Tag: life

CELEBRATE YOUR LIFE

I can’t help but share these thoughts today….as this is the day I get to celebrate ME!

 

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                                                      One year old!
When you think about your birthday rolling around, what kind of feelings does that elicit?
Feelings of happiness or feelings of dread?
As I’ve gotten older, I find that it is easier to think about the negative aspect of birthdays. Like the part of the  aging body having more aches and pains and not working as well as it used to.  And then there’s definitely more gray hair to color! Thankfully, I still feel young at heart…now if only the body would realize that too!
But, I think it’s good to shift our focus to celebrating US!

 

 kinder

                               Nice crooked bow for Kindergarten!
Think about when you hear of someone expecting a child, especially maybe as a first time parent. Isn’t there so much joy and happiness to celebrate this new life?  One thinks of all the hopes and dreams you have for this child and what the future will be like.

I guess it seems almost like God wants us to rejoice in those same ways once a year when our birthday rolls around.  There are so many things to celebrate.

After all, we are God’s child…a great reason to celebrate!

 

8th grade
                                                                8th grade
Over the years, I have grown to appreciate the specialness of birthdays.
They remind me that I am special to the Lord, and that He is Lord of ALL creation.

 

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                                         High school graduation

 

Birthdays make me think about the reasons to celebrate in the Lord…
…to celebrate the fact that our life is a GIFT from God.
…to celebrate the MIRACLE of OUR life.
…to celebrate how SPECIAL and UNIQUE the Lord made each of us.
…to celebrate the fact that the Lord knew us even while we were in our mother’s WOMB.
…to celebrate the fact that the Lord has a divine PURPOSE for our life.

 

Birthdays are also a great time to take inventory of how far we’ve come in our walk with the Lord and the direction we’re heading.
 
                                                    The current ME!
So, when your birthday rolls around this year, don’t worry about getting older, but rather…
REJOICE & CELEBRATE the fact that YOU are a special part of God’s creation!

When I think of celebrating ME, I can’t help but think of my favorite, what I call “life song,” Offering by Third Day. I know I’ve shared it before, but take a moment to click the link below and really listen to the message of the song.

For me, in my heart and soul, this song holds such special meaning and truly summarizes that

MY life is my OFFERING to Him for all He has done for ME.

This song is an older song of Third Day’s, so it was such a blessing to hear them play it live at the last concert I went to! Such a wonderful song!!

 

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.  –Psalm 139: 13-14  (NIV)

EVERYDAY MIRACLES

Do you ever stop and wonder why we don’t see the many and great miracles that were done back in Jesus’ day?  Maybe we need to reflect on our current lifestyles and the “little” miracles that occur every day in order to gain a better perspective on this question.

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Photo credit by Danielle Lynn under Creative Commons License (CC BY 2.0)

 

Our lifestyles these days are rather “instant” and technically advanced, compared to Jesus’ day.  We rush and run from one place to another, merely “doing” our routine.  All this advancement is great, as long as we keep the proper perspective on life.

 Amidst the hustle and bustle of each day, we need to take time to see the “little” miracles God sends our way.

The miracle of nature…..

–how the sun and moon appear each day

–the seasons that come year after year

–the birds flying south to keep warm

–the trees changing with the seasons.

The miracle of your body….

–how you were formed in your mother’s womb

–how you were part of the miracle of the child birth process

–the blood pumping through your body performing so many functions

–the hairs on your body growing when you don’t even notice

–how your eyes provide you with beautiful sights

-your ears can hear all kinds of sounds

–how your heart beats continually as you progress through this life.

The miracle of circumstances in your life….

–the relationship that was restored

–the people that offered to pray for you when you were having a health test

–how you found strength to make it through a long, rough day at work

–the “chance” meeting you encountered at the store

–how you quit smoking after so many years.

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Photo credit by  Scott Costello under Creative Commons License (CC BY 2.0)

This thought of everyday miracles seems to resonate in my life lately.

I was talking on the phone to a co-worker whom I’ve never met, and I was in awe of listening to him tell the story of how another co-worker was on his way walking to his car when someone stopped him to help with a problem. Thankfully, this occurred at just the “right” time! If he had not been stopped, he would have been getting in his car at the time that the parking ramp collapsed where his car was.  That gave me goosebumps and made me stop and thank the Lord for an everyday miracle right there!

Recently I was at a minor baseball league game with my youngest son. I happened to run into a co-worker who works on my floor, but not in my department. For some reason at the game, we hugged each other and I noticed a cross necklace she was wearing. I went to her at work the next day, felt led to share my blog site with her, and we talked about God and my favorite band, Third Day. It was just what she needed that day to help her through a rough time. I consider that baseball game encounter, along with our follow up discussion, an everyday miracle!

This blog (#55!) happens to be at the one year mark of when I started this blog site! I consider this site an everyday miracle in my life! I am truly in awe of how God, through a series of circumstances, worked every thing out which led me to write again….just trying to share the things that are in my heart about our great God.  God also used His ordinary circumstances to provide an “editor” for me…using a simple comment via Facebook on a mutual friend’s post. I’ve never met my editor in person yet, but ironically we grew up in the same hometown! I am so blessed to have an editor who I can run things by and who encourages me along this path. You are such a blessing in my life, and I am so blessed by your sharing of your faith with me, Jenny! She always reminds me that “God never works in a vacuum…not ever!”

Can you think of some everyday miracles you have experienced in your life? Feel free to share them in the comment section below.

It is so refreshing to see God at work in the “little” details of life performing His everyday miracles!

If we recognize God’s little miracles every day, our faith in Him is going to grow and grow—and, as our faith increases, we will learn to trust Him more.  We might even see the Lord perform even greater miracles!  Keep your eyes and heart open to His everyday miracles!

You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples.  –Psalm 77:14 (NIV)

THE VAST OCEAN

Is there a special place where you seem to feel God’s presence most powerfully?

For me, one place where I always seem to feel God’s presence most powerfully is the beach.

Marco Island beach

                                                  Marco Island, FL

When I was young, my family would often vacation in North Wildwood, NJ to enjoy the beach and boardwalk there. We would always stay in the same motel, The Flying Dutchman, usually with an ocean view room that was a short walk to the beach. I think because of that, I have always enjoyed spending time at the beach and ocean especially as I became an adult. Even as a child, I would be sad when it was time to leave and return back home; I just wanted to stay there and be in God’s presence. On a side note, we took our kids to North Wildwood a few years and were surprised to see The Flying Dutchman was still there….just remodeled! 🙂

beach kid

                                     Back in the day at North Wildwood, NJ

I have been blessed to continue to vacation at a beach often and have gotten spoiled to frequent places where we are able to rent a condo right on the beach. That way there is easy access to and from the beach, and you can cook your own meals whenever you want. I have enjoyed sharing my love of the beach with my children through the years, and it was a good place to vacation, especially when they were younger.

When I go to the ocean, I seem to encounter God more powerfully and sense His presence. It is still difficult when it is time to pack up and return home.

jenny sunrise

                                      Virginia Beach, VA

What makes the ocean so special to me?

–I love to look out and see miles and miles of the vast ocean water-you can’t see the beginning nor the end of it…it just flows on continually all day and night…

–I marvel at the width and depth of the ocean waters…

–How does the water continually flow from one place to another…back and forth…all under God’s command?

–It is amazing to think how the tides come in and out each day…

–Sometimes the waves are enormous and sometimes they are few and far between…

–I love to think about all the life that is present in the ocean waters…each type of fish, crab, starfish, sand-dollar, shark, dolphin, sea plants having its own life pattern and serving the purpose God has in mind…

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      A sand-dollar at Marco Island, FL. So cool to see it breathing!

–The uncountable grains of sand in the ocean and on the beaches each with its own special purpose in God’s plan…

–I think it’s neat to think about the many Bible stories of Jesus and his disciples that were near the water…

–There is a peacefulness in listening to the waves soothing my soul…

O Lord God Almighty, who is like you? You are mighty, O Lord, and your faithfulness surrounds you. You rule over the surging sea; when its waves mount up, you still them.  –Psalm 89:9 (NIV)

This summer my family was blessed to visit a new-to-us beach place called Marco Island in Florida, which is on the southwest coast. I felt like I was in heaven because it was such a beautiful place with the water having a blue-green hue to it, and there were such calm waters there. My kids were actually disappointed the waves were so calm, but for me, it was just perfect. You could go out in the 85 degree ocean waters and just float around for hours not having to worry about waves. Technically, it is the Gulf waters rather than the ocean, so I’m wondering if that is why.

marco beach

                       The tranquil waters of Marco Island, FL

Being on the west coast of Florida provided for stunning sunsets glistening upon the ocean waters every night. I was glad a friend mentioned about taking a picture for her the first night. Then, it was so much fun and so beautiful, that every night I had the pleasure of seeing God’s majestic glory of the sunsets. It was great to take so many pictures of them.

Seeing the sunrise or the sunset shows me God’s presence, and I love to soak them in.

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  SO PROUD OF THIS SHOT… a bird in the sunset at Marco Island, FL

For me, the ocean is a wonder of God’s presence where His awesome love and beauty flow forth. I feel the glory and the splendor of the Lord at the ocean!

The seas have lifted up, O Lord, the seas have lifted up their voice; the seas have lifted up their pounding waves. Mightier than the thunder of the great waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea–the Lord on high is mighty. –Psalm 93:3-4 (NIV)

A friend of mine was just at the beach last week, and I felt her words best summarized my thoughts of being at the beach exactly:

“There is a peace to be found at the ocean’s edge. Words cannot touch the part of our souls that a pounding surf reaches. This gives life a tranquil place of rest.” –Mischell Barbieri

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                     Ship Bottom, NJ Photo credit by Mischell Barbieri

How many are your works, O Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number–living things both large and small. There the ships go to and fro, and the leviathan, which you formed to frolic there. –Psalm 104:24-26 (NIV)

GOD’S CREATIONS

Have you ever thought about how unique and amazing ALL of God’s creations are?
While visiting a local zoo last year with my eldest son who enjoys photography, I pondered that thought. How amazing our God is who created every living creature in this world…from the littlest sea creature and the smallest plant, to the huge elephant and even you and me!
Every creature that God created is different and unique in its own way.
While at the zoo…
…I loved seeing how the snow leopard’s tail was actually as long as its whole body.
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…the black toed penguins and the river otters (my son’s favorite) are really so cute. In fact, almost as cute and cuddly as the panda bear that is my favorite!
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…watching the gray and red wolves (another favorite of my son’s) move around was kind of eerie, but it is was neat to see the differences between them. The red wolves have longer legs and are smaller than the gray wolf.
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…I never realized how small the arctic fox was!
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The beach is another place where I find myself marveling at God’s creations too. Looking out at the vast ocean and thinking of all the life that it holds seems mind boggling. Collecting seashells to see their beauty is another highlight and thinking of the life that was once contained in them. Everything just works together and flows under God’s command.
tuesday sunset
seashells final

Sand Dollar

Just today while at Marco Island, FL, I was fascinated when my son scooped up some sand from the ocean water and found a beautiful shell that still had the creature inside. A quick google search indicates it was a ladder horn snail. I stood in awe as we held the shell in the water and after a bit the creature would pop its head and body out of its shell. What an amazing little creature that made me stop and think again how totally amazing God is! My son then found this living sand dollar!
snail 1
snail 2
snail 3 final
snail 4 final
snail 5
While in Florida, it has been fascinating to see some cool little “Geico” lizards too. We even spotted a little baby one!
geico little final
Observing the birds of the sky can also be mesmerizing for me. It is amazing to see their beauty while they soar through the sky and listen to their songs of praise. Each variety is special and unique in its own way.
What an amazing God who created such unique things to populate this beautiful world of ours!
While reflecting on all the animals at the zoo that day, it also made me reflect on how God then made humans. Just like all the animals, plants, and birds are unique and special in their own way, so are humans! We are each so different and unique in our own way.
Stop and think about what an amazing God we have!
He created our world, every plant, animal, bird, and human! All is created by Him to do His will. All praise and honor belongs to Him! We are all unique and special just as God wanted to create and fashion us. We have the honor of being made in His image!
But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds of the air, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish of the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In His hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.  –Job 12:7-10  (NIV)
How many are your works, O Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number–living things both large and small.  –Psalm 104:24-25  (NIV)
If you would like to check out my son’s photographs, here is a link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/84373338@N05/

BASEBALL AND LIFE

Those of you that know my family personally, know that my youngest son, LOVES to play baseball. He even played fall & winter baseball inside this past year and that then led to his first travel baseball experience! He was so very excited and stoked to play so many games as they were playing or practicing from November – July…a good nine months of baseball!
There was one game in particular where I was spectating that these thoughts came to me….It seems many principles of baseball are also fitting for this “game” of life. This particular game the team really came together, cheered each other on to really have that team spirit, communicated well on the field, made great plays and came out victorious even coming from way behind.
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                                                Tournament champs this day.

Lesson 1:  You win some games and you lose some games. 

Do you ever feel that way in your life? Some days you feel like you’re on top of everything and winning, while other days it seems like you just can’t win no matter how hard you try to be successful.
In the end, it really works out okay. God is still in control no matter what. With Him, we WIN and have the victory!
But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. –1 Cori 15:57 (NIV)

Lesson 2: Some days you make all the right plays, but since we’re human, sometimes we make some errors.

 
No matter how hard we try, we still end up making some “mistakes” in this journey of life. We were not made to be perfect; only God is perfect. We need to learn from our mistakes and strive to improve everyday. It is so important to pick ourselves up, brush the dirt from us, and know each day is a new start. God loves us and forgives us no matter what. Our heart is what counts.
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.  –1 John 1:9 (NIV)
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Lesson 3: You may be called to play a few different positions in the game of baseball. My son pitches, catches, plays 3rd base, shortstop, or is in the outfield.

In life, we are all called to different roles. First and foremost you are a Child of God, then you might be a son/daughter, husband/wife, parent, doctor, accountant, musician, etc.
All of these roles have important qualities or responsibilities tied to them. The more roles that you find yourself with gives you more opportunities to touch more people’s lives and share the love of the Lord with them. The key is to always do your best in whatever role you find yourself.
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.  –Colossians 3:17  (NIV)
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Lesson 4: When a batter is hitting, sometimes they are thrown a strike, sometimes a curve ball, sometimes a fast ball, and sometimes something in between that is too high or low.

 
In this game of life, you never know what kind of “ball” life will throw at you. The key to success in life is to keep rooted in the source and refocusing your energy through loving the Lord. Your attitude and faith are what will make the biggest difference. Knowing that with God you can handle anything is a liberating feeling.
I can do everything through Him who gives me strengthen.   –Philippians 4:13  (NIV)

Lesson 5: You need to keep believing in yourself, your team, and never give up. It is not over until that last out!

 
It is hard when we start doubting ourselves and our abilities. Our confidence can plummet very quickly. Sometimes we need that person to encourage us along the way to help us get our confidence up. Learning to never give up and keep trying our best are key elements to help us make it through the tough times. It isn’t really over until our final breath.

For nothing is impossible with God. –Luke 1:37 (NIV)

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                                                  Team spirit! Go Bandits!
 

Lesson 6: Work as a team each member doing their “job” to the best of their ability. It is definitely a TEAM sport…No one person is responsible for the success of the team. 

 
God has given us the gift of family and friends to work together with.  Together is better and more can be accomplished when we are working as a team.
Have you ever experienced a major deadline or project at work? Didn’t things go much more smoothly when you worked as a team, each utilizing their talents and gifts that helped everything work together?
Can you think of times when someone came along side you and helped you see something in a fresh new way? Being connected to others can help us learn from others and expand our horizons.
For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them. –Matt 18:20  (NIV)
 

Lesson 7:  No matter what, you need to keep fighting and giving your best even when the stakes are stacked against you. One small thing can change everything.

No matter how down and out you are, you need to keep pressing one and searching for the light at the end of the tunnel. A simple little turn in events can change the whole situation around. Don’t ever give up!
I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.  –Philippians 3:14  (NIV)
For me, it was a blessing to reflect on how something as simple as watching a baseball game could show me lessons about baseball, life, and the Lord.
Can you think of your favorite sport to watch or play and find some lessons about life too?
His master replied, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!”  –Matthew 25:21  (NIV)

THE ROAD TRIP OF LIFE

Do you, like me, sometimes enjoy taking a road trip by yourself?
Cruising along on the open road, especially if there is good weather, and not much traffic, seems soothing to my soul. It gives me a peaceful feeling and I feel God’s presence while I’m cruising along the road. Of course, I can’t help but play Third Day music, which blesses me, the whole way to top it off!
I was truly blessed this past weekend to do just that as I had a chance to go to a Third Day concert because of an unexpected available ticket. It was a win-win situation for sure! It was so last minute that I didn’t know until about 6 pm Friday night that I was going at 9 am Saturday morning! It really was a wonderful road trip and a blessed time of worship to experience. Everything worked out just perfect.
On the six hour drive to Ohio, it gave me lots of time to pray for so many people that need prayer while playing my music. On the way back, it was more of a time for me to just play the music and reflect on the messages of the songs, even though I do that all the time. It was just more of a quiet time with God.
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Photo credit by AboutMyTrip dotCom under Creative Common License (CC BY 2.0)
Have you ever thought about how your life is like taking a road trip?
The destination is heaven to spend eternity with God & Jesus. Ultimately, that is truly the best destination and will be even better than anything we have experienced here on this earth.
It would be pretty much impossible to make a long trip without researching the way (back in the day) or making our lives easier nowadays, getting the infamous GPS out. Before I start out on a road trip, I always pull out the GPS and program it to the destination.  On our road trip of life, we’ve got Jesus and the Bible as our navigator as well as Christian friends. Jesus, the Bible, and our friends are there to help point us back in the right direction if we get off the beaten path or if we need a little bit more encouragement to make it through a trial we’re facing.
Just like there are many roads to travel on a road trip, along with many different kinds of roads, our lives can take us down many different roads….some are smooth sailing, some are bumpy and rough. Maybe we take a road less traveled in our life that is not a good one. We might even lose our way for a little and take some unexpected detours. Hopefully it won’t be long before we get back on the right road and continue on the straight and narrow road. Yet, through it all, our God is faithful and is always with us. He is there to help us find our way and love us no matter what.
On my road trip this weekend, I saw such beauty in all of God’s creation. The sun was out, in fact, on the way home I had the sun roof slightly ajar to get some fresh air to help me stay energized after a short night’s sleep! So many beautiful hills for my eyes to behold. I think the coolest sight was going over this huge lake and seeing some cross country skiers plowing through the snow.
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Photo credit by Steven Straiton under Creative Common License (CC BY 2.0)
On this road trip of life, do you take time to notice the beauty of your surroundings? There is so much beauty in looking at creation….the mountains, hills, valleys, even the vast flat land all have their own beauty. You might see some snow to grace the hills, the sun to brighten your path, the clouds that might bring some storms, the glorious sunrises where you see God’s beauty shining forth, or the full moon to light up the night sky…All of these things show God’s omnipresence and power to make such a beautiful world for us to experience while on this earth.
Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them.
–Luke 24:13-15