God given talent

This is too amazing not to share

Thank you for sharing your incredible talent -

 Miguel Rivera

God bless x

Wisdom requires us to stop

Today I am looking at Mark 1:35-39

(Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed-v35)

I remember taking my son to school one day and being in a complete rush. In my hast, I quickly parked the car and bolted out of the driver's seat. Not paying attention I turned and walked into the lamp-post by my car. in panic mode and a very painful, throbbing head. I took my son to school. Still on automatic pilot continued on my journey.
I was on a long road with not much traffic and as I continued to drive, I saw a car on the same side of the road, heading towards me flashing their lights. at that point I realized I was on the wrong side of the road. Thankfully, I pulled over and stopped. I was blessed that day.
It is so easy to get caught up in our fast pace lifestyle, going along and not caring for our own needs and being on the go all the time, not noticing the important things.
In this scripture Jesus is showing us that it is important to stop, spending time in prayer. Evan when everyone was looking for him, he knew his purpose and continued on.
Sometime it is easier to just keep going, as it could be a way of blocking out pain and ignoring that we are broken in some way, rather than allowing God to heal, restore and guide us.
With 'time wisdom' it encourages us to stop and listen to our loving Father's words of healing and direction. True fruitfulness and love comes from connection with God as my blog "Wisdom requires Strategy" video shows.
Thank you Lord for being my comforter - Amen.

Thank you for sharing this beautiful video- 

TheDreamers2000channel.

God bless x

Something to make you smile

God created a unique world, with amazing animals...

please respect them

Thank you for sharing this amazing video- 
Hybrid Librarian

God bless x

Wisdom requires strategy

Today I am studying Proverbs 14:1-18

(The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways-v8)

When I was younger, I used to smoke cigarettes and over time developed a "smoker's cough". It got so bad that I really had to stop smoking. As you can imagine, that is easier said than done. It had become the "norm", part of my everyday life. Most of the people I socialized with smoked too, temptation was all around me and breaking this habit was going to be tough, I tried so many times and failed, so I had to think of a strategy to help me stop. I had to change my routine, not put myself in temptations way and be very disciplined. It was hard work, my friends were very supportive, and helped me achieve my goal.  I can safely say that I did it, my cough has gone and I feel much better.
It takes humility to develop a strategy, to recognize that our own strengths may not be enough when faced with temptation and that we are weak.
Prudence is the exercise of good judgement so that we can avoid danger or challenging situations. Having a regular plan can make all the difference and thinking about what we can do to make life easier. We are all creatures of habit and most of the time we are on automatic pilot and that is when we make mistakes and do foolish things.
God is always there to give us support.
Thank you Lord, your name is Holy.

Thank you for sharing this wonderful video - 

FirstBaptistRaytown

God bless x

Wisdom requires avoiding folly

I am studying Proverbs 9:1-18

(She[folly] sits at the door of her house on a seat at the highest point of the city, calling out to those that pass by)

I remember having to go to an hospital appointment, using my wheelchair and the journey consisted of me having to go by bus. There is quite an art to travelling in a wheelchair by bus as the area were wheelchair are placed now, used to be the luggage compartment years ago!! Anyway, due to health and safety you have to be placed in a certain position. We entered the bus and started to move me into the wheelchair compartment and being as it is very narrow, takes a little time. 

I could see one of the passengers in front of me was getting very impatient and eventually he shouted out " Why don't you just walk?" in a very angry voice. 

You could hear a pin drop, the whole bus went quiet, everyone was starring at him and his companion looked at me, red faced and said very quietly "sorry". At the time, I felting very embarrassed by his remark and it was kind of her to apologize. 

In this scripture, it describes the invitation of wisdom and folly. Wisdom is built on understanding, counsel, knowledge, fortitude(courage), piety (humility) and fear of the |Lord (wonder and awe ). If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you: if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer(v12). 

With the hustle and bustle of life it is not always easy to make the right choices and pressure can cause us to react foolishly, but it is quite clear throughout the bible that there is no middle way with God, we either walk the path of wisdom or the path of foolishness. 

So how do we avoid folly? Maybe, try to be more compassionate in certain situations, be more aware of what we say or how we react to people. Ask for Jesus' guidance or ask a friend to pray for us. 

Wisdom is not an easy journey and can be challenging (see "everything to me" blog post) but the knowledge, understanding and humility we gain from it, can help us to form the building blocks of our future and enhance our faith, so that we can fulfill our goals and dreams as God had (I believe) intended. 

Thank you for sharing this inspiring short film - 

Jon Brovina.

God bless x

Fathers come in many forms...

Happy Father's Day

With an always changing world, fathers come in many forms. Some families could have two Dads or maybe an older brother. an uncle, grandfather, fostered father instead. In some case, sadly not by choice, a father might be absent. A close friend of the family, teachers, youth workers, might take the place, to name but a few and of course God our Heavenly Father, whatever the circumstances might be, he is always there.

Which ever one, this is for you and know that you are truly special and blessed.

Superhero 

Have a wonderful day

Thank you for sharing

God bless x

Something to make you smile

Nice one Dad...

Thank you for sharing this video.

God bless x

In this troubled world...

Jesus is always there

Thank you for sharing these posts.

God bless x

Remembering Victoria

Tribute to a Hero

Thank you for sharing this beautiful picture of  Victoria.

A brave and courageous lady.

God bless x

What a wonderful world

We all need help as a parent...

Thank you for sharing this beautiful video - jkdubb

God bless x

Tribute to Laurel and Hardy

A timeless comedy double act

Thank you for sharing this hilarious video - 

Tom Cammarata

God bless x

Wisdom requires humility

I am looking at Proverbs 13: 1-16

(Pride only breeds quarrels but wisdom is found in those that take advice v-10)

The responsibility of a parent and teaching our children is not an easy task, especially these days, being a good role model is hard work and its difficult to admit that we don't always know the answer to every situations. We don't want to look like bad parents or let our children down.
The writer of Proverbs takes a different approach, "When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom" (Proverbs 11:2). in other words its alright to not have all the answers. It is humility that enables us to ask and receive wisdom.
Pride blinds us and we are dependent on our own understanding and knowledge, we lack the capacity to accept others instructions and scorn them. We become "mockers" which is someone who does not listen to advice.(v1).
Humility is one of those virtues that can never be attained by focusing on it, however, there are things we can do that might help us to move forward in this area. Talking to a trusted friend, asking their opinion or advice, They might be able to suggest something that you never considered. Or maybe you could be the friend to give advice or help. You never know where it will lead you. We all need help and understanding sometimes...

Thank you Lord for your inspiration and wisdom.

Amen 

God bless x

Discernment

I am studying Philippians 1; 3-18

("and this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in the knowledge and depth of insight")

What a beautiful prayer. Paul also talks about struggle.
I have been battling with a health condition for many years now and knowing God's will, is so important to me. I have had some pretty challenging situations and scary times with my condition. It has been very emotional and trying to look at a positive future has had its ups and downs. However, I know I am not alone in my journey of struggles (we all have them), knowing God is there, makes all the difference to me.
Discernment is the spiritual practice that accesses and seeks to understand what God is trying to say. Underlining the understanding of discernment, is the belief that God speaks to His people in different ways - that His desires of communication with us is far greater, than our desire to hear (my blog in May,"The Same Love" video by Paul Baloche, is a brilliant example). Discernment is important so that when we  are confronted with testing times, we  ask ourselves "What is God doing in this situation?, Is he asking me to act, to watch, to speak? Do I go ahead or wait, Do I have to forgive, be patient, make a plan or write a Post it...? In discernment our love grows in depth of insight.

Thank you for sharing this heartfelt short film -

Micheal Evans.

Words are powerful...

God bless x

There is Hope

A prayer

Brothers and Sisters, we are never alone... 

Philippians 4:6-7

" Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your heart and minds in Jesus Christ".

Amen

Have a wonderful day.

Thank you for sharing this inspirational video -

 Danny Gokey.

Go bless x

Something to make you smile...

Our amazing world

Thank you  for sharing - 

heartfulofhappiness.

God bless x

Everything to me

I feel so blessed

Philippians 2:14-15

"Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe"

Thank you Jesus for giving me courage and strength, in times of struggle.

Thank you for sharing this moving skit.

God bless x

Ponder on this...

One day ...

There was a boy, whose family was very wealthy. One day his father took him on a trip to the country, where he aimed to show his son,  how poor  people live.
So they arrived on a farm of a very poor family, as he considered. They spent there several days. On their return, the father asked his son,"did you like the trip?".

"Oh,  it was great dad", the son replied. 
"Did you notice how poor people live?",  the father asked.
"Yeah, I did", said the son. 
The father asked his son to tell in more detail about his impressions from their trip.

"Well, we have only one dog and they have four of them. In our garden there is a pool, while they have a river that has no end. We have expensive lanterns but they have stars above their heads at night. we have a patio, and they have a whole horizon. We have only a small piece of land, whilst they have endless fields. we buy food but they grow it. We have high fences for protection of our property, and they don't need it as their friends protect them".

The father was stunned. He could not say a word.

Then the son added "Thank you dad, for letting me see how poor we are".

Kind of makes you think...

God bless x

Who Am I

No words can express how radiant this song is.

Thank you for sharing Casting Crowns.

God bless x

Wisdom: our relationship with God.

I am looking at Psalms 111: 1-10

(The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom - v10)

This is a beautiful Psalm, it resonates how Awesome and Glorious our God  is. The psalmist is describing his love and praise for God. Showing recognition to all the wonderful work that God has done, Majestic are his deeds and His Righteousness will endures forever. How Gracious, Compassionate, Faithful and Trustworthy He is. How Kind and Powerful He is by the wonders people have seen.
God's love for us, is a little scary to be truthful. "too good to be true" comes to mind. I am sure we have all felt like that at some point, when someone wonderful  has come into our life. God has given us so much and we are blessed. Wisdom and Power does belong to Him and He wants to share it with us.
Job 12:7-10 "But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds of the air, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish of the sea inform you. which of these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this? In His hand is the life of every creature and the breath of mankind".

My life is always better when I put my trust in the Holy Spirit, He is my comforter.

2 Corinthians 1: 3-4 "Blessed be to God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God".

Amen.

Thank you for sharing this video, beautiful background..

God bless x

Wisdom our compass

What is wisdom?

What is the difference between wisdom and knowledge?

The dictionary defines wisdom as "the ability to discern or judge what is true, right or lasting". This is a pattern that occurs throughout the bible. Knowledge on the other hand, is defined as having information through experience, reasoning or acquaintance. 
God wants us to have knowledge of Him and what is expects from us. At the same time, having wisdom is just as important. Knowing facts about God and the bible is not all there is in having wisdom, it is a gift  from God as well - James 1-5 explains in more detail. 
Wisdom is what God will bless us with, so that we can praise His name and live a better way of life.

The book of Proverbs is a good place to study and know God's wisdom. Proverbs 1: 5 - "Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance". 
Knowledge is what is gathered over time by studying the Scriptures and the wisdom we gain will act on our knowledge. One compliments the other. This is our compass.

2 Corinthians 3: 17  "Now the Lord is Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom".

We  our truly  "set free"... Praise be to the Lord.

Thank you for sharing this powerful performance.

God bless x

Something to make you smile

This cat is awesome... cat logic 

Thanks for sharing this funny clip... hehe

God bless x

Wisdom our foundation

I am looking at Matthew 7:24-28

(Yet it did not fall, because it had its foundations on rock- v25)

I remember in my teens, I was blessed to have the opportunity go on camping holidays in France, what a experience building the tents, by pegging the ropes in the soft soil, sleeping under the stars and listening to the wild life, most of the time it was wonderful. However, not so wonderful if the weather was not so great, fighting with the elements like wind and rain, Trying to stop the tents from disappearing off into the distance or pinning the ground sheet down with bags to stop the rain pouring in, feeling cold and tired... Looking forward to returning home to my nice warm bed and feeling safe and secure in our house.

I think learning God's wisdom is the same, the foundations have to be strong and deep rooted. So we can build on them.
In this parable Jesus emphasizes that it is not enough to hear his word, you have to act on them too. Wisdom is the foundation that will provide a secure basis for our life. It will give us strength so that we will not collapse when we have to face the storms in our own lives.
I am slowly learning how to put God's wisdom into practice with his support, knowledge and guidance.
Thank you Lord for being my rock.

One of my favourite stories as a child...

Thank you for sharing and performing so beautifully, this story.

God bless x

Getting wisdom

I am looking at Proverbs 3:13-26

(Blessed our those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding- v13)

Every day I have to make decisions and choices, life can be so challenging and demanding.Whatever action I take, will have consequences, so how do I make the right choice?
Reading these verses really put it beautifully in prospective for me.
Wisdom is more precious than rubies and is more profitable than silver and gold.

"By wisdom the Lord laid the earth's foundations, 

by understanding he set the heavens in place; 

by his knowledge the deeps were divided, 

and the clouds let drop the dew".

The whole bible contains God's wisdom.

The video below is a great example of how great our God is.

Thank you for sharing.

God bless x

Crabbit old woman

A very special lady shared this poem with me and others and it has always stayed close to my heart...

"Crabbit Old Woman" 

What do you see, what do you see? 

Are you thinking, when you look at me- 

A crabbit old woman, not very wise, 

Uncertain of habit, with far-away eyes, 

Who dribbles her food and makes no reply 

When you say in a loud voice, 

I do wish you'd try. 

Who seems not to notice the things that you do 

And forever is loosing a stocking or shoe. 

Who, unresisting or not; lets you do as you will 

With bathing and feeding the long day is fill. 

Is that what you're thinking, 

Is that what you see? 

Then open your eyes, 

nurse, you're looking at me. 

I'll tell you who I am as I sit here so still! 

As I rise at your bidding, as I eat at your will. 

I'm a small child of 10 with a father and mother, 

Brothers and sisters, who loved one another- 

A young girl of 16 with wings on her feet, 

Dreaming that soon now a lover she'll meet, 

A bride soon at 20- my heart gives a leap, 

Remembering the vows that I promised to keep. 

At 25 now I have young of my own 

Who need me to build a secure happy home; 

A woman of 30, my young now grow fast, 

Bound to each other with ties that should last; 

At 40, my young sons have grown and are gone, 

But my man's beside me to see I don't mourn; 

At 50 once more babies play around my knee, 

Again we know children, my loved one and me. 

Dark days are upon me, my husband is dead, 

I look at the future, I shudder with dread, 

For my young are all rearing young of their own. 

And I think of the years and the love that I've known; 

I'm an old woman now and nature is cruel- 

Tis her jest to make old age look like a fool. 

The body is crumbled, grace and vigor depart, 

There is now a stone where I once had a heart, 

But inside this old carcass, a young girl still dwells, 

And now and again my battered heart swells, 

I remember the joy, I remember the pain, 

And I'm loving and living life over again. 

I think of the years all too few- gone too fast. 

And accept the stark fact that nothing can last- 

So open your eyes, nurse, open and see, 

Not a crabbit old woman, look closer- 

See Me. 

I thank God for all the wisdom and knowledge he was given me in my life.

Thank you for sharing

God bless x