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Showing posts from 2010

Words Revolving

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Original water color painting "Behold the Man, The Word Became Flesh " copyright © 2005 Debbie Turner Chavers My new birth, birthday is January 1st of each new year.  As I enter into a new year I contemplate the hope that most of us feel with a new beginning.  Diets, new resolutions, new beginnings are on most of our minds. So with that in mind I want to encourage you to find a verse that will help you stay focused on a positive move forward in your own everyday life. Prayerfully consider God's word which is His promises to each of us and write out one or more that ministers to you and your needs.  I have written mine down on a banner and will refer to it throughout the coming year to remind myself of my focus. I looked up the scriptures below and was fascinated with the meaning of the word fitly.  The context meant to revolve like a wheel.  A word that is revolving or repeating in a circle, like a wheel.  So I will take the word fitly spoken, my chosen v

To Bleat or Not to Bleat? That is the question.

Life has a way of giving you many opportunities to speak your mind.  I have often heard people say, " Well, I am going to give them a piece of my mind". You do not want to do that.  Keep it.  You will need it! When you perceive a wrong done.  The perception or the actual wrong done will apply pressure and things under pressure usually boil.  It is helpful to not simmer with an issue too long.  Because a simmering pot, when pressure is applied.... will boil.  Sometimes the pot boils over. MESSY! I do not want a messy life or a missing mind.  So this sheep is studying the question " To bleat or not to bleat"? Question for the mindful.  Will your bleat make a difference?  Will it improve your life or anothers life? Sometimes it is needful to speak up and sometimes we just need to be silent. Carefully consider the need and the response. To bleat or not to bleat?  You decide. Baah! Debbie   Ecclesiastes 3:7   A time to rend, and a time to sew; a ti

Sheep

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If you are one who has wandered from the Shepherd, know that He longs for you to return to Him. He loves you. John 10: 27  My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: John 10: 28   And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any [man] pluck them out of my hand. John 10: 29     My Father, which gave [them] me, is greater than all; and no [man] is able to pluck [them] out of my Father's hand. Jesus stated that if we hear His voice and follow Him, that no one is able to pluck us out of His hand. So if you have been broken by life or experience.  Allow the Good Shepherd to carry you. However you have come to brokenness,  know that God desires your complete healing. Hebrews 13:5-8   He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. You can walk away, but He will never leave or forsake His own. He changeth not. But if you give God your heart.   You will heal and you will change.    Original watercolor painting "Col

Seed-Life Field

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“Anyone can count the seeds in an apple, but only God can count the number of apples in a seed.     ~Robert H. Schuller Matthew  13:31 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field : Matthew 13:32 Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof. For the last couple of months my attention has been brought repeatedly to seeds and the productive power within them.  Seeds in themselves are not very note worthy in appearance, but their potential is amazing.  Our actions and words are seeds. Most actions or words go unnoticed to the untrained ear and eye.  Yet each action and each word has great power for good or destruction.  In our daily lives it can be easy to ignore the seed of our life's plantings.  The actions, the words that are pla

Prayer of Blessing

Recently, I wrote and sent a blessing to all of my children.  It is written as a poem of blessing.  My children are grown but whether they are near are far from me, I bless them.  Your blessing is important to your children. Throughout scripture, the blessing of a parent was coveted.  Some of you no longer have parents that are alive.  Some of you have parents who do not realize the blessing of a spoken blessing and so do not bestow it upon you.  So TODAY I want to bless you and I ask that you bless your children.  Because you can.                                                     Today Today I pray you receive joy to live this day to its fullest. That you allow God to fill your empty places. That you will feel His presence in a fresh way that draws you ever nearer to His peace. Today That you KNOW that you are loved, just because And because you literally are a gift from God, I delight in watching you unfold day by day and the revealing of His beauty in you. I lov

Your Hired

Did you know that you can become a new creation in Christ Jesus? That the old things can disappear and that God will do a new thing in you? Do you drag through each day hoping that things will get better? Are you waiting on someone else to fix your attitude, your family, your job, your life? Well, the change starts with you. Yes, you. This should be a word of encouragement to you. The only thing we can attempt to change is our self through submitting to God's good word for us. You have everything you need to get started. And yes, you are the right person for the job. I am excited for you. Today is a new day with infinite possibility and you have been gifted with this irreplaceable day and your irreplaceable life. Do not be discouraged. God has a good plan for you, to do you good and prosper you. Get in agreement with Him. God knew you before you were born, before you were created. So what are you waiting on? You are not hidden from God's care or eyes. Ask Him today, to help y

Sit

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Are you looking in the rear view mirror of life? If you drive through life looking in the rear view mirror instead of the road ahead, it is hard not to wreck. Looking backwards, it is hard, if not impossible to see the path ahead. Unless, you are backing up, or turning around in an area of your life. Focus. Eyes on the road . Yesterday, I was reminded to stay seated, in peace, eyes forward, on the path ahead. Not to keep checking the rear view mirror of life. In other words, to not dwell on past fears or failures. Stay seated in Christ Jesus. I do not drive or walk this path alone. He is with me. I will be painting His reminder to me. In the meantime, I will share a picture of the little chair that is now hanging from my rear view mirror. This little chair is a reminder to Trust God, the one who has the road map for my life and yours. ~Debbie © 2010 Debbie Turner Chavers Ephesians 2:6 And hath raised [us] up together, and made [us] sit together in heavenly [places]

Breathe Deeply

There is an automatic relaxation response when you breathe deeply. While working this morning I saw a picture of the ocean and involuntarily took a deep breath and felt a flood of peacefulness pass across me. Relax my mind tells me. I comply by focusing momentarily on the moment. Literally taking a moment, to take in the moment. I have on purpose placed an object, a color, or a sound in my immediate atmosphere to cause me to focus on a positive, deep breath. To use these things to refocus my attention on the positive. My goal is to be mindful. To walk in peace, to relax. God's written word, the Bible has a similar effect on me. So I take time to rest in His word. Inwardly I breath in His breathe, His peace which passes understanding. Allowing His Spirit to renew my mind in His word. As I focus on His written Word, I breath deeply, feeling the cares of the moment slipping a way, until His way has pre-eminence in me. There are many ways to cause the Relax response.

Wanted

What is more lovely than being wanted? Humans as a whole seek to belong, to be wanted. I believe that one of the most beautiful things about God is that He wants you. He wants me. He wants to be our God as well as our friend. When everyone else turns away, or just walks away. There He is . Can you see Him? Throughout history God has reached out to us by His Spirit and with written love letters called the Bible. He sent His Son to tell us in person. See Him. See Him standing with the woman caught in adultery in John 8. See Him stopping to speak to Zacchaeus, in Luke 19. Throughout the book of Hosea you see the redeeming love of God toward man. The parables of Christ point repeatedly to searching and finding, from the lost coin, to the lost sheep. God is ever seeking you . He created you for Himself. HE LOVES YOU. He wants YOU. ~Debbie © 2010 Debbie Turner Chavers John 8:11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condem

The Starfish Foster Home needs HELP

Today, I would like to draw your attention to your ability to help. I am asking you to help the babies of the Starfish home. Prayerfully consider what you, your business, your church, or group can do to help Amanda and the Starfish babies. Thank you for caring and sharing what you can. To help a child is always a good thing, Debbie I have copied Amanda's blog entry below for your consideration. You can find out more about the babies and what Amanda and her staff are doing by clicking on the links. Looking For Skilled Volunteers After being in the same place for five years STARFISH has to move. We have found a house which is really suitable for us, but needs some major work and we found out yesterday that we will be able to move in there, but before that happens we have to renovate. In order to do that, I will need some major help. Do you perhaps know a plumber, electrician, handyman experienced do-it-yourselfer that will be willing to come to China for a month or two and com

A Sign of Encouragement

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Recently, I saw a sign of encouragement. One that was particularly special to me. While driving, I thought of a recent discouragement and mulled over what to do and made a quick decision to believe the best about it and to move forward. On paper this sounds so cut and dried, but inwardly it was a struggle to give up my hurt feelings and to forgive. Yet, this is what is required to move forward and leave all results in God's able hands. Within a second of deciding, God slid a red car in front of me within inches of my bumper. I laughed. There right in front of me was FEAR NOT ~ Isaiah 41:10 A sign.. A bumper sticker. Isaiah 41:10 Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. We are surrounded by reminders to look up. To not give up. In God's goodness and mercy He is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. Pay atten

The Safety Pin

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At times, small issues can seem enormous. Life and other people can seem petty. When this occurs, an adjustment of attitude, some sort of mental hug is in order. My first inclination during dry spells is to retreat. To spend time alone, or with my husband. Avoiding contact with others, until I can see the positive in people once again with God's help. But last week God had a different plan and did not wait long to share it with me by allowing my button to fall off my pants! This was one of those times in life when my glass was not half empty or half full. IT WAS JUST EMPTY!! I needed encouragement, a mental hug. A renewal. My hug came through the gift of a safety pin. After a hectic start on my first full day of vacation, the last thing I needed was a button to fall off my pants! Or so I thought. This small aggravation left me exposed in my clothing choice and in attitude. After packing for vacation what would have sufficed for almost any occasion, I still lacked a s

On Purpose

With purpose of heart Today I will say good-bye before I say hello To that which will bring death With purpose of heart I will choose your way O God, not mine As I take each breath In hope Of a life lived with love to spare For all Because you first loved me With purpose of heart I choose to live out your purpose in me. Even when Life seems without purpose. Each of us must face our own moments of decision. Where our choices make or break us. The poem above is part of my poetry journal "Letting Go of Cockatoo Dreams" © 2010 Debbie Turner Chavers Act 11:23 Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.

Job Description-Servant

During a brief visit with someone yesterday, I was asked what I do daily with my time. My job? This is an uncomfortable question, because there is no general descriptive term for what I consider my job to be, other than Servant. Some how, with all the hoopla of awards, recognitions, and the "worlds" pat on the back. The title Servant does not seem so grand. For what I do on a daily basis is service/serving others. It is probably what most of us do. Serve. You may have a fancy title attached to your service. I do not. Unless, wife,mom, friend, cook, landscaper, nurse, etc...is a fancy title. So I guess my official work title is "Servant". Or I could adopt the title of "Doer". Daily I apply myself to those things which need to be done. The everyday, day in day out needs of a family and home. The large and small things that make life easier for those in my circle of care. Some days this circle shrinks and some days it is popping through my orderly seams! My

The Pointy Accusation

Two forward and three back. Sounds like a game of checkers. Yet, this is a game that has no winners. The heart that points a finger has three pointed back at its self. In checkers you make points by taking the other players chips off the table one by one. But in real life, relationships are not a game of checkers. And what you take from your supposed opponent is more than a chip. It can be the beginning of the end of a relationship. Relationships are built by adding one chip on top of another to build a base for a solid foundation of trust and empathy. As individuals it is easy to only point out the wrong of another in a relationship. To feel justified for a wrong done. Even when the accusation is true, there are no winners unless the opponent realizes the fault and changes accordingly. So when pointing a finger at someone else...look down and see the three pointed back at you from your own hand. This will help you remember to be kind as you point and realize that the chips are stacke

Reciprocal

A reciprocal : shared, felt, or shown by both sides,: serving to reciprocate : consisting of or functioning as a return in kind We all go through changes, some better, some worse and yet changes must come about for growth. Growth in our understanding and in our relationships with one another. I am learning many things and one of them is how to ask for and receive a reciprocal. A reciprocal in life or business is a like exchange for rendered service. I find it hard to ask others for assistance, yet feel perfectly comfortable giving assistance to others. Upon contemplation I found this to be odd. Upon study, I realize that this reluctance can be based from fear of rejection and in some cases a form of pride. So I am studying the Abraham covenant of a reciprocal. Genesis 12:2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: Genesis 12:3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee s

In Isolation

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Because No Man Is An Island © 1997 Debbie Turner Chavers We are isolated to some degree from the needs of others. All around the world there are disasters in many places and yet it is a time of opportunity. The opportunity to share the love of God with others. As we prayerful look around, we will see needs that we can meet . At times, it all seems to be over-whelming. Yet, we must reach out. Jesus said, that we would have the poor always. Poor means lack. It is not just a lack of resources but a poorness of spirit. We are equipped to help meet needs. Even if you lack funds. You have something to share . A smile, a word of encouragement, an acknowledgement that although you are not the answer, you can share The Way to have every need met in Christ Jesus. I want to encourage you today to do something today. Help meet a need. You are able. ~Debbie © 2010 Debbie Turner Chavers Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riche

Half-Hearted

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Do you find yourself dragging through your life? It is important emotionally to commit to walking out your days not only in a spirit of love but with your whole heart. There is a tendency to give just enough to say you have done what is required. This might work with people for a while, but God knows the difference. It is not enough to just go through the motions in life. Commitment and action is required. Every area of life shows forth the proof of what is truly important to you. From your personal relationships to your work ethic. Most people will give heed where the money hits their understanding, but many relationships are left to flounder because of a willful lack of effort. Half-hearted. Today I am encouraging you to prayerfully consider the different areas of your life. To take a fine tooth comb to the knots in your relationships. To work through the areas from within and without that so easily entangle us and hinder our progress to walking in love with one another. ~De

Neutral

Life can have you running at a high rpm. So when life is coming at you hard and fast, do not forget that little gear called Neutral . Shifting life's demands can require a steady hand, a close eye on the road, and regular fill-ups. N eutral in my life is spending time with God through prayer and the reading of His word. But even with regular maintenance, the issues of life still shift me into high gear at times. Sometimes the frenetic pace seems a bit exciting, but an all out run for your money, can also drain your last bit of energy for the road ahead. So. Back to Neutral ... literally. This point was driven home recently by the need to drive someone else's car and my inability to shift from Park to Reverse. The car had a stick shift that refused to go into gear while the engine was running. No amount of self-effort would move it. So I sat there, becoming more aggravated by the moment. All my effort still left me in Park. When I turned off the engine and applied the brake, I

There Is a Time

There is a time when your prayers seem unanswered. A time where life is a wall of obstacles with no apparent foot holds. Where dreams have shattered and only fragments remain. There is a time when your prayers are answered without reason or rhyme. A time where hope springs anew and shadows depart from you. Where with clasped hands in submission or hands lifted high with praise. NOTHING stays the same. This too will pass and only God and His word remains. The same yesterday, and today, and forever. There is a time... ~Debbie From my poetry journal "Letting Go of Cockatoo Dreams" © 2010 Debbie Turner Chavers Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. Ecclesiastes 3:4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance

Tap Root

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Behold the Man, The Word Became Flesh  © 2005 Debbie Turner Chavers Well, it is that time again. Spring has sprung. Time to tend to the weeds in the garden. Weeding is something that I do not necessarily look forward to, although I love the appearance of the garden after the removal of weeds. There are so many spiritual lessons to be learned from the Lord of the harvest as you tend to a garden. I try to weed in intervals due to the physical exertion required. I have found that weeding spiritually has exertion involved also. Due diligence is required to take care of the little foxes that spoil our vines spiritually. Weeding is always easier after a rainfall. Spiritually, it is easier to see our own weeds as the rain of God's word and Spirit have drenched us and opened our eyes to His truth. The ground and our hearts become pliable and yield to the effort to remove offensive weeds. As I tended to the weeding in the garden, I noticed a new weed this week. The weed was quit

Provocation

I have been considering how I act on a daily basis. Do I provoke others in a positive or a negative way? God's word tells me to provoke others unto love and good works. If I do not make a conscious effort, this will not necessarily be my plan of action. It is easy to follow instead of lead. To fall into line with complaining and complacency. Not a proper path if we want to obey God's word. Without a decision on our part, you and I will float along participating in the status quo. I have made a quality decision to focus on the positive. Yes, I know there is plenty of negative stuff all around. So I can either wallow in the mire or take a bath in God's good word and clean up my perspective and the area around me. There is almost a spoiled delight in complaining. Yet, if I look around while wallowing in this mire, I will recognize that my mental mud has a way of splattering those around me. Without much thought at all, I can be provoked into thinking I have an excuse to compla

A Stranger

I have been granted a fine time of getting to know an assortment of new people. Everyone comes from somewhere but most of the people I have been meeting have moved to my area in the last year from other states. At times even with a new job, new church,new school , even extracurricular activities it can be hard to make a new friend. Once the day or activity is over you have spent time but not found the one on one fellowship that helps you overcome the newness of a move. Maybe you have lived in the same place forever. You know most of the locals and you know just where to go when something is needed. Well, because of this bouquet of strangers I have been given the opportunity to extend a smile and a welcome and sometimes a shared meal. This has been a privilege, but unusual to my everyday way of life for the past couple of years. As this influx of strangers kept being put in my path, I began to think about it. Upon contemplation, the scripture in Matthew 25:35 was brought to my attention

Prayer

This seems kind of odd to me, but I am asking you for encouragement today. No need for details, but the encouragement I need is the prayers of God's children in my time of need. Please do not ask why, for I am not at liberty to share, but please pray. ~Debbie

Weed or Flower?

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Waiting to be Filled  © 2005 Debbie Turner Chavers A short story. When my oldest daughter was a little girl she presented an older family member with a freshly picked flower from the yard. I do not remember what the flower was, but the person who received the gift saw it as a weed, not as a flower. He considered all flowers that were not of the genius that he cultivated to be weeds. He worked in horticulture and propagated new flowers. He had mastered flower knowledge yet was in the infant stage of sensitivity. He failed to see the bud of sharing that was growing in my young daughters heart. "That is not a flower, that is a weed" he said, as she presented her gift. " I do not want it, take it out of the house." Her child like response was " But I picked it for you". Needless to say. I was not pleased and my daughter appeared confused by the rejection. She went from a smile and out stretched hand to a bewildered look and retreat. I followed. I t

Hand to the Plough

I joined a gym a few months ago. This particular gym was new and still had plenty of equipment available for work outs. But recently, since the new year has begun, it is hard to find an empty machine. Regardless, of the time of day, most machines were occupied by new gym members. Each new member was working out with great vigor and expectation of good things on the horizon. But in the space of a few weeks, the number of members and available equipment has fallen back to normal. Sigh. Most of us are like that about a new step in life. Excited and ready to start immediately! Yet, results in most areas of life are not seen immediately. You have to persevere. Stick to it. There is a slow, steady ploughing of a new endeavor. A ploughing that breaks through the initial problem areas and then a reworking to a workable plan. Success. My encouragement this week is to encourage you to put your hand back on the plough. Whether you are ploughing spiritually, physically, or mentally. Do not give up

Choose Your Path Carefully

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Going Home ©  1996 Debbie Turner Chavers  Last week-end, I found myself on a road that appeared on the surface to be quite firm. But I would soon learn that appearances can be deceiving! We (husband and I) had a break in the weather and after being trapped inside for days, we decided to go for a drive. So we drove to the country on the other side of Nashville. Hills and valleys, streams and rivers. The country side was beautiful. We finally arrived at a scenic place to get out and take a walk through the woods. My husband began to look for a firm place to pull over and park off the road. The road bed and the surrounding roadside appeared firm. No standing water, yet beneath the surface, the clay mixed road bed had thawed, froze again, and thawed again after a hard rain. Everything looked beautiful in the forest. The evergreen trees were freshly washed from the previous rain. The country road was not dusty and the sky was blue with just a hint of breeze blowing. Just beautiful

Boundaries, This is Important

Boundaries can be ancient landmarks, ways or laws that were established in our life time or far before the day we were born. In our current society there is not much respect held for boundaries that were put in place to be beneficial to mankind, spiritually and physically. In general I have seen a repetitive mindset that throws all things away in lieu of something new. Not better. Just new. Today I traveled many small towns and back roads and appreciated the boundaries that were set in place, a neighboring fence, a stop sign, a sign that warned of sharp curves ahead, one lane bridges, etc..... Large and small boundaries that made my day and my path so much easier to navigate. Man established these boundaries and at will, can and has changed these boundaries. Yet, God gave us boundaries that are never to be changed by mere man. Some old places I passed had been designated as landmarks, historical landmarks. One building even stated on the front "This is important" So man h