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I recently read this description of people:
"Drifters just go with the flow, pushed this way and that by the wind and waves of circumstances. They look around and say, ‘Whatever. It's all good.'
Surfers ride the waves, always looking for the next big thing.
Drowners stay in the center of a storm. Rescue them and they'll find another crisis and cry, ‘Help me, save me, I don't know what I'm going to do.'
But Sailors counteract the winds and waves of circumstance by rigging sails and twisting rudders.
But the sailor cannot navigate without an immovable object, a fixed point, a non-negotiable that is unaffected by circumstances. Without this guiding light there is nothing for us on life's ocean but to drift, surf, or drown." Mike Metzger
Though I hate to admit it, I’ve found myself being each one of these types at different times of my life – sometimes at different times of the day. I’m sure you can recognize these traits in yourself, your friends, and your children, right? But the Lord wants us to be sailors – and to choose Him as our immovable object, fixed point, and a non-negotiable that is unaffected by circumstances.
I plan to use this to help my children and I see what path we are on so that we can redirect ourselves to our Savior.
His Word bears this out:
Ephesians 4:14 KJV - That we [henceforth] be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, [and] cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
2 Corinthians 3:18 NKJV - But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.
James 1:23 NKJV - For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was.
Anyone ready for sailing?
Here are some articles I enjoyed this week:
Two Choices Every Mother Faces Daily
Mother Like a Farmer
I hope you enjoy them too.
Finding Joy in the Journey,
Phyllis
I would love to have the opportunity to keep in touch with you. Please sign up to be notified of new entries and to receive my Free E-zine. (Your address will not be shared)
Please sign up and receive your free copy of Dan's Doodles I http://phyllis-sather.com/?page_id=198
Phyllis Sather
Proclaiming God's Faithfulness at:
http://www.Phyllis-Sather.com
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© 2013 Phyllis Sather
All rights reserved
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Welcome to Christian Author Interviews. Enjoy our interview with Richard Blackaby in this episode. Listen in via the video or audio and share your thoughts in the comments. Don’t forget to enter the giveaway below and share this interview with your friends!
Listen to the audio here:
About Richard Blackaby
Dr. Richard Blackaby is the president of Blackaby Ministries International where he works with his father Henry and brother Tom. He is an author and a popular international speaker. Richard is married to Lisa and they have three amazing children: Mike, Daniel, and Carrie. Richard has a Ph.D. in history. He loves reading biographies and hockey. He works with leaders in the home, church, and business community, helping them develop their leadership to higher levels. Richard also co-authored the revision of "Experiencing God" and speaks often in churches and to Christian organizations.
Follow Richard Blackaby
Website | Facebook | Twitter
Enter to Win An Autographed Copy of "Unlimiting God" by Richard Blackaby!
Enter below to enter the giveaway below:
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Christian Author Interviews is hosted by Shelley Hitz of Crossreads and Body and Soul Publishing.
We would like to send out a special THANK YOU to all of the CrossReads bloggers!
I'm reading one of this author's books Experiencing God Day-By-Day and it is tremendous. This is the first book of his that I've read and I'm enjoying it immensely. Be sure to enter the giveaway.
Finding Joy in the Journey,
Phyllis
I would love to have the opportunity to keep in touch with you. Please sign up to be notified of new entries and to receive my Free E-zine. (Your address will not be shared)
Please sign up and receive your free copy of Dan's Doodles I http://phyllis-sather.com/?page_id=198
Phyllis Sather
Proclaiming God's Faithfulness at:
http://www.Phyllis-Sather.com
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© 2013 Phyllis Sather
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This is the wall beside our bathroom door.
 It’s the first thing I see every morning.
“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him [be] glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20 KJV
It reminds me that the Lord has everything in his hand and that I’m His daughter.
The hat picture says “Together we’re better”. My husband left it in my car one morning when we were dating. It reminds me I am a wife and mother and we truly are better together.
The last item is from our wedding program. It says, “We love him, because he first loved us.” 1 John 4:19 KJV It reminds me that I cannot hope to love or do what I’m called to do without the Lord’s love.
After my shower and getting a cup of coffee I head for my quiet time spot.
As I walk towards my chair I see this verse: “Be still, and know that I [am] God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10 KJV
It reminds me that I need to quiet the thoughts that are ping-ponging in my mind and let the Lord feed my spirit so I can serve Him today.
After quiet time I go to my desk where this verse greets me:
“And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that [were] on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:15 KJV
It reminds me to do everything I’m called to do today as unto the Lord.
How have you surrounded yourself with the Word? What do your children see when they get up and are gathering for homeschool? It’s really something we should all think about.
Finding Joy in the Journey,
Phyllis
I would love to have the opportunity to keep in touch with you. Please sign up to be notified of new entries and to receive my Free E-zine. (Your address will not be shared) Please sign up and receive your free copy of Dan's Doodles I
Phyllis Sather Proclaiming God's Faithfulness at: http://www.Phyllis-Sather.com
© 2013 Phyllis Sather All rights reserved
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This line from Lorrie Flem of Eternal Encouragement has stuck with me since I read it in one of her newsletters.
“Sin always takes us farther than we thought we’d go, keeps us longer than we thought we’d stay, and costs more than we thought we’d pay. We really do become slaves to our sinning, whether it’s lying, lusting, or losing it when we’re angry. And until we admit we’re hooked; we’re powerless to stop. Will you admit yours?”
We all have areas of sin that are more difficult to overcome. What is difficult for me may not even be a temptation for you and what is difficult for you may not be a temptation for me. But each of us has our own personal area(s) of difficulty.
Our enemy knows us each intimately and tailors our temptations for our personal weaknesses. He knows not to try to tempt me to smoke since I’ve overcome that temptation. But he also knows the areas that I’m still struggling with.
As I struggle with my current area of sin I’ve been thinking about the differences between the sin’s I’ve overcome and the ones I still struggle to overcome.
One difference I’ve found is that I’ve left a door open to my current sin – or as Romans 13:14 says, “But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof.
Making provision for the flesh or keeping your options open – allowing “just this once” to be part of your thinking about your current sin. I’m finding that there are too many times that I allow myself to sin “just this once”.
Ephesians 4:22-24 instructs us to put off the old and put on the new,
“That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” KJV
Putting off the old sin, renewing your mind – this tends to be more difficult than it sounds. There is no way to do this without the Lord. I find I have to keep my thought life focused on the Lord and His promises – sometimes minute by minute.
One promise I’ve found very helpful is found in 1 Corinthians 10:13 KJV
“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”
If I’m sensitive to the Lord’s leading I do see the ways He provides for me to escape temptation. But I have to receive them and apply them to my situation.
Then there is the Lord’s mercy – it is new every morning.
“It is of the LORD’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness” Lamentations 3:22-23.
Where are you struggling? What do you find helpful? Please share so we can all benefit from what the Lord is teaching us.
The winner of Single Girl by Ashley Schnarr is Penney. She has already been notified and should be enjoying her prize. Congratulations!
Finding Joy in the Journey,
Phyllis
I would love to have the opportunity to keep in touch with you. Please sign up to be notified of new entries and to receive my Free E-zine. (Your address will not be shared)
Please sign up and receive your free copy of Dan’s Doodles I
Phyllis Sather
Proclaiming God’s Faithfulness at:
http://www.Phyllis-Sather.com
© 2011 Phyllis Sather
All rights reserved
Contact me Phyllis@Phyllis-Sather.com
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Today I have an opportunity to share another of Shelley Hitz books with you along with a chance to win a $25 Amazon gift Card.
A Life of Gratitude: 21 Days to Overcoming Self-Pity and Negativity
By Shelley Hitz
About the Book:
During a season of transition in my life, I found myself overwhelmed with negative emotions like self-pity and a complaining spirit. It was as if a dark cloud had descended over me. I prayed and asked God for wisdom on how to overcome these negative emotions. As I did, I sensed Him leading me to do a 21 day gratitude challenge.
Over the course of the 21 days, God began to change me as I spent intentional time being grateful for all I had been given. I did this through writing in my journal each day and also sending a hand-written thank you note to someone different each day. This also led me to writing out 21 prayers of gratitude and compiling 21 stories of gratitude.
I want to share what I learned with you in the pages of this book which includes:
21 Days of Gratitude Challenge
21 Prayers of Gratitude
21 Stories of Gratitude
What to Expect On Each Day:
Read my personal stories, struggles and reflections.
Read one scripture and one quote about gratitude.
Apply one personal application step from the challenge.
Read one prayer of gratitude
Read one story of gratitude
Get Accountability and Encouragement
Along with the 21 day challenge, I also started a private Facebook group to provide accountability and encouragement for myself but also for others who decide to join me in the challenge. You will get access to this group as well. It has been amazing to see God at work in each of our lives.
Will you join me on this journey to gratitude?
KINDLE | PAPERBACK
Shelley Hitz
 Shelley Hitz is an award-winning and international best-selling author. Her openness and vulnerability as she shares her own story of hope and healing through her books will inspire and encourage you.
Shelley has been ministering alongside her husband, CJ, since 1998. They currently travel and speak to teens and adults around the country. Shelley’s main passion is to share God’s truth and the freedom in Christ she has found with others. She does this through her books, websites and speaking engagements.
You can find more about Shelley at ShelleyHitz.com or invite her to speak at your event here:ChristianSpeakers.tv
Follow Shelley Hitz
Website | Facebook | Twitter
Enter to Win a $25 Amazon Gift Card!
Enter below to enter a $25 amazon gift card, sponsored by author Shelley Hitz!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
This book blast is hosted by Crossreads.
We would like to send out a special THANK YOU to all of the CrossReads book blast bloggers!
Finding Joy in the Journey,
Phyllis
I would love to have the opportunity to keep in touch with you. Please sign up to be notified of new entries and to receive my Free E-zine. (Your address will not be shared)
Please sign up and receive your free copy of Dan’s Doodles I
Phyllis Sather
Proclaiming God’s Faithfulness at:
http://www.Phyllis-Sather.com
Contact me Contact me
© 2013 Phyllis Sather
All rights reserved
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 “It is often in the unguarded moments that our talk reveals our inner life.” Mille Stamm
This is one of the many reasons I journal. I've gotten used to pouring my heart out to the Lord, sometimes complaining and sometimes rejoicing.
Regardless of which mode I’m in the Lord listens patiently to my despair or enjoys (I hope) my rejoicing. Today I want to address those journal entries that contain my complaining. What good can writing down your complaints do? Well, for starters it’s a good way to get something “off your chest” without hurting anyone. There have been times that I’ve hurriedly written down my angry, frustrated thoughts and feelings. After that I usually feel calm enough to read what I’ve written. That is usually quite eye opening for me.
I discovered when I began homeschooling that I am a very visual learner. (Isn’t it amazing how much we homeschool mothers learn while we’re teaching?) So having a chance to see in writing what I’m thinking and feeling usually surprises me.
I find myself thinking that’s quite a strong word. Do I really feel that strongly about this? Hate…did I really say that? I guess I don’t hate it as much as I dislike it or perhaps I’m just uncomfortable with it. Why am I uncomfortable with that?
You get the picture. As this Scripture from Matthew says, “O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.” Matthew 12:34 KJV
I've learned that there is an advantage to taking my thoughts and feelings to the Lord in writing. It really helps me get them out in a way that doesn’t harm others, yet allows me to work through them instead of just stuffing them so my mouth speaks them out at the wrong time or place.
I guess it helps me distill them down to what I really need to deal with - my sin or sometimes the sin of someone against me.
It brings me to the place where I can seek forgiveness or forgive, neither is a bad place to be. I usually commit the whole thing to the Lord – thoughts, feelings, situation – and trust Him to use it for good in my life.
How’s that for a happy ending?
2 Timothy 1:12 KJV - For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
Finding Joy in the Journey,
Phyllis
I would love to have the opportunity to keep in touch with you. Please sign up to be notified of new entries and to receive my Free E-zine. (Your address will not be shared)
Please sign up and receive your free copy of Dan's Doodles I
Phyllis Sather
Proclaiming God's Faithfulness at:
http://www.Phyllis-Sather.com
Contact me Contact me
© 2013 Phyllis Sather
All rights reserved
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We actually got snowed in during our recent 9 inch snowfall. My husband and son went to church early in the truck with 4-wheel drive, but I decided not to attempt in in the van.
So…after reading some Scripture and praying with my girls I spent some time looking at sites I rarely have time to visit. I found some amazing blogs that I would like to share with you.
The Thankful-homemaker put in words the way I clean for the most part.
“So back to the tip of the day. “If it bothers you clean it.” If you notice the light fixture in your bathroom is dusty. Clean it if it bothers you. Fingerprints on the light switch plate. Take care of it. Wet paw prints in the foyer, wipe them up. Did you empty the garbage can and the can looks a little nasty, clean it. Can you write your name in the dust on the coffee table, dust it? Most of these tasks take five minutes but it is still keeping you moving forward in taking care of your home. “
Won Without Words has a free printable “Let me count the ways” note that looks like a great idea for Valentine’s Day.
If you need a good laugh go to Food.com and read the 615 comments on their recipe for making ice cubes.
These are all things I’ve been able to share with my daughters, especially the cleaning tip. Remember, more is caught than taught.
This cleaning tip will be very useful when they are wives and mothers and to us around the house now. They’re learning how to notice things that are out of place or that need to be tidied.
Children need to see that their parent’s love each other so I asked them to help me think of ways I could love their Dad.
And laughter is always good for you.
Happy Valentine’s Day! Find a way to bless those you love.
Finding Joy in the Journey,
Phyllis
I would love to have the opportunity to keep in touch with you. Please sign up to be notified of new entries and to receive my Free E-zine. (Your address will not be shared)
Please sign up and receive your free copy of Dan’s Doodles I
Phyllis Sather
Proclaiming God’s Faithfulness at:
http://www.Phyllis-Sather.com
Contact me Contact me
© 2013 Phyllis Sather
All rights reserved
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Before
I’ve been doing my annual purge of our file cabinets, not one of my favorite things to do, but when my dear husband decided to paint my little office work space and put up a new light fixture it encouraged me to keep going and get with my new neater look.
I’ve filled two grocery bags with paper to recycle, two tall kitchen can sized garbage bags with shredded papers and one bag to take to take to Savers. I even bought a new desk chair and scavenged a lamp that wasn’t being used from another desk. I have a picture I will have Dan hang above my desk tonight.
This was one of the projects we had decided to do during our planning time in January. It always blesses me when Dan jumps right into projects we’ve talked about. The girls will have him do some painting in their room too and they will do some much needed organizing too. We do consider this school since we hope our daughters will be caring for their own homes someday and the skills they learn here will serve them well when that happens. A lifestyle of learning turns everyday things into learning experiences.
I didn’t get a good before photo, but take my word, there was a mess. I had piles all over my desk and there was no breathing room on any of my shelves.
After
I’m hoping to attack my bedroom drawers before I totally run out of inspiration.
So instead of writing something today I’m going to share two posts I saw this week that really encouraged me.
The first is a video of a Super Bowl ad. I was raised on subsistence farming and farmers have a special place in my heart.
So God Made a Farmer
This post by Lisa Jacobson at Club31Women speaks to issues that a lot of mother’s face daily.
Taming Mama’s Angry Birds
Finding Joy in the Journey,
Phyllis
I would love to have the opportunity to keep in touch with you. Please sign up to be notified of new entries and to receive my Free E-zine. (Your address will not be shared)
Please sign up and receive your free copy of Dan’s Doodles I
Phyllis Sather
Proclaiming God’s Faithfulness at:
http://www.Phyllis-Sather.com
Contact me Contact me
© 2013 Phyllis Sather
All rights reserved
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This week I will be guest posting at Blessed Beyond A Doubt
Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; But happy is he who keeps the law. Proverbs 29:18
I always look forward to reading devotionals based on this verse because it is our foundation verse for our book Purposeful Planning. This one by Blackaby really caught my eye this morning so I wanted to share it with you.
We Live by Revelation
The world operates on vision. God’s people live by revelation. The world seeks grand and noble purposes and goals to achieve. People dream up the greatest and most satisfying things in which they can invest their lives. Institutions establish goals and objectives and then organize themselves to achieve them. God’s people function in a radically different way. Christians arrange their lives based on the revelation of God, regardless of whether it makes sense to them. God does not ask for our opinion about what is best for our future, our family , our church, or our country. He already knows! What God wants is to get the attention of His people and reveal to us what is on His heart and what is His will, for God’s ways are not our ways! (Isa. 55:8–9).
Read the rest here: Sonoma Christian Home
Finding Joy in the Journey, Phyllis I would love to have the opportunity to keep in touch with you. Please sign up to be notified of new entries and to receive my Free E-zine. (Your address will not be shared) Please sign up and receive your free copy of Dan’s Doodles I Phyllis Sather Proclaiming God’s Faithfulness at:http://www.Phyllis-Sather.com
Contact me Contact me
© 2013 Phyllis Sather
All rights reserved
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