How to Listen to God the book by Dr. Charles Stanley

Greetings everyone, today I wanted to share some information from a book that I am reading called "How to Listen to God" by Dr. Charles Stanley.  He is one of my favorite authors and when I began this book I just could not put it down.  Ever have that happen to you?  When you are reading a book filled with so much "meat" if you will, you just cannot get enough, at least I can't.  Be sure to check out his book it is featured in the Amazon books section on the right hand side of my blog.

In this book Dr. Stanley gives us an insight as to the methods that God uses to communicate with us.  Some do not understand that just a feeling in your spirit sometimes, or a thought in your mind is and can be from God. Then the big question is what do we do when we hear those things, do we listen or do we just blow it off to - well, that can't be God.  I know because I have experienced that small voice numerous times in my life.  I now pray every day for the Holy Spirit to show me and help me to act upon what it is God is trying to do in my life in and through me. There have been many times when I acted and was so blessed by doing so, blessings came to the person God placed in my thoughts and to me in different ways later on.  I am connecting the dots now and can see how God works and it's so awesome!

There is a particular way that God gets our attention that we are not excited about and that is "tragedy". If you remember in Numbers 21:4 the Israelites were on their journey from Mt. Hor by the way of the Red Sea, they had to go around the land of Edom.  It was during this time they became very discouraged along the way.  They were so discouraged they began to speak against God and Moses, saying "Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? There is no food or water, and our soul loathes this worthless bread." So the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people, and many of them died.  Then the people came to Moses and said: "We have sinned, for we have spoken against the Lord and against you; pray to the Lord that He take away the serpents from us." So Moses prayed.

We can't always view tragedy as a sign of God's disapproval, but it helps to take a closer look at each tragedy and situation through a spiritual filter.  That can be very difficult at times.  As in the case of a young lady named Joni Eareckson Tada.  She is living evidence of God's sovereign design in calamity.  When she was a teenager, full of God's vibrancy, Joni's life was radically altered one summer afternoon when she dove into a pool of shallow water.  In the twinkling of an eye she was introduced to the numb world of quadriplegics.  She was hospitalized for months on end with little hope for her now-shaky future.  We then ask the question: "How can God allow this?" I am sure she thought this over and over in her mind day and night.  Then slowly her faith in God began to surmount her anxious and sometimes bitter queries.

Later in years, she developed the remarkable capacity to paint with a brush gripped in her teeth. Her heart for God grew by leaps and bounds and a ministry to millions began.  A ministry birthed and nourished by tragedy.  Her books, movies, lectures, and special outreach to the handicapped have made her overcoming life a familiar story to most Christians worldwide.

If you walk with God every day and obey his teachings and His word we are assured that He is with us, through the good times and the bad.  He turns the bad into good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.  But when a tragedy comes your way, that's a good time to examine our actions and our obedience to the God of the Universe who knows all things and loves us so very much.  I encourage you today to read this book and get a better insight as to how important it truly is to "Listen to God".

Be blessed!

Today I want to also introduce to you my hub where I share some of my favorite Mexican dishes that I grew up eating and loving.  They are chicken tamales, pumpkin empanadas and penoche.  Yummy, here is the link to the hub.  Enjoy and God Bless!

God's love is more than anything we could ever hope or ask for!!!!

Greetings, so good to be back.  My husband and I took our annual RV trip this year to some of the national parks in Utah, that was amazing.  We have been gone for over a month and visited Arches, Bryce and Zion along with the Mormon Temple in Salt Lake City, Utah.  So many beautiful cities and scenes along the way, but it's so good to be back home where we belong on Whidbey Island.  Now on to the post of the day!

In the bible 1 John 3 (verses 3- 10) says, see how very much our heavenly Father loves us, for he allows us to be called his children, and we really are!  But the people who belong to this world don’t know God, so they don’t understand that we are his children.  Yes, dear friends, we are already God’s children, and we can’t even imagine what we will be like when Christ returns.  But we do know that when he comes we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He really is.  And all who believe this will keep themselves pure, just as Christ is pure.

Those who sin are opposed to the law of God, for all sin opposes the law of God.  And you know that Jesus came to take away our sins, for there is no sin in Him.  So if we continue to live in Him, we won’t sin either. But those who keep on sinning have never known Him or understood who He is. 

John also says that “God is Love”, not “Love is God”.  Our world with it’s shallow and selfish view of love, has turned these words around and contaminated our understanding of love.  The people in this world think that Love is what makes a person feel good and it’s ok to sacrifice moral principles and others rights in order to get such love.  But that isn’t love at all.  It is the exact opposite – selfishness.  God’s love is selfless not the selfish kind.  Real love is like God, who is Holy, just and perfect.  If we truly know God, we will love as he does.

See, love explains why God creates, why He cares and why we are free to choose to love him or not.  It also explains why Christ died, because God loved us so much he wanted us to be forgiven of our sins and so he made a way through his son Jesus Christ who gives us eternal life.  God’s love expresses itself to us forever. 

God’s love is the source of all human love, and it spreads like fire.  In loving his children, God kindles a flame in our hearts, in turn we love others, who are warmed by God’s love through us.  Isn’t that the coolest thing – to have God’s love in us so we can share it with those around us.  I get such a warm feeling in my heart when I think of the greatness of His love for me.  It’s what gets me up every morning and sustains me each and every day. 

If you want to get closer to our Heavenly Father and experience more of His amazing love, get in the word, and spend time with Him on a daily basis.  What you will find when you do this, is more joy and peace in your life, even in the midst of a hectic and chaotic world.  Blessings to you!!!

Now, it’s time for the “free knitting pattern”.  Today I want to offer to you a beautiful knitted checkered afghan pattern that is easy to do and looks amazing when completed.  If you would like to download the pdf file of the pattern, click here.  Will make a warm and cozy gift for anyone on your Christmas list! Also check out my newest hub Holiday handmade gifts on a budget, where I feature this cozy afghan along with two other cool handmade patterns to make this Christmas!!!

Can God use little old me to draw others to Himself?

Greetings everyone, as I near the end of the book I mentioned in my last post “Lead me, Holy Spirit”, I find myself feeling a bit sad.  I enjoy my morning devotionals and looking forward to the next chapter in this amazing book.  I will give it back to my friend Carolyn next week when we meet for coffee, since she is the one who lent this book to me to read.  I know she too will be blessed by it as much as I have been.

In the last few weeks I have noticed that the Holy Spirit is truly alive and well in me, I find myself praying more, even during the day while I am trying to get things done around the house.  I find that my attitude about housework has changed, which is very unusual because I clearly do not like or enjoy housework.  But, now I am doing it unto the Lord and believe it or not, that changes things.  I am more aware of my actions and words.  See, when the Holy Spirit comes to reside in you, your life will never be the same.  I am experiencing it first hand and I can honestly tell you that is something to sing about and give God praise!

The last part of the book talks about how God can use us all.  Even if we are not that well educated, can speak in front of a large crowd, or have great social skills.  The book says not to be afraid of what the Holy Spirit might do in and through you.  Be afraid of what your life will be like if God’s will is not done.  That is a very sobering statement which truly makes us search out motives, actions and how we view God’s will in our lives. See, the Holy Spirit will always lead us toward wholeness and spiritual maturity.  The main reason God does that is not only for our greatest good, but also to bless others.  God wants to use us to help others and point them to Christ.  But because we think we are not fit to do that, we will make all kinds of excuses like “I can’t speak that well in front of others”,  or “I am shy”, “I don’t want to offend anyone”, or the best one which I know I have used myself is “I am not comfortable talking to others about spiritual things”. Forget all that, God is going to equip you for anything that He has for you to do, did you hear me I will say it again, He’s going to equip you, isn’t that awesome!!! Can I get an Amen anyone?

If you truly want to be used by God and be led by the Holy Spirit, I want to again encourage you to keep in the word, and to possibly pick up Stormie Omartian’s book or other books out there that speak of the leading of the Holy Spirit and how to listen to God.  It will straighten your faith and encourage you to be bolder in your sharing of what He has done in your life.  If God could use the Apostle Paul, who was Saul and he was an executor of Christians, he can certainly use us – now can’t he?

Today in the craft department I want to share a very cool pattern of my adorable re-cycled Diet Coke Angel ornament.  She is made from a leftover diet coke can that you cut out and then hot glue together.  She has heart shaped wings and holds a bright star in her hands.  You will love making her so check out the hub with all the detailed instructions and make lots of these for family and friends.  Blessings and until next time – God Bless!

 

Anyone want to be led by the Holy Spirit?

Good day everyone! It's Saturday and I really meant to post this yesterday but it just didn't happen. Oh well, better late than never I suppose.  I am very excited about a few projects that I have been working on and a few of these are now for sale on Etsy, thanks to Angie who created this adorable crochet bag dispenser.  I got the idea from that and created a cute crochet wine tote!  They are nice and are a great way to take your favorite beverage over to any Holiday festivity or summer party.  So thank you Angie for that, I have consulted with her about my idea and she is cool with it.  Here is the link to her website which has the "free crochet bag dispenser pattern".  Her pattern is featured on a very cool website called "Desperate Houselife", you also should check that one out as well. We are grateful for her contribution to us crafty people.  You can also find some of my crochet "wine totes" on Etsy for sale at very reasonable prices.  So do check them out when you get the chance. I've included some photos of  some of these cuties for your pleasure below!

Now, today I want to ask that question - anyone want to be led by the Holy Spirit?  You may think it's a silly question but I do not believe everyone believes in the Holy Spirit.  I certainly do and  I am presently enjoying a book my friend Carolyn lent me the other day called "Lead me, Holy Spirit" by Stormie Omartian.  This book is from the Billy Graham Library and comes very highly recommended, at least so far it is.  I am only on the first chapter and I cannot put it down.  I read it in the morning right after I get my coffee and begin to spend time with God.  I usually go into my guest bedroom to read which has a huge window where I can enjoy the scenery.  I get to watch the wildlife outside, it's great therapy and I highly recommend that to anyone who needs to find more peace in their lives.  It's awesome!

There is a prayer in this first chapter that I wanted to share with you if you are interested in becoming closer to God, and want to experience more His Holy Spirit in your life.  She states that when you clearly recognize God's voice speaking to your heart, your life will never be the same.  The Holy Spirit is an amazing gift from God who was sent to comfort, guide, bless and protect us in our every day life.

Here is the prayer:  Lord, I ask You for a great outpouring of Your Holy Spirit in me.  Enable me "to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge" so that I "maybe filled with all the fullness" of You. I don't ever want to take lightly the fact that You have sent Your Spirit to dwell in me, to guide and help me live the life You have for me. Teach me the deep things You want me to know from Your Word.  Help me to hear the leading of Your Spirit telling me the way to walk.  Give me understanding about all You want to do in and through me.

Thank You, God, that You are always with me.  I long to know You better every day, so I ask for a fresh and ever increasing flow of Your Spirit.  I pray that You, Holy Spirit, will be at home in my heart.  Keep me from allowing anything into it that would quench or grieve You.  I don't ever want to hinder Your work in my life.  I invite You to move powerfully through me, for I know that Your Spirit in me is how You touch the world around me.  Keep me ever mindful of that as I go about my day and I am around other people.  I want to always be sensitive to Your leading.  In Jesus' name I pray.  Amen.

Many blessings to you and enjoy your summer!!!!

Mauve crochet wine tote with sunflower!

Navy blue crochet wine tote with small flowers!

Angie's adorable bag dispenser!

Do you have a void feeling in your spirit?......look to Jesus!

Greetings to you all.  What a wonderful summer day we are experiencing here on Whidbey Island.  The sun is shining and it’s going to be in the high seventies possibly eighties today.  When summer arrives on Whidbey it’s such a great time to be outdoors and just enjoying nature.  I am posting a photo of some little visitors we had in our backyard this morning, what an awesome way to wake up in the morning to find these adorable fawn grazing in the yard.  We are so blessed to live here because we see God's beauty each and every day. 

So today I also wanted to share something with you that I personally have experienced and wondered if perhaps you had as well.  It’s an empty feeling, a sense of void in your spirit, that I have felt from time to time and not known what exactly it was.  This happened to be before I encountered Jesus and now I realize just exactly what it was. But back then I sure didn’t, and felt such an unsatisfying empty feeling it’s very hard to describe.

It's like standing standing in front of the refrigerator and you take a peak inside and you are trying to find out what you would like to eat.  Ever had that happen? Sure you have, we all have.  You are not looking for anything specific but you know that you are hungry and want something that will fill the longing in your stomach.  Seems that whatever you choose, it won’t take that feeling away, because it’s not the emptiness in your stomach that’s really bothering you,  it’s the emptiness in your soul.

Whether you are looking for satisfaction of food, career, possessions, even relationships, our souls are constantly trying to get satisfaction.  But the bible says that nothing in this world can fill that void.  God created us to love Him and to have a relationship with Him. He also placed a deep yearning within us for Himself.  We may not understand what it is when we are feeling dissatisfied in our inner souls.   That is why we sometimes seek fulfillment with worldly substitutes, but disappointments and disillusionment are sure to follow.

We have two choices of menus here, one is Satan’s menu and the other is God’s.  Satan’s menu of course is long, filled with lovely enticing things that seem to promise gratification and pleasure.  Included in these things are instant gratification, riches, prominence, relationships, acceptance and recognition.  It certainly looks like the good life but do not be deceived, it’s a deception.  On the other hand God’s menu is simple and short, with only one item on the menu “Jesus”.  He is the only one that can fill that void. 

If you have not found that satisfaction yet, and are still seeking something to fill that void, turn to Jesus! Make Him your highest priority and spend time getting to know Him.  He is the only one that will satisfy – believe me I know first hand!

Blessings to you and enjoy your summer!!! 

When God seems to be silent - He's really not!

Greetings everyone, I just got back from a trip to Missouri, where all of my sisters and I got together for a whole week.  It was to celebrate my sister Beatrices' 50th birthday, believe me she doesn't look it. My sisters Beatrice and Rosemary both live in Belton.  My two other sisters, Gloria and Irma also joined us and flew in from Corpus Christi, Texas.  It was so good to see them and spend time with them for the whole week.  While we were there my sister Rosemary became a great grandma – a title I do not wish to have yet.  But Ayden her new grand baby is adorable and I was blessed to have been able to see him and her family.

We didn’t do a lot of sight seeing, but the time that we did have together was priceless!  We played cards and watched movies and cooked meals for each other – those are the best times for sure. We visited a beautiful museum in Kansas City, it's a gorgeous city with so much history it's unbelievable.  

I spent a lot of time with my sister Beatrice, because I stayed with her in her apartment while I was there. Gloria and Irma stayed with Rosemary. Beatrice is also a very crafty lady.  She wanted me to teach her to knit, so I did.  Now she is very excited to begin new projects as she becomes more comfortable with knitting vs. crocheting.  She creates some beautiful crochet projects and I know she will be awesome as knitting too.  It was such a blessing to spend time with her and all my sisters, God is good!

Today I want to focus on the times that God is silent, or at least seems to be.  The times when we pray and nothing happens, when we need him the most and he does not seem to be there.  I want you to recall the story of Joseph from the bible.  He was sold to slavery by his older brothers remember?  All during the time that he was a slave, God was silent, Yet Joseph never lost faith.  I believe it was about 13 years before Joseph saw God’s plan unfold in front of his eyes when Pharaoh made him second in command of Egypt.  

Joseph suffered greatly in the hands of others, and none of his own doing as a matter of fact. He was thrown into prison because Pharaoh’s wife wanted to have sex with him, but he did the right thing and refused her.  Yet, Joseph did not get bitter, he just kept doing what he thought was right.  That is such an inspiration to me, even when his brothers sold him to the Ishmaelites he wasn’t bitter with them when he finally saw them again and forgave them for what they did to him. This is totally awesome to me.

So it is clear that God’s silence is in no way indicative of His activity or involvement in our lives.  It is a hard pill to swallow at times, but let me assure you  He is working out His plan in our lives. It is how we respond to those trials and adversities that will determine the outcome.  Then there are times when we maybe guilty of judging God’s involvement in our lives by how favorable or unfavorable our circumstances are.  As long as things are going good, we have absolutely no doubt that God is with us, taking care of us, providing and protecting us at all times.  But as soon as something goes wrong that is not in our favor, we may think:  Lord, where are you?  Why is this happening to me, why haven’t you paid attention to my needs here?

God’s involvement is measured by two things, 1st the development of our character and 2^nd, by the fulfillment of His plan for our lives.  In Joseph’s case, he spent 13 years facing one adversity after another, trial after trial.  Yet God was involved every step of the way, it may not have appeared that way to Joseph at the time.  But it was through those adversities that God was accomplishing His will.  He will do the same for us in our lives, if we choose to do the right thing, no matter how it feels. If we never loose faith, and we keep trusting Him with all your heart!

God Bless you!! 

How to stop feeling guilty even after we know we are forgiven!

Top of the morning to you all.  It's so good to be here and share what God has been showing me in my life lately.  I have been reading a very informative book by Dr, Charles Stanley called the "Gift of Forgiveness", highly recommended I must say.  Today I want to talk about forgiving ourselves. In the book it talks about that very process and I wanted to share it with you today.  For instance, if you are still carrying guilt for something you did years ago, even after you have asked God to forgive you, this maybe the case and you have still not received that forgiveness.  I want to assure you right now that you can get rid of that guilt once and for all.  In his book Dr. Stanley explains four easy steps to take to make sure you receive God's amazing forgiveness, with the power of prayer.

If you get the chance read the entire book, it is fascinating and explains in great detail the actual act of forgiveness and how freeing it can be.  Harboring unforgiveness whether its for another person or ourselves will keep us in bondage. By forgiving ourselves we are free to live the life that God wanted us to live all along.  Then we will be at peace with God and ourselves as well as others. We will be able to share his amazing love and be a better witness for Christ and the Gospel.

So here are the 4 steps that you can take followed by a simple prayer to our Heavenly Father God to confirm and release yourself from whatever it is that has been making you feel guilty or condemned.

1.  Recognize the problem.  We must recognize and acknowledge that we have not
forgiven ourselves.  We must come to grips with the fact that we still hold ourselves
in bondage. 

2.  Repent of Sin.  We must repent of that sin for which we cannot forgive ourselves.  We must
tell God that we realize that our unwillingness to forgive ourselves is not in keeping with His
Word.  We must thank Him for His forgiveness as we confess our sin to Him. 

3.  Reaffirm trust.  We must reaffirm out trust in the testimony of Scripture:  "As far as the east
is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us". 

4.  Confess freedom and choose to RECEIVE it!  We must confess our freedom and choose to
receive it freely. 

Prayer:  Father, I realize I haven't forgiven myself and am in bondage because of it.  Now I am
reaffirming my trust and faith in Your Word, and on that basis, by an act of my will, in faith, I here
and now forgive myself because you have already forgiven me and I accept my forgiveness. 
I choose from this moment on to be freed of all which I have held against myself.  Please
confirm my freedom to me by the power and presence of the Holy Spirit.   Amen!

Now onto the crafty side of me......here is a link to a cute free pattern for my crochet towel tops. It's an easy pattern and you can use one towel, cut it in half and make (2) for the kitchen.  Give them as gifts to family and friends they will love them.  Hope you enjoy!

Until next time, I am off to visit my 4 sisters in Missouri this coming weekend for my sister Bea's 50th birthday.  I am so excited and can't wait to see them...pray for no tornadoes or hurricanes to be in my path.

Blessings!

Oh, here are some of my newest cross stitch samplers to check out as well.........:) If you want to see more info on these click on the pictures and it will take you to Shop Delighted!