Blog Archives - The Remarkable Blog

What you call it-that was its name.

1/17/2019

Genesis 2:19 (NIV) "Now the LORD God had formed out of the ground all the wild animals and all the birds in the sky. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name."

I am not sure why I never noticed this before, perhaps I did, and failed to grasp its meaning. Look at the later part of this scripture, "...and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name." Perhaps it is the fast? Perhaps I am wrong? However, when I read this it jumped off the page and I understood it to mean, that if I call something by a name, that is what it is. If I use my mouth and call a sickness, disease, or something I don't want, it does not negate that was its name. There is power in the Name of Jesus. There is the power of life and death in the tongue. So, if I call a growth on my body for example cancer, that will be its name. If on the other hand I call it gone, then that will be its name. We choose life or death with our mouth. Call our children a name and that will be their name. Who wants a child that's stupid, bad, lazy, mean or hateful? I remember a preacher once saying, "If you don't want the dog, then don't call it." Well, I get it! I will call things what I want there name to be.

ACTION STEP: Watch what you say. Say rewind if you need to. Say what you want. Don't speak what you don't want. Agree with God. Proverbs 18:21 (KJV) says, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof." Decide today to choose life by the words you speak. Life will be a lot more tasty and we will probably be slower to speak and quicker to listen.

Planning to do a Half-Marathon

1/16/2019

1 Corinthians 9:24 (NIV) "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize."

Planning is something we all need to do. Planning is also something many do not do well, or at all. Some plan real hard for a wedding and not at all for marriage. Some plan to have a baby, but not for children who need time, love and did I mention money? Planning is something you do ahead of time. Once the event or occasion has taken place, well... then it's too late to plan. Did I mention I plan to do a half-marathon? I know it will take planning, and that planning will involve running and lots of it. So, once the plan is made it will take stick-to-itiveness. Which is my word for the year. How did God know that? Oh, that's right because He is God. Duh?

God has set a race before each of us. It may not be a foot hitting the pavement day after day. It may be raising children for 18 plus years, finishing a four year degree, staying married until death do you part. Whatever it is, run it lawfully and enjoy the journey. Some days you won't feel like running--get up and run anyway. Somedays you may not feel like writing--finish the book anyway, write any way. Guaranteed that there are days when we will not feel like reading God's word and praying, but we must stick to it, because our life depends on it! It's not how much we write, or read, or pray or whatever you are called to do. It matters that we do it!

ACTION STEP: Decide to run the race God has set before you. Make a plan. Stick to the plan.

Real girls burp

1/15/2019

This is not intended to be a impolite or slam speech. This is a life lesson. Real girls burp. Real people burp. If you are on the Daniel Fast this time of year which many across America are, and do some sort of fasting in the New Year; then your body goes through all kinds of convulsions of which one may be extra gas.

Growing up with four brothers, (all younger I might add), burping was a sport. Girls of course did not engage in this sport. Who could burp the loudest? Who could burp the longest? I do think "Elf" gets that prize after chugging the two liter bottle of soda with a spaghetti dinner. Just my opinion of course, as you or a family member may have beat that record. (smiley face)

Oh, back to the reason I am writing this. I love to ride bike. In this weather it is almost impossible. I guess you could say in the area I live, it's a warm weather sport. Nevertheless, I attend when at all possible with my schedule a Spin Class. After ingesting a green smoothie--is there any other color? I head off for class. As soon as I was warmed up and we started up the hills I felt sick. I looked over at a friend who was red faced, not green like myself and said, "Not a good idea to down a smoothie before class." We both laughed and kept peddling. By the third interval of climbing while coming up and out of the seat, and then back into the seat peddling as fast as you can, then back up, out of the seat with as much tension as you can--I burped! I burped loud. Needless to say the guys turned around and looked at me, (a girl a third of their size) and looked shocked. It was kinda of a guy burp. Guess they thought they'd give me the, (What's up Dude look.) Nope, just me a little woman looking totally embarrassed, although turning pick and feeling much better. My friend, also one of my church members started giggling. I burst out laughing and thought, "I am a human. Human's burp." Thoughts of burping babies (both genders) raced through my mind as I tried to stop laughing and hide my embarrassment to no avail. My take-a-way from my Spin Class last night? Real girls burp.

Sometimes we act as though we aren't human. We make mistakes. When life seems to be an uphill climb we react. Of course we would rather purposely respond to whatever inclement occasions arise but no, we react. We raise our voice. We get "That" look, whatever "look", that is that people accuse us of having?We may even throw something, or say something, we later regret? It's not a gender thing. It's a human thing. If I hadn't had the smoothie, it may not have happened? If you'd had more sleep, not worked so many hours, not stayed in with a sick child...it may not have happened. But it did. So now what? We keep peddling. The class is not over. We are not over the hill yet? If necessary say, "Oops, sorry." Or say, "I apologize." Say whatever is appropriate for the outburst. You're human peddle on.

ACTION STEP: Don't quit because you reacted when you should have responded. I guess when I was feeling sick I could have gotten off my bike and left the gym. Maybe then, I would have walked it off, not burped? Then again, maybe I would have still burped. I would have burped alone and missed the class, not had to apologize, and not had a really good laugh? I will take the later. I learned a lesson, "Don't drink and pedal." It is a lesson I won't soon forget, as I had to apologize publicly, and take a few dirty, (although surprised) looks. I can take it. So can you. So....get out there and pedal!

When you appreciate what you don't have and finally see why?

1/14/2019

Today, it snowed. Normally, I don't care for snow. Today however it was a delight. The snow was perfect. When you grabbed hold of the snow it instantly congealed into the perfect snowball for throwing. It was perfect for packing down to grab a sled and take a ride. It wasn't very cold and the sun was shining. It was a perfect day. Everything was praising the Lord so was I!

Most of the time I would complain about the snow. The salt on the road destroys my car. The wet snow ruins my shoes.(And you know how I love my shoes) At my age I need to be careful not to fall, and I certainly can't just lay things down on the ground when I am trying to load the car. I really don't like to bundle up and for the most part go without a coat. But today, awe today, it was perfect. So, what was the difference? It hasn't really snowed all year. It was beautiful. I appreciated it because it was rare. I enjoyed it because it was different from my usual day. I wanted to drive around and look at the snow covered trees. It was eye candy. It covered all the dirty, dingy eye sores I normally can't avoid seeing.

Christianity is like that. It's rare. You don't see it everyday. It is love unveiled and because it is unveiled, it covers the dirty, dingy eye sores of mankind. I didn't mind bundling up, because it brought joy to the faces of the children, and adults alike, as they joined in the fun of grabbing up the white powder; and throwing it at one another before hopping into their cars, and heading off to where ever they were going. It was a moment of pause. It was a moment where we weren't in a hurry. The world for a moment was a snow globe, and we were the characters planted in the flurries. Even if someone picked up the globe and gave it a good shake we wouldn't have noticed. We were in our own world.

ACTION STEP: Take a moment to enjoy what the Lord has made. Turn the volume up on this You Tube video and just close your eyes, throw your head back and breathe. Then, open your eyes and look around at all the Lord has made and blessed you with. Let the love of God be unveiled through you and your life.

Matthew 27:51 "Then the curtain hanging in the Temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split apart,"

Jesus came and His love was unveiled. Everywhere He went He left behind changed hearts, open eyes, healed bodies and dingy, dirty, eye sores white as snow...including me.

Gratitude #5 Don't put things off.

1/11/2019

Proverbs 6:4-14 "Don’t put it off; do it now!
Don’t rest until you do.
Save yourself like a gazelle escaping from a hunter,
like a bird fleeing from a net.
Take a lesson from the ants, you lazybones.
Learn from their ways and become wise!
Though they have no prince or governor or ruler to make them work,  they labor hard all summer,
gathering food for the winter.  But you, lazybones, how long will you sleep? When will you wake up?
A little extra sleep, a little more slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest—  then poverty will pounce on you like a bandit;
scarcity will attack you like an armed robber.
What are worthless and wicked people like? They are constant liars,  signaling their deceit with a wink of the eye, a nudge of the foot, or the wiggle of fingers.
Their perverted hearts plot evil, and they constantly stir up trouble."

ACTION STEP: Make it real today! Today is the day. Go get that journal. Go write down the 11 things you are grateful for and catch up today. Then, write down that "My One Word". Come on you can do this. I will catch up with you on Monday. Do something to make this year different. Accomplishments in one area bring strength in other areas.

Gratitude #4~ We need to speak words of gratitude and what we want to be and have.

1/10/2019

“O Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; Let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation. Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods.” Ps. 95:1-3

While working on my sermon I was looking for material to substantiate the message I wanted to portray. Words are so powerful and we can't be silent any longer. God spoke the world into existence. God left us with His word. His word is life. When the children of Israel no longer had the cloud or the fire, only the Arc their lives changed, their direction changed, they entered the Promise Land. They had to stand 2 cubits back from the Arc. From my studies I learned that the reason we were to follow from a safe distance was to be respectful, honorable and to humble ourselves. When we follow God's presence (the Arc) we must be lead by Him. God tells us Jesus Christ is the Word and the Word was made flesh. The Word tells us to renew our minds, be Christ-like and Christ-minded. If this is the case we need to speak as Christ spoke. Speak what we want not what we see.

The Power of a Grateful Heart, 7 Things It Can Do:Reprinted from Debbie McDonald

It gets our eyes off ourselves, and helps us to focus back on God.
It reminds us we're not in control, but that we serve a Mighty God who is. It keeps us in a place of humility and dependency on Him, as we recognize how much we need Him.
It helps us to recognize we have so much to be thankful for, even all of the little things, which often we may forget to thank Him for...but they really are the biggest, most important things in this life. It takes our attention off of our problems and helps us instead to reflect on, to remember, the goodness of His many blessings.
It reminds us that God is the Giver of all good gifts. We were never intended to be fully self-sufficient in this life. A grateful heart reminds us that ultimately God is our Provider, that all blessings and gifts are graciously given to us by His hand.
A heart of gratitude leaves no room for complaining. For it is impossible to be truly thankful and filled with negativity and ungratefulness at the same time.
It makes the enemy flee. The forces of darkness can't stand to be around hearts that give thanks and honor to God. Our praise and thanksgiving will make them flee.
It opens up the door for continued blessings. It invites His presence. Our spirits are refreshed and renewed in Him. God loves to give good gifts to His children. He delights in our thankfulness and pours out His Spirit and favor over those who give honor and gratitude to Him.

ACTION STEP: Today is your day. Each morning we have the opportunity to speak the powerful words of God. Just as light travels and drives out darkness, our words change the course of life--my life and your life. Today, praise God! Today, praise God and be thankful for what you have. Refuse to agree with the negative forces of our fallen world. Our words are powerful! Use them to your advantage.

Gratitude #3 Devote yourself.

1/9/2019

Colossians 4:2 (NIV) "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful."

God tells us to devote ourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Do you know what that means? Devote means, give all or a large part of one's time or resources to (a person, activity, or cause). A large part of my time? Are you serious God? A large part of my time I am sleeping, working, eating or complaining. Surprise. No, me neither. We all do it. We all complain rather than be grateful. "Parking was impossible." "Traffic was terrible." "The potholes are unbelievable!" "You can tell the students are back." "I'm tired." "I'm hungry." The longer I talk the more I miss the mark. I think I need to go on a speaking fast!!! So how do I do what this scripture is asking me to do? How do you do it? By all means reply to me and I will print your comments.

How often do parents have to remind their children to respond in thankfulness for things that are given or done for them? Yet even as mature believers—how often we forget to thank God? We can be so enamored with an answered prayer that oftentimes we forget to say thank you. We can take one another for granted and our lives fro granted. My bed, food, clothes, health, friends, children, spouse...yes, we can take them all for granted and then complain about what we don't have or still want.

So what can we do? We can commit our hearts to being thankful with the knowledge and application of the word of God. We can do this by memorizing scripture, writing out a confession, reading the word daily, and having as I said on Day 1 of this Gratitude journey--having a Gratitude Journal. Write it down. Share with somebody the goodness of God. I read this the other day:
We are grateful for the ability to do good works“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Colossians 3:17).
Every believer has an opportunity to show their gratefulness to God by doing good works for others. It is the Lord who gives us the strength to serve, to give, and to work. When we start our jobs with a spirit of gratefulness, our load becomes lighter and the Lord opens the way for us to share the Good News.
Read more: https://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/top-7-bible-verses-about-being-grateful/#ixzz5c48yliwZ

ACTION STEP: Watch this video. Then jot something down in that journal. Devote yourself to writing one thing down a day. Then share it with someone.

Gratitude #2 ~In all circumstances.

1/8/2019

It's easy to be grateful when all things are going well. It is in the hard times, we find it difficult to be grateful. Yet, the Lord tells us to rejoice always and to give thanks in all circumstances. In order to do this, we must believe that all things work together for good, for those that love God, and are called according to His purposes. In this case, if I believe that things are working for my good, then I am able to rejoice and give thanks. I must renew my mind daily to the word of God, in order for my faith to grow to this level of understanding. I must not be like a ship tossed about on every wave, but anchored; knowing my sail will be set again and I will be on my way.

Phillipians 4:6-7 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

When we find ourselves anxious about our problems and circumstances we must remember to pray, and ask the Lord about our situation; then, the peace of God that passes all understanding will rule our hearts once again.

ACTION STEP: Today, give your problems, concerns and circumstances to the Lord. Begin to praise Him as if for certainty, you know that He is working things out for your good...because He is!

Gratitude #1 Let them know.

1/7/2019

When I take the time to think of all things I am grateful for, most of the time it makes me feel better. However, sometimes it makes me feel bad or sad, to sit and be reminiscent of all the loved ones and good things I have. Why? Because I realize how totally blessed I am, how good God has been to me, and how infrequently I take the time to say, "Thank you". I do a fairly good job of sending out "thank you" cards to people that aren't real close to me, but rarely to my husband, children and and closest friends. I plan to try harder this year to appreciate and thank those near and dear to my heart. Why is it we take people for granted? If our world would suddenly be without them, our hearts would feel the emptiness and I know me, being the cry baby I am, would shed a million tears. So, one of my goals is to show my gratitude, instead of just assume because I'm close, that my loved ones will just know how much I appreciate them. I will tell them. I will show them. I will let them know. I will begin today.

Okay, I am starting right here, and right now--today. "Thank you", for faithfully following me on this Blogging journey. If you have been with me for the last four years, I just want to tell you how much it means to me when you reply, repost or comment. Thanks so much. If you are brand new? Then, thanks for stopping by. I pray we can become closer as the years go by and that I get to meet you in person.

Being thankful isn't just for the Thanksgiving holiday. Scripture tells us to be "thankful in everything, in all circumstances" (1 Thessalonians 5:18). When we find ourselves overwhelmed with burdens and worried about tomorrow, we can praise God for who he is and his promise to never leave us or forsake us. We have been blessed with the free gift of salvation and eternal life!

1 Thessalonians 5:13 "give thanks in all circumstances;
for this is God’s will for you in
Christ Jesus."

ACTION STEP: Make gratitude a part of your everyday life. Start a gratitude journal. Each night before you go to bed, take a moment to write one thing that you are grateful for. When you wake up, write one thing you are grateful for. Depending on if you are are a morning or night person, one of these will become a habit. Once you are in the groove you can go back and read over them. Perhaps, you want to keep one for your spouse all year long, and then give it to them as a Christmas or Birthday gift. Start one for your child, and then surprise them with it for no reason at all, except that you love them. Start today. I will be praying for you.

Words are powerful, use them to your advantage.

1/4/2019

"My one Word" challenge was a great success. Thank you all for joining me. Those of you that requested your magnet please be sure to send me your snail mail address. Seems sad it ended, but I will do it again next year. The response was overwhelming. I was surprised at how many readers responded. So, in keeping with my gratitude challenge, "Thank you". Gratitude challenge....I will share that next week.

Jesus taught His disciples about the power of words one day while walking along the road when he cursed the fig tree. When they went back that same way the next morning, the tree had withered from the roots. He told them, “Have faith in God. If anyone says to this mountain, “Go throw yourself into the sea and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatsoever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours” (Mark 11:22-24).

''Although many people have heard sticks and stones may break our bones but words will never hurt us, those who have suffered from verbal abuse know that words do hurt and can be as damaging as physical blows are to the body. The scars from verbal assaults can last for years. They are psychological scars that leave people unsure of themselves, unable to recognize their true value, their talents and sometimes unable to adapt to life's many challenges.'' (Patricia Evans)

These words and messages can come from our inner selves, other people, the media and culture.

Words are powerful. Place your "My One Word" in a place that you will see often. People are putting them on their phone screen, computer screen, refrigerator, and even on themselves. The Bible does tell us to put them on our foreheads. (Deuteronomy 11:18)

ACTION STEP: Share with friends what "My One Word" you have chosen for the year. Make them your accountability partner in this. I already have those reminding me to, "stick to it" as they laugh headed into the next room. (Good thing for them) They soon forget I remember what their word is too. (Smile)