Family of God: [FamilyofGod] wonderful quotes that help me and maybe they can help others in this group

P.U.S.H.-Pray Until Something Happens

Held back from godliness or the things that God wants for you by distractions? Want change~change your focus. If your goals are not being met~remove the distractions. Become sold out/unmovable in your faith/believeing & convictions. Pray faithfully w/ thanksgiving and refuse to be distracted. Set your goal, keep your eye on the prize~STAY FOCUSED! God bless you! ¢¾

Heart & Intent

When dealing w/ people we have many challenges. Different personalities, backgrounds & perspectives. When my children were young I taught them at an early age a little saying that has helped shape the way they view things. That is "Every body looks at the world a little different". When they would come home from a neighbor's house, school or a public event. They would tell about their experiences and I would always remind them of our little saying. "Every body looks at the world a little different". This saying still helps us keep perspective and is still in use in our lives today.
People are often short sighted and only view the world from their own perspective. Their thinking patterns & thoughts are put onto every situation. Instead of stopping to consider the "heart & intent" of another individual. People are quick to cast a stone, have a harsh word, or place a judgement because they have not stopped and considered that an other's perspective or view point might not necessarily be their own. They have not put them selves in an other's shoes or considered the "heart or intent" of the other individual. But rather quickly respond or react to a situation from their own perspective. Thus causing them to be offended.
There is another quote that I like to refer to: "What we SEE depends on What we are LOOKING for". In other words People SEE What they are looking for.. or what they WANT to see. There are as many perspectives as there are personalities. Therefore as many opportunities for our enemy to cause division. 10 people = 10 perspectives. All 10 people can look at the same thing and report 10 different view points or perspectives. Our individual pasts & life experiences have helped shape our perspectives. We can be bias & have opinions that do not relate to a situation simply because of our own perspective. For example people that have been hurt are often non-trusting. They might unfairly view the possibility of a new relationship with mistrust because of their perspective. We would be wise when dealing with others not to project our feelings, experiences or perspectives onto others BUT rather consider the heart & intent of the individual.
Taking offense falls in the category of ego & is a prideful response to a situation. We become offended when we turn our thoughts from agape & walking in love to self. When we do not stop to consider what the other person meant and the heart behind their words and/or actions.
An offense is a stumbling block to relationships. We remain blessed and in fellowship when we refuse to allow offense to take place in our lives. People are made weak in offense.
* Proverbs 18:19 A brother offended is harder to win than a strong city, And contentions are like the bars of a castle.
The best way to avoid offense is to consider the source and the HEART & INTENT of that person, not only our perspective. Once we get to the point that we refuse to be offended and care enough to consider the heart & intent of another individual, we are much less likely to be offended.
The following are some additional scriptures to consider when dealing w/ people and offense. The next time your blood starts to boil, your feelings get hurt or you think you are seeing some thing that may not be there. Please stop and consider the heart & intent behind the words & actions of other people involved.
2 Corinthians 6:3 We give no offense in anything, that our ministry may not be blamed.
1 Peter 2:8 They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed (taught) . "A stone of stumbling And a rock of offense.¡±
Philippians 1:10 that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ,
Romans 14:21 It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak.
God bless you! <3

What seeds will I sow??

Spring has arrived. A season of awakening, rebirth, renewal. We wait with much anticipation for the arrival of migrant birds, the first signs of crocus and snowbells and our favorite perennials break through the soil.

We think about growth in vegetation and our gardens. Planning now for future harvest begins w/ seed selection. The same principles apply in other catagories of our lives. I have chosen specific seeds that with little effort gain big rewards. The seeds that I am sowing are: joy, laughter, thankfulness.

To find seeds of joy one must reach out, for the seeds of joy are not usually found in self. Seeds of joy are found in the most simple gestures of giving. Extending a helping hand to another one will find seeds of joy. Joy will root in soil nourished by a heart of giving. Seeds of Joy show rapid growth and the harvest is often immediate. Plant often for continual harvest.

Seeds of laughter can be found in many places. The important thing is to look for them and seize the moments where they exsist. I find seeds of laughter in a whimsical story told by a child, in the antics of my furry friends, a txt or memo from a friend, in a joke or an old memory. Seeds of laughter flourish best when planted in groups, harvested daily and shared w/ others. Seeds of laughter are highly recommended for every garden and will flourish in any "climate". Germination to harvest is quick so must be planted often.

Seeds of Thankfulness can be found in the light of dawn when we first wake to find a new day being lit by the sun. Being thankful for gestures big and small. Seeds of Thankfulness are found every where. They are the easiest to plant and share.

In work, @ school, home or play....... we gather, plant and give away.

I rush down the stairs....coffee is ready. Quiet time to study the Word, coffee & conversation w/ spouse, breakfast w/ my beautiful children, carpool we're on our way... so many seeds planted & harvested already today.

Happy planting! May your every Season be a bounty of all of the seeds you'll sow.

Love in Christ, Deb