Updated on January 30, 2015
Sunday Scripture: 2/1/15
Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. – 1 Peter 4:8
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Shelly
Updated on January 30, 2015
Recommendation Saturday: First Things First
They were just trying to intimidate us, imagining that they could discourage us and stop the work. So I continued the work with even greater determination. – Nehemiah 6:9
This little guy has so much he could teach us. I’ll just let you watch and glean from it whatever seems most appropriate for your life right now. May God Bless your weekend. <3
We are best when we are community.
I would love to share in some of that community right here from my website.
You can join in, too!
Share a post from your own blog and then simply click on the “Add your link” button below and enter your blog information.
Then, please grab my Recommendation Saturday button below, and place it on your website or post, so that others can find their way to our little Saturday community! You can also Tweet your participation with the hashtag #recommendsat so that we can all find each other on Twitter!
You may also join in by leaving a comment.
The most important part of our community is spreading our hope and love to others by visiting some of the other inspirational sites linked up and leaving comments there.
Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
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Shelly
Updated on January 29, 2015
Burn
Photo by ♔ Georgie R 
He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.
– John 3:30
I was brilliant and white and perfectly smooth
tapered to perfection with a wick standing tall and proud
Never could I have guessed how being lit would change me
Drips of grief
Softening of tears
I disappear beneath the pain
the flame brings
I melt in sorrow
as my colors fade
and blend with the soot
of heartfelt offerings
Only the best for You
As I gather into a shapeless puddle
my only prayer is that I will still diffuse a pleasing fragrance
That the nub that I am
can still shine Your light
Photo by jalalspages
Light me up, Lord. Help me to burn until I am nothing and You are all. In Jesus’ Name, Amen…
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Shelly
Updated on January 29, 2015
Where I Belong
And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.”
And He who sits on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” And He said, “Write, for these words are faithful and true.” – Revelation 21:3-5
I’ve been dwelling on Heaven a lot lately. It’s mostly due to a song by Building 429. It plays in my head day and night. I wake up humming it. I sing it through tears. It’s my latest mantra.
The first words are:
Sometimes it feels like I’m watching from the outside
Sometimes it feels like I’m breathing but am I alive
I won’t keep searching for answers that aren’t here to find
All I know is I’m not home yet
This is not where I belong
Take this world and give me Jesus
This is not where I belong
I know, right?!
And it just gets better from there. I feel that song in my bones. These tired bones that ache and creak and let me down. This is not where I belong.
Where I belong looks like this:
God Himself will be among them, and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain (Revelation 21:3-4)
The material of the wall was jasper; and the city was pure gold, like clear glass. The foundation stones of the city wall were adorned with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation stone was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, chalcedony; the fourth, emerald; the fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, topaz; the tenth, chrysoprase; the eleventh, jacinth; the twelfth, amethyst. And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; each one of the gates was a single pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.
I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. And the city has no need of the sun or of the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God has illumined it, and its lamp is the Lamb. The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it. In the daytime (for there will be no night there) its gates will never be closed (Revelation 21:18-25)
When the times feel too hard, when the pain is too much to bear, when you feel like you’ve run out of rope… think on these things, won’t you? And let this song become your mantra.
Because we can hold to this true promise from our Savior:
“In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way where I am going.” – John 14:2-4
This is not where we belong. Come, Lord Jesus.
Dear Lord, thank You for dying so that I could have the hope of Heaven. Thank You for coming again, so that where You are, we may be also. Help us to hold to that truth in our darkest days. In Jesus’ Name, Amen…
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Shelly
Updated on January 27, 2015
Of Ancient Trees
For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. – Hebrews 12:3
Ok, so I know this is going to sound a lot like my Just Keep Going post. But I think it bears repeating and these photos really had me pondering the message.
These are ancient trees.
When they reached an obstacle, they didn’t give up. They didn’t die or fall over.
Even the seeming insurmountable ones were no match for the Creator.
So when life is hard (and I know it is) don’t just keep going.
Keep Growing.
It’s important.
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord
And whose trust is the Lord.
For he will be like a tree planted by the water,
That extends its roots by a stream
And will not fear when the heat comes;
But its leaves will be green,
And it will not be anxious in a year of drought
Nor cease to yield fruit.” – Jeremiah 17:7-8
I’m praying for you as you overcome. <3
By the way…. to see some REALLY amazing photos of trees that kept growing, follow this link. Enjoy!
Dear God, plant me. Grow me and strengthen me to keep going and never stop growing. Never stop bearing fruit for You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen…
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May God Bless You,
Shelly
Updated on May 13, 2016
The Exchange
For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? – Matthew 16:26
This Sunday I was blessed to be able to attend worship services with my congregation. I have had a rough 2015 so far, physically, so this spiritual favor was not taken lightly! I sang loudly and prayed with tears in my eyes.
The lesson was about the many wily ways of the enemy. One scripture captured my attention. See, the devil knows the power of pain. He wields fear like a samurai sword and he hates me with a passion I cannot understand.
For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?
What if the devil approached me in this wilderness, as he approached Jesus in His? What if he offered me riches to pay off all our debt and set our family up in financial security for the rest of our days.
I don’t think I’d even have to think twice about that one. I’d quickly tell him, “And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be the glory forever and ever. Amen.” (Philippians 4:19-20)
But the problem is that the devil knows me. He may not understand me, but he knows me. He knows where to push and how to pull to cause the most separation. I’m certain it wouldn’t take him long to get right to the point. Especially since he is the one who delights so much in my suffering and causes it whenever he can.
The devil would offer me healing. He would dangle physical relief in front of my starving eyes. He would remind me of what it’s like to feel strong and whole and able. If only I were to fall down before him, I could be restored. Some days I can almost feel his hot breath on the back of my neck, waiting with this temptation.
And as much as I love my God, I know that the basest part of me would reach for what he offers.
This is where I have to stand grounded. Sure. Strong.
Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. – 1 Corinthians 16:13
Because Jesus reminded me on Sunday… I’m worried about all the wrong things. Nothing is worth the loss of my soul. No exchange can be made that would be worth more than the one that was already made.
I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. – Galatians 2:20
And so I am refocusing… yes, I know… again. Life is like that though, one crest to the next. I’m accepting my battered body and my dwindling mind. I’m embracing whatever the future may hold, knowing that I need only know who holds the future in order to find peace.
Dear Lord, Keep me from yielding to the aches and tempting escape routes this world offers. Thank you for making the only exchange that matters. Set my eyes, heart and mind on You alone. In Jesus’ Name, Amen…
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May God Bless You,
Shelly
Updated on January 26, 2015
Duck Commander Faith and Family Bible: A Review & a Giveaway!
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. – 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Book Description
The stars of the hit TV show Duck Dynasty are committed to upholding five core values both on and off the screen: faith, family, fellowship, forgiveness, and freedom.
The Duck Commander® Faith and Family Bible features new stories and testimonials by Phil, the Robertson family patriarch, and his son Al, a pastor with more than 22 years of experience. Together they offer fresh wisdom on biblical values and how everyday people can apply them to their lives.
Powered by relentless dedication to sharing the gospel and celebrating Christ’s kingdom, the Robertson family has become influential to contemporary evangelism and discipleship. The Duck Commander® Faith and Family Bibleunleashes the power of their practical insight into critical faith issues, founded on God’s Word.
Features include:
- Full text of the New King James Version Bible
- A personal welcome note from Phil and Al Robertson
- 125 articles on the top 24 most-searched topics on BibleGateway
- Life application and scripture references supplement each article
- 30 days of life-changing testimonials
- Topical index and reading plans
The New King James version of the Bible is one of my favorites for reading. When I got the chance to review this book, I jumped at it! I adore the Robertson family and their down-home family values. They aren’t afraid to let you see that they are real people and as Christians, I think that is fabulous. The fact that they are from my home state of Louisiana, and that they are in my religious tribe are just added bonus. I really get them. 🙂
This Bible does not disappoint! It is beautiful to look at and sturdy to use. The articles by Phil and Al give wonderful insight and are all filled with scripture references. I particularly enjoyed the personal testimonials at the beginning of the Bible.
I’m excited to announce that one reader will be randomly chosen to receive this Bible for free! To enter, simply enter below. God Bless!
The Duck Commander Faith and Family BibleDisclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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Shelly
Updated on January 19, 2015
Press On
More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. – Philippians 3:8-11
Some days I feel like so much is lost. Do you? We’ve given up so much. We’ve had things ripped from our grasping hands as the tears of grief rolled down our face.
Some days I feel like what has been lost is, in essence, me.
These past few weeks have been like that. Maybe your past few weeks have been like that to? Or maybe worse.
God has gently been bringing this scripture to mind for me, more and more lately. He does everything with such mercy, doesn’t He?
I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. One thing I can never lose is the Pearl of Great Price. In fact, were He to have asked me to voluntarily give up all I have lost to gain Christ, I would have gladly handed it over. Wrapped it in a bow and tossed it away like the rubbish it truly is… willingly and cheerfully, in fact.
For the record, He never did ask it of me. He requires only my faith and Christ is already mine to claim. What a great and wondrous bounty is laid at my feet. Why is it that I still longingly gaze backward at the rubbish pile?
…and may be found in Him…
Are you feeling like you have lost yourself, Dear One? I know where you can be found… where I can be found. Simply in Him.
And the verse that follows the ones above? It’s where you’ll find the key to it all.
When you’re wondering how? HOW?? on earth??? can we make it through. How can we be found? How can we stop wishing for the rubbish over the Pearl?
Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. – Philippians 3:12
Press On. Press In.
He knows we’re not perfect. He knows about those longing glances into the past. He does not despise our weakness; He fills in the gaps and grows our strength to greater heights than we could ever reach alone.
Press On. Press In.
Are you with me?
Father in Heaven, reach down into our all-too-human hearts and grant us the peace of knowing You. You are the How. Thank You for always being more than enough. Thank You for never giving up on us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen…
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May God Bless You,
Shelly
Updated on January 16, 2015
Sunday Scripture: 1/18/15
Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear.
– Philippians 2:12
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Shelly
Updated on January 16, 2015
Recommendation Saturday: Shine Bright Like a Diamond
Because of that experience, we have even greater confidence in the message proclaimed by the prophets. You must pay close attention to what they wrote, for their words are like a lamp shining in a dark place—until the Day dawns,
and Christ the Morning Star shines in your hearts.
– 2 Peter 1:19
Enough said. Get out there and shine. <3
We are best when we are community.
I would love to share in some of that community right here from my website.
You can join in, too!
Share a post from your own blog and then simply click on the “Add your link” button below and enter your blog information.
Then, please grab my Recommendation Saturday button below, and place it on your website or post, so that others can find their way to our little Saturday community! You can also Tweet your participation with the hashtag #recommendsat so that we can all find each other on Twitter!
You may also join in by leaving a comment.
The most important part of our community is spreading our hope and love to others by visiting some of the other inspirational sites linked up and leaving comments there.
Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
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If you have been helped by this post and think it could be helpful to someone you know, please share this post on the social network of your choice for me.
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May God Bless You,
Shelly
