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I just love it when I can feel God working all around me! It is exciting, refreshing and keeps me full of anticipation! Makes me look forward to waking up in the mornings to see what He is gonna do next!!
How about you? Do you feel Him working in your life today? I certainly hope you do. I do know, though that there are scores of people who wonder where God is right now because they definitely don't feel Him working in their lives at this moment in time.
I have experienced times like that too. We all have. Last year at this time, I had just endured the loss of my precious Daddy after a battle with cancer. I did NOT exactly feel God working right then, but I knew He was. I had seen miracles and blessings all around me, but I was too numb to actually feel them. Looking back, I can see even more blessings than I did at the time, but the pain still stings my soul. It always will. But God, in His awesomeness has used That pain for His Glory and my healing! The thing I want to get across to you today, friend, is that GOD IS ALWAYS at work behind the scenes, even when you don't FEEL Him.
Have you ever read Exodus 33:18-23? It goes like this. Moses was on the side of the mountain and he so badly wanted to see the Glory of God. He was actually having a conversation with God Himself and asked ever so humbly to see Him face to face. God replied by telling Moses that His Glory was so powerful and incomprehensible that no person could see Him face to face and live. But, God loved Moses so much He made a way to honor his request. Here is what He did; He allowed Moses to stand behside Him on a rock and God covered Moses with His mighty hand while He passed right by him. Then the coolest thing ever happened, God removed the covering of His hand from Moses and allowed Moses to see His back after He had passed!
You see, friends, God is there beside you. You may not see Him or even feel His presence right now, but know that He has got you covered!! And, one thing is for certain...you might not see His face, but you will sure know when He has been there!!
Lay your pains, fears and concerns at His feet and let Him work on your behalf. He loves you just as much as He loved Moses and wants to honor your requests for experiencing His Glory. Close your eyes, imagine Him covering you with His hand and be ready to see the results He leaves behind!! May God Bless You Today!
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Thursday, July 22, 2010
*ABL-Women*Abundant and Balanced Living!
*ABL-Women*Abundant and Balanced Living!
Please visit here to order my new book "Lord Of The Rain"!
Lord Of The Rain: Embracing The Rainbows In The Midst Of The Storm
You need to take the time to read this wonderfully encouraging book By Starr LaPradd if you have ever found yourself facing a storm. Maybe you are riding one out right now. It could be cancer, financial issues, job loss, or even panic attacks. No matter what your situation, this family's story will show you how to enjoy the rainbows, even when things get rough and life throws you thunder and lightening. Learn how to focus on the big picture in the midst of your downpour and remember God is carrying you all the way. No matter how overwhelmed you may feel, God is majestically good and wants the best for His children. The sun always appears more brilliant after the rains come, so grab your sunglasses and get ready for the journey! 138 pages. Book includes a dvd.
$17.00 PAYPAL
Please visit here to order my new book "Lord Of The Rain"!
Lord Of The Rain: Embracing The Rainbows In The Midst Of The Storm
You need to take the time to read this wonderfully encouraging book By Starr LaPradd if you have ever found yourself facing a storm. Maybe you are riding one out right now. It could be cancer, financial issues, job loss, or even panic attacks. No matter what your situation, this family's story will show you how to enjoy the rainbows, even when things get rough and life throws you thunder and lightening. Learn how to focus on the big picture in the midst of your downpour and remember God is carrying you all the way. No matter how overwhelmed you may feel, God is majestically good and wants the best for His children. The sun always appears more brilliant after the rains come, so grab your sunglasses and get ready for the journey! 138 pages. Book includes a dvd.
$17.00 PAYPAL
Monday, June 7, 2010
Encouraging Words
I am almost finished with a book I have been writing for months. Because of that, I have been away from my bloggy friends here for entirely too long and I have missed you. Even though I haven't posted for so long, I have continued to receive many touching comments from new and regular readers. It's nice to know I am still loved and serving others even in my absence.
In the weekly Bible Study I teach, we have been taking time each day to encourage and pray for each other. That is something we all tend to neglect in our all-too-busy lives. But, God has always known just how inportant it is to encourage and be an encourager. He tells us in Hebrews 10:24-25:
"And let us consider how we may spur each other on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another- and all the more as you see the day approaching."
I am blessed in that I have many people who love and encourage me on a regular basis. I hope you do too. But even if you don't you have a Father in heaven who adores you so much that He gave His only Son that you may have eternal life as well as have an abundant life here on this earth to enjoy and savor. I pray that you will seek a closer relationship with Him today.
Remember, God inhabits the praises of His people! When we praise Him, He graces us with his presence. When we praise and encourage others, we ourselves become more aware of Him and the effects of his loving-kindness.
Go find someone to lift up right now. We all need a boost every now and then. And, much thanks to my special friends who encourage me every time they see me. You know who you are and I appreciate the "boost".
In the weekly Bible Study I teach, we have been taking time each day to encourage and pray for each other. That is something we all tend to neglect in our all-too-busy lives. But, God has always known just how inportant it is to encourage and be an encourager. He tells us in Hebrews 10:24-25:
"And let us consider how we may spur each other on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another- and all the more as you see the day approaching."
I am blessed in that I have many people who love and encourage me on a regular basis. I hope you do too. But even if you don't you have a Father in heaven who adores you so much that He gave His only Son that you may have eternal life as well as have an abundant life here on this earth to enjoy and savor. I pray that you will seek a closer relationship with Him today.
Remember, God inhabits the praises of His people! When we praise Him, He graces us with his presence. When we praise and encourage others, we ourselves become more aware of Him and the effects of his loving-kindness.
Go find someone to lift up right now. We all need a boost every now and then. And, much thanks to my special friends who encourage me every time they see me. You know who you are and I appreciate the "boost".
Friday, January 8, 2010
Sometimes Saying Nothing Makes The Best Statement
This morning I felt like a very ineffective mom.
My seven year old son loves to pick fights with me, and today was no different. When he does not get his own way, he blows up. I can understand that is a symptom of his ADHD, but understanding does not make it any easier. At least not for me.
He has such a good spirit about him. He cares about people and loves with his whole heart. It's just hard for him to follow the rules, which can make a momma look bad to onlookers.
After his home school co-op classes today, he wanted to stay and play with his buddies. That is all good, except for the fact that after class is not the time or the place for running around and playing in the building while other classes are still in session.
Of course, when I summoned him to get his backpack and leave with me, World War Three began. As usual after calling his name, chasing him around and giving him "the look", I told him goodbye and headed for the door. Finally he followed, as he usually does, but he was filled to the brim with hatred for me, the one who had destroyed his fun.
On the short ride home, he said many not-so-nice words to me. I announced in a calm voice that there would be no privileges for him for the rest of the day; No video games, no television, and no skateboarding or bike riding.
That only fueled the fire of his anger and the hurtful words began to spew from his little dimpled mouth even louder. Instead of more rules and whys and why-nots, I decided to keep silent.
We pulled into our driveway and I unlocked the front door, giving him no response whatsoever. I just pointed to his room and he quietly went in.
For once, he didn't know what to think. He wasn't getting a reaction from me. What did that mean? He was stunned by my silence. The Holy Spirit prompted me to remain quiet. I was struggling to obey with every fiber of my being, but inside, my heart raced with guilt, frustration and anger at his harsh words.
Awhile later, the silence emitting from his room was deafening, so I went in to see what he was up to. There he sat, in his bean bag, holding his open Bible and a family picture album on his lap.
He looked at me with repentant love in his eyes. My heart melted as I stood there and watched him write down something on a piece of paper. In his own seven-year-old-boy-script, he had written the words "I 'poligize, Mom. Do you forgiv me?"
Never speaking a word, I gave him a hug and he squeezed me back with all his might.
The silence was hard for both of us, but after the negative words that had been aired earlier, the silence felt good; So did the unspoken knowledge of forgiveness and love between us. God's presence was definitely with us both.
Maybe today is your day to keep silent. Those raging thoughts you have do not necessarily need to be spoken. Hold your tongue just for today and see what happens. It may be the most effective comment you have ever made.
"Therefore He who is prudent will keep silence in such a time, for it is an evil time. Seek (inquire for and require) good and not evil that you may live, and so the Lord, the God of hosts, will be with you, as you have said." (Amos 5:13-14 AMP)
"By a long forbearance and calmness of spirit a judge or ruler is persuaded, and soft speech breaks down the most bonelike resistance." (Proverbs 25:15 AMP)
My seven year old son loves to pick fights with me, and today was no different. When he does not get his own way, he blows up. I can understand that is a symptom of his ADHD, but understanding does not make it any easier. At least not for me.
He has such a good spirit about him. He cares about people and loves with his whole heart. It's just hard for him to follow the rules, which can make a momma look bad to onlookers.
After his home school co-op classes today, he wanted to stay and play with his buddies. That is all good, except for the fact that after class is not the time or the place for running around and playing in the building while other classes are still in session.
Of course, when I summoned him to get his backpack and leave with me, World War Three began. As usual after calling his name, chasing him around and giving him "the look", I told him goodbye and headed for the door. Finally he followed, as he usually does, but he was filled to the brim with hatred for me, the one who had destroyed his fun.
On the short ride home, he said many not-so-nice words to me. I announced in a calm voice that there would be no privileges for him for the rest of the day; No video games, no television, and no skateboarding or bike riding.
That only fueled the fire of his anger and the hurtful words began to spew from his little dimpled mouth even louder. Instead of more rules and whys and why-nots, I decided to keep silent.
We pulled into our driveway and I unlocked the front door, giving him no response whatsoever. I just pointed to his room and he quietly went in.
For once, he didn't know what to think. He wasn't getting a reaction from me. What did that mean? He was stunned by my silence. The Holy Spirit prompted me to remain quiet. I was struggling to obey with every fiber of my being, but inside, my heart raced with guilt, frustration and anger at his harsh words.
Awhile later, the silence emitting from his room was deafening, so I went in to see what he was up to. There he sat, in his bean bag, holding his open Bible and a family picture album on his lap.
He looked at me with repentant love in his eyes. My heart melted as I stood there and watched him write down something on a piece of paper. In his own seven-year-old-boy-script, he had written the words "I 'poligize, Mom. Do you forgiv me?"
Never speaking a word, I gave him a hug and he squeezed me back with all his might.
The silence was hard for both of us, but after the negative words that had been aired earlier, the silence felt good; So did the unspoken knowledge of forgiveness and love between us. God's presence was definitely with us both.
Maybe today is your day to keep silent. Those raging thoughts you have do not necessarily need to be spoken. Hold your tongue just for today and see what happens. It may be the most effective comment you have ever made.
"Therefore He who is prudent will keep silence in such a time, for it is an evil time. Seek (inquire for and require) good and not evil that you may live, and so the Lord, the God of hosts, will be with you, as you have said." (Amos 5:13-14 AMP)
"By a long forbearance and calmness of spirit a judge or ruler is persuaded, and soft speech breaks down the most bonelike resistance." (Proverbs 25:15 AMP)
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