Saturday, February 26, 2011

MY DAILY VERSE - SATURDAY

Philippians 2:10-11 (NIV). ...that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.......
Thoughts on This Verse... I love the fact that I do each day what everyone will one day do: bow before the majesty and proclaim the Lordship of Jesus Christ to honor the Father's glory. How wonderful it is to be able to make that proclamation because of grace rather than in fear at the end of a life that has been spent in what is rebellion, denial, and waste.


Liked on www.youtube.com
Pie Jesu performed live by Sarah Brightman and Paul Miles-Kingston at the world premier of Andrew Lloyd Webber's mass Requiem at St. Thomas Church in New York City, February 24, 1985
 
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Friday, February 25, 2011

MY DAILY VERSE - FRIDAY

Titus 2:11-12 (NIV). For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say''No'' to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age......... 

Thoughts on This Verse... Grace is not about excuses for our sins, but about a deep-seated thanksgiving for pardon and a life-changing commitment to say''No!'' to all that is evil, corrupt, and wicked no matter how alluring or how pervasive they may be in our culture.

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Wednesday, February 23, 2011

MY DAILY VERSE

Here is your Verse of the Day:Psalm 121:3 (NIV). He will not let your foot slip -- he who watches over you will not slumber; .......... Thoughts on This Verse... I still remember when my children were little. I would sneak in and watch them sleep. Sometimes it was to check on them when... they were sick. Sometimes it was to just sit and pray for them, joining the Lord as he watched over them while they slept. Sometimes it was to bathe myself in the grace and wonder of God's love for giving me such blessings. Even now that they are much older, I still love to look in on them and pray for them -- on those rare nights we share the same roof -- marveling at the wonder of these precious gifts from the Father. To know that my Abba Father looks at me in the same way, but with even greater delight and joy, fills me with unspeakable wonder.

Teryl Cartwright Romance Books

I'd like to introduce a new friend of mine, Teryl Cartwright.
Please click on the url and visit her blog site. I think you'll be impressed!

Teryl Cartwright Romance Books

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Monday, February 21, 2011

MAX LUCADO DAILY

God’s Gift
If they could be made God’s people by what they did, God’s gift of grace would not really be a gift.  
Romans 11:6 

To whom does God offer his gift?  To the brightest?  The most beautiful or the most charming?  No.  His gift is for us all—beggars and bankers, clergy and clerks, judges and janitors. All God’s children.

And he wants us so badly, he’ll take us in any condition—“as is” reads the tag on our collars….

He wants us now.

PONDERANCE

• In the evening of life we shall be judged on love, and not one of us is going to come off very well, and were it not for my absolute faith in the loving forgiveness of my Lord I could not call on him to come. 
Madeleine L'Engle

MY DAILY VERSE - MONDAY


Here is your Verse of the Day:
John 17:18 (NIV). ''As you [God] sent me [Jesus] into the world, I have sent them into the world.''...... Thoughts on This Verse... We are not here by accident! God has a purpose and plan for us. Jesus has sent us into the world to touch it with his redemptive love and make a positive impact on it for him.
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Sunday, February 20, 2011

TEARS by IRENE DOUGLAS

Hi - I have a new friend, Irene Douglas, and I noticed this poem she posted this morning. It touched my saddened heart today and I hope she doesn't mind my posting it on my blog. Have a good day, my friends and if you meet a sad friend today, tell them it's OK to shed tears.
Barb
  
TEARS,,,,
by Irene Douglas on Sunday, February 20, 2011 at 5:36am
My dear friends in Jesus. i think i may have posted this poem
before, but often the Lord will take me back to something He
has already revealed before, but something I need to remember.
Today He reminded me of these particular words. I am sure these
words will be relevant to many more of God,s children.

Tears are words from the heart
words that cant be spoken
tears are God,s own cleanser
for a heart that feels its broken

Tears are our way of saying
my heart is torn in two
and   i  cannot find the words
to express my feelings to you.

Tears are often stiffled
the mind saying," this is wrong "
I will have to hide my tears
if Iwant to continue to be strong

But tears should never be hidden
they should be allowed to flow
for tears they water the heart
and so allow the seeds again to grow

God gave us a special place in our heart
where all our tears are kept
remember the Bibles shortest verse
Yes, you know it, JESUS WEPT
JESUS WEEPS.......

MY DAILY VERSE - SUNDAY

Here is your Verse of the Day:
Proverbs 10:11 (NIV). The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked....... Thoughts on This Verse... Want to know the difference between a righteous person and a wicked one? Simple. Check the fruit of their lives. One of the most obvious forms of fruit in a person's life is his or her speech. The righteous person finds a way to impart life with his or her speech. The wicked will nearly always reveal themselves by what their mouths say.

Saturday, February 19, 2011

MY DAILY VERSE

Here is your Verse of the Day:
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV). Be joyful always, pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus....... Thoughts on This Verse... Want to know something you can do that will please God? Rejoice in his grace. Pray for others. Give thanks for your blessings. It's simply something that he wants us to do.

Barbara J Shelton (12)

Barbara J Shelton (12)

Friday, February 18, 2011

A girl should be so lost in God that a guy has to find God to find her.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

VERSE OF THE DAY - THURSDAY

Here is your Verse of the Day:
Psalm 107:9 (NIV). For he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things....... Thoughts on This Verse... The Bible cries out with one recurring truth: God quenches the thirst and satisfies the hunger of those who seek him. So often we try to soothe the ache in our soul and fill the emptiness in our heart with what is only a temporary satisfaction that only God's presence can fill. Let's refuse every false satisfaction and seek the LORD!

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

DISCOVER GOD'S MESSAGE AT COVENANT UMC - AND A LATE VALENTINE'S MESSAGE FROM MARK WINTER, INSPIRATIONAL SPEAKER

Thirteen people went on a treasure hunt this past weekend at Covenant United Methodist Church in Arlington, Texas. They were searching for treasure in the form of their spiritual gifts. A team of guides from Discover God's Call helped them along and, of course, the Ultimate Guide—the Holy Spirit—was there, as well. 
 
Hello Friends,

I know it's a bit late for Valentines Day, but I really didn't get the proper chance to give you a proper wish.  I hope your Valentine's Day was a kind and comforting day for all.

This past weekend my hubby and I attended a Discover God's Call Retreat that was held at our church, UMC of the Covenant in Arlington, TX.  Our celebrated inspirational speaker was Mark Winter, the one and same who wrote this Valentine's message on his blog.  It was a wonderful Retreat, and I would advise anyone who gets a chance to attend on in your area to do so.

This story of Mark's below is one of the most beautiful Valentine stories I've heard and his message is one I'd like the whole world to hear. The whole world needs this message and take action on it.  Enjoy!!

 Hello, Beautiful!

It’s a small town – one of those kinds of towns people make jokes about. You’ve heard ‘em – “that town is so small that when you dial the wrong number, the person on the other end gives you the right number. It’s so small that there’s no place to go that you shouldn’t. It’s so small that Third Street is on the edge of town. "

Valentine, Texas is such a small town – a dusty hamlet nestled between Van Horn and Marfa on State Highway 90. Population: a mere 187.

But once a year, as Valentine’s Day approaches, this small town becomes very popular, a romantic mecca of sorts as cards & letters pour into the tiny adobe post office. The reason? Lovers want their correspondence stamped with the Valentine, Texas postmark, which is newly designed every year by a student from the Valentine school system.

One morning, Postmaster Maria Elena Carasco was moving a box of Valentine cards when she heard a faint, mysterious voice: “Hola, bonita,” the voice said in Spanish. “Hello, beautiful.” For a split second, she felt like the tiny post office was haunted. Was it the voice of her dearly-departed husband, who had died unexpectedly of a heart attack? Maria Elena pulled out the cards and began hand-canceling each one with the Valentine postmark. Then she came across a talking greeting card, the kind with the electronic voice box inside. “Hola, bonita,” it said. “Hello, beautiful.” Maria Elena laughed. The card would soon make its way to someone’s hands and heart, reminding her again of why Valentine’s Day was her favorite time of the year.

Two thousand years ago, God sent a Valentine’s Card to earth, postmarked with the precious blood of his own Son. The outside of the card was simple, even rustic, but the inside contained a message that was as stunning as it was beautiful:

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him will not perish, but have eternal life.” (Jn 3:16)
“Hello, beautiful,” God has written. “You are my unique creation. I have made the ultimate sacrifice for you. I want you to follow me, and when you’re ready to leave the earth, we can spend all of eternity together. What d’ya say, Beautiful?”

The card has been signed, sealed and delivered. It waits – begs – to be opened. All it needs is someone to say “Yes” to the invitation.

Someone like you.

John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, compared God's grace to a house. The porch is "Prevenient Grace," the love of God for us that precedes our love of God. It’s a big porch, because everyone is there: saints and sinners; men, women, youth and children; classical music lovers and gangsta rap fans; the New Yorker who takes the subway and the Indian who travels by canoe down the Amazon. Everyone gets a generous dollop of prevenient grace on God’s big front porch! In Acts 14, Paul and Barnabas give a prevenient grace message when they arrive in Lystra, a town in Asia Minor. These apostles tell the crowd that God kindly testifies to his goodness by “giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; (God) provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy."

But the porch isn’t the house. God stands on the other side of the door and beckons us to come in and possess the entire mansion. His love requires a response. Wesley said that the door of God’s house is “Justifying Grace,” sometimes called “Justification.” Big words. . .big concepts. What does justification and justifying mean?

If you look up the words in the dictionary, you will find several definitions.

In printing terms, justified type is a block of text that is even at the margins. God’s justifying grace takes a life worn ragged by sin and lines it up with love, mercy and tenderness.

“To be justified” is a legal term means you have been vindicated. According to Romans 6:23, we are all guilty before God and “the wages of sin is death.” We have been brought into the divine courtroom for sentencing. We wince as the charges are read, knowing that we have broken God’s law. The gavel comes down with awful force as the verdict thunders throughout the halls of justice: ‘NOT GUILTY!’ We look up, stunned. The bench is empty. The Judge has removed his robes and now stands beside us, offering to take the rap. He goes off to our punishment, setting us free. “While we were yet sinners,” Paul reminds us in Romans 5:8, “Christ died for us.”

“To justify your actions” means to prove that you are right. However, the Bible tells us that “there is no one righteous – no, not one” and “all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” In financial terms, we have made some bad investments, freely spending the currency of jealousy, greed, selfish ambition, irreverence, lust, gossip (okay, enough of my own personal list)—and now it’s time to pay our Divine Creditor. But we can never overcome the arrears of sin through our good deeds – the debt is too astronomical, like trying to pay off the federal deficit in nickels. But God has a Chapter 13 of his own that requires no lawyers, no legal maneuvers, no heavy documentation – just a simple “yes” to his Son that wipes out our debt of sin and credits our account with righteousness. You don’t have to understand it all. To be justified doesn’t mean you have to have a PhD in theology that enables you to spout off Anselm’s satisfaction theory of the atonement. All you have to understand is that God loves you and sent his Son to you.

Years ago, a woman in my church shared that she was watching Jesus of Nazareth, the 1977 mini-series, before her husband got home from work one afternoon. She had been struggling with the notion that God loved her personally. She could buy that “God so loved the world,” but she wasn’t sure that God loved Rhonda. While she was watching the crucifixion scene, she said the Holy Spirit testified to her spirit that Jesus, indeed, marched to the cross for her. When the realization came, she dissolved in tears right when her husband walked through the front door. Of course, he assumed that he had screwed something up.

“What’s wrong?” he said.

Rhonda looked up with tears streaming down her face and snot coming out of her nose and said, “Jesus loves me!”

Okay, it may not be that dramatic for you. When I opened my love letter from God, there were no tears or cartwheels. Just a quiet acceptance of God’s acceptance of me. It was 1983. I had been married for a year, and those of you who are married know how fun that first year is! Much too difficult to make it without God. But we tried, anyway. I thought things would magically fix themselves. But they didn’t. The marriage got more frustrating. My life was going around in aimless circles. I was drinking too much. I wasn’t very lovable and I felt I didn’t deserve much love. Who was my God at that point? That dubious trinity called me, myself and I. You see, whatever we devote ourselves to is our god—and I found out that I make a very poor god!

One day Laura suggested we go to church. I looked at her like an iguana had crawled out of her ear. Hey, I wasn’t that desperate!

“Church?” I said. “You’ve got to be kidding me. Guys in robes, trilly organ music, blue-haired ladies? No thanks. If I want to be tortured, I’ll go to a family reunion.”

But she persisted. We finally went. And I found that it wasn’t half-bad. It was actually scratching an itch. We returned. Then we joined a Sunday school. I met the youth director and started helping him.

Then one day I did the unthinkable….I dusted off my old confirmation Bible...and I started reading it….on purpose!

And in the pages of Scripture, I discovered a Jesus I never knew. This wasn’t the stained-glass, goody-two-shoes Jesus that I had concocted in my mind. This was a God who walked dusty roads, hobnobbed with sinners and went toe-to-toe with religious phonies. His bearing impressed me. His words inspired me. His agenda to include the outcasts moved me. I joined the 1st century crowds in asking, “Who is this man? Where did he get his authority? Isn’t this the carpenter’s son?” Yes, but more—a divine craftsman whose Spirit began shaping and sanding my rough heart.

Jesus said he came to seek and save that which was lost. I was lost. He said that he would die for the sins of the world. I had sin. He claimed that he was Bread from Heaven and Living Water. I knew I was hungry and thirsty for God. So I finally placed my trust in Christ. I got off the porch and walked through the door. I quietly responded to his love letter and have been in love with him ever since.

Believe me, when you accept this amazing, justifying grace, your problems don’t magically vanish and you don't become whole overnight. If you hung around me for a week, you’d see that very clearly. Sometimes I don't react well to pressure, I still struggle with “issues” from my past and my wife and I even have an occasional spat – she never lets me win. But my decision to respond to the Grace that had been there all along has made all the difference in the world. To paraphrase the bumper sticker, “I’m not perfect, but I am forgiven.”

And being forgiven makes you feel empowered. Like you can start over at any time. That God’s desire is not to condemn you, but commend you. Such grace takes root in your heart and grows faith, hope and love in your life. I love this line from the Michael Card song, The Way of Wisdom: “You can stop pretending that it all depends on you; for it’s not how much you love, but how much He loves you.”

Listen! Can you hear it? “Hello, Beautiful.” Sounds like a come-on, doesn’t it? Well, it is! God’s come-on! But it’s a come-on with a huge payoff—abundant life, now and forever. Come on, Beautiful, open my love letter! Come on, Beloved One, get off the porch and come into my house! Come on, my Precious Princess, hand over your sins and let me wash you as white as crisp linen! You are worth it!

It’s a great offer, isn’t it? The Creator of the universe offering you a chance to get right, get clean, and get going toward heaven. But an offer pre-supposes a response, doesn’t it—a reply?

So the question is. . .what is your answer to Jesus?

Treasure Hunt 

This is a picture of Discover God's Call group that met at Covenant UMC on Friday and Saturday.  My hubby is the tall guy in the middle back - last man on the left.  I hate to point out my pics because I don't like having mine taken, but I'm the lady on the left of the first row with the stiped sweater on.  We all had such a great time! 

Thirteen people went on a treasure hunt this past weekend at Covenant United Methodist Church in Arlington, Texas. They were searching for treasure in the form of their spiritual gifts. A team of guides from Discover God's Call helped them along and, of course, the Ultimate Guide—the Holy Spirit—was there, as well.

The discoverers were primed before they even stepped into the church doors. They had taken a 15-day home Bible study and spiritual gifts inventory. The retreat kicked off on Friday evening with a sandwich supper and ended on Saturday night with a service of Holy Communion. In between, discoverers honed their calling in small groups, solitude and worship. During small group time, a dedicated team of intercessors prayed for the participants to receive their calling. At one service, a discoverer announced that she had shelved her gifts because of fear of criticism from others. With tears streaming down her face, she resolved to put her gifts back into play because she knew God had given them to her.

As Inspirational Speaker, I delivered four talks during the course of the weekend. The subject of my messages was Nehemiah, who inspired his fellow Jews to rebuild the ruined walls of Jerusalem. This Old Testament story was perfect since all kinds of spiritual gifts were in play during this project. My farewell message encouraged the discoverers to practice fortitude, focus and faith as they returned to their homes, churches and communities to pursue their calling.

Interested in participating in Discover God's Call or having your church host a retreat? Follow the link above or call the One Man Show office at 817-281-2730 for more information.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

JUST CHECKING IN.....

Hello Friends,

Have been gone unintentionally for a few days.  Last Friday my husband, Jack and I attended a wonderful conference, Discover God's Call, at our church. We were the host church and members of other churches attended. it's always fun to meet new people and make new friends. This workshop is a wonderful way to get in touch with your spiritual gifts and learning more about being active with them. Prayer for the group was ongoing while we were in session and before.  I'm looking forward to seeing what marvelous things will be happening in each person's lives who attended.  I know God has great things planned.

 We returned Saturday night from the conference, very tired.  A good tired then.  By morning I realized I wasn't feeling too well, and wasn't able to attend church with my husband.  Since then, I've been in bed much of the time. It felt a bit like the flu, and I'm not sure what I have.  This is my first visit back to my pc.  Please pray for a quick recovery.

Yesterday morning I did get up for awhile, and on the dining table set a beautiful bouquet of red roses and a loving card from my hubby. Valentine's Day!  He always does so much for me and I wish I could do more for him. He's been a wonderful caregiver to me for the past ten years since I was gravely ill. He's been with me through some very tough times. Thank you, Jesus.

Anytime any of you want to come make a comment about anything or what's happening in your life, you are welcome to do so. Hope you all stay well and get happy/ I'm going back and get some more rest for now, see you soon.

Hugs,
Barb
,

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

LOOK WHAT MICHELLE SUTTON IS GIVING AWAY!!

 WOO HOO, READ ABOUT IT HERE, THEN VISIT MICHELLE'S BLOGSITE FOR MORE DETAILS AND ENTER.

New giveaway! Win an all expense paid Florida vacation that includes a Caribbean Cruise to the Bahamas!

Buy one of my books and you just might win a vacation for up to four people!



This vacation prize is worth over a thousand dollars. It includes three days in Fort Lauderdale, then three days on the Caribbean Cruise Line ship to the Bahamas, then ends in Orlando Florida where you can get a pass into one of the theme parks there. This vacation package also includes a free rental car. All you have to do is pay for the gas. Winner will be required to pay a port of entry fee in order to get on the ship. Because it's not possible to include in this prize package (since I don't know who the winner will be or when they will leave, the winner is responsible for that small fee.) Did I mention the hotel rooms are all paid for and so are three meals per day per person? As you can see from the description above, this is a nice vacation package. However, the trip MUST be taken before August 2nd. When you book the cruise prior to that date is entirely up to you. Just book your spot a month before you leave. I have the transfer forms and information and will send it all to the cruise line when a winner is selected. You will get confirmation that the cruise has been transferred to you. So why not enter?

How many people can take this vacation? Up to four people because two separate rooms are paid for and the original deal I made was for four, which includes all meals, too.

What if only two of us want to go? Then you can save the other two spots for a separate vacation that can be either three days and two nights in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico or three days and two nights in Las Vegas.

How can you afford to do this? I purchased the vacation package last August thinking my husband and two kids could go with us (hence the two rooms) but then our household income dropped significantly and we were no longer able to afford the plane tickets to get to Florida from Arizona. But I'd hate to waste a vacation package I'd already purchased, so now I'm offering it to one of you guys.


CONTEST RULES

What do you need to do to enter for a chance to win this vacation? First, to enter even one time you must post a comment. You can send a picture of yourself holding one of my books, or forward a copy of the receipt to me if you ordered it online. The cool thing is that right now I have two books that are only $2.99 each, so that is the best deal you can get. If you have already bought several of my books you need to post a comment saying which ones you bought and when. If you won them or swapped them, then that doesn't count. However, if you have read all of my existing titles (there are a bunch of you out there) you can still enter by pre-ordering Letting Go (the paperback,) or by tweeting and facebooking about the contest. Just make sure to tell me you've read all of my books and that's why you could only tweet about the contest, or post about it on facebook.

To increase your chances of winning you can do the following...

+ one additional entry for following two of my blog sites (I will post the links below.)
+ one additional entry for tweeting about this contest and sending me a link to your tweet.
+ one additional entry for posting about the contest on facebook.
+ two additional entries for buying any one of my paperbacks and posting a review
+ two additional entries for buying one of my e-books from Desertbreezepublishing.com.
+ one additional entry for buying an e-book from another site (kobo, Amazon, Sony, etc.)
+ one additional entry for pre-ordering Letting Go on Amazon or Barnes and Noble.

So here is a scenario to help you see how this works. Let's say Betty has already purchased two of my paperback books before this contest. She will get one entry for that by either showing me she has the book(s) in a picture or showing me a review she had posted in the past of at least one of my paperback books. Betty also tweeted about the contest and posted it on facebook - that is two more entries. Now she has three. She decided she really wanted to read Never Without Hope anyway so she buys the paperback. This adds two more entries. Then she decides to buy one of my e-books from Amazon, so that is one more entry. Betty also followed my sites listed below. Her total number of entries is seven. Don't worry, I've got a spreadsheet and I will be adding entries as I get them, then putting them all into the list randomizer and having it select a winners name. Oh, and you MUST leave me a way to contact you so I can tell you that you won. I will pick a winner on March 2nd sometime before midnight. Now go spread the word and let me know that you did so I can start filling up the list. Blessings to you all and thank you for supporting me.


Here are my blog addys for you to follow...

Healing Hearts book review blog
Healing Hearts series blog
Never Without Hope blog

Here is a link to the Caribbean Cruise Line travel information. The Florida hotels in Fort Lauderdale and Orlando are part of this package but were added to make it a custom vacation for my family, so there won't be those details on this list.)

Link to more info about the cruise itself...Caribbean Cruise Line

Void where prohibited.

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

MY DAILY VERSE - TUESDAY

Here is your Verse of the Day:1 John 5:4 (NIV). For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith....... Thoughts on This Verse... This is the companion passage to 1 John 2:17 --''The world and its desires are passing away, but the one who does the will of God lives forever.'' Our destiny and future are not limited to the boundaries of existence tied to our little blue planet. Our future and our hope burst the boundaries of mortality and are tied to our faith in a resurrected and victorious Savior who is coming back to bring us to his eternal home. This faith is displayed by doing God's will even when most in our contemporary culture choose to chase what is fleeting and transient.

HOPING FOR PAIN RELIEF

Had an appointment today with the pain specialist.  The date for my injection into my left hip joint is scheduled for the morning of February 18.  I'll be under anesthesia during the injection/ Thank you , Lord, you know how I don't like pain.  That's the reason for the injection - to relieve pain in my leg, hips and back.  The doctor also upped one of my neuropathy medications to hopefully relief the pain.  Gheez, this getting old is painful enough....do we really need more pain and punishment?

I would appreciate all the prayers you can remember to say for me during the next two weeks.  Please pray that the medication from the injection will be successful in relieving the pain.  The doctor said it should take effect within seven days. I'll yell hallellujah if it works!

Hugs,
Barb

Monday, February 7, 2011

NOTICE: NEW COMMENTS

Please notice and read two new comments.  One under Pentalk.  One under Delia Latham.

We love comments!

NEW FOLLOWERS

HORRAY & WOO HOO! THREE NEW FOLLOWERS!
Welcome to Delia Latham and the beave ; and a dear friend 
Dianne Anthony.
Glad to have you.  Post anytime!
Hugs,
Barb

MY DAILY VERSE - MONDAY

Here is your Verse of the Day:
Matthew 5:13 (NIV). ''You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.''...... Thoughts on This Verse... Jesus wanted us to never give up our moral distinctiveness, our redemptive influence, or our loving impact on those around us. The purpose of our presence in the world is to be an influence in our culture against further decay and to season the bitter, dog-eat-dog world with grace and mercy.

Sunday, February 6, 2011

PENTALK COMMUNITY

There's a new writer support group around.  It's the PENTALK COMMUNITY.
Look at the article below, then visit their Facebook Page.  We invite you to join us and show your talent.  That's what we're all about. We have weekly writing competitions. Lots of fun.  Lots of sharing, and the most incredible people you'd like to know.  I'm a member and I'm looking forward to lots of excitement and help for my saggy stories. There will be weekly interviews with great talent, writers and artists.  Come join us.

Pentalk Community: Peek at the Week!




Pentalk Community: Peek at the Week!: "

Pentalk Community"
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Sunday, February 6, 2011
Peek at the Week!
Wow! First full week of Pentalk is now in the history books!

So what's up next?

Monday, Dan Waltz will have the first marketing/resources post!

Wednesday, Diane Graham has the privilege of being the first guest blogger! Her topic: So You Wrote a Book or What to do with Your Inner Rock Star. You'll want to be here!

Friday we'll post the first member contributions! Who will it be? Stay tuned!
To be considered for future member contributions, see the monthly challenge! Email us your entry for consideration.

Looks to be a great first week of posts here in Pentalk! Don't miss it!


Do you want to be a guest blogger? Have tips or tricks to share? Be included as a resources? Email us!

MY DAILY VERSE - SUNDAY

Here is your Verse of the Day:
Philippians 4:4 (NIV). Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!...... Thoughts on This Verse... Sometimes the squabbles of church can be discouraging and cause us to lose sight of the incredible blessings we have in God's family. We have many reasons to rejoice in the Lord. Let's not lose sight of those, especially when those around us get caught up in pettiness and rivalry. Let's remember our hope is in the crucified Nazarene, who is also our resurrected Lord and ever-present Savior.

Contest - DELIA LATHAM

Here's a chance to win a gorgeous oil bottle. Just answer the questions Delia asks and send by February 14th. I'd like to try my hand at writing my answers...maybe I will. I've been blessed with miracles, as some of my children have. Click on Delia's name and go to her blog to find out.

Contest - DELIA LATHAM: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"

Saturday, February 5, 2011

barbjan10 blogs: February 2011

barbjan10 blogs: February 2011: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"

MEMORY - A SPOOF BY PAM PETERSON

Oh memory, where has thou gone?  I can't hear you. I can't see you. I can't remember. I can't remember my memory!  These "Senior Moments" drive me nuts!  Ah ha...look what I found....this lady looks much too young to be singing about remembering things.....but she can speak for me. This is much too familiar. LOL  hahaha
I'd sign this, but I can't remember my name.......Please God, have mercy!

MY DAILY VERSE - SATURDAY

Proverbs 10:17 (NIV). He who heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray....... 

Thoughts on This Verse... Discipline is not only important to us, but also to those who are influenced by our actions. So often we undervalue the impact of our personal decisions on others. But God has placed each of us in a circle of influence to be a blessing and a redemptive influence for those around us. To choose what is foolish, to ignore godly correction, not only jeopardizes our own future, but also the future of others.


Thank you, Dan Waltz for becoming a follower of barbjan10 blogs.  Glad to see you here.
Barb

Friday, February 4, 2011

MY DAILY VERSE - FRIDAY

Verse of the Day

Matthew 1:21 (NIV). ''She [Mary] will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.''...... Thoughts on This Verse... Jesus. Yeshua. Joshua of the spiritual world. Mary's boy, God's Son, comes to help us tear down the strongholds Satan has built in our lives. He comes to bring peace to our troubled spirits and joy to our nights of despair. He comes to not only minister to us and bless us; he comes to do what no one else could do: he comes to deliver us from our sins, those spiritual blemishes, rebellions, mistakes, and transgressions. Praise God! A deliverer who actually conquered what we could not to make us what we could not otherwise be -- pure, perfect, and holy children of God, like him (cf. Col. 1:21-23).

RETREATING

Do you feel like retreating from the world at times?  I do.  I have been feeling that way lately, yet I know it's a lonely place to stay - in retreat.  Where I live in Texas, it's slightly uncommon to be living in a snow covered deep freeze, and it does cause it's problems for many.  Commuters for one. We have been having those rolling blackouts this week; and I read where even hospitals have had their power cut. Unless they have extra power boosters during those black times, how does the hospital function?  What if a crucial surgery is taking place and all machines suddenly cut off - can that be critical to the patients with just a few seconds of lost power.  How did I go from talking about retreating to hospitals during a blackout?  My mind is wandering.

When there is snow and ice all over my world, or a thunderstorm, anything that closes me inside for a while, I feel safe.  I feel the world around me has quietened and calmed down and I feel protected from everything outside.  It's like retreating back to the womb and feeling the comfort of safety.

Am I speaking the feelings that others of you experience?  There's another kind of retreat for groups of people retreating to a quiet spot to communicate, fellowship and learn.  I enjoy these retreats also. In fact, I'm preparing to attend several in the months ahead.  My husband and I will be attending a retreat soon called "Discover God's Call," and I'm very excited about it. It's on the Fruits of the Spirit and training for the lay persons in church.  I'm attending another training retreat for Lay Speakers - so I can speak before congregations.  A third retreat I'm attending is our church women's retreat weekend that is very special and refreshing.  I'm looking forward to all of these retreats to refresh, remind, and fellowship with friends and most importantly witn the Lord.

To me, retreats of both kinds, the alone personal retreat and the retreat with others are learning and strengthening times of the Holy Spirit within me; and the devotion in my heart for God and his son Jesus.  Always growing.  I love and enjoy it. I'm delighted with the word of the Lord and my joy returns to me.  I'm safe.

It would be a pleasure and an honor for you to write comments and your thoughts, send them to me thru messages and I will gladly publish them in my blog.  Please feel free to speak here.
Enjoy your Day,
Barb

Thursday, February 3, 2011

SHARING GLORIA COOPER'S ENCOURAGEMENT WITH YOU

This lady is so encouraging and has helped me keep my mood and attitude on the better side of myself.  Sometimes I have a hard time finding that side. LOL  Enjoy what she has to say. I like her prayers and pray along with her.
Hugs,
Barb

" …I’ve pitched my tent in the land of hope…" (Acts 2:26, Message).

Where have you pitched your tent today? In other words, what are you expecting to happen in your life this year? What kind of attitude do you have? If your thoughts are stuck and you’re focusing on what’s wrong or what’s not working, then it’s time to dig up your tent stakes! It’s time to pack up your belongings and move out of the land of discouragement. It’s time to move out of the “Not-going-to-happen” subdivision and move out of “Can’t-do-it-ville.” It’s time to pack your bags and move into the land of hope, faith and expectation!

Every time you catch a negative thought and choose to dwell on God’s promises, it’s like you are packing your bags. Every time you declare God’s faithfulness, you are taking a step in the right direction. The Bible says that those who hope in the Lord will never be put to shame. As you turn your focus toward Him, you are pitching your tent in the Land of Hope—a land where His peace, blessing and victory reign forever more.

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, thank You for ordering and directing my steps. Thank You for taking me to the land of hope! I choose to set my mind on You, knowing that You are faithful. I release the past and invite You to fill me with Your peace, blessing and victory today and always. In Jesus’ Name, Amen ♥ ♥

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

MY DAILY VERSE - WEDNESDAY

Here is your Verse of the Day:Philippians 4:11 (NIV). I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances....... Thoughts on This Verse... Paul tells Timothy that one of life's greatest treasures is to find contentment in godliness (1 Tim. 6:6). With this treasure, our physical circumstances become far less important to us than the character we display in those circumstances. Our bottom line is less important than loving God from the bottom of our hearts. Those who are wealthy and show godliness, a very difficult challenge according to Jesus, are those who have demonstrated that they are content to be godly and will be that kind of person with or without wealth. Those who are poor and are godly have demonstrated the same ability. So the bottom line is not how rich are we in money, but how rich are we in grace!

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

I'M BACK AGAIN

Hello friends, I'm back after a confusing week with my pc. I gave it some TLC and we're ready to put out some work again.  I've missed all of you. Please do me a favor by inviting your friends and neighbors to join my blog. Hopefully, in the future I will come up with a better blog layout...as soon as I learn  more about blogging. I love to hear from you, don't forget the comment boxes on the blog. They're for you to fill up.
Hugs to All,
Barb