"Sacred Obsession" by Becky Tirabassi
2007-03-19 01:28:00
Beginning the week of March 26th, we're going to start reading and discussing "Sacred Obsession
" on this blog. As we've been discussing in the comment section, this book is all about becoming what we chase after. If we chase after God, we become more like Him! It is a small book and quick read, with a huge message that has the potential to transform your life.I hope that this can be an experience where we learn and grow from one another. So, get the book and start reading.
Read more: Becky
Published Articles by Blooming Ministries
2007-03-16 14:39:00
"Living a Balanced Life" Exhausted? Overloaded? Balance!By Kelly Thorne Life moves swiftly and we run frantically to keep up with it. Just the other day, a friend laughed at me for trying to lift a three-pound weight to exercise my arms, while I was blow drying my hair. I was shocked at her reaction. Doesn't everyone multi-task like that? I didn't dare tell her that I actually answer a few e-mails every time she calls and stays on the phone too long! Such constant motion indicates that we may not be pausing enough to regularly examine our lives or ask ourselves how our lives mirror what God desires for us. Today, I challenge you to pause and evaluate your life's pace. Are you exhausted by expectations or thriving in your purpose? Let's take a look at two extreme types of women that you and I have either met or may have even become ourselves! Read More "Growing in Your Relationship with God"By Jennifer Bennett Do you remember how you felt the first time you fell
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, Blooming
A Glimmer of What Is to Come
2007-03-15 19:03:00
The other day I was driving my usual route to work, when I came across the renovation of a local downtown theatre. On the outside of the theatre a sign was posted that said, "A Glimmer of What Is to Come". As I pondered this sign, I started thinking about my personal walk with Christ. How many times does Christ try to tell me these exact words, but yet, I don't hear Him because I allow the noise of everything else around me to get 100% of my attention? How many times have I been so focused on what I hope for in the future that I fail to see how God is using me now to make a difference?As women, it is so easy to think thoughts such as:· Well, if only I had … (fill in the blank) my life would be much better· If I only had one more hour a day, life would be much easier· If I could only get that other job, life would be great· If I only had the house down the street, I’d be so much happier·
How is God Developing Your Character?
2007-03-15 05:04:00
Do you know how a pearl develops? It happen when a foreign substance slips into an oyster between it's mantle and shell. This irritates the oyster, much like a splinter might bother you. The oyster reacts to cover up and protect itself from the irritant with layers of natural substance, eventually forming a pearl.God has a similar process for developing character. You sometimes experience irritants through physical and emotional pain, or through trials, temptations, or delays. When you react in a godly way to such mild or severe irritants , an extraordinary character is formed in you. You may feel as though God has been using heavenly sandpaper, instead, to shape your character! With either method, He has probably been taking full advantage of life's rigorous and varied situations to help you grow spiritually, because good character is critical to fulfilling His plan for your life.God Is An Expert At Shaping Character
Have you been dealing with particularly difficult people lat
Ten Guidelines from God
2007-02-20 20:04:00
1. QUIT WORRYING:Life has dealt you a blow and all you do is sit and worry. Have you forgotten that I am here to take all your burdens and carry them for you? Or do you just enjoy fretting over every little thing that comes your way?2. PUT IT ON THE LIST:Something needs done or taken care of. Put it on the list. No, not YOUR list. Put it on MY to-do-list. Let ME be the one to take care of the problem. I can't help you until you turn it over to Me. And although My to-do-list is long, I am after all...God. I can take care of anything you put into My hands. In fact, if the truth were ever really known, I take care of a lot of things for you that you never even realize.3. TRUST ME:Once you've given your burdens to Me, quit trying to take them back. Trust in Me. Have the faith that I will take care of all your needs, your problems and your trials. Problems with the kids? Put them on My list. Problem with finances? Put it on My list. Problems with your emotional roller coaster? For M
Read more: Guidelines
The Way God Works
2007-01-16 00:44:00
For the past month, my high school students have been reading the book, "To Kill a Mockingbird". The book is set in the 1930's and the plot revolves around a black man that has been falsely accused of raping a young white woman. Atticus Finch (The Lawyer) decided to take on the case of defending this man, even though he knew it meant that he would be looked down upon and would receive insult after insult by the white community. Even though he was consistenly put down by others, he continued to treat those people with respect and dignity.The main lesson that Atticus was trying to teach his two young children through this case and his actions towards others, is that you can't make assumptions about people until you have walked a mile in their shoes. This theme is all throughout the book. As my students have been reading this novel, we have been talking a lot about how often we tend to think certain things about people without even knowing who they truly are.Well, the Lord has been teac
Read more: Works
The Daffodil Principle...
2007-01-10 19:42:00
Several times my daughter had telephoned to say, "Mother, you must come to see the daffodils before they are over." I wanted to go, but it was a two-hour drive from Laguna to Lake Arrowhead. "I will come next Tuesday", I promised a little reluctantly on her third call.Next Tuesday dawned cold and rainy. Still, I had promised, and reluctantly I drove there. When I finally walked into Carolyn's house, I was welcomed by the joyful sounds of happy children. I delightedly hugged and greeted my grandchildren. "Forget the daffodils, Carolyn! The road is invisible in these clouds and fog, and there is nothing in the world except you and these children that I want to see badly enough to drive another inch!"My daughter smiled calmly and said, "We drive in this all the time, Mother.""Well, you won't get me back on the road until it clears, and then I'm heading for home!" I assured her."I was hoping you'd take me over to the garage to pick up my car.""How far will we have to drive?""Oh...j
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, Principle
Proverbs...
2007-01-05 23:19:00
I LOVE the book of Proverbs because there is SO much wisdom in almost every verse. Here are two of my favorite verses about God's plans for our life from Proverbs."Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take." Proverbs 3:6"Commit your actions to the LORD, and your plans will succeed." Proverbs 16:3What do these verses mean to you?
New Year...Already?
2007-01-05 03:25:00
I still don’t feel like it’s a new year. I am a planner and organizer, so usually by this time I have my new calendar ready, my list of goals prepared, and all of the previous year’s “stuff” put away. Well this year is completely different. I’m still sorting, dreaming, and getting ready for the New Year
. Where does the time go? As I was starting to think about goals for 2007, I think I’ve come to the conclusion that the most important goal is “Becoming the Woman God Desires,” which can only be done by growing my relationship with God. I’ve decided that if I put all of my energy into developing this important relationship, then everything else will fall into place. Don’t get me wrong, I have LOTS of other goals and aspirations for the year (I warned you that I was a planner), but in reality in order to accomplish those things I must be spending quality time with God letting Him lead my life. My “Quiet Time” has become the most sacred part of my day
Happy New Year!
2007-01-01 21:23:00
Can you believe that it's 2007 already? I can't. Today my husband and I decided to do some shopping that relates to one of our resolutions for 2007-getting in shape once again! I found it very interesting how stores like Target and Walmart "strategically" placed a variety of work out equipment in areas that people would no doubt see them. Like many other people, my husband and I have really decided to make excercise a priority this year. No more excuses for us. We have also made the resolution to eat healthier. First off, we just spend way too much money on eating out and then when we do eat out, we eat the not so healthy stuff. We are determined this year to not only eat healthy, but to actually take the time to eat at home. My goal is to lose 30 pounds this year. I'm DETERMINED!!Another area that I am really wanting to explore this year is that of writing. For some reason, I have just felt like the Lord is really laying it on my heart to not only develop my writing skill
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, Happy New Year
How Often & How Hard Do You Laugh?
2007-03-20 17:14:00
Laughter breaks the chains perfectionism, control, manipulation, and bitterness. It also breaks down barriers with others, especially if you learn to laugh at yourself. By the way, if you can't belly laugh yet, practice! It's a stress release and freedom worth gold. Ask God to teach you to laugh. It will help you put your life into perspective. Smile and laugh, alone and with others, ever chance you get. Smiles, Chuckles, and Belly LaughingThink about what makes you laugh. Is it your pets, wholesome comedy routines, television bloopers, or costume parties? Is it toddlers' quizzical facial expressions or your teenaged daughter's dramatic reenactment of conversations with her friends? Do you laugh at political satire, practical jokes, comic strips, or home videos? How often and how hard do you laugh?Scripture to Ponder:Thanksgivings will pour out of the windows; laughter will spill through the doors.Things will get better and better. Depression days are over.They'll thr
Read more: Often
"In the Blink of an Eye"
2007-03-21 21:18:00
Ok-so today I’m driving home from work (is it me, or does it seem like the Lord is trying to speak to me on my way to and from work?) and for the first time, I really pay attention to the song that is playing on the radio. I’ve heard this song before, but it wasn’t until this afternoon that the words really hit home:“In the Blink
of an Eye” by Mercy Me"You put me here for a reasonYou have a mission for meYou knew my name and You called itLong before I learned to breatheSometimes I feel disappointedBy the way I spend my timeHow can I further Your kingdomWhen I'm so wrapped up in mine In the blink of an eye, that is whenI'll be closer to You than I've ever beenTime will fly, but until thenI'll embrace every moment I'm givenThere's a reason I'm alive for a blink of an eyeAnd though I'm living a good lifeCan my life be something great?I have to answer the questionBefore it's too lateIf I give the very best of me,That becomes my legacySo tell me what am I waiting for?What
What's Going on in your Quiet Time?
2007-04-05 23:44:00
You are probably familiar with most of the traditional methods of having a successful quiet time. But the what you do is not the only important part of today's question. That would make this exercise too easy. The tougher and more important question is this: How have you been doing lately in your times with the Lord? God is extremely interested in the heart you bring into the experience. Do you invite the Lord into your quiet time and allow Him to determine what each encounter becomes? If so, these will be some of the most treasured times of your life - when God reveals more of Himself and His plans to you.Private Meetings with JesusThere are many ways to enhance your quiet time: writing in a journal; confessing a sin; memorizing Scripture; singing; working through a devotional guide; practicing silence; enjoying God's "outdoor artwork"; or praying with praise, confession, gratitude, and requests. Are you dragging yourself into Jesus' presence and enduring a legalistic obligation? O
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, Quiet
Opened & Closed Doors
2007-04-10 16:29:00
We need to learn to thank the Lord for closed doors just as much as we do for open doors. The reason God closes doors is because He has not prepared anything behind that door for us. If He didn't close the wrong door we would never find our way to the right door.Even when we don't realize it, God directs our paths through the closing and opening of doors. When one door closes, it forces us to change our course. Another door closes; it forces us to change our course yet again.Then finally, we find the open door and walk right into our blessing.But instead of praising God for the closed door (which kept us out of trouble), we get upset because we "judge by the appearances." And in our own arrogance, or ignorance, we insist that we know what is right.We have a very present help in the time of need who is always standing guard. Because He walks ahead of us, He can see trouble down the road. And He sets up roadblocks and detours accordingly. But through our lack of
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, Closed
, Doors
To Whom Has God Called You?
2007-04-09 22:26:00
First and foremost, God has called you to Himself-to get to know Him, love Him, glorify Him. But He has also called you (asked you to follow Him and obey Him in a specific way) to minister to a particular group or certain age range of people? For whom does your heart break? Whose cries echo in your ears? Few thrills compare to the discovery of your life’s calling, including specifics about who, what, where, or how you are to humbly serve. If you have already heard the details about to whom you are called, jot that down today in thanksgiving. If not, ask the Lord to reveal to you ministry opportunities to the general population, as you prayerfully surrender to His will and await further instructions from Him. Have you heard the call? Do you gravitate toward church pastors who are computer illiterate, anxious to teach them how to prepare a PowerPoint presentation? Has God specifically urged you to pray for the lepers in Calcutta, India, or support the orphans in Tijuana, M
Breaking.
2007-04-26 21:28:00
if I breakmy alabaster onyour holy feetso that its fragrancefills everything around you.Throw away my lifeThat was never mine. Always yours.Martyr for my master.May I sit at your feetTell you all the ways I love youLive in your truth.In your white light.Die to myselfMy dreamsTrade them for yours.Can I say "yes"?And if I say itWholeheartedly. Honestly. Sincerely.Will you promise,To always be there?To never leave meIn darkness. In deserts.To hold my hand.…his right arm embraces meand his left arm is behind my head.By: Lindsey CarmicalHow does this poem speak to you?
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