Updated on September 26, 2014
Make Yourself at Home
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For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace.
– John 1:16
He curls up on the window seat
and soaks up the Son-light
He makes a meal of our fears
and sometimes squeezes in snacks of our weaknesses
He breathes in our pain
and exhales His mercy
He sleeps not at all
but enables our own rest
He stretches out and explores those empty places
chasing shadows and lighting candles
He throws open the doors
and sweeps out the cobwebs
He makes it a Home Sweet Home
with just His presence
Grace
Lives
Here
Jesus, we can never thank You enough for the gift of grace in our lives. I give you all of me, as inept of a thanks as that seems. I stand amazed that little ole me is all You ever wanted. I love you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen…
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May God Bless You,
Shelly
Updated on September 24, 2014
Spam
Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith. I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead! – Philippians 3:8-11
Do you have a spam folder installed for your emails? I do. I also have a little picture of a fire that I can click on if spam slips through the filters, to help the system find them the next time.
Spam bothers me.
“Get the age-defying remedy that doctors don’t want you to know about!”
“Improve your (fill in the blank)… weight, sex life, etc.”
“Make millions a month from the comfort of your home with only a computer and a mailbox!”
Sure. Right.
But, wait, there’s more!! 😉
How much of what we believe in real life is actually just spam?
Is your filter on?
“Take this pill and feel magically more energetic overnight!”
“Trust this person, they’ll never let you down!”
“Fill out this form and you’ll never worry about money again!”
But, wait, there’s more!! Always more.
Are you buying this nonsense? Do you believe in overnight fixes and get-rich quick schemes? Is there anything this world can offer you that you seriously think will bring you peace of mind and spirit? Is there any healing outside of Him?
Because I’m here to tell you… it’s all spam. Every word of it.
There is only One who is truth. Only One who is able. Only One who can give you what you need. What you really need.
See that little fire icon in the corner? Click that. Help your filter to be more efficient next time. Unless the sender is Jesus Christ, don’t buy in to the hype.
For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future.
There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism,
one God and Father of all,
who is over all, in all, and living through all. – Ephesians 4:4-6
Holy God, please help me to make my filters more efficient. Thank You for showing me that You are what I truly need. All I truly need. In Jesus’ Name, Amen…
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May God Bless You,
Shelly
Updated on September 23, 2014
NIV Once-A-Day Bible: Chronological Edition (a Review & Giveaway!)
The NIV Once-A-Day Bible: Chronological Edition organizes the New International Version Bible—the world’s most popular modern-English Bible—into 365 daily readings placed in chronological order. This softcover edition includes a daily Scripture reading followed by a short devotional thought written by the staff at the trusted ministry Walk Thru the Bible.
All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate,equipped for every good work. – 2 Timothy 3:16-17
What you are getting is a paperback Bible that is the perfect size for taking with you to read while you wait. The Bible is set up in a way that you are reading in the order that things happened in the scripture instead of one book at a time. It really ties everything together nicely, so that you can see how things relate to each other. For instance, if you are reading about Solomon, you may also read a bit from Proverbs or Song of Solomon. When you are reading the gospels, correlating passages from 2 or more of them may be shown there side by side.
I loved how this book is laid out! The days are numbered, rather than dated, so you can start right away and not feel like you are “behind”. Each reading takes 15 minutes or so, and is followed by a reflection thought to help you think about and apply what you have just read. This Bible makes the scriptures come to life in a way that makes me eager to read each day! By the end of a year, you will have read the Bible completely and you will have new understanding of how each part relates to others.
I thoroughly enjoyed reviewing this Bible, and plan on purchasing one for myself! This copy, however, will be given away to one of you reading this post! I can’t wait to send it to you.
NIV Once-A-Day Bible: Chronological Edition
Disclosure 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 September 21, 2014
Time for That Bubble
Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. – 1 John 2:15-16
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Brian is always joking that he’s going to put me in a bubble. I’m beginning to think that maybe it’s time.
He is referring to my inability to stay well, the fact that I am a germ-magnet and prone to accidents. He wants to limit my exposure to things that take my health in the wrong direction. He wants to protect me and keep me safe.
The reason I want a bubble isn’t for any physical reasons, though. I want a bubble to protect me from chasing after the things of this world.
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. – Romans 12:2
I am prone to desire physical healing and relief. The more I see of what others can do, the more envious I become. And oh, don’t even get me started on the pride I feel when I can accomplish the smallest thing.
These are not from the Father, but are from this world.
I pray today that God will transform me by changing the way I think and the desires of my heart. I want to follow His will more than I want any physical thing. No matter how hard this gets, I always want to want Jesus more. How about you?
Father God, refocus me when I start to chase after temporal things. Thank You for Your desire for me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen…
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Shelly
Updated on September 19, 2014
Sunday Scripture: 9/21/14
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So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
– Matthew 6:34
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Shelly
Updated on September 19, 2014
Recommendation Saturday: Blogger Care Group #bloggercaregroup
Therefore encourage one another and build up one another,
just as you also are doing. – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Today I want to tell you about something I’m really excited about being a part of!! It starts October 1st, so there’s still time for you to get involved, too!
My friend, Marie, has the biggest heart I’ve ever seen. It’s a heart for others. She just gives and encourages and then gives some more and then throws in an extra hug. She runs Spreading Joy.
Any time she has an idea, I’m all-in! And this one’s a no-brainer.
Marie is starting a Blogger Care Group. It’s an amazing way to love on each other, and I hope if you have a blog, you’ll consider joining us.
You can find out all about it here.
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 September 17, 2014
The Mess and the Message
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. – 2 Corinthians 4:7-10
I’ve heard tell that God can turn the mess into the message. Clever play on words there. I like it.
But recently I’ve been convicted of something. God is not turning my mess into a message.
My mess is the message.
The world sees that I am hard pressed. They recognize that I am perplexed. Many have witnessed my persecution. I am struck down in full view.
But here is the glory. The world also sees that I am not crushed. They recognize that I do not despair. Many have witnessed that I am never abandoned. While all look on, I rise again to prove that I am not destroyed.
Surely this is not of my own power. Definitely this is not anything I could accomplish from my own strength.
We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many. – 2 Corinthians 1:8-11
He has delivered us. He shines brightly through this fragile clay jar, lighting up all the cracks that cause me to rely on Him.
Oh He’s here, in the middle of this chaos and mayhem. And the message He’s speaking from the burning bush that is my life?
Here lies the power of the True and Living God. What a canvas.
He must increase, but I must decrease. – John 3:30
Take off your sandals. We’re on Holy Ground.
Heavenly Father, please continue to use me to showcase you. I am unworthy, but thankful for Your mercy and faithfulness. In Jesus’ Name, Amen…
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Shelly
Updated on September 17, 2014
Wake Up!
Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!” – Matthew 8:23-27
This storm came up so suddenly, Lord.
And oh, it’s so furious. Raging and violent. Desperate and frenzied.
Or is that me?
Can You calm the storm in me as easily as you calmed the sea that day?
Will You rebuke the waves that seem to swamp me in sorrow?
Would You whisper, “Peace, Be Still”, into the blowing and directionless wind that tosses me about?
Please reach down and pull me from the riptide that holds me captive.
Land me back safely in the boat where you are resting. Sleeping.
“You of little faith, why are you so afraid?”
Will you calm my fears as quickly as you command the storm?
You, who set the boundaries of the waters and mark the changing of the tides with your own hands, please get up. Rebuke. Reclaim.
“Lord, save us!” Save us from ourselves.
Precious Lord, help me never forget that You are with me. Even asleep, You are my refuge. Thank You for wanting to be in the boat with a faithless one such as me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen…
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May God Bless You,
Shelly
Updated on September 15, 2014
Review of Catie Conrad: Faith, Friendship, and Fashion Disasters (The Desperate Diva Diaries Series)
And so it happened just as the Scriptures say: “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.” He was even called the friend of God. – James 2:23
For those of you who may not know her, I would like for you to meet my daughter, Carissa. She is 11 years old. She is loving and quick-witted and funny. You can read more about her here.
And this?
Well, this is Carissa’s new BFF, Catie. I was given a complimentary copy of this book from B&H Publishing Group for review purposes. From the moment it arrived in the mail, Carissa’s eyes lit up and she hasn’t been separated from it since. I had planned on a giveaway, but this is a friend she will visit over and over, and I cannot bear to part them.
Carissa hugs this book. She tells everyone she knows about it. She talks about Catie as if she were a real person, and always tells me the different ways she’s discovering that Catie is just like her. Do you want to know the best part? Catie is a Christian girl with Godly parents and a functional home. She respects her parents and loves her brother and looks to God for answers and advice. I am almost more in love with Catie than Carissa is… almost…
Meet, Catie Conrad – a typical, tween, Christian girl with the weight of the world on her shoulders. And if it isn’t bad enough that no one seems to understand the social pressures of being the greatest at everything, donning the latest fashions, and carrying the trendiest technology, Catie’s dad is about to uproot her and her family to an Indian reservation during spring break for his job. Throw in a school dance, a major art contest, and an arch nemesis known only as Miranda Maroni and there’s bound to be an epic meltdown of biblical proportions. Or, maybe not?
Catie is a voice in the tween genre that is relatable and humorous for girls aged 9 to 12 by author Angie Spady. The first book in the Desperate Diva Diaries series, Catie Conrad: Faith, Friendship, and Fashion Disasters chronicles both the small triumphs and general mishaps of sixth-grade Christian want-to-be diva, Catie Conrad. While her Christian journalist father is often a co-conspirator to making Catie’s life interesting with mission trips and church projects, Catie never ceases to realize God’s hand in all situations.
Book Details
Age Range: 8 – 12 years
Grade Level: 3 – 7
Series: Desperate Diva Diaries Series
Hardcover: 304 pages
Publisher: B&H Kids (September 1, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1433684608
You can find Catie Conrad: Faith, Friendship and Fashion Disasters on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and all Lifeway Bookstores
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Shelly
Updated on September 14, 2014
30 Ways I Have Been Blessed Through My Illness
Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust Him and He will help you. He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn, and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun. – Psalm 37:5-6
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My friend, Will, is just one of the many people who conquer their illness every day and inspire me to keep the faith. This one’s for you, Will. 🙂
Last week, in honor of Invisible Illness Awareness Week, I shared my 30 things meme… 30 Things You Might Not Know About My Invisible Illness. This is the mirror to that meme. You see, you might not realize it, but I have also been blessed by this journey. Here are 30 ways.
1. I am now a more patient person, content with a slower pace. I am much less anxious in general. I know. Trust me, you don’t want to know what it was like before. :p
2. I am less of a control freak. I have learned to depend on others and that their way is just as good, or sometimes better, than mine. Shhh, it’s our little secret, ok?
3. As Will worded so perfectly, “I have gone from religion to relationship” with God. So deep, and I’ve gone deep. It’s a beautiful thing.
4. I have learned in real tangible ways, that my value is not in what I am able to do. To be honest, I’m still learning and relearning this one, pretty much daily.
5. I have met people since becoming ill that I never would have met otherwise. Some of these people are known only online, but they are brothers and sisters of my heart, and I wouldn’t want to miss our on the blessing of knowing them.
6. I have learned how to be empathetic.
7. I have learned to trust. Not everything that is real can be quantified and documented.
8. I have learned the value of rest and quiet.
9. I have gotten to see, live and in person, what an absolutely amazing man I married. I love him more each minute. We have a surety in our love now that couldn’t have gotten here any other way… I know that he will always be here, that he loves me for me. That is invaluable.
10. I now recognize how much my time and attention mean to my children. Time when absolutely nothing is “happening” except that we are together. Priceless, to both of us.
11. Illness has given me the clarity to see the people who weren’t genuine in my life, and the “ain’t nobody got time for that” to be able to move on without them.
12. I now treasure the tiniest things that most people take for granted. Swallowing, a shower, being able to see well enough to read or watch a movie. These things are HUGE in my life.
13. I have learned that pride is overrated.
14. I always take the time to listen now. Nothing is more important that relationship. Period.
15. I have been amazed over and over again at the provision and faithfulness and care of our Savior.
16. I have learned that grace is so much more than just the forgiveness of my sin.
17. Prayer is now the first and most powerful resort.
18. Rest is a beautiful, necessary thing.
19. I have learned to slow down and really soak things in. I notice details and use all my senses to take in a moment.
20. “How are you?” is no longer just a greeting.
21. I have much more time for prayer and Bible study now.
22. I now recognize that boredom is a blessing.
23. I am utilizing social media in ways that matter, rather than letting them run me.
24. I have learned to say NO, and that the world doesn’t fall apart if I do.
25. I now recognize that limitations are there for my good, not to frustrate me.
26. I am quicker now to recognize stress and much more active in eliminating it from my life.
27. I am forced to view things from an eternal perspective in order to continue in hope. This forces me closer to God on a regular basis.
28. I see only beauty in my church family. Because I am there so sporadically, I don’t have time for the dramas and the nit-picking. It’s lovely.
29. I have been able to meet people who would have felt alone had we not shared an illness. And I would have been lonely without them, too.
30. I have learned that the Why doesn’t matter nearly as much as the Who. <3
Father in Heaven, Thank You for showing me the blessings in the midst of my trials and suffering. Help each person reading this list to be able to relate their own joy in the middle of the storm. In Jesus’ Name, Amen…
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May God Bless You,
Shelly
