Impossible to Possible

There are times when it seems the problems of life are insurmountable, when what is required is impossible. At least, for me, for a mere human. However, I have a God who is a God of possible. Nothing is impossible for Him.

"Whatever is impossible for people is possible with God" Luke 18:27b (NLT) How great is that!!!!

Colors of Fall

After church today, Chris booted me out of the house (thank you, hon) before I drove both of us nuts. It was a perfect fall day- the sun shining, warm enough without being hot, and the colors of nature were vibrant. I enjoy this time of the year, wish it would last longer.

"For everything there is a season" Ecclesiastes 3:1a (NLT)

Fearing the Locals

"Even though the people were afraid of the local residents, they rebuilt the alter at its old site. then they began to sacrifice burnt offerings on the alter on the Lord each morning and evening." Ezra 3:3

Fear stops many of us from doing what we know is right, from doing what we should be doing, from stopping injustices and wrongdoing. The Israelites in Ezra's time had come home to rebuild the temple.They had long been exiled from their land, but were finally allowed to return and build the temple, having been given the king's permission. The local people who had taken over were not really receptive to the Israelites, causing the Israelites to be afraid. Though they were afraid, the fear did not deter them from the work, worship, and service of God.

How am I handling my fear of the "locals"? Am I speaking up against injustices, am I openly worshiping, praying in public or am I hiding? What about you?

Our God will not leave you alone with your fear. He is right there beside you all the time. Cling to Him and step out, pushing through your fear of the locals.

Dancing in the Journey

I took a walk with Chris last night. The weather was perfect for walking; the sun was just going down for the night, the humidity was low, the temperature just perfect. The time together was precious and enjoyable. Sixteen months ago, I would not even have considered such a walk, fearful of the physical pain that would be sure to come with the exertion. Last night, I had no pain and the time with Chris is so much more than money can ever buy. The past fifteen months have not been easy, and yet I would not wish them away. As the line in a song goes “in missing the pain, I am also missing the dance.” Because I have put my hope, my trust, my faith in the Father, I am able to dance in the journey.

"Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God." Psalm 146:5 (NIV)

"The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me." Psalm 138:8a (NIV)

Thank you, Father, for being able to dance in journey.

Nakacations

USA Today (newspaper of choice if I must read one) reported that 2010 is the year of Nakations! It is a new word (shades of neologism in my mind) that means naked vacations. I like vacations, love all kinds of traveling and experiencing different things, but this is a bit much for this grandma.

"Travelers indicate in their reviews that the real appeal of nude beaches has nothing to do with flaunting one's flesh or checking out the neighboring eye candy," said Amelie Hurst, a TripAdvisor spokeswoman. "Rather the spaces often benefit from a lack of crowds and beautiful settings that can be enjoyed by any demographic." Yep, that is so why those who go to the nude beaches, ……….. really?

Guess traveling is light since no clothes have to be packed. I think, however, that I will skip the Nakation this year. How about you?

Faith Filled Friday

Seen on a sign in the shop of my husband's aunt & uncle (Vinyl & Stitch) "Faith is not believing that God can, it is KNOWING God will."

"I know the plans I have for you", says the Lord, "plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)

Today is Book Lover's Day

Today is book lover's day. I appreciate books and hear grumblings by family members every time we move because of all the books that move with me. I can reread many times over a good book; it is like being welcomed by a good friend. Reading has taken me places that I have yet to go or most likely will never get to go to. From the time I can remember I have fallen asleep reading books. Books have always been on my nightstand. I have been able to experience things vicariously; I learn so much through reading books.

I thought I would share with you what I reading now. Just so you don't get eye strain looking at the picture to figure out the titles, here is a list of what I am enjoying:
Change is Like a Slinky- Hans Finzel
I am Hutterite- Mary Ann Kirby
The Heart Mender- Andy Andrews
When Generations Collide- Lynn Lancaster & David Stillman
Driving Change: The UPS Approach to Business- Mike Brewster & Frederick Dalzell
Jesus Wants to Save Christians- Ron Bell & Don Colden
The Generational Imperative- Chuck Underwood
Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus- Wayne Stiles
Knock Out- Catherine Coulter
Blue Dahlia- Nora Roberts
Heart of a Cowboy- Margaret Daley

Along with books for school: Organization Development and Change, Action Research, and Dissertations and Theses from Start to Finish.

But, my favorite right now is the One Year Chronological Bible, the NLT. Doing a study online with this and it is great!

So, what are you reading? What is your favorite book of all time? Favorite author?