tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4787192881528040602.post8773466619521441789..comments2024-02-13T10:04:50.839-06:00Comments on a day in the life - walking with God: Looking ForwardDebra@CommonGroundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04830455848744270459noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4787192881528040602.post-75203602162608036562010-01-02T09:44:36.250-06:002010-01-02T09:44:36.250-06:00Wow,wow,wow...Debra, again your post is like a bal...Wow,wow,wow...Debra, again your post is like a balm to my heart and mind...as well as the responses from all of your readers. Like Brenda's "Peace", the message to me this season has been, "amazing grace". Without that grace I could not throw away the wadded pages off of the floor (like Elizabeth),or find the peace that I need to take the next step forward from the turmoil that my family experienced this Christmas (son's bad med reaction),or feel the mercy that Anne mentioned for all of the mistakes that I have made this year. So again, thank-you Debra for bringing us back to the Word that brings us the compass for our lives. You are an awesome guide.!Kitthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04656468326879043257noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4787192881528040602.post-9137472822131161492010-01-01T22:47:56.022-06:002010-01-01T22:47:56.022-06:00Debra,
I hope you know that even when I don't ...Debra,<br />I hope you know that even when I don't comment, I am here, reading, praying, taking it all in.<br /><br />I am tragically guilty of letting the cares and worries of my life discourage me to such an extent that at times, it's all I can do to perform the simple, perfunctory tasks of life...getting up, getting dressed, going to work. I've been struggling through just such a time of late.<br /><br />What falls by the wayside during these times? Exercise. Housework. And prayer. Yes, sadly things of a spiritual nature make that list of shame, my sins of omission. But it catches up with me, just as it always does. <br /><br />You see, when He knows you as one of His own sheep, He doesn't let go quite so easily. I make it hard on Him at times, but He always extends that hand of mercy to catch me just when I'm ready to let go altogether.<br /><br />This year, that hand has taken the shape of yours, Debra.<br /><br />Thank you for not letting go.<br /><br />AnneAnne Loryshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06586805595011675799noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4787192881528040602.post-55029703728941751362009-12-31T09:26:25.028-06:002009-12-31T09:26:25.028-06:00Amen, Debra. I'm looking forward to a new year...Amen, Debra. I'm looking forward to a new year with a Great God, Who alone is able to keep me on the right path.<br /><br />I'm SO excited to begin my (brand new!) One-Year Chronological Bible. I agree with you that when we neglect God's word we suffer for it. May we all treasure God's Word in 2010. May He reveal Himself to each us in exciting new ways.<br /><br />Happy New Year!Julie Gillieshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16043208077641628180noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4787192881528040602.post-34705977708411461622009-12-30T19:39:43.174-06:002009-12-30T19:39:43.174-06:00What speaks to me is the phrase from Philippians,&...What speaks to me is the phrase from Philippians,'reaching forward to what lies ahead'. <br /><br />The world may refer to that as something else, aside from the language of God. I know. I have been guilty of that.<br /><br />the lists, the planning, the over-analyzing<br /><br />Even saying 'I have been guilty of that'.<br /><br />I can almost see the Lord rolling his eyes and saying enough already.<br /><br />This plotting and planning (and I think I have shared this perspective before)can be a self-centered activity.<br /><br />So today, I pray as I look 'forward to what lies ahead', to simply do the next right thing, praying to let go and let God.<br /><br />I sense that by focusing on God's word in study I may be doing that. At least the attention is directed outward.<br /><br />LauraLaurahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11497969475360535424noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4787192881528040602.post-37921561204250500542009-12-30T19:09:43.390-06:002009-12-30T19:09:43.390-06:00I had a long comment started and I hit a button, w...I had a long comment started and I hit a button, what button I do not know but lost it. For a change I put in words exactly what I wanted to share and how this Bible study has brought me back and probably closer to God than I have ever been. Debra this post is exactly where I want to be. Moving on this next year. God has actually given me a single word for prayer and I have followed through with it. Something I have never done before. Usually I pray for my family and acquaintances and just fumble along. A hand full of weeks ago as I was driving the word peace was given to me and every time I pray it comes back and nags at me until I take it up again. It has encompassed more things and people in my life than I can list. So in your words I am looking forward to this New Year.Brendahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07431119683829319380noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4787192881528040602.post-50545656894579908222009-12-30T16:10:12.145-06:002009-12-30T16:10:12.145-06:00Praise God ....praying we are all pressing in for ...Praise God ....praying we are all pressing in for 2010. Looking forward with hope and joy in Christ Jesus to increased opportunites to share our faith.<br /><br />Heb:12:1: Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,<br /><br />Thank you Debra for your depth in Christ freely shared with those who visit your blog<br /><br />Hugs, GGEllahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07375492504110313091noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4787192881528040602.post-75585147756185806442009-12-30T11:30:38.447-06:002009-12-30T11:30:38.447-06:00If you haven't read Elizabeth's last post,...If you haven't read Elizabeth's last post, please be sure and take the time to read it, and let the atmosphere she creates wash over you. It is much more than a "decorating" post. Elizabeth's posts are always an invitation to get to know her and spend a few minutes her in one on one friendship. E. thank you for sharing your heart with us and for the analogy of forgiveness...so completely descriptive of how it is. I absolutely love it! <br /><br />Lee, Yes, how we need to "feast" on God's word. It nourishes our spirit, soul, and body.<br />Relationships are dead if there is not communication.<br /><br />Thank you T! I have said it before, and I will say it once more. You were the "angel" God put in front of me. Without your lovingkindness I wouldn't be doing this. You inspired me and blessed me, long before you knew me. I am grateful that you "included me".<br /><br />Debbie, I have to giggle here, because you and I are so much alike. It was hard for me to just be quiet and listen. My mouth is open alot, and God reminds me sometimes that I will learn more if I just remain still and let Him do the talking.<br /><br />Tracy, I'm going to comment "about" you.<br />Tracy is a woman who is allowing God to "quicken" her on a daily basis. Each time I hear from her she has grown. God is taking pieces of the puzzle, and fitting them together in her life. She is a testimony of the grace and power of God. I saw scattered "pieces" in the beginning. Now you are allowing God to fit them all together into a beautiful portrait. Soon, when the pieces have been all fit into place, God will cover all the "lines" and there will be no more "pieces" just one complete and lovely reflection of Himself. <br />I know this is a personal observation, but one that God just now has shown me. Love you Tracy!<br /><br />Lisa, Isn't it amazing that we can be adults, yet still be needing the parenting that only God can give us. This last year God literally had to jerk me by the back of the neck and make me sit still. He "rearranged" my life and took some people out and put new ones in. In the beginning I felt like I was being punished. Now I know what a huge and crucial blessing it was.<br /><br />Sue, you are a jewel. I'm so glad I'm getting to know you. I read your blog and I think about the name of it everytime I visit. "Random acts of kindness". That's who you are. There are no qualifications for you. Your life dealing with people daily good and bad. The love for your family and the individuals you meet shines through.<br /><br />And Deb, You are one anointed woman, and I'm so glad that you share your anointing with all of us! thank you for giving to all of us through your amazing posts.<br /><br />Love to you all! Thank you for blessing me in a way you cannot know these last few months!<br />DebraDebra@CommonGroundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04830455848744270459noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4787192881528040602.post-14818522780667515462009-12-30T10:35:56.934-06:002009-12-30T10:35:56.934-06:00Hi Debra
What a nice reminder and good beginning ...Hi Debra<br /><br />What a nice reminder and good beginning for 2010. So often I jump into "figuring it out" and only when I can't do I turn to God for help. If only I could learn to turn to Him first and get Him on my team in the beginning, then my "figuring it out" phase would be so much easier! hahaha. I have problems in accepting that He really throws my transgression as far as east and west will go.....because I can't forget my screw ups, it is hard to believe that He long forgot them and wants me to just try again. I think that is why He invented New Year's Eve...it is sort of like a "clean slate" for us humans to grasp. Even though He gives a clean slate over and over, I know I need some sort of gesture on my part to really start fresh. Well, at least that is how I think of it.<br /> <br />I know this is long but I want to add one more thing: What forgiveness looks like to me personally. When I forgive someone who has hurt me terrible, it is like a writing tablet. That person who has hurt me has scribbled all over my sheet of paper with a lot of hurt and pain. When I forgive them, I tear off the sheet of paper and wad it up and toss it on the floor and there is a clean sheet of paper on the tablet for the person who hurt me. They are forgiven.<br /><br />But wait. That wadded piece of paper is still on floor. That is my resentment. I need God's help with my resentments. Sometimes, I keep resentments. Those papers are on the floor for me to kick around. And then one day, with God's help, I finally bend down and pick up that wad of paper and toss in the trash can, where it belongs. I have rid my resentment. But do you know what the ironic thing is? Many times, those pieces of wadded up paper is my own doing. I did something, I finally forgave myself, but I hang onto it. I beat myself up over and over it. I replay the scene in my head. I replay the what if's or the should have's or the could have's. I ask myself over and over the why's. I am harder on myself than any of my loved ones would ever be. But eventually, I let go and toss that wad of paper in the trash too.<br /><br />So, for 2010, I am hoping to keep the wads of paper off the floor. Forgiving isn't really hard for me - I am all for clean sheets of paper! It's the wads of paper on the floor that trip me up.<br /><br />Just wanted to share.<br />Love<br />ElizabethElizabeth Maxsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15301271156213625334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4787192881528040602.post-52914146142442154292009-12-30T10:08:32.219-06:002009-12-30T10:08:32.219-06:00Great thoughts for the new year, eating and chewin...Great thoughts for the new year, eating and chewing and refreshing cleansing in God's word is pivitol. Relationship is hearing the other voice and really listening and responding. It is as intimate as pillow talk.<br />LeeLeehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18152279577727254578noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4787192881528040602.post-36177968987381800302009-12-30T10:06:34.788-06:002009-12-30T10:06:34.788-06:00Debra, I always love the wisdom that God shares th...Debra, I always love the wisdom that God shares through you on his word. Each time I've read your posts, they are always encouraging and uplifting and just exactly what I'm needing. You are such a blessing to us and I really appreciate you taking the time to do this. May the New Year bring you many many more blessings, TGarden Antqs Vintagehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00815651077162635307noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4787192881528040602.post-39798395697795560022009-12-30T06:50:01.612-06:002009-12-30T06:50:01.612-06:00While I am struggling to sit still long enough to ...While I am struggling to sit still long enough to hear what God is asking of me, your words tell me to stop the struggle and just listen. I don't always know what to pray or even how to ask, but my focus now is just to learn to keep my mouth closed and my heart open. I'm hoping in the new year to turn my direction more to God and less to the world.<br />Debbietrash talkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17508579521854913297noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4787192881528040602.post-82782708957381441822009-12-30T04:03:03.312-06:002009-12-30T04:03:03.312-06:00Hey Debra and everyone else. I love the post abov...Hey Debra and everyone else. I love the post above from Lisa. I too am ready and eager to be closer to Christ this year. As you said Debra the time for looking back has passed and I'm confident that I'm ready to look to the future and to the Lord for all my needs. I pray that this year brings spiritual growth to my life. I am so in awe at the energy and spirit at this wonderful site. I literally feel the changes taking place with so many of us. My heart feels it. It's beyond description ~ I am amazed.<br /><br />I thank God for you being the catalyst for all that is given to us. God is using you to touch so many. And each one you touch in turn touches another. Watching and reading about each persons love of the Lord is beyond words. I can see how the connection of gives off an energy to the next. <br /><br />Thank all of you. I pray that your New Year is blessed beyond compare. Hugs...TracyAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08643279791342765171noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4787192881528040602.post-7421020756212845822009-12-29T19:55:45.866-06:002009-12-29T19:55:45.866-06:00This is the perfect post to end the year on. I am ...This is the perfect post to end the year on. I am so ready to grow up in Christ, to leave behind childish things and maybe even some people. I want nothing between me and Jesus. <br />Debra, you are so right! Time in the Word is crucial. <br />I am studying all these scriptures this week. Thanks for your wonderful ministry.Lisahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17653167953996361152noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4787192881528040602.post-51498200847956467472009-12-29T19:16:00.192-06:002009-12-29T19:16:00.192-06:00You know, sometimes my life is really crazy and bu...You know, sometimes my life is really crazy and busy. But not a single day goes by that when something really good happens, or a coincidence, or a sign, I always remember to close my eyes for a second or two (although not when driving) and just say, "thanks God". Even when we are crazy busy, our hearts have to be open to the signs that God gives us daily. I'm always on the lookout!! Have a wonderful New Year, take care, SueSuehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08021965849265965062noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4787192881528040602.post-84258852783157862202009-12-29T17:48:43.932-06:002009-12-29T17:48:43.932-06:00Hi Debra. I'm hear printing out my post so I ...Hi Debra. I'm hear printing out my post so I can go sit down with it and my bible and study the words. It's rare for me to read them online because I like to get quite and give it my full attention. It's a time I look forward to. I'll be back.<br /><br />Hugs....Tracy :)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08643279791342765171noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4787192881528040602.post-85640141557694246892009-12-29T15:17:22.403-06:002009-12-29T15:17:22.403-06:00God IS speaking to His bride! How amazing that we...God IS speaking to His bride! How amazing that we are basically writing about the same topic.<br />When you said, "just a few degrees "off" will cause us to miss our destination..." it immediately reminded me of a carpenter's level. When that bubble is just a hair off center, it throws off everything - just as a plumb-line that's not straight does too.<br />My heart's desire is to be so close to God that I know BEFORE I get off-center and can adjust my thinking before it becomes a word or deed. If that makes sense?<br />Thanks Debra for a wonderful, thought-provoking blog. Blessings for your new year too.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com