Highs -n- Lows Living with the

Another Beautiful Morning! 
I received a call yesterday from Gunderson Lutheran letting me know the Dr ordered some labs.  They would like me to get them done this week and we can discuss them when I see her on Monday, December 9th.  They have also scheduled a mammogram for me.  Last year they saw something on my xrays and wanted to continue to watching...

Today, mom and I are meeting, my sister, Brenda over for a manicure.  We will stop for something to eat and Brenda will take mom home. 
I also thought I'd clean the house today and start decorate for Christmas...

The deer hunters have two more days to get that big buck.  They haven't been seeing anything the last few days. :-(
Hopefully today is the day...

I am so thankful for all I can do...

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Today's Bible Study

Caution with Spiritual Gifts

Read | 1 Corinthians 12:14-30

Paul’s first epistle to the Corinthians addressed a problem in the church. People valued only certain gifts and were focused on who had which ones. Believers with the “better” gifts were esteemed above others, while those with “lesser” abilities weren’t considered as important. Spiritual pride was rampant, which is a problem that can still occur in the church today. We should remember:

Caution #1—God doesn’t give every person the same gift. Each believer receives at least one endowment according to the Spirit’s purposes and choosing. While we are all called to be merciful, some are given the gift of mercy. Their remarkable ability to minister to the hurting and outcasts of society can be explained only through the Holy Spirit.

Caution #2—We can’t tell others, “You should have this gift.” It is God’s business to decide who has which ability. Consider, for example, the gift of faith. When we encounter believers struggling with doubt, we should not criticize them for what they lack. Rather, we should encourage them toward greater faith.

Caution #3—We must not place undue value on certain gifts. All of them are important and necessary to the body. We are to discover which gifts the Holy Spirit has given us and should be content with His decision.

In our zeal to follow Christ, we sometimes view giftedness as a way to assess one’s salvation, spiritual maturity, or importance in the church. We should let go of false ideas about the value of divinely given abilities and celebrate the unique gifting of each individual believer.

Another great day to look forward to...

Visionary Me - Today's Meditation

"The visionary starts with a clean sheet of paper, and re-imagines the world."  —Malcolm Gladwell

Visionary Me

When we think of networking, we likely see ourselves at a cocktail party, handing out business cards, meeting new acquaintances, and sharing a little bit about ourselves. Today we will take a refreshed look at the possibility that opens when networking with our communities from a spiritual perspective—it is something quite different.

As we spend more time in stillness and align ourselves with intuition, we understand our roles as visionaries and we have the opportunity to connect with everyone around us in an entirely new way. Instead of “getting out there” in order to make something happen, we embrace opportunities to venture out because we want to meet new people, experience things we have never done before, and share what we have learned with everyone we meet.

All of us are visionaries with something to share. Connecting fulfills us and enables us to help others find fulfillment as well.

Our centering thought for today is:

The world is waiting for my vision.

MINDFUL MOMENT

Make a point today of reaching out to someone you have never had a conversation with before. For instance, there may be someone in your office to whom you’ve offered a polite greeting every day but never learned his name. Take a few minutes and talk to this person; get to know him or her and share something about yourself. Notice how much richer your life feels after you have enjoyed this person’s company.

Blissful Me - Today's Meditation

"Joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls."  —Mother Teresa

Blissful Me

Today we will spend time reconnecting with our true bliss, that part of ourselves that many of us will best remember from childhood. Think about what it was that brought you the greatest joy, that made time fly, and that you could do forever without a care in the world. That is an expression of bliss.

While our childhoods may be behind us, our opportunity to reconnect with our bliss is right in front of us, ours for the taking. When we find ourselves engaged in the activities and with the people who make our hearts sing, we are grounded in the present and deeply connected to pure Spirit.

Our centering thought for today is:

Joy is my highest purpose.

MINDFUL MOMENT

Spend a moment today connecting with bliss in an everyday moment. When you are eating a meal or taking a shower, practice acute mindfulness and allow yourself to experience this activity with all of your senses. Do this as slowly as you can, delighting in the smells, tastes, textures, colors, and sounds. What do you notice after you spend time this way? How does bliss feel in your body?

Highs -n- Lows Living with the Disease

Another Beautiful Morning!  Last night Kaylee and Grandma Faye stayed overnight.  :-). Our plans for today are to run down to Winona pick up some medication and then we may stop and look in a few stores...
I really need them to somehow get medicine set up so I only have to pick them up once our twice a month...running down every week, possibility twice a week gets old.

My double vision doesn't happen all the time but I noticed it again driving to Faribault yesterday. It happened driving to pick up my medication last week. 

I am starting to ho for physical therapy next week.  I also have two appointments coming up to see my Drs.  Had some changes with medicine so will keep an eye on that...

So thankful for all I can do...

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Today's Bible Study

The Gifts of the Spirit

Read | 1 Corinthians 12:1-13

God has prepared work for His children to do, and He equips us through spiritual gifts. Let’s examine three passages of Scripture that talk about these divinely bestowed abilities.

In Ephesians 4, Paul discusses the gifts that represent the offices of the church (v. 11). The Spirit manifests these capabili- ties in those He has chosen. He expects them to be used “to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up” (v. 12 NIV).

In 1 Corinthians 12, the spiritual gifts are considered in regard to their function for the greater good—the Spirit of God gives these capabilities in order to bless the body of Christ. If we do not identify our gift and fulfill our role in the functioning of the church, then we are of little use, much like a broken hand or a plugged-up ear. The Lord has a purpose in mind for our service, and without us, our church will lack something.

Lastly, in Romans 12, Paul deals with how believers are to express their gifts. For example, those with the gift of giving are to give generously. If one has been bestowed with mercy, it is to be dispensed cheerfully. And leadership should be exercised with diligence (v. 8). God’s family benefits not only from the gifts but also from the way they are used.

Living in the power of the Holy Spirit means identifying and employing our spiritual gifts as He directs. We will find both the motivation and confidence we need for service when we operate in them. Do you know yours? If not, then seek godly counsel and become a blessing to others.

Another great day to look forward to...

Highs -n- Lows Living with the Disease

Happy Thanksgiving!  I have learned to find joy in all circumstances, the smaller and everyday things in life.  

Today, we made our way over to Faribault to eat with Grandma Gloria but grandma slept through the whole dinner.  We had turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy and pumpkin pie.
The Drs continue to adjust grandmas medicine...

Paul made ham, scallop potatoes, greenbeans, scallop corn, stuffing, and we had sweet potato rolls.  Everything was very good but I ate way too much :-)

I started having double vision the last couple of weeks.  I'm wondering if the new medication could be causing the problem???

I am so thankful for all I can do...

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Today's Bible Study

Overflowing with Gratitude

Read | Colossians 2:6-8

The meaning of Thanksgiving has changed over the years. The name was given to our national holiday dedicated to thanking God for His protection and provision. More recently, though, ithas become synonymous with feasting, football, and family. In most homes, God probably isn’t even mentioned. But for believers, Thanksgiving is not simply a day; it’s a lifestyle. In fact, a godly person should be characterized by gratitude.

The apostle Paul teaches how we can become people who overflow with gratefulness in any circumstance. The first step is to appreciate our relationship with Christ. He chose each believer before the foundation of the world (Eph. 1:4) and wants us to “walk in Him” (Col. 2:6). This means acknowledging Jesus as Lord of our life and relying on Him to empower us to obey.

Next, we are to be firmly rooted in Him. This can happen only when we tap into His Word and draw nourishment from it. Then we’ll be like a tree whose roots reach down so deep that even storms cannot topple it. With this foundation, we can be built up in Christ and increasingly display His character in our attitudes, conduct, and conversation.

Finally, our faith needs to be firmly established. Then we won’t fall prey to worldly philosophies and deceptions.

Do you have a grateful spirit, or do you say “thanks” only when things are going your way? Thankfulness in all situations is possible only when you focus on the truths and promises of God’s Word. As you learn to see life from His perspective and acknowledge His loving lordship, you’ll overflow with appreciation.

 Another Beautiful Day!

Inspirational Me - Today's Meditation

"It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge."  —Albert Einstein

Inspirational Me

Think about the people and experiences that truly inspire you. What is it about them that makes you feel this way? For many of us, we are inspired when we feel something we have never felt before. We feel uplifted when we gain a new insight that changes our perspective completely and when we learn something new that forever transforms us.

Each of us has that power to inspire another. Within all of us lies a wonderful teacher, a soul that greatly inspires others to seek the highest good and to engage fully in life, merely by expressing your authentic self. Embrace that inner teacher and know that you have something very valuable to offer everyone around you. Share your lessons freely and receive wisdom from others with openness, joy, and love.

Our centering thought for today is:

I embrace the teacher within.

MINDFUL MOMENT

Today recall a teacher who really inspired you. Perhaps this individual was a person who taught in a classroom, but perhaps it was someone else—a grandparent, a neighbor, or an athletic coach. Take time today to reflect on the ways that this person transformed how you saw the world, then without over-thinking it, consider how you can offer something of yourself to others so that they too can be inspired.

Highs -n- Lows Living with the Disease

Another Beautiful Morning!

In the 35 plus years I've been working with kids I've seen a lot of movies.  One of my favorite came to mind recently... :-)
A Disney - Pixar short called Boundi', a movie that shows how we respond to life's challenges.  An adorable, happy, "high-stepping' lamb is suddenly taken from his home, sheered of all his wool, and then plopped in "the buff" in front of all his friends who laugh at his pink body.He has a hard time dealing with this sudden change and feeds quite low. :-(

What he needs is resilience "an ability to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change"(Webster) :-)

And that's what the little lamb finds when a "jackalope" happens by and takes the time to help him see he has his body and "fine feet." :-)
So he learns to "bound and rebound." He keeps dancing despite his bare body and deals with the changes successfully.  Eventually, he realizes his wool grows back. :-)

At times in our misfortune or change we all could use a "jackalope" to come by and help us understand how to rebound.
Life can be unpredictable and difficult but through it all we need to trust God has us in the palm of His hands...He won't let us down... :-)

I'm so thankful for all I can do!

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Today's Bible Study

Comebacks after Setbacks

Read | 1 John 1:5-9

Whether we have recently become believers or have followed Christ for years, the Devil seeks to attack our faith and cause us to relapse into disobedient ways. We are warned to be alert because our Enemy is like a roaring lion seeking to harm us (1 Pet. 5:8).

His intentions are to enslave us to sin. When we succumb to temptation, Satan presses in to trap us so that we will feel estranged from our heavenly Father. Then the Enemy will try to convince us we cannot return to God in our current state. Some of us become so miserable that we buy into the lie and embrace the world’s ways.

Since our Father knows both the Devil’s tactics and our weaknesses, He has planned a way of escape for us. It is called confession. Genuine confession means telling the Lord what we have done and agreeing that it is wrong. Then we express sorrow over it, acknowledge inability to rescue ourselves, and declare the heartfelt desire to turn from our sin and live for Him again. God promises to forgive us and cleanse us so our fellowship with Him is restored (1 John 1:9).

The Enemy is cunning, but Scripture offers a sound strategy for avoiding entrapment: “Present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is” (Rom. 12:1-2). Notice that victory begins with your thinking. The more you apply this principle, the greater your success will be.

I'm looking forward to another Great Day!

This is the Will of God - Joel & Victoria Osteen

This is the Will of God

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
(1 Thessalonians 5:18, NIV)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria
So many people today wonder what God’s will is for their lives. Oftentimes, they look for big things, signs and supernatural events. But really, God’s will for us unfolds each and every day as we obey Him and serve Him with a thankful heart.

When you wake up every morning with an attitude of praise and thanksgiving, you just took a step toward your destiny — you are walking in the will of God. When you go throughout your day, thanking God that His hand of blessing is on you, thanking Him for ordering your steps, thanking Him for a new day, you are taking another step in His will.

Today, remember to keep the right perspective. We should have goals and dreams and look forward to a bright future, but the way you live your life today is what’s going to get you to where you need to be tomorrow. Keep praising, keep believing and keep thanking Him because that’s what will keep you moving forward. Submit every area of your heart to Him and walk forward in His will for your life!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father, I come to You today with thanksgiving in my heart and a mouth full of praise! I bless You because You are worthy! Thank You for redeeming my life from the pit. Thank You for leading me in the way everlasting as I keep my heart and mind on You today in Jesus’ name. Amen.
— Joel & Victoria Osteen

Uniquely Me - Today's Meditation

"Every individual matters. Every individual has a role to play. Every individual makes a difference."  —Jane Goodall

Uniquely Me

The expansion of happiness in this lifetime is our birthright. Finding what it is we are meant to do and be and identifying that which brings us the greatest happiness is our highest purpose in life. This is our dharma, our truth and, our destiny. Each moment presents us with a unique opportunity to express ourselves in ways that only we can. When we answer the call of our heart in each moment, we have the opportunity to experience pure joy.

Today’s meditation explores what it means to live our lives blissfully in each moment, understanding that the true reward is not the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, but the journey along the rainbow itself.

Allow the bliss of being who you are, living as the unique soul you were born to be, carry you along the path of this lifetime and you will be living your life to the fullest.

Our centering thought for today is:

Bliss be my guide.

MINDFUL MOMENT

Today make a commitment to be who you really are and choose one thing that allows you to express yourself in a way that is like no one else. Sing a song. Paint a painting. Share a heartfelt conversation with a dear friend. Whatever it is that makes your heart sing, choose to engage in one activity that is uniquely yours and enjoy where the journey leads you!

Highs -n_ Lows Living with the Disease

Another Beautiful Day!

I am babysitting Kaylee today, her daycare is closed because of illness...hopefully it's not the cold/flu we have.  We are still coughing but feeling much better. :-)

I received a call yesterday letting me know grandma Gloria will be going back to St. Lucas on Wednesday.  :-) So thankful!

I have a busy week planned...I am picking up grandma Faye to come stay with us for a few days on Wednesday.  I will be eating Thanksgiving Dinner with grandma Gloria at 12:00 noon and eating my second Thanksgiving Dinner again at home with family and friends at around 3:00pm. :-)

The deer hunters have been seeing a lot of deer but they haven't been close enough to get a shot in. :-(

I was talking with others with DM and PM and everyone of them struggle with trying to find the new normal in their lives.  This struggle goes on for awhile, maybe years. I have this same struggle.  I don't want this struggle to go on for years.  I want to feel like I am living my destiny and feel at peace with this journey. :-)

This week I should be hearing back about the jobs I applied for...God only knows what's best for me...I'm waiting on Him to determine the direction I will be going...

I am announcing and declaring by faith....I'm coming into increased wealth and great health...It tells us in the bible, to call what is not, as if it already is....Amen

My situation is not permanent, I am believing I will be healed and the fullness of my life and my destiny will be revealed. Amen
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Today's Bible Study

The Patience of God

Read | 2 Peter 3:3-9

More than likely, you heard the gospel several times before you trusted Jesus as your Savior. Sometimes even though we know the truth, we decide to continue with our life as it is. Why does the Lord tolerate this deliberate sin?

Patience is an attribute of God; it can be seen through His goodness in withholding punishment from those involved in long-term sin. He has a motivation and purpose for His patience. God places a high value on us as His created beings. He waits patiently because He desires to see each one of us come to a saving knowledge of His Son Jesus Christ. That is His primary purpose.

The Father’s secondary reasons for being patient apply to us as believers. He understands our innate carnality and the sinful tendencies that result from it. He also recognizes our weakness and imma- turity in the Christian life. We have much to learn once we are saved, and God does not expect us to know everything at once.

We can, however, abuse God’s patience by misinterpreting it (Ps. 50:21). Have you ever done something you knew was wrong? Sometimes when nothing happens as a result of a particular sin, we think God has overlooked it. We may decide to continue in that behavior, which further abuses the Lord’s patience. But God is very clear that He will not strive with us forever (103:9). That is to say, we cannot continue in our disobedience consequence-free. Has God been convicting you of a sin that you are ignoring? Confess (agree with Him that it is wrong), repent (turn away from the sin), and thank Him for His patience with you.

Looking forward to another great day!

How Can I Serve? - Today's Meditation

"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world."  —Anne Frank

How Can I Serve?

Today we delve more deeply into what it means to be of service. When we serve others from a place of love, we are also serving ourselves.

For many of us, when we think of service, we envision great feats, sacrifices, large philanthropic donations, and other grand gestures. While service can be all those things, service can be much more accessible in our daily lives. Giving to others through service is simply recognizing what you do best in any given moment and offering that as a gift to someone else. For instance, in this moment, you may be sitting in a coffee shop across from someone who looks like she could really use a warm smile and, in this moment, you offer a smile in service to brighten her day. Giving can be that simple.

Think about how good you feel when you give someone a gift in this way and notice how serving someone else is a gift to yourself as well.

Our centering thought for today is:

Serving others serves me.

MINDFUL MOMENT

Let today be your day to share random acts of kindness with generosity and joy. If you encounter someone in need offer a gift from the heart, be it a kind word, a joke, or a cup of tea. Hold the door open for someone, just because. Call a friend and share a kind word. When you are engaged in activity, give your full attention to it, knowing that when you are fully present, you are doing something with love and serving the world with your time and talent. Enjoy the energy that comes back to you as you walk through each moment with a giving and caring heart.

Highs -n- Lows Living with the Disease

Monday, November 25th

Another Beautiful Morning!
I've been thinking about the journey I'm on.  It's been very enlightening...scary and undesirable but enlightening.

When I finally realized what it was I had.  My heart was very heavy....weight like no other.  I had so many questions but no one knew all the answers.  You see, DM and Lupus has no set path, each person is afflicted with them differently.  So each treatment plan is also unique.

The most difficult part of this journey is to figure out who I am, again.  I had this feeling one other time in my lifetime.  I remember this feeling when my first husband, Greg died. I sat at the cemetery by his gravesite asking him what I'm supposed to do now???? I had two young sons that needed me to care for them so I pulled myself up and started on a new journey. 

I have to pull myself up and begin this new journey...After coming to grips with what I am unable to do...No sitting outside soaking up the sunlight and feeling the warmth of the sun on my face or no more shorts, capris and short sleeve shirts... :-). So many things I used to take for granted.

I can tell you this, each day is so different...I have my good days and my bad days.  I need to remember to listen to my body and just because I could do it one day, doesn't mean I can do it the next.  I was told by those that have been through it....life does get better but it will never be the same. :-)

I'm so thankful for all I can do...

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Today's Bible Study

Developing Patience

Read | Galatians 5:22-25

We have all kinds of excuses for why we are not patient: stress, ill health, other peoples’ mistakes, running late, or simply having a bad day. But impatience can cause us to make poor decisions, hurt others, or damage relationships.

God wants something far better for us. He knows that patience helps us to stay in His will—where His favor rests upon us. We achieve strong, loving, lasting relationships when we are willing to wait for others to change. In so doing, we also become happier ourselves.

How do we develop this attribute? First, we must view our lives as God does and recognize difficulties as disguised opportunities to learn patience. We must leave behind the mistaken assumption that success in the Christian life means an absence of problems. God’s purpose is not to provide us with ease, comfort, and pleasure but rather to grow us up into Christlikeness. Patience is one of those “grown-up” qualities we’re to have.

Second, we have a personal responsibility to pursue the quality of patience and train ourselves in it. We must learn to resist our bad habits, wrong thinking, and negative behavior patterns from the past. Practice responding with kindness and love, even if the other person is unjustly accusing you.

It takes time, energy, and effort to change our thinking and our responses. Fortunately, we don’t do this alone—the Holy Spirit is committed to producing this fruit in our lives with our cooperation. See difficulty as God does, and then respond patiently.

Another great day to look forward to...

A Sacrifice of Thanks - Joni and Friends

Joni and Friends Daily Devotional  

A Sacrifice of Thanks

"He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me, and he prepares the way so that I may show him the salvation of God."            Psalm 50:23
 
Suppose a woman with arthritis in her hands embroidered a set of pillowcases for you as a "thank you" gift. The gift would mean more to you than if sewn by a woman with nimble fingers. Why? Because the arthritic woman expended extraordinary effort. Her "thank you" involved cost and sacrifice. You'd weigh the extra hours she invested, the frequent breaks she took to rub her knuckles, the pain she endured with each tiny stitch. Most likely, you would be moved to tears. Her suffering "glorified" her gratitude, making it more valuable in your eyes.
 
If we respond this way to sacrifices, how much more is God enthused when we sacrifice thank offerings to Him? When trials sandblast you to the core and your bruised feelings are screaming, "Forget God!" or your weary mind is too clouded to see through the fog, this is the time to express to God gratitude. True, such gratitude involves cost and sacrifice -- it costs your logic and you sacrifice your pride. But your thank offering is glorified as you push through the pain to present gratitude to God for His blessings.
_________________________________
 
Is there a trial which is souring your disposition toward God? Fostering doubts? Drying up your zeal? You have a chance to change that as you honor God today with a sacrifice of thanksgiving. List the many things for which you can give thanks, including the basics of life, or the support of friends. Your suffering will shape your thanksgiving into a true sacrifice of gratitude, preparing the way for God to shower grace upon grace on you. Don't postpone it. Sacrifice to Him now.         
 
I thank You, Lord, for the ability to see, hear, think, pray, the blessings of shelter, food, friends and the many other evidences of Your love. I'm hurting in this trial... but it helps to present You this sacrifice of thanks.
 

Blessings,
 
Joni and Friends
www.joniandfriends.org

Graceful Me - Today's Meditation

"Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer."  —Maya Angelou

Grateful Me

Congratulations on completing the first two weeks of our 21-Day Meditation Experience! Spending time in silence is an act of powerful self-nurturance. Through meditation, you are connecting more deeply with your heart, understanding its desires, and clearing a path to realize your dreams.

Today’s meditation focuses on gratitude. When we appreciate all that we have in life, our egos step out of the way, inviting even greater abundance into our lives.

Practicing gratitude for our lives as human beings – for the air we breathe, for our magnificent bodies, and the beauty of being alive – is a wonderful place to start. From this point of view, we can expand our gratitude outward, like ripples in a still pond, appreciating everything and everyone we encounter and those who touch our lives as well.

Our centering thought for today is:

Gratitude is my prayer.

MINDFUL MOMENT

Set the intention to greet each moment of the day in gratitude. As each encounter and situation crosses your path take time to pay attention to all of the things that you can be grateful for in the moment. May you cultivate the spirit of gratitude with effortless ease and enthusiasm, for as you do so you transform your world.

Highs -n- Lows Living with the Disease

Sunday, November 24th

Another Beautiful Morning!
Yesterday's plans changed...I decided not to go up to Hastings since it was so cold and I still continue to cough and blow my nose.
It sounded like it could be another cold one today... :-(

So very thankful for what I can do...
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Today's Bible Study

Created to Love

By Charles F. Stanley

Have you ever wondered if your life has a purpose? The Word of God says it does—one that is both noble and desirable: Every believer was created by God to love and be loved.

God loves you personally and individually, without limit or qualification. He desires to shower you with His affection and kindness. Let me assure you of several things:

God's love is the most important thing we can know about Him.

The very essence of God's being—in other words, His personality and nature—is love (1 John 4:8). It is the reason Jesus came to earth, lived a victorious life, and then died to restore man's relationship with the Father (John 3:16). The most important decision we can ever make is to receive this gift of God.

The Lord's affection is absolute, unwavering, and sacrificial. Moreover, God's love is not subject to favoritism. He cares for the sinner as much as He does for the saint. In our human pride or our desire to be "somebody special," we may find that fact difficult to swallow. But God grants love to each person.

The Bible tells us that the rain falls on the just and the unjust, and the sun shines on the righteous and the wicked (Matt. 5:45). This means that with or without faith in God, everyone experiences certain benefits and blessings from Him. But the person who receives Jesus as Savior is in a position to reap the blessings that accompany an outpouring of love into his or her life.

The Lord's love is not based upon what we do, what we have, or what we achieve. He freely gives it to us simply because we are His creation. You cannot win or earn more of God's favor—it has nothing to do with performance. Accept and delight in that truth.

The most important response we can make is to reciprocate God's love.

John said it simply and eloquently: "We love Him because He first loved us" (1 John 4:19, NKJV). And Jesus said the first and foremost commandment was this: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind" (Matt. 22:37). The only acceptable response to God's great outpouring of love toward you is to love Him back.

We can choose to rebel. And while this doesn't affect God’s nature, it will change us. Those who refuse to acknowledge and receive divine love cut themselves off from great blessing. Not only that, but such individuals typically yield to anger, hatred, and bitterness. To harden one’s heart toward God is the supreme act of rebellion—in doing so, a person hurts himself far more than he hurts others. Humbly receiving God, on the other hand, brings good into one's life.

Satan constantly tries to convince us that if we follow Jesus, we will have to give up personal freedom, identity, and pleasure. But those who live apart from God's love inevitably discover their rebellion did not make them any freer. They may not go to jail, but they end up in emotional or psychological prisons—caught in addiction or trapped by feelings of resentment. The longer they live separated from the Lord's love and mercy, the less pleasure they find in life. In that situation, it is easy to become cynical, jaded, critical, and in the end, apathetic to nearly everything.

But those who embrace and reciprocate God's love enjoy inner freedom they never imagined. They develop as individuals, discovering hidden talents and abilities. They experience true delight in God's creation and know the joy of perpetual discovery.

When we choose to love and obey God, we can be sure He will guide us toward doing what will bring about the greatest fulfillment in life.

God's love is our ultimate reason to hope.

If we know with certainty that God loves us and desires good for our lives, what is there to fear? Hope in Christ is for everyone. It compels us not to remain in a state of dread, doubt, or worry but to seek transformation by the Holy Spirit's power. Trust encourages us to anticipate God's best and look for the dawning of a new day.

Our heavenly Father is generous—even extravagant—in His love. Open your heart and let the Lord shower more of His good gifts upon you. You won't regret yielding your life to Him.

Adapted from "Discover Your Destiny" (1997).

 
Another great day to look forward to...

An Unfolding Adventure - Joni and Friends

Joni and Friends Daily Devotional   

An Unfolding Adventure

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation."                     2 Corinthians 5:17-18
 
Recently during a flight to Kansas City a woman from an adoption agency sat behind me on the plane. In her arms she held two beautiful Korean babies. My heart melted. They both looked like little Ken Tadas with that gorgeous dark skin and hair, almond eyes and full cheeks. I couldn't take my eyes off those babies.
 
They had no idea of the life they were heading into. Within seconds of that plane landing, their lives would be turned upside down. They would have new names, new citizenship, a new culture, and new identities. They would have a new father and mother -- in fact, a whole new family. Old things would pass away. From then on, all things would be new. Those babies hadn't a clue as to what they were leaving behind, and more importantly, what was ahead.
 
When we become Christians we can't begin to fathom the new world we're stepping into. In Christ we have new identities, a new family, a new citizenship and -- at least in the Lamb's book of life -- we have new names. Goodness, we're even adopted: "It will happen that in the very place where it was said to them, 'You are not my people,' they will be called 'sons of the living God'" (Hosea 1:10).
 
In a way I wish those Korean children could have understood. I wish they could have enjoyed starting a new life. But for them it will be an unfolding adventure, just as it is for us as children of God...exploring, enjoying, discovering as any child would.
_________________________________
 
How about you? Are you enjoying your new life today? Old things are passed away for you; all things have become new. Delight in the unfolding adventure.
 
Father God, I don't want to take for granted what You removed me from and what You replaced it with. Enable me today to see with childlike wonder the splendor of my new life with You. You have richly blessed me. And You're not through yet!

Blessings,
 
Joni and Friends
www.joniandfriends.org

Highs -n- Lows Living with the Disease

Saturday, November 22nd

Another Beautiful Morning! 
I have another busy day...
I'm running to the post office to mail a box...then, I'm picking up Kaylee and we are headed to Faribault to pick up grandma Faye.  I need to stop at St. Lucas to pick up a package, sent down from Hastings.  Then we are heading up to Hastings to visit grandma Gloria.   

The hunters will be out this morning...it's going to be a cold one.  I think they said 11 degrees.  Brrrrr you wouldn't catch me out there in this cold weather. lol.

All my interviews went good this week...Any of these part-time positions would work...
One is working at Winona Health...
One of the jobs, I could work from home or from anywhere in the USA.  I couId log in from anywhere.  I would love to get that one...it's only part-time also but could be possibly more later if I'd like.  I know I need to take care of myself but I think part of taking care of myself is also keeping my mind busy and alert. Not focusing on the negative but appreciating what I can do. As long as I know when I'm at my limit and stop... :-)
I've told all the interviewers about my situation, they have been understanding.  I have two interested employers.  I am waiting until next week to make my decision. :-) All of the positions I'm looking at are in the afternoon...when I am more alert and my medications have leveled out...

I am so thankful for all I can do...

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Today's Bible Study

This ministry was started by the son of a very good friend...God uses those that let Him...Amen!

Isaiah 43:19- "See, I am doing a new thing!"...

!Expect New and Greater Things!

Jeremiah 33:3- ‘Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.’
John 14:12- ‘Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.’
Exodus 34:10- ‘Behold, I make a covenant. Before all your people I will do marvels such as have not been done in all the earth, nor in any nation; and all the people among whom you are shall see the work of the Lord. For it is an awesome thing that I will do with you.’

We are living in a time where the reality of this scripture is being revealed, unveiled.  All through history there have been new things of God including new moves, new revivals, new power and new revelation. But the season that we are in is especially unique. As the end of the age draws near, the bible is clear there will be ever increasing power and revelation! Ever increasing!! This means that the reality of Heaven coming to earth will be demonstrated in this time, right now, as it has never been revealed in history! And this generation of the church is not simply a new thing in it’s own right but is the culmination and multiplication of all the moves and displays of God in the past!! Imagine the possibilities…
Picture the anointing of Moses, the revelation of Daniel, the prophetic prowess of Isaiah, the drive of the apostle Paul and not to mention the utter perfection, power and Love of King Jesus.  Now imagine these anointings, power, and vessels of God all combined into one generation!! A generation where there is not only one, superstar disciple of Jesus but a company, a multitude who walk in revelation and demonstrations of the Power of the Almighty God!  This is how the great harvest will be brought in and how the world will be transformed!  This is a generation that will do greater things (Jn. 14:12). And I am not speaking of the total group doing greater things but of each individual walking in the power of God, fulfilling this promise of Jesus! Imagine a person walking in the anointing of Elijah and the Holy Spirit being within and upon that person from age 10 to the end of their lives! A lifetime of Glory! This is what we walk in! Greater things!!
So how is this accomplished? First of all, there must be a revelation and understanding in the body of Christ that we are the Sons and Daughters of the Living God. That as He loved Jesus, He loves Us and has given us all authority and the power of the Holy Spirit in the name of Jesus! Begin to thank God every day that you can hear His voice. Thank Him that His power dwells in you. Thank Him that when you pray for the sick they are healed and the blind see! Even before you see these things happen in the natural, you must acknowledge  the reality of them; that these things already exist in the spiritual realm. All you have to do is accept that these truths are for you and begin to walk in them. Pray for the sick and expect to see them get well. Ask God to speak through you to those around you and then expect Him to do it! All He is looking for is willing vessels and if you will resolve to be that for Him, to simply be open to being used, there is no limit to what He can do through you. (Ex. 34:10)
In closing, notice that each of the scriptures cited here reveal that these things the Lord is going to do ARE NEW. They have NEVER been seen in the earth before. The glory of God that is going to be revealed has never been witnessed. The parting of the Red Sea, the healings the apostles performed, the great ministries of those we have witnessed in the past… These must not be our standard of all that God can do. We must praise Him for these past moves but we must seek Him for the new things He wants to do and follow where He leads and walk out what He shows us!
 
“Father, we believe that what You have said in Your word is true. We know that if we will trust You and seek You, that we will see greater glory manifest in the earth than has ever been displayed in all of history! Thank you that You love us and it is your desire to give us good things. Thank You for new things! Thank You for Your desire to use us and we say to you now Lord, we want to be used. Let us be sensitive to your leadings, bold in our speech, and may Your glorious power move through us as we surrender to being Your hands and feet.  In the name of Christ Jesus whom we love. Amen”
Prehm Ministries has a great deal of outreach, ministry and equipping to do within the body of Christ in the upcoming months! We are in need of individuals, businesses and church bodies to financially support our work, that we may continue to see God move in power in and outside of church walls! Please prayerfully consider partnering with us for souls, revival and the equipping of the saints! Bless you!

If you would like Prehm Ministries to come speak at your local church or your next conference or event, please click below to invite us. We are already planning our travel schedule out through 2014. We look forward to seeing the glory of God manifest in your church and to being able to experience Him with you!

Prehm Ministries
1319 Pacheco Ct, Apt. C Santa Fe, NM
Santa Fe, NM 87505

Please consider supporting :-)

Another great day to look forward to...

Faithful Me - Today's Meditation

"It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are."
—E.E. Cummings

Faithful Me

When we hold tightly to a goal, we often find it to be elusive. We may say to ourselves, “I want this so badly. I can see my goal. Why can’t I reach it?” The answer lies within the fine art and practice of detachment.

As we detach from the outcome of whatever we desire, we let go and gently surrender to the wisdom of uncertainty, which holds our freedom from the past, the known, and the limitations of any preconceived notions. In our willingness to step into the unknown, the field of all possibilities, we give ourselves over to the creative mind that orchestrates the dance of the universe, trusting that what we desire will come to us.

Our centering thought for today is:

I believe. I trust. I let go.

MINDFUL MOMENT

Take time today to explore the thoughts, feelings, and sensations connected to your experience of letting go. As you travel through the day, practice the fine art of detachment—let life flow. Invite yourself to shift your approach perhaps taking a different route as you make your way to work or school or by staying calm when you might otherwise not. Tune into what it feels like to let go; practice over and over today and see how your body, mind, and spirit begin to shift.

Faith Says Thank You - Joel and Victoria Osteen

“O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever!”
(1 Chronicles 16:34, AMP)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

One thing I’ve noticed is that when you live with an attitude of constant gratitude, not only will you thank God for what He’s done in your life, you start thanking Him for what He will do in the future. You thank Him for opening doors for you. You thank Him for increasing you. You thank Him for bringing the right people into your life.

When we say “thank You” to God for the things that are coming, it’s really a declaration of our faith in Him. It’s saying, “God, I’m so sure of Your goodness, I’m so sure that You’re working in my life that I’m going to thank You right now for what You are going to do tomorrow.” Friend, that’s the kind of faith that pleases God. He wants us to trust in His goodness and believe that He is a Rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. He delights in seeing our faith. He delights in an attitude of gratitude.

Today, let your faith say thank you. Praise Him throughout the day with an attitude of joy and expect to see His goodness in every area of your life!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father, thank You for another day to praise Your name. Thank You for all You have done in my life and for what You will do tomorrow. Help me to see Your hand of blessing as I continually praise Your name in Jesus’ name. Amen.
— Joel & Victoria Osteen

Inspired Me - Today's Meditation

"Believe you can and you're halfway there."  —Theodore Roosevelt

Inspired Me

When we follow our hearts, we make life choices that seemingly open doors for us without force, we are then aligned with our inner knowing. The path is revealed with ease. Other times, we may “over-think” our decisions, choosing the guidance of the mind over the messages of the heart. We may find that in these moments, our paths become filled with obstacles that hinder us at nearly every turn.

In today’s meditation, we will connect deeply with our hearts, our most trustworthy inner guidance system. As we relax into our heart-center, we access the wisdom of the whole universe and the blueprint for true happiness. The invitation is to silence the chatter—to gently release thoughts, judgments, distractions, and pressures—in order to truly hear our hearts’ desires and messages. Only then can we source our inner inspiration and realize not only our dreams, but our destinies.

Our centering thought for today is:

I am inspired. I am unstoppable.

MINDFUL MOMENT

Gift yourself by dedicating time today to check your “heart center pulse.” Pause several times over the course of the day, place your hand on your heart and breathe. Close your eyes and spend time noticing your natural breath. Feel the easy flow of breath coming in and going out. Stop to feel your heart, allowing your senses to feel the rhythm of your physical heart and the pulse of your intuitive feeling heart. Just feel, connecting with your center, just be.

Highs -n- Lows Living with the Disease

Friday, November 22nd

Another Beautiful Morning!  It looks really cold out this morning...with snow on the ground... :-( 
The snow should help the deer hunters this weekend. Tomorrow starts the second season for deer hunting.  We only have three hunters coming this season.

I woke up at 2:30am this morning,  stuffed up, couldn't breath again.  I got up and laid on the couch.
Kaylee is doing much better but Erik is fighting the cold/flu now...he didn't look like he felt well when I dropped Kaylee off, last night.  :-(
Hopefully it doesn't last long for him.

The neuropathy is still giving me trouble. :-). Hopefully it clears up soon...it can be extremely painful. :-(  Dr Danning said it may take two to three years before it completely goes away.  In some cases it doesn't go away... :-(

The other night when I was picking up my medication from the pharmacy I set off the security system when exiting the store.  Whoops
The greeter came over to check my bag and she pulled out my medication, moved the medication in front of the security system and sure enough, it set it off.  It's scary to think what might be in the medication.  It was just a plain pill bottle of medication?????

I am so very blessed...

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Today's Bible Study

When Facing Life’s Mountains

Read | Zechariah 4:1-14

In the vision God gave to Zechariah, the mountain is an illustration of a barrier or hindrance. We might wonder what the prophet’s strange dreams can teach us today. While the imagery is foreign, the principles are repeated throughout the Bible.

Zerubbabel, leader of Judah, and a group of 50,000 captives had been released by the Babylonians to return to Jerusalem. There, they began to rebuild the temple walls but were attacked by hostile neighbors. As a result, God’s people were discouraged and on the verge of giving up.

In verse six, God reminded Zerubbabel through Zechariah that progress is made “not by might nor by power but by My Spirit.” In other words, when God calls us to a task, He Himself assumes responsibility for removing hindrances. The Lord went on to ask, “What are you, O great mountain?” Nothing but flatland would remain once He worked through Zerubbabel.

God never intended for us to face seemingly insurmountable tasks in our own strength. Instead, we’re to rely on the Holy Spirit’s power within us. We are like the lampstand (v. 2) that was to be kept constantly burning in the temple. In Zechariah’s dream, the olive trees on each side of the lampstand were pouring oil directly into its bowl, with no help from the priests (v. 12). Like those olive trees, the Holy Spirit was God’s promise of continual help to the weary people. We, too, can trust the Lord to pour His Spirit into our lives for help when we’re facing a “mountain” of an obstacle.

Another great day to look forward to...

Be Devoted - Joel and Victoria Osteen

Be Devoted

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
(Romans 12:10, NIV)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Being devoted to something means you are loyal to it by giving of your time, affection and resources. What are you devoted to? Many people today are devoted to certain restaurants, television programs and even their cell phones. And there’s nothing wrong with any of that, but we have to examine our own hearts and see if we are being devoted to what God has called us to. Are you being devoted to the people God has placed in your life? Are you honoring others above yourself? The world’s system says to “look out for number one — yourself,” but God’s system says “look out for others, and I will look out for you.”

Today, as you examine your own heart and life, ask the Lord to show you ways that you can honor others. One way is by being faithful to your word. Be a person of integrity and honor. As you live your life devoted to one another, you are honoring God. And He will repay you for your kindness and reward you in this life and in eternity!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father, teach me to be a person of honor. Teach me to be devoted to others in a way that honors You. Fill me with Your love which lasts throughout eternity in Jesus’ name. Amen.
— Joel & Victoria Osteen

Intentional Me - Today's Meditation

"Respond to every call that excites your spirit."  —Rumi

Intentional Me

Over the past several days, we have defined what we want in life, responded to our heart’s deepest dreams and desires, and opened to the many opportunities that arise in the present moment. Today, we will learn more about developing clear intentions for our lives.

We believe that attention energizes and intention transforms. We are the masters of our own lives, our realities, and the universe offers us what we ask of it. Therefore, as we place our attention on what it is that we want, we set our intentions to orchestrate everything in our lives to help us achieve our goals. As we become receptive in this way, the universe conspires to support our every step.

Our centering thought for today is:

I create my reality.

MINDFUL MOMENT

Before you enter your meditation, take a moment to set one intention for today. Perhaps you would like to share kindness during your travels, or maybe you would like to integrate peace or joy into your day. Take a moment to clearly identify this positive intention. As you close your eyes for meditation, let everything go. In this way, you plant your intentions in the womb of creation and allow the universe to orchestrate the details.

Highs -n- Lows Living with the Disease

Thursday, November 21st

Another Beautiful Day!

This morning I am going out for breakfast with grandma Marion and then over to pick Kaylee up from daycare.  She's doing much better. :-) Erik is now battling the cold/flu.  We don't want Christine to get it.  Christine only has a few weeks left before baby is due, December 10th is her due date. The Dr told Christine the baby could come anytime after the 18th of November. I'm looking forward to holding the newest addition to our family... :-)

I received a call from the social worker from the hospital Gloria is in and they made additional changes to her medication yesterday.  It sounds like she may be getting out in the earlier part of next week. :-)

At my Dr appointment yesterday, I was put in my place by Dr Danning.  She told me my number one priority is taking care of myself.  The Lupus and DM are not undercontrol and until we get to that point she doesn't want me to be looking for a job. 

The Methotrexate doesn't seem to be doing it's job by itself so Dr Danning added another medication that is used with methotrexate to treat DM patients.  So I started it that this morning. 
If this combination doesn't work my next step and only other opinion is infusions.  I would take the infusion 4 times a year, they usually takes 6 hours each time and is given in sets of 2 every 6 months.  Each infusion costs $20,000.00 per time, so a total of $80,000.00 a year to help ease my symptoms...wow what a huge price tag. :-(  Please pray this new combination works so I don't have to go down the other path. 
Appreciate what you have...your health is one of the greatest gifts you have. :-)

I appreciate everyday I can spend with my family and friends... :-)

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Today's Bible Study

Relying on God’s Power, Not Our Own

Read | Philippians 4:10-13

Humanly speaking, the apostle Paul had much to boast about—his qualifications are found in Philippians 3:4-6. However, he understood that impressive “credentials” are not what really matter. Paul rightly saw that knowing Christ and relying on Him are the source of genuine value in life.

Writing from places that were lowly in both a physical and emotional sense, the apostle is a triumphant example of how believers should view themselves—namely, as the Father does. The best way to do that is to recognize God as the source of our power: “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (4:13).

Many of us know this verse by heart, but have we accepted its truth? To say “all things” may seem like a bold statement, but it is balanced. The emphasis is not on “I can,” but rather on the fact that I can through Christ—He supplies everything we need to carry out His plan for our life.

This verse is an important confession that we cannot do God’s will in our own power. But that does not mean we should simply sit back and become spectators. As Christians, we have a responsibility to obey the Lord’s leading in small matters as well as in “big” circumstances. What’s more, it is our hands, feet, body, voice, compassion, and desires that the Father will use to accomplish His ultimate goals for our lives.

Obeying by faith can seem frightening, but the comfort zone isn’t where godly people choose to spend their time. To do all things through Christ involves some risks, but you’ll discover that the rewards for obedience are deeply satisfying.

Looking forward to another great day...

Passionate Me - Today's Meditation

"Wherever you go, go with all your heart."  —Confucius

Passionate Me

It is not uncommon to set a goal and then push forward with our eyes so fixed on the destination that we become unaware of the terrain on which we travel. Today we will practice navigating the path toward our destination with fluidity and balance, remaining attentive to our goal with present moment awareness. As we do so, we take a powerful step toward realizing our dreams and living our destinies.

In our passionate pursuit of our life’s purpose, our destination, we have the choice to stay present in the now, which increases our awareness of the many supportive cues and opportunities that arise along the path. Staying connected to the present enables us to enjoy every moment of the journey—the people we meet and the experiences we can enjoy with them—enriching us as we live out our deepest, most heartfelt desires.

Our centering thought for today is:

Now is my time.

MINDFUL MOMENT

Sometime today, when you catch yourself projecting into the future, take the time to practice 10 rounds of conscious breathing. Close your eyes and begin to witness the breath as it flows in and out of the nostrils. If it is helpful, count as you practice this, inhaling for a count of five, holding the breath, and exhaling for five. After you repeat this exercise 10 times, notice if you feel more grounded in the present, better able to seize opportunities as they present themselves in the here and now.

It's All in the Family - Joni and Friends

Joni and Friends Daily Devotional   

It's All in the Family

"Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter--when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?"             Isaiah 58:7
 
Not long ago I was back in Baltimore and spent time with Connie, a high school girlfriend. She is one of millions of American women who are in the "sandwich generation." They are raising their children at the same time they are caring for an aging parent. In Connie's case, it's her elderly mother-in-law, who has emphysema.
 
I watched my friend gracefully handle all the needs around her. That was typical of Connie. It helps that she is part of a large family, and she has lots of support from her own folks. But that's not true for many women in the sandwich generation. A woman I know takes care of her mother and has to deal with a teenager who resents the change in routine. There's not much support for this caregiver.
 
If you're helping a family member who is ill or an aging parent, consider these suggestions. Don't be afraid to let others know you need help. The "I'm doing fine" mentality is self-defeating. Investigate the whereabouts of a local day care or respite center. Let your friends and church family be aware of specific ways they can lend a hand. Listen to the counsel of others -- they may observe your husband's mood shift and alert you that he needs attention. And, finally, look for hidden blessings. Your elderly parent sacrificed much when you were growing up to care for you. Now God is giving you the chance to extend the grace back.
____________________________________
 
Isaiah says that not turning away from your own flesh and blood is a sacrifice that is pleasing to the Lord.   When you care for a family member, God says "your righteousness will shine like the noonday sun." That's not a bad reward for taking care of your young and your old.
 
Lord, strengthen me to serve You by gladly serving others. Provide help for me when I need a break. Help me to see my service as pleasing to You.

Blessings,
 
Joni and Friends
www.joniandfriends.org

Highs -n- Lows Living with the Disease

Wednesday, November 20th

Another Beautiful Day!  I woke up having trouble breathing this morning, so I got up took my meds, and blew my nose. It didn't help I'm still stuffed up... :-(  I took some cold/flu medication to hopefully help clear it up...

Today, I'm picking up Kaylee from home and running to Rochester.  Mom has a hair appointment so Kaylee and I will just hang out.

This afternoon I go to see Dr Danning at Gunderson Lutheran.

I'm so very blessed... :-)

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Today's Bible Study

The Character of Gossip

Read | James 3:5-8

Gossip isn’t a popular subject, but it certainly is a popular activity. Many people spend a great deal of time participating in idle talk about someone else, usually with the intention of injuring the individual in some way. Unfortunately, believers are oftentimes just as guilty of gossiping as unbelievers. But our Father wants us to see the practice for what it truly is.

The Bible includes gossip in a couple of odious categories. Paul lists it amidst interrelated sins like deceit, malice, slander, and arrogance (Rom. 1:29-30). Gossip is deceptive and defamatory, and it is accompanied by both cruelty and pride. These are all characteristics of “haters of God,” according to the apostle. In another passage describing ungodly practices, Paul places gossip in the middle. And of course, everyone recognizes the Ten Commandments, whose last decree is, “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor” (Ex. 20:16).

Gossip does not fit who we are as God’s children. Just as you can’t have poison and pure water pouring from the same stream, you cannot have both God-honoring talk and gossip coming from a believer. When evil words pass our lips, they are indicative of what we harbor in our heart. However, God is in the heart-cleaning business. If we falter—allowing gossip and its cohorts, malice and deceit, into our lives—we should pray as David did: “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer” (Ps. 19:14).

Another great day to look forward to...

Prewired to Be Imitators - Joel and Victoria Osteen

Prewired to Be Imitators

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
(Ephesians 5:1–2, NIV)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria
Have you ever spent time with a small child or baby and had them mimic your every sound or action? To them it’s a fun game, but internally, they are learning by watching and copying everything you do. They just watch and do the same thing. That’s because we are all prewired to be imitators.

Just like little children, we are all still imitators. So many people today end up imitating what they see in the world, on TV, in the news and magazines. But scripture tells us that we are to be imitators of God and follow His example of love.

If you need to change your actions today, change what you are imitating by simply changing your focus. The more you focus on the Word, the more you will imitate God. And when you do things God’s way, you will get God’s results — peace, joy and blessing all the days of your life!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father, I choose to put You first place in my life and imitate You. I set aside the things of the world and invite You to search my heart and mind. Give me Your heart of love and teach me to be an example of Your goodness in Jesus’ name. Amen.
— Joel & Victoria Osteen

Focused Me - Today's Meditation

"We must walk consciously only part way toward our goal, and then leap in the dark to our success."  —Henry David Thoreau

Focused Me

It’s difficult to arrive at a destination if we don’t know where we are headed. This is equally true for our life journey. In order to realize our deepest desires, it is essential to identify exactly what we want and stay focused on that intention with dedication, focus, and awareness. At the same time, this practice requires us to let go of attachment to any single outcome, opening us up to abundant possibility.

Today’s meditation centers on bringing our heartfelt desires into crystallized focus and putting our heart-centered attention on what we envision. In this way, we align ourselves with the universe to reach our intended destination, clear on what we hope to achieve and open to all opportunities that help us realize our dreams.

Our centering thought for today is:

I am focused on what I want.

MINDFUL MOMENT

Before we meditate together, take a minute to notice if you have any attachments, expectations, or doubts about your life’s purpose. Just notice and allow yourself to be curious about whatever is present for you in this moment. Inhale deeply from your belly, allowing your breath to carry through your entire being. When you exhale, release anything that isn’t serving you in this moment. Invite your inner knowing to open, expand, and guide you as you meditate today.

Highs -n- Lows Living with the Disease

Tuesday, November 19th

Another Beautiful Morning!  I had a good night sleep last night. :-).

We are having another warm spell for the next couple of days! Highs in the 50's today and tomorrow our highs will be in the upper 40's. Then our days go cold...I mean back to normal for this time of year. :-)

Today, I have my hair appointment, a cut and color.  I'm not sure Nikki will give me the color.  I've been itching my head so much I have a few sores... I'll see what she says when I get there.
I also ate something I shouldn't have, now I am paying for it.  I ate lasagna and spaghetti yesterday...both have tomatoes in it.  I started flaring last night and I'm still having the neuropathy this morning... :-(

I received a call from the hospital social worker yesterday...it sounds like grandma Gloria will be in the hospital until sometime next week now... :-(  That's the plan so far...

Yesterday, I ran down to Winona to pick up my medication and a few groceries for the deer hunters...now we are ready for the second deer season hunters... :-)

Jesse and the boys are fighting the same cold/flu that's been going around here.  Hopefully they are able to get over it quicker than we have...it's no fun. :-(

I am so thankful for our family and friends...

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Today's Bible Study

The Promised Holy Spirit

Read | John 14:23-26

Jesus assured His followers that it would be to their benefit if He left the earth. He could then send His Spirit, who plays an essential role in the life of each believer (John 16:7).

The indwelling Holy Spirit serves as our:

• Security. At salvation, we are placed in Christ and sealed in Him by the third person of the Trinity. The presence of God’s Spirit marks us as the Father’s children and is a pledge that we will belong to Him forever (Eph. 1:13-14).

• Helper. God the Holy Spirit provides wisdom, knowledge, and understanding (1 Cor. 2:12). Because He is divine, He knows ways to help us that no mere human could figure out. He strengthens us when we are weak and prays for us when we do not know how (Rom. 8:26).

• Guide. The Holy Spirit can direct us appropriately because He knows the truth of every situation, the hearts of people around us, and our own attitudes and motives. His guidance will always be right because He knows the Lord’s will for us (1 Cor. 2:9-11). We can trust what He says—He doesn’t speak on His own initiative but communicates only what He hears from God (John 16:13-14).

• Spiritual Power Source. The Spirit releases His power into our lives for the purpose of fruitful service and godly living (Eph. 3:16). This divine energy and authority is always available to us, as long as we are yielded to His control.

The Holy Spirit is a VIP—a very important person. Fully God, He lives within us to carry out our triune God’s divine purposes. Are you following His lead?

Another beautiful day to look forward to...

Help in the Nick of Time - Joni and Friends

Joni and Friends Daily Devotional   

Help in the Nick of Time

"As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger."          Luke 8:23
 
It was nighttime and Topanga Canyon Boulevard was at its busiest. Right under a dark overpass, my handicap-equipped van conked out. Completely. Even brakes and steering. I was careening up a busy street without any controls. You can imagine my relief when, with cars speeding around me, I drifted to a stop just short of the next intersection. But then I screamed. My van, with no tail lights, started to drift backward into oncoming traffic. Oh God, have you abandoned me to a fiery crash? Is this how I'm going to die?! Just then, as I hunched over, preparing to be rear-ended, Ken's truck screeched to a stop alongside my van. He jumped in, manhandled the braking mechanism, and lifted me out of the van and carried me to his truck. Never before had I been in such danger.
 
My nerves remained rattled for days. When I read Psalm 27:1, "The Lord is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear?" I thought, I fear dead batteries and no brakes. To shore up my faith I read today's passage in Luke. I began noticing words like "the boat was being swamped" and "they were in great danger." There's no soft-pedaling it. The disciples' narrow escape was just that: narrow. I identified. Like them, I had been within inches of death. But those "inches" were really "miles" -- God had me all along.
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It may feel as if God is asleep when danger strikes, but He's not. No matter if it's by the skin of your teeth or with miles to spare, God helps His people. If it's not your appointed time, He will always, always deliver you... sometimes in the nick of time. Is that too close for comfort? Maybe, yes. But it's always close enough.         
 
Lord, thank You for the many times You've rescued me. Whether it was too close for comfort or not, I was... I am, always safe and secure when I am held by You.

Blessings,
 
Joni and Friends
www.joniandfriends.org

What Do I Want - Today's Meditation

"Certain things catch your eye, but pursue only those that capture the heart. "  —Native American Proverb

What Do I Want?

Experience, Desire and Destiny. Last week, we focused on understanding who we are, connecting with our essential nature and divine essence. Today, as we invite abundance and clarity into our lives, we begin to explore what it is we really want in this lifetime. This awareness guides us to the steps on the roadmap toward living our destinies.

We may carry long-held beliefs about our identity and character that were given to us by others. These ideas influence our perceptions about what we want in life. Today, as we meditate together, give yourself permission to let go as you sink into the meditation. Let your heart and soul speak to you as we travel within to hear our inner song of truth. Breathe deeply and receive on this day filled with transformational opportunity. Today we let our hearts lead the way for all of the answers we seek live within—all we have to do is listen.

Our centering thought for today is:

My heart knows the answer.

MINDFUL MOMENT

Spend some time today closing your eyes, connecting with your heart, and repeating the questions, “What do I want? What do I really want?” Be open to whatever answers come to you. After a few minutes, open your eyes and write down what you envision. Look at this list each day before you go into meditation and see how these things manifest in your life.

Highs -n- Lows Living with the Disease

Monday, November 18th

Another Beautiful Day!  I slept in my bed last night and boy did it feel good. The last few nights I've been sleeping on the couch so I could be up to put coffee on for the deer hunters and so I wouldn't wake Paul up when I get up...
Paul is finally sounding better...both of us are still not completely over the cold/flu yet but at least we are moving in the right direction...

Today, I need to run to Winona to pick up medication and then run to Plainview to pick up Kaylee from daycare at 11:30am.  Kaylee has been out of daycare all last week because of her cough and fever...:-(  Hopefully she get over it soon...

I have three interviews this week...
Two tomorrow and one Friday...
I am leaving everything in God's hands...I'm just going through the motions right now.  He will open a door if he feels it is right for me...

I have my Dr appointment at Gunderson Lutheran on Wednesday.  I will see what Dr Danning says about the changes...

Mom and I are planning on going back up to see grandma Gloria this week.  We thought we would wait to get her report today and see how much longer she would be in the hospital..

I am so thankful for all I can do!

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Today's Bible Study

The Promise of the Father

Read | Acts 1:1-8

The Bible is a book of promises, each of which is guaranteed by the Lord’s unchanging nature (2 Cor. 1:20). One precious assurance is that those who trust Jesus as Savior will never be alone. Our Father has promised to send His Holy Spirit to take up residence within each believer. Scripture teaches that the Spirit is a member of the Trinity, along with God the Father and God the Son.

The triune nature of God is clear in a number of Bible passages. Genesis 1:1-2, for instance, identifies both the Father and the Spirit as active participants in creation. The New Testament later reveals that Jesus Christ was likewise present when the world was being made (Col. 1:16).

We find another example in John’s gospel. The night before His crucifixion, Jesus told the disciples that He was going away but would ask the Father to send “another Comforter” (14:16). The resurrected Christ later commissioned His followers to make disciples and baptize them in the name of all three members of the Trinity (Matt. 28:19).

On the basis of biblical truth, we can know for sure that the Spirit is fully God, just like the Father and the Son. Scripture teaches that we can intimately know the Father and Jesus, and the same holds true for the third person of the Trinity. Because of the Spirit’s importance, Jesus spent much time talking about Him with the disciples.

Do you know the Holy Spirit as well as you do the Father and Son? If not, spend time studying Scripture to gain understanding of His place in your life.

Another great day to look forward to...

Being Alone - Joni and Friends

Joni and Friends Daily Devotional   

Being Alone

"In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength."
Isaiah 30:15b
 
There are days when I'd like to rewrite the words of the old hymn, "I Need Thee Every Hour" to something like...
 
I need Thee, O I need Thee,
Every minute I need Thee,
Oh, bless me now, my Saviour,
I come to Thee.
 
Oh, the comfort of feeling desperate for Jesus. You've had days like that, in which you feel as though you must cling to Him every minute, every sixty seconds. That's when I carve out time to be alone with Him. I don't take phone calls, I cancel my luncheon date, and I close the office door just to be with God.
 
Wonderful things happen when you're alone with the Lord. Look at the record:
Moses was alone when the Lord revealed Himself through the burning bush. Paul was alone in the Arabian desert when the Lord gave him personal instructions about preaching the word. Mary was alone when the angel brought her the message that she would give birth to the Savior. Isaiah was alone when he received his commission from the Lord. Elisha was by himself when the mantel of prophet fell on his shoulders. And who can forget John alone on the island of Patmos when he received his wonderful revelation? Joshua, Jacob, and Daniel all received a special word from God when they took time to be alone with Him.
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If you need a word from the Lord, direction, help and hope, then set aside time to be alone with Him. Expect Him to speak to you. Guidance and real fellowship come only in those times of solitude, an hour when you say to the Lord, "I need Thee."
 
Father, thank You that You have shown us through the Scripture how You faithfully met with Your children when they were alone and available to You. I, too, need Thee to be my comfort, guide, and source of hope. Meet with me even as I set aside time to be with You.

Blessings,
 
Joni and Friends
www.joniandfriends.org

Highs -n- Lows Living with the Disease

Sunday, November 17th

Another Beautiful Morning!  We are expecting another day in the 50's...loving this weather. :-)

Lately, no matter what time it is, if I get my 7 hours of sleep in, I am up for the day. :-(  I'd love to be able to sleep in longer...

Yesterday, I had a good time with my sister, Brenda, and my mom, grandma Faye...
On our ride up and back from visiting grandma Gloria, mom talk about the things that happened when I was very young...I would keep my mom busy. :-)
I inhaled a bean, I remember being out in our back pourch and seeing the beans but I don't remember anything from there...
My dad worked on the railroad so he was gone.  Mom called our family doctor, Dr Hawkins, for help.  He rushed over to pick mom and me up and took me to the Fort Dodge Mercy Hospital.
Mom told me she had to keep the oxygen on me to keep me alive, I kept turning blue.  She prayed all the way there...they weren't sure If I was going to make it.  When I got settled at the hospital, Dr Hawkins told mom to go ahead and go home with the other kids and he would stay with me. 
I also drank gasoline.  Our next door neighbor was getting ready to mow her lawn, the lawn mower and gas can was sitting on the sidewalk in front of her house.   Her phone rang so she ran inside to answer it.  I had my stomach pumped.
I never heard all the details until yesterday. Wow it really makes you think about life...the people that I have in my life, those I've touched and the ones that have touched me.  What a gift... :-)

We had a great time with Grandma Gloria.  I was told she slept good Friday night and had a good day yesterday.  They are finally getting the swelling and redness in her legs down. She doesn't have any more open wounds either...I'm so thankful! 
She will be in the hospital for 7 to 10 days to continue to monitor her medications.

I continue to have increased symptoms...hands are getting red and coalesced.  Head is itchy as usual.  I'm losing some hair again :-( 

I am going to focus on the belief that this disease will pass.  I will speak of a long healthy life and continued prosperity. :-) Amen!

Today, is the last day to hunt for the first season deer hunters.  They are seeing a lot of deer but haven't been able to get one.  So far the number of deer still stands at four...I wish them luck... :-)

We will get a five day reprieve and then our second season deer hunters arrive. :-)

So thankful for all I can do!

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Today's Bible Study

When Temptation Knocks

By Charles F. Stanley

What makes a person successful at resisting temptation? I believe the best way to discover how to overcome temptation is to look at the One who dealt with every temptation successfully and consistently. The writer of Hebrews wrote of Christ:

For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin (Heb. 4:15).

Since Jesus successfully overcame temptation, we would do well to study his strategy for dealing with it. Unfortunately, we have only one clear passage of Scripture describing Christ’s encounter with temptation. We know from the Hebrews passage cited above that He was tempted more often than this, but the Holy Spirit chose not to include these in the Gospels.

Strangely enough, Jesus’ approach is so straightforward and simple that many believers tend to overlook it entirely. Others, after hearing it, make the most ridiculous excuses as to why they can not follow His example.

What was His strategy? After 40 days of fasting in the desert, Jesus used Scripture, and only Scripture, to resist Satan’s temptation (Matt. 4:1-11). This is hard for me to comprehend. The Son of God—the One who knows all things and has the power to do all things, the One whose words we study, memorize, and meditate on—never made an original comment during the entire interaction.

He never drew on his own wit. He never even relied on His own power. He simply responded with the truth of God’s Word. That’s all it took. Nothing fancy. Just the plain truth directed at the deception behind each of Satan’s requests. Jesus verbally confronted Satan with the truth, and eventually Satan gave up and left.

There are four primary reasons why a well-chosen passage or verse of Scripture is so effective against temptation.

First of all, God’s Word exposes the sinfulness of what you are being tempted to do. One of Satan’s subtle snares is to convince you that sin is really not so bad after all. God’s Word allows you to see things for what they really are.

A second reason the Word of God is so effective against temptation is that you gain God’s viewpoint through it. Since many temptations carry a strong emotional punch, you tend to get caught up in your feelings. Once you identify with the feelings temptation evokes, it becomes increasingly difficult to respond correctly. The truth of Scripture allows you to separate yourself just far enough mentally to deal with it successfully.

Another reason for turning to God’s Word in times of temptation is what one pastor calls the principle of displacement.1 This principle is based on the premise that it is impossible not to think about a seductive topic unless you turn your attention elsewhere. When you turn your thoughts to the Word of God during temptation, you do just that (Phil. 4:8).

If you don’t shift your attention away from the temptation, you may begin some form of mental dialogue: I really shouldn’t. But I haven’t done this in a long time. I am really going to hate myself later. Why not? I’ve already blown it. I’ll do it just this once, and tomorrow I’ll start over. When you allow these little discussions to begin, you’re sunk. The longer you talk, the more time the temptation has to settle into your emotions and will.

The fourth reason the Word of God is so effective against temptation is that you are expressing faith when you turn your attention to His Word. You are saying, “I believe God is able to get me through this; I believe He is mightier than the power of sin, my flesh, and Satan himself.” Nothing moves God like the active faith of His people.

To effectively combat the onslaughts of the enemy, you need an arsenal of verses on the tip of your tongue. Verses so familiar that they come to mind without any conscious effort on your part. If you have to dig them up from the caverns of your memory, they will do you no good. There isn’t time for that in the midst of temptation.

Begin memorizing scriptures that address the area that troubles you the most. Quote them audibly when you are tempted. When you speak the truth out loud, it’s as if you have taken a stand with God against the enemy. When I do this, I often feel a sense of courage and conviction sweeping over me. Remember, if the perfect, sinless, sovereign Son of God relied on Scripture to pull Him through, what hope do you have without it?

1. Bud Palmberg, “Private Sins of Public Ministry,” Leadership magazine (Winter 1988)

Adapted from “Winning the War Within: Facing Trials, Temptations and Inner Struggles” by Charles F. Stanley, 1988.

Another great day to look forward to...

Fearless Me - Today's Meditation

"You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. "  —Eleanor Roosevelt

Fearless Me

Congratulations on completing the first week of our journey together! During this time, we have taken the important first steps toward initiating transformation by going within to connect with who it is we really are. Our awareness has expanded and we have opened to our authentic and divine nature. We have learned to honor our passions and long-held dreams while freeing ourselves from the limiting thoughts and beliefs that hold us back from the life we desire. We are now more open to our infinite potential, our destiny.

Today, we embark on a powerful journey designed to help us gently release our fears, clearing the way to greet each moment with a sense of strength, connection, wonder, and freedom. As we experience this special guided meditation, we encourage you to connect with your True Self and the deep understanding of your abiding relationship with the infinite.

Our centering thought for today is:

I am free.

MINDFUL MOMENT

As you prepare for today’s meditation, take a moment to become conscious of your breath, inhaling and exhaling slowly and deeply. Begin to imagine the breath as a tool for cleansing and letting go of all that is not serving you in the moment—a tool which allows you to gently observe the state of your body, mind, and spirit. Conscious breathing is a simple technique to transform and release feelings of fear, anxiety, and tension as you come into the present moment. Give yourself permission to relax into your breath as you begin to enter more deeply into stillness.

Excuses, Excuses - Joni and Friends

Joni and Friends Daily Devotional   

Excuses, Excuses

"Oh LORD, is this not what I said when I was still at home? That is why I was so quick to flee to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God. . ."
Jonah 4:2
 
It's human nature to make excuses. Placed under the scrutiny of an examiner, a teacher, or a boss, we squirm in our seats and then rattle off a well constructed reason for our behavior. Sometimes we blame circumstances. Sometimes we blame others. Caught in a quandary, our pride lashes out at anything in our sights that will keep the attention off of our failures.
 
Pride's most deadly excuse is one which blames our Lord for our failure. Consider Adam's excuse that God's creation of woman was flawed. Or Jonah's attempt to blame his escape to Tarshish on the fact that he knew God to be "a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness." By contrast, the unworthy steward's excuse centered on what he believed to be the exacting, unforgiving nature of the master. (Matt.25:24-25)
 
It will not do. We can not blame God, neither His deeds nor His character, for our failure. Making such excuses is more than an attempt to protect our pride. It is a fundamental statement of our unbelief in God. We blame Him because we do not believe that He has our good in mind, that He will accomplish His purpose, or that He will be gracious.
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Taking an honest inventory of our life can reveal areas where we might have doubted, and then blamed, God. Angry with God about your work? Look to see where you doubted His provision. Frustrated with His seeming silence? Examine your walk to see if you doubted His commands. Fearful of seeing Him face to face someday? Confess that you doubt His mercy and forgiveness.
 
A life of belief will extinguish pride's incessant search to protect itself from shame and allow us to live freely as a forgiven people.
 
Lord, Your work and Your character are above reproach. Strip away the protective layer of excuses that I might live by faith, believing in every measure of grace toward me.
 

Blessings,
 
Joni and Friends
www.joniandfriends.org

Resilient Me - Today's Meditation

"We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses."  —Abraham Lincoln

Resilient Me

In life, it is fairly certain that we will each experience difficult and challenging passages. Within each of these moments we are given a special seed of opportunity, a gift. Many times, this point of view can be difficult to embrace in the midst of what appears to be a setback. Today, we spend our time together opening our minds and hearts to the blessings that come to us in disguise.

In the stillness of meditation we begin to gently release ego thoughts connected with success and failure. We begin to trust the movement of life knowing that the universe has much grander plans for us than we could ever fathom. Each step along the path of life, regardless of the destination, is an exciting part of the adventure. The moments themselves are the gift, the journey itself, the rich reward.

Our centering thought for today is:

A gift resides in every moment.

MINDFUL MOMENT

Use today to experiment with perception by tapping into the power of your thoughts, intentions, and the resilient strength that is always with you. As you travel through the day, any time you feel a sense of struggle, or you hear your inner dialogue sending you messages that cause you to feel you have failed or that you are less than, take a moment to pause. Stop what you are doing and allow yourself to take a deep breath. Then re-write the story of your inner response. Take time to identify the opportunities before you as a result of this perceived adversity. Give yourself permission to be in gratitude for the opportunity to learn and grow.

Highs -n- Lows Living with the Disease

Saturday, November 16th

Another Beautiful Morning!  Last night I slept really good.  :-) For the last few nights I hadn't been sleeping very good.  I would wake up at 2:00am and again at 4:00am.  I finally get up at 4:30. 
Yesterday, I stayed with Kaylee...we took a 45 minute nap.  Kaylee woke herself up when she started coughing. :-( Poor Thing...

I've been going to interviews the last couple of weeks and I have three interviews this next week.  There are so many jobs out there that I'd love to get.  I've been telling everyone my situation and how UV and artificial light could effect me.  Not sure if I should be telling them about my diagnosis???  Paul thinks I should...
I think it's only fair I am upfront with them from the beginning... :-)
So far I have no takers. :-(  I still have one position that hasn't gotten back to me yet, of those I've been to.
I will trust God has it all in His hands.

Today, I am meeting my sister, Brenda, and my mom in Zumbrota for lunch.  After lunch we are going up to see Gloria. I'm not sure how long she will be there. :-(  It's been a long journey already.  I hope and pray they can help Gloria find comfort and healing. Amen

I am so very blessed...

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Today's Bible Study

Guilty No More

Read | Romans 5:8-9

How can we say that the Lord has declared us “not guilty” of our sin? The first thing we have to understand is that this act was completely God’s doing. We can do absolutely nothing to remove the stain of our own sin. It is for this reason that the Father sent His Son into the world.

The one satisfactory payment for sin is death (Rom. 6:23), and because God wanted to spare us that punishment, He provided the only way out. He gave the perfect sacrifice: His son, Jesus Christ (Rom. 5:8).

What did this loving act accomplish? It enabled us to approach almighty God as clean, pure, and holy men and women. Our purity is not related to anything we ourselves have done; it is due exclusively to the fact that we have been purified in Jesus’ blood. That’s why we can say we have been “washed in the blood,” which is the only way the stain of sin can be removed.

When we come into a saving relationship with Jesus, the first thing to happen is that we are justified—in other words, God declares us “not guilty.” This means that as believers, we can stand in the presence of a perfect, holy God, because He now sees us as His own children.

Am I saying we’ll never sin? No. However, when we place our faith in Jesus Christ as Savior, the penalty for all of our sin—past, present, and future—has been paid, and we will never face God’s condemnation (Rom. 8:1). Thank your heavenly Father today, not only for forgiving your sin, but also for freeing you from the burden of guilt.

Another great day to look forward to...