Brenda's Blog

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Hope

Some might think it comes flying on a wing,

Others wait for it like flowers in late spring.

Some believe it’s as fragile as a vapor.

Or is easily lost as dreams on crumpled paper.

True hope is found at the endless well,

It’s where all the treasures of God dwell.

Draw from His well all that you need,

Listen for His voice then follow His lead.

Hope gives dreams to a weary dry heart,

And then a new desire to try and start.

It brightens the day and lightens a load,

Then each step is easier on life’s road.

Hope from the Father inspires the dream,

And the wisdom to know on whom we lean.

So, if you have lost your hope, along the way,

Return to His plentiful well, please don’t delay.

It is there, everything to refresh and renew,

To find new hope that is just for you.

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There are two new books in the shop, written by my grandfather. They are stories of life in the ministry for over 70 years.

My grandparents lived through the Depression, a flood, the many challenges of ministry,  and raising a family. 

Galatians 5:24 ESV

And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

The truth of this verse confronts me, to be honest with myself. Have I crucified the flesh? If passions and desires rule me then I have to admit that it is not. Lord, I ask you to help me to crucify my flesh.

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HOW DOES THIS VERSE EFFECT YOU?

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BITTERNESS

Bitterness is devious

and ravenous,

as it quietly works in secret,

while it feeds the hurts,

the misunderstandings

and defeats in life.

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Bitterness taints

the intentions of others,

and clouds the joys of life.

It works in damaging relationships,

and opportunities in life.

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Bitterness is a root that is hidden,

as it extends its domain

into the heart.

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It grows in power and control,

unless forgiveness intervenes.

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Forgiveness is the antidote,

from its devastation.

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Forgiveness is a powerful tool,

that destroys its very roots.

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The peace of forgiveness,

restores a joy for life.

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The hope from forgiveness brightens the shadows

left from bitterness.

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Forgiveness opens the heart,

to love, mercy, grace and peace.

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It changes the vision and future,

it plants hope

and joy to the heart.

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Forgiveness is a choice,

and must be remembered

each and every day.

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The Lord is the source,

of perfect forgiveness,

and it is our greatest need.

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Let us make the choice

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for freedom

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TODAY IS VALENTINE’S DAY

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 A DAY ABOUT LOVE

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A day for expressing our love to our family, sweethearts, friends, spouse, and those around us.

We can often overuse the word love, can’t we?

We say we love sweets, jobs, sports, hunting, and music.

But is it the same love as for your family members?

What about the love you have for your spouse?

Or your friends?  Your pets?  Your job?

Your Savior?

So where does this love come from?

As we think about this day, do we love with pure love?

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From the familiar chapter of I Corinthians 13 in the CEV version

13 What if I could speak all languages of humans and even of angels? If I did not love others, I would be nothing more than a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 What if I could prophesy and understand all mysteries and all knowledge? And what if I had faith that moved mountains?
I would be nothing, unless I loved others. 3 What if I gave away all that I owned and let myself be burned alive?  I would gain nothing, unless I loved others. 4 Love is patient and kind, never jealous, boastful, proud, or 5 rude. Love isn't selfish or quick tempered. It doesn't keep a record of wrongs that others do. 6 Love rejoices in the truth, but not in evil.7 Love is always supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting. 8 Love never fails! Everyone who prophesies will stop, and unknown languages will no longer be spoken. All that we know will be forgotten. 9 We don't know everything, and our prophecies are not complete. 10 But what is perfect will someday appear,
and what isn't perfect will then disappear. 11 When we were children, we thought and reasoned
as children do. But when we grew up, we quit our childish ways. 12 Now all we can see of God
is like a cloudy picture in a mirror. Later we will see him face to face. We don't know everything,
but then we will, just as God completely understands us. 13 For now there are faith, hope, and love. But of these three, the greatest is love.

I hope that today, we take a moment to express our love to those who are important to us.

And may they know that they are loved with a pure love that comes from God our Heavenly Father.

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FEBRUARY 9, 2024

THANKFUL FOR YOU CHALLENGE

There have been many people in my life, from family, childhood, school, work, church, relationships made through shared activities, and many others who have been in my life.

Some have been for a lifetime, others came and went, others because of distance, and life changes, and some interests changed, and we drifted apart.

Many of these people are very special people to me, who have had a tremendous impact and influence on my life.

Over the past few years, I have been able to reconnect with some people that I had lost contact with so many years ago. They were people that I grew up with, from school, friends from 20-30-40, yes even 50 years ago.

I realize that I have been given the opportunity to let those people who have made an impact on my life, how grateful I am for them.

I would like to challenge you, to take time to tell them  know how thankful you are for them, what a blessing they are, and how important they are.

Write them a note, give them a call, but don’t wait, we all know that we are never promised a tomorrow.

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Window of Choices

January 1, 2024

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The Sixth Pane of the Window of Choices

Is to Not  Give up!

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If you have worked through this process of preparing for the new year, this is the final windowpane. As you continue in your relationship with the Lord, I know that the Lord will lead you to other topics to study and pray about.

Rededicating your life to the Lord is a daily process some days will be easier than others.

The important thing is to spend time talking with the Lord every day, to get to know the Lord better.

As well as trying to read the Bible every day.

And to realize, there is a battle of stopping old habits and beginning new ones.

Going to God first for guidance and help.

Trying to do things that will help you get closer to the Lord.

If you stumble and fall – Don’t Give Up! 

Remember I John 1:9 9 But if we confess our sins, God will forgive us. We can trust God to do this. He always does what is right. He will make us clean from all the wrong things we have done.

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Then start again…. Keep at it… it will get easier.  It is the best pathway for life.

If this series has helped you, could you send an email to Brendavotions@gmail.com and tell me how?

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El Sexto Panel de la Ventana de Opciones
¡Es no darse por vencido!

Si ha trabajado en este proceso de preparación para el nuevo año, este es el último cristal. A medida que continúes en tu relación con el Señor, sé que el Señor te guiará a otros temas para estudiar y orar.
Rededicar tu vida al Señor es un proceso diario, algunos días será más fácil que otros. Lo importante es dedicar tiempo a hablar con el Señor todos los días, para conocer mejor al Señor.
Además de intentar leer la Biblia todos los días. Y para darnos cuenta, hay una batalla entre dejar viejos hábitos y comenzar otros nuevos. Acudir primero a Dios en busca de guía y ayuda. Tratando de hacer cosas que te ayuden a acercarte más al Señor. Si tropiezas y caes, ¡no te rindas!

Recuerda 1 Juan 1:9 9 Pero si confesamos nuestros pecados, Dios nos perdonará. Podemos confiar en que Dios hará esto. Él siempre hace lo correcto. Él nos limpiará de todas las cosas malas que hemos hecho.
 

Entonces empieza de nuevo…. Sigue así... será más fácil. Es el mejor camino para la vida.

Si esta serie te ha ayudado, ¿podrías enviar un correo electrónico a Brendavotions@gmail.com y decirme cómo?

The Window of Choices

The Pane of The Window Of Choices Is Rededication.

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December 31, 2023

When our cell phone or computer begins to run slowly or respond incorrectly, we might call a friend or tech support.  The first thing they tell us, is to restart the cell phone or the computer, right?  Surprisingly many times this fixes the issue.

The restart helps to clear everything off so that nothing gets in the way of the operating system.

Today is New Year's Eve, it is the perfect day to do a restart of our spiritual lives.

The windowpane we are going to look through is rededication. As we have looked through the panes of thankfulness, trust, forgiveness, and honesty we realize our need for a Christ-centered life.

We all know that life gets complicated, there are so many things that crowd into our lives that can affect us. If we listed the things that we are trying to handle, we would have pages full of things.

We might find that we have become distant from God. Because those things squeeze out the peace, joy, and fulfillment from having Christ as the center of our life. If we have lost our connection with our Savior, we lose the divine guidance and wisdom that He provides. We also forfeit His peace and comfort from His presence.

The best way to draw close to the Lord is to “restart” your relationship with Your Father Almighty through Jesus Christ. Almighty God desires to have a close, intimate relationship with you, remember He made you with gifts and talents and a purpose. His word tells us that He wants us to be full of Joy, to have Peace that is not of this world, and that we are Overcomers in life.

A rededication is knowing that we need to restart our lives by putting Christ in the center. It requires effort, discipline, and surrender.

If you would like to rededicate your life to the Lord, tell Him. Tell Him that you need him, and tell him you are sorry for allowing other things to get in the way. Ask God to help you to put things and activities in the right place. If there are things or activities that you need to give up, ask for the strength to do that.

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Here is a prayer to rededicate your life.

Heavenly Father, I come before you, because I realize that I need you. I can see how I made other things, people, and activities more important than you.  I choose as an act of my will to rededicate my life to You. I commit my heart, my mind, my words, my actions, everything I have, and everything that I am to You. I choose to draw close to You and I thank You that you draw close to me. Help me to desire to study your word, the Bible. In Jesus Name, Amen

Verses to read

Provers 3:5-7 Trust the Lord completely and don’t depend on your own knowledge. 6 With every step you take, think about what he wants, and he will help you go the right way. 7 Don’t trust in your own wisdom, but fear and respect the Lord and stay away from evil.

Romans 8:5 Trust the Lord completely, and don’t depend on your own knowledge. 6 With every step you take, think about what he wants, and he will help you go the right way. 7 Don’t trust in your own wisdom, but fear and respect the Lord and stay away from evil.

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Jeremiah 29 :11-14 I will bless you with a future filled with hope—a future of success, not of suffering. 12 You will turn back to me and ask for help, and I will answer your prayers. 13 You will worship me with all your heart, and I will be with you 14 and accept your worship. Then I will gather you from all the nations where I scattered you, and you will return to Jerusalem.

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I Co 9:24-29 24 You know that many runners enter a race, and only one of them wins the prize. So run to win! 25 Athletes work hard to win a crown that cannot last, but we do it for a crown that will last forever. 26 I don't run without a goal. And I don't box by beating my fists in the air. 27 I keep my body under control and make it my slave, so I won't lose out after telling the good news to others.

Ephesians 4:23 Let the Spirit change your way of thinking.

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Rom 12: 1-3 Dear friends, God is good. So I beg you to offer your bodies to him as a living sacrifice, pure and pleasing. That's the most sensible way to serve God. 2 Don't be like the people of this world, but let God change the way you think. Then you will know how to do everything that is good and pleasing to him. 3 I realize God has treated me with undeserved grace, and so I tell each of you not to think you are better than you really are. Use good sense and measure yourself by the amount of faith that God has given you.

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El siguiente panel de la ventana de opciones es la rededicacion

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Cuando nuestro teléfono celular o computadora comienza a funcionar lentamente o a responder incorrectamente, podríamos llamar a un amigo o al soporte técnico. Lo primero que nos dicen, es reiniciar el celular o la computadora, ¿no? Sorprendentemente, muchas veces esto soluciona el problema.

El reinicio ayuda a borrar todo para que nada se interponga en el sistema operativo.
 

Hoy es Noche vieja, es el día perfecto para reiniciar nuestra vida espiritual.

El cristal por el que vamos a mirar es la rededicación. Al mirar a través de los paneles del agradecimiento, la confianza, el perdón y la honestidad, nos damos cuenta de nuestra necesidad de una vida centrada en Cristo.

Todos sabemos que la vida se complica, hay tantas cosas que se agolpan en nuestra vida que pueden afectarnos. Si enumeráramos las cosas que estamos tratando de manejar, tendríamos páginas llenas de cosas.

Podríamos descubrir que nos hemos distanciado de Dios. Porque esas cosas exprimen la paz, el gozo y la plenitud de tener a Cristo como el centro de nuestra vida. Si hemos perdido nuestra conexión con nuestro Salvador, perdemos la guía divina y la sabiduría que Él proporciona. También perdemos Su paz y consuelo de Su presencia.

La mejor manera de acercarte al Señor es “reiniciar” tu relación con Tu Padre Todopoderoso a través de Jesucristo. Dios Todopoderoso desea tener una relación cercana e íntima contigo, recuerda que Él te creó con dones, talentos y un propósito. Su palabra nos dice que Él quiere que estemos llenos de Alegría, que tengamos una Paz que no es de este mundo y que seamos Vencedores en la vida.

Una nueva dedicación es saber que necesitamos reiniciar nuestras vidas poniendo a Cristo en el centro. Requiere esfuerzo, disciplina y entrega.

Si deseas volver a dedicar tu vida al Señor, díselo. Dígale que lo necesita y dígale que lamenta haber permitido que otras cosas se interpongan en su camino. Pídele a Dios que te ayude a poner las cosas y actividades en el lugar correcto. Si hay cosas o actividades a las que necesitas renunciar, pide la fuerza para hacerlo.
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Aquí tienes una oración para volver a dedicar tu vida.

Padre Celestial, vengo ante ti, porque me doy cuenta de que te necesito. Puedo ver cómo hice que otras cosas, personas y actividades fueran más importantes que tú. Elijo como acto de mi voluntad volver a dedicar mi vida a Ti. Encomiendo mi corazón, mi mente, mis palabras, mis acciones, todo lo que tengo y todo lo que soy a Ti. Elijo acercarme a Ti y te agradezco que te acerques a mí. Ayúdame a desear estudiar tu palabra, la Biblia. En el nombre de Jesús, Amén.

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Versos para leer

Proverbios 3:5-7 Confía completamente en el Señor y no dependas de tu propio conocimiento. 6 Con cada paso que des, piensa en lo que él quiere y él te ayudará a ir por el camino correcto. 7 No confíes en tu propia sabiduría, sino teme y respeta al Señor y mantente alejado del mal.

Romanos 8:5 Confía plenamente en el Señor y no dependas de tu propio conocimiento. 6 Con cada paso que des, piensa en lo que él quiere y él te ayudará a ir por el camino correcto. 7 No confíes en tu propia sabiduría, sino teme y respeta al Señor y mantente alejado del mal.

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Jeremías 29:11-14 Te bendeciré con un futuro lleno de esperanza, un futuro de éxito, no de sufrimiento. 12 Volveréis a mí y pediréis ayuda, y yo responderé a vuestras oraciones. 13 Me adorarás con todo tu corazón, y yo estaré contigo 14 y aceptaré tu adoración. Entonces os reuniré de todas las naciones donde os dispersé, y volveréis a Jerusalén.

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I Co 9:24-29 24 Sabéis que muchos corredores participan en la carrera, y solo uno de ellos gana el premio. ¡Así que corre para ganar! 25 Los atletas trabajan duro para ganar una corona que no puede durar, pero nosotros lo hacemos por una corona que durará para siempre. 26 No corro sin un objetivo. Y no boxeo golpeando los puños en el aire. 27 Mantengo mi cuerpo bajo control y lo hago mi esclavo, para no salir perdiendo después de dar la buena noticia a otros.

Efesios 4:23 Deja que el Espíritu cambie tu forma de pensar.

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Rom 12: 1-3 Queridos amigos, Dios es bueno. Por eso os ruego que le presentéis vuestros cuerpos en sacrificio vivo, puro y agradable. Esa es la manera más sensata de servir a Dios. 2 No seas como la gente de este mundo, sino deja que Dios cambie tu forma de pensar. Entonces sabrás hacer todo lo que le es bueno y agradable. 3 Me doy cuenta de que Dios me ha tratado con una gracia inmerecida, y por eso les digo a cada uno de ustedes que no piensen que son mejores de lo que realmente son. Use el buen sentido y mídase por la cantidad de fe que Dios le ha dado.

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The Next Pane of The Window of Choices Is Honesty

To prepare for the new year it is important to be honest with God and ourselves.

We can be completely honest with God, remember He it knows it all anyway.

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Psalms 139 “Lord, you have tested me, so you know all about me. 2 You know when I sit down and when I get up. You know my thoughts from far away. 3 You know where I go and where I lie down. You know everything I do. 4 Lord, you know what I want to say, even before the words leave my mouth.” (ERV)

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Sometimes the hardest person to be honest with is ourselves. Often, we try to make excuses or lessen the severity.

When we come to the throne of God, we know that peace and freedom are waiting for us there, as we empty our hearts honestly before Him.  God knows what to do with all that we have shared with Him, and He will lead us.

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Romans 12:2 “Don’t change yourselves to be like the people of this world, but let God change you inside with a new way of thinking. Then you will be able to understand and accept what God wants for you. You will be able to know what is good and pleasing to him and what is perfect.” (ERV)

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The Almighty God our Father wants the very best for us – but we must be honest with Him. Yet the world’s view and society’s values try to sway and dull us to the truths of God and His Word.

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Hebrew 4: 16 “With Jesus as our high priest, we can feel free to come before God’s throne where there is grace. There we receive mercy and kindness to help us when we need it.” (ERV)

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Please take time to go to the Lord to tell Him all that is in your heart, be honest. He will not turn you away, He yearns to be with you and guide you. You do not have to be alone, with Him we receive mercy and kindness.  He wants you to come to Him, He is worthy of our TRUST.

El siguiente panel de la ventana de opciones es la honestidad

Para prepararnos para el nuevo año es importante ser honestos con Dios y con nosotros mismos.
Podemos ser completamente honestos con Dios, recuerda que Él lo sabe todo de todos modos.

Salmo 139 “SEÑOR, tú me has puesto a prueba, para que sepas todo acerca de mí. 2 Sabes cuando me siento y cuando me levanto. Conoces mis pensamientos desde muy lejos.
3 Tú sabes adónde voy y dónde me acuesto. Sabes todo lo que hago. 4 SEÑOR, tú sabes lo que quiero decir, incluso antes de que las palabras salgan de mi boca. (ERV)

A veces la persona con la que es más difícil ser honesto somos nosotros mismos. A menudo intentamos poner excusas o disminuir la gravedad.
Cuando llegamos al trono de Dios, sabemos que allí nos esperan paz y libertad, mientras vaciamos nuestro corazón honestamente ante Él. Dios sabe qué hacer con todo lo que hemos compartido con Él y Él nos guiará.

Romanos 12:2 “No os transforméis para ser como la gente de este mundo, sino dejad que Dios os cambie por dentro con una nueva manera de pensar. Entonces podrás comprender y aceptar lo que Dios quiere para ti. Podrás saber lo que le es bueno y agradable y lo que es perfecto”. (ERV)

El Dios Todopoderoso, nuestro Padre, quiere lo mejor para nosotros, pero debemos ser honestos con Él. Sin embargo, la visión del mundo y los valores de la sociedad intentan influir y embotarnos ante las verdades de Dios y Su Palabra.

Hebreo 4: 16 “Con Jesús como nuestro sumo sacerdote, podemos sentirnos libres de presentarnos ante el trono de Dios donde hay gracia. Allí recibimos misericordia y bondad para ayudarnos cuando lo necesitamos”. (ERV)

Por favor tómate un tiempo para acudir al Señor y contarle todo lo que hay en tu corazón, sé honesto. Él no te rechazará, anhela estar contigo, guiarte. No tienes que estar solo, con Él recibimos misericordia y bondad. Él quiere que vengas a Él, Él es digno de nuestra CONFIANZA.

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The next pane of the window of Choices is Forgiveness

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The windowpane of forgiveness can be the most difficult as we prepare to begin a new year. The strong emotions that are tied to it can often derail the efforts to forgive. We need to remember and to understand that forgiveness is a gift for ourselves. Then we experience the release of surrendering the pain and receive peace and healing.

I Corinthians 13  12 For now we see as through a glass, dimly, but then, face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know, even as I also am known.  13 So now abide faith, hope, and love, these three. But the greatest of these is love.

At this windowpane the view from it can be distorted, our view of people, the world and even ourselves.  The power of forgiveness cleanses and frees the one who forgives.  Forgiveness is not for the offender.

We might think that forgiveness says that the person that caused the pain, was in the right or was justified – That is not forgiveness.

I believe that every person in some way or another has experienced hurt, abuse or has been offended, or a trauma, whether physically or emotionally. The wound left behind can have a lasting impact on the person.  How we respond to them can affect our lives dramatically.  The wounds can create anger, resentment, bitterness, and at times hatred. If the person holds on to the pain, they could be the one that is most damaged.

The chain of unforgiveness is attached to you and the person that offended, hurt, betrayed, or caused you pain. The chain is made up of the links that are the hurts, betrayals, damage, and pain.  It fills our mind, it drains our strength, joy, and peace. It taints our perception of relationships with others it can begin to change who we are.

Forgiveness breaks the chains from you and from the person.  Forgiveness brings freedom and peace.

Forgiveness is a decision it is not an emotion.

Forgiveness is a powerful tool that liberates us. It frees us from anger, resentment, and bitterness.

“Be gentle and ready to forgive; never hold grudges. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. (Col. 3:13 LB)

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” … (Luke 23: 34  NIV)

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (I John 1:9 NIV)

Forgiveness is for the person who was wronged or hurt.  It breaks the chain and the bondage of holding a grudge or unforgiveness.

To begin the new year, cleanse your heart of unforgiveness, anger, resentment, and bitterness.  It is a poison of the soul, that destroys you, not the one who was the offender.

Give yourself the gift of forgiveness. Take time before the Lord, and let forgiveness fill you to overflowing, for with it comes peace.

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El siguiente panel de la ventana de Opciones es el Perdón.
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El cristal del perdón puede ser el más difícil mientras nos preparamos para comenzar un nuevo año. Las fuertes emociones que lo acompañan a menudo pueden descarrilar los esfuerzos por perdonar. Necesitamos recordar y comprender que el perdón es un regalo para nosotros mismos. Luego experimentamos la liberación de entregar el dolor y recibimos paz y sanación.
1 Corintios 13 12 Porque ahora vemos como a través de un espejo, oscuramente, pero entonces, cara a cara. Ahora lo sé en parte, pero entonces lo sabré, así como también soy conocido. 13 Así que ahora permanecen la fe, la esperanza y el amor, estos tres. Pero el mayor de ellos es el amor.
 
Desde este cristal se puede distorsionar la vista desde él, nuestra visión de las personas, del mundo e incluso de nosotros mismos. El poder del perdón limpia y libera a quien perdona. El perdón no es para el ofensor.
 
Podríamos pensar que el perdón dice que la persona que causó el dolor tenía razón o estaba justificada. Eso no es perdón.

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Creo que toda persona de una forma u otra ha experimentado un daño, un abuso o ha sido ofendida, o un trauma, ya sea físico o emocional. La herida que queda puede tener un impacto duradero en la persona. La forma en que respondamos a ellos puede afectar nuestras vidas dramáticamente. Las heridas pueden generar ira, resentimiento, amargura y, en ocasiones, odio. Si la persona se aferra al dolor, podría ser la que resulte más dañada.
 
La cadena de la falta de perdón está unida a ti y a la persona que te ofendió, te lastimó, te traicionó o te causó dolor. La cadena está formada por los eslabones que son las heridas, las traiciones, los daños y el dolor. Llena nuestra mente, drena nuestra fuerza, alegría y paz. Mancha nuestra percepción de las relaciones con los demás y puede comenzar a cambiar quiénes somos.
El perdón rompe las cadenas tuyas y de la persona. El perdón trae libertad y paz.
El perdón es una decisión, no es una emoción.
El perdón es una herramienta poderosa que nos libera. Nos libera de la ira, el resentimiento y la amargura.
“Sé amable y dispuesto a perdonar; nunca guardes rencor. Recuerda, el Señor te perdonó, por eso debes perdonar a los demás. (Col. 3:13 LB)
Jesús dijo: “Padre, perdónalos porque no saben lo que hacen”. … (Lucas 23: 34 NVI)
Si confesamos nuestros pecados, él es fiel y justo y nos perdonará nuestros pecados y nos purificará de toda injusticia. (I Juan 1:9 NVI)
El perdón es para la persona que fue agraviada o herida. Rompe la cadena y la esclavitud de guardar rencor o falta de perdón.
Para comenzar el nuevo año, limpia tu corazón de falta de perdón, ira, resentimiento y amargura. Es un veneno del alma, que te destruye a ti, no al que fue el ofensor.
Date el regalo del perdón. Tómate un tiempo ante el Señor y deja que el perdón te llene hasta desbordar, porque con él viene la paz.

The next pane in the Window of Choices

is Trust.

Interestingly, we trust the brakes of our car, even though we can’t see them at work.

We will get on an elevator to move between floors of a building, in spite of the fact we don’t understand how all the pieces work.

But when it comes to trusting God, we question Him, ask to see the plan, and doubt God’s ability to bring it to pass.

Trust is hard when there has been betrayal, disappointments, denials, and when things have just fallen apart.

It is hard not to try and help, question, doubt, accuse, blame, and give up on God when things are not what we hoped for. Yet trust is essential to live in peace and have inner tranquility. When problems arise, we need to run to the One who is Omnipresent, Omniscient, Omnipotent, and loves you beyond measure.

Perhaps you need to make the choice to reconnect with your Father Almighty. He might feel far away, or He doesn’t hear you. His word says that He never leaves us.

I believe that to trust in God is to know that He is able, He is for us, His Love is Pure, and His Plan is the best. It is knowing that my vision to see all the components of the situation is limited, yet God can see everything at the same time and know what to do all the time.

 As you look through the pane of Trust, these are just a few of His promises to help you remember:

Romans 8:34b “ … It is Christ Jesus who died, even more, who was raised, and who also is at God’s right side. It is Christ Jesus who also pleads our case for us.”

Romans 8:26–27 “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 27 And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.”

Heb. 7:25 “Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.”

Isaiah 12:2 “Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.”

Jeremiah 29: 11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

John 14:1 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.”

We are His children, “We love because he first loved us”. 1 John 4:19

We are His Joy “Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength." Nehemiah 8:10

The hardest part of Trust is letting go and letting God handle the situation, the timing, and the result. Just like trusting the brakes of our car or an elevator, allow the Lord to lead you trusting His plan. Remembering that He wants and knows that is the best plan for us, even when we have found ourselves in a mess.  

T     Tame your thoughts to the obedience of Christ.

R     Remember that God sees the whole picture, you don’t.

U     Understanding that God knows the end from the beginning.

S     Safety is in God's Presence, Power, and Will.

T     Take your plans and solutions to Father Almighty and let Him have them.

God is faithful, God is true, and God is trustworthy.  Trusting may be hard for some. As you grow closer to the Father Almighty, He reveals His character more and more, so that it is easier to Trust. Tell Him about the burdens you are carrying, then trust Him to take them and work them out. Try talking with Him about your dreams, goals, and desires, remember He made you, and He knows they are there.

The FIRST STEP IN TRUST is to ask Jesus to be your Savior. If you have not taken that first step, please see below to receive the Gift of Salvation.

As you look through the pane of TRUST can you ask Jesus to help you trust God the Father for your life and your future?  

El siguiente panel en la Ventana de Opciones es Confianza.
Es interesante que confiemos en los frenos de nuestro coche, aunque no podamos verlos en funcionamiento.
Nos subiremos a un ascensor para movernos entre las plantas de un edificio, aunque no entendamos cómo funcionan todas las piezas.
Pero cuando se trata de confiar en Dios, lo cuestionamos, pedimos ver el plan y dudamos de la capacidad de Dios para llevarlo a cabo.
La confianza es difícil cuando ha habido traición, decepciones, negaciones y cuando las cosas simplemente se han desmoronado.
Es difícil no intentar ayudar, cuestionar, dudar, acusar, culpar y renunciar a Dios cuando las cosas no son como esperábamos. Sin embargo, la confianza es esencial para vivir en paz y tener tranquilidad interior. Cuando surgen problemas, debemos acudir a Aquel que es Omnipresente, Omnisciente, Omnipotente y que te ama sin medida.
Quizás necesites tomar la decisión de volver a conectarte con tu Padre Todopoderoso. Puede que se sienta lejos o que no te escuche. Su palabra dice que Él nunca nos deja.
Creo que confiar en Dios es saber que Él es capaz, Él es para nosotros, Su Amor es Puro y Su Plan es el mejor. Es saber que mi visión para ver todos los componentes de la situación es limitada, pero Dios puede ver todo al mismo tiempo y saber qué hacer en todo momento.
Al mirar a través del panel de Confianza, estas son sólo algunas de Sus promesas para ayudarle a recordar:

Romanos 8:34b, Romanos 8:26-27, Heb 7:25, Is 12:2, Jer 29:11, Juan 14:1

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La parte más difícil de la confianza es dejarse llevar y dejar que Dios maneje la situación, el momento y el resultado. Así como confiar en los frenos de nuestro auto o en un ascensor, permite que el Señor te guíe confiando en Su plan. Recordar que Él quiere y sabe que ese es el mejor plan para nosotros, incluso cuando nos hayamos encontrado en un lío.

Domina tus pensamientos a la obediencia a Cristo.
Recuerde que Dios ve el panorama completo, usted no.
Entendiendo que Dios conoce el fin desde el principio.
La seguridad está en la Presencia, el Poder y la Voluntad de Dios.
Llevad vuestros planes y soluciones al Padre Todopoderoso y dejad que Él los tenga.
Dios es fiel, Dios es veraz y Dios es digno de confianza. Confiar puede resultar difícil para algunos. A medida que os acercáis al Padre Todopoderoso, Él revela cada vez más Su carácter, de modo que es más fácil confiar. Cuéntale las cargas que llevas y luego confía en que Él las tomará y las resolverá. Intenta hablar con Él sobre tus sueños, metas y deseos, recuerda que Él te creó y Él sabe que están ahí.
El PRIMER PASO EN LA CONFIANZA es pedirle a Jesús que sea tu Salvador. Si no ha dado ese primer paso, consulte a continuación para recibir el Regalo de la Salvación.

Al mirar a través del panel de CONFIANZA, ¿puedes pedirle a Jesús que te ayude a confiar en Dios Padre para tu vida y tu futuro?

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PASOS PARA LA PAZ CON DIOS (Ministerios Billy Graham)
1. El plan de Dios: paz y vida
Dios te ama y quiere que experimentes Su paz y su vida.
La BIBLIA dice: “Porque tanto amó Dios al mundo que dio a su Hijo unigénito, para que todo aquel que en él cree no se pierda, sino que tenga vida eterna”
(Juan 3:16).
2. Nuestro problema: la separación
Estar en paz con Dios no es automático, porque por naturaleza estás separado de Dios.
La BIBLIA dice: “Por cuanto todos pecaron y están destituidos de la gloria de Dios”
(Romanos 3:23).
3. El remedio de Dios: la cruz
El amor de Dios cierra la brecha de separación entre Dios y usted. Cuando Jesucristo murió en la cruz y resucitó de la tumba, pagó el castigo por tus pecados.
La BIBLIA dice: “Él personalmente llevó la carga de nuestros pecados en su propio cuerpo cuando murió en la cruz” (1 Pedro 2:24, tlb).
4. Nuestra respuesta: recibir a Cristo
Cruzas el puente hacia la familia de Dios cuando recibes a Cristo por invitación personal.
La BIBLIA dice: “Pero a todos los que le recibieron, a los que creen en su nombre, les dio potestad de ser hechos hijos de Dios” (Juan 1:12).
Para recibir a Cristo necesitas hacer cuatro cosas:
1. ADMITA su necesidad espiritual. "Soy un pecador."
2. ARREPENTIRTE y estar dispuesto a apartarte de tu pecado.
3. CREE que Jesucristo murió por ti en la cruz.
4. RECIBE, a través de la oración, a Jesucristo en tu corazón y en tu vida.
CRISTO dice: “He aquí, yo estoy a la puerta y llamo. Si alguno oye mi voz y abre la puerta, yo entraré” (Apocalipsis 3:20).
La BIBLIA dice: “Todo aquel que invoque el nombre del Señor será salvo”
(Romanos 10:13).
Qué orar:
Querido Señor Jesús, sé que soy un pecador y necesito Tu perdón. Creo que moriste por mis pecados. Quiero alejarme de mis pecados. Ahora te invito a entrar en mi corazón y en mi vida. Quiero confiar y seguirte como Señor y Salvador. En el nombre de Jesús, Amén.

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December 27, 2023

The Window of Choices

A new year is on the horizon, I invite you to the window of choices.

I encourage you to stand at the window, I ask that you take time to allow the presence of the Lord to be near.

You might want to be alone as you read this, and to ponder on what the Lord has for you.

The first pane of the window of choices that you will gaze through is Thankfulness.

The pane of Thankfulness provides the opportunity to recognize all the blessings in your life. Don’t hurry through with brief mentions. Slowly think of the blessings, the smallest to the greatest. Frequently, blessings are overlooked in the midst of the trials of life. Yet, the power of Thankfulness helps to reset the heart and mind of the goodness around us. Recounting the blessings stirs the positive and the good and knowing that all good gifts come from the Father Almighty. He wants to stand with you at the window of choices.

Whisper the blessings, force your heart and mind to hear them. Feel each blessing, and let the thankfulness grow within you.

When you are ready, can you spend time telling your Father Almighty how grateful you are for your blessings?

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Tomorrow there will be another Window Pane.

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La ventana de las Opciones
Un nuevo año está en el horizonte, los invito a la ventana de las opciones.
Os animo a que os acerquéis a la ventana, os pido que os toméis un tiempo para permitir que la presencia del Señor esté cerca.
Quizás quieras estar solo mientras lees esto y reflexionar sobre lo que el Señor tiene para ti.

El primer panel de la ventana de opciones a través del cual mirarás es Agradecimiento.
El panel de Agradecimiento brinda la oportunidad de reconocer todas las bendiciones de su vida. No se apresure con menciones breves. Piensa lentamente en las bendiciones, desde las más pequeñas hasta las más grandes. Con frecuencia, las bendiciones se pasan por alto en medio de las pruebas de la vida. Sin embargo, el poder del agradecimiento ayuda a restablecer el corazón y la mente de la bondad que nos rodea. Contar las bendiciones despierta lo positivo y lo bueno y saber que todos los buenos regalos provienen del Padre Todopoderoso. Él quiere estar contigo en la ventana de opciones.
Susurra las bendiciones, fuerza tu corazón y tu mente a escucharlas. Siente cada bendición y deja que el agradecimiento crezca dentro de ti.
Cuando estés listo, ¿podrías dedicar tiempo a decirle a tu Padre Todopoderoso lo agradecido que estás por tus bendiciones?
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Mañana habrá otro Panal de la Ventana.

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December 15, 2023

The holiday season is full of cheery music in all the stores, and the anticipation of parties and gatherings of family and friends brings joy to many.

However, the Lord reminded me, that the holidays can be a struggle for others. Some might be experiencing the first holiday without their loved one, Or for some, the music stirs memories of hurts from long ago. It could be that finances or health situations have caused the season not to be a merry one.

I asked that we remember to pray for those who are struggling through the season and reach out to let them know you care.

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DECEMBER 14 2023

The holiday season can create the opportunity to heal relationships, as we remember the cost of God the Father sending His Only Son to Heal our relationship with Him.

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"Forgiveness is a strange thing. It can sometimes be easier to forgive our enemies than our friends. It can be hardest of all to forgive people we love." - Fred Rogers

NOVEMBER 22, 2023

Days get busier more to do, more demands on us, less time to stop and reflect on the many blessings that we have.

We has the risen Savior, sitting at the right hand of God interceding for us.

He know the difficulties and the battles that are all around us each and every day. I hope that through these days of Thanksgiving that you take a moment or two to reflect on the Love of The Savior Jesus Christ.

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OCTOBER 5, 2023

Have you ever had to figure something out, with little to no help. For me, I am not opposed to reading directions, or looking things up on the internet. but for me I need to see it along with the instructions.  Often times I am struggling with a  pattern, computer program or other things that require careful instructions. 

How many times do we struggle, spend time trying with no success, only to have someone show you how-- they they make it look so easy.

I am reminded again, that God has given us His word to help guide us through life not matter how hard or complicated things get. 

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SEPT 30, 2023

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Since I was  notified that the book has gone to print, I felt like a child at waiting for Christmas. I was notified yesterday that the book was to be uploaded up on to publisher's web store. I checked periodically to see if it was there. Each time I check I was disappointed,

until this morning, and it is there!

Click the red PDF to read an excerpt of the book.

The green button take you where you can view the book and purchase it. OR go to the SHOP PAGE.

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Sept 29, 2023

In the midst of the excitement of the coming book, there are common daily things that require my energy and attention. Things like meals, laundry and cleaning still wait for me don't they?  I began to reflect on that and I believe that God reminded me of an important concept. As God is bringing a dream to reality, in the midst, I must not neglect the daily things that brought me to this place.

• Daily meals with with Lord, to search out His word, then to allow it to feed my spirit.

• Laundry is to remember that it is His righteousness that covers me, that my goodness is as filthy rags. I need to make sure that I put on His grace, mercy, love, peace, patience and all that comes through Jesus.

• I need to clean every day, the influences of the world can get in us. Relationships can cause wrong thoughts and action. I need make sure that the Lord and I are keeping my thoughts clean and pure.

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Lord I pray that I not forget the daily meals, laundry and cleaning of my life.

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Sept. 25, 2023

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Coming Soon

It began with a challenge, a gift and a dream. It has been nine years in the making,

with frustrating starts and stops,

disruptions, postponements,

and long hours

of work and prayer and reworking

and more prayer.

It is finally done! It is now in production.

It will be available very soon.

My Book:

Biblical Women of Influence

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