Category Archives: Christianity

I Surrender

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There is a beautiful hymn with these words: All to Jesus I surrender, all to Thee I freely give. As I listened to them I wondered, is that even possible? Don’t get me wrong. I want to. I really want to! I want to put every one of my shortcomings on the altar, at the foot of the cross, and leave them there, permanently. The problem is I give the junk of my life and my thoughts to Him, and then take them right back. Don’t you? I’ll bet you do. You just may not be able or want to admit it.

So, then, how can we get past this. Are we able to? Certainly not on our own. Here’s the thing. There is One who really wants to take our stuff, our negative thoughts and ideas, our falling short, our ‘I disease’. Not only does He want it, He died for it. He stretched out his arms on the cross, gathered every sin that ever was, and said, “IT IS FINISHED”!

At this point, I’ll bet you’re saying, OK, I get it! But how? Pray! Go to Him! Talk to Him!

He knows! He hears! He will listen! And, He will give the answers you and I need. He will give you the strength, wisdom, understanding, and courage to get through the day.

Take my life and let it be…

Blessings to you and yours!

Marie

This post is in response to Deb Wolf’s 52-Week Devotional Journal For Women Week 7

Why Me?

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Although I don’t usually give a lot of thought to the title of this post, verbatim, I do wonder why I struggle with some of life’s challenges. Why is there so much evil, meanness, negativity, self-centeredness…? Why can’t I put complete trust in God? Why don’t others understand…?

In Week 6 of The 52-Week Devotional for Women, Deb Wolf asks this question, “Why do you think it can be so hard to give up our struggles to God sometimes?”

Maybe, we’ve been taught so well by our culture (and parents) that we must be independent. When we take the I(n) out of this word it becomes dependent. That’s the key, our dependence must be placed totally on God. It’s all about trusting Him, totally and completely.

Maybe, it’s because the answer takes to long. We want instant gratification. Now! No waiting. Unfortunately it doesn’t take long to realize that’s not how God works. Most of the time He takes His time. Have you noticed that? Then by the time we get to the result of our prayers it’s not what we thought we wanted. God knows best…

 

 

 

 

Perhaps, there are just to many possibilities. After all, with that many choices, God may choose something I really don’t want. Because God loves us so completely He knows all there is to know about us. He will make the best choice. Especially when we understand that all He does is for the good of His Kingdom. If it’s good enough for God, it’s good enough for me!

Blessings to you and yours!

Marie

Thank you to Bible Gateway for the links to the scripture.

 

 

Transformed

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I chose transformed as my word for the year and have been delighted at the number of verses that apply to it.

Having God change the way I think was a big part of my selection. I want every thought and every word to be acceptable and agreeable to the One and Only!

 

 

Blessings to you and yours!

Marie

God’s Girl

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I love to go to seminars! I love hearing excellent God-speakers and enjoying the company of other believers. There is something really awesome about worshipping with thousands of women. Don’t get me wrong. I worship with my husband and the men of my church every Sunday and love every minute. But there’s just something special about worshipping with girls. I love it that God made me a woman.

Several years ago the topic of one of these seminars (Beth Moore, 2014 Simulcast, Fort Wayne, IN) was being women of God. During that time of worship, these words were spoken, together, by 11,000 women (and a few brave men).

I am a WOMAN OF GOD. REDEEMED by JESUS CHRIST. LOVED, PURSUED, and CHOSEN, EQUIPPEDwith WORDS OF LIFE. Clothed in STRENGTH and DIGNITY, commissioned HERE and NOW. GIFTED by the SPIRIT, FORGIVEN, and UNBOUND!

I have these words framed and placed on the wall above my desk. To remind me how much He loves me. He has made me His child. I am His little Princess. He loves me so much. He protects me from all directions – my front, back, top, bottom, and sides. He wants to guide my thoughts, words, and actions.

Isaiah 41:10 tells us what God, the King, wants for us.

  1. He wants us to keep in mind that He is always present. There is no need for fear.
  2. Discouragement cannot/does not exist in the presence of the Great Encourager.
  3. He has already won every battle we will ever face.
  4. He gives us all the strength we will need for every endeavor.
  5. In every situation His help is immediate.
  6. He is, has been, and always will be, victorious!

Abba, Father, I give You all my trials, troubles, and discouragement. Deafen my ears and mind to those thoughts that are planted by the evil one. Let me hear only Your voice. Thank You for adopting me and making me Your princess.   Amen! Yes!

Blessings to you and yours!

Marie

This post was inspired by Deb Wolf’s 52-Week Devotional Journal For Women. 

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Roar-chestra

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Some of the best years of my life were spent as an Elementary Music Teacher. Of course, I was always on the look-out for new ways of teaching the basics of music. Wouldn’t you know I would find a very usable book for the classroom after I had moved on to another education career?

This delightful book is perfect for introducing some of the basic words used by the instrumentalists in the orchestra. It is cleverly devised to show different animals that match the action words. The author uses sleeping animals to show the concept of the word adagio and animals that can move swiftly to portray allegro. The illustrations are fun to look at and clearly show how the animal’s movements match the Italian word.

I highly recommend this delightful book for the classroom and home. Although recommended for ages 3 to 7, I think most Elementary students would enjoy it. After all, teachers, we never have enough books. Right?

Blessings to you and yours!

Marie

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Net Galley/Kids Can Press. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”