tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1622960327271183892024-02-20T12:10:08.163-05:00Daily Faith LessonsInspiration for Real Life:
Sharing Spiritual Insights and Life Lessons for Hope and EncouragementLoishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02607153813702958310noreply@blogger.comBlogger134125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-162296032727118389.post-35673722147544605332011-04-21T09:57:00.009-04:002014-03-31T20:56:36.034-04:00Breathtaking Beauty for Breathing in Life<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSAMaAybMLdhyphenhyphenXSuhrGXNdwmR6p6tY4h7_DJ1H2FGwm_JcdMcGoNYfPAG43jVOE3BJP0_iBPTbBa2MpciI7bfG0wbAokEKEN_7spvmukvOFekzyT0dXSAhataTcysNGvtIy9ap2xieboEB/s1600/MilkyWayVideo-titlepix.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSAMaAybMLdhyphenhyphenXSuhrGXNdwmR6p6tY4h7_DJ1H2FGwm_JcdMcGoNYfPAG43jVOE3BJP0_iBPTbBa2MpciI7bfG0wbAokEKEN_7spvmukvOFekzyT0dXSAhataTcysNGvtIy9ap2xieboEB/s200/MilkyWayVideo-titlepix.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598043961180278642" style="float: left; height: 96px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 170px;" /></a><br />
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Life seem too busy? Sometimes feel a little lost or disconnected from your purpose?<br />
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Take a moment to reconnect through this breathtaking video.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/22439234" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe> <br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/22439234">The Mountain</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/terjes">TSO Photography</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
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Real Life waits for you to see it and embrace it. God's love is all around us. He's painting your world with beauty and love everyday. Are you receiving it?<br />
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If the video above fails to load, click directly on this link to view it: <a href="http://vimeo.com/22439234" target="_blank">http://vimeo.com/22439234</a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null"> </a></div>
Loishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02607153813702958310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-162296032727118389.post-5413584086382185262011-03-03T15:53:00.006-05:002011-03-03T16:29:30.502-05:00Texting for Seniors<div><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieFpbtl3VgYoqVVYR_PwUXTcEiPATx12bYnt-fq0aFBMBWJQGhkfEmWRmw5Tz5Z3XBnXLMqHuHVXuP2ZqGi9DBf96E9tCmWQcKGUY3lS7aRQLAN_znKHQ2ZStEqHjE73pvYBV0RQAaDJZm/s1600/cellphone-receive.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 134px; height: 200px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579967280055497170" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieFpbtl3VgYoqVVYR_PwUXTcEiPATx12bYnt-fq0aFBMBWJQGhkfEmWRmw5Tz5Z3XBnXLMqHuHVXuP2ZqGi9DBf96E9tCmWQcKGUY3lS7aRQLAN_znKHQ2ZStEqHjE73pvYBV0RQAaDJZm/s200/cellphone-receive.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>In this age of technology, more & more "seniors" (who knows anymore where that age begins!) are getting with it and conquering text messaging. It seems they're going that way mostly because they have grandchildren (or children) who are texting them. With some discussions I've had recently with other "seniors," they say their kids or grandkids prefer texting to emails or talking on the phone. I guess maybe Facebooking comes in second, but when they're mobile, texting is it!</div><div><br /></div><div>Today at a luncheon I attended someone handed out their business card flier with a tongue-in-cheek guide for texting seniors.<br /><br />Here are a few texting shortcut gems to keep handy in case you need them:<br /></div><div>ATD: At the Doctor's</div><div>BFF: Best Friend Farted</div><div>BTW: Bring the Wheelchair</div><div>BYOT: Bring Your Own Teeth</div><div>CBM: Covered by Medicare</div><div>CUATSC: See You at the Senior Center</div><div>DWI: Driving While Incontinent</div><div>FWB: Friend with Beta Blockers<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhazF7Aw8mrHIedMFaIiDd1ngsfg9gucIu3biP_v1fs1gRduNqQuqkS9bei54BHGzXL7y1O5Hg1jIjZRt1NlUHZK2KKZT8eKcBNY70IUKIqC5anzRRuiV6Wl1ky60H3cgpCNtMxO8UUgKUB/s1600/cell+phone-texting.png"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 200px; height: 200px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579967417451769138" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhazF7Aw8mrHIedMFaIiDd1ngsfg9gucIu3biP_v1fs1gRduNqQuqkS9bei54BHGzXL7y1O5Hg1jIjZRt1NlUHZK2KKZT8eKcBNY70IUKIqC5anzRRuiV6Wl1ky60H3cgpCNtMxO8UUgKUB/s200/cell+phone-texting.png" border="0" /></a></div><div>FWIW: Forgot Where I Was</div><div>FYI: Found Your Insulin</div><div>GGPBL: Gotta Go, Pacemaker Battery Low</div><div>GHA: Got Heartburn Again</div><div>IMHO: Is My Hearing Aid On?</div><div>LMDO: Laughing My Dentures Out</div><div>LWO: Lawrence Welk's On</div><div>OMMR: On My Massage Recliner</div><div>OMSG: Oh, My! Sorry, Gas</div><div>ROFL...CGU: Rolling on the Floor Laughing...Can't Get Up!</div><div>TTYL: Talk To You Louder</div><div>WAITT: Who Am I Talking To?</div><div>WTP: Where's The Prunes?</div><div>WWNO: Walker Wheels Needed</div><div><br /></div><div>I hope you are having a good laugh today, getting your heart rate & breathing workout, and those endorphin levels up with this one! You might want to share this with a friend so that if you end up ROFL...CGU - then at least you'll have someone to help you get back up or BTW to you!</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, HAGD!<br /></div><div>(I don't know if there's one for Have A Great Day, but thought that could be it!)</div><div><br /></div><div>LOL, Lo<br /></div><div>(Oh, that's Lots of Laughs, or Lots of Love - and Lo is just short for Lois!)<br /></div><div>:-) Smiles & love 4u!</div></div></div>Loishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02607153813702958310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-162296032727118389.post-83175735359219751452011-03-02T09:45:00.006-05:002011-03-02T10:13:06.639-05:00Merry Medicine for Body & Soul<div><div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-18e2aUGC2utcw__HLnJ72L9oCAZkN4vH1ZGkfz_9E_omJke3-q9GsGKecX3vMoEqGAPqrrEZxo5Na2JJRp7B48wDk4LUQ2tTTbtF5Pyf6jbGIc-Y5ktQx9hHHDRZQW2tyO1HiZyB99xs/s1600/babylaughing.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 200px; height: 79px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579496801026796962" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-18e2aUGC2utcw__HLnJ72L9oCAZkN4vH1ZGkfz_9E_omJke3-q9GsGKecX3vMoEqGAPqrrEZxo5Na2JJRp7B48wDk4LUQ2tTTbtF5Pyf6jbGIc-Y5ktQx9hHHDRZQW2tyO1HiZyB99xs/s200/babylaughing.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>I'm sure you've heard how healthful laughter is.</div><div> </div><br /><div>"A merry heart does good like medicine..." Proverbs 17:22</div><div> </div><br /><div>A good belly laugh involves your whole body - moving, breathing deeper, even shaking all over! That allows oxygen to flow in, as well as mood-lifting chemical reactions (endorphins, etc.) to take place in your body that just plain makes you feel happier and more energized.</div><div><br /></div><div>So here's to your good health today!<br /></div><div><a href="http://shine.yahoo.com/event/momentsofmotherhood/laughing-baby-loves-ripping-paper-2459529">http://shine.yahoo.com/event/momentsofmotherhood/laughing-baby-loves-ripping-paper-2459529</a></div><div><br /></div><div>You may want to bookmark this page & return often for your daily belly laugh - a great health habit to get into! And, of course, share this with your best friends! ;-)</div></div></div></div>Loishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02607153813702958310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-162296032727118389.post-74241623206761072742011-02-02T17:29:00.001-05:002011-02-02T17:56:58.657-05:00The Groundhog Speaks Again!<p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1>It's that time of year when we who face colder weather in the winter months are ready to throw in the towel and move to or take an extended trip to the southern more tropical climes! I know I've been wanting to, especially this year with record snow when we usually get none or very little.<br />
<p$1><p$1>In case you haven't seen the predictions for our spring weather from the predictor himself (or is it herself? Hmmm... a name like Punxsutawney Phil probably means it's a he, but you never know!)....<br />
</p$1></p$1></p$1></p$1></p$1></p$1></p$1></p$1></p$1></p$1></p$1></p$1></p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1></p$1></p$1></p$1></p$1></p$1></p$1></p$1></p$1></p$1></p$1></p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1></p$1></p$1></p$1></p$1></p$1></p$1></p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1></p$1></p$1></p$1></p$1></p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1>Well, anyway, here's the latest news clip for you. Enjoy!</p$1></p$1></p$1></p$1></p$1></p$1></p$1></p$1></p$1></p$1></p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p$1><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p$1><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p$1><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p$1><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p$1><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p$1><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p$1><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p$1><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p$1><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p$1><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p$1><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p$1><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p$1><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p$1><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p$1><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p$1><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p$1><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p$1><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p$1><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p$1><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p$1><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p$1><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p$1><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p$1><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p$1><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p$1><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br />
</p$1></p$1></p$1></p$1></p$1><a href="http://on.msnbc.com/f8WxfW"><span style="color: blue;">http://on.msnbc.com/f8WxfW</span></a><br />
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<p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1><p$1>No matter the weather, you'll always be warm if you hold love in your heart! Be warm! <br />
<p$1><p$1>Lois</p$1></p$1></p$1></p$1></p$1></p$1></p$1></p$1></p$1></p$1></p$1></p$1></p$1></p$1></p$1></p$1></p$1></p$1></p$1></p$1></p$1></p$1></p$1></p$1></p$1></p$1></p$1></p$1></p$1></p$1></p$1></p$1></p$1></p$1></p$1></p$1></p$1></p$1></p$1>Loishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02607153813702958310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-162296032727118389.post-24052960321666764052011-01-27T18:15:00.005-05:002011-03-02T10:24:46.727-05:00Tired of Snow? Maybe It's YOUR Fault...<div><div><div><div><div> </div><div> </div><div><p$1> If a picture speaks a thousand words, here's one for you!<p$1><span><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75" stroked="f" filled="f" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" preferrelative="t" spt="75" coordsize="21600,21600"><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinAUkOIAoN6fTeAfhQq_lYy0cR9nLFgbTak5vXIy6aRJSHrhlv19zVmeBUrl4ZOji-sepNEdtcefR05QOf6M2LLMtoOoimYiw-C6E1MDfLMMctSU7KpSIwsr440TupMh9o_X3bQTqd7Hqn/s1600/Signs-snow.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px; height: 240px; float: left;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569240637608718706" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinAUkOIAoN6fTeAfhQq_lYy0cR9nLFgbTak5vXIy6aRJSHrhlv19zVmeBUrl4ZOji-sepNEdtcefR05QOf6M2LLMtoOoimYiw-C6E1MDfLMMctSU7KpSIwsr440TupMh9o_X3bQTqd7Hqn/s320/Signs-snow.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><v:stroke joinstyle="miter"><br /><br /><v:formulas> <v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"><br /><br /><v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"><br /><br /></v:f></v:f></v:formulas></v:stroke></v:shapetype><v:shapetype stroked="f" filled="f" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" preferrelative="t" spt="75" coordsize="21600,21600"><v:stroke joinstyle="miter"><v:formulas><v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"><v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"><v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"><v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"><v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"><v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"><v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />So STOP it already!</v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:formulas></v:stroke></v:shapetype></span></p$1></p$1> </div><div> </div><div><p$1><p$1><span><v:shapetype stroked="f" filled="f" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" preferrelative="t" spt="75" coordsize="21600,21600"><v:stroke joinstyle="miter"><v:formulas><v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"><v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"><v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"><v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"><v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"><v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"><v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"><br />All kidding aside, isn't it amazing that God knows what we need when we need it, even if we don't THINK we need it?!!</v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:formulas></v:stroke></v:shapetype></span></p$1></p$1><br /><p$1><p$1><span><v:shapetype stroked="f" filled="f" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" preferrelative="t" spt="75" coordsize="21600,21600"><v:stroke joinstyle="miter"><v:formulas><v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"><v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"><v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"><v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"><v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"><v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"><v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"><br />Enjoy your blessings (even though they may be disguised) today!</v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:formulas></v:stroke></v:shapetype></span></p$1></p$1><span><br /><v:path connecttype="rect" gradientshapeok="t" extrusionok="f"><br /></v:path></span><br /></div></div></div></div></div>Loishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02607153813702958310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-162296032727118389.post-67242635177312332722010-09-06T11:39:00.000-04:002010-09-06T11:39:12.184-04:00Dancing Out the Last Dog Day of SummerWith the dog days of summer coming to an end, why not put your feet up and celebrate one last dog day this Labor Day? <br />
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To help you get a little more in the mood, here's a fun and amazing video you may enjoy!<br />
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Here's a thought for you to take away...<br />
For all those things you thought were a stretch for you - or even impossible -<br />
What could YOU do with a little practice?!!<br />
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With God nothing is impossible!Loishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02607153813702958310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-162296032727118389.post-57389498533995536692010-09-03T14:21:00.000-04:002010-09-03T14:21:00.652-04:00Big Lessons in Small Packages<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCvwZLat6gRpPj8-7m4uLy9ol5ByqEkCKCahQbJtIlP6f0KSH9yMqJcrJLLA6EDBHETDeElv1_AkP5YDt4Y_oX3zvELhEI8YaF1impWxX-1pMN-Z_Dqov39fHCPMM5NIiuHyoq6z25nZqV/s1600/antandcontactlens-dharper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCvwZLat6gRpPj8-7m4uLy9ol5ByqEkCKCahQbJtIlP6f0KSH9yMqJcrJLLA6EDBHETDeElv1_AkP5YDt4Y_oX3zvELhEI8YaF1impWxX-1pMN-Z_Dqov39fHCPMM5NIiuHyoq6z25nZqV/s320/antandcontactlens-dharper.jpg" /></a>Ever have one of those days when things don't always go right?</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">When I read this vignette about an amazing incident, I realized what a big lesson came in a very small package! Check it out here: <a href="http://www.myfrienddebbie.com/article_master.php?id=489&vw=eml&tr=1">http://www.myfrienddebbie.com/article_master.php?id=489&vw=eml&tr=1</a> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">There are some other wonderful stories on My Friend Debbie's site as well.</div>Loishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02607153813702958310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-162296032727118389.post-36942492764889391622010-08-30T05:00:00.001-04:002010-08-30T05:00:02.714-04:00God Knows What We Need Before We Know to Ask!Someone emailed this to me recently and I just had to share it...<br /><br /><strong>God's Pharmacy!</strong> <em><strong>Amazing!</strong></em><br /><br />It's been said that God first separated the salt water from the fresh, made dry land, planted a garden, and made animals and fish... all before making a human. He made and provided what we'd need before we were born.<br /><br />God left us a great clue as to what foods help what part of our body!<br />These foods are best & most powerful when eaten raw. We're such slow learners...<br /><br />A sliced <span style="color:#cc6600;"><strong>Carrot</strong></span> looks like the human eye. The pupil, iris and radiating lines look just like the human eye... Science now shows carrots greatly enhance blood flow to and function of the eyes.<br /><br />A <strong><span style="color:#cc0000;">Tomato</span></strong> has four chambers and is red. The heart has four chambers and is red. All of the research shows tomatoes are loaded with lycopine and are indeed pure heart and blood food.<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#993399;">Grapes</span></strong> hang in a cluster that has the shape of the heart. Each grape looks like a blood cell and all of the research today shows grapes are also profound heart and blood vitalizing food.<br /><br />A <strong><span style="color:#996633;">Walnut </span></strong>looks like a little brain, a left and right hemisphere, upper cerebrums and lower cerebellums. Even the wrinkles or folds on the nut are just like the neo-cortex. We now know walnuts help develop more than three (3) dozen neuron-transmitters for brain function.<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#663300;">Kidney Beans</span></strong> actually heal and help maintain kidney function and yes, they look exactly like the human kidneys.<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#33ff33;">Celery, Bok Choy</span></strong>, <span style="color:#ff6666;"><strong>Rhubarb</strong></span> and many more look just like bones. These foods specifically target bone strength. Bones are 23% sodium and these foods are 23% sodium. If you don't have enough sodium in your diet, the body pulls it from the bones, thus making them weak. These foods replenish the skeletal needs of the body.<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#666600;">Avocadoes,</span> <span style="color:#663366;">Eggplant</span> </strong>and <span style="color:#999900;"><strong>Pears</strong></span><span style="color:#999900;"> </span>target the health and function of the womb and cervix of the female - they look just like these organs. Today's research shows that when a woman eats one avocado a week, it balances hormones, sheds unwanted birth weight, and prevents cervical cancers. And how profound is this? It takes exactly nine (9) months to grow an avocado from blossom to ripened fruit. There are over 14,000 photolytic chemical constituents of nutrition in each one of these foods (modern science has only studied and named about 141 of them).<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#666600;">Figs</span></strong> are full of seeds and hang in twos when they grow. Figs increase the mobility of male sperm and increase the numbers of Sperm as well to overcome male sterility.<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#cc6600;">Sweet Potatoes</span></strong> look like the pancreas and actually balance the glycemic index of diabetics.<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#666600;">Olives</span></strong> assist the health and function of the ovaries.<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Oranges</span></strong>, <span style="color:#ffcc33;"><strong>Grapefruits</strong>,</span> and other <span style="color:#33ff33;"><strong>Citrus fruits</strong></span> look just like the mammary glands of the female and actually assist the health of the breasts and the movement of lymph in and out of the breasts.<br /><br /><span style="color:#ffcc66;"><strong>Onions</strong></span> look like the body's cells. Today's research shows onions help clear waste materials from all of the body cells. They even produce tears which wash the epithelial layers of the eyes. A working companion, <strong><span style="color:#ffcc66;">Garlic</span></strong>, also helps eliminate waste materials and dangerous free radicals from the body.<br /><br />Isn’t God amazing?!!! ;-)Loishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02607153813702958310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-162296032727118389.post-66472013900567689322010-08-29T17:17:00.003-04:002010-08-29T17:26:00.170-04:00Who's Swimming with the Dolphin Now?!Here's a link to a cool video you'll enjoy! ;-)<br /><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Z5tYeyChFB0?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Z5tYeyChFB0?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br />Aren't God's creatures amazing?<br /><br />Well, okay! But just remember you and I are one of his "creatures" also! Why not celebrate how amazing He has made you just the way you are?! You can honor him by just jumping in and swimming with the opportunities he brings you every day...<br /><br />Comments?!Loishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02607153813702958310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-162296032727118389.post-44537228170367139452010-01-31T05:00:00.002-05:002010-01-31T05:00:02.665-05:00Snowbound but Free!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh405_YL-S1AySRk_FANqeRPtMkpURyE5rA-5a7L2ypnO0OTKuZ4lx4Hc9ApbDrwVll9KRZQwkLTx6ZAnk-rfC48sPkJ1Ry4zXebova83AB_VLYSzsQfGELosUVki5WNK4P7ojWGEdDc8hv/s1600-h/Snowicepatterns.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 161px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432638310557733858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh405_YL-S1AySRk_FANqeRPtMkpURyE5rA-5a7L2ypnO0OTKuZ4lx4Hc9ApbDrwVll9KRZQwkLTx6ZAnk-rfC48sPkJ1Ry4zXebova83AB_VLYSzsQfGELosUVki5WNK4P7ojWGEdDc8hv/s200/Snowicepatterns.jpg" /></a><br /><div><div>If you're homebound with snow today, I hope you take the time to look for the beauty of it - and reflect with amazement on the fact that no two snowflakes are exactly alike!<br /><br />That should remind us how God made us - with no two<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuwB7vz3XgQDAg5erbuQxzslOoJmumgOPFpoL4ehx8P6xoVEvh9r9GlDvA3WJ4yb8AQ6d29WS5DN1gXniKCHI4JxTNP4Jdt3t4tXU0bwjZSVWAvVDqQAnd6nuKHZwRdKlj16ii553SCcti/s1600-h/Snowflakes.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 154px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432636639085325394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuwB7vz3XgQDAg5erbuQxzslOoJmumgOPFpoL4ehx8P6xoVEvh9r9GlDvA3WJ4yb8AQ6d29WS5DN1gXniKCHI4JxTNP4Jdt3t4tXU0bwjZSVWAvVDqQAnd6nuKHZwRdKlj16ii553SCcti/s200/Snowflakes.jpg" /></a> of us exactly alike. And yet He knows each one of us by name and loves us just the way we are. The difference is that He loves us enough to not want us to stay the way we are. Only God can open the door and show the way to all the blessings He wants to pour out on us, as we learn to walk in his higher, better ways for our life.<br /><br />May your blessings today be like snowflakes falling all over you - and even tickling your nose & tongue! Enjoy life, love and laughter today as you walk - or roll - in God's blessings! </div></div>Loishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02607153813702958310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-162296032727118389.post-6556029633595765692010-01-30T14:25:00.006-05:002010-01-30T15:32:46.391-05:00Only the Robins Know!<div><div>Yesterday afternoon I sensed a lot of movement out the kitchen window from my peripheral vision. When I looked up to investigate, I was shocked to see a flock of robins descen<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrwrw9wDylkES_59QvfhiHiWQL5e4BtoeeoouadeT-4GRHz8F_vawzLOCMS3FqlXRCA_8Oan9NfCSjeCpZ5oaK7Szv_a8jEyPQcvC32qixuil_8pTvIIrPm9z_KJhCYjHiphMCxDvSbmn8/s1600-h/Robin+onwire.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 170px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432632414581293666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrwrw9wDylkES_59QvfhiHiWQL5e4BtoeeoouadeT-4GRHz8F_vawzLOCMS3FqlXRCA_8Oan9NfCSjeCpZ5oaK7Szv_a8jEyPQcvC32qixuil_8pTvIIrPm9z_KJhCYjHiphMCxDvSbmn8/s200/Robin+onwire.jpg" /></a>ding upon the yard! I had never seen a FLOCK of robins before. The yard was covered with them! I knew something unusual must be going on to cause this phenomenon, so I watched for clues. I noticed they were going crazy digging for bugs and worms. I also noticed they seemed to be quite fat looking, as if they were wearing double-breasted suits with their red chests puffed up.<br /><br />As I marveled and pondered all this, I pontificated that perhaps they knew that a ton of snow was getting ready to cover the ground for a few days, so they'd better stock up while they could! I had listened to the weather report calling for an unusual amount of snow to be dumped on us from last night through this evening. So it seemed to be confirmation that the weatherman may be right! I also wondered if it also indicated that we would be having an early spring, as generally we don't see so many robins this early in the year.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIMq8MCZyjIP7X-KKkoH7EtKWjBqx6Cpavxa9w_i9_0A1kUYoUaDg0H3SgUhie6eCQmxlbWQiZPHMoM_dczyEQ91phCbaQ8knIOzVc_Ja1fReo5TfuC9Pgt1-3ySwhxTHnxi1Lb7Rmf45f/s1600-h/012.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432630954929947474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIMq8MCZyjIP7X-KKkoH7EtKWjBqx6Cpavxa9w_i9_0A1kUYoUaDg0H3SgUhie6eCQmxlbWQiZPHMoM_dczyEQ91phCbaQ8knIOzVc_Ja1fReo5TfuC9Pgt1-3ySwhxTHnxi1Lb7Rmf45f/s200/012.JPG" /></a><br />I guess I'll have to wait to see if my theory about an early spring is right or not. But I know for sure the robins got the memo about the snowfall! So far we have maybe six inches or so, with it supposed to continue non-stop the rest of the day & night. So it's quite possible we could see up to the 11-12 inches they've been predicting before it's finished.<br /><br />Isn't it amazing how God cares for the birds by urging them to stock up on food? Don't you think He cares even more about every need you have today as well?!<br /></div><br /><div><blockquote><p>Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. <em><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span></em></p><p><em><span style="font-size:85%;">- Matthew 6:25-27, 33-34, NIV</span></em></p></blockquote></div></div>Loishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02607153813702958310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-162296032727118389.post-36815766996355258152010-01-05T13:52:00.003-05:002010-01-05T14:04:26.970-05:00Achieving Your Best YearHave you resolved to make 2010 your best year ever?<br /><br />Are you tired of setting New Year's Resolutions and never achieving them?<br /><br />I came across a great short video that gives five basic principles on achieving your goals. Take 59 seconds right now to view it, write down the Five Principles and then go make it happen!<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/xGt_4hRGUnQ&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/xGt_4hRGUnQ&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />I believe in you! I believe in the God who believes in you! Decide to receive the blessings He has for you by planning and taking ACTION!!! Then this year will truly be your best!<br /><br /><blockquote></blockquote><blockquote>For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. <span style="font-size:85%;"><em>- Jeremiah 29:11, NIV</em></span></blockquote>Loishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02607153813702958310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-162296032727118389.post-62927161849504925652009-12-13T19:25:00.004-05:002009-12-13T19:36:50.478-05:00Heartfelt Greetings from Pedro and Rosita!<div><em> I know it's a little corny, but I'm a sucker for anything cute, and chihuahua puppies especially. So when I received this in an email, I just had to pass it on to you! I hope it brings a smile to your face and happy thoughts to your heart, as it did to mine. Enjoy!</em></div><div><br />It's a romantic full moon, when Pedro said, "Hey, mamacita, let's do Weeweechu."<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQd0qc1J5iHxvqeDWsjvW-rXoy-S78-YfNxkc60gZ-7RZsMkVq__Ri7fvSNwg_LinHjYy7CZG_u0Cw17FEVu5KIFJOmu7Ee-jI3-HIm7VVEVPMfUpD0iH37Cy3JAyQGtboKkyWW1_-sjUi/s1600-h/chipups.jpg"><em><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 133px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414881990054251890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQd0qc1J5iHxvqeDWsjvW-rXoy-S78-YfNxkc60gZ-7RZsMkVq__Ri7fvSNwg_LinHjYy7CZG_u0Cw17FEVu5KIFJOmu7Ee-jI3-HIm7VVEVPMfUpD0iH37Cy3JAyQGtboKkyWW1_-sjUi/s200/chipups.jpg" /></em></a><br />Oh no, not now, let's look at the moon!" said Rosita.<br /><br />Oh, c'mon baby, let's you and I do Weeweechu. I love you and it's the perfect time," Pedro begged.<br /><br />"But I wanna just hold your hand and watch the moon." replied Rosita.<br /><br />Please, corazoncito, just once, do Weeweechu with me."<br /><br />Rosita looked at Pedro and said, "OK, one time, we'll do Weeweechu."<br /><br />Pedro grabbed his guitar and they both sang.....<br /><br />"Weeweechu a Merry Christmas, Weeweechu a Merry Christmas, Weeweechu a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year."<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#990000;">MERRY CHRISTMAS! </span></strong></div><div></div><br /><div>In spite of the busyness, the "issues" and anything else that may come up, <strong>choose</strong> to make this a very Merry Christmas, as we remember Christ is in the center of Merry Christmas! </div><div></div><br /><div>From my heart to yours!</div><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4r3USsbOoLRw_7HrnabHlMUM0Wv3IiiLIVsQUefT3aZ4lapQkqbfSRnLY-Y-qkIF-vmMyMU7j1QFrPfOt_HZpEq5bkpxXz86eDIavE4WFO3OCkwibzKGEO_UzCJoEzCptlbMnEK2otUza/s1600-h/Signature-39049C837B3C42D0B4A3EA326814E786.bmp"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 82px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 47px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414882765604459570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4r3USsbOoLRw_7HrnabHlMUM0Wv3IiiLIVsQUefT3aZ4lapQkqbfSRnLY-Y-qkIF-vmMyMU7j1QFrPfOt_HZpEq5bkpxXz86eDIavE4WFO3OCkwibzKGEO_UzCJoEzCptlbMnEK2otUza/s200/Signature-39049C837B3C42D0B4A3EA326814E786.bmp" /></a><br /><div></div>Loishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02607153813702958310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-162296032727118389.post-35849781232947940452009-10-20T23:45:00.002-04:002009-10-20T23:53:06.497-04:00The Power of OneIt only takes ONE to make a difference!<br />One word - One act - one look - one smile - one person! It all starts with you - and me. <br /><br />We all make a difference in one way or another - some positive, some negative. Think about the ripples in a pond when a pebble or rock is thrown in. The ripples keep spreading out and moving on. We have a choice to make about what kind of difference we will make each day, with each action or non-action.<br /><br />I recently saw the movie "Pay It Forward" again and want to share this clip with you. It inspired me to be more conscious in making a difference in the world around me.<br /><br />I challenge you to do the same - and see where your ripples go...<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/e_JIlOIp4LQ&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/e_JIlOIp4LQ&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Loishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02607153813702958310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-162296032727118389.post-90410454664156486992009-08-22T05:00:00.002-04:002009-08-22T05:00:01.481-04:00Singing our Hearts Out!I just came across this cute yet amazing video.<br /><br /><embed height="270" name="tangle" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" align="middle" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" width="330" src="http://www.tangle.com/flash/swf/flvplayer.swf" flashvars="viewkey=91f6aba3ef547be2fd8a" wmode="transparent" quality="high" allowscriptaccess="always"></embed><br /><br />Just as the parents of this child, I rather think God as our Father must be smiling on our feeble attempts to do what we do in life, including our ways of praising him or just expressing ourselves in ways beyond words.<br /><br />With the same love and pride you know this child's parent felt for her as she sang this challenging piece the best way she knew how, feel God's love and pride for you right where you are in life today. Enjoy that embrace of love for a moment.<br /><br />Then go and live your life empowered by the heart of God for you!Loishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02607153813702958310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-162296032727118389.post-46982007999230914502009-08-21T05:00:00.003-04:002009-08-21T12:37:06.206-04:00Squirrel Talk - Gotta Minute to Listen?!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_XN9milIU2m_LCtnYGBZzgMiYIwBC8N-FNpY5ZG-so2A0736KgRNKyO1mSmenM5Gm5SrG-SAQ4ZLTG0EzIayBxu6qZRvOSeza_xW3x2Aghi4WUm_OLFRItZnbl9CUzPWvbQjj7_1FW_pf/s1600-h/Squirrel-natgeo.png"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 142px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372133821513725202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_XN9milIU2m_LCtnYGBZzgMiYIwBC8N-FNpY5ZG-so2A0736KgRNKyO1mSmenM5Gm5SrG-SAQ4ZLTG0EzIayBxu6qZRvOSeza_xW3x2Aghi4WUm_OLFRItZnbl9CUzPWvbQjj7_1FW_pf/s200/Squirrel-natgeo.png" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Have you seen the picture taken by a vacationing couple where a squirrel jumped in the picture with them? If not, you'll want to view it and read the brief story at: <a href="http://blogs.nationalgeographic.com/blogs/intelligenttravel/2009/08/ground-squirrel-photo-crasher.html">http://blogs.nationalgeographic.com/blogs/intelligenttravel/2009/08/ground-squirrel-photo-crasher.html</a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNwPwxqtbi9BKR4LaNbCeBdFryvLv_enJmkaU7TY8RnMigrDWteCgdRs-8oGLJ4k4AvTE6FdS5vPtU3KBGzcDS-ZzE302jwfjmM4ZFQlOr3QF1hXZcvz1Qe8b9X-WBGTAPUEr5uRb8J0pD/s1600-h/Squirrel-angel.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372134753022254658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNwPwxqtbi9BKR4LaNbCeBdFryvLv_enJmkaU7TY8RnMigrDWteCgdRs-8oGLJ4k4AvTE6FdS5vPtU3KBGzcDS-ZzE302jwfjmM4ZFQlOr3QF1hXZcvz1Qe8b9X-WBGTAPUEr5uRb8J0pD/s200/Squirrel-angel.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Actually, I've got my own cute squirrel picture!<br /><br />I was looking out the window over my deck and saw this squirrel having breakfast and a conversation with an angel! I wish I'd been able to shoot a video of it or get a clearer picture, instead of this one through the screen door, but as soon as I moved to open the door, the squirrel dashed away in a flash.<br /><br />I hope you enjoy it! Perhaps it's good to be reminded there are interesting things going on all around us, if we only have eyes to see!<br /><br />What is God trying to show you today through the eyes of your squirrel - er, soul?! Perhaps there's an angel right where you are now with a few observations for you... ;-)Loishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02607153813702958310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-162296032727118389.post-91473931511001305562009-08-20T05:00:00.000-04:002009-08-20T11:28:07.899-04:00Don't Send a Man to the Grocery Store!<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/-YFRUSTiFUs&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/-YFRUSTiFUs&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />Have you had your belly laugh today? Medical authorities reiterate how important it is to laugh much. Even the Bible tells us "A cheerful heart is good medicine..." <em><span style="font-size:85%;">- Proverbs 17:22a</span></em><br /><br />When I came across this video, I just had to laugh out loud at her story and way of looking at things, as well as her delivery. Jeanne Robertson is a humorist I've recently come to appreciate with a gracious southern woman's perspective. Not only is she one of the top speakers with the National Speakers Association (of which I'm a member), but she's a former Miss North Carolina and is involved in giving back through her speaking and other projects.<br /><br />Once I viewed this video, I had to review a few more and check out her website. It was a 30 minute break in my day that actually inspired and empowered me, and even helped my health through the "laugh oxygen" it generated!<br /><br />Share it and spread the good "medicine" with your friends!<br /><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;color:#660000;">For more quick laughs, visit <a href="http://www.real-life-institute.com/articles.html">http://www.real-life-institute.com/articles.html</a><br />and click on "Rough Day" on the right. </span></em>Loishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02607153813702958310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-162296032727118389.post-18305504199506979092009-07-24T16:12:00.005-04:002009-07-24T16:57:27.417-04:00Lotsa Heart and Power!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoiPluK0K0ntUgwZKZ0C_yOlCuWK78bTk4IUV5haXy7uqBtLmkXERSRSTqzedU90uds8L4oAMeZaRdd1MLMhV-BRPRmfAYMNoIVNHhxv9RjQ1Yw3GiiAqUPESz_JNkPN_1KuXGeu1FCocO/s1600-h/Heart+%26+Power+005.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362130684000214242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoiPluK0K0ntUgwZKZ0C_yOlCuWK78bTk4IUV5haXy7uqBtLmkXERSRSTqzedU90uds8L4oAMeZaRdd1MLMhV-BRPRmfAYMNoIVNHhxv9RjQ1Yw3GiiAqUPESz_JNkPN_1KuXGeu1FCocO/s200/Heart+%26+Power+005.JPG" /></a><br /><div>A great group of Christian women all wanting to move ahead more powerfully with their dreams gathered last night in my home. </div><br /><div>The meeting was the second of the Heart & Power Women's Connection Group. I started this group with a vision to encourage and empower more women to step up to the plate and start living out their purpose with passion and power. </div><br /><div> </div><div>What I've found is that most Christian women want to move ahead with their life and serve God in some way, but they are not really sure which way to go or how they should be doing it.</div><br /><div>Through my struggles with this issue myself, I have gained much strength and power, focus and direction, support, resources and knowledge along the way. All of this is burning a hole in my soul to be shared with others so they can live their best life too!</div><br /><div>If you knew beyond a shadow of a doubt you could achieve whatever you set out to do, and that all the resources of time, money, support people, knowledge and ability - everything you needed - was there for you - WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING NOW?!!</div><br /><div>The good news is that all the resources ARE ALREADY AVAILABLE TO YOU! You CAN accomplish whatever you set out to do. Help IS available! After all, God owns the cattle on a thousand hills - it's ALL His. He will give you everything you need to fulfill his purpose. But you need to step out in faith and expect it to be there when you need it. That is true faith: believe it and then you'll see it (not believe it when you see it).</div><br /><div>I've experienced this so powerfully since I realized that I CAN do everything God puts in my heart to do - one step at a time. But I must take that first step - and then the next - and the next. And watch with awe as God meets me step by step on the journey with even more than I could think to ask to propel me towards my destination of purpose!</div><div><div><div><br /><div>"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of love and of power and of a sound mind." <span style="font-size:85%;"><em>- 2 Tim. 1:7 </em></span></div><div><br /><div><div>May you take the challenge to stir up the dreams in your heart. Accept they're given to you from God. Move forward with faith (not fear). Gather support and momentum as you keep going. Think of all the people whose lives you'll enrich by what you can do for them! Live and enjoy your best life now!</div><div><br /></div><div><em>For more info, visit </em><a href="http://heartandpower.org/"><em>http://heartandpower.org</em></a><em> </em></div><div><em>For help in living your best life also visit: <a href="http://real-life-institute.com/">http://real-life-institute.com/</a> </em></div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Loishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02607153813702958310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-162296032727118389.post-15912789853645269282009-06-25T10:18:00.005-04:002009-06-25T10:51:42.199-04:00New Vision<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKKhylAlN0C7nRYKzxdWa8kQlzzT1u6Ws5WFAyhM6Tncm-fCJ_aLmtEyVwaravGSjsxnQBzT9gt7kOa3RGaals5vOW9ZaYdA4sWGXaWHN-iFBcFcjW_yBXU1yiYl1Fx1co4mC9Au3hTLy6/s1600-h/heart-mtup.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351274547294979986" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 180px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 135px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKKhylAlN0C7nRYKzxdWa8kQlzzT1u6Ws5WFAyhM6Tncm-fCJ_aLmtEyVwaravGSjsxnQBzT9gt7kOa3RGaals5vOW9ZaYdA4sWGXaWHN-iFBcFcjW_yBXU1yiYl1Fx1co4mC9Au3hTLy6/s200/heart-mtup.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>You may have noticed I haven't published a blog post for the last two months. In case you wondered if I fell off the planet, I actually didn't! But I have been in the "plan it" stages of a new vision God has given me.</div><br /><div></div><div>This vision has brought a huge step up of faith and action, with an amazing unfolding, including quite a few trips, a whole new circle of friends, and the beginnings of a great support team of thinkers and doers. So I have been focused on going from "good to great," as author Jim Collins likes to say!</div><div></div><br /><div>For news and insights into what I've been up to, visit: <a href="http://heartandpower.org/">http://heartandpower.org/</a>. </div><div></div><br /><div>If you have enjoyed my writings and posts to date, you can continue to be inspired in the future. I will be continuing my writing through several books and ebooks I am producing. I will also post lessons I'm learning at this site as time permits. </div><br /><div>So stay tuned for the next chapters of life to unfold...!</div><br /><div>In the meantime, as I always like to relate your life to mine, <em><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">why not carve out some time to hear what God might be saying to you about expanding your vision? </span></strong></em></div><div><br /></div><div>What I discovered is that God is not looking to send us somewhere unpleasant or to do something we hate: quite the opposite. It would be senseless for God to have given us talents, abilities, skills, ideas and passions and then ask us to do something totally the opposite of what He has been preparing us for (unless that area is a needed part of future preparation). </div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div>I have been amazed at how God has brought all the crazy things I've done and enjoyed into the vision He has for me now. He has taken my interests in writing, speaking, coaching, studying human nature & spiritual issues, and even my artistic side plus the financial services career - and all the other experiences of being an entrepreneur and leader. </div><div> </div><div></div><br /><div>Now he has rolled that all into one ball of wax and sent me spinning down the alley of life thoroughly enjoying the ride along the way to where He is aiming me! Only He really knows where the destination is, as we see only the small view ahead of us as He reveals it. But I sure am enjoying the scenery along the way!</div><br /><div>My main verse for this season is: </div><div><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."</span></strong> <em><span style="font-size:85%;">- 2 Timothy 1:7, NIV </span></em></div><div><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em></div><br /><div><span style="color:#cc0000;">May you be empowered by God's love and his power to move forward with the discipline and wisdom of a sound mind, as you step out and up today!</span></div><div><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em></div>Loishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02607153813702958310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-162296032727118389.post-57211382750754265322009-04-13T05:00:00.002-04:002009-04-13T09:12:13.019-04:00Pirate Saga Hero<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOIJfa_jpjpvaa1oaNH8Y8c3EJ7pntQtoKVKiby53mk_4JH-UzpH-9vYwUJiF8DE31pyMCEujlocIUluWIMZmioeTgjB0BsvF0FBTpuMrW6xSE9_QIViqK7RRabDYtpK4dXP7FzPwlRuMT/s1600-h/Pirate.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323998472070308962" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 119px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOIJfa_jpjpvaa1oaNH8Y8c3EJ7pntQtoKVKiby53mk_4JH-UzpH-9vYwUJiF8DE31pyMCEujlocIUluWIMZmioeTgjB0BsvF0FBTpuMrW6xSE9_QIViqK7RRabDYtpK4dXP7FzPwlRuMT/s200/Pirate.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I’ve been following the drama on the high seas, as most Americans have this past week, with the pirates of Somalia versus Captain Richard Phillips.<br /><br />When I first heard that the captain had willingly sacrificed his life for his crew and ship, my ears perked up. It had special meaning during this week leading up to Easter. The parallel between that and what Christ did for us was too coincidental to ignore!<br /><br />As I followed the progress with latest updates on my computer screen, I continued to pray for the captain and his family. But Saturday night I was convinced that he would be freed Easter Sunday. I just felt that God was so in control, and that the dramatic symbolism of the message that was being sent to us would not be lost on the world.<br /><br />Just as one normal human being like Captain Phillips was willing to lay down his life for his friends and fellow shipmates, so was Jesus willing to do the same for us.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ZRMXdPJLhGTeRANkSBXawhMrPIwRqVx6pbprXw8AT6s0ID5HwQLS8hMIwhVfYMRmgU2SjMMKrJ1sOcjRthsnJcu3WgmrHIysQCwGKpoCQSW5hLwbGfmgpKS5tTztqXJUqNaA_r3Rj5Qh/s1600-h/pirate-lifeboat.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323998909379660690" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 122px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ZRMXdPJLhGTeRANkSBXawhMrPIwRqVx6pbprXw8AT6s0ID5HwQLS8hMIwhVfYMRmgU2SjMMKrJ1sOcjRthsnJcu3WgmrHIysQCwGKpoCQSW5hLwbGfmgpKS5tTztqXJUqNaA_r3Rj5Qh/s200/pirate-lifeboat.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />That was his plan from the beginning. But the difference was that we were not his friends. He was truly ours, but we were so lost in our sins and evil ways that we (as a human race descended from Adam) could not even fathom the kind of sacrifice Christ was willing to make for us. We would be considered the pirates in this case! ;-)<br /><br />So if Captain Phillips is a hero today, who is Jesus? He has to be at least a hero, but obviously is more than that.<br /><br /><blockquote>My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. <em><span style="font-size:85%;">– John 15:12-14</span></em><br /></blockquote><br />Let us rejoice in the salvation of both the captain and the crew! In the meantime, you may want to take a moment to read and meditate on the powerful words of the whole chapter of John 15. They may take on greater meaning in light of this pirate and hero story.Loishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02607153813702958310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-162296032727118389.post-24938000153656632292009-04-12T00:05:00.000-04:002009-04-12T00:05:01.157-04:00Ignorance is Bliss?<div><div><div>I just read a great joke online. Let me share it with you here.<br /><br />A friend whose husband was stationed at Fort Bliss, in Texas, actually got a letter addressed to "Fort Ignorance."<br />"How did you know where to deliver it?" she asked the mailman.<br />"We were stumped at first," he admitted. "But then I remembered, Ignorance is bliss." ;-)<br /><br />Are there times in your life when you are so overwhelmed you don't want to know what you don't know?!<br /><br />I would call that a time when you might think that "Ignorance is bliss."<br /><br />However, if you get pulled over by a policeman for a traffic violation, or get audited by the IRS, or have to appear in court for violating a law you weren't aware of, you will quickly find out that ignorance is <strong><em>not </em></strong>bliss!<br /><br />Ignorance truly is something to be avoided in regard to the important areas of your life. In this age of information overload it can be a daunting task to keep up with everything relevant. But the most important thing to make sure you're not <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP79gY6OskuS3-pC83jbFuz2QfcZFPYm6G4igG-PRTY64Pm9bcQMPlbGO6i41Rzp1BMD6FYW1BmB_1sEhLr24bOFtnX86esptrL2RDu86Fqv1iRjWZPVGwl821NiGKRnGZHSe77QdU7u4p/s1600-h/MPj04117640000%5B1%5D.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323637654918412786" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 133px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP79gY6OskuS3-pC83jbFuz2QfcZFPYm6G4igG-PRTY64Pm9bcQMPlbGO6i41Rzp1BMD6FYW1BmB_1sEhLr24bOFtnX86esptrL2RDu86Fqv1iRjWZPVGwl821NiGKRnGZHSe77QdU7u4p/s200/MPj04117640000%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></a>ignorant about is the purpose and meaning of your life.<br /><br />We only have a brief time on this earth. It's like a drop in the bucket compared to the timeline of human history. And when you get to the end of your life and look back, it will seem like a flash as well.<br /><br />Make no mistake - you will be accountable for how you lived your life: the choices you made and the things you did. What will you say to Almighty God when you stand before him one day and he asks why he should let you into heaven?<br /><br />Many people think that if they are good enough they will enter. But think about that for a minute.<br /><br />After all, God makes the rules, does he not? What does HE say about his entry requirements? He tells us that all have sinned; none of us are righteous - no not one.<br /><div><br /><blockquote>Wherefore, as by one man (Adam) sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned <em><span style="font-size:85%;">- Romans 5:12</span></em></blockquote></div><div></div><div></div><div>So if none of us are righteous and no amount of good works could pay the price, how could we then be worthy to enter heaven?</div><div><br /></div><div>This is where we must receive and accept the answer that God in his love and his wisdom provided for us.<br /><br />In the Old Testament the only way the Israelites could be forgiv<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigHI7QCJzVn_3U07tUX0UjLLZszk6-qCZ87fr93y427UMozkdG1S-oj32AtIAqRa__LPOTF142IESgqaPG-AlbAZ1s6cG-hlQ5QGWpvl5rmJLn9VQs5Y82aEwQJ7E1cLP3wfi8Ajz97DIm/s1600-h/Easter-lamb.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323637328934452578" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigHI7QCJzVn_3U07tUX0UjLLZszk6-qCZ87fr93y427UMozkdG1S-oj32AtIAqRa__LPOTF142IESgqaPG-AlbAZ1s6cG-hlQ5QGWpvl5rmJLn9VQs5Y82aEwQJ7E1cLP3wfi8Ajz97DIm/s200/Easter-lamb.jpg" border="0" /></a>en was to offer blood sacrifices. This was a symbol of God's solution to us in replacing the continuous daily sacrifices by one final sacrifice in the blood of the Lamb, God's Son Jesus Christ. Jesus was God in the flesh - totally God and totally man - the only possible answer to the problem. He was the only one who could be holy and perfect enough to qualify as a spotless, sin-free sacrifice for us.</div><br /><blockquote>But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. <em><span style="font-size:85%;">- Romans 3:21-25</span></em> </blockquote>The grace of God is all that can save us from our self-righteousness and pride, and our hearts that naturally turn away from God. Once we realize and grasp the truth that we are incapable of saving ourselves, according to God's requirements, we then can be ready to accept the finished work of grace and love that was provided for us through Jesus' death on the cross - the ultimate - and final - sacrifice.<br /><br />But the glory of Easter and the symbol of the power we have in Christ is in the Risen Christ. It is He who overcame death, and along with it sin and the devil and the power of our fleshly nature (with death as its ultimate outcome).<br /><br />Our spirits are then reborn and we have the power to live by the new nature of our enlivened spirit man instead of the fleshly nature with its striving for its own desires. That is where the wonderful fruit of the Spirit can burst forth in new life, bringing forth <em><strong>love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.</strong></em> <span style="font-size:85%;"><em>(Galatians 5:22-23)</em></span><br /><br />Hopefully, you are well aware of the above concept and have chosen to accept God's grace and love into your life. You truly have something to celebrate every day, not just at Easter.<br /><br />But if you have never heard God's love and plan for you expressed quite this way, reread the above and ask God to reveal his truth to you. Allow the direction, purpose and consequences to line up to be the best possible for you - not only while you're living here on earth, but forever after you've gone on from this earthly realm. You will live a life beyond your dreams!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhprEBWH76X0dmwC6AMtko4ZzHU5WPFoth2b_YccMKEkZDlhWB0xUacSDiYUnIRR_SmeMakNRSqB61-QUxoMDN2XzAp9zQMvezTRQZ6Hr6RDmbsk7jHJEsPD0P5BvPziQ6k_0voPU3NAgrk/s1600-h/MPj04074850000%5B1%5D.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323638203444711762" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhprEBWH76X0dmwC6AMtko4ZzHU5WPFoth2b_YccMKEkZDlhWB0xUacSDiYUnIRR_SmeMakNRSqB61-QUxoMDN2XzAp9zQMvezTRQZ6Hr6RDmbsk7jHJEsPD0P5BvPziQ6k_0voPU3NAgrk/s200/MPj04074850000%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Ignorance is definitely not bliss! I trust you will be celebrating this Easter with new eyes and a blissfully overflowing heart for God's wonderful gift of new life to you today! </div></div></div>Loishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02607153813702958310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-162296032727118389.post-19420316574431543822009-04-09T05:00:00.003-04:002009-04-09T14:40:55.486-04:00Just One DegreeWhile I was waiting for some soup I was making to come to a boil, I noticed first the steam started rising and slowly the bubbles started popping one by one in various places. Then it finally came to a full boil before I turned it down to simmer awhile.<br /><br />As I watched, I thought about what a difference just one degree makes. The temperature can’t be one degree less than the boiling point, or you can wait day and night, and it will never come to a full boil.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7tFDDP5fz7zSpw2FAZZ8tRY6S3IdTu6_lbM6MxVTDYjIYhuSguxJEKpxfRE-zn4_iTvAS2YSZOjOzwBWKggw5VIjZt8bIH2xc5MK1PXFWXdKeyjwlv3yYOhUu_G4Ixg5cuucPpvXSbePH/s1600-h/ChangesStates.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322096483662429986" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 252px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7tFDDP5fz7zSpw2FAZZ8tRY6S3IdTu6_lbM6MxVTDYjIYhuSguxJEKpxfRE-zn4_iTvAS2YSZOjOzwBWKggw5VIjZt8bIH2xc5MK1PXFWXdKeyjwlv3yYOhUu_G4Ixg5cuucPpvXSbePH/s320/ChangesStates.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />In thinking about my life, I thought that was an appropriate analogy as well. For many years I’ve had a particular dream and big goal I’ve aspired to. I’ve kept the dream alive and simmering over the years. There have been occasions when I’ve turned the fire up a bit and things have been steaming hotter towards my goal. But somehow, I never was able to sustain the intensity of the fire long enough to bring it up to boiling and get to that next level where things are really cooking!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjigE3Ya-HVRSYiKOgIzpqo7n_KheIIMSFXpK9U35z7kPKNKlpwtAEhRQWuEW3eZIrdOhb7XkNK1kF4rqisJcw9RGl1kmx6eLtDXMv1GqDtegQ4tk0HK9uiGOk72Nc-dVp9YICTWevRWZa7/s1600-h/ChangesStates.jpg"></a><br />That’s why I’m excited that recently I’ve seen a way to move forward with that big dream I’ve had. I’ve lit the flame and have been tossing on the fuel to help it turn into a big glowing bonfire this time! I trust that you will see the result of that as things come to pass within the next 12-18 months, which I’ll share with you along the way.<br /><br />What level of intensity are you experiencing with your biggest dreams and goals? Are you getting close to where you want to go? Do you need to turn it up a degree and get your activities to the boiling point to make your goal happen the way you really want it to?<br /><br />Usually it just takes time added to activity sustained in order to accomplish a goal. So just keep on doing what you know and turning up the flame till you get where you want to be – and your life is bubbling over with happiness and pride of accomplishment!<br /><br /><div><div><blockquote>Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. <em><span style="font-size:85%;">- Philippians 3:13-15, NIV </span></em></blockquote></div><br /><div>In the meantime, I’ve discovered a great video that illustrates this principle of 212 degrees. Enjoy and be inspired! <a href="http://tinyurl.com/212insp"><span style="font-size:85%;">http://tinyurl.com/212insp</span></a><br /></div><div>Great food for thought!</div><br /><div><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>P.S. The picture above is of a painting I did, titled "Changes of State."</strong></span></em></div></div>Loishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02607153813702958310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-162296032727118389.post-171220075998414212009-04-08T05:00:00.001-04:002009-04-08T05:00:00.439-04:00Pearly WhitesYou may have heard someone declare, “It’s either black or white! There’s no gray area!”<br /><br />Have you ever had your chimney cleaned? The flue can get pretty sooty and that can be dangerous. It won’t work well or be safe in a dirty condition with creosote build-up. When it gets to that point, it’s time to call in an expert to take care of it properly and make it clean and functional again.<br /><br />Sometimes we feel drab and need whitening and cleaning in our lives to make us functional and not in danger of "catching fire" and doing some harm to ourselves or others.<br /><br />I just came from getting my teeth whitened. It was my first time and a quick process with a great system I discovered nearby (and reasonable too). Here are my before and after pictures – a difference of about 6-7 shades in just 15 minutes. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOVHIfOdYgTtA1Z8cXM6GgCWl2aW1-vlDY4L7xQfIADQcCeP-p81NiC8JXgGT4wxu6wg1nhFvRCkDaqLAvZ1fG1BbtYPt21FHdzfYM7OhrZE_5Xmv6u6XMvfcuRR8iDW7n6fr_4SuadsI2/s1600-h/teeth+white+001a.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322077478529126242" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 140px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOVHIfOdYgTtA1Z8cXM6GgCWl2aW1-vlDY4L7xQfIADQcCeP-p81NiC8JXgGT4wxu6wg1nhFvRCkDaqLAvZ1fG1BbtYPt21FHdzfYM7OhrZE_5Xmv6u6XMvfcuRR8iDW7n6fr_4SuadsI2/s200/teeth+white+001a.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />As I was thinking about having a whiter smile, I thought about some of the verses below relating to our sins becoming white as God grants us forgiveness. He covers them up with the righteousness of Christ, who paid the price for our sin and dirt and mess. They are gone forever. The stains are removed<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV7cuVPQS1U0vDhyhRxsiNQV8BC2gqERyqOyXUUFV_OTuRqyv8tcMr4NaHPQpxevaJL1U0FiNCrB4MGK8TaTSF9k7heznZJKJlNJbMaEQUYCXFNSmOEoX6qSPb30lq5TFlpYPUlM9zHAM1/s1600-h/teeth+white+003a.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322077662855728034" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 180px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV7cuVPQS1U0vDhyhRxsiNQV8BC2gqERyqOyXUUFV_OTuRqyv8tcMr4NaHPQpxevaJL1U0FiNCrB4MGK8TaTSF9k7heznZJKJlNJbMaEQUYCXFNSmOEoX6qSPb30lq5TFlpYPUlM9zHAM1/s200/teeth+white+003a.jpg" border="0" /></a> once and for all through his grace.<br /><br />With all the stuff we do and think and that comes our way in life, we can get really stained and dirty. We need to go before the Father, confess our sins before him, and ask him to make us clean – inside and out – to take the stains of the world, the flesh and the devil away from us.<br /><br /><blockquote><p>"Come now, let us reason together," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. <em><span style="font-size:85%;">– Isaiah 1:18, NIV</span></em><br /><br />The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! <em><span style="font-size:85%;">– John 1:29, NKJV<br /></span></em><br />And he said, "These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore, "they are before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will spread his tent over them. <em><span style="font-size:85%;">– Revelation 7:15, NIV</span></em><br /></p><p><em><span style="font-size:85%;">For details on the teeth whitening company I used, visit: </span></em><a href="http://www.whitesmileusa.com/"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">http://www.whitesmileusa.com</span></em></a> <em><span style="font-size:85%;"> for a location near you.</span></em></p><p> </p></blockquote>Loishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02607153813702958310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-162296032727118389.post-30357003793743703812009-04-07T05:00:00.005-04:002009-04-07T05:00:01.178-04:00Just One Day<div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9bhc1GPcJBvW4-ujKtwVeAbYfhH62N6rk6Z-vuJb3w5Zk3HN3cC52ilarN0AubyASGfd_b_MacZI6JWAjjADC2io0OsZDY2nGPLVeHoAw7hf9366Xd0fpmmhOScWGg4uN7DOmFftpb4FZ/s1600-h/024.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321778386446585026" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9bhc1GPcJBvW4-ujKtwVeAbYfhH62N6rk6Z-vuJb3w5Zk3HN3cC52ilarN0AubyASGfd_b_MacZI6JWAjjADC2io0OsZDY2nGPLVeHoAw7hf9366Xd0fpmmhOScWGg4uN7DOmFftpb4FZ/s200/024.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>What a difference just one day can make!<br /><br />Yesterday I was out enjoying the beautiful flowers and flowering trees in the yard and neighborhood. The day was sunny and beautiful, with short sleeves in order. It appeared that spring had definitely sprung!<br /><br />What a difference today! Rain showers and overcast skies greeted the day and popped up intermittently throughout. And just to show you the difference in flowers from one day to the next, take a look at these two pictures. One I took just yesterday and the other today (in between showers!). It always amazes me how fast things seem to grow once the first green shoot sticks its head up through freshly mulched <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDx6oB2zNKv6uZK_qserXGGjby7ExHHRo9B5NuAqmMaaFBBTA_CKRIHGKmB2tzRYrKidlLaMSJr5QDafiM9VmDrbtHrpcOO7_AamAGEg-N1Kz1sQ3S5aPb6XNMPggl8UZ3yg1zJHUciUVr/s1600-h/040a.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321778599595017922" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 174px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDx6oB2zNKv6uZK_qserXGGjby7ExHHRo9B5NuAqmMaaFBBTA_CKRIHGKmB2tzRYrKidlLaMSJr5QDafiM9VmDrbtHrpcOO7_AamAGEg-N1Kz1sQ3S5aPb6XNMPggl8UZ3yg1zJHUciUVr/s200/040a.jpg" border="0" /></a>beds.<br /><br />Think about the different days you’ve had for a minute. Many of them are just routine, all fading into a blur with the commonalities of everyday life. But some jump right out in your memory, as defining moments, when nothing stayed the same after them.<br /><br />Perhaps the moment may have been a serious event that changed the direction of your life. It could have been a business decision, a job loss, a health diagnosis, a relationship crisis or divorce, or a serious accident.<br /><br />Or perhaps it could have been an insight or paradigm shift that caused you to make a decision to change your life direction and go God’s way – or the opposite. Or a variety of other things in between.<br /><br />Take a moment to think about the difference of a day long ago when Jesus rode into Jerusalem amid shouts of “Hosanna!” (meaning “save us.). He was being hailed as the Messiah, the coming King who would save his people. Garments were thrown before his path, palm branches were waved. He was treated with honor and respect due a kingly office.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpy2d0GTHteuw1TjF-7kXvW1GTI9cl7g-n-gs_BgTb7YwLT3KmmEfi4VySRgGIJMDJJTdBmpndZPRtclDeoxj0xhVOXFp6zvp1HrrnmxIcdQJMPggPMY_isXHJxiNAm0wU-iW5L9_oWimT/s1600-h/Jesusoncolt.jpg"></a><br />But the next major scene shows the fickle crowd turned against him only days later. His plan to save them did not line up with their expectations. Amid shouts of “Crucify him!” Jesus laid down his life like a sheep led to slaughter. He died with a crown of thorns to symbolize his kingly office and the suffering servant.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcYlXKTPm_myzMKqwPfPmJ7MjHXhH_KNOfHK0RO0NfxbntlzQIrwD50mVZpHfJrsYK2V3um18QYQORFnu1lI8rqf0fc8y1IMFy4989YG1GNrM_gYhJ8hMLB4PTL8RwtXgulsUu2551kVtL/s1600-h/MCj04347320000%5B1%5D.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321783819398584818" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 180px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 180px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcYlXKTPm_myzMKqwPfPmJ7MjHXhH_KNOfHK0RO0NfxbntlzQIrwD50mVZpHfJrsYK2V3um18QYQORFnu1lI8rqf0fc8y1IMFy4989YG1GNrM_gYhJ8hMLB4PTL8RwtXgulsUu2551kVtL/s200/MCj04347320000%5B1%5D.png" border="0" /></a><br />Indeed, only a couple days later, he truly did complete the plan of the coming king to save his people, through his resurrection and power over sin and death.<br /><br />What a difference a day makes! Ponder the differences of the days and the mindsets of the people and of Christ: from the Palm Sunday parade to the crucifixion of Good Friday and on to Easter morning and the arisen Lord and King!<br /><br />May this Holy Week make you more aware of the importance and fragility of life. We know not what the next day will hold. Let the Risen Christ rise within your heart and change your world today!<br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” <em><span style="font-size:85%;">– John 3:16-17, NIV</span></em></span></div></div></div></div>Loishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02607153813702958310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-162296032727118389.post-47834908785068771792009-04-06T19:29:00.009-04:002009-04-06T20:14:05.650-04:00All We NeedSometimes a powerful story can shed light on a struggle we may be having. This story was forwarded in an email. The original source is unknown. May it be a blessing to you!<br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">A young man was getting ready to graduate from college. For many months he had admired a beautiful sports car in a dealer's showroom, and knowing his father could well affor<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK5Ln3U-T7Y1L0PVzisZOdJlkaTisiE801iUsJbjLp5SxU6MAbdntJ2oyRYV_DfaEn-B_uEBVSsYmCDj1kXsG-qx9ubtKsoqYDXuxoS3jnBF1rzs4b8jCBWaXRJImctmBRajGpw5TWkeYD/s1600-h/MPj04331920000%5B1%5D.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321731365973268242" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 160px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK5Ln3U-T7Y1L0PVzisZOdJlkaTisiE801iUsJbjLp5SxU6MAbdntJ2oyRYV_DfaEn-B_uEBVSsYmCDj1kXsG-qx9ubtKsoqYDXuxoS3jnBF1rzs4b8jCBWaXRJImctmBRajGpw5TWkeYD/s200/MPj04331920000%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></a>d it, he told his father that the car was all he wanted. </span><br /><div><div><div><div><div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">As graduation day approached, the young man anxiously looked for signs that his father had purchased the car. Finally, on the morning of his graduation, his father called him into his private study. His father told him how proud he was to have such a fine son, and he told him how much he loved him. He handed his son a beautiful wrapped gift box. Curious, but somewhat disappointed, the young man opened the box and found a lovely, leather-bound Bible, with the young man's name embossed in gold. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">Angrily, he raised his voice to his father and said, "With all your money you give me a Bible?" and stormed out of the house, leaving the Bible. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyV57lrdEoy4wW7Xt3RYkzExVm-4GBZnkwgxqsbEzttwf5jAdgQMguc0aJ7-Dc2DZVkVuiPopWO99LMu39uR0kET3uEnDQVXAMakT0VxAe16SP2VsIhXDmGUsw0wLdKZkbTyIBjz8OgVMh/s1600-h/MPj04003010000%5B1%5D.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321730492999451042" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 160px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyV57lrdEoy4wW7Xt3RYkzExVm-4GBZnkwgxqsbEzttwf5jAdgQMguc0aJ7-Dc2DZVkVuiPopWO99LMu39uR0kET3uEnDQVXAMakT0VxAe16SP2VsIhXDmGUsw0wLdKZkbTyIBjz8OgVMh/s200/MPj04003010000%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></a></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">Many years passed and the young man was very successful in business. He had a beautiful home and wonderful family, but realized his father was very old, and thought perhaps he should go to him. He had not seen him since that graduation day. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">Before he could make arrangements, he received a telegram telling him his father had passed away, and willed all of his possessions to his son. He needed to come home immediately and take care of things. When he arrived at his father's house, sudden sadness and regret filled his heart. He began to search through his father's important papers and saw the still new Bible, just as he had left it years ago. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">With tears, he opened the Bible and began to turn the pages. His father had carefully underlined a verse, Matthew 7:11, ‘And if ye, being evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your Heavenly father which is in heaven, give to those who ask Him?’</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">As the young man read those words, a car key dropped from the back of the Bible. It had a tag with the dealer's name, the same dealer who had the sports car he had desired. On the tag was the date of his graduation, and the words... PAID IN FULL.</span><br /></div><br /><div>How many times do we miss God's blessings because we ignore Him and are blinded by our own arrogant expectations of how things should happen?<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0b3d6bqL9ahWV2u7XbdG7Dfs-DF3b2Ki0GBEUeKM2z6XbWCkt1ibIvWOyAfGJVTOXM1WJIMyX1FmCdEvqDJLbkROVSL5PbrsACE9ZsamqfcCf16uztvurEjJlb7oFbQ2RaxCG1QADtDp2/s1600-h/Gift-surprise-door.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321734860059660258" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 161px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0b3d6bqL9ahWV2u7XbdG7Dfs-DF3b2Ki0GBEUeKM2z6XbWCkt1ibIvWOyAfGJVTOXM1WJIMyX1FmCdEvqDJLbkROVSL5PbrsACE9ZsamqfcCf16uztvurEjJlb7oFbQ2RaxCG1QADtDp2/s200/Gift-surprise-door.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />If you have been asking God to do something in your life, perhaps you have already received the answer – and you may not recognize it yet. Or it may be right around the corner. Will you know it is God’s answer when it comes?<br /></div><div><br /><blockquote>"Opportunity is missed by most people beacuse it is dressed in overalls and looks like work." <em><span style="font-size:85%;">(quote attributed to Thomas A. Edison)</span></em> </blockquote></div><div>Reflect again on the verse above in Matthew 7. Trust that God your Father knows what you really need before you even ask him! </div><br /><div>The passage below comes just before Jesus teaches his disciples the Lord’s Prayer. </div><div><blockquote>“And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” <em><span style="font-size:85%;">– Matthew 6:7-8, NIV </span></em></blockquote></div></div></div></div></div></div>Loishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02607153813702958310noreply@blogger.com0