Tuesday, September 29

God is Good

Tina needs dental work
We prayed
God answered
She starts tomorrow!
God is good, prayer is powerful!

Thursday, September 24

Are You Ready For Some Football?

Well, it is that time of year too. But, really are you ready for the Fall, or Autumn, whatever you call it. I love this time of year. Of course, I love a good football game too, but I like that it cools down in the evenings here in AZ, the air smells fresh and the sky is, well, bluer!

I feel refreshed. I'm not sure if hot weather is stifling, or I stifle myself, but fall invigorates me! I feel I can take on the world, waking up to a little fall breeze where the trees barely move, cooler mornings with coffee on the patio! That really gets me going.

I feel renewed. Renewed with a sense of purpose, dedication and discipline to study God's Word - I guess this year I thought of summer as a break, like from school. Not that I wanted it that way, it just happened. I hiked a lot this summer, meeting friends early, 5:30 am some mornings. What a way to start the day! Yes, you think. But, I took a break from my daily quiet time and got caught up in the world. I guess my 'L' needs to take a hike! Not that it was bad that I hiked, but I still needed to focus on the Word, and I didn't.

So, what do I do now? Keep trudging up that I failed? NO, I am not doing that, just moving forward and taking it one day at a time.

Just like a fall morning, new with each sunrise, God forgives me if I ask, and I move on with renewed purpose!

Thursday, September 17

Encouraging Others

Started up our women's study in AZ last night, what a wonderful evening connecting with ladies that I haven't seen in awhile and immersing ourselves in His Word! It's amazing how I feel at ease with other women of faith, how the words flow and the conversation is seasoned by each of our experiences. We are doing a topical study on encouraging others; last night we explored the scriptures of how God encourages us through our lives so we can encourage others.
I treasure and value this time that God allows me to be in the presence of other women, praying and encouraging as we each run this race.
Today, my cup is full. Thanks to God for filling me with encouragement and allowing me to encourage others as we walk side by side on our journey through life.
I can hear my Lord cheering me on now -- Atta girl, way to go, you can do it!

Wednesday, September 16

Life is Good

You've seen people wearing the hats, t-shirts, using the coffee mugs and displaying the phrase on anything and posted everywhere in recent years. But, really it is, isn't it? Life......is.....Good....
I am in a real thankful mood this morning and after a vigorous hike taking in God's beauty on earth I am grateful that I get to live life!
Well, if life is good, then God is great, isn't He?
Just my thoughts on this Wednesday.

Wednesday, September 2

Being Christ in the Workplace

It's no secret that I haven't been happy with my job this past year, and I have struggled with the type of work I've been given and how to handle the every day interactions with my new co-workers. I recently subscribed to Christians in Commerce (CIC) and now receive daily emails with words of encouragement for working Christians. This was in my InBox this morning and I could relate as similar events have happened with me. It is hard to explain how your feel when this occurs because you don't want to sound egotistical, but when you put a lot of work into something you want to be acknowledged or at least know that your actions won't go unnoticed by those that evaluation your performance. Well, I guess in all circumstances the one thing for certain is that when faced with encounters like this, we should pray. If only I prayed before I spoke, my words may sound less defensive, aggresive or boastful. Read this excerpt from the email I received from CIC today, hopefully it will help you be Christian in the workplace!

The Advocate, the Holy Spirit that the Father will send in my name, he will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you, not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. John 14:26-27

"A close friend of 20 years and former business partner once offered me a job, which I accepted. The job in the high tech industry is in neither of our areas of expertise. To help facilitate our learning curve we interviewed several high tech firms in our region. We spent several weeks interviewing CEOs, CFOs, presidents, and vice presidents of these companies. Each of us wrote a 6-page summary after the interviews. My boss collated the summaries into a final report for presentation at our 40-member Advisory Board meeting. Prior to the meeting she gave me a draft of the final report to review. Much to my surprise, on the title page only her name was listed. I felt hurt that after we had both spend hours interviewing and recapping the site visits, her name was the only one on the final report.

I am blessed to have a CIC sister, Debby, working in the office next to mine. "I need to pray". I told Debby my woeful tale. I explained that public recognition and accolades are not career values that I hold. I knew this was a small issue and that it really didn't matter in the overall scheme of things. I told Debby I wanted to be a shining light for Christ, a loving friend and good coworker, so why was my heart so troubled? My sister looked me in the eye and said, "I guess we're only human", bowed her head, and led us in prayer. I felt a weight lifting from my heart and a sense of profound peace. The Holy Spirit was present and taking the trouble from my heart.

I recently read that God wants us to develop the habit of reflecting prayerfully on the circumstances that we face everyday. He wants us to hold fast to his word and let him guide our hearts. As I remember this prayer time with Debby, I am again filled with a renewed sense of peace."

TAKE THE CHALLENGE: When are you most vulnerable to the world's influences? How do you handle it?