Monday Morning Minute Archives - Page 2 of 3

May 6, 2013

Monday Morning Minute ~ Life is Beautiful

One my current favorite groups is “The Afters“. I first got ‘hooked’ on their song “Every Good Thing”. Last month “The Afters” released their new album called “Life is beautiful“. The title song of the new album reminds me of the things that are truly beautiful: a grateful heart!

I guess that is why love photography so much. You can capture truly beautiful moments and share them with others. On Sunday afternoon I created a very short (30 second) picture slideshow with Animoto from my Germany trip last year:

Yes, Germany is my ‘happy’ place, but life is beautiful anywhere God places me. He has given me the greatest gift anyone can have: His love for me.

Lord of mercy and grace. Thank You for the family and friends You have placed in my life. Thank You for the gift of photography; it helps me to remember the beautiful moments in my life. But the true beauty in my life is Your incredible love. Help me to remember that all the days of my life. Life is Beautiful! In the precious name of Jesus. Amen

April 29, 2013April 30, 2013

Monday Morning Minute ~ For such a Time as This

“For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14 ESV)

This past weekend, I read the book of Esther. It is an interesting story of plots, secrets, drama and intrigue. After Vashti gets disposed by the King of Persia, Esther becomes the new queen. Esther has a secret though; she is one of the exiled Jewish people. Haman (a high official of King Xerxes) plots against the the Jewish people, because he has a run-in with Esther’s uncle, Mordecai. At the end all turn out well for Esther, Mordecai, and the Jewish people.

What baffled me most about the book of Esther is that God was not mentioned once. So, why is this book in the Bible, I am wondering. I really don’t have an answer, but maybe it shows that God places us in certain areas so that we can be faithful, no matter what?!? I don’t know.

But one thing I know for sure is that God has placed you and me where we can be best utilized by Him. I have shared more than once that I really do not enjoy Arizona. But I know in my heart that He has me here for such a time as this to serve Him. I just need to be open to Him so that He can use me wherever He needs me.

Lord of Mercy and Grace. You know my heart and You know that I would be rather somewhere else. But I also know that You are faithful and placed me here for such a time as this. May I follow You without resistance and keep close to You. In the precious name of Jesus. Amen

April 22, 2013April 21, 2013

Monday Morning Minute ~ God-sized Dream

Currently I am reading “You’re made for a God-sized Dream” by Holley Gerth. What a powerful book (thank you Lori for your review on it)! I have had so many dreams for my life; but most of them have not come to realization.

“It’s tempting to hide our dreams away. We tell ourselves we’ll pursue them later or that we need to feel safer first. But the reality is, later may not come and living out a dream is risky no matter when we decide to do it.” ~ Holley Gerth

My sweet friend, the quote by Holley pierced my heart. Isn’t it true that we often concern ourselves with the nay-Sayers, but do not listen to the ones that encourage us? God has given us all dreams, and we need to stop being scared and move forward trusting Him to see us through. Take heart my friend and step out in faith, as I am now, trusting Him to give me the faith I need.

Trust in the LORD, and do good;
dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.
Delight yourself in the LORD,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
(Psalm 37:3-4 ESV)

Lord of Mercy and Grace; thank You for giving me a God-sized dream. Thank You for giving me faith to see this one through and not get discouraged by the few nay-Sayers that want to squash my dream. I have let so many dreams slip through my hands; this one I am holding on to, because You give me the courage. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.

April 15, 2013April 14, 2013

Monday Morning Minute ~ Forgiving

“…forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.”
(Colossians 3:13b-14 ESV ~ emphasis added)

At the beginning of 2013 God put me on a journey. It has been an interesting one to say the least. Every year, I like to focus on one particular word. I wanted to focus on ‘grace’ or ‘mercy’. But little did I know that God had a word already picked out for me to really focus on.

You see, the journey we are on, is really not about us, is it? God prunes and grows us so that He can use us to show others the Light. My forgiveness-journey has changed how I see others; especially those who do not know the saving grace our God offers to all. Sometimes I want to yell from the top of my lungs, that people need Jesus in their lives. But then I remember, that some need a humble, small voice that leads them to the foot of the cross. I need to step out of the way and let God do the work. I need to remember what it took for me to return to Him, and following Him hard.

Lord of Mercy and Grace. Today, I am coming before You and ask for Your lead in my life and that I stop my own, stubborn ways to tell others about Your saving grace. Lord, keep me humble and show forgiveness to those who need it. You forgave me so much and I want others to experience the freedom I have in You. In the precious name of Your Son and my Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.