"Them Bones, Them Bones, Them DRYYYY Bones..."

I think jealousy is probably one of the most annoying characteristics of the human form. We've all been guilty at one time of wishing we had something or looked like someone... We may have acted on it horribly by treating the object of our envy like they didn't deserve to possess the traits they have been blessed with. Or, maybe we don't even realize we are full of envy because it creeps up on us in evil whispers like, "...you could never..., ....you'll never look like...." etc.

It's almost time for my littlest buddy to turn one year old and I have been weighing my options as far as getting his picture taken. I've had a photography obsession since highschool and would even prefer a beautiful photo to a work of art or oil painting hanging on the wall. Plus, I've been extra sappy lately, thinking to myself that this is the last opportunity for him to have "BABY" pictures. I've really been racking my brain about which studio to use and how much to spend, until a really good friend said to me, "water, water everywhere...but not a drop to drink". She meant that I have lots of talent and should be taking my own kid's photo instead of paying someone else to mess it up ;)

Sometimes we forget about the gifts that God blessed us with, big or small, because we get swayed into thinking they aren't good enough or aren't as good as___. The point today, friends, is that it's time to stop letting the devil make you think you are second string compared to "so-and-so", and step up to use the beautiful gifts you've been given....dust them off and get to it!

"A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones." Proverbs 14:30

Don't get caught walkin' around with rotten bones..... Have a great week :)

Don't Worry, He Knows...

This post is for my buddies out there who have at one time been heartbroken and needed direction or just someone to validate that things will get better....and God assures us that things WILL get better!

"Heart-shattered lives ready for love don't for a moment escape God's notice."

Psalm 22:24 (The Message)

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those who are crushed in spirit."

Psalm 34:18

"Why are you down in the dumps, dear soul? Why are you crying the blues? Fix my eyes on God--soon I'll be praising again. He puts a smile on my face. He's my God."

Psalm 42:5-6 (The Message)

Yummy, Yummy

"Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no
money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and
without cost. Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what
does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will
delight in the richest of fare." Isaiah 55:1-2

Well, I know it isn't Monday, but I felt like posting anyway! I guess you get a "two-for" this week, thanks to the Almighty God and his really great Word.

I'm so glad that salvation is FREE, aren't you?? Especially in this economy ;) I love this verse because God is telling us where to find a really great "bargain". He offers us something for nothing, which is VERY difficult to find this day in age. It sure is exasperating sometimes to think about all the necessities we need and how little our paychecks are compared to all our wants. How awesome is a God who invites us to come, eat and drink of his love for free.

I have a friend who has started this really cool blog after my own heart, in the love of freebies. Visit http://queenoffree.blogspot.com/ if you enjoy receiving samples and goodies for free. She always has cool tips on stretching the dollar as a woman. Just a little fun post for you today!

Gratitude...in Everything Give Thanks

We had a pretty cool sermon at church yesterday that explained the whole, "Why do bad things happen to good people?" question. The analogy was the story of the men who built their house on sand and a rock. The story goes, the man who built his house on the sand found that when a storm hit, his house was destroyed, whereas the house built on the rock stood firm. The moral of the story is obvious that when we build our "foundation" on God (=the rock) we will not be destroyed.....But I had never thought of it in the sense that EVERY house gets hit by storms. Storms WILL come. It's inevitable--doesn't matter how good or bad you are. We live in an imperfect world that is full of grief. But, if we pay attention to where we build our life, we can avoid defeat. I'm really thankful for that, aren't you?

"You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with JOY, that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O Lord, my God, I will give thanks to you forever!" Psalm 30:11-12

Happy Monday to my Monday Girls!

Are ya Anxious??

I have an upcoming appointment....sometimes appointments are fun, like going to the dentist for a new toothbrush, or getting a haircut...not this appointment. Lately, I've been in prayer about a friend whom has been hard to love. She has asked to sit down with me and talk about our friendship...GULP. I marked the day on the calendar and get a sinking adrenaline burst everytime I sit down at my desk and see it. We've all had circumstances that make us nervous and anxious, but I love what this verse remind us:

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Phillipians 4:6

Whatever you may be anxious about this week, remember that our Heavenly Father wants to give us peace. Cast your anxieties on Him. He wants to hear your request.

Have a GREAT week, friends!