A Beautiful World....

Some recent sights that I've sponged:

A Bowl of What Now?

If I were to believe everything that I have read, here is what I would learn about food and beverages:

1. Coffee will help you to live longer if it doesn't kill you first.

2. Having high cholesterol is important if you want to ward off infection, but it also might give you a heart attack.

3. Fresh-squeezed juice is loaded with vitamins and antioxidants, but it has so much sugar you just might get diabetes. 

4. Eggs are good for you as long as you avoid eating the yolk. No, avoid eating the white. No, eat both and you're good. On second thought, forget the eggs and have some chia seeds.

5. Salmon does your body good. As in hurts so good.

The point? Do your own research, listen to your body, and make your own informed decisions. Not everything we read will steer us in the best decision for our bodies.

Tips to Ensure a JOYFUL Thanksgiving

Tips to ensure a JOYFUL Thanksgiving:

1. Take some time to reflect on the blessings in your life. No matter your circumstances, blessings ARE all around you. Pray for eyes to see more of them!

2. Thank God for those blessings.

3. Thank people for the ways that they bless you.

4. Think/pray over how you can bless others more.

5. Savor every flavor. Take your time. Be still.

6. Laugh and play! Let your inner child run free!

7. Nap. Your hamster wheel can wait.

8. Take some time to be in God's Creation. Watch a sunrise/sunset. Go for a post-feast stroll with your loved ones. Hug a tree. Visit the sea. Rake some leaves. Stargaze. Whatever your fancy.

9. Let go and let God. You'll be amazed at how you'll feel by Christmas.

10. Turn your focus off of yourself and on to God and others and you will carry the warmth and joy of the season with you day after day.

Wherever you are, whomever you're with, enjoy this Thanksgiving, my friends. And above all, may the Peace and Love of Christ fill your hearts to overflowing!

Love to all!

M

God's Precious Plants

As I was driving today, I reflected on how God uses people's lives in such different ways to achieve wonderful things for His glory. Sometimes he firmly plants people in place, to foster and raise up strong families and communities. Other times, he moves His vessels around to reach people far and wide.

It reminded me of the wonders of farming. Farmers rotate their crops to improve the fertility of the soil and mitigate pest damage. They do this by alternating deep-rooted crops with shallow-rooted plants. 

I think that God works with us in this way, too. Sometimes, God pulls us from what's comfortable, from what feels safe and secure, from what's familiar, to plant us where we are needed and help to keep the soil fertile for His planting. Sometimes He plants His children in places that are plagued by pests of the enemy, so that they may preserve the field through prayer, supplication, and faithful stewardship. And still others, who may dream of wondering to distant fields may be firmly planted with roots which travel beyond human reach. It all has its purpose- and its purpose is eternal.

Lord, may we be used wherever we are planted, whether deep roots or shallow, so that others may know the profound Love that you have for them and spring forth a Harvest of gratitude, love and faith in your Son, Jesus. heart emoticon It is in His precious Name that I pray, Amen.

Thought of the Day

Mel's thought of the day:

People are not short stories; we aren't even long novels. We are an ever-evolving series of never-ending chapters, and each of us has the opportunity to become epic tales. What story will your life tell?

<3

There's No Place Like.... Surrender

The safest place for our dreams, joys, fears, failures, hopes, goals, and plans is not in our hearts, for hearts are deceitful and are easily swayed by emotion. Nor is the best place in our minds, where the limits of comprehension bind all that is possible to that which is fathomable. These human limitations can only be overcome by entrusting such important things to the One who created us... The One who has no boundaries or limitations.... The One who is wisest above all.... The One who is Holy. 

Coupled with faith in the Almighty, our dreams come alive, our fears die, our failures blossom into life lessons, our hopes yield fruit, our goals build His Kingdom, and our plans always lead to one place: a blissful eternity with our Holy, Loving God.
May each day we place all that is in and of our hearts, minds, and souls into the Hands of the One who Loves us always.

God's Beauty is All Around....

I have to admit, I really love the state that I live in. Infinitely moreso, I love God and taking a time out from life now and again to soak up His absolutely amazing, mesmerizing, and delightful Creation. I still explore nature as though I am a child. Away from all of the noise and demands of daily life, it just seems so easy to find God in all of this... and to soak in His presence while absorbing every sight, sound, smell, and touch of His artistry.

Yes, I am in love with nature. <3

 

 

Stop. Get Breakfast.

 

Continue exploring.