Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Discouraged?
"Strength! Courage! Don't be timid; don't get discouraged. God, your God, is with you every step you take."
Wow, how good is that? To know that God is with us wherever we go and whatever we do.
As I read this from the first chapter of Joshua, I get excited knowing that God is about to lead Joshua and people of Israel into the Promised Land. How would you like to be heading to your promised land? I know, I would!!
God tells him to have courage, strength, to not be terrified or discouraged. God is going with him, protecting and guiding him in this huge endeavor.
BUT...before we get to these exciting words, let's read what God requires before this can happen-
"Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it."
"THEN YOU WILL BE PROSPEROUS AND SUCCESSFUL"
I don't know about you, but I sure like the success and prosperity part. To have God go before me and with me in my endeavors, cutting down my enemies and those things that stand in my way. But all too often, I desire the goods without desiring God. I want His blessings, His stuff for me, but forget about the first part.
Today, once again, I'm starting anew. Back on track, not turning to the right or left, but listening to God.
Reading His wonderful Book He has provided to give us guidance and wisdom to live the best kind of life.
Yes, I want blessings, but more than that, I want to know that God is pleased with me.
So, today I can be strong, courageous, without timidity or fear, no discouraging thoughts. All because I have a relationship with Someone who has my best interest in mind.
Where are you on this journey? Discouraged, doubtful, afraid or can you say, STRONG! COURAGEOUS!
Take some time, ponder these questions. My prayer is that you find that certainty that God is with you, that you are following Him into your promised land. The good news is, that even if you are uncertain and afraid, He's as close as your prayers. And I'm praying for you too...
Blessings,
Queen Dee
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Down On Your Luck?
Last week I received a text from my husband asking me to pray for a veteran that he has been working with.
You see, Jim has the job of Veterans Services for the State of Mi. This particular vet had been seeking employment for many months. He's an older fellow, lost or sold about anything to keep food on the table. He was extremely discouraged and sat at Jim's desk often, just looking for a little encouragement.
As time passed, the two struck up a friendship of sorts and Jim had the opportunity to share his faith with this man. He felt that although Jim's faith was fine, he wasn't so sure it was his 'thing', although he did appreciate Jim's offers of prayer.
Back to the text: 'please pray for my friend John, he's thinking of ending his life. I hope I changed his mind.'
Apparently, Jim had told him to find a quiet place, take a walk on the beach,whatever and give it all up to God. The man left very broken and Jim felt the same.
Jim came home, very discouraged and we prayed. It is so hard when someones needs are so real and all you can do is pray. That sounds wrong, even to me, to say 'all' we can do is pray. That should be the most powerful thing we can do. But he has material needs that we can't fill. It can be such a powerless feeling.
Well, we've continued to pray for this man and just the fact that Jim didn't receive a phone call that he was deceased has been considered good news.
So, today, God showed up in a BIG way!! Jim's phone rang and it was John. He was brimming with excitement as he told Jim he got a job!! And a good job!! He was so thrilled and couldn't thank Jim enough for all of his encouragement and sticking with him.
To see my husband with tears of joy running down his face over this man and his good news, once again reminded me that God is in control, He always shows up right on time, and as in John's life, It's often darkest just before the dawn. Never give up, on God, on yourself or on those around you. You never when God is going to show up!
Psalm 41:1,2 "Dignify those who are down on their luck; you'll feel good-that's what God does. God looks after us all, makes us robust with life-" the MSG Bible
Blessings, Queen Dee
You see, Jim has the job of Veterans Services for the State of Mi. This particular vet had been seeking employment for many months. He's an older fellow, lost or sold about anything to keep food on the table. He was extremely discouraged and sat at Jim's desk often, just looking for a little encouragement.
As time passed, the two struck up a friendship of sorts and Jim had the opportunity to share his faith with this man. He felt that although Jim's faith was fine, he wasn't so sure it was his 'thing', although he did appreciate Jim's offers of prayer.
Back to the text: 'please pray for my friend John, he's thinking of ending his life. I hope I changed his mind.'
Apparently, Jim had told him to find a quiet place, take a walk on the beach,whatever and give it all up to God. The man left very broken and Jim felt the same.
Jim came home, very discouraged and we prayed. It is so hard when someones needs are so real and all you can do is pray. That sounds wrong, even to me, to say 'all' we can do is pray. That should be the most powerful thing we can do. But he has material needs that we can't fill. It can be such a powerless feeling.
Well, we've continued to pray for this man and just the fact that Jim didn't receive a phone call that he was deceased has been considered good news.
So, today, God showed up in a BIG way!! Jim's phone rang and it was John. He was brimming with excitement as he told Jim he got a job!! And a good job!! He was so thrilled and couldn't thank Jim enough for all of his encouragement and sticking with him.
To see my husband with tears of joy running down his face over this man and his good news, once again reminded me that God is in control, He always shows up right on time, and as in John's life, It's often darkest just before the dawn. Never give up, on God, on yourself or on those around you. You never when God is going to show up!
Psalm 41:1,2 "Dignify those who are down on their luck; you'll feel good-that's what God does. God looks after us all, makes us robust with life-" the MSG Bible
Blessings, Queen Dee
Friday, October 1, 2010
Crime fighting
Heres' how it all went down...First, I need to admit I'm not a hero:o( A young woman came into Yeta's just before I was closing and asked for a shopping bag. Typically, not a request that we get, unless of course someone has made a purchase. She appeared to be carrying a jacket or something, and her hands were full, so I figured I'd help her out and close up. She left and I received a phone call from Gazelle across the street saying that we should be aware of shoplifters downtown. I hang up, start to walk across the hall to let the gals at Merle Norman know, and there lies a bracelet, tags still on, from yet another store, in the hall. As my mind realizes that this was probably the shop lifter and I may have just given that little thief a bag for her goods, I race over to tell them and there she is....shopping in the makeup store!! Fortunately, a salesperson from the store the bracelet had come from was just done working, visiting at Merle's and I got her alone and told her. We raced back to Yeta's, the other two get the message, detain the thief and we call 911. Never underestimate women! Those gals at Merle's not only showed her lipstick and eyeshadows, they tried them on her and even booked her a facial for next week, hoping to get a name and phone number. (Which they did, but probably fake) I'm assuming she won't keep the appointment either.
Now, I have to tell you that we could have run down to the police station, found a cop, ran back TWICE, in the time it took to finally see one of Holland's finest on the scene.
Before an officer ever arrived the girl left and continued walking down 8th Street. We attempted to watch and follow at a distance and then it happened. Apparently she had stolen a dress from a store about 5 down from us. Apparently she also wasn't so smart, because she had changed into this dress and then paraded right past the store she stole it from....HELLO!! Bless the owners heart, she went outside, very diplomatically and asked for payment for the dress. Of course, the thief has no money, but says she is willing to take it off and give it back. They get her into the store and FINALLY, an officer arrives. We are standing outside our stores, watching with baited breath, and then running down to the scene of the crime. Here is what we found when we entered the store. The owner screaming that the policeman was getting the crap beat out of him, another officer arriving and pouncing on this girl, as she was screaming(and I mean screaming, kicking, cussing) at them. It took two of them to hold down this chick, who weighed no more thatn 110 lbs. She was one lean, mean fighting machine. They actually threatened her with a tazer to get her to shut up. I think I would have yanked on her hair, slapped her face and told her to knock it off, but then I'd go to jail too. I sure wanted to though!!! She was crazy!!It seems that she got some good kicks to the head of the first officer before his back up arrived. She had some mean looking boots on, I noticed them earlier(actually I was coveting them) Later found out they were brand new and stolen too!!
Finally, she was removed from the scene and carted off. As the officer went through her purse(which was huge) he found items from more than 5 stores. The bracelets and bangles she wore were identified as coming from a boutique, but the tags were gone, so went the proof. It was an exciting night and I'll bet that officer will have one dozey of a headache. He may have an ache in his pride too.
So, you see, all I did was find a bracelet, put two and two together, got my crime fighting sisters with me and we had the time of our lives.
And the only thing she got from Yeta's was the bag!
Now, I have to tell you that we could have run down to the police station, found a cop, ran back TWICE, in the time it took to finally see one of Holland's finest on the scene.
Before an officer ever arrived the girl left and continued walking down 8th Street. We attempted to watch and follow at a distance and then it happened. Apparently she had stolen a dress from a store about 5 down from us. Apparently she also wasn't so smart, because she had changed into this dress and then paraded right past the store she stole it from....HELLO!! Bless the owners heart, she went outside, very diplomatically and asked for payment for the dress. Of course, the thief has no money, but says she is willing to take it off and give it back. They get her into the store and FINALLY, an officer arrives. We are standing outside our stores, watching with baited breath, and then running down to the scene of the crime. Here is what we found when we entered the store. The owner screaming that the policeman was getting the crap beat out of him, another officer arriving and pouncing on this girl, as she was screaming(and I mean screaming, kicking, cussing) at them. It took two of them to hold down this chick, who weighed no more thatn 110 lbs. She was one lean, mean fighting machine. They actually threatened her with a tazer to get her to shut up. I think I would have yanked on her hair, slapped her face and told her to knock it off, but then I'd go to jail too. I sure wanted to though!!! She was crazy!!It seems that she got some good kicks to the head of the first officer before his back up arrived. She had some mean looking boots on, I noticed them earlier(actually I was coveting them) Later found out they were brand new and stolen too!!
Finally, she was removed from the scene and carted off. As the officer went through her purse(which was huge) he found items from more than 5 stores. The bracelets and bangles she wore were identified as coming from a boutique, but the tags were gone, so went the proof. It was an exciting night and I'll bet that officer will have one dozey of a headache. He may have an ache in his pride too.
So, you see, all I did was find a bracelet, put two and two together, got my crime fighting sisters with me and we had the time of our lives.
And the only thing she got from Yeta's was the bag!
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Thoughts from the Throne: I NEED A VACATION!
Thoughts from the Throne: I NEED A VACATION!: "I am tired, worn out, weary, need a vacation, done, shot, over it, tired... Ever feel like that? Ever NOT feel like that? Being worn out so..."
I NEED A VACATION!
I am tired, worn out, weary, need a vacation, done, shot, over it, tired...
Ever feel like that? Ever NOT feel like that?
Being worn out sometimes becomes a way of life for me. Racing from this meeting to one job, to my other job, home, dinner, running errands, on and on and on. It creates stress just typing it out!!
How do we escape that kind of stress?
I guess the simple answer is...Calgon, take me away!!!!!!!
Honestly, if it were that simple, we'd all be soaking in the tub, a lot!! But who has time?
The best way I know to find some relief from all of that craziness is to just schedule one more thing into my planner. Yes, one more thing.
When my life is just going too fast and I can't keep up with myself, I sit down, look at the calendar and plan a date with God. Now, He gets a snippet of my time each day already. Just enough to take my list of needs, wants, and have to haves. He listens to my thank-yous and all too often, token praise.
But honestly, this isn't always the quality time He desires and I desperately need.
So, when I find myself feeling overwhelmed, like I do today, it's time to look at the calendar and schedule, yes, schedule a date with my Daddy.
Let's see, next week Wednesday is open!! After working 6 days a week for quite awhile now, I have a Wednesday free!!!
Dear Father, Would you be interested in hanging out with me next Wed.? I mean, spend a few hours together, maybe take a walk and talk to me? You're in my planner and I promise I won't forget.
Thank You for peeling me off the ceiling and giving me some of Your time. I look forward to it with great anticipation and know that I'll be more focused, energized and ready to serve again after spending time with You.
Your daughter,
Diane
p.s.I have a lot of friends that need some of Your time too. Could You nudge them just a little to get out their planners and ask You for a date? I'm more than willing to share You!! queenofquite_alot@yahoo.com
Ever feel like that? Ever NOT feel like that?
Being worn out sometimes becomes a way of life for me. Racing from this meeting to one job, to my other job, home, dinner, running errands, on and on and on. It creates stress just typing it out!!
How do we escape that kind of stress?
I guess the simple answer is...Calgon, take me away!!!!!!!
Honestly, if it were that simple, we'd all be soaking in the tub, a lot!! But who has time?
The best way I know to find some relief from all of that craziness is to just schedule one more thing into my planner. Yes, one more thing.
When my life is just going too fast and I can't keep up with myself, I sit down, look at the calendar and plan a date with God. Now, He gets a snippet of my time each day already. Just enough to take my list of needs, wants, and have to haves. He listens to my thank-yous and all too often, token praise.
But honestly, this isn't always the quality time He desires and I desperately need.
So, when I find myself feeling overwhelmed, like I do today, it's time to look at the calendar and schedule, yes, schedule a date with my Daddy.
Let's see, next week Wednesday is open!! After working 6 days a week for quite awhile now, I have a Wednesday free!!!
Dear Father, Would you be interested in hanging out with me next Wed.? I mean, spend a few hours together, maybe take a walk and talk to me? You're in my planner and I promise I won't forget.
Thank You for peeling me off the ceiling and giving me some of Your time. I look forward to it with great anticipation and know that I'll be more focused, energized and ready to serve again after spending time with You.
Your daughter,
Diane
p.s.I have a lot of friends that need some of Your time too. Could You nudge them just a little to get out their planners and ask You for a date? I'm more than willing to share You!! queenofquite_alot@yahoo.com
Monday, August 9, 2010
ARE YOU SERIOUS?
I have been challenged recently regarding my faith walk. Who is challenging me? No one in particular, just those little nudges on the inside. I suspect it's the Holy Spirit, as I have asked Him to show up in a loud way and let me know what needs to change.
Too often, I allow myself to slip into a comfortable place of just living a good life, going to church, listening the 'right' music, giving to those in need, and just attempting to be a 'nice' person.
You might think, "Oh, come on Diane, what's wrong with that?" I suppose nothing in one sense. But the question I ask myself is, 'is that really what I'm here for?'
Suppose God has more for me to do and be. Suppose I'm not paying attention. How many hurting people am I walking past each day that I could have spoken an encouraging word into their lives?
What if I miss the main reason that God put me on earth and just live out my days comfortably? I'll still be in heaven, but I think of the people who might not be, because I missed an opportunity to share my faith with them.
Some of you taking the time to read this will think that I just need to lighten up, not be so hard on myself, live life and enjoy. Some of you may think I'm crazy to even be concerned about what God thinks, as if He even exists.
For others, you will consider my words and also wonder, What am I missing? Is life more than just being a good person? Even more than just being a 'good' Christian?
I know what the answer is for me: Keep asking, keep watching, seize opportunities to be Jesus to someone in need and above all, be attentive to the nudges that only come from God.
"Make sure you don't things for granted and go slack in working for the common good: share what you have with others. God takes particular pleasure in acts of worship-a different kind of sacrifice-that take place in kitchen and workplace and on the streets." Hebrews 13:16 Message Bible
Blessings, Queen Dee
Too often, I allow myself to slip into a comfortable place of just living a good life, going to church, listening the 'right' music, giving to those in need, and just attempting to be a 'nice' person.
You might think, "Oh, come on Diane, what's wrong with that?" I suppose nothing in one sense. But the question I ask myself is, 'is that really what I'm here for?'
Suppose God has more for me to do and be. Suppose I'm not paying attention. How many hurting people am I walking past each day that I could have spoken an encouraging word into their lives?
What if I miss the main reason that God put me on earth and just live out my days comfortably? I'll still be in heaven, but I think of the people who might not be, because I missed an opportunity to share my faith with them.
Some of you taking the time to read this will think that I just need to lighten up, not be so hard on myself, live life and enjoy. Some of you may think I'm crazy to even be concerned about what God thinks, as if He even exists.
For others, you will consider my words and also wonder, What am I missing? Is life more than just being a good person? Even more than just being a 'good' Christian?
I know what the answer is for me: Keep asking, keep watching, seize opportunities to be Jesus to someone in need and above all, be attentive to the nudges that only come from God.
"Make sure you don't things for granted and go slack in working for the common good: share what you have with others. God takes particular pleasure in acts of worship-a different kind of sacrifice-that take place in kitchen and workplace and on the streets." Hebrews 13:16 Message Bible
Blessings, Queen Dee
Sunday, July 25, 2010
DIET SECRET
Today we attended an Open House for my daughters sister-in-law, who recently graduated from college. The food was excellent, the company was delightful and the dessert was cupcakes iced in red and blue.
The first young lady to greet me as we approached the group gathered in the yard, had a lovely smile with bright red teeth and lips. Yup, she had just finished a cupcake. Next, I watched as a woman I do not know bite into a blue iced cupcake. That was even worse. Teeth, gums, lips...all blue. The best laugh of all was when my mother and her husband, oblivious to all of the staining, enjoyed their blue cupcakes. My mom especially was just covered with blue icing. Not only her mouth, but a smear on her cheek made her look like she was playing Indians and got carried away with her war paint. We all laughed and her dear husband gently cleaned her face for her.
Somehow I wish that all food that was not so good for me, would stain my mouth so I wouldn't eat it and risk the embarrassment. It would sure make it easier to say no to the wrong food choices, wouldn't it?
Along the same line of thinking, our pastor had a message this morning on the tongue. You know, how such a small body part has so much control? He asked us to examine our words. What if our mouths were stained each time we spoke unkind words? Would we be more careful about what we said?
I suspect we would.
From the Message-James 3:7-10 "This is scary:You can tame a tiger, but you can't tame a tongue-it's never been done. The tongue runs wild, a wanton killer. With our tongues we bless God our Father; with the same tongues we curse the very men and women he made in his image. Curses and blessings out of the same mouth!"
Our mouths can get us into all kinds of trouble. Not just what we eat, but what we say as well.
I hope that you, like me, will think twice before overindulging in goodies. But even more, I hope that you will think twice before unkind words are allowed to leave your lips.
Remember the icing stain? Unkind words and lies, gossip or back-biting, all leave a stain too. Only this is the stain of sin. Although it may not be as obvious as the stained teeth and lips I saw today, God sees the stain very clearly and only He can wash it away.
My prayer for you is that you will choose to let Him do just that.
Blessings,
Queen Dee
The first young lady to greet me as we approached the group gathered in the yard, had a lovely smile with bright red teeth and lips. Yup, she had just finished a cupcake. Next, I watched as a woman I do not know bite into a blue iced cupcake. That was even worse. Teeth, gums, lips...all blue. The best laugh of all was when my mother and her husband, oblivious to all of the staining, enjoyed their blue cupcakes. My mom especially was just covered with blue icing. Not only her mouth, but a smear on her cheek made her look like she was playing Indians and got carried away with her war paint. We all laughed and her dear husband gently cleaned her face for her.
Somehow I wish that all food that was not so good for me, would stain my mouth so I wouldn't eat it and risk the embarrassment. It would sure make it easier to say no to the wrong food choices, wouldn't it?
Along the same line of thinking, our pastor had a message this morning on the tongue. You know, how such a small body part has so much control? He asked us to examine our words. What if our mouths were stained each time we spoke unkind words? Would we be more careful about what we said?
I suspect we would.
From the Message-James 3:7-10 "This is scary:You can tame a tiger, but you can't tame a tongue-it's never been done. The tongue runs wild, a wanton killer. With our tongues we bless God our Father; with the same tongues we curse the very men and women he made in his image. Curses and blessings out of the same mouth!"
Our mouths can get us into all kinds of trouble. Not just what we eat, but what we say as well.
I hope that you, like me, will think twice before overindulging in goodies. But even more, I hope that you will think twice before unkind words are allowed to leave your lips.
Remember the icing stain? Unkind words and lies, gossip or back-biting, all leave a stain too. Only this is the stain of sin. Although it may not be as obvious as the stained teeth and lips I saw today, God sees the stain very clearly and only He can wash it away.
My prayer for you is that you will choose to let Him do just that.
Blessings,
Queen Dee
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