A month ago, twelve inches of snow covered the ground. Yesterday was dark, gloomy and raining. Today, I get to enjoy the sunshine and warmth. Unfortunately most of it will be through a library window, but at least I will see the sunrise this morning as I drive to work.
Just the like sunshine brings a smile and warmth to our face after a long winter, God will bring peace and joy during and after the storm. And your home should bring a smile to your face and be your place of refuge.
The season of trials and sorrow may feel like those long winter months when you are waiting for sunshine and new life. But even though it may be a long winter, you hold on to the hope of spring. You should hold on with even more hope to God. Even in the darkest of times, you can hold on to the hope and truth you have in Christ. It is simpler than we admit. Will you and I sulk and give up or will you and I choose to hold on and find joy because of the hope we have in Christ?
And I also plead with you one more time, will you please choose to make your home a place of refuge for you and your family. Freshen it up with some flowers for spring. Pick it up as you go along in the morning so you come home to a clean home. I promise you that you will have a smile on your face when you get home. Flowers to greet you and no mess on the floor are the most welcoming sight after a long day.
As I enjoy watching the sunrise and find new hope in a new day as I drive to work this morning, my prayer for you is that you choose to find hope in Christ today and choose to refresh your home for the Spring.
March Action Plan
To refresh our soul and mind and Spring Clean Our Homes
March Week 2 Action Plan
Spring Clean Living Areas: Wipe down baseboards, blinds and walls if they need it. Dust fans and light fixtures. Vacuum out the furniture and under the furniture. Dust off the power cords. Clean the inside of the windows. Spray some pretty smelling febreeze over the furniture to give a fresh scent.
Memorize Psalm 103:1-5
"1 Praise the LORD, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
2 Praise the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits-
3 who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
5 who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's."
March Week 2 Day 2
Choose to rejoice and proclaim your hope in Christ. Giv your sorrows and burden to him.
Choose to read through Exodus or Isaiah and see the promises God kept to His people.
Choose to keep doing your workout routine. (maybe even get outside today)
Choose to work on living area and do a Family 15.
Choose to get a good night's sleep.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Monday, March 8, 2010
March Week 2 Day 1: Choose to Renew Yourself in His Promises
The Promise by the Martins
Click on link and then follow along with the words.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hF8H5BWY6_M&feature=related
I never said that I would give you silver or gold
Or that you would never feel the fire or shiver in the cold
But I did say you'd never walk thru this world alone
And I did say don't make this world your home
I never said that fear wouldn't find you in the night
Or that loneliness was something you'd never have to fight
But I did say I'd be right there by your side
And I did say I'll always help you fight
'Cause you know I made a promise that I intend to keep
My grace will be sufficient in your time of need
My love will be the anchor that you can hold on to
This is the promise, this is the promise I've made to you
I never said that friends would never turn their backs on you
Or that the world around you wouldn't see you as a fool
But I did say like me you'll surely be despised
And I did say My ways confound the wise
I didn't say you'd never taste the bitter kiss of death
Or have to walk thru chilly Jordan to enter into rest
But I did say I'd be waiting right on the other side
And I did say I'll dry every tear you've cried
'Cause you know I made a promise that I've prepared a place
And someday sooner than you think you'll see me face to face
And you'll sing with the angels and a countless multitude
This is the promise, this is the promise I've made to you
So just keep on walking don't turn to the left or right
And in the midst of darkness let this be your light
That hell can't separate us and you're gonna make it thru
This is the promise, this is the promise I've made to you
Oh, this is the promise, this is the promise I've made to you
As we renew and refresh our self this month, we need to remember God's promises. This song reminds us of what we are promised. There will be disappointments, there will be hurt, there will be loss in our lives, but my dear, sweet friend, God has promised us so much more. Read the words again and really think if you believe those words. Find joy in each and every promise. No matter what lies ahead today, tomorrow or this week, God has promised to love you and never let you walk alone. Find peace in that truth today.
March Action Plan
To refresh our soul and mind and Spring Clean Our Homes
March Week 2 Action Plan
Spring Clean Living Areas: Wipe down baseboards, blinds and walls if they need it. Dust fans and light fixtures. Vacuum out the furniture and under the furniture. Dust off the power cords. Clean the inside of the windows. Spray some pretty smelling febreeze over the furniture to give a fresh scent.
Memorize Psalm 103:1-5
"1 Praise the LORD, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
2 Praise the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits-
3 who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
5 who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's."
March Week 1 Day 4
Choose to open up to God about the promises that are hard for you to believe.
Choose to read through Exodus or Isaiah and see the promises God kept to His people..
Choose to keep doing your workout routine.
Choose to work on living area and put up the dirty dishes in the kitchen.
Choose to get a good night's sleep.
Click on link and then follow along with the words.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hF8H5BWY6_M&feature=related
I never said that I would give you silver or gold
Or that you would never feel the fire or shiver in the cold
But I did say you'd never walk thru this world alone
And I did say don't make this world your home
I never said that fear wouldn't find you in the night
Or that loneliness was something you'd never have to fight
But I did say I'd be right there by your side
And I did say I'll always help you fight
'Cause you know I made a promise that I intend to keep
My grace will be sufficient in your time of need
My love will be the anchor that you can hold on to
This is the promise, this is the promise I've made to you
I never said that friends would never turn their backs on you
Or that the world around you wouldn't see you as a fool
But I did say like me you'll surely be despised
And I did say My ways confound the wise
I didn't say you'd never taste the bitter kiss of death
Or have to walk thru chilly Jordan to enter into rest
But I did say I'd be waiting right on the other side
And I did say I'll dry every tear you've cried
'Cause you know I made a promise that I've prepared a place
And someday sooner than you think you'll see me face to face
And you'll sing with the angels and a countless multitude
This is the promise, this is the promise I've made to you
So just keep on walking don't turn to the left or right
And in the midst of darkness let this be your light
That hell can't separate us and you're gonna make it thru
This is the promise, this is the promise I've made to you
Oh, this is the promise, this is the promise I've made to you
As we renew and refresh our self this month, we need to remember God's promises. This song reminds us of what we are promised. There will be disappointments, there will be hurt, there will be loss in our lives, but my dear, sweet friend, God has promised us so much more. Read the words again and really think if you believe those words. Find joy in each and every promise. No matter what lies ahead today, tomorrow or this week, God has promised to love you and never let you walk alone. Find peace in that truth today.
March Action Plan
To refresh our soul and mind and Spring Clean Our Homes
March Week 2 Action Plan
Spring Clean Living Areas: Wipe down baseboards, blinds and walls if they need it. Dust fans and light fixtures. Vacuum out the furniture and under the furniture. Dust off the power cords. Clean the inside of the windows. Spray some pretty smelling febreeze over the furniture to give a fresh scent.
Memorize Psalm 103:1-5
"1 Praise the LORD, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
2 Praise the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits-
3 who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
5 who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's."
March Week 1 Day 4
Choose to open up to God about the promises that are hard for you to believe.
Choose to read through Exodus or Isaiah and see the promises God kept to His people..
Choose to keep doing your workout routine.
Choose to work on living area and put up the dirty dishes in the kitchen.
Choose to get a good night's sleep.
Friday, March 5, 2010
March Week 1 Day 5: Choose to Renew in God's Word
My dear friend, I pray today that as you read God's Word you remember He is your God. The God of the Bible is your God today. God's promises still hold true. His love, joy, strength and peace are for you, too. So come before your Father and renew yourself in His truth.
28"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."
Matthew 11:28-29
6 Praise be to the LORD,
for he has heard my cry for mercy.
7 The LORD is my strength and my shield;
my heart trusts in him, and I am helped.
My heart leaps for joy
and I will give thanks to him in song.
Psalm 28:6-7
2 The LORD is my strength and my song;
he has become my salvation.
He is my God, and I will praise him,
my father's God, and I will exalt him.
Exodus 15:2
2 O LORD, be gracious to us;
we long for you.
Be our strength every morning,
our salvation in time of distress.
Isaiah 33:2
30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:30-31
3 Have mercy on me, O Lord,
for I call to you all day long.
4 Bring joy to your servant,
for to you, O Lord,
I lift up my soul.
5 You are forgiving and good, O Lord,
abounding in love to all who call to you.
Psalm 86:3-5
4 For you make me glad by your deeds, O LORD;
I sing for joy at the works of your hands.
5 How great are your works, O LORD,
how profound your thoughts!
Psalm 92:4-5
17 Though the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,
18 yet I will rejoice in the LORD,
I will be joyful in God my Savior.
19 The Sovereign LORD is my strength;
he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
he enables me to go on the heights.
For the director of music. On my stringed instruments
Habakkuk 3:17-19
19 Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior,
who daily bears our burdens.
Selah
Psalm 68:19
Matthew 11:28-29
6 Praise be to the LORD,
for he has heard my cry for mercy.
7 The LORD is my strength and my shield;
my heart trusts in him, and I am helped.
My heart leaps for joy
and I will give thanks to him in song.
Psalm 28:6-7
2 The LORD is my strength and my song;
he has become my salvation.
He is my God, and I will praise him,
my father's God, and I will exalt him.
Exodus 15:2
2 O LORD, be gracious to us;
we long for you.
Be our strength every morning,
our salvation in time of distress.
Isaiah 33:2
30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:30-31
3 Have mercy on me, O Lord,
for I call to you all day long.
4 Bring joy to your servant,
for to you, O Lord,
I lift up my soul.
5 You are forgiving and good, O Lord,
abounding in love to all who call to you.
Psalm 86:3-5
4 For you make me glad by your deeds, O LORD;
I sing for joy at the works of your hands.
5 How great are your works, O LORD,
how profound your thoughts!
Psalm 92:4-5
17 Though the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,
18 yet I will rejoice in the LORD,
I will be joyful in God my Savior.
19 The Sovereign LORD is my strength;
he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
he enables me to go on the heights.
For the director of music. On my stringed instruments
Habakkuk 3:17-19
19 Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior,
who daily bears our burdens.
Selah
Psalm 68:19
Now read the scriptures again. Use them as your praise and prayer to God. Worship your God and bring Him your burdens. Find joy and strength in the Lord today.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
March week 1 Day 4: Choose to Refresh and Reflect
I hope you are taking time to renew your relationship with the Lord. If you are one of the ones lucky enough to be receiving the sunshine this week, I would suggest sitting out in the sun as you worship the Lord.
As you are refreshing your health and soul, we might as well refresh our homes. I hope your are cleaning out the kitchen and giving it a good wipe down. You will be amazed about the difference freshly wiped cabinet doors and baseboards can make. But sometimes you want just a little more refreshing.
I am on a strict budget. I cannot just buy to buy. But you do not have to spend a lot to refresh your kitchen a little more. For $5-$10 you can buy some fun Spring hand towels and/or potted flowers for the kitchen or table. A few bucks can bring new life to your kitchen and table. You can even try the Dollar Tree. I bought cute bamboo placemats one time there. And they were just a dollar.
And as we start this time of renewal and refreshing, maybe it is time we start living like life is good even on the worst of days. Our lives and our homes need to start reflecting God's goodness. Why not even choose to let our lives and homes reflect the joy of the Lord?
God has blessed me and He has blessed you. Even if the last thing Christ did for you was die on the cross, well then, you are still abundantly blessed. (But you know God has done much more.)
Will you choose to start reflecting the goodness and joy of the Lord? Will you choose just for a month to give it a shot? I would encourage you to keep a journal about the difference it makes in your life. I will warn you, the enemy will try to tear you down. But I know you can stand firm and choose to find joy and goodness in the Lord.
March Action Plan
To refresh our soul and mind and Spring Clean Our Homes
March Week 1 Action Plan
Spring Clean Kitchen: Clean out cabinets, fridge and pantry. Wipe baseboards, blinds and cabinets doors. Break it down through the week if it makes it easier.
Memorize Psalm 103:1-5
"1 Praise the LORD, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
2 Praise the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits-
3 who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
5 who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's."
March Week 1 Day 4
Choose to thank God for His specific goodness in your life.
Choose to read your favorite scripture of promise.
Choose to start your workout routine.
Choose to work on kitchen and put up laundry.
Choose to get a good night's sleep.
As you are refreshing your health and soul, we might as well refresh our homes. I hope your are cleaning out the kitchen and giving it a good wipe down. You will be amazed about the difference freshly wiped cabinet doors and baseboards can make. But sometimes you want just a little more refreshing.
I am on a strict budget. I cannot just buy to buy. But you do not have to spend a lot to refresh your kitchen a little more. For $5-$10 you can buy some fun Spring hand towels and/or potted flowers for the kitchen or table. A few bucks can bring new life to your kitchen and table. You can even try the Dollar Tree. I bought cute bamboo placemats one time there. And they were just a dollar.
And as we start this time of renewal and refreshing, maybe it is time we start living like life is good even on the worst of days. Our lives and our homes need to start reflecting God's goodness. Why not even choose to let our lives and homes reflect the joy of the Lord?
God has blessed me and He has blessed you. Even if the last thing Christ did for you was die on the cross, well then, you are still abundantly blessed. (But you know God has done much more.)
Will you choose to start reflecting the goodness and joy of the Lord? Will you choose just for a month to give it a shot? I would encourage you to keep a journal about the difference it makes in your life. I will warn you, the enemy will try to tear you down. But I know you can stand firm and choose to find joy and goodness in the Lord.
March Action Plan
To refresh our soul and mind and Spring Clean Our Homes
March Week 1 Action Plan
Spring Clean Kitchen: Clean out cabinets, fridge and pantry. Wipe baseboards, blinds and cabinets doors. Break it down through the week if it makes it easier.
Memorize Psalm 103:1-5
"1 Praise the LORD, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
2 Praise the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits-
3 who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
5 who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's."
March Week 1 Day 4
Choose to thank God for His specific goodness in your life.
Choose to read your favorite scripture of promise.
Choose to start your workout routine.
Choose to work on kitchen and put up laundry.
Choose to get a good night's sleep.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
March Week 1 Day 3: Choose a time of renewal
"Draw near to God and He will draw near to you." James 4:8 (NASB)
Read that verse again. It does not say might or maybe but will. I am covered in chills just at the thought of God drawing near to me. How wonderful it is to be near to God!!
As we choose to renew our relationship with God, I hope you desire to draw near to God, to be in His presence, to rest in the shadow of His wings.
Why I would love just to focus on verse 8, we have to look at the surrounding verses to know how to draw near to God. If we want to live like a new creation and renew our relationship with Christ, there are a few messy things to clean up first.
Read James 4:1-12
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=james%204&version=NIV
What are some things we need to choose to lose or clean up?
- Desires of pleasure
- Wanting what others have
- Selfish motives
- Friendship with the world
- Pride
- Slander and judgement
What do we get if we choose God?
- Devil will flee when we resist him
- God comes near to us
- As we humble our self, He lifts us up
- Gives grace to the humble
We can draw near to a world of stuff and immediate pleasure or we can draw near to a God full of grace and promises. So let's shed our worldly winter coats that have left us cold and choose to renew ourselves as we draw near to God and soak up the warmth of His love.
March Action Plan
To refresh our soul and mind and Spring Clean Our Homes
March Week 1 Action Plan
Spring Clean Kitchen: Clean out cabinets, fridge and pantry. Wipe baseboards, blinds and cabinets doors. Break it down through the week if it makes it easier.
Memorize Psalm 103:1-5
"1 Praise the LORD, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
2 Praise the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits-
3 who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
5 who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's."
March Week 1 Day 3
Choose to stop and draw near to God.
Choose to read James 4:1-12.
Choose to start your workout routine.
Choose to work on Kitchen and wipe down bathrooms.
Choose to get a good night's sleep.
Monday, March 1, 2010
March Week 1 Day 2: Choose A Time of Renewing and Refreshing
"16So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 18All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation:"
2 Corinthians 5:16-18
As we began to look at the road to the cross, His death and His resurrection, we remember not only what Christ did for us, but also what it meant for us. It did not stop at Christ dying for our sins. The suffering and death was the first part. The resurrection gave us a chance for a new life.
The most important decision you will ever make is accepting Christ as your Lord and Savior of your life. It is crucial and has to be made so you may spend eternity with God. But why do we let it stop there. Yes, we are promised a new life and a new earth one day, but girl...you are a new creation now. You are chosen by God now. You have promises from God today. Yes you may have to give up some old habits, but is it not worth it?
My sister and friend, you are God's creation and once Christ came into your life, you became a new creation. So why do you choose to live as the old? Why not choose to live as the new creation you are in Christ?
As new flowers start to bloom, old, empty trees become full of life and bloom, or as the baby bird hatches from its egg, you my sister in Christ are a new creation too. Let's to choose to live as on and experience the abundant life of Christ.
March Action Plan
To refresh our soul and mind and Spring Clean Our Homes
March Week 1 Action Plan
Spring Clean Kitchen: Clean out cabinets, fridge and pantry. Wipe baseboards, blinds and cabinets doors. Break it down through the week if it makes it easier.
Memorize Psalm 103:1-5
"1 Praise the LORD, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
2 Praise the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits-
3 who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
5 who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's."
March Week 1 Day 2
Choose to praise God the death and resurrection of Christ that made you a new creation.
Choose to read your favorite scripture of promise.
Choose to start your workout routine.
Choose to work on Kitchen and do a Family 15.
Choose to get a good night's sleep.
March Week 1 Day 1: Choose A Time of Renewing and Refreshing
Welcome to a new month that hopefully brings us all a little warmer weather. I would like to apologize for not posting daily blogs last week. I have a sick little one that needs her mommy. I hope to have daily postings this week.
March means spring is coming, flowers and trees blooming soon. Green grass appearing again. Baby birds chirping. Spring is a time of new life. And even though it is a few weeks away, we are going to get an early start.
We are going to refresh our homes, hearts and minds. We are going to refresh ourselves by coming in the presence of our risen Lord as we approach His death and resurrection. We are going to refresh our homes as we do a little spring cleaning. And it is not going to drain us, but refresh us!!! Let's get started!
March Action Plan
To refresh our soul and mind and Spring Clean Our Homes
March Week 1 Action Plan
Spring Clean Kitchen: Clean out cabinets, fridge and pantry. Wipe baseboards, blinds and cabinets doors. Break it down through the week if it makes it easier.
Memorize Psalm 103:1-5
"1 Praise the LORD, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
2 Praise the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits-
3 who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
5 who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's."
March Week 1 Day 1
Choose to praise God for a new life.
Choose to read Psalm 103 and shout those first 5 verses and claim them
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+103&version=NIV
Choose to start your workout routine.
Choose to work on Kitchen.
Choose to get a good night's sleep.
March means spring is coming, flowers and trees blooming soon. Green grass appearing again. Baby birds chirping. Spring is a time of new life. And even though it is a few weeks away, we are going to get an early start.
We are going to refresh our homes, hearts and minds. We are going to refresh ourselves by coming in the presence of our risen Lord as we approach His death and resurrection. We are going to refresh our homes as we do a little spring cleaning. And it is not going to drain us, but refresh us!!! Let's get started!
March Action Plan
To refresh our soul and mind and Spring Clean Our Homes
March Week 1 Action Plan
Spring Clean Kitchen: Clean out cabinets, fridge and pantry. Wipe baseboards, blinds and cabinets doors. Break it down through the week if it makes it easier.
Memorize Psalm 103:1-5
"1 Praise the LORD, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
2 Praise the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits-
3 who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
5 who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's."
March Week 1 Day 1
Choose to praise God for a new life.
Choose to read Psalm 103 and shout those first 5 verses and claim them
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+103&version=NIV
Choose to start your workout routine.
Choose to work on Kitchen.
Choose to get a good night's sleep.
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