Wednesday, July 1, 2015

RJD July 2015: Thoughts, Trials, Update

I can hardly wait to use my new journal.


Thoughts:
I recently had to purchase a new journal. Due to some time constraints, I couldn’t go across town to the office supply store or don’t have a lot of energy. I went to CVS. I saw two that I liked I chose the bigger one at the side here because it has a ribbon bookmark. Of course, it being teal, my favorite color, didn’t hurt. The smaller one is the one I have been using this year; I gave it a name- Biblical Insights. [When I complete the smaller one, I am ready to begin the larger one.]

Journal Entry March 8, 1998
Trials Will Come

               Spurgeon states that, “It was never in God’s design for His people to be untried.” The book of James tells me, “Consider it pure joy when you experience trials of many kinds,” (James 1:2) he concludes with, “the testing of your faith develops perseverance, perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:3)

               Yes, God does test His children; he tests us for our own good. If we weren’t tested, we wouldn’t gain spiritual insight into our world and we would never know God for who He is. We would never know to rely on Him in times of stress, especially from the world. I would have caved in this past Thursday, if I hadn’t known God would listen and take care of a situation and He has! Thank You, Lord.

UPDATE:
               I love it when God works things out. In the above entry, I wrote of vexing circumstances that creep into our lives. I cannot remember what situation God stepped into on my behalf back then. Whatever it was, He made it right. Praise the Lord.


Tuesday, June 30, 2015

More Snapshots from around home

Can you see the visiting rabbit. We think he came to see his cousin.

                   The visiting rabbit is to the right of the second large rock from the car. I had to take this picture through one of our screens on our porch.


A plant by a walk at our prayer time this morning.


When we went for our Mustard Seed Prayer Time this morning, we met on the patio of the clubhouse. This plant was sitting off from there. My friend, Martha, couldn't get over the color of the marigolds. I don't believe I have seen ones 
shaped like a pom-pom until I saw these.




The one below sits across the walkway from the one above. I like it because of the extra tall greenery in the arrangement. The healthcare campus ajoins our church property. The facility and our church are trying to bond a neighbor relationship with one another. Our prayer group includes a lady who lives in the independant living area of the grounds.











Monday, June 29, 2015

Book Review: What Keeps You Up At Night By Pete Wilson




               Pete Wilson, a pastor, has written an excellent book on what we can do to find peace when we pursue our dreams.
              
               Sometimes we believe we are at a loss because of our feelings of uncertainty due to unforeseen issues. Sometimes we find ourselves so defeated we want to just give up. Pastor Wilson gives those reading this book encouragement and hope to continue on toward our goals or dreams.

               At the end of each chapter, he has given a review. This section lists key ideas he has discussed, reflection questions, and a step or steps the reader can take to strengthen him or her in their quest toward their dreams.

               At the end of the book, I saw information about a Bible study based on this book. The Bible study delves deeper in each concept presented in this book.
               I found parts of this book so enlightening that I quoted certain passages in my blog entries. (Something I have not done before.)        
               I would recommend this book to anyone who struggles with finding his ministry in life. I would recommend it to anyone who is in a mentoring role especially with teens. It would be a good read for those who minister to those who find themselves on the fringes of society.


I received this book free of charge from Thomas Nelson and W Publishing Group through BookLook Bloggers. All they asked of me was that I give an honest, impartial review.

God Alone

  Jesus and the children at our church's prayer walk.          I will both lie down in peace and sleep;  For You alone, O LORD make ...