Hot, Cold, Lukewarm

Revelation 3:15-16 

“‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. I would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth."

What does it mean to be a lukewarm Christian? Is there such a thing? Do any of these sound like you?

1.       A lukewarm Christian believes in God, but is not quite comfortable sharing Him with others.

2.      A lukewarm Christian presents him/herself one way around believers and another around non-believers.

3.       A lukewarm Christian doesn’t want to lose friends by standing up for their beliefs. Christians are called Christians because they are Christ followers and they believe Gods Holy Word…the Bible. Lukewarm Christians only choose to believe parts of the Bible.

4.      A Lukewarm Christian doesn’t allow God to control their life.

5.       A Lukewarm Christian makes decisions based on life on earth without thinking of eternity.

6.      A Lukewarm Christian lives in the flesh and not the spirit.

7.       A Lukewarm Christian stands up for what the world believes in and not what God calls us to represent.

These above are just a few examples. I have been guilty of some or all of them at one time in my life. Even today, I find there are times that I am convicted of my actions because God has revealed to me that I am not living according to His Word.

This world is ever changing. Daily we are faced with many issues that we must decide which side of the fence we sit on. Christians do not want to appear hypocritical, mean, judgmental, or rude so they bite their tongue when it comes to heavy, soul saving, life changing issues.

I think where Christians at times get hung up is that yes, Jesus wants us to love all. However, many think that a part of loving is to ignore sin and remain quite so as not to hurt anyone’s feeling. Yes, He wants us to be compassionate, caring, giving, and loving. But, part of loving is pointing out sin and standing up for God and His word. Jesus pointed out sin to the sinful often and lovingly, without condemning…“go and sin no more” John 8:11

Below are some verses which explain how God wants us as Christians to be in the world, but not a part of the world. I hope they help you as they have helped me.

1 John 2:15-16 

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world.

Matthew 12:30 

Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.

James 3:10-12 

From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water.

Matthew 16:26 

For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?

2 Timothy 4:3 

For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions,

2 Corinthians 6:14-18 

Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, “I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you, and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.”

2 Timothy 3:4 

Treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,

1 Peter 3:15 

But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect…

It is my prayer that I will be a true follower. I pray that those who I disagree with will know that it is not out of hate but out of love. We will never agree with everyone on the same issues. I do not hate those whose opinion differs from mine. Often times with Christians that is not the case, as people will believe I am being close minded and hateful. I only hope that regardless of whether someone thinks I hate them or hate the sin, that at least I am genuine and true to God. I want to be a HOT Christian on fire for God. 

Rachel W. Clark

50 Shades (not for young readers)

I know talking about this will spark discussions for and against what I want to say and I welcome both. Recently, someone loaned me 50 Shades of Grey by E. L. James. Not knowing what I was getting myself into I read a few reviews on the book and opened with caution. At first, the book was riveting. I love a good romance. It was fun and playful to remember the feelings of first falling in love. Boy meets girl. Boy pursues girl. Girl daydreams about boy and on and on.

Within the turn of a single page, however, the book takes on a dark, twisted, and distorted view of relationships. I am not known for my ability to stomach harshness, crudeness, or vulgarity so it is no surprise to some that this book would not be on my top ten list of must reads. In fact, I ended up turning to the last two pages of the book to see how it ended and gave it back to the person who loaned it to me without finishing it.

What I did read from the book is enough to have based an opinion. I fully believe in the sexual unity of a man and wife according to God’s word and believe that it is a gift meant to give pleasure and for our personal enjoyment. I do not believe that it is meant for abuse, domination, submission or unhealthy fantasies.

The characters in the book are Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele. Christian’s good looks and what some may call “charm” instantly rivet Anastasia. She craves to know more about him. His success, intelligence and good looks make Anastasia feel like a giddy schoolgirl because his interest in her, regardless of the warning signals that she feels within, make her think she must be important to have his caught HIS eye. As their “relationship” begins to grow, so does the dark and mysterious ways of Christian Grey.

My intent is not to give the book away for those that have not read the series. However, I do want to point out a few things that made my decision to put the book down emanate.

1.      If sex was designed by God for a man and wife’s pleasure, this book quickly knocks that down. Two people who barely know one another engage in borderline abusive sex.

2.      God created man and woman equally in His image. This book takes the role of submissiveness to a whole new level by making the act of sex what a man DOES to a woman, rather than an act of love given from a man and woman to each other.

3.      God made woman to bring out the best in a man and to be his partner. Grey’s acts of dominance, requirements of discipline and obedience, and complete control over every aspect of Steele’s life are forms of abuse to make Steele feel she can’t live without him.

I am not naïve enough to believe everyone will agree with me or that my review will make someone who is intent on reading it, stop from doing so. However, I want to caution my Christian friends who want to read this book. I believe that with the right frame of mind, it can be read. The only way it should be read is cautiously and with the intent to form an opinion to share with our culture in hopes that it will bring someone to Christ.

We all have needs and desires that we seek to fulfill in ways God did not intend. This book, I feel is a danger to the single woman who wants to remain pure and the wife who feels her needs are not being met by her spouse. There is a reason we have wants and desires that we seek temporary fulfillment for. Because deep down we know our every need cannot be met by anyone or anything. That is where I encourage each of you to look towards God. He designed and created us and only He can satisfy completely. And His love is not abusive, nor is it dominant or penalizing.

Rachel W. Clark

Blessed and Loved and a Giveaway

I was feeling a little down and a bit overwhelmed when a package arrived at my door. Forgetting that I had been given a great opportunity to review some fabulous DaySpring products for free, I tore into the package as fast as I could. Who sent me a gift?

Oh, my DaySpring products!!!! Inside the package was the beautiful Blessed and Loved Collection.

I was so excited as I looked through each item. Which one should I use first??

The adorable teacup? I imagined sipping a nice hot cup of tea outside on my porch with my blanket and my Bible.

The beautiful journal? Maybe I will use this for making notes as I read my Bible. Oh look, there are inspirational verses on each page.

The perpetual calendar? I can totally use this at work for a great pick me up.

A gift bag? Wait a minute…you know what? I believe I will use this gorgeous gift bag to share a part of these great products with someone special to make them smile as I am smiling.

I chose to share the journal with my sister. That was the right decision. When I handed her the gift bag she smiled and commented on how pretty it was. Her smile got even bigger once she pulled out the journal! “It looks just like the bag. Cute!!”

Since I have received these great products I have been blessed each day as I turn to a new day in my calendar. The inspirational passage greats me and reminds me just how much I am loved.

I am so excited to have been given this chance to review some fabulous products. But want to know what is even better??? They have given me the opportunity to host a giveaway so that you can purchase the Blessed and Loved Collection at a discounted price or to browse their site and choose your own gift.

All you have to do is leave a comment in the section below explaining how utterly excited you are that you could win a $20 coupon to use towards any purchase you choose to make from Dayspring.com

I am so thankful to be a part of the review team with Dayspring and cannot tell you how Blessed and Loved I feel with my collection. (pun is intended)

Does This Good Girl Need Grace?

Only finished Chapter 1 of Grace for the Good Girl by Emily P. Freeman and already I am nervous regarding what I will discover about myself. I am not perfect, was not perfect nor ever will be perfect. My life is not perfect, was not perfect nor ever will be perfect.

Someone once told me, “Yes, you have accepted Christ but you have not accepted Grace.”

You see, I have a deep desire to be perfect. I even pray that God will help me to become a better wife, daughter, sister, friend, neighbor, granddaughter, employee….Christian. I tell myself that it is not perfection I am seeking, only to grow more. To grow more spiritually and as a human being. But is that really what I mean?

Or do I mean, please love me. Please let others like me. Please give me validation. Please show me I am lovely. Please be pleased with me. And I will “work” to do whatever it takes to make that happen. Even if it mean striving for perfection. Please just love me Lord.

Grace…

Rachel W. Clark

But Today....

A Year Ago Today:

I was sobbing uncontrollably.

I experienced one of the worst days of my life.

I surprisingly confided in someone I just met who saw my hurt and reached out to me.

I was filled with pain, anxiety, frustration and fear.

But Today:

I am smiling and peaceful.

I am stronger.

I am thankful for the new friend in my life that turned into a true friend.

I am learning to let those comments people make about me that are untrue roll off my back a little easier.

There were no tears and the sun was shining on me and inside of me.

We all have seasons in our life. They can be seasons of darkness and pain or of light and laughter. I am thankful that God’s promises always remain true no matter what season of our life we are in...

He will never leave nor forsake us…( Hebrews 13:5)

We will be delivered if we lean on Him ..(Psalm 91:14)

Rachel W. Clark

Until Then

It sure has been a while since I have sat down and shared what was on my mind, in my heart and flowing in my soul. Writing for me has always been a huge passion. It has always been the best way I could express myself. If I owed someone an apology, I wrote a letter. If I needed to confront someone, I wrote a letter. If my heart was overflowing with so much love that I had to express it or burst, I wrote a letter.

So why after 20+ years, writing has become a stranger to me? Why is it that something that once flowed so freely from within can't break through this wall that has been built up?

Because I have helped build that wall and only I know how to tear it down.

Sitting here and "talking" to you all on a regular basis and opening up my heart, revealing to strangers my innermost thoughts, suddenly became a "fear" of mine. Being a blessing to someone who may be going through the same thing as me suddenly became scary because I suddenly became accountable for all I said. If I told you to hold on to God even if you did not feel His presence, it meant that I had to. If I told you to pray for others instead of being angry at them, it meant I had to. If I told you to hold your head high when your heart was breaking, it meant I had to.

The pressure was too much for me...And I honestly did not realize that this is why I was holding back until I just NOW grabbed my computer, logged onto blogger and started typing.

God revealed to me that I have not allowed grace to lead me through this process of sharing. Instead, I was letting the fear of failure stop me. And STOP me, it did.

I can't promise that I will be able able to sit here daily, weekly or even monthly and share what I have on my mind and in my heart with you like I used to. But I can promise that from here on out if that is what God WANTS me to do, I will try.

Until then........

Rachel W. Clark

I am not forgotten!

Why art thou cast down, O my soul? And why art thou disquieted within me? Hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance (Psalm 43: 5 KJV)

Today, I have been feeling slightly blah; a little downhearted, a little mope-y. Maybe it is changes in my life, maybe it is that I missed the much needed encouragement of fellowship with my Christian family today, or maybe it is a little bit of both.

Needing encouragement and support that can only come from one place, I diligently and desperately prayed to God tonight for His guidance and direction. I sank into a warm bath with my Bible in hand, closed my eyes and asked God to lead me to the place I needed to be; for Him to answer my hearts cry with wisdom from His word.

I opened to Psalm 43. I read, read and re-read. I felt God answer me- “Hope in - Me…. Praise - Me….Rely on - Me….” God’s timing was perfect and His answer to my prayer for wisdom left me feeling loved and renewed.

Encouragement is what I sought;it is what I prayed for God to give me. After already feeling blessed by His answer to my prayer, I felt a deeper tug from Him to look up the definition of “countenance” (who is the health of my countenance)

What did I see? approval or favor; encouragement; moral support---

He said to me yes, Rachel I approve of you and I favor you. I want to be your encouragement and I will always be your support.

Fill in the blank with your name: Yes ______ I approve of you and I favor you. I want to be your encouragement and I will always be your support.

Love, Rachel

Needing To Get In Touch

It has been so long since I have posted a blog. Mainly, because I have had no words to say. Partly it is my fault because I have neglected that constant and daily one on one time with the Lord. I have only given Him my time when it has been convenient for me.

Yes, life has been busy....but still it is no excuse.

So, I ask that you pray for me during this season in my life as I wait for the Lord to give to me the words He would have me share with you. I will continue to wait...be it 4 days or 4 months. All I can do is remember, writing is a gift He has given me....and if I need to take a break from it to grow deeper in Him...I will!

Because the one thing I have always wanted to stand firm on from the start of this blog...is that I always want my writing to glorify Him and not me!!!!

Rachel W. Clark

not to those we choose

Do you believe God’s word? Do you believe each and every thing He tells you in His gift of the Holy Bible?

Today, I found myself on a crossroads. Would I take a stand and express how I feel about a worldly belief or would I sit back and say nothing out of fear?

Common arguments from many Christians when given the opportunity to witness really only boils down to one main concern:

“I do not want to seem closed minded.”

As Christians, many times we find ourselves not wanting to “push” our beliefs on anyone. We do not want to appear rude, judgmental, or even “uncool.” Taking a stand against what we hold to be the truth versus battling with the fear of being politically incorrect makes many go into a shell. Hearing conversations, seeing sin in action, witnessing worldly opinions reign; cause many to fight back only internally. By this I mean, we give every reason something is wrong, we stand up to every continuous sin that we see, and we witness for Christ in our thoughts instead of verbalizing this truth.

Often times it leads to later guilt for not taking that opportunity.

Was Jesus ashamed, scared, mean, closed minded, politically incorrect? Did Jesus just stand back and let not only His loved ones but also just an average passerby who didn’t ask His opinion leave His presence without them knowing the truth?

At times I think we feel we are imposing or pushing our beliefs on ones who appear happy with their life and do not have a relationship with Christ. However, Jesus saw it as witnessing.

I am not talking about bashing someone’s head against a wall until they get it. I am not speaking of repeating ourselves over and over and over to someone until they croak. I do not mean we should constantly badger someone who does not want to accept our truth. I am talking of lovingly telling someone of Christ's love and saving Grace. Giving someone the chance to know of a gift that offers a peace the world can not afford.

I am saying too that if we are in a situation, involved in a conversation, or amid a crowd of unbelievers that we need to lovingly stand up for Christ. We should be gently speaking of His truth and then letting Him do the rest.

No, we should not judge but we should speak up! We can lovingly speak out without appearing judgmental or argumentative.

^{Matthew 7:1-2} "Judge not, that you be not judged.  For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.

1 Peter 3:15  But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect (ESV)

Yes, we may lose “friends”, we may even be the topic of discussion once we are away. We may even be considered (gasp) close minded. However, we are required to witness to everyone (Mark 16:15) and we are required to speak out truth against untruth.

Do you find it scary or nerve racking to witness or speak out against untruth? I do! I fear what I wrote on above. I fear people will think me rude, close minded and judgmental. However, what we do for Christ will never return as void and He has promised to always be with us. This is a conviction God has given to me that I wanted to share with you.

Rachel

No; I mean, Yes; I mean, NO!

As a woman, more often than not I find it hard to say “No.” Especially as a Christian woman. I find within me this need to constantly and continually please those around me. It is what Christ would want, right?

“Can you do me a favor?”

“I have an appointment, can you_______ for me so I can leave early?”

“Would you mind calling ______ for me and asking her _______?”

“Do you think you can take the snacks to the game for me tomorrow?”

Yes, yes, yes,and yes.

Are we required as Christians to say yes to everyone, even to ourselves? To go to each event, to cook for every person who is sick, to lead every youth activity we come across, to have the cleanest house, and to volunteer our home for every get together?

When we go, go, go, and do, do, do.

When we run around nonstop and don’t have time for a bathroom break.

When our saying yes to someone is spoken through clenched teeth and a fake smile.

When making sure our home is spotless begins to take away from food fights with our family.

When our health is affected.

When we can’t remember how long it has been since we last sat with the Lord.

OR

When people begin to abuse us or run all over us…

That is when it becomes a problem. We begin performing our worst and saying yes only because we feel obligated. During those times, we either do our job half-way or we do it head on, leaving us tired and useless to those who need us most.

We also suffer consequences when we do more than we should. Feeling this need to say yes..to others or even to ourselves all the time can cause us to miss out on the important things in life.

Imagine with me a scene. Two sisters hear a visitor is coming. One is running around frantic and cleaning, baking, cleaning, stirring, cleaning, chopping, and so on. The guest arrives. She continues her preparations. (Saying “yes” to that voice in her head telling her she has to get this all done to impress.)

The other sister decides to spend time with this important guest. She talks to Him and gives her full attention to Him. The other sister sees this and thinks…huh..she sees me doing all this work and doesn't even lift a finger…some sister. The guest notices “yes sisters” frantic frustration and tells her that she is so worried over pettiness that she is missing out on a great time of fellowship. (Luke 10:38-42)

Is saying yes with a tired mind and body or a burdened heart really honoring God?

Psalm 139 1:4

O LORD, you have searched me
       and you know me.

² You know when I sit and when I rise;
       you perceive my thoughts from afar.

³ You discern my going out and my lying down;
       you are familiar with all my ways.

⁴ Before a word is on my tongue
       you know it completely, O LORD.

God knows our true thoughts before we open our mouth. He knows our real attitude before we begin our “yes” duty. He knows that the “yes” results in the end are going to cause more harm than good when we are really thinking no because we are worn down and give out.

This is an important lesson I have been learning over the past three years. The first two years of saying no when I knew I needed to really bothered me. I didn't want to offend or make someone not like me anymore. I even had several relapses and found myself back on the yes wagon until consequences began creeping in again.

Within the last 6-8 months my yes’s still outweigh my no’s…but 9 times out of 10 …they are healthy yes’s. They are healthy because I say no when I really know I need to. When I do that; my heart, my health and my full attention is available for that special yes moment. I have even gotten to the point where I don't feel the need anymore to offer a reason why not.

Recognizing when an unhealthy “Yes” is hurting our Spiritual relationship or personal relationship and trusting “No” will be okay,  benefits not only those most important to us…but in the end it also makes us healthier.

Are you a woman who has learned to say no when you feel you need to? Can you say no guiltlessly?

If you are a constant Yes woman…what can you say no to this week?

Rachel

A Little Much

 

31. Sitting on the porch in the cool Fall morning air. Spending time in God’s word with my husband

32. A prayerful reminder on my wall that bids me farewell as I head out the door to start my day.

33. Enjoying the works of a woman sharing her talent.

34. Witnessing the start of a new friendship.

35. Ooh-ing and Ahh-ing at the cuteness of God’s Creation.

36. Seeing someone comfortable in their own skin. Happy to be exactly who they are.

For as much “bad” that has been occurring in my life lately, the good outweighs it. For I know Who holds my every moment. I know Who sees the solutions. I know Who will bring me through. I am trusting the One who always provides and never leaves.

Rachel

Prayers Please

Where has my heart been lately? Where has my head been? One of my biggest passions- Writing! For some reason I have had MAJOR writers block. Can’t seem to write much and cant seem to even follow the “rules” of writing something each day. Even if it is small and insignificant.

Prayers, please fellow bloggers and readers. I need to block out all the negativity, reconnect with hearing what God wants for me to share with other women, and find my passion again!

Appreciate you all!!!

Rachel

A Soul Preparing

Deeper colors, pumpkins sitting on the sidewalk begging to be taken home, sunflowers adorning gift shop counters and fields, excuses to be inside in pajamas at 7:00pm with shorter days here.

Fall

Weather man announcing “cooler temperatures this evening”, thoughts of stews, soups and the smell of cinnamon, naps on the couch and movies that make me cry. Pumpkin scented candles, apple cider and candied apples. Fairs and festivals and little children in light jackets running and laughing.

Squealing within at the chance to open the windows and doors in the evenings. Preparing to say goodbye to the hummingbirds that have enjoyed their sugar water this year. Wondering how I will de-stress as I am preparing for the time approaching when the mower hibernates till Spring.

Joyful for another Season come and gone, thankful for the trials and tears, triumphs and laughter. Reflective yet anticipating.

It is in the air and in my soul.

Rachel

Positive Ponderings

 

Spending time with the Lord this morning, a verse grabbed hold of my heart and won’t let go. Joshua 1:3

Positive Pondering:

“I choose the Promised Land”

Joshua 1:3 “Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that I have given to you, as I said unto Moses” (KJV)

Every place…not some places and not only those I think I deserve…

From a place of poverty into a place of riches

From a place of depression into a place of joy

From a place of battle into a place of victory

From a place of confusion into a place of knowledge

From a place of sadness into a place of happiness

From a place of wilderness into a place of the promised land

From a place of the law into a place of grace

From a place of fear into a place of trust

From a place of lies into a place of truth

From a place of drought into a place of rain

To a place of bringing souls to Christ

To a place of a lasting marriage

To a place of enlarged territory

To a place of hope

To a place of love

To a place of helping

To a place of healing

“Positive Ponderings” Details & Rules:

----Once a week we will meet here at Seeking Peace for a small lesson on the power of positive thinking. Some of the “lessons” will be ones I have learned from what God has taught me…while others may be quotes I obtain from other more experienced positive thinkers.

----Each one of us, including myself, will be required to speak one positive thing aloud on these days and share it with others.

----In addition to speaking it aloud, we then will type our “Positive Pondering” for the day in the comments section below..(although mine will be listed here in the blog)

----Also, if you have a blog, you are then welcome to create a new post of your own and link it back to me. Feel free to write whatever God lays on your heart. But make sure to share your “Positive Pondering” there with others, also.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. Philippians 4:8 (NIV)

Rachel

Positive Ponderings

My thought for today is one that I want so hard to break through the negative. It is a thought that is a truth I cling to. I repeat this over and over to myself and let the peace it brings, sink in

Positive Pondering:

“God is in control!”

The truth this brings eases my soul today. I know that God will be the places I can’t go. He will be with the people I love that I can’t protect. He will take care of situations that are out of my control. He will remain faithful and true. I praise God for His hand in my life.

“Positive Ponderings” Details & Rules:

----Once a week we will meet here at Seeking Peace for a small lesson on the power of positive thinking. Some of the “lessons” will be ones I have learned from what God has taught me…while others may be quotes I obtain from other more experienced positive thinkers.

----Each one of us, including myself, will be required to speak one positive thing aloud on these days and share it with others.

----In addition to speaking it aloud, we then will type our “Positive Pondering” for the day in the comments section below..(although mine will be listed here in the blog)

----Also, if you have a blog, you are then welcome to create a new post of your own and link it back to me. Feel free to write whatever God lays on your heart. But make sure to share your “Positive Pondering” there with others, also.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. Philippians 4:8 (NIV)

Rachel

A Little Much, Continued

 

This weekend really caused a stir in my heart. I have had many revelations…some amazing and some not so amazing. With a heavy and light heart (is it possible for both? I think so), with a grateful attitude, I continue to thank God for my many blessings.

21. My niece turning 7

22. Time spent with my entire family

23. A night on the couch watching television with my hubby and pet

24.Worship service Sunday Morning and the reception of the Sermon God wanted me to hear

25. Cooler Temperatures

26. Sharing advice with a friend

27. Money for bills

28. Productivity

29. Love

30. Laughing with my family today watching Christian Comedians.

Rachel

A Little Much Continued…

Today as I reflect on what I am most thankful for, I have realized that there are people I oftentimes neglect. People I expect every day to be here for me…readily available. Forgetting that we are not guaranteed tomorrow and that I should live in this moment and show gratitude for what/who I have been given!

11. My spouse…who has always forgiven me when I have hurt him. My spouse…who protects me. My spouse…who listens to me when I am hurting and need a friend. My spouse…who lets me be me and never judges. My spouse…who is the most thoughtful man I have ever known. My spouse…who is intelligent, a hard worker, and extremely talented.

12. My mom…who raised me in a Christian home. My mom…who taught me the importance of faith. My mom…who never gives up. My mom…who is a prayer warrior. My mom…who protects her family. My mom…who gave life to me.

13. My dad…who treats me like his “little girl”. My dad…who makes me laugh so easily. My dad…who has a million nicknames for me.

14. My little sister… who is still 10 in my eyes and needs to stop growing. My little sister…who has a huge heart and deserves lots of love. My little sister….who is wonderful with children and as a teacher. My little sister…who is probably more responsible than I am.

15. My big brother…who is one of my greatest friends. My big brother…who now thinks I am cool (despite his lack of loving feelings towards me when I was little) My big  brother…who takes care of his family and gets his good looks from me (even though he was born first).

16. My stepdad…who takes care of his family. My stepdad…who will drop anything to take his grandchildren (my nieces and nephews) wherever they need to go. My stepdad…who always carries the bags when you go shopping.

17. My stepmom…who takes care of my dad. My stepmom…who loves to talk. My stepmom…who makes us all laugh.

18. My niece and nephews…who have my heart. My niece and nephews…who make life more fun and a lot more bright. My niece and nephews…who have me wrapped around their finger.

19. My In-Laws…who have huge hearts. My In-Laws…who diminish all the horror stories you hear about in-laws. My In-Laws…who are a great gift I received when I married my hubby.

20. My girlfriends…who soothe my soul. My girlfriends…who love me for me. My girlfriends…who respect me. My girlfriends…who encourage me. My girlfriends…who are strong and beautiful women with large hearts!!

ALL of my family and friends (even those not pictured). From grandparents to church family to immediate family and extended. I love each and every one of them wholeheartedly and forever and ever and ever…Amen

Positive Ponderings

“Positive Ponderings”

This week has kind of been a blah week for me. Trying to remain upbeat and positive has been a challenge. It has been slightly difficult to be positive when all my strength and energy seemed to be wrapped up in my blah-ness.

However, I have had to turn to God’s word for direction on getting my attitude in check.

Positive Pondering #2:

“My feelings of negativity won’t determine the outcome of my day”

This week I will focus on what God’s word tells me in the midst of my heavy feelings. I will focus on the fact that He is good, every day is a blessing, and my problems are never too much for Him to take from me.

“Positive Ponderings” Details & Rules:

----Once a week we will meet here at Seeking Peace for a small lesson on the power of positive thinking. Some of the “lessons” will be ones I have learned from what God has taught me…while others may be quotes I obtain from other more experienced positive thinkers.

----Each one of us, including myself, will be required to speak one positive thing aloud on these days and share it with others.

----In addition to speaking it aloud, we then will type our “Positive Pondering” for the day in the comments section below..(although mine will be listed here in the blog)

----Also, if you have a blog, you are then welcome to create a new post of your own and link it back to me. Feel free to write whatever God lays on your heart. But make sure to share your “Positive Pondering” there with others, also. I will begin now with mine---

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. Philippians 4:8 (NIV)