Overwhelmed!

We just get like that sometimes.

Life starts spinning in these crazy circles and we can't seem to get off the freeway of lunacy.

In the last three weeks I have sat in doctors' offices for a total of around 20 hours (including travel time) with my children, my husband, and even the dog. Add to that the hours I have spent taxi-ing around my kids. Then add the number of hours spent watching my children at sporting events.

To say my life has been chaotic is an understatement.
But please understand- I LOVE my life!

The taxi-cab mom job is something I am extremely thankful for.
The nurse- mom position, I would not hand over to anyone for anything! They are my babies and I love taking care of them!
Watching my children participate in events they enjoy is one of my favorite past times.
Being the wife of the most awesome man on the face of the earth is a role I treasure and enjoy.

I'll take the craziness of my life forever and always.
I like it. I love it. Actually- I want some more of it! (Isn't that a rock song?)

But, it doesn't change the fact that-
The laundry is piled HIGH- (clean but not folded and put neatly away).
My refrigerator has a few too many reminders of meals gone by.
Finding socks each morning has become a chore I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy.
And on top of all that, my wonderful, blessed computer is dying a slow, painful, and ugly death. But, it came back from the dead last week- a miracle from a very gracious God!

With all of that said, I think the thing that "overwhelms" me the most is the cares of my dear friends and church family. I would just love to have lunch with everybody every week, spend time with them and let them know that our Blessed Hope is worth waiting for. I want to give all my friends a big hug and say, "Hang in there. It will get better!" I want to be a PERSONAL encourager to so many people.

I can't physically do ALL of those things.

But, I can do somethings.

Which is where I have to pray and choose. My heart hurts when I know a friend is hurting. But more than a lunch date or a text message or an email, I can pray for people. I can intercede for their hurts, their loneliness, their sickness, and even their "overwhelmed" lives.

"I can do all things THROUGH Christ, who strengthens me."

The New LAD Version puts it like this (Life according to Dorinda):

I can pick up the kids, take them to every practice and every game. I can make sure my family is fed and clothed (in clean clothes with socks on their feet - maybe not always matching socks- but they will have clean socks on) daily. I can appreciate my wonderful, handsome husband and be the best wife to him (Oh, how he deserves so much better.). I can cheer my kids on in school, life, and sports. I can be their for my hurting friends. I can be the pastor's wife God has called me to be. I can be the church staff person God has called me to be. I can do ALL things - but ONLY through Christ- who is my Savior, my deliverer, my redeemer, the lover of my soul- who strengthens me!

So, to all my sweet friends:
I love you! You are precious! and I have prayed for you- if I KNOW you are going through a rough time. If you haven't let me know - then shame on you! Let's hold each other up and encourage one another.

Here are some tips to help yourself not be overwhelmed with the lunacy of life:

1) List only 10 things that you want to accomplish before you go to bed tonight.
2) Start on the most pressing and important thing and do not do anything else until that one is completed.
3) Do something nice for your spouse and children.
4) Laugh! Even if you are sitting in a room by yourself. Just start laughing. It will only take about 5 seconds of "forced" laughter before it just bubbles out!
5) Don't stress over laundry and a clean house. (Do it tomorrow!)
6) Look at your calendar for the week and make sure you know every one's practice/game schedule and doctor's appointments.
7) Make sure you spend time with God today. Invite Christ into every aspect of your life.
8) For every negative or complaint you have with a spouse and child, thank God verbally for three things about them.
9) Develop a heart of gratitude.
10) Lay out every one's clothes AND socks for tomorrow, tonight before you go to bed.

So here is to a full, vibrant and vivacious life of nursing, cheering, taxi-ing, and loving!

I say, "Bring it on! I can do it! I am a woman strengthened by her Savior!
I love having an overwhelmed life!

:)

blessings,
dorinda

See You at the Pole - 2008

Today is a big day for our students. Many Christian teens (mine included) awakened LOTS earlier than usual- for one purpose. To gather with other Christian teens, from other churches, to pray for their school.

As a bystander, I watched with pride as my children shook the sleep from their tired bodies and gathered around their school's flagpole.

Praise and worship. Scriptures. Prayer. Devotions.

A scripture came to my mind as I watched my son share the Word God put on his heart:

"So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it." Isaiah 55:11 KJV

The neat thing about See You at the Pole is that it is completely student led. The students get together to pray for their teachers, administration and fellow students.

I look back to my junior high and high school years and wish I knew then what I know now. My, I think things would have been a lot different for me. I know I would have taken more time with my buddy Bill B. Bill was our valedictorian.

From 6th grade on he was a buddy of mine. More times than not, he got on my ever living last nerve. But he always made me laugh. We didn't hang out in the same "social" circles, but he lived down the street from me and would always stop by on his bike if I was outside.

• I remember in junior high trying to convince him that God loved him and that God was the creator of the universe.
  
• I remember in senior high thinking Bill was hanging around the wrong crowd.
  
• I remember in college getting the call the Bill was gone.

The young promising life of a very intelligent man- gone. Just like that.

He wasn't going to be president like he had hoped.

Immediately after the phone call from my mom, my mind raced.

Did I share enough of Jesus with him?

Could he have had a chance to ask Christ into his heart before he died?

Did I say enough?

Where will he spend eternity?

That was when Isaiah 55:11 really meant something to me.

It is not about how well we say things or how knowledgeable we are. God is omnipotent and His Word in infallible. If we give His Word, it will accomplish what He wants it to accomplish.

I had to leave those concerns in God's hands that night. Did I share enough? I don't know. I do know that God honors His Word. We live by His Word, share His Word - He does the rest.

So, my child and the others shared God's Infallible Word today. That Word will accomplish exactly what God wants it to. They just scattered the seed. He makes it produce. He, the seed giver, makes it prosper.

What Word will you share today?

blessings,

dorinda

Last week my youngest daughter and I were in a public restroom. I reminded her to wash her hands. She proceeded to the sink and waves her hands in front of the faucet. Nothing. She went to the next sink and the next. Exasperated, she headed for the paper towel dispenser. Once again, she waved her hand in front of the dispenser.

As only my child can do, she put her hands on her hips and declared, "Nothing works in here!"

Smiling, I walked to the sink and simply turned on the cold water for her. We giggled and laughed at her assumptions.

I think we are like that sometimes with God. He does something really nifty and "automatic" for us at one point in our lives. Maybe He even does something like that again. Then, the next time, we forget about "doing" for ourself and sit and wait for Him to show up in His special way.

There are many instances in the Bible where God did something peculiar just once. He does not repeat His miracles in exactly the same fashion every time. He is a diverse God- yet He never changes. His methods may change, but His message never does.

So, why do we try so hard to put God in a box and wait impatiently for Him to do exactly what He did 2 years, four months, and 3 days ago? He is God. He is Sovereign. He is just. His is Mighty.

I promise to not "wave my hands" in front of my next need. I promise to see if I need to turn the crank myself a little.

How about you?

blessings,

dorinda

My Purpose

Acts 13:36 is one of those verses in the Bible that when I first read it, caught me by surprise and changed my life.

Oh, I am sure I read it in Bible College and at other times, but a couple of years ago, I read it, and WHAM! It's truth hit me right between the eyes.

"For when David had served God's purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his fathers and his body decayed."

Once again this verse has started to consume my thoughts. I suppose last week has a lot to do with my current thought process. Two men who were giants in the faith went home to their eternal reward.

After Bro. Frank's service, a friend came up to me and said, "Wow! What a hole his passing leaves in our lives."

So, again, I have to assess my life and think- "Am I living my life so full, that if I died today, it could be said of me- We are left with a void because she is gone?" Could it be written of me, "After Dorinda had served God's purpose for her own generation, she fell asleep."?

Am I fulfilling God's purpose for me in my life or am I serving my own purpose? Am I living my life to the fullest? Am I cramming it in with service and giving to others? Or am I working for my own good and my own pleasures?

My heart's cry is that I am serving God's purpose in every aspect of my life. As a wife. As a mom. As a grandmother. As a daughter. As a sister. As a friend. As a pastor's wife.

Jesus said the He came to give us life and life more abundantly. I want to walk in that fullness of life. I don't want to miss one opportunity that I am given to live my life for Jesus Christ!

Lord, I give my life to you today= again and again. Take every moment I have and help me to live a God sized life. Please help me not to live my life comfortably for myself. Help me to live my life fully, seizing every opportunity to glorify YOU in all that I say, do, and think. May You fill my moments with the abundant life. Help me make a difference in the lives of the people around me. I pray that someone sees You in my life. That can only happen when I empty myself of me and pour more and more of You into me.

blessings!
dorinda

Civic Responsibility

Just in case you have been asleep in a cave or a deserted island somewhere - this is an election year in America. :)

We see the ads.
We hear the news broadcasts.
We read the political attacks.

Not only is this a presidential election year, this is a crucial presidential election year.

The news articles print that the American people are screaming for "change". That simple little word seems to have defined the battle grounds for this election.

"What change can you bring?"
"My change is real change. Yours is the same old thing."


Regardless of political opinions and ideas, it is my belief that every citizen of the United States of America, that is of age, should vote.

Men and women have paid the price in blood for our right to vote and for us to have a voice in our democratic nation. Our democracy may have its flaws and mayhem at times, but it is a democracy that lives out the freedom of the people of our great nation.

Democracy is defined by the online Encarta dictionary as "free and equal representation of people: the free and equal right of every person to participate in a system of government.
- democratic nation: a country with a government that has been elected freely and equally by all its citizens.
- democratic system of government: a system of government based on the principle of majority decision-making."


I think sometimes we take this freedom very much for granted. We, as the American people, live in so much wealth and comfort that we become lazy and irresponsible with all that has been given to us, including our freedoms.

Voting is a privilege I take very seriously. I do not just go into the polls and play "connect the dots". I strive to make the best decision for my country that I can. That requires being informed and knowing what the candidates stand for.

As a Christian, my civic responsibility goes even deeper. My voting is not just about what I feel is best for my country, it is about "What does God have to say regarding this candidate, this issue?"

Well, what DOES God say?
He gives us principles like 2 Chronicles 7:14- "If my people who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways..."
He gives us the 10 Commandments. Exodus 20
He tells us throughout His Word that government should rely on Him and serve His purposes rather than focusing on wealth and prosperity.

I see in His Word that He destroyed nations because they allowed harm to come to their children. Jeremiah 7:31,32 For this reason, I believe, we as a nation, will be held accountable for the sin of abortion. According to God's Word, life is precious and nations are blessed when they hold this principle dear.

With all of this in mind, please make sure you are registered to vote! Then vote!
Below are the deadlines for voter registration and the voting dates:

October 6 — Voter Registration Deadline
October 20 — Early Voting Begins
November 4 — Election Day

Above all- PRAY. Pray according to 2 Chron. 7:14.
Pray
Seek His Face
Humble yourself
Turn from your wicked ways

(If I were my wonderful husband, you would be seeing that in some type of acronym.) :} )

Okay- make sure you are a registered voter!

blessings,
dorinda

A Living Hope!

I have been searching for two days in my heart for what to post on this blog. For the fourth straight day this week we are burying a devoted child of God.

I am so thankful that we have something to look forward to after this life! It would be unbearable to love and live for it to all end with one's last breath.

God's Word says "In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade - kept in heaven for you". 1 Peter 1:3,4 NIV

Wow! Did you just get that? At the moment of salvation we are born into a living hope!
Let me do a quick word study on that from studylight.org.

Living here means: metaph. to be in full vigour, to be fresh, strong, efficient, as adj. active, powerful, efficacious.
What I found interesting is that in the original written Word, this word for living (NIV) is not an adjective describing a noun, in the Greek it is a verb. If you like English the way I do, you will eat that up!

We have this living, vivacious hope! Hope for what? Hope to spend eternity with the Savior!

Oh, to be in His presence. To see Him face to face. To breathe in His being.
While we grieve here on this earth for the dear departed ones, we have to rejoice with them for their eternal reward!

In this same chapter of 1 Peter in verse 13, Peter tells us to "set our hope FULLY on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed."

What do I take from that? That the grace I am experiencing now, is nothing compared to what I'm getting!!!

Ms. Barton, Ms. Woodard, Bro. Frank and Bro. James are experiencing that grace because they are in HIS presence!

This living hope is what we have to hold on to during difficult times.

A LIVING hope. Not just a hope that is super inflated by man's words and man's dreams. This hope is living, full of vigor, strong and efficient!

To those of us in West Memphis with grieving hearts, let us hold on to this Word, let us set our hope fully on the grace to be given us when Jesus Christ is revealed.

blessings,
dorinda

The Valley of the Shadow of Death

Saying Goodbye to a loved one is never an easy thing.
Saying Goodbye to someone you admire, respect, and treasure is painful.

Two men in our church, who are giants of the faith, have gone to their eternal reward this week. I have two other friends who have lost loved ones also, this week.

We are walking through the Valley of the Shadow of Death.

Here is my take on the Valley of the Shadow of Death.
...................................................................


The journey of life has suddenly plunged my fellow travelers and me on a downward path. It seems we are heading into a valley of sorts.

The road has disintegrated into a path. It is a path laden with stones, pot-holes, and uneven surfaces, but it is well worn. Many have taken this journey before us. And, even still, we realize, yes, we have been here before. We know it as the Valley of Shadow of Death.

The shadows lurk around us. An eery silence of grief and disappointment fill our thoughts and hearts. At times the path deceives us. Are we trapped? Is this the end?

The deep sadness is pervasive. We grope through the darkness to find our way. Sometimes it seems our Creator has abandoned us. The pain is unbearable. The heaviness of loss weighs deep on the soul.

Questions abound. Answers run.

At the moment when it seems trust is gone forever, the glory of the Sun pours through the ominous trees. In an instant, a radiant ray of hope lights the way and the forlorn path is found again.

The Father has set eternity in our hearts. We may not understand His purpose, but we catch a glimpse of His Eternal Hope.

Hope of eternity with the Savior and loved ones sparks a renewed vigor. The way to the Valley of the Shadow of death is still a treacherous journey, but the fusion of hope into our souls has an amazing effect.

Hope breathes life.
Hope ignites passion.
Hope begets faith.

Faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen.

The grey landscape of pain and suffering is now dotted with splatters of brilliant color in the peace and comfort of the Redeemer.

He has walked through this valley. He is the One who blazed the trail. He lovingly guards our footsteps.

Hope is abounding! The Valley of the Shadow of Death has lost its sting! The birds are whistling the song of the triumph! The Sun gloriously shines! The heart, once melted with fear and disillusion, now beats a melodious tune of joy and peace.

Grief has not disappeared, for the loneliness of the loved one gone before will be with us until we reach heaven, but hope is not lost.

The pathway through the Valley of the Shadow of Death will not defeat us. We have this Hope that we can share Eternity with our Savior and loved ones who call Him Lord.

This time, instead of walking in isolation, this band of weary travelers unite- arm in arm- hand in hand. As one, we hold up our grief stricken family member and friend.

We encourage.
We take heart in the warmth of friendship and love.
We are not defeated.
We grieve as those with Hope.
Hope of eternity.
Hope of reunion.
Hope of redemption.
Hope of a faith that has stood the test of time and loss.

We have this Hope.

I cling to that Hope.
We cling to that Hope as we walk through the Valley of the Shadow of Death.

I will fear no evil for Thou, O Lord, are with me.
Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil,
my cup overflows.

Surely,
goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell
in the house of the Lord
FOREVER!

........................................................

Please keep the families of Frank Cavitt, James Daniels, Emma Barton, and Margaret Woodard in your prayers. We say to these dear ones, "See ya later!"

Our loss is heaven's gain.
We have more to go to heaven for, than we yesterday.

Blessings and prayers today
dorinda

The Day We Became a Family

For most American families, a child is born and 18 years later your heart is ripped in two as you drive them away to college.

Eighteen years ago, a love for a child was born in our hearts. We haven't driven her to college but we packed her up and Rusty drove her to Washington, D.C. Our heart is ripped with emotion. Sad because they are so far away, yet happy, because they are fulfilling God's purposes for their lives.

Eighteen years we have been a family. Eighteen years I have had the privilege of being called "mom". Eighteen years I have been blessed.

September 15th is our "Gotcha Day" for Glenda. It is a very special day in our hou

sehold. Today it is celebrated long distance. :(

To My Daughter, Glenda:

God blessed this mother's heart when He placed in you in our home and in our hearts.

You are a beautiful woman of God and I am so very proud of you.

To watch God move in your life has been one of the greatest joys I have known.

To see you submit yourself time and time again to His perfect plan for you has been amazing.

Thank you for loving us back.

Thank you for sharing your life with us.

Thank you for giving us the most delightful granddaughters a Noni and Big Daddy could ask for. (We love you too, Brad!)

But most of all,

Thank you for being you!

You are a treasure for which I am forever thankful!

I love you more than words can say!

Here's to a hundred more Gotcha Days!

love you!

Mom

Thoughts for today.....

Psalm 9:9,10

The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed,
a stronghold in times of trouble.

Those who know Your Name will trust in You,
for You, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek You.

_________________________________


Suburban rush.
Metropolis chaos.

Honking horns.
Busy people.

Children running.
Moms chasing.

Frustration.
Frantic.

Busy lives.
Hurried people.

...........................

In the midst of the rush and chaos to keep the busyness on pace, life goes on.
In a whirlwind of activity, we run here and there to do what it is we do. Just stuff.

Ballgames.
Meetings.
Shopping.
Appointments.

It's all a whirl. Life is a blurred frenzy of activity.

.........................................

In the middle of all the chaos, there are at least 3 couples who see time differently.

Suddenly, time feels sluggish- slow and methodical.

................................................

The room.
The clock.
The bed.
The chair.

The couple.

She fell asleep again in the chair beside his bed.
Her hand entwined in his.

She startles at his gasp for breath.
In an instant she is hovering over him, whispering the same sweet love coos of the past 50 years.
Her strong, handsome prince charming responds with a weak but tender smile.
His eyes speak the depth of love in his heart.
She responds with the same smile that stole his heart a half a century ago.

The curtain sways gently to the humming air conditioner.
There is a faint echo of a busy world outside.

She pushes that stray hair out of his eyes, then busys herself with his bedsheets.
He follows her every move.

She catches his eye.
A wink.
A smile.

A love.

Slowly, the clock is ticking.
Each moment is a treasure.

How many more?

The air is thick with memories of precious babies, loving children, adorable grandchildren, and the goodstuff in life.

Slowly, the clock is ticking.
Each moment more precious than the last.

A siren wails outside the window.
For a split second, they both are reminded of the chaos of life outside the window.

Back at his side, hands entwined, she smiles.
He winks.

A love.

Slowly, the clock is ticking.

Nothing matters but the other.
Nothing more important than treasuring the moments, the seconds, the love.

........................

Psalm 9:9,10

The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed,
a stronghold in times of trouble.

Those who know Your Name will trust in You,
for You, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek You.



May His Word encourage you and cause you to trust in the Name of the Lord.

blessings,
dorinda

Remembering 9/11

I remember.
I remember where I was.
I remember what I was doing.
I remember.

I remember the fear.
I remember the panic.
I remember the emotions.

I remember holding my children close.
I remember weeping for hours.
I remember watching the news broadcast all day long.

I remember.

I remember hating.

Yes, I just said that.

I remember loving.

I remember.

I remember the comfort and assurance I felt when President Bush took charge of the horrific situation.

I am thankful.

I am thankful for a God Who is in control no matter what evil men decide to do.
I am thankful for a Savior Who loved me enough to die for me.
I am thankful for a Lord Who loves me enough to chastise me when I hate.
I am thankful for a Christ Who sends His Holy Spirit Who has the Power to change me.

I am thankful for a country that stands up for what is right.
I am thankful for leadership who goes after the bad guys.


I am thinking.
I am thinking if 9/11 were to happen next year, who our President will be.
I am thinking of which candidate would be able to defend our country and keep our nation safe.

I remember.
I will not forget.
I am thankful.
I will remember with a thankful heart.
I remember.
I will not forget.
I will not become complacent and allow the sleepiness of apathy overtake my sense of civic responsibility.
I will remember.
I will not forget.

blessings,
dorinda

God Bless America
Words and music by Irving Berlin
© Copyright 1938, 1939 by Irving Berlin
© Copyright Renewed 1965, 1966 by Irving Berlin
© Copyright Assigned to the Trustees of the God Bless America Fund
International Copyright Secured. All Rights Reserved.
Used by Permission

"While the storm clouds gather far across the sea,
Let us swear allegiance to a land that's free,
Let us all be grateful for a land so fair,
As we raise our voices in a solemn prayer. "

God Bless America,
Land that I love.
Stand beside her, and guide her
Thru the night with a light from above.
From the mountains, to the prairies,
To the oceans, white with foam
God bless America, My home sweet home.

A Movie to see......

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The Fairy Tale Romance

Once upon a time there was a handsome prince who met an ordinary girl........

They fell in love.

He got on one knee in a small chapel by the Mississippi River and asked her to be by his side until the end of time.

Her heart overflowed with joy and happiness.

They exchanged rings and vows and.............................

25 years later~

They are still together!!!

A handsome prince and an ordinary woman.

4 kids, a son-in-law, 2 grand kids and a dog later.......

They are still together.

Madly,

Crazy,

Wildly,

in love with each other.

........................................................

I remember when I fell in love with my wonderful, handsome husband.

I remember our first sweet kiss. (My heart still goes pitter-patter!)

I remember .................................

because I am still madly in love with him!

It has been 26 years since our first date. Our 25th Wedding Anniversary will be December 30th of this year. He is my best friend, the love of my life, and my forever and always guy!

Have we always had the fairy tale?

Well..... there are times I would tell you "NO WAY, Jose!" but I think, "Yes! We have always had the fairy tale."

Was it because we never fight, never argue and always agree?

Ha! No. Emphatically no.

We have the fairy tale because we choose to always love each other in spite of the fights, arguments and disagreements.

I choose him. He chooses me. We choose to love each other.

Trust me. We don't always "feel" the love either. :)

Our love is a choice we make.

Sometimes, that choice is easy. We have all those "ooey-gooey, mushy-wushy" love feelings. We don't have to work very hard on the fairy tale on those days.

Sometimes, the choice to love each other is rather difficult. The things we want to say and do, the "imaginations of our angry soul" are not in the fairy tale. But we choose to love - we choose to forgive and continue with our fairy tale romance- the God given love for each other.

Agape Love is a choice.

I guess I am writing this post today to keep the hope alive.

You can be married for 25 years to Prince Charming, the love of your life, and enjoy the fairy tale!

So, if you are single. Don't settle for second best. Wait for (your own) Prince Charming! When he finds you, remember the fairy tale doesn't just happen. The fairy tale love is a choice you make every day, and sometimes it isn't easy.

But choose the fairy tale!

I did!

blessings from a blessed woman!

dorinda

God's Word for Today

Good morning!

I just wanted to give you God's Word today. This is the theme verse and chapter for this blog.

I pray God's Word speaks to your heart and produces fruit "to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us." (That's what the treasure is all about!)

Treasures in Jars of Clay

1Therefore, since through God's mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart.
2Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.
3And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing.
4The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
5For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake.
6For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.

7But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.
8We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair;
9persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.
10We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.
11For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body.
12So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.
13It is written: "I believed; therefore I have spoken."F5 With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak,
14because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in his presence.
15All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.

16Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.
17For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.

18So

we fix our eyes not on what is seen,

but on what is unseen.

For what is seen is temporary,

but what is unseen is eternal.

(NIV- copied and pasted from Studylight.org)

The Esther Blessing ~ For Such a Time as This

Wow! What a week I have had!

It has been almost a week since I posted on this blog, and trust me, I am about to burst at the seams!!!

For the past 8 months, blogging has been a heartfelt passion of expression for me ~ a release valve of sorts. And to go a whole week without sharing my heart is absolute torture!!!!

I've missed you guys!

Well, here is my heart today...................................................................................

I have been thinking about Queen Esther in the Bible. (Could you ever guess why?) :)

The popular phrase that Mordecai shares with her "And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" (Esther 4:17) rang in my mind as I watched one of my new favorite political figures.

For such a time as this.
I call this the Esther Blessing.

For such a time as this.
But you know what? We all have destinies. Some may not be as spotlighted as others, but all of us have our "such a time as this" moments.

Say, what?
Well, have you ever watched the delightful movie, "It's a Wonderful Life" ? The character George Bailey is shown the impact his seemingly insignificant life has had on those around him. I sometimes wish I could spotlight a person's life and let them see the impact they have on so many.

I am thinking right now of a lady I have never met. I don't even know her name, but I cannot tell you how thankful I am for the impact she has had on my life~ and therefore yours! (You are reading my blog, right??) :)

Who is she?
She is the unknown lady who invited my grandmother to her little pentecostal Assemblies of God church in Hickory Ridge, Arkansas in the 1940s. My grandmother had 2 little girls and knew she needed to be in church. She was searching for God. She had been invited to a church that was not founded upon the truth of Jesus Christ as the Son of God. The people there were very kind to her and she started attending that church of false doctrine regularly. One day a friend of my grandmother's invited her to her church- Hickory Ridge Assembly of God. They were having a revival and she wanted my grandmother to go with her.

My grandmother went and the rest is history. My future changed the moment my wonderful grandma asked Jesus into her heart.

So, are you living your life to make sure your are fulfilling your "moment"? The "such a time as this" moment?

Hmmmm.
For such a time as this!

I sure don't want to miss mine.

Oh, I doubt I will have the tiara on my head or the scepter in my hand, but who is to say that this keyboard is not my scepter and my pen is not my tiara?

All it takes is just one truth from God's Word and a person's life can be changed for eternity! It's not anything we do. We just submit to His purpose.

Here I am Lord! Use me!
Imperfections and all. I am right here!!!
Lord, you know I am not perfect (as God chuckles at the thought)
but I need You to infuse Your purpose,
Your anointing,
Your calling into my life and my destiny.
I want to make sure I show up for the "such a time as this" moment in my life!

The Esther Blessing~ For Such a time as this.....
My heart's prayer today is that YOU are living your moments for your destiny. Just take the small steps toward God and He does the rest. He directs our paths. He chooses our destinations. He even takes care of the detours.

"For such a time as this!" I want to live in the Esther Blessing!

Love you ladies! Go find your moment!

blessings,
dorinda