Thought for today

No matter how good we appear to be, we’re at a dead end if we depend on anything more than Jesus.

I always loved this quote.

"But I, being poor, have only my dreams; I have spread my dreams under your feet; Tread softly because you tread on my dreams."
-- W.B. Yeats

For 2010

This may be my affirmation for the new year: "In this present moment, I have permission to be whoever I am, and whatever I feel". (Thanks for the 'gift', Renee)

A thought for today

Who travels for love finds a thousand miles not longer than one.
-- Japaneses Proverb

Thought that made me go, "hmmmmmmm"

"The real test of being in the presence of God is that you either forget about yourself altogether or see yourself as a small, dirty object. It is better to forget about yourself altogether".
~C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

an interesting quote...

"Within all of us there is an illusive melody, which when heard and followed will lead you to the fulfillment of your fondest dreams."
~Illusionists Siegfried and Roy

For today...

"Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all" (1 Chron. 29:11).

"Charity rejoiceth not in iniquity" (1 Cor 13:6 AV). Let us be willing to call iniquity what is really iniquity, rather than to call it weakness, temperament, failure, hangups, or to fall back on the tired excuse, "It's just the way I am."

"Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a right spirit within me." (Ps 51:10 AV)

Sometimes I need reminding...

Sometimes I make mistakes and have to accept the results. Being stubborn, independent and, yes, Scottish, I often feel that I must shoulder problems on my own. I need the reminder that when I screw up and have to deal with the consequences, or when hard times simply come my way, that God is always there and all I have to do is come to Him. When needed, I can be forgiven. When needed, He will give me the strength and resources to get through. When needed, He will open the door, window, outlet, or even blow out a wall to get me though.
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My Own Fault
Someone who is suffering as a result of his own foolishness or failure may read these words. These griefs are hard indeed to bear, for we feel we might easily have avoided them. We have no one to blame but ourselves, and there isn't much consolation there. Sometimes we imagine that we must bear this kind of trouble alone, but that is a mistake. The Lamb of God, slain for us, has borne all of our griefs and carried all of our sorrows, no matter what their origin. All grief and sorrow is the result of sin somewhere along the line, but Christ received them willingly. It is nothing but pride that keeps me from asking Him to help me to bear the troubles which are my own fault.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, take away mine.
I take Him at His word indeed,
Christ died for sinners--this I read--
And in my heart I find a need
Of Him to be my Savior.
(Dora Greenwell)
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And my "quote for the day"

There is in the worst of fortune the best of chances for a happy change.
~ Euripides

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On a separate note, but connected to my post from last night. Dr. Robert Dalzell, the father of a very dear friend of mine, lost his battle with cancer last night at 11 pm PST. He was at home with his family, like he wanted; however, that doesn't make it any easier. He and Nora were married for 49 years and he had a daughter, Jennifer who has a daughter, and a son, Drew. He was a head pathologist at 2 hospitals and an avid HAM radio user. He had a wicked sense of humor and loved watching Benny Hill.
Drew, my prayers are with you and your family. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Recently read...

Sometimes, divine revelation simply means adjusting your brain to hear what your heart already knows.

Sometime God reveals interesting lessons from the most unusual places.

A quote and a question...

Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?
~Mary Oliver

I received this "quote" in my e-mail this morning. Over the years I have become a collector of quotes and use them in my classes to encourage and challenge my students. Sometimes the quotes do the same for me, which is why I chose them!

This is one of those "challenge me" types of quotes. The basic answer is "serve God and follow the path He sets before me". However, right now it's a little hard. I feel a little stuck. Things are starting to change and prayers are answered. There are other things that are slow, though. I guess I'm struggling with the "wait". In the end 'I' am not planning my live, God is planning it. I am still confident it will be a wild and precious life.

thoughts from a movie...

Thirty-seven seconds well used is a lifetime.

Your life is an occasion, rise to it.

both from Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium

Advice for today... (as well as a goal and a reminder)

Relying on God has to begin all over again every day as if nothing had yet been done.

-C.S. Lewis

A thought for today

One of God's arrangements is that after winter there should come beautiful spring days. It happens every year and it happens in every life.

-Father Joseph

I know I must be in a "winter" of my life and of my walk. It is comforting to know this time will pass and there are brighter things on the horizon. God is in control. While I know this, this is still a time of coldness...hardship...difficulty. Please, Lord, HELP!