Thankful for the Gift of Fellowship

Posted on November 22, 2018 by Bernadette

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.  
I John 1:7 KJV

Fellowship of Family –

Our family is by no means perfect.  We fall short often.  But, we have supported and loved each other through the most difficult times.

Many times I ask, “How is it, Lord, that your Light shone upon me and You bestowed the “bestest of the best” brothers in all the world?

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“Hey, Sista!”, are his words to greet me.  I love those words.

We’ve laughed together, cried together and supported each other through thick and thin.

Even in our heated political discussions, we depart our separate ways with a hug and an, “I love you.”

One place we do not venture often is the thought of walking this walk in the world  without each other.  Too painful to think about in our fellowship of family.

Fellowship of Friends –

We all should have those special friends who fellowship around us.  I have a few to mention.

Michelle is a dear friend I fellowship with almost daily.  We keep each other in check through the good, bad and ugly places we experience.  We steer each other back to seeking the Lord’s help in prayer for all our needs.

Sarah is a long-time, long-distance friend in Texas who I miss often.  She and Allen are a great married couple who have allowed me to witness a marriage walked in love, patience, and forgiveness.  Not a perfect marriage, but one covered in grace.

Mary (Larry), Kathy (Richard) and Judy.  They are my dear female junior high, high school friends.  Wow, the journey we have taken together.

Love, love, love them.

Mary, Larry and I gather once a year at Kathy and Richard’s lovely home in Fruita, Colorado to ride in the Tour de Vineyards.  What a great gathering with friends to  fellowship together.  The hot tub is nice, too.

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Thank goodness for Mary and Larry riding along with me on the Tour de Vineyard ride when I lose my sense of direction and take on more miles than I should.  They redirect my path so I so don’t ride all the way to Utah.

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Gary and Ellen (long-time friends with Kathy and Richard) gathered with us a couple of times, too.  I was graced with a short friendship with Gary.

One time before Gary’s passing away, he told me he prayed his life made an impact in the lives of his kids for the Lord.  How much he loved them and desired for them to walk their walk of faith fully to the best of their ability.

When Richard gave the eulogy at Gary’s service, he stated their fellowship was one of 20 years.  Weekly they met together, prayed together and held each other accountable to walk the “7 Promises of a Promise Keeper”, https://promisekeepers.org/promises , in the Lord, to become better fathers and husbands.

Judy, Mary and Veronika are friends I don’t get to see often, but no matter the time passed, we can pick up where we left off.

These are just a few.  There are so many others who are there for me, cover me in prayer and make my journey so much better.  Just like part of Robert Frost’s poem –

The Road Not Taken

“…Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.”

Do you have a fellowship of family and friends you are thankful for?

It makes all the difference.

God bless and Happy Thanksgiving.

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Sorrow Walked with Me

Posted on September 21, 2018 by Bernadette

One of my daughters gifted me with personalized daily scripture cards.

Yesterday, mine read:

Think about me, Bernie!

“I will keep in perfect peace all those who trust in me, whose thoughts turn often to me, the Lord.”  Isaiah 26:3

I cling to those verses for my daily bread – they always apply.

Thursdays are my days to head to the mountains or any great adventure with the Lord as He calls me out.  I was looking forward to the peace He promised for my day.  Yet, I wondered if His peace would cover the sadness within me.

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As I drove higher towards Guanella Pass, warm spatters of gold, red and orange leaves covered the mountain sides.  On my hike I breathed in the crisp autumn air and the beauty of the shimmering autumn leaves.

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All this beauty around me and I still couldn’t shake the deep shadow of sadness?

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The Lord promised peace for the day.  Today and everyday live and abide in quiet peace, my dear.

I was at peace, but I couldn’t understand the great surrounding sadness that journeyed with me.

Nehemiah 8:10 says, “The joy of the Lord is your strength!” Please help me find the joy and strength for today.

I asked and prayed, “Lord, is there something I don’t understand, I haven’t prayed about, I haven’t forgiven? Please show me.”

His response was silence, stillness and His peace, as promised.

As the day ended I realized some days may have unexplained sorrow, that’s okay.

The unexplained sorrow helped me to walk and abide in peace.

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Then, I remembered this poem I read by Robert Browning Hamilton:

” I walked a mile with Pleasure,
     she chattered all the way;
  But, left me non the wiser
    For all she had to say.

  I walked a mile with Sorrow,
    And ne’er a word said she;
  But oh, the things I learned from her
    When Sorrow walked with me.”

Thank you, Lord, for your peace today, regardless of the sorrow.

How is your walk today?

Have you learned to walk in the abiding silence and stillness of the Lord in peace?

Regardless of the undercurrents of troubles within you, hold on to the Lord’s promises.

God bless your day.

 

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Single this Valentine’s Day and Looking for Love?

Posted on February 13, 2017 by Bernadette

Love sparked like a fire or planted like a seed taking time to grow, calls to our hearts.

We look for love, often in the wrong places, with the wrong people or at the wrong time and find ourselves discouraged or broken – again.

Several of my friends have found that special someone and marriage on the dating websites.  Others have given up due to frustration.

The dating websites are numerous and offer screening buffers.  For the most part, members are honest.  At the same time, others can easily hide the truth behind the screens.

So many people are looking for a relationship leading to marriage.  But, how many of us are truly spending the time to invest in ourselves to understand what the best relationship is for us in order to find “the relationship”.

Does the dating scene, online dating services or loneliness have you to the point where you might consider sending a photo?  Don’t give in so easily.

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Take time to invest in yourself, discover what you are looking for and what you offer to others.

Most of all know that you are loved, just as you are.  You are, first of all, deeply loved by God.  Graham Cooke explains this so well in, “The Inheritance“.

Take time to reflect on advice offered by those who understand healthy, strong relationships.  Pastor T D Jakes, suggests 10 different things single people should do.

Deepen your relationship to God – the emphasis is relationship, honesty, trust.

Seek a whole life as a single person – you are a whole person, complete.  Don’t wait around looking for someone to make you complete.  Another person should compliment you.

Develop interests beyond work, home, school, church – develop new interests beyond yourself.

Exercise your body and mind – take care of yourself for longevity. Read and learn more.

Avoid people who seek to control and silence your personality – domineering people who seek to manipulate, control and smother you won’t let you breathe and be yourself.

Respect marriage – you reap what you sow, do not cross the line with a married person.

Live and budget within your means – stay out of debt.  Debt effects your personality, decisions, contentment and happiness.

Set a guard on your heart – it is the wellspring of life.  The peace of God will keep your heart and mind.

Manage your sexual appetites – don’t go or put yourself in places or situations you should not be.

Try not to make decisions that complicate your life – keep it simple.

Seek good resources to help you understand and build healthy, strong relationships.  “Boundaries in Dating” and “Safe People” by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend.

Boundaries may seem confining, but they can be freeing.

What is a safe person?  Are you a safe person?

Most of all, give yourself to love.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”  John 3:16 KJV

Looking for a life of love?  Then, give love.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

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20th Year Anniversary – Celebration!

Posted on January 2, 2017 by Bernadette

2017 – 20th year celebration – I’m ready!

Heart – open, free, faithful and anticipating.

Hands – raised high in gratitude and praise.

Feet – firm, stable and sure in the Gospel of peace.

Eyes – set and fixed on the Word of God – Jesus Christ.

All covered in God’s Truth, integrity and prayer to be watchful, strong, persevering and interceding on behalf of the saints… I’m ready!

The 20th year to celebrate praying my daily  “life prayer”.,

My second favorite book next to the Bible is, Oswald Chambers, “My Utmost for His Highest”.

His daily devotional has been instrumental in grounding my journey of faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

January 2nd my “life prayer” for twenty years.

“Will you go out without knowing”?

“He went out, not knowing whither he went”.  Hebrews 11:8 KJV

Abraham, urged on by faith when he was called obeyed and went to a place destined for him to receive his inheritance.  In faith, he went not knowing or being troubled as to where he was to go. Oh, what faith.  Oh, what rich faith. Oh, what a glorious inheritance!

God knows and sees clearly the bends and curves.

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God knows the deep valleys to climb rugged mountain tops.

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God knows and provides the calm springs.

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But, I do not need to know.  I only need to trust by faith to “go” as He knows what He is doing.

“Take no thought for you life… nor yet for your body – take no thought for the things for which you did take thought before you “went out.”  Until, there is nothing between yourself and God.

Today’s devotional – https://utmost.org

More of Him, less of me.  Love not the world.

Love Me first.  Seek Me first.  For I AM with you in every aspect of life, every moment, every thought, every heartbeat… not my heart.  But, God’s heart.

He is my inheritance and the treasure of my heart.

Praise be to God!

Happy 20th Anniversary, to me!  God bless!

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2017 – Goodbye to the Daily Grind?

Posted on December 31, 2016 by Bernadette

Did you start off 2016 with hopeful resolutions to exercise more, lose weight or clean out the overstuffed garage?  How did you fare?

Mine was the year of change.  Not necessarily from a resolution, but necessity.  The necessity for more quality time for myself and others.

Was I longing for balance in my life?  No, I was needing change and longing for peace.

Peace of heart and mind to step out and redirect my time and my life.

While working two jobs for many years, I managed to fit in numerous other activities I needed and enjoyed.  Daily morning quiet time with the Lord, several long distance bike rides, trips and time with family and friends, climbing a 14’er and donating blood are just a few activities.  But, at what cost could I continue to maintain this schedule?

I know I’m not the only one

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At what point does one reach for the courage to step out to change and say goodbye to the daily grind or the ill effects of our daily routines?

Does one reach the serf mentality in a feudal system?

Does one suffer their health and peace of mind to climb the ladder, to accumulate more wealth, to acquire more and more stuff, to fill their houses and storage units?

Does one look back with regrets of lost time with loved ones, never to be regained?

Does one truly look in the mirror to face their ill effects of addictions or bad choices?

I reached exhaustion from juggling too much.

The solution for me – be still.

In the stillness I realized peace was found during my quiet times with the Lord.  Calm and solitude met me on the mountaintops during my bike rides or hiking a trail.

Help was coming and it was not found in the busyness of this world, but unplugging from the noise, the tension, and the distractions.  Stepping out in faith and letting go of a busy schedule was a year process.

“I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
    where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
    the Maker of heaven and earth.”  Psalm 121:1&2 NIV

There are many aspects of healing when we surround ourselves in God’s creation.  Here’s a link to a few.

Get Outside! 7 Scientifically-Backed Health Benefits of Being in Nature

Is 2017 your year to say goodbye to the daily grind – to pull away, to be still and find peace?

 

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Will this be your first Thanksgiving to pardon?

Posted on November 23, 2016 by Bernadette

This season opens the heart, anticipating time with family and friends.  However, not all can or are willing to open their hearts for everyone.

Our great President, Abraham Lincoln, historically set the tradition of pardoning the Thanksgiving turkey.

In 1863 clemency was given to a live turkey that was brought home for the Christmas dinner.

This was reported  in 1865 by White House reporter, Noah Brooks.  A plea was called to spare the turkey’s life by Lincoln’s son Tad.  His son interceded in behalf of the turkey’s life.

Pardon – the action of forgiving or being forgiven for an error or offense.

Is it this time, this season to give pardon and forgive an offense from someone you consider a “turkey”.  Defined in the dictionary – The slang word for a person of little appeal; dud; loser. A naive, stupid, or inept person.  Ouch!

Is it this time to set this person free and set yourself free?  

The greatest three words ever spoken were from Jesus Christ as He died on the Cross, “It is Finished“.

He accomplished something we could not do for ourselves.  He reconciled a sinful world back to the heart of God.  His life of love and blood sacrifice interceded on our behalf for what the Father sent him to do for us.

Forgiveness is a great thing.  It releases and sets the captor “free”. The hard part of forgiving has already been done for us through Jesus Christ.

Will this season truly be a day to celebrate with Thanksgiving?

Will this season and Thanksgiving be the day to set your heart free?

Will this season and Thanksgiving be the day to set the captor’s heart free to fly?

Celebrate in freedom and give thanks!

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Pixabay free photos

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What grounds you?

Posted on November 20, 2016 by Bernadette

Like so many this time of year, I contemplate what I am thankful for.

Memories of the past can be haunting, but distant compared to the ones which warm the heart.

In my younger days, a reprieve from our home of alcoholic abuse and the heavy, stern hand of my dad was always anticipated.

Excitement and enthusiasm bounced in the car during our drive to the sanctuary of my great grandmother’s house. What joy to spend a day or longer in her house of peace.

When we arrived, the greeting was the aroma of love, of joy and of laughter.  My great grandmother’s hugs were the best.  My great uncle, the fisherman of our family, could be seen in the drive cleaning fish.  His smile warmed the heart.

Besides the aroma of love, the aroma of warm cooked meals were always waiting.  The softest and fluffiest tortillas, green chile cooking, greasy fried potatoes browning in sweet onions to be topped with fried eggs.  The best was my great grandmother’s creamy rice pudding.

All gathered in the kitchen, the heart of her home.  So few chairs, but plenty of laps.  Prayers of thanksgiving were never forgotten.

What made her home so special?

There was a presence, an unseen guest who abided in her home.  One Who was honored with reverent fear.  Not a fear of being scared of Him, but of awe and wonder. He was present at every meal, in every smile and wrapped in every hug.  His peace covered the walls and His love penetrated the rooms.  My heart and whole being melted in His presence – a sanctuary of love.

The big overstuffed chair in the the living room drew you to find rest for body and soul.  I loved to oblige.

Where was the best place?

As evening approached, the best place was on her front porch.  It faced southwest with a clear view of several of the Colorado mountains.  What a view and a blessing.

I anticipated the setting sun and waited for the best time and place to end the day.  After dark, in full view between the trees stood the magnificent lighted Cross.  Oh, the Wonderful Cross – 393 feet high and 254 feet across.

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In the quiet of the night, a peace settled over me.  My eyes were fixed and steady on the bright light of the Cross that penetrated the darkness on the mountainside.   There was a sense of being home that one cannot explain.

The blessed, wonderful Cross.  A blessing of grace to mankind.  So few understand the power, love and the exchanged life that bids one to search deep within their heart and soul.  The exchange of a broken life to a New Life made whole through this act of love in Christ Jesus.

A grounded memory, never forgotten, forever grateful.

It’s still a place I look for when I stand on my great grandmother’s porch to this day.

But, now the Cross is my sanctuary of love and place of rest.  No other sacrifice of love has been greater than that of Christ Jesus. It keeps my walk sure, steady and grounded.

Where are you grounded?  Where is your sanctuary?

Happy Thanksgiving family and friends.

The Mount Lindo Cross  –  https://cemeteries.wordpress.com/2007/03/16/colorados-mount-lindo-cross/

Oh, the Wonderful Cross – Thank you, Lord Jesus Christ.

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Life is in the Blood

Posted on March 24, 2016 by Bernadette

I’m a universal donor –

Last year I received a thank you letter from Bonfils Blood Center along with a congratulations pin for donating and reaching the five-gallon mark as a donor.  The all-time highest donor has donated year after year totaling 90 gallons to help save lives.

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I’m a universal donor of type O- blood.  Any blood type can receive my blood without complications.  Only 6.9% of the population has O- blood.  When my appointment time comes, Bonfils is faithful to give me a reminder call.  New donors of all blood types are welcome.

The procedure is simple:

Personal questions are asked to safeguard the quality of the donation.

Pulse, blood pressure and temperature are taken.

A finger is pricked to check the hemoglobin level for the red blood cell count.

If all qualifications are met – off to a comfortable chair.   The arm is sterilized before poked with a rather large needle.  A pint donation of whole blood for the complete procedure takes about an hour.

The staff thanks the donor after every procedure.  After the blood is drawn resting for 15 minutes is advised and refreshments are provided.

The physical benefits of the recipients who receive the donation are life changing.

The plasma portion is beneficial for sever burns and clotting disorders.

The platelets for blood clotting support cancer therapy, open-heart surgery blood disorders and organ transplants patients.

The red blood cells carry oxygen and beneficial for trauma, anemia and surgery patients.

Such a small sacrifice for the physical benefits of others.  But…

There is only One Who qualifies as The Universal Donor for the eternal, life changing, spiritual benefit of others, Christ Jesus alone –

The procedure was not simple:

It started in the garden of Gethsemane.  Jesus prayed three times, “Abba, Father, everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”  Mark 14:36  NIV

He was betrayed, arrested and blindfolded.  While in custody through the night he was scoffed, ridiculed and beaten.

The interrogating questions pulsed, the blood pressure and temperature of  the Sanhedrin escalated in a mock trial.  They asked Jesus, under oath by the Living God, if He was the Messiah – the Son of God.  In Truth He answered, “I AM.”

No guilt was found in Him.  But, the chief priests, rulers and the people shouted out, “Crucify Him, crucify Him!”

Crucifixion was Rome’s most agonizing and disgusting death a cruel age could devise.

The giving of Christ’s blood was met with Roman soldiers beating, slapping and spitting upon Him.  Blood flowed from his head and face as they placed the crown of thorns.

He was scourged with a flagellum. A whip designed to lacerate. Several strands were weighted with lead balls or pieces of bone.  The weighted strands struck the skin so violently it broke open.

His hands and feet pierced through and broken as the arm of a Roman soldier holding an iron hammer above his head crashed down on the spike, iron hitting iron.

We can never understand such shedding of blood or the broken heart of Jesus over a sinful world.  The awful mystery of the atonement, why it had to be.

The eternal benefits of the recipients for the atonement (reconciliation of God and humankind through Jesus Christ – forgiveness of sins) are life changing.

No small sacrifice given to mankind, something we cannot do for ourselves.

Above all – a gift freely given for all who accept and invite Christ into their hearts.

Don’t wait, there is reason to celebrate!

God bless you.

 

 

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Single – Another Valentine’s Day?

Posted on February 14, 2016 by Bernadette

Another Valentine’s Day and no one special?

Don’t give up hope –

There is one who found her perfect mate.  Here’s a bit of her dating advise.

Yes, Miss Piggy found her perfect Kermie.

 

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What should a woman do until her true love comes along?

Circulate, circulate, circulate!

What should a woman do if a man stands her up on a date?

If the man is genuinely apologetic, I would let him off with a  large bunch of flowers an expensive present and a lavish makeup dinner.  On the other hand, if he treats it as an offhand manner, he is obviously the kind of person who is not going to knock himself out for you, and you should do it for him.

What do you do if a man you like, and who likes you, still wants to see other women?

Although, this is by definition a somewhat emotional matter, you should approach it in a calm, reasonable, mature way.  What I would do is calmly, reasonably, and maturely explain to him that if he values his life, he should change his behavior.

Well, it worked for her, but there is another way.

Seek advise, pray and wait –  

A thoughtful gentleman shared with me the following advise.  For me, it is preferred.

On His Plan for Your Mate

“Everyone longs to give himself completely to someone:  to have a deep soul relationship with another; to be loved thoroughly and exclusively.  But, God to a Christian says, no, not until you are satisfied, fulfilled and content with being loved by Me, alone.  With giving yourself totally and unreservedly to Me.  To having an intensely personal and unique relationship with Me, alone.  Discovering that only in Me is your satisfaction to be found will you be capable of the perfect human relationship that I plan for you.

You will never be united with another until you are united with Me, really united with another, exclusive of anyone or anything else, exclusive of any other desires and longings.  I want you to stop planning, stop wishing, and allow Me to give you the most thrilling plan existing… one that you cannot imagine.

I want you to have the best, please allow Me to bring it to you.  Just keep watching Me – expecting the greatest things.  Keep experiencing the satisfaction that I Am.  And keep listening and learning the things I tell you.

You just wait, that’s all…wait.  Don’t be anxious, don’t worry, don’t look around at the things that others have gotten or I have given them.  Don’t look at the things you think you want.  Just keep on looking off and away to Me or you will miss what I want to show you.  And then, when you are ready, I’ll surprise you with a love far more wonderful than anything you would dream of.

You see, until you are ready and until the one I have for you is ready, and I Am working even at this moment, to have both of you ready at the same time.  Until you are both satisfied exclusively with Me and the life I prepare for you, you won’t be able to experience the love that exemplifies your relationship with Me.  And this is perfect love.  And, dear one I want you to have the most wonderful love.

I want to see in you, in the flesh a picture of your relationship with Me.  And I want you to enjoy materially, the everlasting union and beauty and perfection and love that I offer you with Myself.  I know that I love you utterly.  I Am El Shaddai-most loving Father, God Almighty.  Believe it and be satisfied and I will satisfy you.”

Author unknown

Regarding Miss Piggy’s advise – she’s moved on from the nicest guy in Hollywood to the second nicest guy, Josh Groban.

My advise is pray, wait and watch what the Lord does –

In the meantime, live your life.  Gift yourself with the everlasting, perfect love and union only God Almighty can offer through a relationship in Christ.  He will satisfy you.

Happy Valentine’s Day!  

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Ending 2015 In a FunK, DeeP FunK? – Restart

Posted on January 1, 2016 by Bernadette

 

Yeah, I know what you mean –

I was there for a couple of years.

The weight on my shoulders became too heavy to carry.  The barrel walls so deep, thick and high crushed in on every side.  Digging, scratching, screaming or crying my way out did not help.

Depression – my poor family and friends. Surely, they felt like screaming to hear one more thing.

I realized relief into addictions can be very appealing at such times.

Pop another pill prescribed or otherwise to help fall asleep.  Drink another glass or bottle of liquor to numb the pain.  Escape into a marital affair.  Hide in emotional eating binges/disorders.  Delve into unhealthy extended work hours. Seek others to help reason your way out to bring any kind of relief.  All these may bring relief for a while, but the deeper problem still exists.  A deeper problem embedded in the heart.

Oh, where can one go to truly heal the heart? –

It can be healed through our weakness and intentional turning into the Lord,  surrendering the heart to Him.

As God’s promises were true to Israel to give them a new heart, so He does for those who turn and trust in Christ.  The process can be wrenching, but the healing complete if you’re willing to go there.

“I’m going to give you a new heart, and I’m going to give you a new spirit within all of your deepest parts. I’ll remove that rock-hard heart of yours and replace it with one that’s sensitive to me.”  Ezekiel 36:26 ISV

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A heart sensitive to the Lord, not to the world for answers gives Him room to peel away the layers of hurt, sorrow and pain.  He opens the eyes of the heart to His mercy, grace and love.

It all begins with a prayer and a whisper. –  

Begin by pulling away from the loud, worldly distractions.

Repent and offer up to God your broken spirit.  A broken and contrite heart, God, will not despise.

Invite Christ to live in your heart, to transform you from the inside.

Make time for quiet moments as God whispers to your heart and soul.

Daily, read His Living Word – the apples of gold in settings of silver.

The #1 best seller, the Bible, breathes life into the soul and opens the heart to God’s intimate wisdom, revelation and deep mysteries.

Pray, wait, and watch with Him.  In quiet, listen for His whisper as the transformation begins.

Instead of a New Year’s resolution for 2016, resolve in your heart to seek the Lord through the year.

His promises are true.  The God of second chances will restart your heart and move it in a new direction.

Happy New Year!

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