Looking Out for the Well-Being of Others is TRUE Love

I was watching a movie with Makenna today, she is still on her Veggie Tales kick. Larry (the cuccumber) mentioned in the movie a line that I love. He said, "Looking out for the well-being of others is TRUE love." I completely believe that. Who completely takes care of us? Our parents do as we are children but then we are left to figure out life alone. At least that is how some people view their life. Taking this 'walk with the Lord' I believe is how Yvonne put it, I have realized that none of us are alone. It is what we choose to believe. God surrounds us and looks out for our well-being, whether we acknowledge that or not. Our loved ones who have passed away surround us and protect us along with our angles and spirit guides.

Once we acknowledge that we are being taken care of by the light of those surrounding us on the other side, we are able to look out for the well-being of others. It is when we feel very alone and in a dark place that we cannot do this. In times of darkness, we have to take care of ourselves first by turning to God and those who walk in the light.

I always consider myself one to look out for the well-being of others. It is just my nature. I love people and I love being able to make a difference in people's lives. Going to that homeless shelter only made me realize more how much I want to give to those less fortunate than myself. I believe my calling in life is to help others in any way that I can. Making other people's dreams come true is far more important to me that making my own come true. My 2010 resolution is to help others. It is to become aware of people's needs and give, give, give. I will also work on showing more graditude and continue taking my 'walk with the Lord.'

What I am thankful for today:
my church
God
being surrounded by so many who protect and guide me
my friends
my family
Gavin and Makenna
my pets
my new inspirational blog http://www.happyinspirationalscrappin.blogspot.com/
selflessness
inspirational quotes
Veggie Tales
my customers
my store
time
healing
forgiveness
appreciation
laughter, laughter, laughter
love, love, love

The Joy of Celebrating Someone's Life

At Melinda's Nan's funeral yesterday I realized how important and how awesome it is to celebrate someone's life. Yes, funerals and cemetaries are places where one can go and grieve. And it does make us heal when we take the time to grieve the loss of a loved one. During the service 3 speakers mentioned the importance of knowing that our loved one who had passed is in a better place. We need to put aside our loss for a moment and know that they are in Paradise. In order to help us deal with grief it is important to celebrate the person's life.

Melinda spoke of funny memories of her Nan....lots I didn't know. She spoke awesome qualities that Nan had. Nan was helpful and always taking care of everyone...even on her death bed. Now that is a selfless person. Nan had a strong belief in God. And, she knew she was ready to go home. Although it leaves us sad because we can no longer see her, touch her, or hear her voice, we need to remember that she is always with us. And, we will meet up with her again. I laughed a lot yesterday. Probably the most I have ever laughed at a funeral. But as I am older, I can put into perspective of what is more important. It is more important that we celebrate Nan's life and not focus on our loss because of her death. Nan wants us to laugh and be happy. She wants us to be able to heal and know that she is always with us.

Aunt Nancy is very upset that she has not seen her humming bird yet. I mentioned to her that it may take some time. Not only that but I realize that there is a part of Nancy that doesn't fully believe it will happen. She told Nan before she passed that Nan was to show her a humming bird as a sign that she was ok and near Nancy. Well, last night when I got home. I put on Max and Ruby for Makenna and I. I look up at the TV and there was a humming bird on the show. My mouth dropped and I immediately called Melinda. Nan let me know she was at peace because I believe in seeing the signs. I thanked Nan and told her that she needs to come through for Nancy. Hopefully Nancy will be open to it when it comes or she may miss it. Good news is that our loved ones will not stop showing us the signs, it may just be a long time until we actually see them.

What I am thankful for today:
Signs from our loved ones
Celebrating someone's life
the honor to help Melinda's family yesterday
Melinda's family treating me as their own
my sign from Mimi yesterday
church with Makenna yesterday morning
the Lion's Club breakfast
heat
Diane for watching my store yesterday
my children
my friends
my bottle of sanity with a hint of tollerance...LOL!
WII Active Sports game (love it!)
signs, signs, everywhere there's signs
laughter
PartyLite
my store
love
kindness
appreciation

Faith, Patience and Fulfillment

“For the vision…will surely come.”
-Habakkuk 2:3

Between your dream and its fulfillment you’ll be tested. You’ll face some of the same things Joseph faced, like: (1) The faith test. He had to maintain his faith in a hostile environment, and believe in a dream nobody else believed in. He had no “dreamer’s support network,” he had to stand alone. (2) The patience test. His dream wouldn’t happen quickly. A boy at its conception, he’d be a mature man before its fulfillment. Every day he’d have to hold onto it or risk losing it. Patience isn’t just hoping things work out; it’s persevering and believing what God said, “Ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise” (Heb 10:36). (3) The strength test. For a while Joseph’s circumstances made the critics appear to be right. He was, after all, in a pit, frightened, alone, in a strange land without family or friends, in prison with an unearned criminal record. He must remain strong in his conviction that his dream was really from God. (4) The focus test. With enough emotional baggage to derail a freight train—sibling resentment, abandonment, false accusation and compound losses—he must constantly control his focus. Fixating on his problems would have produced disillusionment. Maintaining dream-focus would be his salvation. (5) The readiness test. When God finally began opening doors he had to be ready for action! Discouragement or negative thinking would blind him to opportunity. So he kept his spirit and his gifts honed, took every occasion to use them, and watched as God turned his vision into reality.

There were many of these scriptures that I have received in the last few days that I really wanted to post. However, lack of time kept me from keeping up with it. I chose this one because it not only has personal meaning but I also know a lot of people who would benefit from this scripture. I hope that everyone had a safe and happy New Year! God bless!

What I am thankful for today:
the saying 'Never give up!"
Knowing that the tests we encounter in life only mold us and prepare us for living our dreams.
time
healing
my children
my pets
my family
my friends
Shawn
strength
courage
appreciation
this new year
my new found ability
laughter
love

Corinthians 4:7

Ashley Anderson sent a message to the members of Daily Devotions.

--------------------
Subject: Dec.17th—Seeing Yourself As God See’s You!

From The Word for You Today by Bobb Gass Ministries

“We have this treasure in earthen vessels.”
2 Corinthians 4:7

The Bible says God works through “clay pots…to prevent anyone from confusing God’s…power with us.” That way when people see good things in us, they know it’s God. Jesus pointed out that a clay pot containing a candle with a lid on it may be full of light, but people can’t see it. Only when the pot is cracked does the light shine out through the imperfections—in the same way God’s grace shines out through us (See Matt. 5:14-16). Nothing about you surprises God. He chooses “the foolish things…to shame the wise…the weak things…to shame the strong…so…no one may boast” (1 Cor. 1:27-29 NIV). The question then becomes, can you love and accept yourself as God’s does? By having a judgmental attitude towards yourself, you’re contradicting God’s Word and opening yourself to Satan’s attacks. Paul refused to sit in judgment of himself: “It matters very little…that you…investigate and question…me. I do not even put myself on trial and judge myself” (1 Cor. 4:3 AMP). Paul had learned to let go of his past and press on, but he didn’t think he’d “arrived” (See Php.3:12-14). He was aware of the areas he needed to work on, but he refused to keep beating himself up because of them. Never forget, God thought so highly of you that He sent His Son to save you from your fallen state and future state. He “gave Himself…that He might redeem us…and purify for Himself a people…eager and enthusiastic about [living a life that is good]” (Tit 2:14 AMP). Who perfects us? God! You’re a work in progress, so start seeing yourself as God see’s you.

Wow, I have nothing to say except WOW.

What I am thankful for today:
An awesome two days with Makenna
time with Jen
Getting to see Tanner's Christmas program this morning
Seeing Leon today
An awesome PartyLite Show!
my friends
shopping with my dad last night
our Christmas tree...thanks dad
Jamie, Jamie, Jamie!!!
Melinda, thanks for the chat yesterday!
Diane
Rachel
the message I received from Sue today (a girl I graduated with)
Makenna and my haircut tomorrow
8 more days until Christmas!
Gavin's good report card
hearing my pop-pop talk to me last night
Christmas cookies
Christmas music
holiday cheer
laughter
love