“And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.””
(Luke 22:41-42 ESV ~ emphasis mine)

Many times I pray short prayers; prayers for family or friends. I pray throughout the day; I really do not have a specific time for prayer. However, if there is something really on my heart, and I need to let go of a certain situation, I pull out my little prayer book.

What I have noticed that when I write down my prayers, my focus changes. It is not so much that I want to change God’s mind over a situation, but He changes mine. Read again what Jesus said in the garden of Gethsemane…”not my will, but yours”…

Isn’t that what prayer really is? To align with God’s will? I know that I need to sometimes spell it out (thus my prayer book). I need to be reminded that He is in control. I am thankful for those times when things become a little clearer to me through prayer. So, this week I am thankful for the power of prayer.

Search me, O God, and know my heart!
Try me and know my thoughts!
And see if there be any grievous way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting!
(Psalm 139:23-24 ESV)

What are your thankful for this week? Please do share with us by leaving your link to your Thankful Thursday post below.

Thank you for stopping by today; remember: through prayer your vision becomes clearer.

Love & peace,
Iris

Learn more about Thankful Thursday here.
View More Thankful Thursday Participants
Get The Code

Powered by… Mister Linky’s Magical Widgets.

Current Mood: Thankful

Have a blessed week ahead.

Current Mood: Okay

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. ~ John 14:27 (ESV)

Hello my dear Thankful Thursday friends; thank you so much for stopping in and sharing your grateful heart with us.

I have to admit that as of lately I am scared of myself. I am at peace with all that is happening around me; and that my friends I am thankful for. There has been much happening at work and my private life. The peace that I have can only come from Him. Daily I leave my issues at the foot of the cross; that helps me to keep focused on the true important things of life.

One of the main themes for me is “Trust God”. I remind myself that I am not in control of the big issues, so why should I trouble me heart about them? Taking one-day-at-a-time helps too …

So, what you have been up to lately? I hope to hear from you by leaving your link below and maybe a comment.

Thanks again for stopping by today; remember: God is a God of peace – let His peace saturate your heart.

Learn more about Thankful Thursday here.
View More Thankful Thursday Participants
Get The Code

Powered by… Mister Linky’s Magical Widgets.

Current Mood: Forgiven † & Thankful

“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” She said to him, “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.””~ John 11:25-27 (ESV)

There are days when your heart is heavy; you don’t seem to find a grateful heart or thought. Your husband is less then nice to you; your child(ren) live their lives as they please; your friend’s job is eliminated; your friends abandon you; you have to spend money that you had set aside for a specific purpose…Plainly said: your are exhausted from life’s blows.

Over the last several weeks I have found myself crying more often then in previous years. I had feelings of anger and hurt; I don’t understand the whys. Is there really a purpose in all of this? Does God hear my prayers and pleas? I have to trust God that there is a purpose.

Tomorrow we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection; my favorite holiday. Why? No matter what life throws at me, no matter how hard the evil one tries to discourage me, I have hope. A hope of a brighter tomorrow; a hope that God will answer my prayers in His time; a hope for life everlasting in the presence of God. God is faithful to see us through until the end.

“Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.” ~ Hebrews 10:19-23 (ESV – emphasis mine)

My prayer is that tomorrow we will celebrate His resurrection with a renewed hope.

Have a blessed Easter Sunday,

Photo & Content Copyright © Iris Nelson

Current Mood: Forgiven †

For I eat ashes like bread
and mingle tears with my drink,
because of your indignation and anger;
for you have taken me up and thrown me down.
My days are like an evening shadow;
I wither away like grass.

But you, O Lord, are enthroned forever;
you are remembered throughout all generations.
You will arise and have pity on Zion;
it is the time to favor her;
the appointed time has come.
~ Psalm 102:9-13 (ESV)

Have you ever looked back on your faith-filled journey? Have you noticed how far God has brought you? I have been in the valley more than on the mountain top. The valleys have been painful, but were necessary for me to grow into the woman I am today.

Are the dark valleys behind me? I doubt that, but I know for sure that no matter what happens in my life, I can count on His faithfulness. His love, mercy, grace and peace will see me through the end of days.

So, today I am thankful for the journey I have been on and continue until I see my Savior face-to-face. May my mouth always praise His name and my heart never grow faint, trusting in Him who took His Journey so long ago toward the Cross.

What are you thankful for this week? Please do share with us by leaving a link to your Thankful Thursday blog below.

Thank you for stopping by today. Remember: if you find yourself in the valley of sorrow or pain, look up to the One who gives you His peace.

Learn more about Thankful Thursday here.
View More Thankful Thursday Participants
Get The Code

Powered by… Mister Linky’s Magical Widgets.

Current Mood: Thankful & Forgiven †

“For your steadfast love is great to the heavens,
your faithfulness to the clouds.”
~ Psalm 57:10 (ESV)

Only 2 days left in 2010. I really cannot believe how fast 2010 went by. How about you? Did God teach you some valuable lessons the past year? Did you grow closer to Him?

I have to admit that 2010 was a year of sheer emotions; all of them have made me grow though. The good with the bad. I had a really hard time in October coming to terms with my age, with lost opportunities, mistakes I have made in the past.

Thankfully during that time I had a great friend, who encouraged me. You know, God is good and He will never leave you by yourself with your emotions. The most important part I have learned during 2010 is that with all things happening, they all have a reason.

I know, sometimes things happen that no one seems to see a reason for it (for myself not making the planned trip to see my family). I know that some of my friends have had a hard year as well; be it financially, marital problems, health issues, loosing loved ones. You ask: is there a good reason for all these issues? I do not have the answer, but I do know that it showed me personally that I can trust God seeing me through all the low points of life. And that, my dear friend, I am very thankful for.

I am looking forward to 2011 with new hopes and dreams, knowing that all is good, because God is in control.

What are you thankful for today? Please do share with us by leaving your link to your Thankful Thursday post below. Please remember that in the month of January my dear friend Lynn from “Spiritually Unequal Marriage” is hosting Thankful Thursdays.

Thank you for stopping by today. Remember: no matter if you find yourself in the lowest valley or the highest mountain top, God is there with you.

Happy New Year,

Learn more about Thankful Thursday here.
View More Thankful Thursday Participants
Get The Code

Powered by… Mister Linky’s Magical Widgets.

Current Mood: Thankful

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. ~ Philippians 4:6-8 (ESV)

Goodness, it is Thanksgiving; where did this years go? This year has been a year of ups-and-downs; emotionally and physically. But nonetheless, I am grateful for the life God is allowing me to live this side of heaven.

The most important lesson I have learned this year is that God is using my weaknesses to keep me grounded and focused on what truly is important in life. Not all things that I had planned for this year have come to pass, but that is okay.

Many of my friends have been impacted by the economy, have lost loved ones, or have been robbed of their possessions. So, why should I grumble when some of my dreams did not come true. I have a roof over my head, food to eat, water to drink, and family and friends that bless me every day just for being there for me.

So, this Thanksgiving Day I thank God for the things I have, and not focus on the things I do not have.

What are you thankful for today? Check out more thankful hearts over at my friend Laurie’s blog “Women Taking a Stand“…

Thank you for stopping by today – Happy Thanksgiving and Thankful Thursday.

Current Mood: Blessed † & Thankful

And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.”
~ Matthew 14:28-30 (ESV ~ emphasis mine)

Did you ever try to walk on water? Me neither. To be honest, I have had my fair share on being overwhelmed and I might as well have tried to walk on water. I used to get panic attacks at least once a week; mostly when I thought about the day ahead of me. All the things on my ‘to-do-list’ just seem too much to handle.

One of my favorite quotes in Max Lucado’s book “Fearless” hits really close to the core…

“Feed your fears, and your faith will starve. Feed your faith, and your fears will.”

You see, if I don’t keep my eyes fixed on our Savior, I start sinking — fast like Peter. I noticed that when I get up too late for some quiet time, my day does not go well. I still have challenges during the day, however if I do spend time before my day starts, my mindset is different. Not sure how to explain it.

During my day, I usually listen to Christian music or sermons so I keep focused; I do not panic (too much) on what still needs to be done. Max Lucado is right; we need to feed our faith daily. I want to challenge you over the next 30 days: feed your faith; listen to Christian Radio, sermons on your media player, memorize Scripture passages.

How do you ‘feed’ your faith? I would love for you to share your thoughts on this topic; either in the comment section or your on own blog.

‘No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.’ ~ Romans 8:37-39 (ESV)

Thank you for stopping by today. Remember: Feed your faith, not your fears…

Current Mood: Forgiven † & Okay

“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,
my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”
~ Psalm 18:2 (ESV)

I personally put books in three categories: pure enjoyment, teaching and life-changing. Mary DeMuth’s book “Thin Places“, which came highly recommended by my sweet friend Lori, fits in the third category — life-changing.

Last weekend I was able to read “Thin Places” (hubby was down with a terrible migraine ). Little did I know that Mary’s book would have such an impact on me personally; one chapter in particular (“Like Me”) hit very close to home. You see, I want all people I come in contact with to like me. I usually do not speak up when someone is disrespectful or hurtful; I just let it be. I want to be accepted; fit in; do not want to ‘rock the boat’.

But guess what: not all people liked Jesus either (He was actually hated by some of His contemporaries). How in the world would I think that I could ‘satisfy’ all people — that is sheer impossible. There will always be people who won’t like me – and I am good with that. I am who I am – why should I always ‘fit-in’? No more! I will stand by what I believe is right and speak up!!!! So what if that bothers some people…I can still be respectful.

Mary, your book is amazing and am thankful that I was able to read it. Thank you for your willingness to share your story; God used the book to bring healing to my aching soul.

If you have not had the chance to read the book “Thin Places” please let me know in the comment section. I highly recommend this book and would like to give away a copy (random drawing). Winner will be announced next week (Friday – April 30th).

What are you thankful for this week? Please visit my dear friend Lynn at “Spiritually Unequal Marriage” to link up with other Thankful Thursday participants.

Thank you for stopping by today. Remember: God can use regular books to bring healing to your soul…

Current Mood: Blessed † & Thankful

“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.” ~ Genesis 20:12 (ESV – emphasis mine)

Today, April 17th, would have been my dad’s 72nd birthday if he would not have passed away in 1991. In 2006 I wrote a tribute to my dad; you can read it here if you like.

My earthly father had much influence on who I am today. I was blessed that he didn’t shy away to share God’s love and truth with us kids. Yes, my dad was strict with me, but I am thankful for that. He taught me right from wrong. He taught me that life is not always fair; but if you trust God, all will work out. He was right – life is not fair, sometimes it is hard to keep going without getting too discouraged.

I guess that why the photography-book project is so close to my heart. To honor God and my earthly father. Both have (had) great influence in my walk of faith. The little detour I took when I was younger pained both, God and my dad. I often wish that my dad could see who I am today (Dad I am so sorry for the things I did and said – I love you!)…I pray that the book will glorify my Heavenly Father and would have made my earthly father proud.

And now to the two winners. I had a hard time choosing the title for the book, because all of them were perfect  (thank you all who suggested a title). I ended up choosing Debbie’s (author of “Heart Choices“) suggestion “Fill me to Overflowing”. Debbie – I will send you a hard-copy as soon as I have it published (hopefully by May 20th). The second winner of a soft-copy comes from this post. The winner was chosen by Random.Org :

Congratulations to Melanie from The Fruits of the Spirit for winning a soft-copy of the soon to be published book.

Thank you for stopping by today. Remember: trust God for today, tomorrow and especially life ever-lasting.

Have a blessed Sunday,

Current Mood: Blessed †