Open The Door

The Good News Today Is...God is not playing hide and seek with us. "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in." Rev 3:20. So why do we have a hard time finding God? It's because we don't hear His voice. He is standing there, knocking and calling to us. If we listen for Him and hear Him and open the door - there He is. Pretty simple. Listen, listen, listen. Oh yeah - then open the door.

Speak The Truth

The Good News Today Is...I came across a great blog post about what we can learn from American Idol. Read it here at Today's Christian Women. I do like watching American Idol, but just like Dawn Zemke, I have a love-hate relationship with it. I love to watch the talent, I hate to listen to the judges. It is not okay to tear apart someone's self esteem and tell them that if they want to make it in the music world they need to be able to take whatever is dished out. Maybe it is like that in the music world, but they don't have to take it...."But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man unclean."Mat 15:18 I really do believe if you can't say something nice - just don't say anything at all. That doesn't mean you can't speak the truth - just speak the truth in love.

Clean Up Your Act

The Good News Today Is...I can ask God to create a clean heart within me. "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me."Psalm 51:10-12. Sometimes our hearts get broken and sorrowed from living life in a broken world. We say and do things to create a muddy mess in our lives and it makes our hearts feel sluggish and sad. The Holy Spirit is right there to clean up the mess, just remember to ask for help. As we clean up the mess in our lives, our spirit is renewed and our joy becomes evident. Today is the day...a new beginning...restore your joy.

Beautiful

The Good News Today Is....we can choose what our reflection looks like. I'm not talking about looking in the mirror and rearranging our hair here. I'm talking about our reflection on life and how it can change how we choose to live our life. When we take the time to reflect on our reactions to a situation, to really think about how we feel and why we feel that way we are taking steps to move into a new way of living. Reflecting on our how we feel and why we feel that way, then taking that one step further and seeking God about it, changes what our reflections look like. When we do this, then we radiate the love of God in our life and we change what our reflection in the mirror looks like, too. Beauty really is in the eyes of the beholder.

Don't Give Up

The Good News Today Is....some folks choose to give something up for lent. That is the way they were taught as they were growing up. I ran across an article that proclaims we should be adding things for lent. Add a reconciliation of a friendship, add an act of kindness, add a prayer, add a new way to remember what Jesus did at the cross every day of Lent. These are the things that add up where two plus two equals way more than four. If you didn't give up anything for lent, it is never to late to add something for lent. What can you do today that will add up to more than what you put into it? That's something worth investing in!

Our Sorrow

The Good News Today Is...A goal that doesn’t present itself with challenges may not be worth achieving. This is the quote under today's living well widget at the bottom of my blog. (If you read this on a different day than the 25th, the widget will have changed the quote.) Anyway....it is appropriate for my experience at work yesterday. We were forced to lay off about one third of our work force. In a small business that is like loosing 10 family members in a plane crash. However, if the goal is to keep the business going and make it healthy again so we can call them back to work, we had to do it. Talk about a challenge. This is one of those times when you can search for "peace like a river" and you end up floating down the river, forgetting how to swim and thinking you're going to drown. We are now in a time of mourning the loss of our co-workers jobs. It is no comfort for the rest of us that we still have employment. There will be healing...but for today there is sorrow. "My soul is weary with sorry; strengthen me according to your word." Psalm 119:28

Not Me

The Good News Today Is...at least we can begin to recognize where we need to change. It is in our nature to point the finger at others while forgetting to examine ourselves. "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?" Mat 7:3....yes...why do you do that?

Behind The Scenes

The Good News Today Is.....my computer has a backup battery. The kittens have chewed on my adapter cord and now it doesn't work. The battery has kicked in though and I'm running on the back up power. It was there all along - I just didn't have to depend on it....like Jesus...He is there all the time, but until we need him we forget to depend on Him. "My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge." Psalm 62:7 Always there..in the background.

True Grace

The Good News Today Is...there is an explanation for grace. It is a gift from God and all we need do is accept it.

I was shocked, confused, bewildered
As I entered Heaven's door
Not by the beauty of it all
By the lights or its decor.

But it was the folks in Heaven
Who made me sputter and gasp
The thieves, the liars, the sinners
The alcoholics, the trash.

There stood the kid from seventh grade
Who swiped my lunch money twice
Next to him was my old neighbor
Who never said anything nice.

Uncle Bill, who I always thought
Was rotting away in hell
Was sitting pretty on cloud nine
Looking incredibly well.

I nudged Jesus, "What's the deal?
I would love to hear Your take
How'd all these sinners get up here?
God must have made a mistake."

"And why is everyone so quiet
So somber? Please give me a clue."
"Hush, child," said He. "They're all in shock
No one thought they'd see you!"


- AUTHOR UNKNOWN

A Real Piece of Work

The Good News Today Is..."For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Eph 2:10. Literally this means that we are "works of art" - God is the artist. Have you ever really watched an artist create? I have, many times, since I am married to one. He can be drawing this round little blob, intently, and I can't imagine what he's working on. As his purpose unfolds I see a beautiful tree with a sensational burl in the middle of it. Ahhh...the blob was going to become a tree...I can see that now that he's almost done. Artists - they work from the inside out to create. God is constantly working on the inside of us and it is constantly changing who we are on the outside. I wish I could envision what the end results will be...I'm sure it will be better than I could ever imagine because I have the best artist on the job!

I Will Fear No Evil

The Good News Today Is...a timeless message. View this beautiful power point of the 23rd Psalm. A wonderful way to enhance your day. Blessings to all.

Yesterday

The Good News Today Is...yesterday is gone. There are some days that you are just happy to see end and yesterday was like that for me. First, I was late for work, only to get there and find out that I had a meeting in 15 minutes that I was totally unprepared for. After the meeting and before lunch time I kept getting interrupted by people who "needed" me....a lot of them being my kids....don't they know I was at work? Then I got my cell phone bill...it was like those commercials where the bill is so heavy you can't carry it. Pages and pages and way over the number of allowed minutes...then I was on the phone to the kids - again. And did I mention that I went to make a cup of coffee in our Keurig one cup coffee maker and I forgot to put the cup under the nozzle? Coffee everywhere,while my cup sat beside the coffee maker instead of under it. Yup - sure am glad yesterday is gone. I did just want to add that during my hubbub I never really got too out of control. These days I try to remember that "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever." Hbr 13:8. It has that calming effect that I've come to depend on. It doesn't change the fact that I'm glad yesterday is over...it just helped me not be too overwhelmed in the midst of the blur I was experiencing. Jesus was right there - holding my hand again!

Small Town Talent

The Good News Today Is....I am privileged to know these girls - they are awesome. Local talent in a small rural town - enjoy!

Bless You

The Good News Today Is....an old Irish blessing:

May God give you...
For every storm, a rainbow,
For every tear, a smile,
For every care, a promise,
And a blessing in each trial.
For every problem life sends,
A faithful friend to share,
For every sigh, a sweet song,
And an answer for each prayer.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Half Done or Half Left to Go?

The Good News Today Is...I really liked this excerpt from Christianity Today:
"What is the purpose of Lent? Why do we celebrate this 40-day season of fasting and prayer that begins this year on February 25 (Ash Wednesday), observes Good Friday on April 10, and concludes triumphantly on Easter Sunday, April 12? Lent is intended to resurrect our joy. Lent originally meant "springtime": the word comes from the Old English word for "spring," lencten, which came from lengan, "to make longer"—reminding us that the slow, wonderful lengthening of this season in our souls can signal an end to a winter of bitterness and the flowering of Christ's love in us. Lent is a time for grave reflection and forgiveness that leads to reconciliation and Christ-centered joy."
Lent is a powerful season in our churches. It should be a time when we reflect daily on the cross and what that means to us and how we need to change our lives. We're half way through the season of Lent....how is it going for you?

Stay Connected

The Good News Today Is...I finally got logged on. Now I hope I can finish posting a message before I lose my connection again. Computers....you don't realize how much a part of your life they are until something you can't explain happens. Here at home we've been losing our internet connection off and on for the last week. It is frustrating and makes me crazy. Being disconnected is not a nice place to be...whether it's the computer, or with friends, or with God. Sometimes we get disconnected and we can't figure it out - like me with the internet. Sometimes we get disconnected because we get too busy - we don't keep up with our friends and family. Sometimes we get disconnected because we think we can handle it all - we leave God out of the picture. I have to tell you that staying connected is one of the most important things we can do in life. We need our friends, family and God to make our life meaningful and productive. You really don't realize how much they mean in your world until you lose them....so don't lose them. It is up to you!

Don't Worry - Be Happy

The Good News Today Is...."For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."Rom 8:38-39. Today I am not going to worry about the state of our nation, the economy, or anything else. I'm going to keep in mind the big picture and have a good day.

Missed Opportunities

The Good News Today Is...I have been invited to fill in for pastors on vacation to lead Sunday worship several times over the last year. I am always humbled when I am given this opportunity. It is a place I would never have seen myself a few years back. Now I go forth and serve as I am called and try not to get in the way of what God is doing! "Although I am less than the least of all God's people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ," Eph 3:8 This is a gift given to us and whether we choose to accept it or not is up to us. We are all given opportunities to spread the good news every day in many ways. Don't miss your chance today.

I Am Awake

The Good News Today Is..."The Sovereign Lord has given me an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught." Isa 50"4

Sticks and Stones

Description:
Of the roughly thirty-thousand words you will speak today, imagine if just a handful of them could save a life … … or heal a broken heart … or inspire a vision that would shape the course of history. Today is your opportunity to speak—or write—words of incalculable potential for good.

So I haven't read this book yet, but I think I will order it. The title intrigued me enough to look into the book, and the description I found is exactly how I am trying to live my life on a day to day basis....it's called living a life of ministry and I want it! This is life changing stuff...one person at a time.

Wisdom and Strength

The Good News Today Is..."For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength." 1 Cor 1:25 Thank goodness somebody knows what's going on. We can depend on God to see us through the craziness we create in this world with His wisdom and His strength.

When The Angels Come

The Good News Today Is...I am not ashamed. There was a time when I was a "closet Christian"; I didn't try to live out my faith because I didn't want to make anyone else uncomfortable. Whatever....that's not how it goes now. "If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father's glory with the holy angels." Mar 8:38. When the angels come I want to be ready and not miss the boat!

Follow The Leader

The Good New Today Is...I choose to follow. The saying goes, lead follow or get out of the way. "Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said, 'If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.'" Mark 8:34. I choose to follow.

Busy As a Bee

The Good News Today Is....we can chose how busy we want to be. After viewing this short video it gives a whole new meaning to stop and smell the roses. If any of you have read The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis...this will seem familiar. It is a timeless message.

It's Finally Friday

The Good News Today Is...TGIF. I don't usually wish my days away and I really don't mind going to work, but some weeks the last work day of the week is so welcomed, and this is one of them. I'm looking forward to coming home this evening and putting my feet up and relaxing. Friday nights I really give myself a break. There's not much going on in this sleepy little town I live in, and I don't need to do a bunch of stuff to get ready for work the next day, so I can eat my dinner, sip a class of wine and sit down and pat my cats and dogs. Sometimes I watch a little mindless TV, usually while knitting....it's so relaxing....I often drift right off to sleep on the couch. However, right now, I must get ready for work and I can face the day - any day that God gives us is a great day! "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light!." Mat 11:28,30

I've Buried My Head

The Good News Today Is...I've buried my head in the sand. I just can't keep up with everything that's going on and it makes my head spin to follow politics - so I've buried my head in the sand for a little while. I'm going to try to concentrate on the things that I can do, instead of going crazy over the things I can't control. I can't control how the bail out money is spent, but I can control how my own money is spent. I can save it if I want to, I can buy only American made products (Goodbye Walmart!), I can invest in the market (or not), I can just plain make better choices with how I spend my money....I am in control of that - not that there is much money to spend after paying the bills mind you...but that's another issue. I think I just need to turn off the TV and the radio and the internet and forget about what the world is doing that I can't control...I even feel that way about American Idol...I can't control who wins...but I digress again. In the meantime...the big picture has never changed. God is in control!

Listen Up Now

The Good News Today Is...it's been a quiet week. Sometimes my weeks are hectic and full of so many things to do I feel like I am on a dead run from 5am to 10pm and then I fall into bed exhausted, not even sure where the day has gone. It's not that I don't have a lot to do this week, it's just not so hectic. Maybe it's my perspective that's different this week. I've decided that life will go on without me having to save the world - lol. "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry," James 1:19 That's what I'm trying to do this week.

Smile - It's Grocery Day

The Good News Today Is...encouragement is the word. Sometimes just a smile is all it takes to make someone's day. Today is Tuesday - grocery shopping day. I have long given up being frustrated by the long lines and getting home late. Now when I am in line I take the time to speak to others around me and make their day a little brighter. Perhaps I entertain a child for a few moments so Mom can unload her cart onto the conveyor belt. Sometimes I speak to the cashier and try to get her/him just to smile...that can be a real challenge. No matter how long I stand in line I am always polite, I let others with just a few items go before me if I can, and I try to make someone else smile. I can do this just because I choose not to be in a hurry and not to get frustrated at the poor overworked and underpaid clerks. Not only do I hopefully make someone else have a better day, I go home with a smile, also. So much better than it used to be when I felt like grocery shopping was something to get done in under 8.2 minutes.

Buried But Not Lost

The Good News Today Is...we found our shovel. That is very good news because it is snowing yet again. Our shovel had fallen off our front steps during the last snow storm and had gotten buried in the snow. Life is sort of like that...we fall and get buried...and then Jesus finds us...just before we are about to get buried so deep we may never be found. "Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?" Luke 15:4 When the lost are found there is much rejoicing. You can't believe just how happy I was that we found that shovel.....

We Are Held

"We don’t know much, but we know this: No matter
where we are, no matter what we do, no matter how bleak or frightening our
prospects, each and every one of us, each and every day, lies in the same safe
and impregnable place—in the hollow of God’s hand."
-Tony Snow

Enough said!