Updated on June 5, 2017
Seek First Project: Prayer is More Powerful Than Terrorism (Day 6)
Photo by Www.CourtneyCarmody.com/ 
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Shelly
Updated on June 4, 2017
Seek First Project: A Place of Quiet Rest (Day 5)
God has told his people, “Here is a place of rest; let the weary rest here. This is a place of quiet rest.” But they would not listen. – Isaiah 28:12
We don’t listen, do we? At least, I don’t. My fears speak way louder than the Spirit’s whisper, and I admit that sometimes it just seems too difficult to hear past those screams! God designed us to crave rest. To need quiet. To meet Him there.
Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn’t even have time to eat. – Mark 6:31
I forget to eat pretty often. Self-care is not something that’s second-nature to me. We are always so busy, super-stressed and strung out on anxiety! How about you?
My precious friend, Kristina, posted to her wall this week, “What spot in your home instantly makes you smile? Not people but somewhere that causes you to take a deep breath of simple joy. This is one of mine. I would love to see your smiling place.”
Well, of course, since I’ve been praying for the Lord to present ideas to me for our Seek First Project, I immediately asked to share this idea, and she happily agreed! (Thank you, Kristina!) Here is her smiling place:
I believe whole-heartedly that we need a special place to meet with God each day. We live in a camper at the moment, but when we had a house, I had a smiling place. Here are some pics of mine:
Our challenge for today is to create a smiling place if you don’t have one. Where is your favorite place in your home or yard? Make it special. Keeping God in mind as your companion there, make it comfortable and surround yourself with things that bring quiet rest. Your Bible should be there, too, and your journal if you have one. Use all five senses: do you have sweet smells there? Something to sip? Music? A favorite texture? How about your favorite things to look at? Lighting is important, too.
If you do have one, your challenge is to refresh it. Add or take away from your collection there. Think of the season you are in right now. Does your smiling place reflect that? Have you included all five senses: do you have sweet smells there? Something to sip? Music? A favorite texture? How about your favorite things to look at? Lighting is important, too.
If it’s okay if I share them on my fb page, please let me know in your email.
Isn’t this exciting? Let’s get started!
Sweet Jesus, we long to meet You in a special place, each and every day. Thank You for reminding us so many times in scripture that You long to give us rest. In Jesus’ Name, Amen…
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May God Bless You,
Shelly
Updated on June 3, 2017
Seek First Project: Sunday is for Praise (Day 4)
Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel.- Psalm 22:3
I just can’t think of setting aside Sundays as anything but a time of praise.
In this year of focusing on overcoming our fears and worries, I think it’s especially important that we take regular time away to do this.
And so, today, a song of praise….
Dear God, may this meager offering, made from the heart, enthrone You where You belong… as King of All. In Jesus’ Name, Amen…
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May God Bless You,
Shelly
Updated on June 3, 2017
Seek First Project: Revisiting the Top 5 (Day 3)
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Shelly
Updated on June 1, 2017
Seek First Project: In Case of Emergency (Day 2)
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Shelly
Updated on May 31, 2017
Seek First Project: A Plea (Day 1)
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Shelly
Updated on May 30, 2017
Introducing The “Seek First” Project! #seekfirstproject
I was inspired today to find out if there really are 365 verses in the Bible about not fearing or not worrying. I know it’s something the Lord feels deeply about, and I know that it’s time to make some mega changes in my own life in this department.
I am the queen of worry. Ever since I was little… seriously. I used to worry that people would drop bombs on us while we slept. Therefore, I rarely slept, especially if I heard a plane flying overhead. I was seven. We lived in South Louisiana. Not exactly a war zone, but there you go.
Due to this, my favorite Bible passage has always been Matthew 6:25-34:
“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?
“And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?
“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
“So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” – Jesus
All along, though this verse brought me comfort. I mean, how could it not? But every time I read it, I struggled with, “HOW? How can I do it, God?”
It seems impossible most days, doesn’t it?
As I’ve grown and hopefully matured, I have realized that God answered that very question right at the end of this passage.
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
And so I’m going all-in.
And I hope you’ll come with me.
Every day, for a full year, 365 days, I will be sharing on this blog, a verse about fear, anxiety, worry, trust, peace. It’s all wrapped into it, isn’t it? If God gives me words for that day, I’ll share those, too. There will be a song to go along with the verse, and also an activity or challenge that I hope you’ll enjoy. I’m determined to come out with my old worrying self burned away. Or at least singed a good bit.
Don’t forget to subscribe to this blog so you don’t miss a single day of The Seek First Project. Please share and invite your friends or bible class to join us, as well!
Will you pray with me through this year and this project? I’ll be praying for you.
How can I be lost, when you have called me found? – “Fierce”, by Jesus Culture
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May God Bless You,
Shelly
Posted on May 18, 2017
How Jesus is Our Sam
At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me; may it not be counted against them. But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that through me the proclamation might be fully accomplished, and that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was rescued out of the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed, and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom; to Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen. – 2 Timothy 4:16-18
So this past month, we’ve been watching the “Lord of the Ring” movies as a family. They just never get old for us, even though we can quote them by now. Depending on what I’m going through at the time, God always pricks my heart with different parts or phrases or relationships from these stories.
This time, the message was from Sam. Don’t you just love Sam?
In the third movie, Sam tells Frodo that he might not be able to carry his burden, but he can carry him. And he does. It struck me so deeply at that moment.
Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. – Luke 14:27
Jesus is our Sam. We may have to carry the physical burdens we are given in this world, but he never leaves our side, no matter the dangers, no matter how we doubt Him, even if we insist that He leave us. Even if we try to run away.
He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young. – Isaiah 40:11
He cannot remove the burden from us, but He can carry us. And He does.
The next part that struck me from Sam was even nearer to the end. Poor Frodo was just devastated that he had been so weak when it really counted. He was literally hanging from a ledge, broken and bloody. Sam reached down to him. He could see in his eyes what Frodo was contemplating doing. It would be so easy to just let go.
“Don’t you do it. Don’t let go.”
Do you hear the voice of Jesus there? I do.
“Reach,” he said.
Reach.
Dear God Who Sustains, how can we possibly thank You for providing the perfect Friend and Companion? The perfect Hero. May we always listen. May we always hear. In Jesus’ Name, Amen…
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May God Bless You,
Shelly
Updated on May 14, 2017
Breathe Bible Audio New Testament: A Review #breathebible
Recently I had the privilege of receiving Breathe Bible Audio New Testament for the purpose of a review. It is a remarkably vivid listening experience that transports you into the world of the Bible.
- Over 21 fully dramatized hours of immersive audio
- 18 high quality CD’s in a portable audio album
- Award-winning cast of 90 artists
- Cinema-quality sound & original Score
- BONUS! Free Audio New Testament app is also included so you can listen wherever you go. Or, you can purchase the app separately for your Apple or Android device.
I have to tell you, my entire family is just in love with this Bible! We listen each evening to the CDs together. It is so easy to understand and really does bring the scripture to life!
The fact that different voices are used for each character makes this audio so simple to follow. The actors do a wonderful job of portraying the emotion and real life behind each verse. The original music on these files is a soothing and peaceful backdrop for the drama that plays out in the verses.
I can’t wait to download the app that comes with this set, so that we can take this with us everywhere we go. We are going through a difficult time in our lives right now, and this collection really has added what feels like a sacred time to our family evenings.
This would make a wonderful gift for yourself or your loved ones.
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May God Bless You,
Shelly
Updated on May 8, 2017
Are You Missing the Miracle?
But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!”
Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.”
So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. – Matthew 14:27-29
You lured me out onto the water,
like a siren song Your perfect voice was impossible to ignore.
And now the fathoms below me loom dark and forbidding,
but I keep placing one waterlogged foot in front of the other.
Photo by quinn.anya
How crazy is it that I’ve been walking on the water…
on the water…
while I’m asking where my Savior has gone?
My feet slap furiously against the deep
as I run full-out toward my King,
forgetting that liquid cannot bear my weight,
and is created to swallow me instead.
How have I completely dismissed every law of physics
at the same time that I am supernaturally supported,
while each step carries me soggily forward toward heaven?
The tide carries me closer
when it goes out
and nearer as it comes in.
Because even the sea
even the coldest ocean
even the tsunami wave of the briny fathoms
cannot separate me from the love of God
which is in Christ Jesus.
Lord, may the pain
never distract me so much
that I miss the miracle.
Photo by nickpestov
Father, grant me eyes that see
the wonder of my journey
across the dark deep.
Thank You for being there
should I ever start to sink.
I’m coming, Lord.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen…
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May God Bless You,
Shelly
