First 4 Colors of God's Grace

Rainy day.....got a bad case of pink eye :(

No writing today!

So far we've done 4 of the 8 colors of God's grace:

Silver lining: Hope

Red: Power

Orange: Chosen

Yellow: Joy

Which of these do you need most right now?

My Second Fav: Seeing Through God's Eyes

On Monday, I introduced you to Carole Brown's blog "Sunnybank Meanderings." I hope you checked it out!

This week, I featuring a second blog with the Premio Dardos Award, an award that “acknowledges the values that every Blogger displays in their efforts to transmit cultural, ethical, literary, and personal values with each message they write.”

http://seeingthroughgodseyesphotos.blogspot.com/

 This is a gorgeous blog by Judy Glenn. Judy's an unbelievably talented photographer, one who's looking for God's wisdom and beauty in nature. Her photographs are beautiful and always reveal a bit of God's heart.

Enjoy!

Next week, I'll start a new series: In a Storm? Find the 8 Colors of God

See you then!

One of My Favs

Each day, I spend a few minutes (well, maybe more than a few) reading several blogs that encourage and challenge me. I've chosen two of my favorites to present with the Premio Dardos Award, an award that “acknowledges the values that every Blogger displays in their efforts to transmit cultural, ethical, literary, and personal values with each message they write.”
 (Yes, I need reading glasses - and I have a bad habit of  perching them on my nose!)



First, my friend, Carole Brown's blog Sunnybank Meanderings.
http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com/
Sunnybank Secrets . . . where not all is as it seems.


Carole is so encouraging. Sometimes her blog simply lists several things she's grateful for or that bring her joy and peace. As I read through her list, it always brings to mind things that mean so much to me.


Carole is so generous. Often she gives other authors the opportunity to guest post on her blog or she recommends another author's work.


 She's excited, and so am I, about the release of her book, The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman.

I encourage you to visit her blog - you'll be blessed!

My second fav? Hang in there...I'll feature it next Monday!

Why do we need Rattlesnakes??

You are to bring into the ark two of all living creatures, male and female, to keep them alive with you. Two of every kind of bird, of every kind of animal and of every kind of creature that moves along the ground will come to you to be kept alive. Gen 6:19-20

Ok, I can easily see the purpose for

Anteaters – do they eat fire ants?
     Beavers – anyone need a dam?
          Horses – I’ve been told their wonderful to ride but I’m a scaredy cat!
               Cuddly Panda Bears -- somebody has to keep bamboo plants in check
                    Even ugly vultures -- a gross job, but someone has to do it!
 

 

BUT...

Alligators??

Cockroaches??
Rattlesnakes??
Mosquitos?? 


What was God thinking?? 

What about you and me? Do you ever wonder about YOUR purpose?

God created you with a purpose in mind - you are not here to take up space or to warm a bench.

For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. Philippians 2:13

 

God created you. He tenderly wove you together in your mother's womb. He knew your purpose on this crazy planet before you were even born!

 

Do you have any idea whose day you have brightened with your smile?
Do you know who you have encouraged with a hug?

Someone is blessed because their path crossed yours!    

 

Who have you encouraged this week?
Who has encouraged you?

 

God loves to show off!

When morning dawns and evening fades you call forth songs of joy. Psalms 65:8

I woke up kinda draggy this morning. First off, it was 5:45 AM. What’s with that? I know some of you guys get up that early all the time – my husband included – but I enjoy sleeping late, normally until about 6:30.

I know that doesn’t sound like much time difference but every minute counts!

So, I grumbled, “God, why’d you wake me up this early? You know I need my beauty (ahem) sleep!” 

Of course, I’d have to sleep all day for that to work! 

Then I walked to the sliding glass door leading into the backyard and I saw the beautiful sunrise.


What majesty! How my Father loves to display His glory through all the earth!

I’m so blessed He woke me up to see this.

Okay, God, that’s all I need for this month!


When have you seen God’s glory? Do you have a picture to share?
(I don’t know how to put a picture in a comment, do you?)

Pray in Expection

In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation. Psalms 5:3

I never cease to be amazed that my Father hears me!

He’s the infinite, sovereign Lord and yet He lives within us and hears each of our voices. He hears the praises and needs of every believer the world over, and personally responds to each one. What a miracle of His love!

Praise Him! We can confidently approach His throne and He responds with tenderness, drawing near to meet each need. 

We can approach Him with expectation. When we leave His presence, we know He'll answer. We know He'll be with us every step of the day. We know He’s given us what we need for that day. So many times, I've encountered a situation and realized that the Word I read that morning is exactly what I need to guide my response. 

Allow your heart to soar in the knowledge that our Father draws near to you, hears you, and gives you what you need for the day, week, or month to come.

Live in expectation!

When has the Lord given you something during your time with Him that met your needs later that day?

Do you pray with confidence and expectation?

Joy Comes in the Morning!

For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. Psalms 30:5


I’ve spent many nights weeping in the last few years. Most were sadness due to the consequences of mistakes I’d made. 

This verse has lifted my heart during those times. 

My Father’s anger, His discipline, lasts only a moment. I might be sad at His correction, but I'm assured of His favor, from now into eternity. I don’t have to re-earn His love and salvation. I'm sealed and will never be set aside.

I might weep for a night but joy comes in the morning! 

The night often refers to a season of weeping – not a literal night. But joy will come. The season of grief will end and joy will come. 

Grief over loss will fade away and the joy of new beginnings will come.

Grief over sins will be cleansed and newness will come.

The grief of anger or bitterness will be healed, if we turn to God, and restoration will come.

Praise God, He never leaves or forsakes us. He never turns His back on us. His joy will come in the dawn of tomorrow.


When has God transformed your night of grief into the joy of morning?