True Contentment

Thought for the day: "The source of true contentment is a Person, not provision." (Alicia Britt Chole in her book Sitting in God's Sunshine...Resting in His Love)

I'm working on the contentment level in my heart. I feel like I probably think that if I had this or that, I'd be more content...if I didn't have this problem, or that problem...

Paul in the Bible said, "I've learned to be content whatever the circumstances" Philippians 4:11. In Chole's books she also writes, "Contented hearts always know satisfaction even before they finish their prayer."

Hmmm...if you're like me, I've never really thought about it that way before. To be honest, I think I pray with a sense of urgency, asking God to provide such and such, because if He does, I will be more content. I now feel enlightened about my contentment barometer. I think contentment goes hand in hand with trust and peace, but I am going to work on mine.

"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." Philippians 4:12

"Your soul will delight in the richest of fare."

Wait a minute! I can't help it, I'm drawn back to this blog. If you're out there, I hope it helps you in some way to look up. Because I think I'm just going to keep writing and encouraging. It encourages me as much as you. :-)

Isaiah 54:2 says "Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare."

Alicia Britt Chole writes, "When we spend the best of our energy seeking God, we find ourselves sufficiently provided for in every area of our lives."

I have my mind on food a lot these days. I've been trying to lose weight and have read so much about using food (or lack of it) to minimize inflammation in my body. I am still struggling with the effects of full-blown sciatica and am looking for non-surgical ways to deal with it. So I think a lot about food. This verse emphasizes that seeking God is even more important than the food we eat or don't eat. And Alicia Cole's quote affirms that peace in all areas of our lives is ours when we seek God first.

Peace...salvation...resting in Jesus...comfort...sustenance...my soul delighting in the richest of fare! Thank You, Jesus. my soul delights in You!

Blog Update

After discussion, we've decided to suspend the blog for the present time. We're looking for ways to apply our energy to help the women of Crossroads connect. If you have any suggestions, feel free to let us know. Women stay very busy, don't we? But it's important to stay connected to God, and to stay connected to each other.

Hope to see you at church! May God bless!

Give me some feedback

Hi everyone. The Volun-"tour" was a huge success, wasn't it? I love the display boards. Everyone put a lot of time and effort into them. I loved the meal. It was nice to see so many people signing up to help in new ways!

We represented the blog at the Volun-"tour". We were hoping to get more members. I don't have any idea if people picked up a card to check us out. But I really need you to do me a favor. I need some feedback from you. You can see we have 14 members; we may have many more readers. I was in hopes that this blog would be a place of connecting. But to be honest, it's mostly my sharing devotions and Bible studies--which is great--if it's meeting needs! Please give me some feedback! Let me know your comments either here on the blog, or call me, or see me at church. Over the next couple of weeks I will be gathering these comments to determine what direction we want to go with the blog.

Here's a thought for the day that I read on one of the blogs I read:

Charles Spurgeon said, if you are a Christian, goodness and mercy follow you “always” - “the black days as well as the bright days. Goodness supplies our needs, and mercy blots out our sins.”

Thank You, Lord, for Your goodness and mercy!

Honor the Message

2 Thessalonians 3:1 "Finally, brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you."

I believe we would all agree that this shared prayer by Paul to the Thessalonians is still pertinent to us today. We don't know how long we have before we see Christ, but according to the Bible it can't be long. We are busy with things of this life, but we must remember that it is temporary. Eternity is just around the corner. Therefore, we must pray for the message to be spread rapidly-quickly-and not lose sight of that vision.

But I also like Paul's prayer that the message be honored. We live in a day that people are losing honor for the message of God. Let's pray that we all honor the words of God, that we place God at the highest place in everything we do. Let's pray for each other in this endeavor.

Have a great weekend and hope to see you at the Volun"tour"!