Target

Everything has its wonders, even darkness and silence,

and I learn, whatever state I may be in,

therein to be content - Helen Keller.

 

There is wonder in the moment, if we but look for it, let it touch us, believe in it.  And with the recognition and celebration of the wonder comes the joy we desire and await.

Being wholly in tune with the present moment is how we'll come to know the spiritual essence that connects all of life.  We search for peace, happiness, and contentment outside of ourselves.  We need instead to discover it within us, now and always, in whatever we are experiencing.

We can let our experiences wash over us.  Longing for a different time, a distant place, a new situation breeds discontent.  It prevents us from the thrill, the gifts offered in this present moment.  But they are there.

We can practice feeling joyful in the present, be thrilled with the realization that right now, all is well.  All is always well.  Life is full of mystery and wonder and each moment of our awareness adds to the wonder.

                 ______________

I am moving forward; we all are.  I am on target.  I am participating in a glorious, wonderful drama.  Let me jump for joy.  I have been spiritually blessed.

K. Casey

* * SCRAPS Of TIME ?? ! * *

"EACH new day dawns with its own problems, vitality-sapping duties, upsetting emergencies and unexpected encounters. The question is, how to get through it victoriously and still be ABLE to stand ! The answer is FOUND in over 237 places in God's Word !

Peter says that it is the God of grace who will make us strong, firm and steadfast (1 Peter 5:10). Our gracious Father says over and OVER, "I will strengthen you," (Isaiah 41:10). He further adds, "I will STRENGTHEN them in the Lord and in HIS name they WILL walk" (Zechariah 10:12) !! When the battle IS fierce and our enemy SEEMS to be getting the upper hand, HE reminds us, "My GRACE is SUFFICIENT for YOU, for my POWER is made PERFECT in WEAKNESS" (2 Corinthians 12:9), and "YOUR strength WILL equal YOUR days" (Deuteronomy 33:25).

IF we are still NOT convinced, we find that "The God of Israel GIVES power and strength to HIS people" (Psalm 68:35) ! He WILL be THE "STRONGHOLD" of OUR life (Psalm 27:1) !

IS it any wonder that the psalmist cried out, "Sing for joy to God OUR strength" (Psam 81:1) ! "TRUST ye in the Lord for ever: for IN the LORD Jehovah is EVERLASTING strength" (Isaiah 26:4, KJV). BECAUSE, we have THIS assurance, we are ABLE to go "from strength to strength" (Psalm 84:7) !

As WE face EACH day, we may put on His strength and JOIN David as he sings, "The Lord is my strength and my shield"(Psalm 28:7). * MOREOVER, we are READY to face with CONFIDENCE whatever THE day may bring, for WE have this ASSURANCE: "I can do EVERYTHING THROUGH HIM WHO GIVES ME STRENGTH" (Philippians 4:13)." - Marjorie E. Jones

"It is God who arms me WITH strength and MAKES my way PERFECT (2 Samuel 22:33)."

~ CHRISTMAS Gems ! ~

"SOMEONE once said to me, "You should not have a Christmas tree in your home, for it does not honor Jesus Christ." I began to think about why we did (and still do) have a beautifully decorated and lighted tree in our home and why it was so much a part of our holiday celebration.

The treetop star reminds me of the star that guided the wisemen to Jesus (Matthew 2:2), and of Jesus Christ Himself who is the "bright and Morning Star" (Revelation 22:16). Thank you, Lord, for the Star!

The lights tell me that Jesus Christ is the "true light" (John 1:9), who came into the world to shine in our hearts to "give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God" (2 Corinthians 4:6). Thank you, Lord, for the Light of the world who lives in my heart!

The different ornaments remind me of the ornaments with which Jesus Christ desires me, His child, to be adorned - a meek and quiet spirit (1 Peter 3:4); good works that glorify my Heavenly Father (Matthew 5:16); love, joy, peace, patience and gentleness (Galatians 5:22-23). The ornaments are prettiest when they reflect the lights that shine on them. So, too, only as I live my Christian life controlled by the Holy Spirit who lives within me, can I reflect Jesus Christ to those with whom I come in contact.

As we decorate our tree this year, I will again be reminded of the faithfulness of the star who lives within my heart, and no matter what the situation or circumstance in which I find myself, His promise in Second Corinthians 12:9 is forever true: "My grace is sufficient for you."

YVONNE DAVEY

* See associated post dated 27/11/2010 - Eternity.

** PEOPLE PROBLEMS ? !! **

My neighbour seemed upset with me. Apparently I had done something that bothered her. WHEN I asked if I had offended her, she responded with a curt "No!" I told her, "I don't want any bad feelings between us. If I've done something to offend you, I apologize." Since then the climate has remained cool.

Someone has said, "The more I get to know the human race, the more I love my dog." Dogs are loyal, dependable, eager to please, and quick to forgive and forget. Don't you wish people were more like that? BUT sometimes no matter how hard we try to have a good relationship with someone, it doesn't work.

The apostle Paul addressed that situation in Romans 12:18. *Notice the phrase "as much as depends on you." He knew that some people problems may never be resolved. It takes two to quarrel; it takes two to reconcile. If you do your part and the problem remains, there is still a plan to follow. Don't harbor resentment or retaliate with the weapon of silence. Work at overcoming evil with good (v.21), and let God work out the problem.

WE need to keep following the steps given in Romans 12:9-21 until our people problems are resolved - but especially if they're not. - DJD

** ~ AT this "NEARING" CHRISTMAS 'TIME' !!! ~ **

EACH of us are dying each day! A sobering thought, isn't it? We can run but we can never hide.

*ARE you prepared for your spiritual future/Eternity? We are separately placed here on this earth to ULTIMATELY make an eternal choice. WHERE are you going to spend your Eternity?? WHO do you need to spend Eternity with?

I've made my choice by sincerely (earnestly/genuinely) asking Jesus to "come into my heart"! I KNOW where I'm "going" (*moving forward in life to be eventually kept in a better situation)!

Take action and make the right decision NOW before it's TOO late (*WHAT's just 'around the corner' or even what will happen TOMORROW? ARE we able to truthfully answer that question?).

In the best of interest and hope for each,
Kim.