“Without goals, you will end up going nowhere, or, you will end up following someone else’s map! Develop your map today - set your goals and focus.”
- Catherine Pulsifer
- Catherine Pulsifer
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Jeremiah 17:7-8
Jeremiah 17:7-8
““But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit""
““But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit""
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Inspirational Story
When Everything Is A Miracle
Marlin Perkins, long-time host of television's "Wild Kingdom," spent most of his life trying to put people on a first-name basis with animals. His wife Carol wanted to marry him so badly that she never let on that she did not fully share his passion for wildlife.
Marlin Perkins, long-time host of television's "Wild Kingdom," spent most of his life trying to put people on a first-name basis with animals. His wife Carol wanted to marry him so badly that she never let on that she did not fully share his passion for wildlife.
Soon after their marriage they went to central Africa. She tried valiantly not to complain during the long expedition, but one night she was exhausted. She said she wasn't hungry and just wanted to go to bed. So she undressed and reached for her pillow, when out from underneath crawled a huge lizard that ran up her chest and down her arm.
Carol started to scream and couldn't stop. She was so tired of being brave. Marlin came running, and after he saw that Carol wasn't hurt, he put his arm around her and said, "Honey, think of how lucky you were to see him up close."
I'm with Carol. I would find it difficult to appreciate the experience. But I am enthralled by Marlin's awe and enthusiasm for all things alive. He was able to marvel at the wonder of creatures and never lost his passion for animals. All living things, in their own way, were beautiful and splendid to this irrepressible lover of creation.
You may not choose to share your bed with a lizard, but do you find this world an exciting and wondrous place? Do you marvel at nature's handiwork? Do you want to "see it up close"? Does a spectacular sunset, the smell of seawater, that first spring flower, or the soft fall of snow soothe your soul? In short, are you excited about life and this magnificent world in which we live?
That amazing man Albert Einstein once said, "There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle." But only one is the way of joy.
~ Steve Goodier ~
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Dakuwaqa's Garden - Underwater footage from Fiji & Tonga
Just had to share this beautiful underwater footage!!
Monday, March 26, 2012
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Matthew 18:21-22
Matthew 18:21-22
Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?”
(22) Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven.
REMEMBER THE DUCK
REMEMBER THE DUCK
There was a little boy visiting his grandparents on their farm. He was
given a slingshot to play with, out in the woods. He practiced in the
woods, but he could never hit the target. Getting discouraged, he headed
back to dinner.
As he was walking back, he saw Grandma's pet duck. Just out of impulse, he
let the slingshot fly, hit the duck square in the head and killed it. He
was shocked and grieved. In a panic, he hid the dead duck in the woodpile,
only to see his sister watching. Sally had seen it all, but she said
nothing.
After lunch that day Grandma said, "Sally, let's wash the dishes." But
Sally said, "Grandma, Johnny told me he wanted to help in the kitchen
today, didn't you Johnny?" And then she whispered to him, "Remember, the
duck?"
So Johnny did the dishes.
Later Grandpa asked if the children wanted to go fishing, and Grandma
said, "I'm sorry, but I need Sally to help me make supper."
But Sally smiled and said, "Well, that's all right because Johnny told me
he wanted to help." And she whispered again, "Remember, the duck?" Sally
went fishing and Johnny stayed.
After several days of Johnny doing both his chores and Sally's, he finally
couldn't stand it any longer. He came to Grandma and confessed that he
killed the duck. She knelt down, gave him a hug, and said "Sweetheart, I
know. You see, I was standing at the window and I saw the whole thing. But
because I love you, I forgave you.
But, I was just wondering how long would you let Sally make a slave of
you."
Author Unknown
There was a little boy visiting his grandparents on their farm. He was
given a slingshot to play with, out in the woods. He practiced in the
woods, but he could never hit the target. Getting discouraged, he headed
back to dinner.
As he was walking back, he saw Grandma's pet duck. Just out of impulse, he
let the slingshot fly, hit the duck square in the head and killed it. He
was shocked and grieved. In a panic, he hid the dead duck in the woodpile,
only to see his sister watching. Sally had seen it all, but she said
nothing.
After lunch that day Grandma said, "Sally, let's wash the dishes." But
Sally said, "Grandma, Johnny told me he wanted to help in the kitchen
today, didn't you Johnny?" And then she whispered to him, "Remember, the
duck?"
So Johnny did the dishes.
Later Grandpa asked if the children wanted to go fishing, and Grandma
said, "I'm sorry, but I need Sally to help me make supper."
But Sally smiled and said, "Well, that's all right because Johnny told me
he wanted to help." And she whispered again, "Remember, the duck?" Sally
went fishing and Johnny stayed.
After several days of Johnny doing both his chores and Sally's, he finally
couldn't stand it any longer. He came to Grandma and confessed that he
killed the duck. She knelt down, gave him a hug, and said "Sweetheart, I
know. You see, I was standing at the window and I saw the whole thing. But
because I love you, I forgave you.
But, I was just wondering how long would you let Sally make a slave of
you."
Author Unknown
Monday, March 19, 2012
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Colossians 3:12
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Friends
God knew that everyone needs
companionship and cheer,
He knew that people need someone
whose thoughts are always near.
to lend a helping hand,
Someone to gladly take the time
to care and understand.
to share each happy day,
To be a source of courage
when troubles come our way.
whether near or far apart,
Someone whose love we'll always hold
and treasure in our hearts.
companionship and cheer,
He knew that people need someone
whose thoughts are always near.
He knew they need someone kind
to lend a helping hand,
Someone to gladly take the time
to care and understand.
God knew that we all need someone
to share each happy day,
To be a source of courage
when troubles come our way.
Someone to be true to us
whether near or far apart,
Someone whose love we'll always hold
and treasure in our hearts.
That's why God gave us friends.
Friday, March 16, 2012
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Psalm 91: 1-2
Psalm 91: 1-2
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."
Sunday, March 11, 2012
I Asked God
I ASKED GOD
I asked God to grant me patience. God said, No.
Patience is a by-product of tribulations; it isn't granted, it is earned.
I asked God to give me happiness. God said, No. I give you blessings.
Happiness is up to you.
I asked God to spare me pain. God said, No.
Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to me.
I asked God to make my spirit grow. God said, No.
You must grow on your own, but I will prune you to make you fruitful.
I asked for all things that I might enjoy life. God said, No.
I will give you life so that you may enjoy all things.
I asked God to help me LOVE others, as much as God loves
me. God said... Ahhhh, finally you have the idea.
To the world, you may just be somebody...but to somebody, you may be the world.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Verse for Today
1 Peter 3:15
“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,”
Friday, March 9, 2012
Hello friends, I hope you are having a happy week! We have had sooooo much rain here in Sydney, but today was a lovely sunny day! It's funny how the weather can dictate our mood sometimes, making us feel happy or sad! I hope you enjoy reading the following message, God Bless, Kerry :-)
Deep in our hearts, we long to be significant. We want our life to matter. We want our presence here to mean something. This is not some self-seeking maneuver to be in the spotlight, but to ensure that our time on earth was used effectively to bless others and bring glory to God. However, in a world of over six billion people, it's hard to feel very significant or to think you've made much of an impact with your life!
As our understanding of the enormity of the universe expands, we find it even harder to believe that our presence means much in the scheme of things -- after all, we're just one person, from a small blue planet, in the middle of such an enormous and unfathomable universe. Stack on top of this the culturally entrenched assumption that human beings are only a chance distillation of random genetic mutations scattered over billions of years, and it's easy to become convinced that we struggle with significance and sanctity of human life.
The Bible, of course, is full of affirmations that God knows us personally. If God knows about falling sparrows and the number of the hairs on our head, then surely he knows us individually (Matthew 10:29-31). But how do we existentially experience this truth? How do we move our knowledge down from our head to the core of our souls? How do we silence the voice of insignificance that screams in our heart when life is tough and doubt colors each breath?
That's where the Psalms can come to the rescue. While we may intellectually accept the proclamations of Scripture that we are important to God, we often need to experience this truth. The Psalms are a collection of Spirit-inspired prayers, praises, complaints, and cries for help. They cover the gamut of human emotions. Most importantly of all, they give us words to let our current emotional and physical conditions find articulation before God and with others. We can be honest with God in the presence of others while being connected to the great line of faithful witnesses who have said these words before. In addition, we get to say many of these Psalms from a first person perspective, driving home the point that these are not just community truths, they are personal realities as well.
These incredibly honest and personal words from Psalms 23 and 139 are just a small taste of what the Psalms offer us. This God-approved songbook allows us to personally worship. The Psalms remind us that God wants our relationship with him to be personal, genuine, and honest as we reverently approach him in faith.
We are not just part of a herd or a flock, but we are known to God personally by name (John 10:3, 14). He has chosen to come live inside us by his Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:18-19) and to give us specific gifts to bless his people (1 Corinthians 12; Romans 12; Ephesians 4; 1 Peter 4). Even in those moments when we can't articulate what is on our hearts, he uses this powerful Presence in us to intercede with "sighs too deep for words" conveying our needs "according to the will of God" (Romans 8:26-27).
So if you catch yourself wondering about your significance, I encourage you to open up God's songbook, the Psalms. Begin to read looking for the words that give your heart a voice. As you read, let God remind you that he knows your heart and longs to remind you that you have significance as his child -- a child he knows, loves, and in whom he lives.
Oh yeah, one final thing. If you are personally significant to God, then he's got a plan and purpose for you. So don't just sit there. Significant people do significant things to bless others and glorify God. When they do, they experience God's presence and their own significance by being used for his glory.
Significance
by Phil Ware 2000
Deep in our hearts, we long to be significant. We want our life to matter. We want our presence here to mean something. This is not some self-seeking maneuver to be in the spotlight, but to ensure that our time on earth was used effectively to bless others and bring glory to God. However, in a world of over six billion people, it's hard to feel very significant or to think you've made much of an impact with your life!
As our understanding of the enormity of the universe expands, we find it even harder to believe that our presence means much in the scheme of things -- after all, we're just one person, from a small blue planet, in the middle of such an enormous and unfathomable universe. Stack on top of this the culturally entrenched assumption that human beings are only a chance distillation of random genetic mutations scattered over billions of years, and it's easy to become convinced that we struggle with significance and sanctity of human life.
The Bible, of course, is full of affirmations that God knows us personally. If God knows about falling sparrows and the number of the hairs on our head, then surely he knows us individually (Matthew 10:29-31). But how do we existentially experience this truth? How do we move our knowledge down from our head to the core of our souls? How do we silence the voice of insignificance that screams in our heart when life is tough and doubt colors each breath?
That's where the Psalms can come to the rescue. While we may intellectually accept the proclamations of Scripture that we are important to God, we often need to experience this truth. The Psalms are a collection of Spirit-inspired prayers, praises, complaints, and cries for help. They cover the gamut of human emotions. Most importantly of all, they give us words to let our current emotional and physical conditions find articulation before God and with others. We can be honest with God in the presence of others while being connected to the great line of faithful witnesses who have said these words before. In addition, we get to say many of these Psalms from a first person perspective, driving home the point that these are not just community truths, they are personal realities as well.
"The Lord is MY shepherd... he leads ME... even though I walk through the shadow of death, I will fear no evil. ...your rod and your staff comfort ME." "Your hand will guide ME, your right hand will hold Me fast... you created MY inmost being; you knit Me together in MY mother's womb... Search ME, O God, and know MY heart..."
We are not just part of a herd or a flock, but we are known to God personally by name (John 10:3, 14). He has chosen to come live inside us by his Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:18-19) and to give us specific gifts to bless his people (1 Corinthians 12; Romans 12; Ephesians 4; 1 Peter 4). Even in those moments when we can't articulate what is on our hearts, he uses this powerful Presence in us to intercede with "sighs too deep for words" conveying our needs "according to the will of God" (Romans 8:26-27).
So if you catch yourself wondering about your significance, I encourage you to open up God's songbook, the Psalms. Begin to read looking for the words that give your heart a voice. As you read, let God remind you that he knows your heart and longs to remind you that you have significance as his child -- a child he knows, loves, and in whom he lives.
Oh yeah, one final thing. If you are personally significant to God, then he's got a plan and purpose for you. So don't just sit there. Significant people do significant things to bless others and glorify God. When they do, they experience God's presence and their own significance by being used for his glory.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
A note from me, and an Insirational Story
Hello my friends, life is so busy, and as we go about our daily chores, we can forget what really made us. I was sent this story in an email, and it is so 'me', I just had to share it with you.
Yesterday, my brother and I returned to our old suburb where we grew up, so many memories of our childhood, and my brother deverstated to see a 'SOLD' sign on our old High School. I guess there will be a big apartment complex built there!
Life goes on, and we are glad we both have God in our life, no matter what changes there are, we know that He is there for us.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:11-13 (NIV)
I grew up in the 50's/60's with practical parents. A
mother, God love her, who washed aluminium foil after
she cooked in it, then reused it. She was the original
recycle queen, before they had a Name for it... A
father who was happier getting old shoes fixed than
buying new ones.
Their marriage was good, their dreams focused. Their
best friends lived barely a wave away. I can see them
now, Dad in trousers, tee shirt and a hat and Mum in a
house dress, lawn mower in one hand, and dish-towel in
the other. It was the time for fixing things. A
curtain rod, the kitchen radio, screen door, the oven
door, the hem in a dress Things we keep.
It was a way of life, and sometimes it made me crazy.
All that re-fixing, eating, renewing, I wanted just
once to be wasteful. Waste meant affluence. Throwing
things away meant you knew there'd always be more.
But then my mother died, and on that clear summer's
night, in the warmth of the hospital room, I was
struck with the pain of learning that sometimes there
isn't any more.
Sometimes, what we care about most gets all used up
and goes away...never to return. So... while we have
it... it's best we love it.... and care for it... and
fix it when it's broken...... and heal it when it's sick.
This is true. for marriage..... and old cars.... and
children with bad report cards..... and dogs with bad
hips.... and aging parents..... and grandparents. We
keep them because they are worth it, because we are
worth it. Some things we keep. Like a best friend that
moved away or a classmate we grew up with.
There are just some things that make life important,
like people we know who are special..... and so, we
keep them close!
I received this from someone who thinks I am a
'keeper', so I've sent it to the people I think of in
the same way.. Now it's your turn to send this to
those people that are "keepers" in your life Good
friends are like stars.... You don't always see them,
but you know they are always there.
Keep them close!
Yesterday, my brother and I returned to our old suburb where we grew up, so many memories of our childhood, and my brother deverstated to see a 'SOLD' sign on our old High School. I guess there will be a big apartment complex built there!
Life goes on, and we are glad we both have God in our life, no matter what changes there are, we know that He is there for us.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:11-13 (NIV)
I grew up in the 50's/60's with practical parents. A
mother, God love her, who washed aluminium foil after
she cooked in it, then reused it. She was the original
recycle queen, before they had a Name for it... A
father who was happier getting old shoes fixed than
buying new ones.
Their marriage was good, their dreams focused. Their
best friends lived barely a wave away. I can see them
now, Dad in trousers, tee shirt and a hat and Mum in a
house dress, lawn mower in one hand, and dish-towel in
the other. It was the time for fixing things. A
curtain rod, the kitchen radio, screen door, the oven
door, the hem in a dress Things we keep.
It was a way of life, and sometimes it made me crazy.
All that re-fixing, eating, renewing, I wanted just
once to be wasteful. Waste meant affluence. Throwing
things away meant you knew there'd always be more.
But then my mother died, and on that clear summer's
night, in the warmth of the hospital room, I was
struck with the pain of learning that sometimes there
isn't any more.
Sometimes, what we care about most gets all used up
and goes away...never to return. So... while we have
it... it's best we love it.... and care for it... and
fix it when it's broken...... and heal it when it's sick.
This is true. for marriage..... and old cars.... and
children with bad report cards..... and dogs with bad
hips.... and aging parents..... and grandparents. We
keep them because they are worth it, because we are
worth it. Some things we keep. Like a best friend that
moved away or a classmate we grew up with.
There are just some things that make life important,
like people we know who are special..... and so, we
keep them close!
I received this from someone who thinks I am a
'keeper', so I've sent it to the people I think of in
the same way.. Now it's your turn to send this to
those people that are "keepers" in your life Good
friends are like stars.... You don't always see them,
but you know they are always there.
Keep them close!
The Serenity Prayer
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.
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