"We like the illusion of having control...." quote

Just finished a book by Francine Rivers called, And the Shofar Blew, a very powerful book of how life can be for a pastor and his family, the pressures from others and the pressures placed on ourselves in desiring to live for the Lord.  The complexities of life for everyone involved and the battle the enemy relentlessly wages to tear down anything good.  I could quote many places in the book, but for now, one stands out in a big way in my life and maybe yours too....

"We like the illusion of having control of our lives, that the sins we commit have nothing to do with anyone else.  We close our eyes to the consequences and point the finger at someone else.  Don't feel alone, Kat.  I did more than my share of blaming."

We all have fallen and go our own way.....

I was taking pictures of stuff in my bedroom and took a picture of this cross-stitch I did many many moons ago.  We are all stunned at what took place just this last Friday.  I thought of the kids and the families over there in Connecticut and we hug close our own families at this time.  And then, as I find myself caught up in thinking "Lord, come quickly" again....I am quickly reminded there are so many not ready to meet Jesus and we know through God's Word that He truly wishes that none would perish.  Sin is sin.  All of us, our sin put Jesus up on that cross, not just this 20 year old that did this horrible thing.  Someone wrote on my facebook that he was in hell.  I don't know where he is, it isn't up to me to say.....all I know is that he needed Jesus just like we all do and Jesus is available to all of us who take that leap of faith, trust and obey.  Accept His great love for you.  He came down from Heaven as a vulnerable baby to live and to die a horrible death, but He rose and lives within those who have invited Him in.  I don't know what tomorrow will bring.  This event has truly crossed a line on American soil, but know that horrific events happen all over this world to children and those not even yet given a chance to live.  

Remembering the "Innocent" which truly comes only through Christ......

~deb

"Blustery Day" according to Winnie the Pooh!!!

Everything is white and maybe even beautiful around here....BUT it is too cold to be walking around as we are dealing with serious below zero wind chills and the visibility beyond city limits is bad.  Something that can be so beautiful can also be so deadly....reminds me of "sin".  When we are in the midst of something and having to decide whether to proceed forth knowing it is wrong but, "oh, it feels good" or " it is just a little bad"....and not take a serious look at just how deadly it is because there is no such thing as a "little sin".  

Not changing our circumstances in order to change our hearts!!!

I so appreciate this reminder.  

It helps me to get back to Him and not 

make it all about me!!!

Reading and studying Romans in my 

personal devotions....is has been an 

awesome time with the Lord!!!

I am so very thankful for the Word and 

recently looked at the history of what was 

sacrificed so that we have the Word today.  

The Book you have in your hands.....

came to be in your hands at a great price.

Only Because of Him.....

~deb

Joyous Thanksgiving!!!

I know we are quick to say "Happy Thanksgiving"....it is what we have always said.  I just started thinking though....uh, oh, the wheels are turning.  So many people do not look forward to these types of holidays that involve family gatherings.  You may have a very dysfunctional family situation, you may be dealing with a great loss at this time in some form.  It can be a tough tough time.  So, it just occurred to me, "happy" is a feeling and "joy" is a knowledge that rises above the feelings of knowing God is in control and He is in all that I am dealing with now.  He is faithful and walks beside me no matter what I do.  I cannot earn His love and He loves me regardless of how I am "feeling" at the moment.  Yes, it is a time for.......

JOYOUS THANKSGIVING,

 don't you think?

Man! Life Just Doesn't Seem Fair!!!

I came across the creator of these "wire" scenes and really appreciated this one.  As we are looking ahead to winter months, the cold, the bone-chilling feeling that only flannel pajamas, a blanket and a cup of cocoa can cure.....the perfect get away from the harshness of the world.....that even then someone or something is suffering somewhere like here....Poor Marshmallow!!!  Smiles and hugs your way.  Life is hard and so unfair at times.  It won't always be this way....it just feels like it now....

Love in Christ,
~deb

Encouraging jewelry made JUST FOR YOU!!!

Always trying to keep a balance and one of the times is getting ready for the one and only craft show I do each year.  This year, I just wanted to share with you these rings I made....a devotion to Him in and of themselves.  I took brass blank rings, 100 year old brown marbled paper and printed these little sayings on them.  They were a hit at the show and I was so glad because I want to create things that glorify God and remind people how precious they are to Him.  Thanks for letting me share.  It is always too long in between posts, I know.  Hope this finds you not doubting God's great love for you.....deb