I have been searching the Group and trying to figrure out how to follow with other members of the Group. I may have to keep my journal on my personal blog and go from there. I will contenue to try to learn how to follow along on the Group.
Love and Prayers,
Deanie
Character Makeover Humility Day 1: Seeing GodPosted by Deanie "CharlesAngel" on October 12, 2008 at 11:00pm
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Part 1----The Making of a Right Relationship to God
The writter states that when we achieve the concept of humility, it will help us to see with eyes of God.
Psalm 103: 1-22
*Who is God?
*Who am I in relation to him?
*How can this understanding help me to become humble?
God is my redeemer, Judge, Healer, merciful and tender, gracious and loving Heavenly Father. He is the Ruler of everything! He was, is and always will be the same yesterday, today and forever.
I am but a small speck of dust that is here for a very short time. I am weak and frail like a blade of grass. I realize that I am very small compared to God.
I beleave that humility comes by knowing who God is and knowing who I am and who I am not.
I thank you Lord that I know you as my Redeemer. Thank you for all Blessings great and small. Keep my eyes firmly fixed on you that I may be humble enough to always put others before me in thoughts and in my deeds.
In Jesus Name I pray, Amen
Humility Day 2: Pride Exposing Your Inner Buz LightyearPosted by Deanie "CharlesAngel" on October 13, 2008 at 6:30pm
I have not seen the movie Toy Story before. Buz was so full of himself that he did not realize that all his powers come from someone or something else, the batteries and the children. Just like how we depend on our Heavenly Father to supply our every need.
I really have a problem understanding why it is so difficult to admit the fact that I am prideful. There are so many things that I am proud of in my life. I do not think that is what the author is trying to get us to figure out on our own. Well, with Gods help I will be able to put them on the cross for His care, my list of proud feelings that effect not only me but my relationships with my family, friends and co-workers. I am finding out that I have those feelings of "woe is me." I feel so much worse than anyone else. Did you ever notice how terrible most people feel when you tell them about your ailments? You are telling them because they ask you. You see this is the Eyore syndrome. If there is such a thing. I have it. I will have to pray about this one and improve my way of thinking. Also, don't tell me what to do, you are not the boss of me! The old holier than thou pride and it is all about me. Being judgemental has to be a pride thing also. There are a lot of other examples of pride that I can not go into right here and now.
I am going to look up the meaning of pride and proud.
*Pride is the feeling of pleasure because of something achieved.
*Proud is having a feeling that one is better than someone else. A feeling of satisfaction, or having
the proper self respect or self-esteem.
I do not have a problem with self respect, but I do have to admit that I have come a long way in the self-esteem area in my life. I must always give credit where credit is due and that is to my Personal Saviour, the Lord of my life, Jesus the Son of God.
Until next time my Friends God Bless.
Humility: Day 3Posted by Deanie "CharlesAngel" on October 16, 2008 at 6:00pm
Humility: Day 3- How God Redeems Brokenness
Humility is the main ingredient in Christian living.
The following eight core practices are useless and powerless unless they are parterned with humbleness of humility.
1. Worship:
2. Self-esteem:
3. Honesty:
4. Obedience:
5. Teachability:
6. Servanthood:
7. Waiting:
8. Brokenness
There is a wonderful song about our Lord and how He is the potter and we are the clay.
Mold me and make me in your Image I pray.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10:
We were ask to replace our name for Pauls and list our weaknesses and/or hardships or painful situations. I may be on day Humility day 3 for awhile!
This is the way that scripture would read for me.
My heavenly father said to me, "I have plenty of grace for you, Deanie, for my power is even more powerful when you are collapsing with fear of being a failure at the task that is before you."
Therefore I can get excited when I feel like I can't go on, because I know that's when Christ's power kicks in. That is why, in the power of Christ I can rejoice when I get a sharp pain in my back when I have to drive somewhere in the darkness of the night. When I am misunderstood by a co-worker where I volunteer, when I am not included in going on a trip with my sisters, they are assuming that I don't want to go with them., When I am shunned by a family member that is estranged from the rest of the family. When a person that I spend time with can not look me in the eye when I am speaking to them, seldom ever making a direct statement to me.
Its when I am at my weakest that I give up and let Christ take over, and his power in me makes me strong.
I realize that we are not to add anything to the scriptures or take anything away from Gods Holy Word. Actually, this was very interesting and thought provoking.
I have recieved the results for my test in "Humility in Your Christian Practices".
I was not surprised that I scored the lowest in the:
Self-Esteem Area.
If I usually depend on my achievements for worth, I am to look for a new self-esteem paradigm in the first Bible verse that I learned as a little child.
John 3:16 KJV. For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son that whosoever beleaveth in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life. Also John 3:17, For God sent not his Son into the world to to condemn the world; But that the world through Him might be saved.
Character Makeover Humility Day 4: Your Humility CoachPosted by Deanie "CharlesAngel" on October 17, 2008 at 7:00pm
GOD must increase and I must decrease.
The closer we come to Him , the bigger he seems to get. (A quote by: Charles Swindoll, pastor, author). People who exalt Christ divert attention from themselves. This means that the fuller my life is with God and his ways the less I will be filled with myself. My actions in my life will show where my thoughts are, that is with things pertaining to my Lord.
Imagine a simple scale to measure your actions. If you were to put all the things you do to honor yourself on one side and all the things that you do to honor others on the other side , which side would be the heavier?
Honor for myself - Honor for others-
My Stories - Stories of Others-
Benifit for Myself - Benifit for Others-
My Rights - Serving Others-
Excusing when it Hurts - Obeying when it hurts-
I will have to meditate and pray about this scale. God will show me where I can improve my ability to serve others gracefully. I would like to think that I put others before me in words and in deeds
Part 2-The Making of a Right Relationship to Myself-----Day 6 OF My " 40 Day Character Makeover "Posted by Deanie "CharlesAngel" on October 19, 2008 at 11:30pm
2. Confidence: Day 1----
Well, I took the confidence test on page 64 to see if I am more confident or insecure.
I leaned towards the confidence side, my answers were all confident except one and it was
"I fear failure and avoid risk". I am usually a pretty confident person. My strength comes from the Lord. When I need His help he is there, he is always near me.
I want to make the shift from self-confidence to God-Conifidence.
Insecurity: Exposing Your Inner Charlie Brown----Day 7Posted by Deanie "CharlesAngel" on October 20, 2008 at 12:15am
Confidence: Day 2--- Insecurity-The Flip Side of Confidence
We all have an inner Charlie Brown mentality at times. We just do not want to maintain it, or keep it in our lives. We can keep this from happening by knowing who we are, knowing why we are here and knowing what our worth is. I know that God loves me just the way that I am.
More next time about insecurity and confidence robbers!
Day 9 of My 40 Day Character Makeover----Confidence: Day 4Posted by Deanie "CharlesAngel" on October 21, 2008 at 7:00pm
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Confidence Day 4: Your Confidence Coach:
Today in the chapter we are asked how God Confident are we.
I know that my Redeemer lives and is with me always even to the end of the world. That does not mean that I am always sure of myself, but "He is a Sure Thing". Like the famous Cola, "He's the Real Thing".
Who am I?
We are known by the deeds that we do.
1. First and Most important, I am a child of God.
2. I am a servant.
3. I am a Prayer Warrier.
4. I am a helpmate.
Where do I fit in? I fit in right here.
I am one in the Body of Christ, His Church.
Why am I here?
I am here to Glorify Christ by the way I live my life that others may see Him in me!
We are to go into all the world preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I am one of Christ's Ambassadors.
Today is Day 10-----Confidence Day # 5--Steps to ConfidencePosted by Deanie "CharlesAngel" on October 22, 2008 at 2:30pm
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Today I will be choosing my Action Steps for this chapter, The Making of the Right Relationship to myself.
Confidence Action Plan:
Prayer Focus;
This is where I will contenue to pray for Gods Will in my life.
I will thank God for the way he made me. I will pray that He will show me where I am not forgiving myself. I will thank God that he has forgiven me of my sins and that Jesus died for me and all sinners.
NO matter how rightous a christian thinks they are in this life,,,one should not think that way for there was only one perfect life on earth and that was, is and always will be Jesus.
Devotional Focus:
I will focus on liking myself. I will read and study the story about David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17:12-50.
I will give myself grace,, God gives me grace, it is free. You can not earn it.
I will choose my Master Action Plan for this chapter and I will post it here. I will also record it on my Master Actions Sheet to refer back to after my makeover is completed.
Just a reminder:
I am a work in progress for my Lord!
I have chosen for my Master Action Plan: Grace, grace and more grace.
I will give myself grace, (I will allow myself undeserved favor more often).
Day 12 of My 40 Day Character Makeover----Courage: Day 2---Fear: Exposing Your Inner PinocchioPosted by Deanie "CharlesAngel" on October 24, 2008 at 11:53pm
Fear: The Flip Side of Courage------
Compannions of Fear:
1). Worry-
2). Anxiety-
3). Lying-
I beleave most of us know the story about Pinoccio. I do not think that I am like this wooden puppet that wanted so much to be a real boy. I thought his nose grew when he was not truthful?
I will study todays pages about fear and I will post my thoughts.
Until then my friends,
Blessings to all who read this.
Deanie
Day 13 ---40 Day Character Makeover--Chapter 3---Courage: Day 2--Fear, Worry, Anxiety and LyingPosted by Deanie "CharlesAngel" on October 26, 2008 at 8:00pm
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I have to stay on this subject for another day.
I have to study the lesson some more before I can post my thoughts.
Worry: I do not worry very much. I beleave that if you have faith there is'nt any need to worry.
Most worry is needless. It does not change anything or keep anything from happening.
Anxiety: This is another form of fear that does not help anyone. It just might make your back or stomach ache.
Lying: My Pastors sermon was on this subject this morning. Let your yeas be yea and your nays nay. In other words when you say yes , mean yes and when you say no mean no.
1 John 3:18 Perfect love drives out fear.
God is the perfect example of love. God is Love.
1 John 4:4 The one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.
I am thankful that this is true for me. I have to depend upon the nudges of the Holy Spirit to guide me on this journey of life here on earth. My prayer is that I will always give honor and glory to my Heavenly Father that my actions show my passion for living for Christ. We have an open prayer line to the Throne of God where my Lord Jesus Christ intercedes for us.
Day 14 and --40 Day Character Makeover--Chapter 3--Courage: Day 3- How to be Daring---Posted by Deanie "CharlesAngel" on October 27, 2008 at 7:30pm
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The subject of Fear contenues in this chapter: I am doing my study and I will post my thoughts latter.
I have decided what to write here this evening. I may have to come back to follow up on these types of fear. Four types of courage it takes to overcome them.
Courage for a Cause:
My cause in life is to strive to do Gods Will in all that I do. He will show me what he has planned for me to do. He has directed me to do this 40 Day Makeover in my life!
Courage to Make Peace:
I have a really hard time dealing with the fact that someone is upset with me. I will most usually make the first move to make peace.
Peace with our maker is also very important. God puts a peace like a river in my heart when all is well between my Lord and me. That is the Joy of His assurance of forgivness when we confess our sins, repent and turn away from all unrightiousness. God sent His Son to save all lost sinners.
Courage to Tell the Truth: I tell the truth even when it hurts me.
Courage to take Risk:
Taking risk is something I learned at a very early age. Taking a risk at making new friends. My family lived in about 15 different places before I was out of elementry school. My Dad worked at sawing logs and hauling them to to saw mills to be cut into lumber. We moved to where my Dad found work.
My sisters and I learned how to make friends and to adapt to new locations.
Courage for a Cause: This is where I beleave my Lord wants me to do something new. This Makeover will help me to see what that is He has planned for me.
Day 15 ---40 Day Character Makeover--Chapter 3---Courage: Day 4- Your Courage CoachPosted by Deanie "CharlesAngel" on October 27, 2008 at 11:30pm
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Today we were to study about;
Courage to overcome the Past:
We all have a past that part of it we may need to get over. All of my life the Lord as been my safe Haven, my Rock, my Strength to do what I must do when it might seem like I can not go on He lifts me up higher than ever before in my Christian life. When I am in the valleys of life He is there and when I am on the mountains he is there with me.
Courage to overcome Pain:
Now pain is where I fall short in my courage to overcome. Pain is no stranger to me. I have pain in my lower back , upper back, my hips and my knees. Also in my thumbs.
I have had arthritis since I was a young woman. I have not ever written the places of my pain down before and that is not all of the places that I have pain. I have sore ribs most of the time. I have leg cramps when I turn over in my bed at night, wakes a person up pretty quick! I know that I am not susposed to write all my pain down here, but what could it hurt ? I know that I should give it all to God. I beleave that He is able to take care of any and all of my pain.
Courage to over come Failure:
There are two types of failure that require courage to overcome: (1) taking a risk and not succeeding, and (2) making a committment and not keeping it. failures in our lives build caracter.
Day 16 ---40 Day Character Makeover--Chapter 3---Courage: Day 5- Steps to Courage!Posted by Deanie "CharlesAngel" on October 28, 2008 at 11:30pm
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Sitting quitely with My Maker:
Making a Right Relationship to Myself.
Choosing Action Plans: Steps to Courage.
Take a Risk:
I will develope Courage to take a Risk.
I will start a Ministry:
I am beleaving God will reveal what this ministry is to be about.
I am hoping that it will be a something that I have thought about doing, but the ministry seemed to be me orientated not God Orientated.
I will Develope Courage to Take a Stand:
I will do something New: I will make a Change in my life.
I HAVE ALREADY DONE THIS ONE,,,My husband and I have been going to church at 11 am. for Worship Services Sunday mornings for a long time now. We seldom miss a Sunday. (not boasting)
I will sing praises to God, that we have started going to Sunday School at 10 am. for Bible Study with "The Senior Ventures" at our church.
I have a difficult time sitting that long because of my back pain,,,,Maybe this will help me to have Courage to Overcome my Pain. I sure do hope it will.
I will Develope Courage to Take a Stand:
I will stand up for someone who needs my help:
These Action plans are very difficult to choose just one. I may have to post latter which one I choose for my Master Action Plan!
Until Tomorrow my Dear Ones!
Pray for me and Pray for Peace!
Today is Day 17 of 40 Day Character Makeover----Courage: Chapter 3: Day # 5--Steps to Courage-- Choosing Master Action PlanPosted by Deanie "CharlesAngel" on October 30, 2008 at 9:00pm
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I am choosing the one that I think I need to work on the most in the Master Action Plan for Chapter 3---
Courage to overcome Pain:
I will work at being able to submit my pain to the Lord for he is the Great Physican.
There are three important principles in Scripture to understand about overcomming pain:
Sometimes:
1). Illness is related directly to sin. Unconfessed sin.
2). Illness has nothing to do with sin.
3). Sometimes it is Gods will to heal the illness.
I will search my heart and my life to allow the Holy Spirit show me the way.
My sins have been forgiven by God in the Name of His Son Jesus!
I beleave that this is a daily walk with God. Can I ever feel worthy of His Great Love?
The writter reminds us again that to become more like Christ in our character we must or need to collaborate with God in three ways:
Preparation
Prayer
Practice
I will work at boasting about my weaknesses and Christ's strength.
2 Corinthains 12:9-10 But he said to me,"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weekness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses ,so that Christ's power may rest on me. Verse 10- That is why, for Christ's sake , I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
This is a wonderful and thought pervoking scripture that I must apply to my life daily.
Comment by Deanie "CharlesAngel" on October 31, 2008 at 9:25pm Delete Comment Thanks for the "Way to go Cheer" for me. I guess that I was just kidding myself when I thought this Makeover Journey would get easier as I went along. If I forget about it, please remind me.
I do not know how anyone else is about posting on these days. I more or less write what comes to mind when I am reviewing the lesson. I know that I am weak and this Scripture touched my heart last night when I was choosing my Master Action Plan. I realize that I could never be as strong as Paul, but God does offer grace to you and to me to do what we must do, with his help of course.
Love and Prayers,
Deanie
Comment by Julie Arduini on October 31, 2008 at 8:30pm Delete Comment Way to go Deanie, I can't wait to hear how you do on applying 2 Corinthians 12: 9-10 to your life. I sure need that as well. ..
Day 19 of My 40 Day Character Makeover--Part 3--The Making of a Right Relationship to Others--Day 2Posted by Deanie "CharlesAngel" on November 3, 2008 at 9:30pm
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Day 2: Anger----Exposing Your inner Fred Flentstone:
Anger: The Flip Side of Self-Control---
Four Steps to control your Anger:
1). Check your Heart: Things that come out of your mouth reflects what is in your heart.
2). Get heart Surgery: You can't control your words by your own power. If you want to change what comes out of your mouth, ask God to change your heart.
3). Ask God for Long Term Help: True Self-Control does not come when yourself is in control, but when your self-control is under Gods Long Term Control.
4). Think First, Speak latter: You can control your Tongue around all people, not just the ones that you want to impress. If you can control what you say around your boss or church family, you can control your tongue at home around your family.
I always say that words are like a feather in the wind, once they are out there you can not get them
back. Also, words can cut like a double edge sword.
I am thankful that I am not an angry person. I would not be truthful if I said that I never have a slip of the tongue and say a word that Jesus would never say. The second that I say the potty word, I am sorry. I do not say Gods name in vain. I was not raised that way. My family has never talked like that. Did you ever notice how it rubs off on you when you are around others that have bad language? I want God to have control of my heart and my tongue, that words from my mouth will only Glorfy Him and his Kingdom.
My Blog – November 2008 Archive (23)
Day 20 of My 40 Day Character Makeover--Part 3--The Making of a Right Relationship to Others--Day 3---Self-Control: How to Reduce StressPosted by Deanie "CharlesAngel" on November 5, 2008 at 2:00am
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How to Reduce Stress:
A list of the top five Stressors follows.
1). Sick family member---
2). Money---
3). Your own Health---
4). Your children---
5). Work---
The top ten Destressors:
1). Don't add to stress, start eliminating.
2). Remove some stress by delegating.
3). Release stress by rejuvenating.
4). Focus on your pasion when stress is escalating.
5). Don't avoid stress, it will be waiting for you.
6). Don't increase your stress by exaggerating.
7). Address your stress by prioritizing and evaluating.
8). Get help with stress by organizing and coordinating.
9). Manage stress by not deviating or turning away from perscribed behavior.
10). Deepen your faith when in stressful crisis.
We were ask to choose three that we thought would help us with our stress.
I chose these three:
# 2) Remove some stress by delegating
# 3). Release stress by rejuvenating
# 10). Deepen your faith when in stressful crisis.
I do have stressful times in my life, everyone that has any responsibilities at all have a certain degree of stress. I am retired from my paying job, so I do not have stress from work away from my home. I do volunteer work one day a week that can be stressful at times.
Here are three basic habits that will see you through stressful times if you do not deviate from them;
1). Stay Praying.
2).Stay Healthy.
3). Stay on a Schedule
Conclusion: It takes Self-control to resist slipping away from good habits. Tags:
Day 21 of My 40 Day Character Makeover--Part 3---Self-Control: Day 4---Your Self Control Coach:Posted by Deanie "CharlesAngel" on November 5, 2008 at 6:00pm
Your Self-Control Coach:
Self-Control of your Habits:
Here I sit with a handfull of peanuts. I just got through eating an apple, but that didn't seem to be enough for my snack.
Our writer is talking about self-control of our habits and our schedules. So eating between meals is not a bad thing, so long as it is a healthy snack and not the whole can of peanuts.
We do try to stay healthy, as healthy as overweight folks can be.
My husband and I do not have to stick to a schedule as both of us are retired. How can I put this as so it will not sound prideful or boasting. Sometimes I think my middle name may be Go,,,All he has to do is mention go and I am ready. Well almost ready to go. We are so enjoying our retirement!
Day 21 of My 40 Day Character Makeover--Part 3---Self-Control: Day 4---Your Self Control Coach:Posted by Deanie "CharlesAngel" on November 5, 2008 at 6:00pm
Your Self-Control Coach:
Self-Control of your Habits:
Here I sit with a handfull of peanuts. I just got through eating an apple, but that didn't seem to be enough for my snack.
Our writer is talking about self-control of our habits and our schedules. So eating between meals is not a bad thing, so long as it is a healthy snack and not the whole can of peanuts.
We do try to stay healthy, as healthy as overweight folks can be.
My husband and I do not have to stick to a schedule as both of us are retired. How can I put this as so it will not sound prideful or boasting. Sometimes I think my middle name may be Go,,,All he has to do is mention go and I am ready. Well almost ready to go. We are so enjoying our retirement!
Day 22 of My 40 Day Character Makeover--Part 3---Self-Control: Day 4--Con't--Your Self Control Coach:Posted by Deanie "CharlesAngel" on November 6, 2008 at 5:30pm
Build in a Sabbath Rest:
I am going to try to take time to give myself a Mini Sabbath regularly: Observing a Sabbath does not mean only going to church and sitting still to read Gods Word.
The writer states that we can focus on God by telling others about him and by dedicating part of every day to him as a mini-Sabbath.
I pray that God will help me replace my bad habbits with good ones. Most of all, to find time each day to appreciate what He has done for my family and for me.
I will work at being truly Thankful! Tags:
Days 23, 24, 25 of My 40 Day Character Makeover--Part 3---Self-Control: Day 5---Steps to Self-Control and Choosing Master Action Plan for Chapter 3---
Self-Control Action Plan:
Action Steps: Developing Self-Control over my Tongue.
1). I will give a Blessing:
In my conversations I will say encouraging or affirming words to those I am in contact with.
2). I will stop and think:
I will pause and think if I should really say what I am thinking, maybe it might be foolish or
thoughtless.
3). I will be Thankful: I will be thankful for at least one thing each day.
Action Steps: Developing Self-Discipline:
1). I will take a Sabbath: I will devote one day to God and rest.
2). I will exercise at least three times a week, doing something manageable that I can keep up with.
3). I will work at not procrastinating: I will finish one job before I start another one.
This might be a tall order for me as I am really bad at not finishing projects. I am worse
if I can't finish it today and have to get back to it another day. I will work at this one.
Action Steps: Developing Good Habits:
1). I will keep a Journal. My Personal Blog here is my journal.
2). I will find a Mentor: You, my friends on "Christian Women Take Root" are my accountability parteners. Especially those of you who are reading my blog regularly! Also anyone else who might offer some good strong advice. I need some encouragement sometime with doing these blog postings.
I love you and appreciate each one of you!
3). I will Worship: I already do this one and I will contenue as long as I am capable to go to my place of worship on Sunday mornings for Sunday School and Morning Worship services with other beleavers.
4). I will have a Mini-Sabbath: A special time set aside one day of the week just for God in my life. Also, this doesn't have to be the same time each week as my schedule is different all the time, or the lack there of a schedule.
Master Action Plan:
I have chosen "A Daily Mini Sabbath" for my Master Action Plan:
I will say or do something that will honor God each day, such as "I will offer a Blessing to someone. I will make it a habit to compliment someone, also give encourasging words to those around me.
I will be going into my 5th. week of my Character Makeover. I am looking forward to finding out what our writer has to teach me about Patience!
Day 26 of My 40 Day Character Makeover--Master Action PlanPosted by Deanie "CharlesAngel" on November 8, 2008 at 11:00am
I thought that I would list together the Master Action Plan that I have chosen each week so far in my Character Makeover. Sometimes it is a little overwhelming for me. I thought it might be a good reminder to show them together here, the ones that I have chosen. Although I go back and review what I have done and I am trying to apply these to my life.
I need to remind myself that I am doing this Character Makeover to be more able to Glorfy God in my every day living. I want a closer walk with Him.
" That is my hearts desire."
Master Action Plan:
Humility: I will be an Encourager
Confidence: I will give myself Grace
Courage: I will give myself Courage to overcome my Pain
Self-Control: I will give myself a Mini-Sabbath
I was reading just now on page 322 where the writer states that I should Review and update my Master Action Plan regularly with my Accountability Partner. I do that in my regular posts on my blog.
You will find the one that I choose each week at the end of Day 5 of the Chapters.
May God bless all who read my thoughts!
Day 27 of My 40 Day Character Makeover--Chapter 5---Patience: Waiting on God--Day 1-Posted by Deanie "CharlesAngel" on November 10, 2008 at 8:00pm
Day One: Waiting on God--
1 Corinthains 13:4 Love is Patient.
Patience is Waiting.
The Bible speaks about two different kinds of Patience.
1). Waiting under difficult circumstances.
2). The other one is more of a long-suffering type of effort with difficult people.
Most of us have been in a wilderness of waiting. God will meet us there if we do not get discouraged. If we do not complain, get confused and loose our faith, and if we can, relax,,,,, our God will bring us through.
There are three ways God nurtures us in the wilderness.
1). God meets you there.
2). God refreshes you.
3). God grows in you.
I have had times in my life that I have wondered why my Lord was allowing people to react towards me in the ways they were. It is because, I beleave that it was then He was building my character to honor Him. There is Biblical Scripture that says, "This time too shall pass." I will research this quote and tell you where in the Bible it is found.
Day 28 of My 40 Day Character Makeover--Chapter 5---Patience:Day 2--Impatience: Exposing Your Inner Shrek--Posted by Deanie "CharlesAngel" on November 10, 2008 at 9:35pm
Impatience, the Flipside of Patience:
The writer states that some people are irritating like Donkey and some people are irritable like Shrek.
Now, I beleave we can all be like eather one of them at some point in time.
I find myself not having patience with incompetent people and those that show off to get attention. I realize that is being judgmental and I need to walk a mile in their shoes. In other words, I need to give them a break. I don't know what they have on their plate for the day and all the trials and hardships they may be encountering in their life. The writer states that we should give them understanding and just give them a break. Don't we all need a break sometime?
I am thankful to my Lord for being so patient with me.
I know that He has been more patient with me than I will ever have to be with anyone in my life.
So, the anatomy of Impatience:
1). Stop and Pray.
2). Do you blame and label the people that are irritating you?
3). Do you feel sorry for yourself?
4). Do you hit, throw or shake something?
Maybe,,,, you can just give me a break, I am having a bad day and after all I'm not perfect yet.
I am still a work in progress.
Day 29 of My 40 Day Character Makeover--Chapter 5---Patience:Day 3----How to Slow DownPosted by Deanie "CharlesAngel" on November 11, 2008 at 6:30pm
How to Slow Down:
Anyone that knows me, already knows that I do not need to slow down. When I saw that todays study was about slowing down, I thought this will be a piece of cake! Then the writer hit on a subject that I can identify with a whole lot!
Multitasking:
I have to admit that I try to do too many things at the same time. Like this morning, I was cleaning the oven. I really didn't have time to talk to the lady who called me to remind me to use a special Health Care service that I didn't know that I have. I got through the morning ok with doing a load of laundry and making Taco Salad for lunch for my husband and me.
While I was cooking lunch my sis called to find out if I had recieved the results for test that I had done last Thursday and so it goes on and on. I do not get flustered, I do what I can do and I have found the rest will wait for me to get around to it. I have always had plenty to do around my home.
We raised two little boys. When they were 12 and 14 I started to work out of my home. I know what it is like to have only two days to do all of your work. Sometimes your days off are'nt in a row.
Love is Patient.
Love is never haughty or selfish or rude. Love does not demand its own way. It is not irritable or touchy. It does not hold grudges and will hardly notice when others do it wrong.
1 Corinthians 13:5 LB
Don't just Do Something: Stand There!
Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret.
Psalm 37:7
Today is Day 30 Of My 40 Day Character Makeover---The Making of A Right Relationship to Others: Patience--Day 4---Your Patience Coach---Posted by Deanie "CharlesAngel" on November 12, 2008 at 9:30pm
Your Patience Coach:
In order to be one of those who are good wait-ers in wilderness times. We must get our theology straight.
1). God will Provide.
2). God is on Schedule.
3).God is in Control.
Patience for when people wont change:
Some people will never change. We must search ourselves and make sure that it is not us that needs to change. Also, we should seek Gods guidance in dealing with the person that is difficult.
We could ask this question. What would Jesus do? My answer to this question is "Love them."
Jesus would Love them!
Day 31 of My 40 Day Character Makeover--Patience Day 5---Steps to Patience---Posted by Deanie "CharlesAngel" on November 13, 2008 at 10:30pm
Patience Action Plan---
Prayer Focus: Pray for everyday patience. Shift the focus of your prayers from asking for solutions to your problems to asking God to meet you in a deeper way.
Devotional Focus: To focus on everyday patience study Romans 8:28 and apply it to the things that make you impatience.
Extra Perspective: I will walk a mile in someone elses shoes for a few hours. Someone whose lifes role calls for extra patience.
Actions Steps: Developing Patience in the Wilderness:
I will make an encouragement Card to read when I need it....on one side I will write out what I am waiting for or struggling with. On the other side I will write the text of Isaiah 64:4."Since ancient times no one has heard , no ear has percieved, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him.
Developing Patience in Relationships:
I will pray.
I will pray for those with whom I am impatient with the most , especially asking God to bless them and send them joy.
I will listen.
Patient people listen. Impatient people interrupt. I will try to not interrupt during any of my conservations. I will show genuine interest in what others have to say. I will not tell my story to them. I will let them talk.
Action Steps: Developing Everyday Patience:
I will practce waiting. I will purposely choose the longest line,,maybe at least once.
I will practice being there.
One thing at a time. I will stop multitasking.
I will work at developing everyday patience.
Patience for other people,,,after all most everyone is doing the best they can!
Day 32 of My 40 Day Character Makeover--Master Action Plan for Patience---Posted by Deanie "CharlesAngel" on November 14, 2008 at 10:30am
Master Action Plan for Patience:
A reminder for becoming more like Christs Character we need to collaborate with God in three ways:
Preparation---
Prayer---
Practice---
I will practice everyday Patience.
I will Pray.
I will be there for one thing at a time.
I beleave that this chapter is one of the most difficult to choose actions for the Master Plan. I beleave that Patience is a virture. I want to have that kind of goodness in my life.
A Special kind of Goodness!
Day 33 & 34 of My 40 Day Character Makeover--Chapter 6--The Making of a Right Relationship to Things: Contentment--Day 1--Posted by Deanie "CharlesAngel" on November 16, 2008 at 9:00pm
Thanking God:
The Truth about Contentment is, according to the apostle Paul that contentment is not earned , it is learned---
1). Give Thanks for what you have.
2). Give Thanks for what occupies your time daily.
3). Give Thanks for your circumstances; Rejoice always, Pray Contenually.
There is a Country Song that says it all like the writer does on page 216. The song is sung and recorded by Rickey Skaggs and the Whites, " Love Doesn't get any Better than this". Maybe this does not have anything to do with the price of beans or aything else. The statement that our writer makes is ''Life doesn't get any better than this." You can say this with contentment when you have found some way to thank God for circumstances in your life even when they are painful. We are susposed to give thanks because thankfulness signals to our Heavenly Father that we have complete trust in him.
"LIFE DOESN'T GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS"
I am Thankful for the following things in my life.
Yesterday, while my husbsnd and two sons were deer hunting I wrote in my Journal Thankful notes to post here today while they are hunting this afternoon.....
Family:
My family is Fantastic! I have posted photos of them on my blog here, that is how proud I am of them! . They mean so much to me, words are so hard to find to tell you about them without bragging on them too much. I also have some other photos of special people in my life. There are two sisters that I am close to relationship wise, that I do not get to see often enough.
I grew up in a very large family. There were a total of four boys and seven girls that we shared the same Dad. His first wife died when my youngest half sister was born, her twin brother also died.
This situation left my Dad with seven children, ages thirteen and under. There were four boys and three girls. I have been told that Grandma's helped him with the care of my sis when she was an infant. Three of my half brothers could not have been very old eather. He managed to keep all the children together with him except my youngest brother stayed with a very dear couple that lived near by them and they helped raise him. All of these childern referred to my mother as mom except the two oldest children.
My Mother married my Dad along with the seven cildren, ( can you imagine?) I am so thankful that she was so Courageous, to have taken on such a large family. She must have loved my Dad very, very much. To this union of marrage there were four little girls born. I am the second child to the oldest making me a middle child, a twin to a brother that died at birth, but I was always made to feel very special. I am so thankful that my folks took us to Church and Sunday School when we were little. I am so thankful that I heard God calling my name when I was eleven years old that night at an old Fashion Revival. I will forever be thankful for the Evangelist whose name was Brother Daryell Friend who seemed to be talking just to me about Salvation. Jesus saved my soul right then and there. If you have had this experience you know what I am talking about. If you have not, today is the day of salvation, do not wait until tomorrow,,for it may not ever come for you here on earth while you can be saved and have eternal life with Jesus and all his Saints.
My Mother, my dear sweet Momma died suddenly in the night, at the age of 51, from a massive heart attack when I was thirteen. Our lives were never the same. My Dad never really got over the loss of his spouses and he might have even blamed himself. He was a wonderful righteous man that also died at an early age of 68 years, from cancer. Stress just may be one of the many causes of cancer.
I thank God for a godly mother and a godly father who lived their lives to the fullest, raising a large family and working too hard, with never having many material things. Gods Love was always there in our home where ever we happened to live. We moved a lot after my folks sold our 80 acre farm in the 50's. My Dad cut timber and hauled logs and lumber. So we moved to where the trees were.
I am so thankful for the experences that I had growing up in a large family! A lot of my older siblings have died already. Only my youngest half brother and youngest half sister are still living. My three sisters and I do not get to see them and each other as often as I would like too. So to sum up just how many remain today of my siblings, one brother and five girls, counting myself.
We have a Family Reunion every year to celebrate family, the first Sunday in July. This takes place in southern Missouri where we all grew up.
My, My folks have a lot of decendants!
Marital State:
I was married to the love of my life on March 28, 1965. We have been best friends for all these years. I can not imagine how many times I have heard my husband or myself say, if it is Gods Will we will do this or we will do that! Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness and all the rest will follow.
State of Motherhood:
God has blessed us with two of the best sons. Also, two very specal girls that are our daughters-in-law. Our children are not perfect, but they are the Best in this world!
We also have the best Grandson you could ever ask for, who is trying to find himself and his place in this world. It is very hard being a young person these days. He is trying to take college classes and work. Being out on his own, he is finding out that life isn't so easy. I am so thankful for him! We got him when our oldest son fell in love with his mother. We have loved him from the day we met him when he was only six years old. He is our Grandson that we love very much!
Occupation:
My main job through the years has been wife and mother, a homemaker. From a mothers point of view, I think that is the most important job that you can have, being a parent. When our sons were twelve and fouteen years old I started working away from home. I was employed at both of our main Long Term Care Facilities in our city. I worked from the fall of 1980 to the spring of 1998. I worked in the enviomental services at one for 10 1/2 years and the other one for 8 years as an Assistant and Activities Director.
My husband retired from Highway and Transportation Department in 1996 after working there for 34 years. I retired in 1998.
Home:
We raised our family in a one hundred year old four room house. In 1998 we had the old house torn down and a new house built in its place. We have lived here for almost 40 years. We live out in the country. Our roots run deep around here. We live less than five miles from where my husband was born and raised with two brothers.
My Hobbies:
I enjoy doing silk flower arranging and creating or designing the flowers for weddings.
I really like my house plants and the flower gardens out doors. I take pictures of just about everything around here, from flowers and butterflys to people if they will let me. My Love and I both like to shop at indoor flea markets and shop at open air flea markets too. We both like to go Crappie fishing on the lake near by where we live. We have a big Jon boat. I must not forget about how much I enjoy my computer and my online friends!
Health:
I have generally been in good health most of my life. My arthritis pain has gotten worse the past few years. This causes some uncomfortable days. God will provide.
Church:
We attend Church and Sunday School at a little Southern Baptist Church in a small town near by us. The Calhoun Baptist Church is where I sing in the choir and I am one of the Prayer Warriors for our Prayer Chains. We have been active there for several years.
Friendships:
You do not realize just how many friends that you have until your children have a Celebration of Life for you such as the 25th. and 40th. Wedding Anniversary receptions like our children had for us. There are two couples that have been our life long best friends.
We are so blessed!
Possessions:
I beleave that we really do not own anything. Our posessions really belong to God, He just lets us use his things while we are here on earth.
I wrote a poem for my husband for our 25th. Wedding Anniversary. Some lines from it I will share with you here,,,
Charlie and Me
There are many things that I could say, why I love him more everyday. He loves me in spite of all my faults, pillows with me he still likes to toss. When the day is over and the night has come, we both go to sleep with our wedding rings on.
Twenty-Five years have come and gone. We still enjoy this wedded bliss.
We never leave each other without a good-bye kiss.
With Gods Love and Grace from above, we raised two fine sons that we are so proud of.
Through the good times and the bad, many were happy and some were sad.
We have been together.
We are not so rich with money, we have never had to go to bed hungry.
Indeed, we are rich with happiness together, as long as we love and respect each other.
I love Charlie and he loves me, that is the way our lives are susposed to be.
Now and forever Charlie and me.
Written in 1990 by:
Deanie
Charlie and I have been married almost 44 years! ;~)
Day 35 of My 40 Day Character Makeover--Chapter 6--The Making of a Right Relationship to Things: Contentment--Day 2--EnvyPosted by Deanie "CharlesAngel" on November 17, 2008 at 7:59pm
Exposing Your Inner Verucca Salt:
Envy, the Flip Side of Contentment---
Envy's Hallmarks to watch out for:
1). Making Comparisons.
2). Being Ego-driven.
3). Coveting what others have.
Love does not envy, Love cancels out envy! "This is Good!"
Its not all about me, it is all about God. God is Love! If you show love for others you will be focusing outward and not inward to yourself.
I probably need the Ego-Driven Bumper sticker!
---"It's All About Me"---
I am saying ouch right about now.
I know that I CAN TRUST GOD to give me all that I need.
I realize that I do not need all that I want.
Day 36 of My 40 Day Character Makeover--Chapter 6--The Making of a Right Relationship to Things:Contentment--Day 3--How to have Joy and Peace--Partners of Contentment--Posted by Deanie "CharlesAngel" on November 19, 2008 at 12:31am
View My Blog
How to have Joy and Peace--
Partners of Contentment:
Contenment is not a lifestyle, but a Choice.
Contentment is a Gift from God. I clamed the gift of contentment a long time ago. When you have the the love of God in your heart there is pure Joy there. A peace that you may not know if you have not ask Jesus to be your Saviour and the LORD OF YOUR LIFE. That is not to say that you do not have bad days when you are a Christian. You will handle those days easier with Gods help. One of the two Great Commandments is " Love your neighbor as yourself ".
Love yourself and you will have Joy and Peace, Contenment.
Philippians 4:11-13
I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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 situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him that gives me strengh.
I have tried to put into words my version of Philippians 4:11-13.
I have learned to be content with having an old house for a home. I helped make it our home even though it was not as appealing as a new one. I learned how to live in a house I did not especially like.
Now, I am happy in a new one. I have learned the secret of being happy when ever and where ever I live. I can be happy in any and all situations. I can do all this through him that gives me strength.
Day 39 of My 40 Day Character Makeover--Master Action Plan: Chapter 6--ContentmentPosted by Deanie "CharlesAngel" on November 22, 2008 at 7:3
Mater Action Plan for Contentment:
I will be Content: I have chosen Thankfulness for my Master Action Plan---
This makes the second time that I have written my blog to post and I loose it. So here I go again. I will be thankful that I can write another one.
I will be thankful in all situations. I know God has a plan for my life. He has done a pretty good job so far. He will contenue to guide and direct me in the his paths of righteousness.
I have depended upon him for many years now. I am so glad that I heard him calling me to his service when I was just a little girl. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. I will give thanks unto the Lord for he is my Rock. I have depended upon the 121st. Psalm to give me strength on many occations.
Psalm 121, the Living Bible.
Shall I look to the mountain gods for help? No! My help is from Jehovah who made the mountains!
And the heavens too! He will never let me stumble, slip or fall. For he is always watching, never sleeping.
Jehovah himself is caring for you! He is your defender. He protects you day and night. He keeps you from all evil,
and preserves your life. He keeps his eye upon you as you come and go, and always guards you
Day 40 of My 40 Day Character Makeover--The Making of the Right Relationship to Things---Chapter 7--Generosity: Day 1---Being Like GodPosted by Deanie "CharlesAngel" on November 24, 2008 at 10:19pm
Generosity: Is being like God.
If we are abundant givers we are like God. Whose stuff is it any way? All things belong to God, he just lets us use his things. God made the whole world in order to give it away to us.
I have always been a generous giver. I still beleave it is much better to give than to recieve.
Amazing gifts that God gives us that we can give away are Grace, Hope, Forgiveness , Compassion, Mercy and Acceptance to name a few. The list is endless. It is amazing, and I find it difficult to imagine that they return to us more adbuntantly than we give!
The writer gave us a list of about 26 Gifts of a full life and we were to choose only our top five:
1). Faith
2). Hope
3). Love
4). Grace
5). Peace (Peace from Gods forgiveness).
Day 40 & 1 of My 40 Day Character Makeover--The Making of the Right Relationship to Things---Chapter 7--Generosity: Day 2---Greed: Exposing Your Inner Scrooge---Posted by Deanie "CharlesAngel" on November 26, 2008 at 12:06am
Greed--The Flip-Side of Generosity.
1). Generosity is Grateful----Greed is covetous.
2). Generositty sees God as source----Greed sees self as source.
3). Generosity lets go----Greed hoards.
4). Generosity gives----Greed gets.
5). Generosity trust God----Greed distrusts God.
Greed has many faces, cravings, hoarding, and entitlement and has many companions. Greed fosters gluttony and eating disorders. Also complusive behaviors and character flaws.
The writer offered a self-test to see if we are hoarders. I was a little reluctant about even reading the test , let alone taking it. On a scale from 1-5, 1 being rarely and 5 the most.
1). Do you have a hard time sharing your possessions? 1
2). Are you too busy to spare the time to serve others? 1
3). Are you so protective of your agenda that you resent interuptions? 1
4). Do you shut out people by guarding your personal space? 1
The results of this test surprised me.
Greed squeeses out God, shuts out others, brings out inscurities, and snuffs out Peace.
So if we feel distant from God or people, or have a lacking in self-worth or peace, greed may be the culprit.
I have not been able to locate the Post for Day 42~ I will still look for it.
Deanie
The Archive goes straight to Day 45?
Day 45 of My 40 Day Character Makeover--The Making of the Right Relationship to Things---Chapter 7--Generosity: Day 5---Choosing Steps to Generosity---Posted by Deanie "CharlesAngel" on November 30, 2008 at 5:30pm
Choosing Steps to Generosity---
I must be completely honest with you here about being generous to God and to others. I have always thought that the amount that I tithe to God is totally between him and me. The amount should not be discussed with anyone else, except my husband of course.
I will have to dwell on this chapter for a little while longer
before I can choose the Action Steps. I must study it some more and search my heart some more,,,,
I am a generous giver,,I keep telling myself this, but not in all things I am GENEROUS.
Create in me a generous heart, o Lord, and a quite and humble method of giving myself, my posessions, and my resources away.
In the name of Jesus I pray, amen.
Day 46 of My Journey: Contenue with My 40 Day Character Makeover--The Making of the Right Relationship to Things---Chapter 7--Choosing Steps to Generosity: Days 4 & 5---Posted by Deanie "CharlesAngel" on December 1, 2008 at 3:30pm
Choosing Steps to Generosity:
I will tithe to the Lord: I will pray before giving.
1). I will donate, first to my Church, to Missions and to funds such as the benevolence offering, also the food pantry at my church. All of these we already do now without any hesitation. I will work at giving more of myself at church activies other than what I already do.
My husband and I will contenue to give love offerings where we feel they are needed. Sometimes this is family members or friends having a difficult time because of sickness or some other situation. No one knows about these gifts except God and the reciever.
2). I will evaluate: Just because I want something does not mean that I have to have it. Also, I will not make impulse purchases.
3). I will share my things with the less fortunate, by donating clothing and other items to the Samaritan Thrift Store in our city.
4). I will simplify my life style: I will work at removing clutter from my house. You know, things that I do not need or use. This is a tall order, but I will work at this really hard.
5). I will volunteer my time one day a week at our local food bank, it is called the Samaritan Center.
"I already do this."
I enjoy giving to others. I thank God that I have a loving and giving heart and not expecting anything in return.
The writer states something about who will be lined up in heaven to thank you for your generosity. Well, I do not know this, but I do know there will be several people that I will want to say thank you to.
I know what I am going to choose for my Master Action Plan. I will post this Plan latter to day.
See ya then,
Love and Prayers,
Deanie
Day 47 of My Journey: Contenue with My 40 Day Character Makeover--The Making of the Right Relationship to Things---Chapter 7--Generosity: Choosing Master Action Plan---Posted by Deanie "CharlesAngel" on December 1, 2008 at 9:30pm
Master Action Plan for Chapter 7---Generosity---
I have had a difficult time finding the words to post thoughts on this chapter. Generosity is a wonderful quality in a person. If you are humble about your kindnesses and generous with giving of yourself, posessions and your resources, God will richly reward and bless you. If not in this life he will in the next life in heaven. The more that I give the more I will recieve.
Master Action Plan is: I will be generous with myself, my posessions and my resources.
I will Pray about Giving Generously from my resources.
I will work at Developing Generous Living, by helping others that are in need.
I have had some major soul searching in this chapter and I hope that I can measure up to what I beleave my Lord expects from me.
Through Faith in Jesus I can do all things.
I am a work in progress!
Day 48 of My Journey: Contenue with My 40 Day Character Makeover--The Making of the Right Relationship to My Future---Chapter 8--Perseverance---Day 1---Inspired by God---Posted by Deanie "CharlesAngel" on December 3, 2008 at 10:00pm
Perseverance: Inspired by God---
I am inspired by God.
Pray for Perseverance.
Pray as first impulse, your last resort and pray habitually throughout.
The following factors play a key role in how well you persevere.
On a scale from 1-10, 1 being not at all and 10 being perfect.
1). Clarity: (Do you know your purpose in life and have clear goals?) 8
2). Humility: (Are you honest with yourself about your dependence on God?) 8
3). Confidence: (Do you have faith in God--God-Confidence?) 8
4). Courage: ( Can you keep going in the face of opposition?) 9
5). Self-control: (Do you have healthy habits?) 8
6). Patience: (Can you wait on God's timing?) 8
7). Finisher: (Do you finish projects you start?) 7
8). Resilience: (Can you bounce back quickley from setbacks?) 9
9). Health: (Do you have good stamina and adequate energy level?) 6
10). Support:(Do you have effective support from the people around you?) 10
Total Score= 81
A score of 81 to 90 was Excellant---just don't get too comfortable.
Day 49 of My Journey: Contenue with My 40 Day Character Makeover--The Making of the Right Relationship to My Future---Chapter 8--Perseverance---Day 2---The Quitter: Exposing your Inner Mowgli---Posted by Deanie "CharlesAngel" on December 3, 2008 at 11:05pm
The Quitter: The Flipside of Perseverance---
I am not a Quitter!
Just because you failed once or even several times, it does not mean that you have to quit and throw in the towel so to speak.
God has a Perseverance Program:
1). When you are exhausted---God gives you Rest and Nourshment.
2). When you are discouraged---God lets you Vent.
3). When you want to give up---God reminds you who he is.
4). When you are full of Self-pity---God gives you a Task and Friends.
Romans 8:28 KJV. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you so much that at the right time you will give me even more kingdom-building things to do and someone to do them with me.
In the Mighty Name of Jesus I pray, Amen
Thank You Kathy! The candy cane candles are simply spectacular, Oh, they look so real!!!
Did you read my last blog? It was posted Dec. 10th. I posted my Master Action Plan for Chapter 8 there. I will catch ya latter!
Hi Deanie! You're almost finished with your makeover too! Way to go.
Character Makeover---40 Days with a Life Coach to Create the Best You!Posted by Deanie "CharlesAngel" on December 15, 2008 at 4:00pm
Character Makeover---40 Days with a Life Coach to Create the Best You!
I want to thank those of you who have followed my journey through reading my blogs and commenting on them. I especially want to thank those of you who held me up in your prayers and gave me encouragement. Also, I really appreciate you that have blogged your journey and allowed so many others and myself to follow your journey too.
The most wonderful time of the year is here, the time we celebrate our Saviours birth. There never was and there never will be a Greater Love than when God sent His Son Jesus.
The Savior of the world as come. Rejoice and be glad!
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