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Sonia
  
I have but one life, I choose to spend it praising Him
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You are victorious! Aug 14, 2008 6:45 am
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Dr Jack Graham

Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

--1 John 4:4

I want to share something with you that Satan doesn’t want you to know:

As a follower of Christ, you are victorious!

Yes, you have a very real and very deadly enemy. Yes, you’re engaged in a spiritual battle with him every single day. But, you are victorious in Jesus Christ! According to our Scripture today, the battle is already won.

As believers, we fight from a position of strength, not from a position of weakness. We fight from victory… not for victory. When Jesus cried out “It is finished!” Satan was finished. And because of the cross, we have victory in Jesus.

When we came into the Kingdom of God, we were not only transformed, we were translated from the kingdom of darkness into the glorious Kingdom of God. We were born again into the family of God as His children. And because we’re children of God, we are joint heirs with the Lord Jesus Christ. That means everything is ours because of Him!

You and I have been born into the family of God, and now the risen, resurrected Redeemer is living in us. The Holy Spirit has taken up residence in our lives and as a result, “he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”

That is our victory in Jesus and that’s why we can say we fight, not for victory, but from victory, from the strongest possible position of strength! According to God’s Word, through Jesus Christ we are invincible against the attacks of the enemy… invincible.

For the Scripture says in 1 John 2:17, “Whoever does the will of God abides forever.”

I want to leave you with one last thought today: Satan may frighten you, but he cannot hurt you. Because as God’s child, you are in His omnipotent grip!

As it says in 2 Corinthians 4:8-9, “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed”!!

It’s my prayer that the Lord Jesus would encourage you with these words no matter what you may be going though today!

FACE THE CHALLENGES OF TODAY KNOWING THAT YOU ARE VICTORIOUS IN CHRIST!
5 Comments
Another biggy.... I decided to quit!!!! Aug 14, 2008 3:02 am
Mood: anxious, 354 Views
My sister and I decided to quit smoking. Now we have tried before lol, obviously without success.

Any advice and prayers will be appreciated,

today is D-day.
15 Comments
Great Sermons are Not Preached, They're Lived Aug 14, 2008 1:32 am
202 Views
Lysa TerKeurst

"When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus." Acts 4:13 (NIV)

Devotion:
What if someone followed me around with a video camera all day documenting my every move? Catching on camera all of my words, facial expressions, actions, and reactions. And then what if someone packaged it all together and played it on some sort of reality TV show for all the world to see. What would be the glaring message of my life?

I am convicted thinking about this.

You see, if someone were to ask me, what are you all about? I would have some nice sounding answers. But what actually happens during the strains of everyday life can sometimes betray my best intentions.

I want to be a loving wife. Yet I can sometimes be found in a grumpy, selfish mood and view my husband as a business partner that better hold up his end of helping out.

I want to be a wise and patient mom. But my kids know the exact buttons to push that send me into a tailspin of emotion and exhaustion.

I want to be a strong witness for Christ. So why is it that I can read my Bible first thing in the morning and then find myself honking at the person that cuts me off in traffic just an hour later?

I realize there is a place for God's tender mercies for me in all this. But I also know that while no TV cameras are following me around, my life is speaking a message about what I really believe and I want that message to honor Jesus. I once heard, "Great sermons are not preached, they are lived." Oh how I long to live a message that speaks loud and clear, "Jesus is true and the principles found in His teachings work!"

Let's just be honest, it's tough being a sold out soul for Christ stuck in a flesh-filled body. That's why it is essential that I view my time with God each morning as a preparation and an invitation. Every verse, devotion and prayer is all part of God's preparation for me that day. Instead of just using it to quiet my soul for the few minutes of devotion time, I must with allow it His teachings to seep into my heart and mind. Then I must ask God to interrupt my natural flesh response throughout the day the truths He taught me that morning. That's the preparation part.

The next essential view of my quiet time each morning is the invitation part. Spending time with God first thing invites His presence into my life and acknowledges, "Not my will God, but Yours be done." So if my husband forgets to do something he promised, or my kids push my buttons, or a person cuts me off in traffic, or one of the other one million things happens that causes my flesh to want to rear up and act ugly... I can say, "Not my will God, but yours be done."

This slight pause and acknowledgement of God redirects my frustration and replaces it with grace. Then and only then will my life speak to the fact that I have spent time with Jesus.

Dear Lord, please teach me how to reveal more and more of You through the way I live my life. I want to tell the whole world about You using words only when necessary. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Application Steps:

Who is someone today that might have the propensity to push your buttons? What are some Bible verses that you could think on and pray through today to prepare your heart to respond with grace?

What is your typical response when something in life happens that frustrates you? What is a more God honoring response?

Reflections:

Are you having a daily quiet time first thing in the morning?

If not, why not start today.

Power Verses:

Hebrews 6:1,3, "Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity... and God permitting, we will do so." (NIV)

Romans 7:21-24, "So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God's law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God--through Jesus Christ our Lord!" (NIV)
3 Comments
Got it... Aug 13, 2008 4:56 am
283 Views
The visa appointment went smooth and they awarded me a 10 year multi entry visa. Lol, they must have liked my face.

The process is quite smooth and I was impressed with the professional service received at the consulate.

I also got my International Driving Permit and it allows me to drive anywhere in the US.

My ticket to the USA is confirmed and I will be leaving August 24th and arrive on the 25th. I cannot say that I am looking forward to the 25 hour trip but the excitement overrides all lol. I only have short layover of about 4 hours in Atlanta, which is convenient just to refresh and stretch some lol.

From there it is on to Wisconsin and Tom.

It is a relieve now that things are in the final stages, lol only a few last to do lists to draw up. All the bon voyage parties have been organized.

I was quite surprised at the restrictions on carry-on baggage. I thought it would be weapons and stuff, and of course scissors and sharp objects. Unfortunately it is also on liquids, which includes creams and gels. YOU ARE ONLY ALLOWED A TOTAL OF 3 OZ. I am still trying to figure it out, on a 25 hour flight, what is it that you cannot go without, your toothpaste, your facial cream or deodorant. Lol now to figure out how much 3oz is in ml.

Now, another main concern is the shower facilities at Atlanta airport. Europe is quite well organized and their facilities are well kept and easy to access. Any tips on Atlanta airport?
16 Comments
“My strength comes from the Lord.” Aug 10, 2008 11:26 am
192 Views
Where does your strength come from? If it comes from your bank account — or your education — or your emotions — then these things can fade.

“If God is for us, then who can be against us.” As a Christian, your true strength comes from Jesus Christ who lives within you. The good news is — you can never truly be defeated! If someone is stronger than you — they are not stronger than God. If someone is wiser than you — they are not wiser than God. Christ in you is the hope of glory.

“In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him Who loved us.” So you can go into life victorious — because the God of the Bible lives in all those who have truly accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior.

God is in you! He is the source of the greatest power the world has ever known. “And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.”

(Romans 8:31 - 39)

“What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all--how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died--more than that, who was raised to life--is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: "For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered." No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Romans 8:31-39 (Amplified Bible)

31What then shall we say to [all] this? If God is for us, who [can be] against us? [Who can be our foe, if God is on our side?](A)

32He who did not withhold or spare [even] His own Son but gave Him up for us all, will He not also with Him freely and graciously give us all [other] things?

33Who shall bring any charge against God's elect [when it is] God Who justifies [that is, Who puts us in right relation to Himself? Who shall come forward and accuse or impeach those whom God has chosen? Will God, Who acquits us?]

34Who is there to condemn [us]? Will Christ Jesus (the Messiah), Who died, or rather Who was raised from the dead, Who is at the right hand of God actually pleading as He intercedes for us?

35Who shall ever separate us from Christ's love? Shall suffering and affliction and tribulation? Or calamity and distress? Or persecution or hunger or destitution or peril or sword?

36Even as it is written, For Thy sake we are put to death all the day long; we are regarded and counted as sheep for the slaughter.(

37Yet amid all these things we are more than conquerors [a]and gain a surpassing victory through Him Who loved us.

38For I am persuaded beyond doubt (am sure) that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things impending and threatening nor things to come, nor powers,

39Nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

This week, let us pray that God will help you know the power and strength that you have in Christ
1 comment
Romantic quotes Aug 8, 2008 8:32 am
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Lisa's blog, What Gifts Are Romantic To You???, gave me the idea to post some romantic quotes to use on those lunchbox cards or cards you leave all over the house for your loved one to find.

Pen, maybe I am also catching spring fever, ours is also about a month away. Wanna share some cornflakes lol?

Here goes:

"If right now, a smile should appear on your face, it's because at this very minute, I am thinking of you and I am smiling too. "

"I thought about you today, and for some reason after that I couldn't stop smiling!"

"In the rhythm of life, we sometimes find ourselves out of the tune, but as long as there's someone which becomes our melody, the music plays on. Thanks for being one of my best songs."

"If ever you remember me, I'll be thankful. If ever yours lips meets mine, I'll be grateful. If ever we fall in love, I'll be happy. If ever we fall apart, I'll be sorry."

"Your presence in my life brings wonderful smiles and loving thoughts within my heart."

"Your smile is infectious and one that I hold dear, for whenever I feel down your smile brings me cheer."

"Never had I seen the sun shine brighter, so many days seem so precious, my life so complete, and the feeling of my dreams being placed into the palms of my hands ... never had I, until the day you touched my soul with your love."

Let these words not only touch your eyes, let them travel through your soul, and let them rest in your heart as you rest in mine…I love you.

Just when I thought it couldn't get better, you prove me wrong! I love you!

Falling in love with you was the easiest thing I've done in my life.

Rains fall, winds blow, the sun shines... it all comes naturally, just like loving you.

Being with you is like having every single one of my wishes come true.

There is no long distance about love; it always finds a way to bring hearts together, no matter how many miles are between them.

You are the sun in my day, the wind in my sky, the waves in my ocean, and the beat in my heart.

Thank you for being the one who calms all my inner fears.

"Happiness is falling asleep next to you and waking up thinking I'm still in my dreams."

"Just when I thought that love could never be a part of me, that's when you came along and showed me happiness!"

"If I could reach up and hold a star for every time you made me smile, I'd have the entire night sky in the palm of my hand."

"...all the little things that make me weak, your eyes and the way you speak, with out you baby I'm not me..."

"Happiness was something I only dreamt of....until you walked into the room."

"I thought I knew happiness ... it wasn't 'til the day we met when I realised I only just discovered it!"

"I love it when your smile touches mine."

"If anyone ever asks me what part of my life you are, I will look at them and smile and say, The best part. The happiness you give me is something I'll never be able to get enough of. I love having you in my world, and I love having you to love."

PLEASE ADD SOME NEW ONES
2 Comments
My turn Aug 8, 2008 1:29 am
282 Views
Lol, my turn to do the internet dating thing. I met Tom a number of months ago on another site. He posted a blog that I thought was quite funny and I peeked at his profile. It turned out to be quite an interesting and amusing profile. There were a few things that did not fit in with my, let's say preferences. I did however sent him an email complimenting him on his profile and stated my regret about the incompatible differences.

His reply caught me by surprise and we started communicating. We started chatting on the phone and communicating via email. He invited me to the US earlier this year and I was planning to go but something changed my mind and I decided against it.

We resumed communication and he invited me again a couple months back and I accepted.

Although I am quite nervous, I am also very excited at the prospect of meeting him in person. He is kind, generous and has an amazing sense of humor. What is reassuring, and we both feel that way, if it does not work out romantically, we will remain great friends.

So there you have it, does this mean I can no longer flirt with Yendor lol.
8 Comments
Packing my bags... Aug 8, 2008 12:34 am
241 Views
I am packing my bags for a trip to the USA. Lol, may be a bit premature because I still need to get through a visa appointment on Tuesday.

I must admit, although it is a serious affair I had quite a few giggles through the process. Let's see one of the questions on the visa application:

"Do you seek to enter the United States to engage in export control violations, subversive or terrorist activities, or any other unlawful purpose? Are you a member or representative of a terrorist organization as currently designated by the U.S. Secretary of State? Have you ever participated in persecutions directed by the Nazi government of Germany; or have you ever participated in genocide?"

Valid question I would say, but lol, why would I bother to apply if I am going to answer yes!
5 Comments
Ocean or Mountains? Aug 7, 2008 11:58 pm
204 Views
Glynnis Whitwer

"For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature-- have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse." Romans 1:20 (NIV)

Romans 1:20 (Amplified Bible)
20For ever since the creation of the world His invisible nature and attributes, that is, His eternal power and divinity, have been made intelligible and clearly discernible in and through the things that have been made (His handiworks). So [men] are without excuse [altogether without any defense or justification]

Devotion:

Ocean cabana or mountain cabin?

This was one of the questions in a great little book I bought for a summer road trip from Arizona to Wyoming and back. The book is called "Coke or Pepsi?" and it is filled with discussion starters. The ocean or mountain question was posed somewhere on Interstate 15 in Utah .

One by one, my family answered: "ocean" "ocean" "ocean," and so on. I knew their answers before they spoke because they love the ocean. I do too. But when the question turned to me, I answered "mountain cabin."

For as long as I can remember, mountains have brought me peace. Growing up in a valley, I've been hemmed in by mountains all my life. They give me a sense of security, and their beauty delights my senses. Take some mountains, add a flower-strewn meadow and a stream winding somewhere in the midst of it, and that's my version of ultimate beauty in all of God's creation.

Part of our recent vacation was to the Grand Tetons. As I stood in front of these unbelievable mountains, I just gaped. They are a 40-mile-long section of the Rockies with a series of soaring peaks side by side. Their proximity to each other, and the fact that they have no foothills, creates an imposing sight. Snow still frosts the tops in the middle of summer, and the snowmelt made for numerous small waterfalls cascading down the sides and spilling into stunning lakes.

Descriptive words danced in my head as I looked at those soaring peaks: Dependable, unchanging, strong, awesome and beautiful. Those words not only describe the Tetons, they sound a lot like characteristics of God!

After reading Romans 12:1, I'm confident that one of God's goals when He created mountains was to reveal Himself in creation to creation: "For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature-- have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse."

It still amazes me that God chooses to reveal Himself to me in so many ways. He really wants me to know Him. So in addition to sending Jesus, and having the Bible written, He has designed this world intentionally so we can know Him better. The wonder of God's creation is that, no matter if we love to look at mountains or oceans, everyone can see a glimpse of God's invisible qualities. We just have to see with new eyes.

So while my family enjoys the majesty, strength and depth of the oceans (and God), I'll snuggle in close to the mountains and rest in the shadow of their mighty power (and God's).

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for giving me such a beautiful world to live in. As I look at Your creation, please help me to see Your power and character revealed. Open my eyes and heart to know You better. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Application Steps:

Identify your favorite place in nature. List three characteristics of God you can learn from this place.

Reflections:

Why would God choose to reveal Himself to us through creation?

How does creation reveal God's power and divine nature?

What happens when we miss seeing God revealed in His creation?

Power Verses:

Psalm 121 : 1, "I lift up my eyes to the hills-- where does my help come from?" (NIV)

1 Chronicles 29:11, "Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all." (NIV)

Ecclesiastes 3:11, "He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end." (NIV)

Ecclesiastes 3:11 (Amplified Bible)
11He has made everything beautiful in its time. He also has planted eternity in men's hearts and minds [a divinely implanted sense of a purpose working through the ages which nothing under the sun but God alone can satisfy], yet so that men cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.
3 Comments
The harvest Aug 6, 2008 12:28 am
248 Views

Cartoonist's Comment: This verse makes a correlation between praising God and receiving a harvest. Whatever it is that you are believing God for, don't forget to praise Him and thank Him for it in advance.
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