You are always loved!-Encouraging Messages

[Judy Harder]

for everyone! Enjoy.

"Wait to Worry"
From Attitude is Everything
by Vicki Hitzges

I used to worry. A lot. The more I fretted, the more proficient I became at it. Anxiety begets anxiety. I even worried that I worried too much! Ulcers might develop. My health could fail. My finances could deplete to pay the hospital bills.

A comedian once said, "I tried to drown my worries with gin, but my worries are equipped with flotation devices." While not a drinker, I certainly could identify! My worries could swim, jump and pole vault!

To get some perspective, I visited a well known, Dallas businessman, Fred Smith. Fred mentored such luminaries as motivational whiz Zig Ziglar, business guru Ken Blanchard and leadership expert John Maxwell. Fred listened as I poured out my concerns and then said, "Vicki, you need to learn to wait to worry."

As the words sank in, I asked Fred if he ever spent time fretting. (I was quite certain he wouldn't admit it if he did. He was pretty full of testosterone-even at age 90.) To my surprise, he confessed that in years gone by he had been a top-notch worrier!

"I decided that I would wait to worry!" he explained. "I decided that I'd wait until I actually had a reason to worry-something that was happening, not just something that might happen-before I worried.

"When I'm tempted to get alarmed," he confided, "I tell myself, 'Fred, you've got to wait to worry! Until you know differently, don't worry.' And I don't. Waiting to worry helps me develop the habit of not worrying and that helps me not be tempted to worry."

[Judy Harder]

RE" Words, Part 13

24 Aug 2011

REign:

To reign is to rule, to have authority over, and to be triumphant. To reign is to be the head and not the tail; to control and not be conquered; to prevail and not be overcome.

In an amazing way, through the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we who have received Him, have received from Him, a royal place, and a kingly reign. We will not only reign with Him when He comes (Revelation 5:10), but we reign with Him now, in this life, as we await His coming.

To reign in life does not mean that we must rule a country or be "the boss." It means that we reign triumphant over sin and all unloveliness of heart and soul. We reign in righteousness, we reign in peace, we reign in joy, and we reign in love. We reign in life because the kingdom of God, and the King of the kingdom, reign in us.

...those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ. Romans 5:17 NKJV

[Judy Harder]

"RE" Words, Part 14

26 Aug 2011

REst:

No list of "RE" words would be complete without the word "Rest." This is a word unique to the Gospel. Jesus said, "Come unto Me" because He is the only one who can give rest for our souls. There is no rest to be found outside of Him, only works, strife, and restlessness.

Rest is the putting down of our burdens and picking up God's peace in its place. We can rest in the Lord because He has carried our burdens. We can rest from our works because He has provided us with salvation through His Son and brought us redemption through the free gift of His grace.

Our rest is a rest of faith. Works (our efforts to save ourselves or keep ourselves) make us weary. Works wear us out; rest brings refreshment. Works bring strain; rest brings ease. Works bring tumult; rest brings quietness. Works bring worry; rest brings peace.

For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: Isaiah 30:15

For we which have believed do enter into rest. Hebrews 4:3

[Judy Harder]

About this Book


Most people can count on one hand the times in their life when they've heard a story and...could not stop thinking about it! The Butterfly Effect story has been one of those times for many people. In a word, it's AMAZING!

Andy Andrews is considered one of the most talented writers in the country. His books have sold millions of copies. In fact, he's had four different books on the New York Times best-sellers list. But as a speaker...he's one of the best you'll ever hear.

Here's an excerpt from his book, The Butterfly Effect. Enjoy!

From The Butterfly Effect
by Andy Andrews 


Not long ago, I finally told the story of when, at the age of twenty-three, homeless and scared, I was given guidance in a most unusual fashion by an old man named Jones.

What the old man told me did nothing less than change my life and my future. He said..."With a little perspective you can live a life of permanent purpose."

When I asked what he meant, the old man answered with a question. "Do you sometimes find yourself unconsciously judging your actions by level of importance?"

I frowned a bit, not certain I understood. "For instance," he continued, "the time you spend with friends is important, but the time you spend with family, is more important. You might rank an hour fishing as very important, thirty minutes visiting a sick friend in the hospital much more important than the fishing, and a sixty second conversation with a convenience store clerk as not very important at all."

I nodded my understanding and he returned to his initial point. "When you know that everything matters - that every move counts as much as any other - you will begin living a life of permanent purpose. A life of permanent purpose will make you a better parent, a better spouse, and a more valuable friend. Your productivity and financial success will soar to new heights while the old days of uncertainty, doubt, and depression fade into the past."

Of course, that conversation with Jones changed me. But even more, it became the guiding force that produced the kind of speaker and author I have become. You see, I understand fully that my very value as an author and speaker must ultimately be judged by the success you achieve. And as I consult with companies or speak to organizations and teams, I am keenly aware that much of my client's (your) ability to succeed beyond imagination depends upon my ability to prove this very concept!

When a sales organization sees proof that casual conversations in town matter just as much as an arranged meeting with a major prospect -

When the second string right-guard sees proof that his every action on and off the field, whether he plays or not, is as critical to the team's successful season as everything the starting quarterback does -

When a teenager sees and understands proof that every choice made in leisure today will affect the choices that will be available to him in more pressing times ahead -
When one lives a life of permanent purpose, sales figures soar, team chemistry thrives, and teenage decisions become wiser and more cautious. And these are just a few examples of what will happen...Simply put, when we understand that every action matters, every result of our actions immediately improves!

In these pages, I know you will find hope and direction for yourself, but I am most excited that you will now be equipped to lead others to their own life of permanent purpose! My hope for our families, our places of worship, our businesses, our nation, and our world is an incredible life of permanent purpose that can be achieved when at last we understand: Every move we make and every action we take, matters not just for us, but for all of us...and for all time.
 

[Judy Harder]

 

Go For It!
With God all things are possible.
Matthew 19:26

Go for it!

He's got you covered...
and then some!

Do you know someone who needs encouragement
facing something new today?

Share your prayer and support with this FREE E-Card.

 
 

Back To School Encouragement
Whatever
is true
honest
just
pure
lovely
good report
any virtue
praise
Think on these things
Philippians 4:8

May your school year be filled with many good things!

Share Christian encouragement for the new school year with DaySpring:

 

[Judy Harder]

RE" Words, Part 15

29 Aug 2011

REjoice:

REjoice is a fitting way to conclude the series on "RE" words found in Scripture. To rejoice is to live in daily celebration of the Lord. We are to rejoice, not in the circumstances of life, but in the Lord of life. We are to rejoice evermore because He is forever true, forever holy, forever good.

I love the way the old hymns writers celebrated the Lord through their words and music. Here is a small sampling of what their hearts have passed on to ours as a legacy of praise and rejoicing.

All people that on earth do dwell,

Sing to the Lord with cheerful voice;

Him serve with fear, His praise forth tell,

Come ye before Him, and rejoice.

For why? The Lord our God is good,

His mercy is forever sure;

His truth at all times firmly stood,

And shall from age to age endure.

-William Kethe



Let every act of worship be

Like our espousals, Lord, to Thee;

Like the blest hour when from above

We first received the pledge of love.

Let every moment, as it flies,

Increase Thy praise, improve our joys,

Till we are raised to sing Thy name,

At the great supper of the Lamb.

-Isaac Watts



Awake, my tongue; awake, my lyre;

With morning's earliest dawn arise;

To songs of joy my soul inspire,

And swell your music to the skies.

With those who in Thy grace abound,

To Thee I'll raise my thankful voice;

Till every land the earth around,

Shall hear, and in Thy name rejoice.

-William Wrangham 



His kingdom cannot fail;

He rules o'er earth and heaven;

The keys of death and hell

Are to our Jesus given.

Lift up your heart, lift up your voice!

Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!

Rejoice in glorious hope!

Our Lord, the Judge shall come,

And take His servants up

To their eternal home.

Lift up your heart, lift up your voice!

Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!

-Charles Wesley

Whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith–the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:8-9 NKJV

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Philippians 4:4 NKJV

 

[Judy Harder]

Roy Lessin
   

ALL FOR LOVE

31 Aug 2011

Today's posting is by Bonnie Jensen, senior writer for DaySpring Cards.

If we are constantly awaiting the magnificent, we will miss the miracles in the moment.

My sister recalls a simple craving for orange juice. There were big soul cravings at the time...food to fill her empty cupboards and feed her three children; a way to cover the shut-off notice glaring at her from the tabletop; relief from the weight of so many physical needs slumping her shoulders but having little effect on her contagious smile. A spirit so bright finds an exit point from the body. Her eyes were not dimmed and her mouth refused to frown.

There were those around her who knew of her needs and one who answered when God tapped on the door of their heart. They opened wide and filled her front porch with bags of groceries during church service that Sunday morning. How could they have known that while they were doing, big sis was praying...telling God how good a cold glass of orange juice would taste. Among her countless needs, a small desire whispered.

Tears fell on the porch steps when she saw the gallon of fresh squeezed orange juice, clearly visible from a bag of generosity and answered prayer. She daily held the promise that her needs would be met...but in a smaller act, a Father revealed His love for a daughter in a way that made a deep and lasting impression on her heart.

These are the moments we can't afford to miss. The heart-seeking moments that defy questions, cancel doubts, and defeat fear. The ways God shows His attentiveness in breathtaking, personal exchanges.

I see you—I know you—I hear you. Nothing on this earth can stop His love from reaching us when we need to see and feel it most...and thankfully, nothing will keep Him from showing it.

Bonnie Jensen

The knowledge that God has loved me beyond all limits will compel me to go into the world to love others in the same way. 

–Oswald Chambers

[Judy Harder]

The Future

02 Sep 2011

Jesus is our future. He has called us to follow Him with a heart of faith and a life of obedience. In good times, in troubled times, or in uncertain times, all our times are in His hands. Our future is as bright as the promises of God; as hopeful as the faithfulness of God; as secure as the character of God; as abounding as the grace of God; as abundant as the love of God. He wants us to occupy until He comes.

Now all glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.Glory to Him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20- 21 NLT
Roy Lessin

[Judy Harder]

 

Encouragement to HOPE
You can hold on to HOPE-no matter what happens
because there's One who's holding on to YOU.
He'll stop at nothing and do anything
to make sure you have everything you need.
I'm waiting in hope with you to see all God will do.

He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all-
how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things? Romans 8:32

-Holley Gerth

Excerpt from one of Holley's new cards, inspired by her new devotional book God's Heart for You.

For more encouraging devotionals from Holley, visit Heart to Heart with Holley and subscribe by e-mail.

 
 

Encouragement to GRACE
You've got everlasting arms beneath you,
love all around you,
GRACE to see you through,
and enough strength to make it too.

You're supported in ways you can't see,
more than you know,
and the God whose heart beats with love for you
will never let you go.

The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. Deuteronomy 33:27

-Holley Gerth

Excerpt from one of Holley's new cards, inspired by her new devotional book God's Heart for You.

For more encouraging devotionals from Holley, visit Heart to Heart with Holley and subscribe by e-mail.
 
 

-Holley Gerth



 
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[Judy Harder]

When we ask Jesus into our heart
Pray that our sins He will atone
He forgives and we have a new start
Then we know, Jesus loves us so.

He will bless us with love and serenity
When we seek His perfect way
To walk in His footsteps on the path
And pray we will never stray.



We know that God answers prayers
And He keeps us in His care
For us His blessings overflows
Just because He loves us so.

Now we turn to Him in gladness
Everything seems all right
We give Him praise for His mercy
That makes our world so bright.



Jesus gave His life at Calvary
From sin to set us free
And whosoever does believe
Shall eternal life receive.

The Spirit of Jesus is in the world today
His sweet holy spirit leads our way
This He wants the world to know
Because He loves us so.



Jesus holds our hand within His own
He lets us know we are not alone
He comes to us on silent footsteps
And all His promises to us are kept.

We never fear if we trust and obey
Following in His footsteps we never stray
All of our worries to Him we release
And He gives us contentment and peace.

~**~

Glenna. M. Baugh ©Sept 2011
rgbaugh@windstream.net