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  • May Inklings

    May Inklings

    I’m linking up with friends for Share Four Somethings May 2023 over @ Jennifer’s place, Overflowing With Thankfulness; each month, we share something we Loved, Read, Learned, and Ate. 

    Loved

    Spring has sprung, my friends. Okay, so I didn’t need to tell you that because it’s also sprung in your neck of the woods too. Springs leads to summer heat. I love to sit outside on the pavilion or porch and take in nature, and people watch and so forth. 

    Read

    As most of you know, I’ve been in a reading funk for about a year. When I asked Help— What’s Everybody Reading during my Sweet Tea & Friends May Link Up, many responded with many book recommendations and suggestions for me. 

    I started off reading Sisterchicks In Sombreros By: Robin Gunn Jones, via Joanne Viola. This book brought me so much joy and laugh-out-loud laughter. If you want a feel-good, Christian humous fiction, read this is it. 

    Here’s the Amazon excerpt

    Two Canadian sisters, Melanie and Joanna, inherit beachfront property in Mexico and take off on an adventure to claim their inheritance. They travel opulently by cruise ship to Ensenada and survive a rocky trip through Baja California, with a detour to help a family in a remote location. When they arrive in San Felipe, they discover that their beachfront property is not as expected. Undaunted, and with the help of a few locals and a memorable dinner on the beach, the sisters complete their mission and return home where they find that the true gift was the chance to reconnect. Neither of them will ever doubt that everything that happened along the way was part of God’s beautiful plan..

    Learned

    When I took my dog out to potty for bedtime two days last week, I noticed that the moon looked weird. Kind of creepy. So I Googled why the moon was looking strange. I found out that I was seeing Earthshine. Now I thought it looked neat because I’ve never seen anything like it before. Sadly, I didn’t get a picture of it. 

    Ate

    Okay, not necessarily ate but drank. I tried “Bubble Tea” for the first time. The flavor I got was honeydew. The taste was good, but I’m still unsure how I feel about the “bubbles.” They’re kind of fruity gummy bear feeling. I’m not one to have sensory issues with food, but so far, I’m not thrilled with the texture of the “bubbles.”

    Wishing everyone a happy, warm, and blessed June.

    Linking up this month with these great Blog Hop Link-Up party hosts

    Senior Salon Pit Stop   Inspire Me Monday @ Anita’s Inspire Me Monday  @ Create With Joy   Friendship Friday    #MondayMusings    Remember Me Monday   #TellHisStory   InstaEncouragements Let’s Have Coffee   #AnythingGoesLinky    Thankful Thursday   Imparting Grace    Grace & Truth   Your The Star    Encouraging Hearts & Home   Hearth & Soul   Sweet Tea & Friends Grammy’s Grid    #PoCoLo

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  • FMF— The Deliberateness Of God

    FMF— The Deliberateness Of God

    This post is part of the Five Minute Friday blog link-up. Where I join up with a community of writers and bloggers of all ages and stages who gather around a single-word prompt to free-write, unscripted, unedited, for five minutes. This week’s word prompt is {{Deliberate}}

    As Christians, we believe that God is deliberate in everything He does. From the world’s creation to the salvation of our souls, God has a plan and purpose for everything. When we look at the world around us, it is hard to deny that everything we see has order and design. This is a testament to the deliberate nature of God.

    Beneath the skies of endless blue, 

    We see the world so grand and true. 

    In all creation, we can view 

    The hand of God so deliberate and new.

    From the dawn of time, He had a plan,

     To save the souls of every man. 

    His love for us, we can’t understand,

     But His deliberate nature, we can.

     In Jesus Christ, we see it clear, 

    A purpose to His life so dear. 

    Born of a virgin, sinless and sincere, 

    His deliberate plan is forever near.

     

    In our own lives, we can’t deny, 

    His hand at work, though we may cry.

    Through pain and sorrow, we can rely,

    On His deliberate plan, we can’t deny.

     

    So let us trust, seek, and praise, 

    Our God so deliberate in all His ways. 

    For His love, we can never repay, 

    But our hearts forever, His love will stay. 

    Thank you, God, for your deliberate plan, 

    For sending Jesus to save man. 

    May we follow you with all we can, 

    For your deliberate nature, we understand.

    {{OOPS— Over 5 Minutes}}

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  • Who’s Your Lazarus?

    Who’s Your Lazarus?

    Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”

    John 11:40— NIV

    Lazarus and his sisters, Martha and Mary, were close friends of Jesus. So when their brother was ill, the sisters sent for Him, saying, “The one you love is ill.” (John 11:3)

    But Jesus didn’t drop everything and leave. He waited two days before journeying to see Lazarus. As He departed, he told his disciples that Lazarus was asleep and it was time to wake him.

    When Jesus arrived, Martha hurried out to meet him. Her anguished cry reflects on our own during times of pain, “If You were here, this wouldn’t have happened…”

    This is when Jesus reminds her of his Divinity. He says He’s the Resurrection and the Life and asks her if she believes.

    “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.” (John 11:27)

    In times of pain—before the Lord has healed an illness or restored a relationship—it can be tempting to focus on what hasn’t happened or get trapped in an endless cycle of questions.

    But Jesus encouraged Martha to focus on His identity rather than her pain or her circumstances. Re-affirming what you believe about Jesus can be a powerful way to find peace, even in deep distress.

    But just as Jesus called out to Lazarus and brought him back to life, He calls out to us and gives us new life. We may feel like we are dead inside, but Jesus is the resurrection and the life. He can bring us out of the darkness and into the light.

    All In All

    We may not physically die and rise again like Lazarus. Still, we experience a spiritual rebirth when we accept Jesus as our Savior. He gives us new life, new hope, and a new purpose. We are no longer dead in our sins but alive in Christ.

    Just like Lazarus, we are all called to come out of the tomb of our sins and into the light of Christ. We must shed our old self and put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness (Ephesians 4:24).

    So, if you feel lost, hopeless, or trapped in darkness, remember you are not alone. We have all been there, but we can all be like Lazarus and come out of the tomb and into the light of Christ. He is calling out to you, giving you new life, hope, and purpose. Will you answer His call?

    I remember when I was a Lazarus. I love the song Rize Up (Lazarus) by CAIN, because it speaks to me in so many ways. It makes me sing and bop while feeling uplifted, invigorated, and rejuvenated.

    Linking Up this month with these Great Blog Hop Party hostesses

    Senior Salon Pit Stop   Inspire Me Monday @ Anita’s   Inspire Me Monday  @ Create With Joy   Friendship Friday    #MondayMusings    Remember Me Monday   #TellHisStory   InstaEncouragements   Let’s Have Coffee   #AnythingGoesLinky    Thankful Thursday   Imparting Grace    Grace & Truth   Your The Star    Encouraging Hearts & Home   Hearth & Soul   Sweet Tea & Friends   Grammy’s Grid    #PoCoLo

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  • Forgiving Motherhood Shortcomings

    Forgiving Motherhood Shortcomings

    As a Christian mother, it can be difficult to come to terms with the fact that we have made mistakes in our parenting journey. We may reflect on our past decisions, regrets and wish we could have done things differently. However, it’s important to remember that we are only human and that forgiveness is always possible.

    When our children become adults, forgiving ourselves for our mistakes and shortcomings when they were younger can be incredibly challenging. We may feel we have missed our chance to make things right with them.

    But as Christians, we know that forgiveness is at the core of our faith. We believe that through God’s grace, we can be forgiven for our mistakes and that we should extend that same grace to ourselves. 

    It’s important to understand that forgiving ourselves doesn’t mean forgetting about our mistakes or pretending they never happened. Instead, it means acknowledging our shortcomings, taking responsibility for our actions, and learning from our mistakes. And if an opportunity arises to apologize to your children, please do so. I’m waiting for that opportunity.

    Nevertheless, to experience true freedom and healing. We need to humble ourselves before God and ask for forgiveness from Him and our children. We need to make amends wherever possible. But crucially, we must also learn to extend grace to ourselves.

    In addition to seeking forgiveness, we can seek healing through prayer and reflection. We can ask God for strength and guidance as we navigate the challenges of motherhood and any mistakes or failures we made. We can trust that He will give us the wisdom to move forward.

    It’s also important to remember that our failures do not define our worth. As women of faith, we serve a God who is full of grace and mercy, and He offers forgiveness for our mistakes. We may not have been as close to him in the past as were now.

    If you’re struggling to forgive yourself for mistakes you made in your parenting journey, know that you are not alone. Remember that forgiveness is always possible through God’s grace and that by learning from our mistakes, we can become better mothers and Christians.

    All In All

    You’re not alone. I failed big time, and it cost me a relationship with my adult daughters. I know it’s easier said than done but permit yourself to let go of your guilt and embrace the love and grace that God offers. Remember that you are a beloved child of God, and your mistakes do not define your worth. 

    Linking up this month with these great Blog Hop Link-Up party hosts

      Senior Salon Pit Stop   Inspire Me Monday @ Anita’s   Inspire Me Monday  @ Create With Joy   Friendship Friday    #MondayMusings    Remember Me Monday   #TellHisStory   InstaEncouragements   Let’s Have Coffee   #AnythingGoesLinky    Thankful Thursday   Imparting Grace    Grace & Truth   Your The Star    Encouraging Hearts & Home   Hearth & Soul   Sweet Tea & Friends   Grammy’s Grid    #PoCoLo

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  • Help— What’s Everyone Reading?

    Help— What’s Everyone Reading?

    Hey Friends!

    Yours truly is in a reading funk. Some of you may have noticed me telling you I’m in a reading funk When commenting on your book reviews. 

    I’ve been an avid reader since late grade school, and at times I prefer reading over TV ( I stream all my TV shows and love classic sitcoms, it’s also easier for me to monitor the TV content I watch) 

    Anyhow.. I digress. First, let me tell you how hard it was for me to read for fun after studying for my Bachelor’s and Master’s in Social Work as a married, working, full-time parent of two young girls. Oh, boy, did it take a while for me to enjoy reading for fun. 

    Non-fiction was my preference for the longest time. I enjoyed reading clean/Christian mail-order bride novels and have read several series. 

    I really enjoyed reading titles such as The Atomic City Girls, The Girls of Atomic City: The Untold Story of the Women Who Helped Win World War II, The Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America’s Shining Women, Code Girls: The Untold Story of the American Women Code Breakers Who Helped Win World War II, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, The Five People You Meet in Heaven, The First Phone Call from Heaven.

    I haven’t read any mysteries in years; I’m not into horror or suspense. I’m really not into romance; I mean, it’s okay as long as it’s clean and light-hearted. 

    Help— Here’s My Delima

    My reading funk has been going on for almost a year. And I love to read everyone’s book reviews. Please help me with some reading suggestions in the comments below. 

    Right now, I am on a mission looking for clean and or Christian funny/humorous fiction. I’m kind of hoping this will get me out of my funk. 

    Any clean and/or Christian fiction, historical, humorous, WWll, clean light-hearted romance, maybe mystery; I’m including it because it’s been a while since I’ve read any mysteries (no blood or goriness, please); suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

    I just finished reading The Sticky Bunn Challenge: By 

    Murray, Sherri Schoenborn. I enjoyed this Faith, and humor abounded, and I laughed out loud reading. (I’ll post a book review soon).

    And I have The Big 5-OH ! By Sandra D. Bricker & The Getaway Girls: A hilarious, feel-good summer read about second chances. By: Dee MacDonald is sitting in my Amazon cart, and I will order them this week.

    I know you’re busy, but I’m including my Good Reads link in case you want to see what I’ve read and want to read. Thank you all in advance for any book suggestions and for helping me to get out of my reading funk. 

    Paula’s Good Reads

    Now On To The Link-Up

    Sweet Tea & Friends is a MONTHLY PARTY and will run from 1:00 am on the 1st of every month through 11:55 pm on the 21st of the month. 

    To learn more about who we are and grab a badge if you like CLICK HERE.

    

    1. For Bloggers, you can link UNLIMITED posts of your Christian, faith, family-friendly posts. Feel free to link up your Crafting, DIY, recipes/ Cooking, Gardening, Photography, Lifestyle, Travel, Health & Beauty, Fashion, Parenting, Grandparenting, Home Making, Homescapes & Tablescapes, Outdoor, and Decorating. Why Unlimited? Because I thought you might want to link up any older posts that need some love and attention too. Do you host a Link-Up or a Giveaway? Link it up.

    2. Link to a specific blog post (URL of a specific post)—(not your website). Feel free to link up any older posts that may need some love and attention too.

    3. Show some love. Visit your neighbor or at least two others and comment to let them know that what they wrote touched you or you appreciated their post.

    4. For Readers, please feel free to click on the blue button below to visit other writers’ blog posts. You will find Christian content, encouragement, inspiration, and many lifestyle and homestyle content you are sure to enjoy.

    You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

    Click here to enter
    Help— What's Everyone Reading? Come join us over @ the Sweet Tea & Friends May Link-Up
    @jesuschasing
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    Linking up this month with these great Blog Hop Link-Up party hosts 

     Senior Salon Pit Stop   Inspire Me Monday @ Anita’s Inspire Me Monday  @ Create With Joy   Friendship Friday    #MondayMusings    Remember Me Monday   #TellHisStory   InstaEncouragements Let’s Have Coffee   #AnythingGoesLinky    Thankful Thursday   Imparting Grace    Grace & Truth   Your The Star    Encouraging Hearts & Home   Hearth & Soul   Sweet Tea & Friends Grammy’s Grid    #PoCoLo

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  • 15 Ideas to Celebrate Mother’s Day

    15 Ideas to Celebrate Mother’s Day

    Mother’s Day is a special day to honor the mothers in our lives. It is a time to show appreciation for all they do for us and remind them how much we love them. As Christians, we can celebrate Mother’s Day in a way that honors God and His Word.

    Here are 15 ideas to get you started

    — Read a Bible verse together. Many Bible verses speak to the importance of motherhood. One of my favorites is Proverbs 31:10-31, which describes the qualities of a virtuous woman. Reading this passage together can help you appreciate everything your mom does for you.

    — Write a letter or card. A handwritten note is a personal and meaningful way to express your love and appreciation for your mom. Take time to write her a letter or card, telling her everything you love about her.

    — Spend time together. One of the best ways to show your mom how much you care is to spend time with her. Go for a walk, have lunch together, or sit and talk. Whatever you do, make sure it’s something that you both enjoy.

    — Give her a gift. A gift is a tangible way to show your mom how much you appreciate her. It doesn’t have to be expensive or elaborate. Even a small gift, such as a bouquet of flowers or a framed photo, can show her how much you care.

    — Cook her a meal. Cooking a meal for your mom is a thoughtful way to show her how much you love her. She’ll appreciate the effort even if you’re not a great cook.

    — Make her breakfast in bed. This is a classic Mother’s Day gesture that is sure to make her smile.

    — Host a Mother’s Day brunch or lunch for her friends and family. This is a great way to celebrate her with those who love her most.

    — Make a donation to her favorite charity in her name. This is a meaningful way to show your support for her causes.

    — Clean the house. One of the best ways to show your mom how much you appreciate her is to take some of the work off her shoulders. Clean the house, do the laundry, or take out the trash. She’ll be so grateful for your help.

    — Surprise her with a gift basket. Fill it with her favorite things, such as snacks, books, or magazines.

    — Take her out for a day of pampering. This could include a trip to the spa, a manicure, a pedicure, or a new hairstyle.

    — Stay in and watch a movie together. This is a great way to relax and cuddle up on the couch.

    — Take her out to lunch. Taking your mom out to lunch is a great way to show her how much you care. It’s a chance to spend time together and enjoy a meal together.

    — Go to church together. Going to church together is a great way to celebrate Mother’s Day as a family. It’s a time to worship God and to thank Him for the gift of motherhood.

    — Say, “I love you.” Sometimes, the simplest things are the most meaningful; tell your mom how much you love her. She’ll cherish those words forever.

    These are just a few ideas to help you celebrate Mother’s Day in a way that honors God and His Word. I hope you have a wonderful Mother’s Day!
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    These are just a few ideas to help you celebrate Mother’s Day in a way that honors God and His Word. I hope you have a wonderful Mother’s Day!

    Linking up this month with these great Blog Hop Link-Up party hosts  

    Senior Salon Pit Stop   Inspire Me Monday @ Anita’s Inspire Me Monday  @ Create With Joy   Friendship Friday    #MondayMusings    Remember Me Monday   #TellHisStory   InstaEncouragements Let’s Have Coffee   #AnythingGoesLinky    Thankful Thursday   Imparting Grace    Grace & Truth   Your The Star    Encouraging Hearts & Home   Hearth & Soul   Sweet Tea & Friends Grammy’s Grid    #PoCoL

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  • FMF— The Power of Persistence in the Christian Life

    FMF— The Power of Persistence in the Christian Life

    This post is part of the Five Minute Friday blog link-up. Where I join up with a community of writers and bloggers of all ages and stages who gather around a single-word prompt to free-write, unscripted, unedited, for five minutes. This week’s prompt is {{PERSIST}}

    The Power of Persistence in the Christian Life

    In the Bible, we see many examples of people who persevered through difficult times. David was a shepherd boy who was anointed king, but he persevered and eventually became king of Israel. Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers, but he persisted and eventually became second in command to Pharaoh. Moses was raised in Pharaoh’s palace, but he persevered and led the Israelites out of Egypt.

    These are just a few examples of the many people in the Bible who persisted through difficult times. They all had one thing in common: they never gave up. They kept going, even when things were tough.

    As Christians, we are called to be like these people. We are called to persevere through difficult times. We are called to keep going, even when things are tough.

    So, how do we persist? How do we keep going, even when things are tough?

    Focus on the big picture— it’s important to remember that God has a plan for your life. He has a purpose for you. And He will help you to persevere if you will trust Him.

    Take it one day at a time— Don’t try to look too far ahead. Just focus on getting through the day. And if you can get through today, you can get through tomorrow.

    Find a support system— Having people who support and encourage you can make a big difference during a tough time. 

    Pray— Prayer is one of our most potent weapons against the enemy. When we pray, we ask God for His help and strength. 

    Reflection

    Persistence takes work. But it is possible. And it is worth it. When we persevere, we show our faith in God, love for God, and hope for the future.

      Senior Salon Pit Stop   Inspire Me Monday @ Anita’s   Inspire Me Monday  @ Create With Joy   Friendship Friday    #MondayMusings    Remember Me Monday   #TellHisStory   InstaEncouragements   Let’s Have Coffee   #AnythingGoesLinky    Thankful Thursday   Imparting Grace    Grace & Truth   Your The Star    Encouraging Hearts & Home   Hearth & Soul   Sweet Tea & Friends   Grammy’s Grid    #PoCoLo

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  • Honoring Charles Stanley + 10 Encouraging Quotes

    Honoring Charles Stanley + 10 Encouraging Quotes

    I grew up watching Charles Stanley on TV with my mom. I listened to many episodes of his radio program into my teens and adulthood. And I was encouraged and inspired by several of his books.

    “We must remember that the shortest distance between our problems and their solutions is the distance between our knees and the floor.” — Charles Stanley
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    A Little Look

    The beloved pastor of First Baptist Church in Atlanta passed away on April 18, 2023, at the age of 90. He was a man of God who dedicated his life to serving others and was a gifted preacher and teacher. His messages touched the lives of people worldwide.

    In addition to his work at First Baptist Church, he was the founder and president of In Touch Ministries. In Touch is a global ministry that reaches people worldwide through television, radio, print, and online. His messages on In Touch have been translated into more than 50 languages.

    He has written over 50 books, including the best-selling “How to Handle Adversity.” He also hosted a daily radio and television program called “In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley.”

    He was a man of great faith and conviction. He was a faithful servant of God. And committed to sharing the love of Christ with others, he did so with a passion and compassion that was evident in all of his ministry.

    10 Encouraging Quotes from Charles Stanley

    —“We must remember that the shortest distance between our problems and their solutions is the distance between our knees and the floor.”

    — “From the world’s perspective, there are many places you can go to find comfort. But there is only one place you will find a hand to catch your tears and a heart to listen to your every longing. True peace comes only from God.”

    — “Wisdom is the capacity to see things from God’s viewpoint.”

    — “Often times, God demonstrates His faithfulness in adversity by providing for us what we need to survive. He does not change our painful circumstances. He sustains us through them.”

     “Often times, God demonstrates His faithfulness in adversity by providing for us what we need to survive. He does not change our painful circumstances. He sustains us through them.” — Charles Stanley Click to Tweet

    — “Our willingness to wait reveals the value we place on the object we’re waiting for.”

    — “As children of a sovereign God, we are never victims of our circumstances.”

    — “You always have God’s undivided attention.”

    — “The dark moments of our life will last only so long as is necessary for God to accomplish His purpose in us.”

    — “Every test, every trial, every heartache that’s been significant, I can turn it over and see how God has turned it into good no matter what.”

    — “As you walk through the valley of the unknown, you will find the footprints of Jesus both in front of you and beside you.”

    “As you walk through the valley of the unknown, you will find the footprints of Jesus both in front of you and beside you.” — Charles Stanley
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    Linking up this month with these great Blog Hop Link-Up party hosts  Senior Salon Pit Stop   Inspire Me Monday @ Anita’s   Inspire Me Monday  @ Create With Joy   Friendship Friday    #MondayMusings    Remember Me Monday   #TellHisStory   InstaEncouragements   Let’s Have Coffee   #AnythingGoesLinky    Thankful Thursday   Imparting Grace    Grace & Truth   Your The Star    Encouraging Hearts & Home   Hearth & Soul   Sweet Tea & Friends   Grammy’s Grid    #PoCoLo

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  • In The Beginning Was The Word

    In The Beginning Was The Word

    John 1 is one of the most important chapters in the Bible. It tells us about the beginning of everything, including the creation of the world, the coming of Jesus Christ, and the plan of salvation. And one of my favorites. It’s been on my heart and mind for several weeks now. I usually read my Bible at bedtime; I love reflecting on what I’ve read as I go to sleep. Anyway… I’ve taken to reading John 1 at bedtime as well. 

    John 1 is one of the most important chapters in the Bible. It tells us about the beginning of everything, including the creation of the world, the coming of Jesus Christ, and the plan of salvation.

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    It begins with the words, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” This verse sets the stage for the rest of the chapter, which tells the story of Jesus Christ and his relationship with God.

    The first few verses of John 1 tell us that in the beginning, there was God. And God created everything that exists. He created the heavens and the Earth, the sun and the moon, the stars and the planets. He created plants and animals, and he created humans.

    One of the most important things to understand about John 1 is that it teaches us that Jesus is the Son of God. In verse 14, we read, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” This verse tells us that Jesus is the Son of God, who came to Earth to save us from our sins.

    Another important thing to understand about John 1 is that it teaches us that we can become children of God through faith in Jesus. In verse 12, we read, “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” This verse tells us that when we believe in Jesus, we are given the right to become children of God.

    Then, in verse 14, John tells us that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. The Word is Jesus, who came to Earth to live as a human being. He lived a sinless life and died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins.

    What an amazing gift we’ve been given. As children of God, we are privileged to know Him and love Him. We also have the hope of eternal life. 

    Let’s reflect on these truths.

    — We are loved by God. John 1:12 tells us that we are called children of God. This means that God loves us and cares for us.

    — We have a relationship with God. John 1:12 also tells us that we have the right to become children of God. This means we can have a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

    —We have hope for the future. John 1:12 tells us that we have the hope of eternal life. This means we can look forward to spending eternity with God in heaven.

    Being a child of God is a great privilege. It is a gift that we should cherish and use to glorify God. 
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    Being a child of God is a great privilege. It is a gift that we should cherish and use to glorify God.

    The sum and substance is this

    — God created everything that exists.

    — The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.

    — Jesus is the light of the world.

    — Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life

    — Jesus Christ is the Word of God.

    — He was with God from the beginning.

    — He created everything by his own power.

    — He is the light of the world.

    — He came to bring light to the darkness.

    — He is the way, the truth, and the life.

    — No one comes to the Father except through him.

    John 1 also tells us that Jesus is the light of the world. He came to bring light into the darkness of sin and death. He came to show us the way to eternal life.
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    John 1 also tells us that Jesus is the light of the world. He came to bring light into the darkness of sin and death. He came to show us the way to eternal life.

    Finally, John 1 tells us that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. He is the only way to God. He is the only one who can save us from our sins. He is the only one who can give us eternal life.

    Reflection

    John 1 is a powerful and important chapter in the Bible. It tells us about the beginning of everything, the coming of Jesus Christ, and the plan of salvation. If you want to understand the Bible, you need to understand John 1.

    If you have not yet put your faith in Jesus Christ, I encourage you to do so today. It is the best decision you will ever make.

    Linking up this month with these great Blog Hop Link-Up party hosts  Inspire Me Monday @ Anita’s   Inspire Me Monday  @ Create With Joy   Friendship Friday    #MondayMusings    Remember Me Monday   #TellHisStory   InstaEncouragements   Let’s Have Coffee   #AnythingGoesLinky    Thankful Thursday   Imparting Grace    Grace & Truth   Your The Star    Encouraging Hearts & Home   Hearth & Soul   Sweet Tea & Friends   Grammy’s Grid    #PoCoLo

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  • Understanding the Message of Psalm 139

    Psalm 139" decoding="async" style="object-fit:cover;" data-attachment-id="3151" data-permalink="https://simplycoffeeandjesus.com/2023/04/11/understanding-the-message-of-psalm-139/and-when-i-wake-up-you-are-still-with-me/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/simplycoffeeandjesus.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/And-when-I-wake-up-you-are-still-with-me.png?fit=1080%2C1080&ssl=1" data-orig-size="1080,1080" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="And when I wake up, you are still with me!" data-image-description data-image-caption data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/simplycoffeeandjesus.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/And-when-I-wake-up-you-are-still-with-me.png?fit=300%2C300&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/simplycoffeeandjesus.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/And-when-I-wake-up-you-are-still-with-me.png?fit=960%2C960&ssl=1" data-lazy-srcset="https://i0.wp.com/simplycoffeeandjesus.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/And-when-I-wake-up-you-are-still-with-me.png?w=1080&ssl=1 1080w, https://i0.wp.com/simplycoffeeandjesus.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/And-when-I-wake-up-you-are-still-with-me.png?resize=300%2C300&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/simplycoffeeandjesus.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/And-when-I-wake-up-you-are-still-with-me.png?resize=1024%2C1024&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/simplycoffeeandjesus.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/And-when-I-wake-up-you-are-still-with-me.png?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1 150w, https://i0.wp.com/simplycoffeeandjesus.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/And-when-I-wake-up-you-are-still-with-me.png?resize=768%2C768&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/simplycoffeeandjesus.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/And-when-I-wake-up-you-are-still-with-me.png?resize=640%2C640&ssl=1 640w, https://i0.wp.com/simplycoffeeandjesus.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/And-when-I-wake-up-you-are-still-with-me.png?resize=800%2C800&ssl=1 800w, https://i0.wp.com/simplycoffeeandjesus.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/And-when-I-wake-up-you-are-still-with-me.png?resize=400%2C400&ssl=1 400w, https://i0.wp.com/simplycoffeeandjesus.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/And-when-I-wake-up-you-are-still-with-me.png?resize=200%2C200&ssl=1 200w, https://i0.wp.com/simplycoffeeandjesus.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/And-when-I-wake-up-you-are-still-with-me.png?resize=75%2C75&ssl=1 75w, https://i0.wp.com/simplycoffeeandjesus.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/And-when-I-wake-up-you-are-still-with-me.png?resize=600%2C600&ssl=1 600w, https://i0.wp.com/simplycoffeeandjesus.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/And-when-I-wake-up-you-are-still-with-me.png?resize=100%2C100&ssl=1 100w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" data-lazy-src="https://simplycoffeeandjesus.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/And-when-I-wake-up-you-are-still-with-me.png?is-pending-load=1" srcset="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7">

    Psalm 139 is one of the most beautiful and comforting passages in the Bible. It tells us that God knows us intimately and loves us unconditionally. This truth can be a source of great strength, hope, and comfort for us as children of God.

    In the first few verses of Psalm 139, David declares that God knows everything about him. He knows his thoughts, words, actions, and even innermost desires. As David says, “You knew me before I was born.”

    This knowledge of us by God shouldn’t make us feel uncomfortable or ashamed. On the contrary, it can provide great comfort and security. I know it does for me. If God knows us so intimately, then he must also love us deeply. And since He loves us deeply, He will never abandon or forsake us.

    The rest of Psalm 139 describes how God cares for us. He is always with us, even when we feel like we’re alone. I’ve been known to say that I’m not alone even when I am alone— This is a comforting truth I hold near and dear. And He protects us from harm and danger. He is our refuge in times of trouble. And he is our strength and our help.

    Let’s Look At Some Key Themes

    Psalm 139 is a beautiful and powerful psalm that speaks of God’s love for us. Let’s look at some key themes of the psalm and what they mean for us as children of God.

    — One of the most striking themes of Psalm 139 is God’s omnipotence. God knows everything about us, even the most intimate details of our lives. He is all-powerful and all-knowing, and nothing escapes His attention. The psalmist writes, “You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you perceive my thoughts from afar” (verses 2-3).

    — Another key theme of Psalm 139 is God’s omnipresence. The psalmist writes, “Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence?” (verse 7). God is everywhere, and there is nowhere that we can go to escape His presence. He is always with us, even in the darkest times and when we feel like hiding. How comforting is that? Am I right?

    — Finally, Psalm 139 speaks of God’s love for us. The psalmist writes, “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works, that my soul knows very well” (verses 13-14). God created us in His image, and He loves us unconditionally. He is always there for us and will never leave or forsake us.

    All In All

    Psalm 139 is a beautiful reminder of God’s love for us. He is all-powerful, all-knowing, and omnipresent. He is always with us, and He loves us unconditionally. When we struggle, we can turn to Him for comfort and guidance. When we are feeling lost, we can turn to Him for direction. And when we are feeling alone, we can turn to Him for companionship. God is always there for us and will never leave or forsake us.

    All of these things are true because God loves us. He loves us unconditionally, and He will never stop loving us. This is the good news of the gospel. This is the message that we have to share with the world. Click to Tweet

    All of these things are true because God loves us. He loves us unconditionally, and He will never stop loving us. This is the good news of the gospel. This is the message that we have to share with the world.

    Linking up this month with these great Blog Hop Link-Up party hosts  Inspire Me Monday @ Anita’s   Inspire Me Monday  @ Create With Joy  Senior Salon Pit Stop  Friendship Friday    #MondayMusings    Remember Me Monday   #TellHisStory   InstaEncouragements   Let’s Have Coffee   #AnythingGoesLinky    Thankful Thursday   Imparting Grace    Grace & Truth   Your The Star    Encouraging Hearts & Home   Hearth & Soul   Sweet Tea & Friends   Grammy’s Grid    #PoCoLo

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