tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90157196495671514492024-02-19T09:17:05.309-08:00Daily Gems From God's Jewelry BoxStaceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07865448100508124666noreply@blogger.comBlogger570125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9015719649567151449.post-53077004258963038612016-03-14T07:52:00.001-07:002016-03-14T07:52:19.408-07:00Come on a Treasure Hunt with us!Tomorrow night I will meet with my group of ladies at the church. We are called the Bloomers.<br />
We have just come off of revival and several have shown the interest in wanting to study the Bible.<br />
I have done this blog off and on for several years now and God has kept bringing it to mind again.<br />
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He is where everything began for my Daily Gems blog...<br />
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I have a book that was given to my mom when she was little. A book filled with Bedtime Stories. I remember reading these books as I was growing up and one story stuck with me all these years.<br />
It's a story of Doreen and her Jewelry Box. All she wanted a jewelry box for her birthday. He parents gave her a Bible. Upon opening her present she threw it in the corner, very disappointed that it was only a book, and not a jewelry box. Her mother then proceeded to tell her that is was indeed a jewelry box, that it had great treasures from God inside, she just needed to look to find them. The jewels are found by scriptures that begin with the letter of the jewels.<br />
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My thoughts come to finding the jewels of the month. January - Garnet, finding scriptures that begin with G. As I have been progressing along, and finding other websites that I like about Bible Study, I found a site call Good Morning Girls on Facebook. They are reading through the Bible together and I liked that concept too, but still praying, I wanted to do something a little more different. So here I am, beginning a new walk, with new friends, and I pray that you will join us too.<br />
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On Wednesday, we will begin in Mark - 16 Chapters - Studying Monday-Friday, reading one chapter a day. Grab a journal and write this out as we study together. Keep in mind as you write, you are leaving a legacy, something that your kids can treasure when you are gone, they can see how you studied and what the Bible really means to you. We will read the whole chapter and find a gem. It doesn't have to be an Aquamarine (Birthstone for March), but find a jewel, write it out and then reflect on what it means to you. Close in a prayer the day.<br />
I am very excited to take a new journey with you.<br />
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Concept on Paper:<br />
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Mark 1</div>
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<b>My Gem</b>: <i><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; display: inline-block; font-family: helvetica, arial; font-size: 19.5px; line-height: 28px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 3px;">18</strong><span style="background-color: #e0e0e0; color: #333333; font-family: helvetica, arial; font-size: 19.5px; line-height: 28px;"> </span><span class="verse-18" style="background-color: #e0e0e0; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: helvetica, arial; font-size: 19.5px; line-height: 28px;">At once they left their nets and followed him.</span></i><br />
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<b>My Reflection</b>: It was when we first packed up our house to moved to our first church when I truly understood this verse. We had no clue to what we were getting into, we just knew that God had called us to this church and we had to trust that He would use us for His glory! We had to realize that God was enough, just as those who left their nets! Following Him was the best decision that I ever made! It's hasn't always been easy, but He has walked with us all the way. God has a purpose and a plan for each of us, all He wants us to do is follow Him.<br />
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<b>My Prayer: </b> God, Thank you for calling me to follow you! My prayer is that I will keep me out of the way and let You guide me! For each lady that reads this blog, and shares her story....Bless them in ways that they can't imagine. May our journey with you be the greatest treasure hunt we have ever been on. Thank you for your treasure box - and for your Son - the greatest Jewel that we could ever find!<br />
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<br />Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07865448100508124666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9015719649567151449.post-61212109904899606622016-03-10T10:07:00.001-08:002016-03-10T10:07:07.288-08:00March 10<span class="verse-7" style="background-color: #fafafa; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: helvetica, arial; font-size: 19.5px; line-height: 28px;"><b><i>And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, <span class="red-letter no-red" style="box-sizing: border-box;">"Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her."</span> </i></b></span><b style="color: #333333; font-family: helvetica, arial; font-size: 19.5px; line-height: 28px;"><i>Mark 8:7</i></b><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: helvetica, arial;"><span style="font-size: 19.5px; line-height: 28px;">How many times have we said something, then remembered these words?</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: helvetica, arial;"><span style="font-size: 19.5px; line-height: 28px;">The words that come out of our mouth will define who we are. When we are throwing the stones, it shows that we are judgmental, and more likely just plain mean. We always need to remember that we could be that woman standing there and how do we want people to respond to us? Be mindful of your words, if it's not positive, encouraging and uplifting...then we probably don't need to be saying anything!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: helvetica, arial;"><span style="font-size: 19.5px; line-height: 28px;">Lord, may the words that come out of my mouth be pleasing to you. May I be a reflection of you in all that I do! Forgive me when I have been judgmental, and help me to be an encourager for someone in a time of need.</span></span>Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07865448100508124666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9015719649567151449.post-63132113236458261372016-03-09T06:54:00.002-08:002016-03-09T06:54:56.434-08:00March 9, 2016<span class="verse-6" style="background-color: #fafafa; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: helvetica, arial; font-size: 19.5px; line-height: 28px;"><span class="red-letter no-red" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b><i>“At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’" Matthew 25:6</i></b></span></span><br />
<span class="verse-6" style="background-color: #fafafa; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: helvetica, arial; font-size: 19.5px; line-height: 28px;"><span class="red-letter no-red" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span>
<span class="verse-6" style="background-color: #fafafa; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: helvetica, arial; font-size: 19.5px; line-height: 28px;"><span class="red-letter no-red" style="box-sizing: border-box;">The time is coming when we will all hear the call that the bridegroom is coming. Are we going to be ready? We can't just say, "I will get my life right with Christ later." We have no clue when Christ will come back. Today is the day of salvation. We can't even be sure that God will draw us to Him, if we have turned our backs on Him several times before. Ask yourself, "if I died right now, where am I going to spend eternity?" God will let you know. You can bet that as His child, He just reassured you that you will spend it with Him. If you have doubt, then today is your day of Salvation. Get it right with Him! Be prepared for the bridegroom to come get you and take you home with Him.</span></span><br />
<span class="verse-6" style="background-color: #fafafa; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: helvetica, arial; font-size: 19.5px; line-height: 28px;"><span class="red-letter no-red" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="verse-6" style="background-color: #fafafa; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: helvetica, arial; font-size: 19.5px; line-height: 28px;"><span class="red-letter no-red" style="box-sizing: border-box;">God, if the person reading this does not know you, I pray that they will realize that they are a sinner, that you died for their sins, and by placing their faith in YOU they can spend eternity with You. I thank you for what you plan to do with each of us today! Prepare our hearts and lives that we may be ready to meet you! </span></span>Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07865448100508124666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9015719649567151449.post-64324762911660061492016-03-08T06:17:00.000-08:002016-03-08T06:17:02.921-08:00March 8, 2016<b><i>Mark 1:2</i> <i>As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, Behold I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way.</i></b><br />
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I am so thankful that I know that way! So many are in this world and have no hope! The Bible explains all that we need to know, yet so many people don't want to hear what it has to say. I know that over time people who have been called Christians have done things that are not pleasing to the Lord and it puts a bad taste in the mouths of others. They don't realize that we are human, we make mistakes, but we also serve a God that forgives. People are the worst to forgive, and most of those don't know the love of Christ.<br />
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My prayer is that I can be the mouthpiece for the Lord, that in my daily actions I can reflect Christ and I pray that others see I serve a Loving Father - who wants to have a relationship with each one of us! As a Christian - we are either leading others towards Christ or away from Him.... how are we doing today?<br />
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<br />Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07865448100508124666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9015719649567151449.post-24181969909003401752013-01-16T08:42:00.001-08:002013-01-16T08:42:57.706-08:00January 16<i><b><img height="297" id="il_fi" src="http://jewellery.brianajewelry.com/pic/138/authentic-kameleon-kjp385-cranberry-ice-jewel-pop-silver-red-garnet-cz.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="300" /> </b></i><br />
<i><b>Hosea 7:8 Gilead is a city of wrongdoers, tracked with bloody footprints.</b></i> (NAS)<br />
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Could we replace Gilead with the name of our city? I am sure we could. We must break God's heart for not living as we should. More often than not, we don't stand up for God and make His truth known.<br />
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I can't help think that these blood footprints can be the tiny footprints of the the unborn that are taken from their mother's wombs before their time. Today's society is just as wicked as they were in the Bible times. We need to be praying for this nation, for our cities and pray that the Christians will take a stand for Christ and be bold in their witness for Him. We should be pointing everyone we see in one direction - to the Cross!Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07865448100508124666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9015719649567151449.post-2802144206012370152013-01-16T08:33:00.002-08:002013-01-16T08:33:54.804-08:00January 15<b><img height="486" id="il_fi" src="http://www.deviantart.com/download/163858815/Garnet_Jewel_Candle_Holder_by_AlyKatGlassCreations.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="631" /> </b><br />
<b>Acts 5:20 "Go stand and speak to the people in the temple the whole message of this life."</b><br />
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Every wonder why He wanted them to go to the temple? These were the people who were religious. We see them all the time, here on Sunday mornings, never to come back till next Sunday. Fine upstanding people who have their names on a church roll and come to be counted and seen. Yes, Jesus needed his disciples to go to the churches and share with them that there is more to this life than having your name on a church roll. It's having a relationship with Christ, it's about surrendering your life to Him and living for Him. He died on this cross not only to save us, but to have a relationship with us! We take it beyond that and share with others so they too can know who Christ is and why He died for them. God wants more than for us to show up at church, yes He wants to worship with us and speak to us, but when we walk out the doors we are to take Him into the world with us! He is with us every step that we take. Are we showing Christ to those we come in contact with? <b><br /></b>Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07865448100508124666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9015719649567151449.post-4684690223031843222013-01-16T08:27:00.001-08:002013-01-16T08:27:07.791-08:00January 14<br />
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<i><b>Hebrews 1:1 God after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many way, (NAS)</b></i><br />
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Even before God sent His Son, He still spoke to His people. The Old Testament is filled with incredible stories of how He communicated. It was sometimes in unbelievable ways, so that people would know just how mighty and powerful He was. He spoke through a burning bush, he used a donkey to speak, there are great stories waiting for you to jump in and enjoy. And while you are reading you are spending time with God. That's what He longs for, to spend time with you. He knows all about you and me, it's time that we get to know Him even better. Read about Him, study about Him, spend time with Him!Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07865448100508124666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9015719649567151449.post-65508123057478042642013-01-16T08:17:00.000-08:002013-01-16T08:17:30.671-08:00January 13<i><b><img height="300" id="il_fi" src="http://site.brookcurtis.com/images/product_image/ge0003.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="300" /> </b></i><br />
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<i><b>Peter 5:15 Greet one another with a kiss of love </b></i><br />
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I can't help but think of my Aunt Charline when I read this verse. She was a godly woman and was a great example of what I should be more like! She always greeted us with a kiss and there was no denying that she loved us. There were many things that I saw her do, that reflected her love for the Lord. She read her Bible every morning and every night. She took Paul at his word when he said a woman should not enter the house of God without her head covered. She wore a hat to church each time she went.<br />
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As Christians we should show forth His love in all things that we do. I think we hold back on literally kissing others because of how we will look to others. Now if we know them, we probably greet them differently that those we don't. We should put what others think of us out of our mind and express ourselves more like Christ. Greet others as Jesus would, we represent Him every day!Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07865448100508124666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9015719649567151449.post-67444440967302359262013-01-12T11:45:00.000-08:002013-01-12T11:45:51.842-08:00January 12<em><img alt="" class="rg_hi uh_hi" data-height="220" data-width="229" height="220" id="rg_hi" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRu9mGbbk51zt59WnLlwK0eSdaGwq-5NRMx5mkbjzEhC1Uoikj6-Q" style="height: 220px; width: 229px;" width="229" /></em><br />
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<em>Psalm 46:1-2<br />God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.<br />Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.</em><br />
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There are so many times when we just want to get way from everything. We can go to that place of refuge - God. Maybe we can't go to the beach or that perfect hide-a-way, but we can get into our favorite chair, pull up the Bible and bask in His glory. Soak up the rays of the Son and get refreshed. Draw strength from Him until you can get to that favorite spot. No matter the situation, God is here for us in every situaion. So when you feel like your world may be giving way and falling into the sea, be encouraged, God is our refuge and our ever-present help!Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07865448100508124666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9015719649567151449.post-56642413842569784592013-01-12T11:42:00.000-08:002013-01-12T11:42:00.572-08:00January 11<span><strong><em></em></strong></span><img height="280" id="il_fi" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpH4j5p7RurFfKSc9_wHLfoQNzLV1hfdTIeLb-8rwujbeIvSx-jhmBhhbkLhJRmcgW8ACo3Yk111Fyx4NP0mqeM9_gWWTmOIVzNrBH3jlBe0TKVsuYTbUBdtGnpi16O49Dp9s8ENFczVc/s400/Sterling-Silver-Marcasite-Garnet-Glass-Heart-Pendant-181.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="280" /><br />
<strong><em><span class="versenum"><span class="versenum">Is</span>aiah40:9</span> Get you up to a high mountain, O Zion, </em></strong><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="12"></a><sup class="crossref" style="display: none;"><a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/esv/isaiah/40.html#cr-descriptionAnchor-12" id="12" title="ch. 52:7"></a></sup><strong><em>herald of good news;</em></strong><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="e"></a><sup class="footnote" style="display: none;"><a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/esv/isaiah/40.html#fn-descriptionAnchor-e" id="e" title="Or O herald of good news to Zion"></a></sup><strong><em> lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, herald of good news;</em></strong><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="f"></a><sup class="footnote" style="display: none;"><a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/esv/isaiah/40.html#fn-descriptionAnchor-f" id="f" title="Or O herald of good news to Jerusalem"></a></sup><strong><em> lift it up, fear not; say to the cities of Judah, "Behold your God!" ESV</em></strong><br />
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I think we are also encourged by this. We might not be able to go up to the mountian, but we can enter into His church. We can enter into His presence and Worship Him. This is the place to run to, to draw strenght from Him, to hear His good news. He is with us!! And when there are times that we can't actually physically go somewhere, we can remember that He is with us always. You can take time to enjoy His presence right where you are! He is always standing and waiting for us! Call out to Him, embrace Him and spend time with your Awesome Savior!Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07865448100508124666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9015719649567151449.post-53148165715742575732013-01-12T11:29:00.001-08:002013-01-12T11:29:31.835-08:00January 10<span class="versenum"></span><br />
<span class="versenum"><img height="395" id="il_fi" src="http://www.joangood.com/JAC/images/rnd/item733.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="419" /></span><br />
<em><strong><span class="versenum">Psalm 111:2</span> Great are the </strong></em><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="4"></a><sup class="crossref" style="display: none;"><a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/esv/psalms/111.html#cr-descriptionAnchor-4" id="4" title="Ps. 92:5; Rev. 3:2; [Ps. 139:14]"></a></sup><em><strong>works of the LORD, </strong></em><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="5"></a><sup class="crossref" style="display: none;"><a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/esv/psalms/111.html#cr-descriptionAnchor-5" id="5" title="Ps. 119:45, 94, 155; [Ps. 112:1; 143:5]"></a></sup><em><strong>studied by all who delight in them. ESV</strong></em><br />
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Each time I get on Facebook and see that somebody has either posted a picture of a sunrise or sunset, it excites me. It's awesome to see others share and make reference that God has been busy in creating. He creates something for us each day, but how many times do we overlook it. He has thousands of beautiful things for us to see, but we focus on something else There always seems to be something else that distracts us. Remember that every work of the Lord is Great - everything that He creates is GREAT! Take time to enjoy His creations, one was made just for you! Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07865448100508124666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9015719649567151449.post-77755692535221022952013-01-09T16:18:00.000-08:002013-01-09T16:20:15.796-08:00January 9<span class="versenum"><em><img alt="" class="rg_hi uh_hi" data-height="225" data-width="225" height="225" id="rg_hi" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS1p_Uun71XUtM_wWQ_HIx0tEIhQCPKel2JRpyasbweFkU7f2aL3A" style="height: 225px; width: 225px;" width="225" /></em></span><br />
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<span class="versenum"><em>Acts 3:26 </em></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="46"></a><sup class="crossref" style="display: none;"><a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/esv/acts/3.html#cr-descriptionAnchor-46" id="46" title="Rom. 1:16; 2:9; 15:8; [Mark 7:27]"></a></sup><em>God, </em><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="47"></a><sup class="crossref" style="display: none;"><a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/esv/acts/3.html#cr-descriptionAnchor-47" id="47" title="ver. 22"></a></sup><em>having raised up his servant, sent him to you first, </em><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="48"></a><sup class="crossref" style="display: none;"><a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/esv/acts/3.html#cr-descriptionAnchor-48" id="48" title="ver. 25"></a></sup><em>to bless you </em><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="49"></a><sup class="crossref" style="display: none;"><a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/esv/acts/3.html#cr-descriptionAnchor-49" id="49" title="Rom. 11:26; [Ezek. 3:19]; See Matt. 1:21"></a></sup><em>by turning every one of you from your wickedness." ESV</em><br />
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Another jewel to embrace, God sent His son to me and to you! He wants to bless us, but it's not just something that we easily get. We must turn from our wickedness (amazing, we don't like to realize that we were wicked - but that is exactly what we were) and receive Him. The blessings we think of are material, but that is not all that He is talking about. Our greatest blessing is that we will live with Him eternally in the place that God has prepared for us. Anything else we get down here we definatley don't deserve, but He gives to us and we should realize what a Mighty God we serve. We have nothing because of our own merit. Anything and everything we get is from God. How many times do we say thank you, how many times do we realize that the little things are also coming from God. <br />
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Make a list of what He has blessed you with today and then thank Him for giving it to you. Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07865448100508124666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9015719649567151449.post-58004466905783974542013-01-08T16:07:00.001-08:002013-01-08T16:07:45.391-08:00January 8<em><img alt="" class="rg_hi uh_hi" data-height="218" data-width="231" height="218" id="rg_hi" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRw4AQV99S0D1yrv0p3G1-ypDgA-mROPxAQwujp6y3pUmeimKEs" style="height: 218px; width: 231px;" width="231" /></em><br />
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<em>Luke 11:3<br />Give us each day our daily bread.<br /><br /></em>How often do
we ask this but not go to God to get this bread. He wants to feed us each day,
teach us each day something new so that we can apply it to our lives. Think of
what we are missing when we don't go to Him. Are we "spiritually hungry"? Wonder
why? We sure make time to eat our regular food, so we need to make time for our
spiritual food. So step up to His table and dig in. Be full when you leave and
get excited, for the best is yet to come! Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07865448100508124666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9015719649567151449.post-58768733644958397182013-01-07T16:27:00.001-08:002013-01-07T16:27:33.648-08:00January 7<em><img height="305" id="il_fi" src="http://www.mnh.si.edu/earth/images/6_0_0_GeoGallery/specimen4037_1.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="356" /></em><br />
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<em>Proverbs 6:6.</em><br />
<em>Go to the ant, O sluggard, Observe her ways and be wise,</em><br />
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Do you ever picture yourself just watching an ant? I think at some point we have watched them. I have never seen one just stop. An ant is always busy and yes I know that we should be too, but what are we busy doing? Why are we being called a sluggard? I think that we get busy about life and we do get slack in doing what God has called us to do, we should be spending more time with Him and sharing His word with those who don't know Him. I know that we should watch and learn from the ant, but we have to go one step beyond and be busy doing the right things. <br />
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Okay, when searching for an ant pictures I realized there are many ants and my thoughts are now going even deeper. <br />
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Ants<br />
* There are more than 12,000 species of ants all over the world.<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">Much like us, we all look alike but we are very different.</span><br />
* An ant can lift 20 times its own body weight. If a second grader was as strong as an ant, she would be able to pick up a car!<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span> It's probably a good thing that we are not that strong</span><br />
* Some queen ants can live for many years and have millions of babies!<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">This makes me tired, Just give me the first part of the statement.</span><br />
* Ants don’t have ears. Ants "hear" by feeling vibrations in the ground through their feet.<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">Maybe we should be a little more observant in what is going on around us. Think beyond what we hear.</span><br />
* When ants fight, it is usually to the death!<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">Stand for what you believe!</span><br />
* When foraging, ants leave a pheromone trail so that they know where they’ve been,<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">I guess these we should learn from where we have been and think about going back there!</span><br />
* Queen ants have wings, which they shed when they start a new nest.<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">Glad we don't have to start over when our dead skin leaves us!</span><br />
* Ants don’t have lungs. Oxygen enters through tiny holes all over the body and carbon dioxide leaves through the same holes.<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">Just goes to show how awesome God is and how creation is amazing!</span><br />
* When the queen of the colony dies, the colony can only survive a few months. <span style="font-style: italic;">Queens are rarely replaced and the workers are not able to reproduce.<br />
Don't we think of ourselves as the queen? But we are hopeful that this won't happen to our family if we do die. We want them to go on and maybe not our husbands reproduce but it's okay for the kids too. </span><br />
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After looking at the different types of Ants maybe we need to think about what kind we are: <br />
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Argentine Ant: Argentine ants do not pose a health threat, but they can contaminate food by leaving their bodily waste behind. <br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">Now we are technically leaving bodily waste, but do we contaminate what we come in contact with, we can spew awful things from our mouth - what do we cover when it flows from us?</span><br />
Red Imported Fire Ant: The sting of a Red Imported Fire Ant is painful and often results in a raised welt that becomes a white blister. Persons allergic to insect stings will react more severely. They are frustrating, not only because of the physical pain they can inflict, but because their mound-building activity can damage plant roots and lead to loss of crops. <br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">Are we guilty of stinging others? This goes back to our words that we say. Always remember you can say you are sorry, but the damage is done when those words come out of your mouth! Don't destroy people, you may not think you are doing it but you can!</span><br />
Carpenter Ants: When they are ready, those workers then get the job of gathering food to feed the next generation. Once mature, this first generation of worker ants work to increase the food supply for the colony.<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">What are we doing for the next generation. Are we sharing God's food (His word)? Are we preparing the next generation for what is to <br />
Odorous House Plant: This ant gets its name from the strong, rotten coconut-like smells it gives off when crushed and the fact that they commonly nest in or around houses. come, helping them to be ready?</span><br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">When we are crushed, do we put out that bad odor, always negative, making others want to run from us? Think about what we go through, we are all there, but we must realize that we don't have to be bitter from circumstances, we can be better, give off a sweet aroma that that has Jesus as the fragrance!</span><br />
Carpenter Ant: Carpenter ants clean their nesting sites, and their galleries are not lined with mud or moist soil as termite galleries typically are. Carpenter ant workers keep their galleries as smooth as sandpapered wood.<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">We should want this for ourselves, a home for our family, a place where they can come and spend time and feel protected! Give them an enviroment that is healthy, full of love and full of Jesus!</span><br />
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Just want to give you something to think about today! I pray it's a great day for you!<br />
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(This was an oldie and I just think it needs to be repeated!)Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07865448100508124666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9015719649567151449.post-64956239449875065002013-01-06T14:36:00.000-08:002013-01-06T14:36:42.119-08:00January 6<em><span class="versenum"><img height="480" id="il_fi" src="http://auntjudysattic.com/jewelery-fur/bohemiangarnetstarbraceletlarge.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="640" /></span></em><br />
<em><span class="versenum">Jeremiah 6:25</span> Go not out into the field, nor walk on the road, for the enemy has a sword; </em><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="52"></a><sup class="crossref" style="display: none;"><a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/esv/jeremiah/6.html#cr-descriptionAnchor-52" id="52" title="Ps. 31:13; Lam. 2:22; [Job 18:11]"></a></sup><em>terror is on every side.</em> ESV<br />
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The previous scriptures were talking about the disaster that was coming for Jerusalem, but we should all be aware that there is evil in this world and we always need to keep our eyes open. If we are not focused on the Lord, the wicked one will come and try to drag us off our course and try to keep us from living like we should. Be aware at all times, sometimes the thief can come in many forms and sometimes they look harmless, harm for us may not be carying a sword. Just be aware of your surroundings and always ask God if they is what you should be doing in your life. He will answer, and His sheep know His voice!Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07865448100508124666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9015719649567151449.post-5051568254862269652013-01-05T15:28:00.001-08:002013-01-05T15:28:37.301-08:00January 5<i><span class="versetext singleline" id="de5-27" style="display: block;"><span class="versenum"> </span></span><span class="versetext singleline" id="de5-27" style="display: block;"><span class="versenum"></span></span></i><i><span class="versetext singleline" id="de5-27" style="display: block;"><span class="versenum"><img height="415" id="il_fi" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/10/WLA_hmns_Garnet_and_Diamond_necklace.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="739" /> </span></span><span class="versetext singleline" id="de5-27" style="display: block;"><span class="versenum">Deuteronomy 5:27</span>
Go near and hear all that the LORD our God will say and <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9015719649567151449" name="23"></a>speak to us all that the LORD our God will speak to you, and we will hear and do it. ESV</span><span class="versetext singleline" id="de5-27" style="display: block;"><br /></span><span class="versetext singleline" id="de5-27" style="display: block;"></span></i><span class="versetext singleline" id="de5-27" style="display: block;">This verse makes me think of church. We should always want to be near God and hear the words that He has for us each time His doors are open. We must go with the belief that God has something to say directly to us! Each person may not get the same thing out of the sermon, but you better believe God has a word for each and every one of us! We must be willing to listen and hear His words! And after hearing we must do what He tells us to do. If you have never heard anything directly to you during a sermon, then you better do some soul searching and see to whom your soul belongs! There is no doubt in my mind He has a word for each of His children, every single time the services are held at the church, our attitude of receiving has everything to do with what we hear! Open your ears!</span>Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07865448100508124666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9015719649567151449.post-26370806489007304342013-01-04T07:10:00.004-08:002013-01-04T07:10:35.597-08:00January 4<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<em><span class="versenum">Exodus 2:25</span> God </em><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="29"></a><sup class="crossref" style="display: none;"><a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/esv/exodus/2.html#cr-descriptionAnchor-29" id="29" title="ch. 3:7; 4:31; [Luke 1:25]"></a></sup><em>saw the people of Israel--and God </em><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="30"></a><sup class="crossref" style="display: none;"><a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/esv/exodus/2.html#cr-descriptionAnchor-30" id="30" title="[ch. 3:16]"></a></sup><em>knew. ESV</em><br />
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I think that in our everyday lives, we tend to forget this verse. God didn't just see the people of Israel, He sees us, and He knows us. He knows our every thought, our every action - EVERYTHING. How many times do we stop and say - Oh Lord, I need your help, what I was doing was wrong! Do you think that if we keep our mind focused on the fact that God is watching our every move and thought, that we wouldn't do some of the things we do? I think we would definitely be better people. After all God's people should be seeking God's heart, and His heart is not mean and wicked. It's very easy to get caught up in the mean and wicked world, but we need to step back and realize that God has called us to be different, He has called us to be like Him. Remember that He is watching, and sometimes He does frown, but sometimes He smiles!Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07865448100508124666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9015719649567151449.post-28151530270642810362013-01-03T16:34:00.001-08:002013-01-03T16:34:16.294-08:00Jan. 3<em><img alt="" class="rg_hi uh_hi" data-height="225" data-width="225" height="225" id="rg_hi" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSvma9tn-5qSV5lcYQltT6GnYbVakBmFevHW3BbOXVYUisoJjQCew" style="height: 225px; width: 225px;" width="225" /></em><br />
<em>Matthew 22:<span class="versenum">9 </span><span class="WordsOfChrist">Go therefore to the main roads and invite to the wedding feast as many as you find. ESV</span></em><br />
<em><span class="WordsOfChrist"></span></em><br />
<span class="WordsOfChrist">The wedding is heaven, and here we are given the command to go and invite. This should be simple, right? But then why do we not do it? We think of excuses of why they will say no. We don't need to be thinking of their answers, they just may say yes. They may really want to come to church with us, but they really want to know that they are wanted! Think of it that way and next time it will be much easier. But remember, don't give up. I may take up to eight times before somebody says yes. Let's just think that seven other people have already ask them and we are the eighth and this may just be the day for them to say yes! </span><br />
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<span class="WordsOfChrist">It's not just inviting them to church, we need to realize that we are actually inviting them for the opportunity to get to go to heaven! That's a much more important reason for us to ask. What if they never get asked, and they never receive Christ as their Savior. Do you realize where they will be spending eternity? Yes - next time you better get to asking! Their eternal security is waiting for an invitation, do you see how important this is? </span><br />
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<span class="WordsOfChrist">See you Sunday, with a friend!!</span>Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07865448100508124666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9015719649567151449.post-52815755009306773572013-01-02T12:24:00.001-08:002013-01-02T12:24:20.520-08:00Jan. 2<span class="versetext" id="pr16-24" style="display: inline;"><span class="versenum"><em><img height="304" id="il_fi" src="http://www.glitteringstones.com/Images/Garnet-Rings.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="304" /></em></span></span><br />
<span class="versetext" style="display: inline;"><span class="versenum"><em>Proverbs 16:24 </em></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="37"></a><sup class="crossref" style="display: none;"><a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/esv/proverbs/16.html#cr-descriptionAnchor-37" id="37" title="ch. 15:26"></a></sup><em>Gracious words are like </em><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="38"></a><sup class="crossref" style="display: none;"><a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/esv/proverbs/16.html#cr-descriptionAnchor-38" id="38" title="Ps. 19:10"></a></sup><em>a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and </em><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="39"></a><sup class="crossref" style="display: none;"><a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/esv/proverbs/16.html#cr-descriptionAnchor-39" id="39" title="See ch. 4:22"></a></sup><em>health to the body.</em></span><br />
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Another verse that we really need to keep in focus this year. How many times do we say things that we should not. There is power in the tongue, power to uplift or destroy and we make a choice every time we open our mouth! So be that person that others really want to be around, somebody that is postitive and uplifting. I know that some days it will be really hard, but when we are having a rough time, we must realize that the person that we are about to destroy could also be having a rough time! Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07865448100508124666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9015719649567151449.post-53565838313497214212013-01-01T15:11:00.001-08:002013-01-02T12:24:49.484-08:00January 1 <div id="jewelry-buying-copy">
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Garnet<img alt="Garnet" src="http://www.americangemsociety.org/uploads/155831290447304.jpg" /></h2>
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Garnet, the birthstone for January, signifies eternal friendship and trust and is the perfect gift for a friend.<br />
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<b>Luke 6:<span class="versetext" id="lu6-31" style="display: inline;"><span class="versenum">31</span>
<span class="WordsOfChrist">And <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9015719649567151449" name="1"></a>as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.<i> ESV</i></span></span></b><br />
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<span class="versetext" id="lu6-31" style="display: inline;"><span class="WordsOfChrist">In thinking of the garnet and it representing friendship, this verse would definitely apply to friendship. It's time that we truly think of others, those who are closest to us and think a little more about them sometimes, than ourselves. I know of many friendships that have been ruined by one friend making a very selfish choice and never considering her friend at all. I think that sometimes we just take it for granted that the friend will be quick to forgive and go about doing just what it is that we want to do. We need to look at our friends and think, would we want them to do that to us? And if the answer is no, then we better change our course of action! </span></span><br />
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<span class="versetext" id="lu6-31" style="display: inline;"><span class="WordsOfChrist">It's been tough being the preachers wife and making new friends. I must admit that I have been thrown under the bus many times and personally I don't like how the tires feel! I am a very cautious person when it comes to trusting, but believe me, when you fall into the friend category, you are just that! Yes there have been times that I have not lived up to the scripture, but my prayer for this year is that I will think more about treating others as I would like to be treated. </span></span><br />
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<span class="versetext" id="lu6-31" style="display: inline;"><span class="WordsOfChrist">May this year we think more about others than ourselves and we put scripture into practice. </span>
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Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07865448100508124666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9015719649567151449.post-74764807343253025502012-01-02T09:03:00.000-08:002012-01-02T09:03:21.930-08:00January 2<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJVz2d9jcFDql2K42oeGNgmeMuZ8784W8YlgGDZj2IOcn7FRIBqJ5W0v3I63kvQEnWBlP8rg6YtVZnm3YYCMF1D0PQUBHzWP7DPwCgw55qTioRndqN0suFQuhdkNLj_aK5Wo_icijm3ay9/s1600/garnet2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJVz2d9jcFDql2K42oeGNgmeMuZ8784W8YlgGDZj2IOcn7FRIBqJ5W0v3I63kvQEnWBlP8rg6YtVZnm3YYCMF1D0PQUBHzWP7DPwCgw55qTioRndqN0suFQuhdkNLj_aK5Wo_icijm3ay9/s320/garnet2.jpg" width="320" /></a><i></i><br />
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<i>Psalm 105:1<br />
Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done.</i><br />
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Another great verse for this year. No matter what we must remember to give thanks to Him and let others know just how Great He is. I know that there are moments in our lives that that we would rather not have to go through, but we must remember that God has a purpose and plan for everything that is going on in our lives and He wants use us for His glory. Even when it doesn't seem possible, He really has it all planned for us, and remember for His Glory! <br />
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He didn't say the glory was for us! We are so self-centered, that we can't even begin to comprehend sometimes what we are going through could actually be for His glory, but it is! So embrace it, and remember He will get you through it. And when it doesn't even seem possible, remember to Thank Him for choosing you to let you go through it! I know I sound crazy, and believe me, I have been there. It's those times that we go through the trials when we grow closest to Him. Sad to say that sometimes He has to let those trials come in our lives, just so we will focus back on Him. Remember I said we are so self-centered...and we are!<br />
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So embrace the New Year, embrace the New Trials, and remember to Give Him Thanks and let others know what He has done for you!Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07865448100508124666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9015719649567151449.post-53439480628288264922012-01-01T17:02:00.000-08:002012-01-01T17:02:40.083-08:00January 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgovk2iZKTszcvvMl7gtYJeJ4Uxmjkqgk6lHqUoqudhyphenhyphengoOQQGpWz0AP14AKZyCvzReObMI9t7MKA11DS_79Cz05tDOMj0E68qMkSJCo4imf5LEWm1QAe_amonojrdg_EG1pw3X9oscn8qJ/s1600/garnet1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgovk2iZKTszcvvMl7gtYJeJ4Uxmjkqgk6lHqUoqudhyphenhyphengoOQQGpWz0AP14AKZyCvzReObMI9t7MKA11DS_79Cz05tDOMj0E68qMkSJCo4imf5LEWm1QAe_amonojrdg_EG1pw3X9oscn8qJ/s400/garnet1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<em><strong>Psalm 14:2 </strong></em><br />
<em><strong>The Lord looks down from heaven on the human race to see if there is one who is wise, one who seeks God.</strong></em><br />
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All I can think about is the new year. We look back on last year and see the failures and victories that we had. All we can hope for now is that the good outweighs the bad! This would be a verse that could help keep us on track. We know that God is constantly aware of what we are doing, but when we see it before us, it is a better reminder. My prayer is that when God does look down, He sees that I am truly seeking Him. <br />
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After all it's up to me to do something about it. It got real easy to get behind on my daily verses and give them to you, and all I can do again, is keep on trying. After all when I am trying I am spending more time with my Lord & Savior. And when I am spending time with Him, I am getting to know Him better, which will only richen my life! <br />
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I want to know God more this year than last year. And my prayer is that when people come in contact with me, they can see Jesus in me.Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07865448100508124666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9015719649567151449.post-43623944076781525972011-08-10T07:18:00.000-07:002011-08-10T07:18:39.425-07:00August 4<a href="http://media.photobucket.com/image/peridot%20jewelry/alexafromusa/Gemstone%20Ring/prodimage_33901.jpg?o=221" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i406.photobucket.com/albums/pp145/alexafromusa/Gemstone%20Ring/prodimage_33901.jpg" /></a><br />
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John 6:7 Philip answered Him, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, for everyone to receive a little.” <br />
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Now we have to look back at the verses before to see what it going on here. Jesus was testing Phillip by asking what they were going to do about the crowd, Phillip did what most of us would, answered to the best of his ability. He forgot to think about Who he was standing in front of. So many times I believe that God speaks to us through others, asking if we have have faith to get a job done, and we just look literally at what is in front of us, and not the whole picture with Jesus' arms wrapped around the scene. We need to realize that anything is possible with God, and there are times that He choses to use us and we need to look to Him. We need to get our eyes off of what is in front of us and look at the whole pictures. God wants to do great things, and it's high time that we believe that He wants to use us to do it! Listen for your question to come, and think about your answer before giving it - look and see the potential for God to show off!Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07865448100508124666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9015719649567151449.post-31761361995616461042011-08-10T07:00:00.000-07:002011-08-10T07:02:16.237-07:00August 3<a href="http://media.photobucket.com/image/peridot%20ring/log5886/clothes/jewerly/peridot/peridot-cocktail-ring.jpg?o=6" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d198/log5886/clothes/jewerly/peridot/peridot-cocktail-ring.jpg" /></a><br />
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Psalm 117:1 Praise the LORD, all nations; Laud Him, all peoples! <br />
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Never have I taken the time to look up the word Laud until now:<br />
laud /lɔd/ Show Spelled[lawd] Show IPA<br />
verb (used with object) <br />
1. to praise; extol. <br />
noun <br />
2. a song or hymn of praise. <br />
3. lauds, ( used with a singular or plural verb ) Ecclesiastical . a canonical hour, marked especially by psalms of praise, usually recited with matins. <br />
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So after seeing it is pronounced lawd - I have memories of hearing people saying "Lawd, lawd" and never realized what it meant. A form of expression that is given back to God is what I am seeing in this!<br />
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It can't get much simpler that this! Praise the Lord - it's given to us so many times in the Bible and it's clear why. Because it isn't just natural for us to give Him praise all the time, we do need to be constantly reminded so that it will be burned in our heart until we just do it! When we as individuals are doing it, then nations will do it. It's just scary that right now our nations are in an uproar and they do not have their eyes on God. Our prayer needs to be focused on the nations right now. London is burning the town down, our government is too busy fighting among themselves in trying to make themselves look good, that they have forgotten who they are suppose to be looking after! Out leaders don't go to God for their answers that is clear! <br />
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It's time to refocus and get our Praise back on!Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07865448100508124666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9015719649567151449.post-91496376879532224632011-08-10T06:30:00.000-07:002011-08-10T06:30:05.444-07:00August 2<a href="http://media.photobucket.com/image/peridot necklace/hneb/Sterling Silver Quality Jewelry Sets/Peridot.jpg?o=43" target="_blank"><img src="http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i75/hneb/Sterling%20Silver%20Quality%20Jewelry%20Sets/Peridot.jpg" border="0"></a><br />
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<em>Colossians 1:1<br />
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, </em><br />
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What stands out to me the most is "By the will of God". I don't think we really think about this often. It wasn't our choosing to follow Christ, yes we did make that choice to follow, but it was Christ that compelled us to come. He chose us first. We should be so honored, thankful and blessed to realize that He could have said - no he/she is not worthy! But He didn't, He said I choose you! I want you to serve me and show others that you serve me too.<br />
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Thinking about this should make us realize even more how important a job we have as a Christian. We have been called to be his disciple, to represent Jesus. Do we truly think about this as we go out into the world? I think that at times we do, but it's not a constant thing on our mind as it should be. I am the first to admit that I fail Him daily!!! Staying in His word is a reminder, but as you can see, I have not been doing what I should for me and for you and Him. All I can say is forgive me and pray for me! We have a journey and I want to be more like Jesus today than yesterday and even more like Him tomorrow. Pray for me and I will pray for you.Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07865448100508124666noreply@blogger.com0