Spiritual gifts....

It's that time of year when most people stress out about buying gifts. What to buy, who to buy and how much to spend? Not me; I give to someone less fortunate and to my family and friends; I give out "hugs."

Women's Daily Devotional -
Unlike earthly parents, God the Father gives perfect gifts because they are spiritual gifts uniquely suited to each of us. There's no such thing as a Christian who's been spoiled rotten with spiritual gifts. God gives gifts that fit us perfectly, gifts that fill and complete us.

Letting go... (from one minute prayers)

Come near to me, Lord

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you! -- James 4:7-8


all days won't be good days, but God is consistent & faithful!

GOD cares

I just bought a new 2010 Calendar and I was excited to take the paper off. It's a pretty passionate purple with the word Joy on the cover. Each month has a message of promise and faith. Here's a sneak peak at January....

To worry is human. We worry about job security. We worry about unexpected expenses. We worry when our children ride their bikes around the block for the first time. Worry is a normal and natural part of life. But too much worry can distract and paralyze us - and can even lead to a sinful denial of God's presence and grace in our lives. Scripture teaches that we find rest from inappropriate worry when we admit we can't control the future and entrust ourselves - and our loved ones - to the God who does.

"I will be your GOD throughout your lifetime - until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you."

The Holy Spirit lives in me...

While in Bible study, (Christian Mentoring from A to Z) last Sunday we discussed the letter "H", the Holy Spirit.

Class notes:
In regenerating us the Holy Spirit brings conviction and "tugs" on our heart to draw us to God. When the "light comes on" as you are reading the Bible and you suddenly understand the passage, this is the illuminating work of the Holy Spirit.

A Christian can grieve the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30) Read Ephesians 4:31, 32; list six sins that will grieve the Holy Spirit, and three attitudes that will prevent it.

Sins that grieve: Bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor,
evil speaking and malice.
Godly Attitudes: Kind, tender hearted and forgiving.

Love, peace and blessings

A life partner

I once heard that you must be or become the very person you are seeking to share your life with. Not in the sense of being the exact same, but most people are looking for someone not realizing that they must also possess similar qualities & values to sustain the relationship. And by all means, please don't look for someone to make you happy; that truly comes from within.

only speaking from experience...

Love, peace and blessings
Free Spirit Butterfly

Favorite quote...

Just when the

caterpillar

thought the

world was over,

it became a butterfly!

Happy Thanksgiving

If I had skills in the kitchen, you would all be invited to my house (all expenses paid - LOL) but since I don't; I'd like to wish you and your families a very Happy Thanksgiving.

I'd like to say a special thank you for visiting my blog, especially when there are times when I haven't a clue what to talk about...

I may not visit with you as often as I'd like, but I'm always, and I mean always praying for you and your families. Believe me, in my line of work, Prayer is my best-friend!

Love, peace and blessings
Free Spirit Butterfly

I had a dream and it came true......

I met a blogger friend "Live and in person." It was incredible. When I pulled into the rental car parking lot, our eyes met at the exact same time. We had lunch and got to know one another before I dropped her off at the Airport. It was a beautiful experience. Of all the blogger friends I've met over the years, meeting one from Alaska was the last thing I ever expected.

I've always had a dream that we'd all meet at one big cook-out and I'm still holding on to that dream. But until then, who will I run into next?

Love, peace and blessings!
PS. It was truly great meeting you Patty

Is life passing you by?

Watch how fast the grains of sand flow. Those are the minutes of your life. Live them. Pave with them. Everyday it's your call.

An excerpt from "Simple Abundance"
-Sarah Ban Breathnach

I've had another Epiphany and I'm learning how to "not" empty my in-box, work until I'm exhausted, reschedule dates with friends and most importantly, telling my loved ones, "when I get the chance..."

That chance is "now."

"Who me, Lord?"

"Abraham was old, Jacob was insecure, Leah was unattractive, Joseph was abused, Moses stuttered, Gideon was poor, Samson was codependent, Rahab was immoral, David had an affair and all kinds of family problems, Elijah was suicidal, Jeremiah was depressed, Jonah was reluctant, Naomi was a widow, John the Baptist was eccentric to say the least, Peter was impulsive and hot tempered, Martha worried a lot, the Samaritan woman had several failed marriages, Zacchaeus was unpopular, Thomas had doubts, Paul had poor health, and Timothy was timid."

The 12 men Jesus asked to be his apostles could have offered lost of reasons why they were not fit to serve. They were common men with no special standing in the eyes of the world. Yet when Jesus called, they came: fishermen, tax collectors and even revolutionaries.

When Jesus calls us to follow him, he's not looking for the smartest or the strongest or the most brave. He doesn't check our resume or call our list of references. Scripture is full of stories of women and men who were used powerfully by God despite their lack of experience or expertise.

Is God asking you to accept an assignment that seems far beyond your comfort zone? Are you afraid that you might fail? Are you afraid that you might succeed?

Which way?

I ask God for a clearer sign to identify where I'm at and where I might be headed. If I'm on the road less traveled, I question why more people haven't thought to go this route if it is of such value. When I'm rushing alongside the masses on the highway of success, ambition, or status quo, then I wonder why more people don't think to leave this chaos.

Which road are you on? Do you look around at your home, your family, and your job and wonder if you are on God's intended path? Rest in today! Do not give God your "what ifs" as an offering; instead, give him your commitment to go forward with faith and peace.

- an excerpt from One Minute with God for Women!

Love, peace and continued blessings!