Simple Truths

My daily devotions with God in the morning and throughout the day are precious to me. I read the scriptures, and through them, understand deeper revelations. I pray, and through that, I speak with my very Best Friend. 

I recently read Psalm 19. I was amazed at the simple truths I had uncovered.

"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. 

Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun. It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, like a champion rejoicing to run his course. It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is deprived of its warmth."

(Psalm 19:1-6)

Have you ever seen a sunrise? Have you ever seen a sunset? Have you ever seen rain? Have you ever heard thunder? Your response is probably, "YES." Have you really observed and listened? God's creation praises him. We tend to take every day occurrences for granted. God is so merciful in allowing the scales of common expectation to fall from our eyes. Then, we are able to see...

Isn’t this beautiful? Don’t these photographs illustrate God’s goodness? Do our lives illustrate God’s goodness? Do our lives paint pictures such as these?

We are told,

“You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody.” 

(1 Corinthians 3:2) 

The world can read us. It sees whether we praise or complain. To give our unsaved neighbors and classmates our good testimony, we must praise God. Through praising God, we show our gratitude to Him.

If a tree, with lifted limbs, swaying back and forth as the wind blows can praise God, I can too. If a cow, before she goes to sleep kneels daily, then I too, can kneel and thank God for the day He blessed me with. If a bird, with it’s sweet tweets can sing, I too, can sing to my King. Praise God! Praising God isn’t only limited to the Sunday service. We must praise everyday.

The Bible also encourages us to praise God. Take a look.

“For it is written,” As I live, says the LORD, every knee shall bow to Me, and every tongue shall give PRAISE to God ... “

(Romans 14:11)

“Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name ...

(Hebrews 13:15) 

Praise Him today for you are fearfully and wonderfully made!

What Will You Do?

I saw this image on a blog, and when I read through it, I agreed with the truth it spoke. All around us, there are subliminal messages that pervert minds and change its views on what is know as the truth.

The Bible says,

"I will set no worthless thing before my eyes; I hate the work of those who fall away; It shall not fasten its grip on me." 

Psalm 101:3

"The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!"
 

Matthew 6:22-23

"Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise,” 

Ephesians 5:15

Did you notice that all of the movies mentioned in the image above are Disney movies? From a bit of research on my behalf, I read that Disney includes inappropriate language and actions. They also incorporate sorcery and other demonic practices. These movies, (in the most obvious manner) teach rebellion against parents and authorities.

I received Jesus into my life at a young age. During the time before that, I watched and owned several Disney movies. As my relationship with Jesus grew stronger, I felt that watching those movies didn't please the HIM, especially with all the magic weaved into the films. Now that I have read this article, I know for sure that it was the Lord guiding me.

Let the Lord guide you in what you should watch. Though there may be sublime messages in shows and movies, HE will point them out to you and quicken you to change the channel.

We need to encourage others to guard their eyes, ears, and hearts against all perverseness. The world often introduces perversity in the most subliminal ways, but we must stand against it.

What will you do? Will you stand against all perverseness? What will you do to stand against rebellion? Will you guard your eyes, ears and heart? Stand up against it all! I dare you...

Colors of Beauty

Colors are beautiful. Alone, each one tells it's own story. Together, they all tell one story.

What story do these colors tell you?

On every drive home from church, I am inspired to take photographs. Even though I've traveled those same highways for the past 7 years, the beauty I uncover each time inspires me. 

What inspires you? What colors inspire you? What places inspire you?

Movie Review - Letters To God

photo credit 

Have you heard of the movie, "Letters To God.”? I  received a bookmark from my pastor that announced the movie's message. After searching around on the web, I discovered a great, heart-warming movie. 

"Letters To God" is the true story of young Tyler Doughtie. At age 8, Tyler is battling with cancer and develops a tumor in his brain. To communicate his feelings regarding friends, family and even food, Tyler begins to write letters to God. Where do letters addressed to "Heaven" really get sent to, anyway? Brady, the town's substitute postman receives Tyler's letters each morning and knows what to do. As Brady reads the letters of his new friend, he is given hope. Brady discovers a light that shines over his dark and troubling past. As Tyler's health begins to improve after painful chemotherapy, he is allowed to play on his soccer team again. Will a fatal blow end the life of this boy, or will he overcome the impossible?

As I watched this movie, I was inspired by Tyler's strength. He seemed to accept his disease and find faith. I don't know what it's like to face a life threatening disease, but I can imagine that it is a frightening experience. Tyler was also understanding and forgiving when he is teased about losing all his hair due to chemotherapy. Throughout this movie, there are hints of humor that are refreshing, especially, during the "sad" parts.

I recommend watching this movie. It's enjoyable and touching. If you and your family would like to watch this movie you can find it here.  (note: The movie is broken up in several parts.)

Saying Goodbye...

Today, my dear great-grandmother, Rosa Ramos, went to be with Jesus. At 2:30 this morning, this beloved lady breathed her last. Though we will all miss her, we know that this is God's will. Only His perfect love consoles us through this difficult time.

Throughout this time, it is a blessing to find consolation in God, but also in His word.

We find in:

Psalm 116:15 "Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints."

Glory be to God that my great-grandmother received Jesus as her Lord and Savior. She, in her late nineties, also fulfilled the biblical mandate of being baptized in the name of Jesus. I know that she is precious in the Lord's sight because she belonged to Him.

Romans 8:38-39 "For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Nothing can separate my great-grandmother from God's love, not event the death of her earthly body.

Romans 14:8 "For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s."

I praise the Lord that throughout her walk with Christ, my great-grandmother was willing to live and was willing to rest in the House of her Father. When she was alive, she was the Lord’s and now that she's with her King, she is still the Lord's

Revelation 14:13 "And I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Blessed indeed,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!”

God has given my great-grandmother rest. She has raised four children, and loved a  large number of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, {and believe it or not,} great-great grandchildren. My great-grandmother and I never spent much time together because she lived in Ecuador and I live in the United States. The time that I did get to spend with her was precious and I will treasure it for years to come. 

From the stories I've heard, my grandmother was a loving woman with some spunk. She was also a midwife, helping to deliver several of her descendants. She was petite and had a soft, soothing voice. One of her favorite past times, was sitting by the window and watching the neighbors walk by. Everyone knew my great-grandmother because she had been around for five generations. 

I ask that each of you pray for my family. A few of them aren't Christians and are grieving bitterly. They themselves don't have hope in Jesus, and fear that all hope is lost, now that "mamita" is gone. 

Thank you Lord for the time (98 years) that we had "mamita." On October 4, my great-grandmother turned 98 and three days later went to rest in the House of her King.

The words of this song sing such a glorious truth.

A Young Maiden's Daybook

Today…  October 3, 2011

Outside my window… rain is pitter-pattering on the sidewalk.

I am thinking… about a yummy carrot cake baking in the oven.

I am thankful for… two loving parents and a sweet toddler sister.

I am wearing… a jean skirt, a brown long sleeve shirt, and leggings.

I am reading… "A Love That Multiplies"

I am creating… nothing at the moment.

One of my favorite things… is planning the Thanksgiving menu. Over at our house, we hold a mini "banquet" for our nearby relatives. Any suggestions Ali?

For education this week… Algebra 1, English, Spanish, Health, Bible Study...

A keeper at home skill I am using/learning… is how to effectively prepare a hearty dinner... and a delicious dessert :)

A spiritual lesson I’m learning… is believing in God's greatness and power.

A godly character trait I plan to work on… is gratefulness

Scripture I am memorizing… "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity." (1 Timothy 4:12)

I am praying for… a new friend I've meet.  

For the rest of the week… I will be attempt to make something crafty.

A picture I’d like to share…

Call on Him. Trust me, friends, "It's Just That Easy"