beautiful days is unfolding in front of me! The weather is glorious, the fields down in the valley are being irrigated, the sun is shining, birds all around, work done, tea sweet...I think this is a slow down day. I am going to look around today, slowly, and see all the wonders God has put around me.
Played golf two times so far this week, and it was good! Slowing down there has helped. I finally have some rhythm back in my swing. I have really worked on slowing down my back swing and then firing through to completion.. Worked on slowing down my getting ready for my putts, taking time to really observe how the green runs. Taking time to look at where my ball lies in the fairway. Slow down and observe...not just rush into a shot or a putt. Not so slow as to hold up those I am playing with, just more attention to detail and surroundings.
Off for some more tea, finish one of the ten books I have going ;), dead head some flowers, breath, look, listen, enjoy, praise, be grateful, love...
Played golf two times so far this week, and it was good! Slowing down there has helped. I finally have some rhythm back in my swing. I have really worked on slowing down my back swing and then firing through to completion.. Worked on slowing down my getting ready for my putts, taking time to really observe how the green runs. Taking time to look at where my ball lies in the fairway. Slow down and observe...not just rush into a shot or a putt. Not so slow as to hold up those I am playing with, just more attention to detail and surroundings.
Off for some more tea, finish one of the ten books I have going ;), dead head some flowers, breath, look, listen, enjoy, praise, be grateful, love...
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Garment of Praise
...and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. Isaiah 61:3
I try to never miss a day checking in on Lorna at see-through faith. She is an inspiration to me and always makes me think, stretches me. This morning she is talking about praise. Too much, not enough, good reading. I thought about the friends with whom I play golf. One, I have played with for a long time, praises every shot even before it gets off the ground. I mean immediately. She has no idea where it will go, if it is going to end up in the sand, fairway, rough, on the green. She does not take the time to see any results, you just hear her say "Good shot". Needless to say it becomes a phrase you tune out. On the other end of the continuum, is another player that never, and I mean never, praises you on a shot. I could hit a hole in one and she would not open her mouth to compliment the shot. Too much, too little, none at all...what is praise anyway?
To me praise is showing that I appreciated the gift or talent another has received from our Creator. It is a way to bring love into the world. If a child or grandchild has made an A on a spelling test, your praise is an acknowledgement that God has given this person an intelligent brain and memory, or perseverance to learn something. If a friend can take apart an engine and put it back to gather, that is a praise situation. A good golf shot shows practice and good muscle memory. God gives us gifts and talents and the ability to see them in others. Use that recognition as a way to praise God by praising your friends, family and anyone else.
Isaiah said that the spirit of the Lord was on him to bestow a garment of praise on those who were grieving in Zion. So like Isaiah's gift, put on a garment of praise and let it shine. Bask in the praise of others and hand out that praise that is deserved. You are thanking God for the blessings, gifts and talents that you can recognize. When you praise God's creations you are praising God.
Have a blessed day in Vancouver, you know who you are.
I try to never miss a day checking in on Lorna at see-through faith. She is an inspiration to me and always makes me think, stretches me. This morning she is talking about praise. Too much, not enough, good reading. I thought about the friends with whom I play golf. One, I have played with for a long time, praises every shot even before it gets off the ground. I mean immediately. She has no idea where it will go, if it is going to end up in the sand, fairway, rough, on the green. She does not take the time to see any results, you just hear her say "Good shot". Needless to say it becomes a phrase you tune out. On the other end of the continuum, is another player that never, and I mean never, praises you on a shot. I could hit a hole in one and she would not open her mouth to compliment the shot. Too much, too little, none at all...what is praise anyway?
To me praise is showing that I appreciated the gift or talent another has received from our Creator. It is a way to bring love into the world. If a child or grandchild has made an A on a spelling test, your praise is an acknowledgement that God has given this person an intelligent brain and memory, or perseverance to learn something. If a friend can take apart an engine and put it back to gather, that is a praise situation. A good golf shot shows practice and good muscle memory. God gives us gifts and talents and the ability to see them in others. Use that recognition as a way to praise God by praising your friends, family and anyone else.
Isaiah said that the spirit of the Lord was on him to bestow a garment of praise on those who were grieving in Zion. So like Isaiah's gift, put on a garment of praise and let it shine. Bask in the praise of others and hand out that praise that is deserved. You are thanking God for the blessings, gifts and talents that you can recognize. When you praise God's creations you are praising God.
Have a blessed day in Vancouver, you know who you are.
Friday, August 1, 2008
Home Course
Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. Proverbs 4:25
Hey friends, I'm back!! Safely drove around 7,620 miles. We saw so much of this beautiful country and had contact with so many beautiful souls. I know we are supposed to be in hard times, however, almost every gas station and motel were busy. Restaurants had diners, store parking lots were full and golf courses had players. Amazing how I did this with my eyes directly straight ahead, on the road all the time. Well, maybe I peeked over now and then.
We saw some really interesting golf courses as we flew by, didn't have time to stop at any. Courses where the grass was so green because of all this years rain in parts of the country, others that were brown and dry as a bone. Hilly ones, flat ones, some with lots of trees, some with none. All a home course to someone. I'll be so glad to play my home course next week for the first time in about four weeks.
Yes, we are to keep our eyes looking straight ahead, focused on the Jesus way to the Kingdom, but that path goes through an amazingly beautiful place. God's created world and its people are diverse and beautiful, don't miss that on your walk. Look straight and directly at all the good and beauty around you. Enjoy it and praise the Creator that you are walking through it. Enjoy your home course.
Hey friends, I'm back!! Safely drove around 7,620 miles. We saw so much of this beautiful country and had contact with so many beautiful souls. I know we are supposed to be in hard times, however, almost every gas station and motel were busy. Restaurants had diners, store parking lots were full and golf courses had players. Amazing how I did this with my eyes directly straight ahead, on the road all the time. Well, maybe I peeked over now and then.
We saw some really interesting golf courses as we flew by, didn't have time to stop at any. Courses where the grass was so green because of all this years rain in parts of the country, others that were brown and dry as a bone. Hilly ones, flat ones, some with lots of trees, some with none. All a home course to someone. I'll be so glad to play my home course next week for the first time in about four weeks.
Yes, we are to keep our eyes looking straight ahead, focused on the Jesus way to the Kingdom, but that path goes through an amazingly beautiful place. God's created world and its people are diverse and beautiful, don't miss that on your walk. Look straight and directly at all the good and beauty around you. Enjoy it and praise the Creator that you are walking through it. Enjoy your home course.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Pslam 16:7
I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. Psalm 16:7
Do I praise or do I ask? Do I listen to my heart?
Do I praise or do I ask? Do I listen to my heart?
Friday, June 13, 2008
Prayer Friday
I thank my God every time I remember you. Philippians 1:3
Most Gracious and Loving Creator, thank you for the bounty of your love, for the blessings you have showered on us this week and for the blessings that are already waiting for today and the week to come. We are in awe that all our needs are taken care of already, we want not when we are in your care.
Please help us learn to live in your kingdom, in eternity, in Your All. We forget so easily and try to live in the past or the future, not in the present. Help us shed our egos and listen to your will for us.
Please help us listen, also, for the cry of our bothers and sisters who are hurt, scared, worried and lost so we can be your light to shine on them. We are your creation, yet we separate ourselves from each other. Help us see each other as yours. Guide us back to you and teach us to truly love one another.
As one we ask these things in the spirit, through Christ our Lord, AMEN
Most Gracious and Loving Creator, thank you for the bounty of your love, for the blessings you have showered on us this week and for the blessings that are already waiting for today and the week to come. We are in awe that all our needs are taken care of already, we want not when we are in your care.
Please help us learn to live in your kingdom, in eternity, in Your All. We forget so easily and try to live in the past or the future, not in the present. Help us shed our egos and listen to your will for us.
Please help us listen, also, for the cry of our bothers and sisters who are hurt, scared, worried and lost so we can be your light to shine on them. We are your creation, yet we separate ourselves from each other. Help us see each other as yours. Guide us back to you and teach us to truly love one another.
As one we ask these things in the spirit, through Christ our Lord, AMEN
Sunday, June 1, 2008
I Knew IT Would Be Beautiful
Awake, my soul! Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn. Psalm 57:8
I knew it would be a beautiful day! The dogs started playing at 5:30 this morning. Waking me up as all three of them chased each other through the house. Barking and running as if they could just not keep the energy in. They were so joyful I couldn't get angry over the interrupted sleep. I just felt as if the day was starting out with fun, love and energy. Then the computer brought me an "I love You" message from the spouse far away in Florida.
THEN...I went to a site I love, but has been silent for oh, so long, and hallelujah there it was...a new posting. And it was about letting your soul sing out LOUD! Visit it at http://www.anewlifeemerging.blogspot.com.%20my/My day is just getting better and better by the moment.
I cannot wait to see what the Merciful one has put in front of me today. I know it will be joyous and probably noisy.
I knew it would be a beautiful day! The dogs started playing at 5:30 this morning. Waking me up as all three of them chased each other through the house. Barking and running as if they could just not keep the energy in. They were so joyful I couldn't get angry over the interrupted sleep. I just felt as if the day was starting out with fun, love and energy. Then the computer brought me an "I love You" message from the spouse far away in Florida.
THEN...I went to a site I love, but has been silent for oh, so long, and hallelujah there it was...a new posting. And it was about letting your soul sing out LOUD! Visit it at http://www.anewlifeemerging.blogspot.com.%20my/My day is just getting better and better by the moment.
I cannot wait to see what the Merciful one has put in front of me today. I know it will be joyous and probably noisy.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Prayer Friday
I call on you, O God, for you will answer me; give ear to me and hear my prayer. Pslam 17:6
Today the smell of onions from the field down below is surrounding me as I write. I cannot see the onions fields from where I sit, but I know they are there by the essence of their odor.
My spouse left this morning for a short business trip, yet his "feel" is still here in the room with me. His essence is left behind to remind me of him.
When you pray know that the essence of that prayer is around you all day. Its "feel", its spirit and power is carried by the Holy Spirit through the heart of our Lord.
Mighty and Wondrous Creator, we are so blessed to be in your creation today. We praise and thank you for all you have given us, all you have taken away and all you have left with us. Please open our eyes, ears and hearts today so we can be aware of you at all times of the day. We want to live in your will. Thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit, who will not leave us. Please guide us to recognise those people you have put in our path today that need your love and help. We pray all of this in the name of our Christ, AMEN.
Today the smell of onions from the field down below is surrounding me as I write. I cannot see the onions fields from where I sit, but I know they are there by the essence of their odor.
My spouse left this morning for a short business trip, yet his "feel" is still here in the room with me. His essence is left behind to remind me of him.
When you pray know that the essence of that prayer is around you all day. Its "feel", its spirit and power is carried by the Holy Spirit through the heart of our Lord.
Mighty and Wondrous Creator, we are so blessed to be in your creation today. We praise and thank you for all you have given us, all you have taken away and all you have left with us. Please open our eyes, ears and hearts today so we can be aware of you at all times of the day. We want to live in your will. Thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit, who will not leave us. Please guide us to recognise those people you have put in our path today that need your love and help. We pray all of this in the name of our Christ, AMEN.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Prayer Time
Again he prayed,... James 5:18
Fridays are not a day in my date book that are marked for golf. Those days are Tuesday and Thursday, with others thrown in when I can. Friday is prayer group day. We meet at the church to pray for our church, country, friends, families, and any specific requests we have received. So maybe on Fridays we will take some time here to talk more specifically about prayer.
Over there on the right side I put a link to a site that will help you if you are new to prayer, www.Contemplativeoutreach.org. It is a place to go even if you have been a prayer all your life. When you get to the home page there will be a spot where you can click onto an explaination for centering and contemplative prayer. When I began my path into contemplative prayer, I found Father Keating and his writings. If you would like to or feel you are being led into a deeper prayer life this is a place to start.
My life has changed 360 degrees since I began to spend time open to God. Changed, as I am still and wait for the Love to come in.
Please remember if you need prayer or have a request, I am here. I will join mine with yours and if you want, I'll take it with me on Fridays.
Fridays are not a day in my date book that are marked for golf. Those days are Tuesday and Thursday, with others thrown in when I can. Friday is prayer group day. We meet at the church to pray for our church, country, friends, families, and any specific requests we have received. So maybe on Fridays we will take some time here to talk more specifically about prayer.
Over there on the right side I put a link to a site that will help you if you are new to prayer, www.Contemplativeoutreach.org. It is a place to go even if you have been a prayer all your life. When you get to the home page there will be a spot where you can click onto an explaination for centering and contemplative prayer. When I began my path into contemplative prayer, I found Father Keating and his writings. If you would like to or feel you are being led into a deeper prayer life this is a place to start.
My life has changed 360 degrees since I began to spend time open to God. Changed, as I am still and wait for the Love to come in.
Please remember if you need prayer or have a request, I am here. I will join mine with yours and if you want, I'll take it with me on Fridays.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Water In The Desert
They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. Isaiah 11:9.
Upon waking some mornings we find that the farm down in the valley has been irrigated. Today I tried to capture it for you. It is such a beautiful site, my pictures could never do it justice. The water comes from the Rio Grande river that flows about a mile from our house. The dry desert soaks up the water and the green plants thrive, later to be harvested. You can almost feel the land take in the moisture as it covers acre after acre.
This passage from Isaiah is the one about the branch from Jesse. The Spirit of the Lord rests on this branch. One day the knowledge of the Lord will cover the whole earth. If you need peace today, get your Bible and read Isaiah 11. I love to look at this view off our little hill and feel God's love and care soaking into me just as the desert soaks up the irrigation water. I pray I am as open to the "knowledge", to the closeness of my Creator, as the land here is to the water.
Someday the whole earth will know God. You don't have to wait until "someday", soak God up now, today.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Who Is LikeYou ?
Who is like you--majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders? Exodus 15:11
5:27 am, this morning, he/she came back. Loud, insistent...the mocking bird. I didn't have to get up until 6:30, she didn't care. This bird saw the majestic, glorious, wonder of the morning and broke into song. Sang until 5:41. Twenty one minutes. Do I keep my praise going as loud and as long as 21 minutes. Do I go out on my patio for twenty one minutes and shout and sing to my Creator when I am overcome with the beauty of my surroundings, the majesty of the mornings here in southern New Mexico?
Nope. But then God didn't give me the abilities of the mocking bird. God gave me a smile and a voice to cheerfully say "Good morning" to say "Thank you" to say "I love you". The mocking bird has captured in his brain the songs he has copied from many other birds. I work on capturing in my heart the love God gives us at each breath, so I can pour it out like a song to wake people up to God's kingdom.
5:27 am, this morning, he/she came back. Loud, insistent...the mocking bird. I didn't have to get up until 6:30, she didn't care. This bird saw the majestic, glorious, wonder of the morning and broke into song. Sang until 5:41. Twenty one minutes. Do I keep my praise going as loud and as long as 21 minutes. Do I go out on my patio for twenty one minutes and shout and sing to my Creator when I am overcome with the beauty of my surroundings, the majesty of the mornings here in southern New Mexico?
Nope. But then God didn't give me the abilities of the mocking bird. God gave me a smile and a voice to cheerfully say "Good morning" to say "Thank you" to say "I love you". The mocking bird has captured in his brain the songs he has copied from many other birds. I work on capturing in my heart the love God gives us at each breath, so I can pour it out like a song to wake people up to God's kingdom.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Lucky Dog
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Jesus Christ. 1Thessalonians 5:16
What a day for thanks!! First the little one. Playing golf today I chipped one in for a birdy and parred the last hole, Yippee.
Now for the big ones...daughter got a new job in her company that she was hoping for. Next...one of our three dogs that had been missing for over a month was found at the dog shelter two hours ago. And as I write...it is raining. Daughter, dog and rain had been objects of prayer. The golf was added joy. I'm telling you, pray for the big and small. Nothing is beyond the care of our Creator. I am giving thanks for these blessings because I know God sees every little hair on our heads, every dog hair and every rain drop.
I am joyful, I pray continually and I give thanks in all circumstances. We are blessed with a Creator that loves us through and through. Good times and bad, Little and big, silly and serious. Praise the Lord.
What a day for thanks!! First the little one. Playing golf today I chipped one in for a birdy and parred the last hole, Yippee.
Now for the big ones...daughter got a new job in her company that she was hoping for. Next...one of our three dogs that had been missing for over a month was found at the dog shelter two hours ago. And as I write...it is raining. Daughter, dog and rain had been objects of prayer. The golf was added joy. I'm telling you, pray for the big and small. Nothing is beyond the care of our Creator. I am giving thanks for these blessings because I know God sees every little hair on our heads, every dog hair and every rain drop.
I am joyful, I pray continually and I give thanks in all circumstances. We are blessed with a Creator that loves us through and through. Good times and bad, Little and big, silly and serious. Praise the Lord.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Desert Beauty
God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few. Ecclesiastes 5:2
Don't tell me it doesn't bloom in the desert. Don't ask me to name these either! Few words today, just be aware of all that is around us.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
A Light Shines
the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. Matthew 5:16
Here we are in southern California, safe and sound. However, no sunny California skies for us until about five minutes ago. The clouds and mist have hung low over my daughter's house since Monday. When the sun broke through it made everything so bright and shiny. The backyard took on a whole nother look. The dogs knew something had happened and started chasing each other around the big tree (as if they needed an excuse !). It always amazes me how the light breaking through can instantly cheer you up. Just like that...cheerful!
Do you remember when you first felt the light dawn in you? Did your understanding of being filled with God's light come upon you slowly or did it hit you in a flash? Mine was like a warm flood running through my blood and an instant feeling of wonder and happiness. But, it didn't happen overnight. It was after a journey of reading and prayer; building faith and hope. It sure was worth looking for.
If you have the light, spread it. If you have not yet been filled, it's there, just keep the window open and look for it.
Here we are in southern California, safe and sound. However, no sunny California skies for us until about five minutes ago. The clouds and mist have hung low over my daughter's house since Monday. When the sun broke through it made everything so bright and shiny. The backyard took on a whole nother look. The dogs knew something had happened and started chasing each other around the big tree (as if they needed an excuse !). It always amazes me how the light breaking through can instantly cheer you up. Just like that...cheerful!
Do you remember when you first felt the light dawn in you? Did your understanding of being filled with God's light come upon you slowly or did it hit you in a flash? Mine was like a warm flood running through my blood and an instant feeling of wonder and happiness. But, it didn't happen overnight. It was after a journey of reading and prayer; building faith and hope. It sure was worth looking for.
If you have the light, spread it. If you have not yet been filled, it's there, just keep the window open and look for it.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Praise
"...so that in all things God maybe praised through Jesus Christ." 1Peter 4:11
Praise, who doesn't love it! I played in a golf tournament this weekend. Gents verses the Ladies. We had a great time. So much laughter and teasing went on it was hard to catch it all. And praise. As I passed different foursomes it was gratifying to hear the compliments and praises being offered. Some of them hidden in a joke or tease, many of them out right admiration for a great shot or putt. Partners building up partners, opponents appreciating another's skill. You could see the joy praise gives by the look on the receiver's face. It seems to take us to a higher level. Some players just glowed to hear something nice said about them. When you give praise it makes you feel so good to see it's effect in the body language of the other person. Good for both. And it spreads. It is so much more fun to build up than to tear down.
As we praise God's creation we please and praise the Creator. How do I know? If you praise me about a scarf I knitted for you, I am so happy to know that you are happy and that you appreciate the time and work that went into my gift. And in whose image are we made ?? When we compliment or praise a fellow creation of God, God is praised. So, praise God through your prayers, songs, and thoughts. But also, don't forget to praise God by lifting up his people with compliments and praise.
I guess I have to tell you about the outcome of the tournament. The fellows won. Just wait until next year guys, us ladies have plans !!
Praise, who doesn't love it! I played in a golf tournament this weekend. Gents verses the Ladies. We had a great time. So much laughter and teasing went on it was hard to catch it all. And praise. As I passed different foursomes it was gratifying to hear the compliments and praises being offered. Some of them hidden in a joke or tease, many of them out right admiration for a great shot or putt. Partners building up partners, opponents appreciating another's skill. You could see the joy praise gives by the look on the receiver's face. It seems to take us to a higher level. Some players just glowed to hear something nice said about them. When you give praise it makes you feel so good to see it's effect in the body language of the other person. Good for both. And it spreads. It is so much more fun to build up than to tear down.
As we praise God's creation we please and praise the Creator. How do I know? If you praise me about a scarf I knitted for you, I am so happy to know that you are happy and that you appreciate the time and work that went into my gift. And in whose image are we made ?? When we compliment or praise a fellow creation of God, God is praised. So, praise God through your prayers, songs, and thoughts. But also, don't forget to praise God by lifting up his people with compliments and praise.
I guess I have to tell you about the outcome of the tournament. The fellows won. Just wait until next year guys, us ladies have plans !!
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