Tag Archives: my one word

What’s my word for 2018? Hmmmmm

So this weekend all the Christian leaders at our church were sharing their words for the year.

Last year, I wrote a bit about my words…Number My Days. The tag words are my one word and One Little Word in the tag cloud on the right column of my blogs.

This year – I seem to have been given a gloomy one…THE TIME IS SHORT – or – THE END IS NEAR.
I feel like

I’ve done street witnessing, beach witnessing, mall witnessing…life witnessing…but never placard or these sign type witnessing…and, I don’t really agree with it…so, What on earth is God talking about?

But, there is a concept:

2 Timothy 3King James Version (KJV)
3 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Now, to do a complete discussion on the end times, I’m going to leave it to this person…from Safe3 Harbor with his post on end times – the end is near..

My blog is about what this means to me.
When I turned 50 – I had a huge celebration…My golden Birthday party.

When I woke up one year later – at 51, I felt hit in the stomach.
one year past the halfway mark of 100.
What have I done with my life?
I started focusing on the Giants in My Land.

But what was really on my mind was the 50+1.
This year, I turned 50+7
When I was 16 – I was sure Jesus was going to return in 1980.
When I got married in 1980, my husband and I thought that we’d never see 1988… from the idea that 40 years was a generation…1948, Israel was declared a nation again.
When that didn’t happen – we moved the date out from 1967 – the 6 days war when Jerusalem was retaken…plus 40 years…2007.
In 2007, we bought a house, met our first grandson…and the Lord Jesus did not return.
The world continued to go crazy.
And, we considered that there is biblical reason to consider a generation up to 100 years from the generational discussions in the old testament. that brings the date options from 1948 – and 1967…out to 2048 to 2067.
And there’s the biblical statement that we are given 70+2 years….from 1948, that would be 2020.
Not too far from 2018.

When Jesus talked about it in Matthew 24:36, he said this:
“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.

over and over in Matthew 24 and 25, Jesus says WATCH THEREFORE!
It could be WATCH THEREFORE! I don’t know….

So, do I think this is about Jesus coming in 2018?
NOPE!
What do I think this is about?
Last year was Psalm 92:12
12 So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

I wrote about it…#mydays
2016 was prepare…and I wrote about my reflections looking back.

There are so many ways that “the end is near” could be taken.
Yes, my first thought went to the end of the world!
Entering into the Millenial Reign with Jesus – who wouldn’t want that? Well, if you are a follower and a citizen of HIS Kingdom, anyway.
But, I have had a scripture verse that I have been leaning on for …well, since I fell in Navy boot camp in 1978 and went paralyzed:

Isaiah 40:31
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

I’ve spent years misunderstanding what this promise is about, to me…and this year begins with failed SI join injection, more pain in my legs, hips, knees, back, and even the arms are now being affected.
Maybe this “the end is near” is an encouragement to keep believing…or, do I go sign up with the VA? Not the point of this blog…but, something that could be part of this “the time is short” “the end is near” phrase.

My husband is battling with cancer…prostate the last two years, that is no longer evidenced in his body, but symptoms with his lymph glands, indication Non Hodgkins Lymphoma. May the end is near and we find that he has no cancer!

The down side could be, like God said to Hezekiah…get your house in order…the end is near.
Maybe it’s just that God is tired of waiting for me to write that book(those books) and bible studies that I keep bowing to fear about.
Maybe it’s just that I need to focus on the MOST important things…not the distraction.

One thing I know…I’m going to be checking out this lady’s blog…I was just looking at calendars and journals for 2018 last night! And she has this all set up!
Please check out My beautiful Ugly 2018 planner and love challenge blog.

I’m going to be focusing on the important things to focus upon:

  1. Prayer
  2. Praise
  3. Promises (Bible READING)
  4. Purpose (writing)
  5. Priorities(those things that God brings to mind each day – family, self care, others, etc.)

That happens to be the first item on her calendar…write down five goals for this year.

  • I have promises that have been made, to God, to my husband, to my children…and then to others…that have not been fulfilled. The end is near.
  • I have health issues that are slowing me down, and I tend to give up and wait to get better. The time is short.
  • I have people that I want to focus prayer upon, and I have not organized myself to do such well. The end is near.
  • I have grandchildren to interact with – and it only takes a week for them to change tremendously. The Time is short.
  • I have children I have sponsored that could be written monthly, but, I put it off until it’s been months. The end is near.

50+7
70+2
72-57 = 15

According to the Bible – unless there are other plans by God – I am given only 15 more years.
Truly, the time is short.

This song is running through my head:
Here’s the Lyrics to Phil Keagy’s Rejoice

This was current while my husband and I were Jesus Freaks in the 70’s….

And the movies…

A Thief in the Night
A Distant Thunder
Image of the Beast

The Apostle Paul preached that the end was near….
And, if it was near for him…it is much nearer for us.
I do believe that Jesus will return.
I believe it will be in my lifetime.
And because of that…the work of the Kingdom is urgent, more urgent today, than in 2010. 1980, 1948, or 40AD.

I don’t know how to put my focus into a word…other than JESUS.
TIME?
URGENCY?

I don’t know…I just know that I am to be a workman in the kingdom…and no matter what ‘the end is near’ or ‘the time is short’ means, specifically – it means GET TO WORK for me.

Hmmmm, not very catchy…but maybe that is it!

Colossians 3:23-24
23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.

The (In)Courage blog and facebook posts have kept me focused in the last parts of 2017 – and finished out my 2017 with a verse that helped me to focus….

Ezekiel 36:25-27English Standard Version (ESV)
25 I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. 26 And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules.[a]

New Year by (In)Courage

So, no matter how God explains my focus for this year…I have found some women to help me to focus.
I have a Bible that will lead and guide me.
I have a Holy Spirit that resides inside me.
I have the blood of Jesus that cleanses me.
I have the creator Father that listens to me.
I have a husband and family that love me.
I have a church that will feed me.
For 2018, I have all I need!

I know the end of the story….

Revelation 21:5English Standard Version (ESV)
5 And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

But – today is the beginning of the rest of my life…This is the Day that the Lord has made – I will rejoice and be glad in it!

I’ve featured this image, from BibleQuotes

 

Jim & Christi 2017

 

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

I want to thank

for the ability to search the Bible online.

Some artwork is from me – ChristArtist. It is copyrighted – by me. Please do not share it without my permission.
The same goes for my written work.
Some artwork is from ChristArt – not me! I have purchased a membership, and the art is copyrighted by them.

I’d love to hear what you think – please leave a comment! Or choose to LIKE me on facebook, follow me on Pinterest, or other social media!
I’d love to stay in touch with you – we are working on email subscriptions…sign up! 
Soon, we will have a gallery for the art I have created by the hand of God.

There are many organizations that support children and families. Here is one that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

2017 – My One Word – #mydays – timing

If numbering my days to obtain wisdom, and peace, and understanding and glorifying God is my goal, wouldn’t the fact that HE designs my steps be an amazing answer to this prayer?

Psalm 90:12
12 So teach us to number our days
that we may get a heart of wisdom.

I’ve written enough about what Godly wisdom is…by doing a search on The WildBerry Patch, here is what I came up with! Wisdom Posts
In the most recent Itty Bitty Bible Study on Philippians, I talked about the fruit of righteousness, which is very similar!
If that doesn’t work, just type in wisdom in the search bar!I ought to add it as one of my tags!

So, what happened today that effected me? I was a blessed observer to the Lord composing an orchestral symphony of my life!

It started yesterday – with a visit to Gabriel’s vet, and learning how to objectively, or at least MORE objectively calculate his quality of life before we decide to ease him “over the rainbow bridge”.
I became very aware of needing to take into account the good things each day.

 

 

This morning, I intended to be with a friend while she waited for a detective to call about the murder of her daughter. This was an unknown timeframe.
This morning, I intended to see my chiropractor – I thought at 10:30.
This morning, I realized that Gabriel needed to be with me – so I was not going to leave him long, and I needed to find a pair of nail trimmers to ease the discomfort of his VERY long nails.

I left home at 9am, headed to the pet store before the chiro.
I got to Pet Co – and purchased a pair of clippers, and a few other items to give Gabriel a nice spa day.
I got back to the car at 9:30 and realized my appointment was at 11:45. IT’s too early to go in and it’s not long enough to go home and see Gabe, and then come back – so, I canceled my dr. appointment.
(cue the violins to start the symphony)

As I was driving home, the noisy fan(I thought) continued, and the car started to rattle and shake, and lose power! (cymbal?) I had just gotten to the bottom of the hill, and realized the lack of power with an empty turn lane beside me (cue flutes fluttering) and the potential of getting off the road.
(clarinets)
maybe I can get into the turn lane
(oboes)
maybe I can get to the section between the lanes
(cellos)
Maybe I can get into the road towards the parking lots
(basses)
maybe I can get to the dirt parking lot
(Saxes)
looks like I can get into the Bob Evans Parking lot in the rear!
(enter drums and horns!).

I called Jim – told me to stay put and call an uber.
(cue muted trumpet – he was able to answer my phone!)
I called my friend Beth who said “don’t call an uber, I’ll come pick you up” –
(cue violins – this is my friend awaiting the call from the detective)
I called my friend Michele who was dropping her car off, and had to be home by 11 for a conference call.
(cue string section, and wood section)
My friend and server Lisa was sitting at the counter, and I was able to sit with her, and share some of my story about my trips, as well as talk to her about how Jesus is comforting me.
(add some drums – she wasn’t supposed to come in today, but she did because yesterday was so packed, that she thought they may need her)
My friends Michele and Marty showed up earlier, and I was able to treat them to coffee and toast!
(add the horns! they got there at 10:13 – well in time for her to drop me off!)

(pianissimo…)
Now – as we left the restaurant – I got a call….
It’s Beth – she’d gotten the call!
(cue Crescendo – tympani and all manner of percussion!)
IF SHE HAD COME TO GET ME – SHE WOULD HAVE BEEN IN THE CAR WHEN THE DETECTIVE CALLED!

(cue melodious music…)
I was tickled that God had handled the timing for Beth….
And I was grateful to my friends, Michele and Marty for bringing me home…
And I started babying Gabriel.

Love being brushed!

(cue more interesting melody, as if something else will happen)
then the Mail Lady came up as I was brushing Gabriel.

(crescendo…)
We talked of our vacations
We talked of our families
We talked of our faith
(cue cymbals and drums and horns)
she shared how her nephew was a struggling person with homelessness and addiction!
(boom boom boom boom crash of the cymbal!)
And I had the information about New Beginnings here in Clermont.
(cue finale)
IF I HAD BEEN AT THE DOCTORS, OR WITH BETH, OR AT BETH’S HOUSE, OR WAITING FOR AN UBER INSTEAD OF MICHELE AND MARTY PICKING ME UP WITH THEIR TIME FRAME – I WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN HERE WHEN ELIZABETH STOPPED BY, AND I WOULD NOT HAVE HEARD HER STORY!
She left with information about the new beginnings ministry, saying that it was an answer to prayer that she has wanted to work with this type of ministry, because of her family story, and her walk as a Christian! YAY!!!
(And – cue final note!)

Why do I say this started yesterday?
The strange fan sound was there in the Tahoe yesterday as I drove for 20 miles there and 20 miles back, and Gabriel and I were fine.
It didn’t break down with a sick dog in the car, in the summer heat.
My concern for being with Gabriel was part of the urgency for me to get home.

Of course, anyone who has been reading my blogs knows that this timeliness issue has been working in me since last year…and specifically since this year’s one word – #mydays!

(reprise)
In case it’s not clear that today is orchestrated by God – as I was sitting here, I saw the garbage truck drive by – just in time to grab the trash, and run it, and the trash can out to the side of the road to get it picked up!
Yes, the driver/operator saw me run the trash can out…and as he turned around, to come towards our house, he saw me throw a bag of trash into the can…and back away so that he could pick it up. He waved!

Psalm 37:23-24
23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.
24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand.

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

I want to thank

for the ability to search the Bible online.

Some artwork is from me – ChristArtist. It is copyrighted – by me. Please do not share it without my permission.
The same goes for my written work.
Some artwork is from ChristArt – not me! I have purchased a membership, and the art is copyrighted by them.

I’d love to hear what you think – please leave a comment!
Or choose to LIKE me on facebook, or other social media!
I’d love to stay in touch with you – we are working on email subscriptions…sign up! 
Soon, we will have a gallery for the art I have created by the hand of God.

There are many organizations that support children and families. Here is one that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

2017 – My One Word – #mydays – wk8 day 3

I have started to read the book My One Word by Mike Ashcroft. (the link is added, but I do not have a partnership at this point).

Of course, this is still true:
Psalm 90:12 So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

#mydays

This is my insight for today – seeking wisdom from the Lord, and from my daily writing via 750words
This is not a grammatically correct writing – this is from a free flowing thought writing during my meditation. Some captitalization issues are more for poetic/artistic impact than grammar. Some of the flow, and sentence structure is more poetic than accurate writing code. Please be gracious as I share my heart.

Today’s came out as raw poetically.

and now, I need to be strong and courageous, not tremble or be dismayed.
the Lord my God shall be with me wherever I go
I need to be doing the art blog as well as the bible blog and the words blog
i need to be doing my bible study, my prayer, my spiritual warfare
I need to be a loving and supportive wife
i need to be a praying mama
i need to be a praying sponsor of my compassion and my NHM childre
i need to be a praying friend
i need to be what God has called me to be
and I need to allow that calling to be real…and all that i need.
all i need is Jesus
all i need is to be more like him
all i need is to be filled with the holy spirit
all i need is to be more like him
if i am more like Jesus
then i will not be seen
because if i’m more like Jesus
his love is all they’ll see
my heart is hurt
my mind is dull
my body is broken and tired
but all i need is Jesus
all i need is to be more like him
all i need is to be filled with the holy spirit
all i need is to be more like him
all i need is to love and love
and all others will see is his love
i am not what others need to look at
i am not the prince of peace
i am not what others need to be like
i am not the creator of the universe
i am just a simple follower
i am just one saved by grace
i am just a simple child
that has turned my life to the father of lights
all i need is to be more like Jesus
all i need is to be more like him
all i need is to be filled with the holy spirit
all i need is to be more like him
when darkness comes and
i’m so afraid
when lightning strikes and
i can’t see thy face
all i need is to be more like Jesus
all i need is to be more like him
all i need is my own Gethsemane
all i need is to lay down my life
all i need is to be more like Jesus
all i need is to be more like him
all i need is to be filled with His spirit
all i need is to be yielded to his grace.
my body is torn and tired and weary
my mind is split and fuzzy and blamed
my heart is sore, and wounded and troubled
but i’m a child of God
and I’m saved by grace
all i need is to be like Jesus
all i need is to be more like Him
all i need is to be filled with His spirit
all i need is to seek his face
His face
His grace
His love
fill me lord
His love
his peace
his joy
fill me lord
fill me lord

be near me lord Jesus i ask thee to stay
close by me forever and love me i pray
keep all your dear children in thy tender care
and take us to heaven to live with thee there.

all i need is to be more like Jesus
all i need is to be more like him
all i need is to be filled with his spirit
all i need is to seek his face
all i need is to lay down my life
all i need is to embrace his grace
all i need is to be more like Jesus
all i need is to be more like him.
all i need is to love like Jesus
so those that see me will see his face.
in Jesus’ name
amen

this is copyrighted by M. Christine Wildman, as of this publishing – 22 Feb 2017, all rights reserved.

My 750words entry for today.

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

I want to thank

for the ability to search the Bible online.

Some artwork is from me – ChristArtist. It is copyrighted – by me. Please do not share it without my permission.
The same goes for my written work.
Some artwork is from ChristArt – not me! I have purchased a membership, and the art is copyrighted by them.

I’d love to hear what you think – please leave a comment!
Or choose to LIKE me on facebook, or other social media!
I’d love to stay in touch with you – we are working on email subscriptions…sign up! 
Soon, we will have a gallery for the art I have created by the hand of God.

There are many organizations that support children and families. Here is one that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

2017 – My one word – #mydays – 18feb2017

I have started to read the book My One Word by Mike Ashcroft. (the link is added, but I do not have a partnership at this point).

Of course, this is still true:
Psalm 90:12 So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

#mydays

This is my insight for today – seeking wisdom from the Lord, and from my daily writing via 750words
This is not a grammatically correct writing – this is from a free flowing thought writing during my meditation. Some captitalization issues are more for poetic/artistic impact than grammar. Some of the flow, and sentence structure is more poetic than accurate writing code. Please be gracious as I share my heart.

Teach me to number my days that I may apply my heart to wisdom. I used to think that was making a schedule. Actually, it’s about making intentional choices. One of the things I’ve learned in the last 7 days is that if I eat sugar as in a donut or a red velvet bread pudding dessert, I end up with blurry vision. I knew that if my Sugar crashed I would get blurry vision. I now know that if I eat sugary something, my vision goes blurry as well. Another thing that I have figured out just tonight is cheese or dairy. It causes me to itch. I knew it cost phlegm in my throat, but I had not specifically recognized that it caused itching that keeps me awake.

This whole concept of teach me to number my days seems to be teach me to see my days my hours my minutes as priceless. It seems that numbering my days is like looking in my wallet and seeing that I have $19 and deciding whether I’m going to spend that on some ridiculous movie and popcorn, or spend it on an excellent meal, or save it for something that may actually impact the world!

The concept of making sure that I am healthy to the best of my abilities being equal to loving myself and actually serving God to the best of my abilities, is a Brand New Concept for me. Of course loving myself so that I can love my neighbors is a concept I have struggled with for a while. Loving myself because God loved me first is changing my whole Focus.

Thanks for joining me

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

I want to thank

for the ability to search the Bible online.

Some artwork is from me – ChristArtist. It is copyrighted – by me. Please do not share it without my permission.
The same goes for my written work.
Some artwork is from ChristArt – not me! I have purchased a membership, and the art is copyrighted by them.

I’d love to hear what you think – please leave a comment!
Or choose to LIKE me on facebook, or other social media!
I’d love to stay in touch with you – we are working on email subscriptions…sign up! 
Soon, we will have a gallery for the art I have created by the hand of God.

There are many organizations that support children and families. Here is one that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

2017 My One Word – #mydays – wk7day3

I have started to read the book My One Word by Mike Ashcroft. (the link is added, but I do not have a partnership at this point).

Of course, this is still true:
Psalm 90:12 So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

#mydays

This is my insight for today – seeking wisdom from the Lord, and from my daily writing via 750words
This is not a grammatically correct writing – this is from a free flowing thought writing during my meditation. Some captitalization issues are more for poetic/artistic impact than grammar. Some of the flow, and sentence structure is more poetic than accurate writing code. Please be gracious as I share my heart.

The word of God is sharper than any two edged sword(Hebrews 4:12)
the word of God is hidden in my heart that I will not sin against him (Psalm 119:11)
then, why do i sin?
ah that age old question – Paul wondered that
The confession from church prays that I do those things that I ought not to do, and I don’t do those things that I ought to do and there is no help in us.

ALMIGHTY and most merciful Father; We have erred, and strayed from thy ways like lost sheep. We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts. We have offended against thy holy laws. We have left undone those things which we ought to have done; And we have done those things which we ought not to have done; And there is no health in us. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us, miserable offenders. Spare thou those, O God, who confess their faults. Restore thou those who are penitent; According to thy promises declared unto mankind in Christ Jesus our Lord. And grant, O most merciful Father, for his sake; That we may hereafter live a godly, righteous, and sober life, To the glory of thy holy Name. Amen. 1928 book of Common Prayer

Romans 7:15-20
15 For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. 16 Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. 17 So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. 18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me.

There is help in us…it’s called Jesus Christ!
He sent His Holy Spirit to fill us so that we could have the strength, the courage, the wisdom and the grace and mercy to do better.
do better?
is that the whole qualifier?
that I want to do better?
that I want to be better?
since I’m learning that God does not hold me to the standard of perfection –
since I’ve learned that God just asks me to move forward towards perfection – 
since i’m learning that moving forward, even if I fall back…

the steps of a good man are ordered by the lord and he delights in his way
though he fall, he shall not be cast down
for the Lord upholds him with his hand. (Psalm 37:23-24)

…falling back does not mean my walk with Jesus is over.
I’d have to turn completely away…and never return.

  • falling back means I’m human
  • repentance means I’m a Christian
  • forgiveness means I’m a child of God.
  • mercy and grace mean that I believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and His father is MY father,
  • and my Father loves me enough to receive me back whenever I turn away,
  • to pick me up whenever I fall down and
  • to hold me in the palm of his hand, and
  • help me to run the race with endurance,
  • to finish the race, and
  • to see him face to face at the end of the age!

so why do i struggle with my position in the family of God?
because of my position in the family in which is was born.
again…they are/were all human.
God is divine, eternal, omnipotent, omniscient, omni everything.

  • He has known me since before I was formed in my mothers womb.(Jeremiah 1:5)
  • he has had a plan for my life (Jeremiah 29:11-13)since before I was formed in my mothers womb.
  • thanks to Jeremiah and Psalm 139 – I know that I was fearfully and wonderfully made
  • i know that i was made for a purpose
  • i know that i am here because God breathed life into me at birth
  • i know that i am here because God said “this one is mine”
  • and i know that i am a Christian because he gave me the gift of faith that I could believe.(Ephesians 2:8-9)
  • and I know that it was my choice to believe…(John 3:16-17)
  • i know that it is my choice to love God with my whole heart, mind, strength and soul.(Mark 12:30)
  • i know that it is my choice to choose daily to walk as Christ walked…or walk as christi might want to walk…and i don’t always choose well.

In the search for the holy grail, in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade…’you have chosen wisely’ or ‘you have chosen unwisely’ – the choices are pretty dramatic for the results…
choosing unwisely brings death
choosing wisely brought healing and restoration.
it’s very much the same in the Christian walk.
Making choices that are clearly indicated in scripture – life and death:
choose ye this day whether you shall choose life or death – but I say choose life! Joshua 24:15!

Not all choices are so big and earth shattering in a life..such as the 10 commandments, the sermon on the mount, the love chapter, the fruit of the spirit.
Some choices have more subtle life and death choices

  • binging on chocolate or ice cream…and getting blurry eyes.
  • cutting for the adrenaline surge …and getting pain.
  • not sleeping – and losing energy, and mental clarity
  • ignoring a doctors instructions – and damaging already damaged tissue.

they don’t cause death…but they impair life.

  • the joy of the Lord is my strength (Nehemiah 8:10)
  • in the presence of the lord is joy forever more (Psalm 16:11)
  • Jesus came that i might have joy, (John 15:11)
  • and that joy, is my strength…Nehemiah 8:10
  • and i need to be in God’s presence to be immersed in that joy…Psalm 16:11
  • and that presence, i can enter in, because I have Jesus Christ as my Lord and savior (Ephesians 3:12)
  • and i can boldy go before the throne (Hebrews 4:16)
  • and in that throne room, i receive all that i need to choose life (Hebrews 10:19-20)
  • life, and life abundantly…(John 10:10)
  • full of joy, peace, and righteousness…in the holy spirit (Romans 14:17).

With all of this, why would i not choose to spend time in the Lord’s presence?
Ah – that’s back to the prayer…
i don’t do the things i ought to do…and there is no help in us.
thank you, Father, that I can come boldly and ask you for help…
thank you, Jesus, for loving me enough to die for my sins and raise me up with you.
thank you, Holy Spirit, for living in me, and guiding me and comforting me…as long as I ask.
Thank you – God, for being my God.
Amen.

Thank you for reading my meditation for today.
What does it have to do with “teach me to number my days”?
I guess it’s more about – “that I might apply my heart to wisdom”.
It’s about choosing to spend time in God’s presence.
It’s about choosing to hide God’s word in my heart.
It’s about choosing wisely!
I hope it blesses you!

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

I want to thank

for the ability to search the Bible online.

Some artwork is from me – ChristArtist. It is copyrighted – by me. Please do not share it without my permission.
The same goes for my written work.
Some artwork is from ChristArt – not me! I have purchased a membership, and the art is copyrighted by them.

I’d love to hear what you think – please leave a comment!
Or choose to LIKE me on facebook, or other social media!
I’d love to stay in touch with you – we are working on email subscriptions…sign up! 
Soon, we will have a gallery for the art I have created by the hand of God.

There are many organizations that support children and families. Here is one that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

2017 My One Word – #mydays – wk6day3

Psalm 90:12 So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

This is my prayer for today – seeking wisdom from the Lord, and from my daily writing via 750words

Lord – healing please?
patience…to wait for God’s timing…
it really makes no sense at all to NOT wait for God’s timing, it’s not like I can really rush God’s timing…so the whole issue about patience is CHOOSING to wait on God’s timing patiently – with peace and faith. Imagine, doing something God’s way can bring peace instead of anxiety, faith instead of fear! Stress melts away and joy becomes the key emotion.
Lord Jesus – I ask they to stay, close by me forever and love me I pray.
I will never leave you nor forsake you.
be strong and courageous, don’t tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord thy God is with you, wherever you go.
I am not alone!
He walks with me and he talks with me along life’s narrow way

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

I want to thank

for the ability to search the Bible online.

Some artwork is from me – ChristArtist. It is copyrighted – by me. Please do not share it without my permission.
The same goes for my written work.
Some artwork is from ChristArt – not me! I have purchased a membership, and the art is copyrighted by them.

I’d love to hear what you think – please leave a comment!
Or choose to LIKE me on facebook, or other social media!
I’d love to stay in touch with you – we are working on email subscriptions…sign up! 
Soon, we will have a gallery for the art I have created by the hand of God.

There are many organizations that support children and families. Here is one that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

2017 My One Word – #mydays wk5day1 – why why why?

Psalm 90:12
Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

This is today’s 750words. It’s about #mydays.
Warning – it is NOT a theological discussion!
It is my heart cry to understand.

today.
today is monday
I have cleaned the house for the ccarpet cleaners.
I may have upset a friend who was coming this weekend
my foot hurts
i forget what I was going to write about when I first woke up, then went back to sleep.

why why why why
these are my words that come up often.

why why why why
i don’t ask why me, I jsut ask why
if God is faithful – why am I hurting
oh that horrible connundrum of christianity
maybe of any faith – but christianity has that promise that by christ’s stripes we are healed, that he sent his word and healed them.
i know that in his life, he healed physically
he has healed me physically
so I know, KNOW that he is able, and sometimes willing
I guess, while the question to God is why – it’s not why me, though, it is why me, what am i supposed to be learning?

oh, i’m learning about the lack of patience~!
I’m learning about the irritability!
i’m learning about asking for help – oh i hate this one with a passion!
I’m learning about leeting go of perfectionism
i’m learning about timing – oh yea, counting my days – numbering my days –
i’m learning about choosing each and every step
the steps of a good man are ordered by the lord – and he delights in his way
though he fall though he fall he shall not be cast down for the lord upholds him with his hand. (Psalm 37:23)
i’ve asked that the lord teach me to number my days that i might apply my heart to wisdom. (Psalm 90:12)
hmmmm, i think i just wrote that this trial is providing that very thing!

count it all joy brethren when you encounter trials…for the trying of your faith worketh – PATIENCE – ENDURANCE!(James 1:3-4)

oh my –

the fruit of the spirit is lLOVE, JOY, PEACE, PATIENCE – GOODNESS…..SELF CONTROL(Galatians 5:22-23)

Love is patient. (1 Corinthians 13:4)

i asked why…and it would appear that i am getting my answer.
how does one go about learning patience quickly?
um, i think that is the problem!
i want patience and i want it now!
old joke.
how does one obtain patience…

the working of your faith produces patience…I’m going to have to look that one up. (James 1)

why why why – i don’t think this is a bad question…
as long as my heart is open to the answer.
why me?
well, that could also give an insight into my heart
what about my heart?
what about the anxiety?
fear?
dread?
they call it high functioning anxiety.
I call it a pain!
the thing is – i could say that the bible calls it sin!
that which is not faith is sin….(Romans 14:23)
lack of faith is doubt
doubt and fear go hand in hand.
how many times does the bible tell me do not fear?(I don’t know – a bunch)

be strong and courageous…don’t tremble or be afraid….for the Lord your God is with you, wherever you go!(Joshua 1:9)
tremble – that’s anxiety!
naturally, i’m wired for anxiety.
but, i’m going to go out on a limb and say that naturally, we are all wired for anxiety!
that which is not faith is sin.
faith is not fear
fear not – (Isaiah 41:10)
the guys on the boat…in the storm….(Mark 4:35-41)
PEACE BE STILL
oh ye of little faith.

again – asking why brings me to these lessons from my past
stirs up the words that have been hidden in my heart

and the question reminds me that I have a Father that loves me, and cares for me, and looks after me, and is interested in teaching me his ways, and bringing me about to the likeness of His Son, Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 4:13)

I can wrestle – like Jesus did in the garden(Matthew 26:36-46)
I can wrestle – like Jacob did and his thigh was touched.(Genesis 32:22-32)
walked with a limp the rest of his life.
well, my hip issues come from the disobedience of God – going into the Navy instead of the college for music and art.
and he touched me on the third day.

I guess I need to be thankful that He allows there to be medical ways to relieve the pain.
I need to use this pain to remind me every day that I am here for a purpose – and that I have made wrong choices, and in those choices, I have caused myself pain, in more ways than one.

teach me to number my days…that I may apply my heart to wisdom.(Psalm 90:12)
sigh
the answer to why is that I asked for this!
I gave the Lord Jesus, and the Father the permission to do whatever it takes to bring me into the fullness of Christ.
Do I trust my Father?
you bet I do!

I edited this in only two ways –
one, to add the scripture links
two, to correct spelling.

750words is part of my teaching me to number my days for 2017.
I am being able to face anxiety better.
I am being able to face uncertainty better.
Because, I am bringing these things to the Lord in prayer, and meditating upon HIM giving me the guidance needed.
I believe I am healing.
And it’s still January!

It’s all about choice.
And I choose Jesus!

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

I want to thank

for the ability to search the Bible online.

Some artwork is from me – ChristArtist. It is copyrighted – by me. Please do not share it without my permission.
The same goes for my written work.
Some artwork is from ChristArt – not me! I have purchased a membership, and the art is copyrighted by them.

I’d love to hear what you think – please leave a comment!
Or choose to LIKE me on facebook, or other social media!
I’d love to stay in touch with you – we are working on email subscriptions…sign up! 
Soon, we will have a gallery for the art I have created by the hand of God.

There are many organizations that support children and families. Here is one that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

2017 My One Word – #mydays week three – Get a Grip

I know that I need to get a grip on what I’m doing.
I need to figure out what I need to do every day.
I need to set a schedule – which would work well if I could actually fall asleep when I’m supposed to go to bed!

Sleep – bed time – that’s when the schedule should start!
evening and morning the first day.
I need to get my bedtime routine set, and then, with this in the morning, maybe things will start to fall into place.

Maybe I can even start some sort of exercise routine!
I can write 750words, and then move over to the itty bitty bible study and write those…

  • meditation,
  • prayer,
  • seeking God and then
  • bible study

Then maybe my body…sounds like I just got my #mydays word for the day.
I do have an armor of God workout that I’ve created and should put into practice again!

Father God, please guide me – teach me your ways that I may number my days and seek wisdom – your wisdom!

Psalm 90:12 So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

Today, I’m praying for

  • a friend’s sisters, and for her own peace
  • a friend having hernia surgery today
  • a friend who’s twin infant is hospitalized with breathing difficulties
  • a friend that is going through some trying times financially
  • a friend whose son will be deploying soon – as well as military moms I know
  • tonight’s group connect and the preparation for the home group in our home
  • my family
  • my friends
  • my country
  • my husband
  • my marriage
  • my walk with the Lord.

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

I want to thank

for the ability to search the Bible online.

Some artwork is from me – ChristArtist. It is copyrighted – by me. Please do not share it without my permission.
The same goes for my written work.
Some artwork is from ChristArt – not me! I have purchased a membership, and the art is copyrighted by them.

I’d love to hear what you think – please leave a comment!
Or choose to LIKE me on facebook, or other social media!
I’d love to stay in touch with you – we are working on email subscriptions…sign up! 
Soon, we will have a gallery for the art I have created by the hand of God.

There are many organizations that support children and families. Here is one that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

2017 My One Word – #mydays two – Psalm 90:12

#mydays

Psalms 90:12

  • NIV
    Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
  • NLT
    Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.
  • AMP
    So teach us to number our days,
    That we may cultivate and bring to You a heart of wisdom.

Psalm 103:14-16
14 For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.
15 As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.
16 For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.

life is fleeting…
Interesting.
As I have been applying the increase in Bible Study, I have started upon Galatians – and here is Psalm 103

Psalm 103:17 & 18
17 But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children’s children;
18 To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them.

How is the Lord merciful?

Psalm 103:10-14
10 He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
11 For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.
12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
13 Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him.

BECAUSE!

Psalm 103
14 For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.

Galatians 3 has been so intense for me.
Paul discussing how the Galatians were leaving the gospel of grace and moving towards the false teaching of works.
We cannot do anything of ourselves.

Ephesians 2:8-10 says
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Amplified says:

8 For it is by grace [God’s remarkable compassion and favor drawing you to Christ] that you have been saved [actually delivered from judgment and given eternal life] through faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [not through your own effort], but it is the [undeserved, gracious] gift of God;
9 not as a result of [your] works [nor your attempts to keep the Law], so that no one will [be able to] boast or take credit in any way [for his salvation].
10 For we are His workmanship [His own master work, a work of art], created in Christ Jesus [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be used] for good works, which God prepared [for us] beforehand [taking paths which He set], so that we would walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us].

God has set me apart – he put the effort into me – and out of my love and gratitude to Him, I need to walk in the steps that HE places before me.

Two images that have come to me in Facebook.

I’ve been challenged with what choices I make with my time, my listening, my watching and my reading.

This is my confessional.
this is my journal.
Teach me Lord, to #mydays!

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

I want to thank

for the ability to search the Bible online.

I’d love to hear what you think – please leave a comment!
Or choose to LIKE me on facebook, or other social media!
I’d love to stay in touch with you – we are working on email subscriptions…sign up! 
Soon, we will have a gallery for the art I have created by the hand of God.

There are many organizations that support children and families. Here is one that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

2017 My One Word – #MyDays Psalm 90:12

Psalm 90:12

Teach us to number our days,
that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

This was part of last years word – Prepare.

And I’ve written how I realized how unprepared I really am!
the thing is, what is the point of preparation?
Just to be prepared in the face of fear? crisis? trauma? sickness?

This verse has hit me in the last months of 2016 – the point of preparation is
THAT I MAY GAIN A HEART OF WISDOM!

I think I’ll be focusing on schedules – so as not to WASTE time.
I think I’ll be focusing on hiding the word in my heart – so that I don’t sin against the Lord!
Psalm 119:11
I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
I think I’ll be focusing on organization to be more efficient in my efforts.
I think I’ll be focusing on choices…choosing wisely!

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

I want to thank

for the ability to search the Bible online.

I’d love to hear what you think – please leave a comment!
Or choose to LIKE me on facebook, or other social media!
I’d love to stay in touch with you – we are working on email subscriptions…sign up! 
Soon, we will have a gallery for the art I have created by the hand of God.

There are many organizations that support children and families. Here is one that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.