Keep On Dancing

If you are feeling like you have gotten a little "off track" with your intentions this year, not to worry. Be gentle with yourself. Take a few minutes to read today's post, and just remember to "Keep On Dancing".

What I have noticed lately, is that things don't always seem to happen for the reasons we think, and that can be perfect for us. I started several projects in the last few weeks, that did not work out the way I thought they would, or the way I wanted them to, thank God.

Because they did not work out, space was created for something much better to come into my life. And so, I was able to better understand, that it is not always about the end result of a choice or a project, but how taking that step to go for it in the first place, makes you feel.

What is important, is that you take some inspired action, because your vibration while you are doing something that excites you, and you are passionate about, is what will bring you the essence of what you wanted in the first place. It just may not come from where you thought it would. What is so freeing about all of this, is that it removes a lot of the fear around moving forward, fear that you may fail, be disappointed again, or even embarrassed. It gives you the courage to just step up to the plate and go for it, no matter what the outcome.

If you are feeling stuck, and afraid to take the next step, or any step for that matter, you will never achieve the life of your dreams. Life is not always about being comfortable. It is about moving forward, out of your comfort zone.

And the interesting thing about it is, that the more steps you take, the stronger and more confident you feel inside, where it really matter, sand pretty soon you begin to realize that there truly is nothing that you cannot do, that anything is possible, just as long as you keep on dancing.

~~Veronica Hay

One day I decided to quit.... I quit my job, my relationship, my
spirituality. .... I wanted to quit my life. I went to the woods to
have one last talk with God.

"God", I said. "Can you give me one good reason not to quit?"

His answer surprised me...

"Look around", He said. "Do you see the fern and the bamboo?"

"Yes", I replied.

"When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good care
of them. I gave them light. I gave them water. The fern quickly grew
from the earth. Its brilliant green covered the floor. Yet nothing
came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo.

In the second year the Fern grew more vibrant and plentiful. And
again, nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the
bamboo".

He said. "In the third year, there was still nothing from the bamboo
seed. But I would not quit.

In the fourth year, again, there was nothing from the bamboo seed.
But I would not quit.

He said. "Then in the fifth year a tiny sprout emerged from the
earth. Compared to the fern it was seemingly small and insignificant.

But just 6 months later the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall. It had
spent the five years growing roots. Those roots made it strong and
gave it what it needed to survive. I would not give any of my
creations a challenge it could not handle."

He said to me. "Did you know, my child, that all this time you have
been struggling, you have actually been growing roots. I would not
quit on the bamboo. I will never quit on you. Don't compare yourself
to others."

He said. "The bamboo had a different purpose than the fern, yet, they
both make the forest beautiful."

"Your time will come," God said to me. " You will rise high!"

"How high should I rise?" I asked.

"How high will the bamboo rise?" He asked in return.

"As high as it can?" I questioned.

"Yes." He said, "Give me glory by rising as high as you can."

I left the forest and brought back this story. I hope these words can
help you see that God will never give up on you........

Never regret a day in your life.
Good days give you Happiness.
Bad days give you Experiences.
Both are essential to life.
Keep going...
Happiness keeps you Sweet,
Trials keep you Strong,
Sorrows keep you Human,
Failures keep you Humble,
Success keeps You Glowing,
But Only God keeps You Going!
Have a great day! The Sun is shining!!

God is so big He can cover the whole world with his Love and so small
He can curl up inside your heart.

B.A.D.

While shopping at a local Wal-Mart, a woman spotted a man with an
acronym on his shirt that had B.A.D. Being the person that she was
(curious), she stopped the man and asked, "What does B.A.D. Stand for?" And trust me; you'll be amazed at what his response was. He replied
B.A.D. Stands for: "Blessed And Delivered". That thought stuck with
her as she finished doing her shopping that day. So she came up with a
little advice for you today.

1. When the enemy tries to attack you, be B.A.D.
2. When things don't seem to be going right on your job, be B.A.D.
3. When things are not looking good in your marriage, be B.A.D.
4. When folks scandalize your name, just be B.A.D. Get with somebody
who you know that you can be B.A.D. With!!!

May God Bless You And Have A B.A.D. Day! Any person that can kneel
before God can stand before anything.

By Charles F. Stanley

It’s natural to feel disappointed when someone lets you down, abandons you, or stabs you in the back. Unfortunately, this emotion can be a breeding ground for bitterness and resentment. If we blame God for what happened, our devotion to Him may suffer. We might abandon time alone with Him, stop sacrificing for the dreams He’s given us, and eventually give up attending church. Ultimately, disappointment has the potential to poison our entire lives. Unless you and I respond to it wisely, we can become overwhelmed by hopelessness, cynicism, and depression.

David experienced disappointment. Samuel had anointed him king of Israel, but for years the former shepherd had to live in the wilderness, running from Saul. Through that difficult time, he looked to the Lord for encouragement. Psalm 23 gives us insight into how David coped with unexpected setbacks.

First, David turned to God with his disappointment. “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want” (v. 1). He didn’t ask, What am I going to do? He knew Who the source of his strength was. God would show him how to deal with not only the situation but also any feelings of disappointment.

David went on to write, “He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters” (v. 2). When our hearts are in tune with the Lord, we will have peace. Even though we may be in the middle of a trial, we will be able to walk thorough difficulty without becoming overwhelmed by fear.

You may not know why God has allowed you to encounter disappointment, frustration, or deep sorrow. Regardless, the one thing that matters most is the focus of your faith. Is it set on God or your ability? The Lord has good plans for your life, but they will likely include more than just mountaintop experiences; you must be willing to walk with Him through the valleys as well.

Second, David admitted there was a problem. He did not try to deny or ignore it. We have to wonder how many times Satan whispered, “You are never going to be king” or “You will die in battle before you take the throne.” The Enemy’s tactic is to draw us away from God by planting seeds of doubt. However, David resisted. He had a personal, loving relationship with the Creator of the universe and knew that the Lord would fulfill His promise at the right time. Hebrews 11:6 says, “Without faith it is impossible to please [God], for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.”

Third, David understood that the Lord had allowed the trial he was facing, and there was purpose in it. Instead of sinking into despair, David immediately turned to God, admitted there was a problem, and acknowledged his inability to face it alone. He refused to become overwhelmed by the Enemy’s attack. He realized the Lord wanted him to learn something through the trial he was facing.

The same is true for you. When trouble comes, you can know without a doubt that God plans to use it for good in your life (Rom. 8:28-29).

Fourth, David did not shift his focus away from the Lord. There will be times when you receive conflicting information. For instance, a friend’s advice may clash with what your mind tells you. In cases like this, ask God to make His will perfectly clear.

Open your Bible, get on your knees, and cry out, “Lord, speak to my heart. Help me hear Your voice so I will have clear guidance through this stressful time.” Sometimes the Lord will lift the discouragement immediately and completely because you have turned to Him in faith. When that happens, thank Him for the truth of Jeremiah 33:3: “Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know.”

David often recalled the times God had delivered him in the past. The cornerstone of his confidence was the Lord’s faithfulness. Time after time, he had witnessed God’s goodness at work in his life. Therefore, he could say, “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; my cup overflows” (Ps. 23:5).

Finally, David confessed with his mouth that God would fulfill His promise. “Surely goodness and loving-kindness will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever” (Ps. 23:6). When it came to devotion, there was no question that David was totally committed to God.

You can overcome disappointment by proclaiming biblical truth. Turn to God’s Word, and study about His faithfulness, attributes, and personal promises to you. Dig deep and you will gain an awesome perspective of His nature—who He is and the depth of His intimate love for you. The Father listens when you pray to Him, and He will come to your aid, just as He did for David.

Adapted from “Landmines in the Pathway of the Believer” (2007). #Reflections

"In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." ---John 14: 2-3
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Jesus said, "In My Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you." If we want Jesus to prepare a place for us in heaven there is something we all must do first. We must prepare a place for the Lord in our heart. When we invite Jesus into our heart, He will invite us into His home in heaven. The question is, "Have we made our reservation for heaven?"

We are wise when we see all things in light of eternity and live our lives each day as if it could be the day the Lord calls for us. We must spend our time wisely as we welcome Jesus to make His home in our heart.

From the signs of the times in the world today, we see it is getting closer to the coming of the Lord. We've seen earthquakes in divers
places this past week and signs of the times which the Bible speaks about. They day of the Lord draws closer with each passing year.

Isn't it a joy to read in God's Word about our eternal home, and feel so close to home? One day it will be a reality. All the problems and trials of this life will be over. There will be peace and joy in the presence of the Lord, eternally. What a day, wonderful day, that will be!

Blessings In Christ,
Jo Ann Kelly - © 2010, 2007
J. P.'s Inspirations #Reflections

Disappointment can be a gift that tells you much about yourself. Choose to benefit from it.

Disappointment is definitely painful, and yet that pain is there to get your attention and to make you aware of certain truths. Take the opportunity to understand those truths.

Disappointment stirs up feelings deep within you. You can use the energy of those feelings to push you forward, to motivate you, to recharge your spirit.

Disappointment is able to occur only because there are positive possibilities in your life. Use the occasion to explore, connect to and express the best of those possibilities.

There is a reason why certain events and certain outcomes cause you to be disappointed. Seek to understand that reason, and you will discover a valuable and abiding truth about yourself.

For every disappointment, there is a positive energy within you that makes the disappointment meaningful. Connect with that positive energy and you will move successfully beyond any temporary setback.

~~Ralph Marston #Reflections

BEST POEM IN THE WORLD

I was shocked, confused, bewildered
As I entered Heaven's door,
Not by the beauty of it all, ...
Nor the lights or its decor.

But it was the folks in Heaven
Who made me sputter and gasp--
The thieves, the liars, the sinners,
The alcoholics and the trash.

There stood the kid from seventh grade
Who swiped my lunch money twice.
Next to him was my old neighbor
Who never said anything nice.

Herb, who I always thought
Was rotting away in hell,
Was sitting pretty on cloud nine,
Looking incredibly well.

I nudged Jesus, 'What's the deal?
I would love to hear Your take.
How'd all these sinners get up here?
God must've made a mistake.

'And why is everyone so quiet,
So somber - give me a clue.'
'Hush, child,' He said, 'they're all in shock.
No one thought they'd be seeing you.'


JUDGE NOT!!! #Reflections

There are many people in the world that have a problem with forgiving themselves of their past mistakes. God is a God of love and compassion who wishes to forgive and restore all who come to Him. Never feel as if you are beyond redemption. God is able to turn your mess into a miracle.

I hope the following story will minister to you if you are having trouble forgiving yourself, or feel as if God will never forgive you of your past mistakes.

A woman is dying of Aids. A minister is summoned. He attempts to comfort her, but to no avail.

"I am lost," she said. "I have ruined my life and every life around me. Now I'm going painfully to hell. There is no hope for me."

The minister saw a framed picture of a pretty girl on the dresser. "Who is this?" he asked.

The woman brightened. "She is my daughter, the one beautiful thing in my life."

"And would you help her if she was in trouble, or made a mistake? Would you forgive her? Would you still love her?" the minister asked.

"Of course I would!" cried the woman, "I would do anything for her! Why do you ask such a question?"

"Because I want you to know," said the minister, "that God has a picture of you on His dresser." #Reflections

Wow, thanks you for sharing. I was grinding my teeth as I was reading this moving story.

Wow, I'll be thinking of this message all day today.

Was this Aramis or David?

CELEBRATING YOU

An old story tells of an unhappy and discontented Stonecutter. One day he came upon a merchant and was awe-struck by all of the marvelous Goods the man had for sale. "I wish I were a merchant," said the Stonecutter and, quite amazingly, his wish was granted.

Not long afterward he saw a parade pass his little shop. Spying a
Prince dressed in splendor such as he had never before seen, he said,
"I wish I were a prince." And he became one.

But it wasn't too many days later that he stepped outside and felt the
Discomfort of the hot summer sun beating down upon his head. "Even a
Prince cannot stay cool in the sun," he said. "I wish I were the sun."
This wish, too, was granted.

He was happy being the sun until, one day, a cloud came between him
And the earth. "That cloud overshadows me," he said. "I wish I were a
Cloud."

Again, his wish was granted and he was happy until he came to a
Mountain that he could not rise above. "This mountain is greater than
I," he said. "I wish I were a mountain."

As a tall and mighty mountain he looked down upon the affairs of
Humans and felt that he was finally happy. But one day a stonecutter
Climbed up his side and chipped away at rock and there was nothing he
Could do about it. "That little man is more powerful than I," the
Mountain said. "I wish I were a stonecutter."

So the circle was completed and now the stonecutter knew that he would
Always be happy just being himself. He would never dress like a
Prince, shine like the sun nor rise as tall as a mountain, but he was
Happy to be who he was.

A sure way to unhappiness is to compare yourself to others. Like
Someone aptly said, "The grass may be greener on the other side of the
Fence, but it still has to be mowed." You are who you are and that is
To be celebrated.

~~Steve Goodier #Reflections