topic Re: Daily Positive Thread for Thursday in Among Friends

Daily Positive Thread for Thursday

gloriajean — Thu, 04 Aug 2016 05:07:53 GMT

Hello my friends! It's late so I should be in bed - I'm at Darla's every day this week and it was a long day today being it was her birthday and we stayed there so they could go out to eat and do some shopping. Then the girls wanted to be fussy, we got them all settled by the time they got home. They even cry like each other! I do believe I got a smile out of Alyssa this morning! I'm sure I'll be getting a lot more as they love their Granny!

Not one day passes without receiving wonderful blessings from our loving

and generous God. Lord, may I forget the irritations that distract me from

Your happiness.

S C R I P T U R E   F O R   T H E   D A Y

"Seek the LORD while he may be found, call upon him while he is near."
~Isaiah 55:6

M E D I T A T I O N   F O R   T H E   D A Y

God finds, amid the crowd, a few people who follow, just to be near God,
just to dwell in God's presence. A longing in the eternal heart may be
satisfied by these few people. I can let God know that I seek not just to
dwell in God's presence, to be near God, not so much for teaching or a
message, as just for God. It can be that the longing of the human heart to
be loved for itself is something caught from the great divine heart.

P R A Y E R   F O R   T H E   D A Y

I pray that I may have a listening ear, so that God may speak to me. I pray
that I may have a waiting heart, so that God may come to me.

Mother Teresa Said...

With God, nothing is impossible. I perceive the infinite greatness that we can tap into. I see how He can work through us. Because you and I have nothing on our own we need Him.
As the Bible says, God waits and looks.
Will we respond?

A LITTLE STORY

This is a story about four people named

Everybody,

Somebody,

Anybody, and

Nobody.

There was an important job to be done and Everybody was sure that

Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it.

Somebody got angry about that, because it was Everybody's job.

Everybody thought Anybody could do it but

Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn't do it.

It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done.

Too true to be that funny. Are you Somebody, Everybody, Anybody or Nobody when it comes to sharing Christ with others?

THROWING IT ALL AWAY
By Rich McLawhorn

"He who neglects the present moment throws away all he has." That
observation by Johann Friedrich von Schiller, a great German historian
and playwright, holds much truth for all of our lives.

Early one morning fire broke out in a house on a narrow street. The
fire spread quickly, and flames were leaping high into the air before
the fire engines could get to the scene.

A young man appeared at an upper window in his pajamas. Firefighters
quickly placed a ladder against the burning building, but the man
refused to come down. Instead, he yelled that he had to get dressed
first. The firefighters pleaded, "Come as you are! Come as you are!,
but to no avail.

The firefighters tried to climb the stairs from below, but they were
turned back by the flames. When a rescuer tried to enter through a
lower window, the heat and smoke forced him away.

Suddenly the walls and roof fell in. The man waited too long, and was
buried under the ruins.

How Does This Apply to Our Lives?

The man refused to immediately do what was best for himself because of
what someone might say about his appearance later. Thus, the young man
literally threw his life away.

We can make the same foolish mistake. I read about an experiment in
which a rat was placed in a box and shocked until it huddled in a
particular corner. To avoid future shocks, the rat soon learned to run
to that corner as soon as it was placed in the box.

How much of your life is spent avoiding the disapproving "shocks" of
those around you? Do you disregard your own beliefs, and compromise
who you are as a person, so others will like you?

That is easy to do, especially in matters of faith. Many people do not
live according to their beliefs because they are concerned about what
others will think or say. If that includes you, then in effect you are
throwing away the most significant part of yourself--your spiritual
life.

Instead of trying to become someone others will like in the future,
focus on God's love for you right now. Live each day according to
God's standards, no matter how people may react. Because some things
are too important to throw away--including yourself..

"Your love is ever before me, and I walk continually in your truth."
Psalm 26:3

SANDBOX ROCK

Author Unknown

A little boy was spending his Saturday morning playing in his sandbox. He
had with him his box of cars and trucks, his plastic pail, and a shiny, red
plastic shovel. In the process of creating roads and tunnels in the soft
sand, he discovered a large rock in the middle of the sandbox. The lad dug
around the rock, managing to dislodge it from the dirt. With no little bit
of struggle, he pushed and nudged the rock across the sandbox by using his
feet. (He was a very small boy and the rock was very huge.)

When the boy got the rock to the edge of the sandbox, however, he found that
he couldn't roll it up and over the little wall. Determined, the little boy
shoved, pushed, and pried, but every time he thought he had made some
progress, the rock tipped and then fell back into the sandbox. The little
boy grunted, struggled, pushed, shoved -- but his only reward was to have
the rock roll back, smashing his chubby fingers. Finally he burst into tears
of frustration.

All this time the boy's father watched from his living room window as the
drama unfolded. At the moment the tears fell, a large shadow fell across the
boy and the sandbox. It was the boy's father. Gently but firmly he said,
"Son, why didn't you use all the strength that you had available?"

Defeated, the boy sobbed back, "But I did, Daddy, I did! I used all the
strength that I had!"

"No, son," corrected the father kindly. "You didn't use all the strength you
had. You didn't ask me."

With that the father reached down, picked up the rock, and removed it from
the sandbox.

Do you have "rocks" in your life that need to be removed? Are you
discovering that you don't have what it takes to lift them? There is One who
is always available to us and willing to give us the strength we need. When
the apostle Paul faced times of a broken spirit and sapped strength, he
proclaimed to the Corinthian church, "My grace is enough for you. When you
are weak, then my power is made perfect in you" (2 Corinthians 12:9b NCV).
When we are broken in spirit and our strength is spent, we can turn to our
Savior Jesus.

Appreciate What You Have

Today upon a bus, I saw a lovely maid with
golden hair. I envied her - she seemed so
gay - and wished I were as fair. When
suddenly she arose to leave, I saw the
cruel braces as she hobbled down the aisle;
a victim of polio was she. But as she passed
-- a smile!
Oh, God, forgive me when I whine.
I have two straight feet. The world is mine!

And then I stopped to buy some sweets.
The lad who sold them had such charm.
I talked with him. He said to me, "It's nice
to talk with folks like you. You see," he said,
"I'm blind." Oh, God, forgive me when I whine.
I have two eyes. The world is mine!

Then walking down the street,
I saw a child with eyes of blue.
He stood and watched the others play.
It seemed he knew not what to do.
I stopped a moment, then I said,
"Why don't you join the others, dear?"
He looked ahead without a word
and then I knew.... He could not hear.
Oh, God, forgive me when I whine.
I have two ears. The world is mine!

With feet to take me where I'd go,
with eyes to see the sunset's glow;
with ears to hear what I would know --
Oh, God, forgive me when I whine.
I'm blessed indeed. The world is mine!

Prayer for Peace

Send Thy peace, O Lord,
   which is perfect and everlasting,
   that our souls may radiate peace.
Send Thy peace, O Lord,
   that we may think, act, and speak harmoniously.
Send Thy peace, O Lord,
   that we may be contented and
   thankful for Thy bountiful gifts.
Send Thy peace, O Lord,
   that amidst our worldly strife
   we may enjoy Thy bliss.
Send Thy peace, O Lord,
   that we may endure all, tolerate all
   in the thought of Thy grace and mercy.
Send Thy peace, O Lord,
   that our lives may become a divine vision,
   and in Thy light all darkness may vanish.
Send Thy peace, O Lord,
   our Father and Mother,
   that we, Thy children on earth,
   may all unite in one brotherhood.

Amen

August 3 - Jesus Calling

Watch your words diligently. Words have such great power to bless or to wound.When you speak carelessly or negatively, you damage others as well as yourself. This ability to verbalize is an awesome privilege, granted only to those I created in My image. You need help in wielding this mighty power responsibly.

Though the world applauds quick-witted retorts, My instructions about communication are quite different: Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. Ask My Spirit to help you whenever you speak. I have trained you to pray—“Help me, Holy Spirit”—before answering the phone, and you have seen the benefits of this discipline. Simply apply the same discipline to communicating with people around you. If they are silent, pray before speaking to them. If they are talking, pray before responding. These are split-second prayers, but they put you in touch with My Presence. In this way, your speaking comes under the control of My Spirit. As positive speech patterns replace your negative ones, the increase in your Joy will amaze you.

Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
—Proverbs 12:18

My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.
—James 1:19

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
—Ephesians 4:29

Re: Daily Positive Thread for Thursday

nj — Thu, 04 Aug 2016 07:12:44 GMT

Good Morning! Gloriajean, enjoy your time with Darla and the babies. Rest when you can but being there is a such a blessing for all of you. Those little ones are lucky having a Grandmother just like you! Take care of yourself too.

Ladies, hope your Thursday is filled with much joy, ordinary miracles and happiness. Enjoy the day and embrace each moment!

Peace, Nancy

Re: Daily Positive Thread for Thursday

meallen616 — Thu, 04 Aug 2016 11:48:24 GMT

Re: Daily Positive Thread for Thursday

lovestopaint — Thu, 04 Aug 2016 11:58:07 GMT

I know that little smile makes it all worthwhile, right Gloria.

Blessings to all.

Harlene(lovestopaint)

Re: Daily Positive Thread for Thursday

Ruby Laine — Thu, 04 Aug 2016 12:11:42 GMT

Good morning, all!

Darla is so fortunate to have you, gloriajean. You have been a huge support to her and her little family.

We are in drought-like conditions here, so I'll be watering the flowers after coffee. Husband takes care of the tomatoes, which have loved this hot weather! They are extra good this year. I love tomato sandwiches. When I was little, my grandmother would make tomatoes and fresh corn for lunch--nothing better!

Have a great day!

Re: Daily Positive Thread for Thursday

Witchy Woman — Thu, 04 Aug 2016 12:30:05 GMT

@gloriajean

I have often seen your posts, but never read them. Today I did.

Just wanted to tell you that your obvious faith lifted my heart.

I have recently returned to church after a long absence and struggle to remain hopeful in regaining my own faith.

Just wanted you to know that you've helped me today

Re: Daily Positive Thread for Thursday

HeresLucy — Thu, 04 Aug 2016 13:23:57 GMT

Good morning,

Ahhh....those sweet baby smiles. Nothing like them. Gloria, are they wrapped around your finger!? Rest when you can.

I also love tomato sandwiches. Nothing like a summertime tomato.

WW...glad you dropped by. You're welcome anytime. Everyone is a sweetheart.

Have an awesome day sweet ladies. Peace and blessings.

Re: Daily Positive Thread for Thursday

gloriajean — Thu, 04 Aug 2016 15:10:17 GMT

Nancy - I am enjoying the twins. Aria smiled at me so cute after her bottle and I held her and rocked her, that is so precious. Her Mommy smiled at me too exactly at one month old. Aria did too at one month, but now more often. Allie too. Sometimes i call Alyssa Lissy.

No resting while here. Busy busy! I'm between feedings now.

Re: Daily Positive Thread for Thursday

gloriajean — Thu, 04 Aug 2016 16:36:36 GMT

Hi Ruby - do you mind my calling you that? It is a blessing to be here but it sure does make me tired! I won't always have to be here Monday through Friday, just this week because her Mother in Law is with her husband who got pneumonia. He's coming home from the hospital so next week she'll take turns with me. I love those tomato sandwiches too! Last year we had a good crop of tomatoes and I froze some, ate a lot of them fresh from the vine. Now we're at the apt. and no garden, but on the balcony we have 3 tomato plants with some tomatoes on but they are still green. Pickles didn't work. Lettuce was good in the box he made for lettuce etc. Now basil is in there and some spinach.

Re: Daily Positive Thread for Thursday

gloriajean — Thu, 04 Aug 2016 16:40:46 GMT

Harlene - you're right! So worth it to see their smiles - Aria smiled at me again this morning after her bottle. Shows they appreciate all I do for them! Alyssa not so much yet, some, but not as big as her sister's. It'll come soon! Today was their due date.

Re: Daily Positive Thread for Thursday

gloriajean — Thu, 04 Aug 2016 16:45:22 GMT

WW - so nice of you to come and post with us! Do come again, you are always welcome! Glad the thread was good for you to read. Praise God you came back to Church! God blesses you!

Keep posting and hope to get to know you better. God be with you!

Re: Daily Positive Thread for Thursday

gloriajean — Thu, 04 Aug 2016 16:48:37 GMT

meallen - thanks again! Still hoping someday you'll share something about you. You are special, and don't forget that.

Re: Daily Positive Thread for Thursday

gloriajean — Thu, 04 Aug 2016 17:01:46 GMT

Lucy - it sure is fun to see those smiles! Grandchildren! Never thought we'd have them. They're not wrapped around my finger yet, bet they will be.

We had rain this morning, now it's a sunny day!