Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

The view from "My Chair" this morning - Ecclesiastes 4:9,10.  Friendship is gift that requires bravery.  It is often easy to share the fun things and good times.  Maybe I'm the only one, but I find it painfully difficult to be brave and share my times of struggle even with my closest of friends.  Anyone else with me?

Isaiah 41:13

The view from "My Chair" this morning - Isaiah 41:13.  I LOVE that all scripture is truth, but it often helps if I can find something in the physical to understand it with.  This morning I ran across this picture of my  ZaZa holding onto my right hand.  As my eyes ran over that picture, all the memories of knowing just how much she loved me and was "for" me flooded my mind. As a teenager, when I was afraid, she would say, 

1 John 3:17

The view from "My Chair" this morning - 1 John 3:17.  Recently, I have been realizing in many new ways that I am merely a steward of all the resources that He has entrusted to me.  EVERYTHING from the gift of my health, job, home, vehicles, and all the "stuff" that I think I "need" belong to Him.  I continue to discover how much more happy and fulfilling my life is when I live generously with open hands.  When you stand next to a hole in the ground and watch the casket of someone that you love being lowered;

Copy of Exodus 14:13,14

My view from "The Chair" this morning - Exodus 14:13, 14.  Over and over in the Bible God says, "Do Not Fear!"  In fact, there are over 300 verses to that effect.  God is very clear about His request that we do not make friends with "fear".  Fear is one of Satan's best entry-level schemes.   He fuels this scheme with the "What-if" game; Overthinking one's own capabilities; Unrealistic high expectations of one's self; and self-criticism.   In fact, "fear" grows rather plump on these things which then explode into anxiety; depression; and paralysis.

Exodus 14:13,14

My view from "The Chair" this morning - Exodus 14:13, 14.  Over and over in the Bible God says, "Do Not Fear!"  In fact, there are over 300 verses to that effect.  God is very clear about His request that we do not make friends with "fear".  Fear is one of Satan's best entry-level schemes.   He fuels this scheme with the "What-if" game; Overthinking one's own capabilities; Unrealistic high expectations of one's self; and self-criticism.   In fact, "fear" grows rather plump on these things which then explode into anxiety; depression; and paralysis.

Proverbs 3:5

My view from "The Chair" this morning - Proverbs 3:5.  Lately, I've come to fully see how myopic and one-dimensional my understanding is of what I think His plan is for my life.  His vision is far-reaching and multi-dimensional.  I can't even start to comprehend what He sees and knows.  As I've stepped into 2018, I am practicing death and

Psalm 147:4

My view from "The Chair" this morning - Psalm 147:4  My Sweet Friends, as I read this, I can't help but think about the intimacy of our Creator.  He cared enough about the 100+ billion stars in our universe to literally name each one.

Matthew 18:21,22

My view from the chair this morning - Matthew 18:21,22.  How often have I had to remind myself that people are NOT my enemies.  My true enemy is Satan.  Therefore, because you and I have been scandalously forgiven, we should forgive others with that same shocking grace and forgiveness. 

Proverbs 3:27

My view from "The Chair" this morning -Proverbs 3:27.  Strolling into a fourth grade classroom this morning, I came to a solid halt as my eyes fell to the floor and I watched a Precious One gently slide out of her fourth grade chair and scoot over to where one of her classmates was struggling to figure out how to even start picking up the mess called "His Desk" off the floor.  

Proverbs 3:28

My view from "The Chair" this morning - Proverbs 3:28.  Sitting in my warm cozy  little car, I was startled at the tap on my window.  Quickly looking out the drivers side, a homeless lady stood there looking at me. 

Proverbs 29:25

My view from "The Chair" this morning - Proverbs 29:25.  How quick I am to forget that the ONLY audience that really matters is the audience of ONE, My Father; My Abba; My Creator; My Provider; My Savior; My Redeemer; and My King.  This audience of One means I am safe.  However, when I allow my mind to take a slight sideways step and consider what other people think of me,  I am quickly sucked into a never-ending vortex....

Proverbs 4:20-22

My view from "The Chair" this morning - Proverbs 4:20-22. Read.  Remember.  Soak.  This seems so easy when I read it, but truth be told, I struggle with the "Remember" and "Soak".  Anyone else?  One of my words for this year is "Death".  Death my old ways of doing things.

Psalm 91:4

My View from "The Chair" this morning - Psalm 91:4 nlt.  I LOVE feathers! I LOVE the whimsicalness of them!  I LOVE the delicateness of them.  They are simply one of the little things in life that make my heart smile.  So, imagine my surprise and confusion when I came across this verse.  He couldn't possibly be talking about real bird feathers.  I did a little research and much to my surprise, here is what I learned.  The shaft of a feather is made of a fibrous material similar to that of carbon fibre, only five times as strong as steel.  Manufacturers use carbon fibre to make sports cars and jets.  Additionally, birds have three different types of feathers:  sensory feathers (filoplumes); flight feathers (contour feathers which streamline and waterproof); and insulation feathers (down).  Feathers are essential to both you and I.  When He covers you and I with His wings, we are safe, warm, and held close enough to hear His heartbeat.  Do you need a physical reminder of this?  If so, leave your mailing address in the comments and I will mail you a feather.  

Jonah 2:10

My view from "The Chair" this morning - Jonah 2:10.  Ever wonder who is REALLY in charge?  Just read this.  Jonah chose to cling to his own plans, so the Lord provided a rather large fish to swallow him and provide a little impetus for a little alone time so they could chat again.  When the Lord starts whispering I am learning to just stop and listen.  I don't want to end up in a "hot tub of whale belly fluids"  in order for me to realize that I should obey.  What about you?  What would it take for you to stop and accept the directions or truth He is whispering to your heart?

Psalm 119:73

My view from "The Chair" this morning (Psalms 119:73). Love the simplicity and practicality of this. Wondering what to pray for today? Just ask Him for common sense.

Psalm 146:2

My view from "The Chair" this morning - Psalm 146:2.  When He knit you and I together inside our mother's womb, He gave us vocal cords that He specifically designed for His pleasure.  He wants to hear us use them.  He is like a Father and longs to hear your audible voice, that is why He made it.  Think for a moment how full your heart gets when you hear the voice of someone you love, especially if it has been awhile since you've seen them or heard from them.  God made us in His image.  If a voice of a loved one can bring such joy to you; imagine what it does for your Creator. 

Recently, I was walking around our block in the dark and the Lord kept whispering, I would love to hear your beautiful voice worshiping me on this stunningly beautiful night.  Let's be clear, everyone seemed to be tucked nicely into their comfortable homes.  Yet, I was hesitant.  Inhaling deeply, I slowly started to sing "Holy Spirit" by Recording Collective.  With each note, my voice became incrementally louder and fuller.  Minutes slowly slipped by and I finished my walk singing to my Father.  Don't measure the beauty of it by human standards, for He created it and longs to hear you.  Whatever the sound is, it is beautiful in His ears.  It is for His pleasure and delight you were woven together.  Will He hear from you today?

Psalm 18:27

My view from "The Chair" this morning.  Psalm 18:27 nlt.  To be humble, one must "take the back seat".  One must choose to say, "You go first."  One must choose to say, "I'll help you."  I want to be that kind of person. 

Matthew 6:22

My view from "The Chair" this morning.  Matthew 6:22 nlt.  Our eyes are the doorways to our souls.  We need to desire eyes that not only "see well" but also "perceive well".  What our eyes linger on effects our entire being. 

Hebrews 13:2

My view from "The Chair" this morning.  Hebrews 13:2 nlt.  Are you like me and you read this and think, "Yeah, right....bring "strangers" in my home?"  If you've thought this, you are not alone.  Maybe this is one of those things that you need to do in small steps.