Week Ending Friday July 31. 2020
{quotes}
When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and could say; I used everything You gave me.
Erma Bombeck
To live content with small means; to seek elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather than fashion; to be worthy, not respectable, and wealthy, not rich; to listen to stars and birds, babes and sages, with open heart; to study hard; to think quietly, act frankly, talk gently, await occasions, hurry never; in a word, to let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious, grow up through the common – this is my symphony.
William Henry Channing
Faith is believing what you know ain’t so.
Mark Twain
Were there none who were discontented with what they have, the world would never reach anything better.
Florence Nightingale
Don’t give up. Normally it’s the last key on the ring that opens the door.
Paulo Coelho
{blessings}
God’s Presence
What begins with a simple recitation of prayer ends up being an audience in God’s presence. May you be blessed with many such occasions to know and feel the Lord your God.
Noble Choice
Will you choose to pursue a life of ease or a life of service and adventure? May you be blessed to take the noblest path, one sanctioned by the Almighty, and admired by all.
Approved
Sometimes it’s better when you don’t get what you wish for. May you be blessed with answered prayers personally approved by God.
Extreme Generosity
Max out on joy and pleasure, share it with someone. May God bless you with extreme generosity. Be creative in what you share and with whom you share.
Forward-Thinking
Unlearn the lessons that do not serve you. There is enough to reach for without holding on to a misguided past. Use your new knowledge in the service of God. May you be blessed with forward-thinking.
{prayers}
Life as We Know It
Dear God. Who is like You? None can compare. You give life as we know it, a gift to be enjoyed, a joy to be shared, and peace to be had. Praise and thanks to the Almighty.
Be Kind
Dear God, I will be a builder, not a cynic. Kind, not cruel. Forgiving, not a grudge holder. Help me live in Your way; with love and generosity for all. Amen
Resistant Soul
God, I have a sincerity problem. Not with You, but with certain people in my life who take from me until I am depleted. Remove what is preventing me from loving and serving wholeheartedly. From giving graciously. From abiding without judgment. Help me absorb Your goodness to the depth of my resistant soul. amen
Simple Living
O Lord, I am done with worry. I’m over stress. I have moved on to simple living. Thank You for saving me from future anxiety. I am free to turn my attention to more worthy endeavors. I start with my own well-being. I am content in my peace.
Make Me New
Lord have mercy on me. I make mistakes, I give in to temptation, I am sometimes unkind. Take me as I am, but help me be my best self. I am grateful to You, O Lord, who continues to shape me and make me new.
{stories, features, videos}
Story: God’s Most Excellent Plan
Video: Shevon Nieto, song and story
Feature: Explaining Six Virtues
Feature: He Asked for Something Positive During the Pandemic
Music Jam: Testify, Kamasi Washington
Feature: Together You Can Redeem the Soul of Our Nation, John Lewis
{bible}
Psalm 104:1
O Lord, my God, how great You are!
Jeremiah 15:21
I will be delivered from the hands of the wicked and saved from the grasp of the cruel.
Isaiah 44:22
I have swept away your offenses.
Psalm 37:24
Though I stumble, I shall not fall, for my God keeps me standing.
Jude 1:3
Dear Friends, I had been eagerly planning to write to you about the salvation we all share. But now I find that I must write about something else, urging you to defend the faith that God has entrusted once for all time to his holy people.