Words Revolving

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 verses and repeat them to myself and over my life and choices regularly.

Maybe you have an area of weakness.  Your verse might be, Philippians 4:13, that says "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
Are you fearful?  Lack boldness?  Then your verse might be, 2 Timothy 1:7 "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."

God's word is powerful, use it.  Through reading and proclaiming His Word, you can allow it to enable and empower you, to overcome your own perceived real and imagined limitations.

The voice you give the most credence to is your own.  Speak well of yourself.  Give yourself to God and see what He will make of you.  A new creature. You can start over.  He loves you.

2 Corinthians 5:17  Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.


Get in agreement with Him. He loves you and wants to do you good and work all things out for your good, all the days of your life.

Start the New Year off new.  If you have never asked Jesus to live in your heart and be your Lord and Savior, I am asking you to do so now.  Have you walked away from Him?  Have your choices led you astray?  Turn now, revolve, repent.  Do not just be a hearer of the Word, but be a doer of the Word.
He is waiting.  With open arms, He is waiting.

The Prodigal and Family, copyright © 2010 Debbie Turner Chavers

Click on this link  ABC-A Simple Salvation Prayer   for an easy prayer to receive Jesus as your Savior.

Proverbs 25:11  A word fitly spoken [is like] apples of gold in pictures of silver.

Proverbs 15:23   A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word [spoken] in due season, how good [is it]!


~Debbie




© 2010 Debbie Turner Chavers
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Pet portrait commission



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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 time to keep silence, and a time to speak;



© 2010 Debbie Turner Chavers
Would you like to see what I am currently painting?
Click on these links http://artparables.com/ or http://debbieturnerchavers.com/

Sheep

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 "Cold, Stony Heart" © Debbie Turner Chavers


 
~Debbie




© 2010 Debbie Turner Chavers
Would you like to see what I am currently painting?
Click on these links http://artparables.com/ or http://debbieturnerchavers.com/

Seed-Life Field

“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 planted in our life field and the life field of others. 
Do not dismiss the power of your actions and  reactions. Life is a field that is being planted second by second. You have great potential within you. I have great potential within me.  We are seeds.
Leave and live this life having grown into the tree of righteousness that God intended you to be.

~Debbie

Isaiah 61:3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.




© 2010 Debbie Turner Chavers
 Would you like to see what I am currently painting?
Click on these links http://artparables.com/ or http://debbieturnerchavers.com/

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 love each of you.
Momma



Acts 3:26 Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.


© 2010 Debbie Turner Chavers
Would you like to see what I am currently painting? Click on these links http://artparables.com/ or http://debbieturnerchavers.com/

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 you do what you can. It is not easy to change but with God's help, I know you can.


~Debbie




Prayer: God give me your wisdom to do what I can, to effectively change my life for the better. Give me strength and wisdom to accomplish the goals and plans that you have ordained for my life.


In Jesus name I pray
Amen



Psalm 139:13-17
For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully [and] wonderfully made: marvellous [are] thy works; and [that] my soul knoweth right well. My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, [and] curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all [my members] were written, [which] in continuance were fashioned, when [as yet there was] none of them. How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!



2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.



© 2010 Debbie Turner Chavers



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Sit

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] in Christ Jesus


Philippians 3:13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but [this] one thing [I do], forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,


Would you like to see what I am currently painting?Click on these links http://artparables.com/or http://debbieturnerchavers.com/

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. It is different for each of us.
I want to encourage you to pay attention to those things which cause you to take a deep breath.

Learn to recognize your Relax response.
To breathe in the moment and rest.

~Debbie

© Debbie Turner Chavers

Philippians 4:7
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 4:23

And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;

Psalm 33:6By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.

Isaiah 9:6
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

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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 condemn thee: go, and sin no more.

Luke 19:10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

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 come and help us get this new place ready for the babies?
Time is of the essence and I will need someone as soon as possible. Nothing like having a plan and giving you a long lead time. As one of my favorite adages teaches: IF IT WAS NOT FOR THE LAST MINUTE NOTHING WOULD GET DONE!
For all the people in China, do you perhaps know if any companies that do construction and decoration that would like to make a donation in China to Starfish, please put us in touch. We could even use samples of household products and appliances, and we are going to need air conditioners for sure. If you can think of anything that could be useful to us, I would like to know.

Life, love and laughter,
Amanda
Starfish Children's Services
US Tax Number: 20-4682916
Xian China

At Starfish, we have taken care of 118 children to date, arranged more than 100 surgeries and had 38 international adoptions, so our little starfishes live all over the globe: the US, Netherlands, Norway, France, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, Canada and in China. Our latest adoptions took place recently and now we have a fifth baby in Holland and our first baby in Washington State. We have also added another baby to our count in Holland. We currently have 51 babies under the age of 3 and three foster homes. We have fifteen babies matched and we are waiting for their families to come and get them.
www.thestarfishfosterhome.org
http://chinesestarfish.blogspot.com
http://chinesestarfishcleft.blogspot.com
Email: throwingstarfish0913@gmail.com
Cell: 86.1348.812.4847

A Sign of Encouragement

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 attention,you will probably notice a note just for you, just when you need it.
Looking for the positive is a trained response. One that you teach yourself as you live out your daily life. It will become easier, as you train yourself to look for God in your everyday life.
There are 3D pictures that look jumbled and only by training your eyes to look for the enclosed image can you see it. An image within the image.
I want to encourage you to look around you in your 3D life for the small reminders that you are not forsaken, that you are not forgotten.
That the God of the universe has printed YOU on the palms of His hand. How amazing is that!

Train your eyes to see the picture within the picture. You and your life in the eternal plan of God.

And right now, my note to you is a virtual bumper sticker that is reminding you that God loves you. That as His child, the tears that you shed are held in a bottle. That nothing befalls you in mind, body, or spirit that He does not see. Look for it. His notes of encouragement in your everyday life.


~Debbie


© 2010 Debbie Turner Chavers


Isaiah 49:16
Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of [my] hands; thy walls [are] continually before me.

Psalm 56:8Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: [are they] not in thy book?

Proverbs 18:24
A man [that hath] friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend [that] sticketh closer than a brother.

The Safety Pin

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 sewing kit or a safety pin.
What to do now?

My answer came as I approached the sink in the store bathroom to wash my hands.
As I came near the sink, I heard and saw a woman muttering and fussing to no one in general. She stood at the sink watching me in the mirror as I approached.
Noticing that I was still being watched, I explained briefly, that my button had fallen off as I stooped to retrieve it from the floor. She said nothing in return.

Momentarily, I paused to smile at her and turned to leave when I heard her mutter something in my direction.
"Here" she said abruptly, as she extended her hand toward me.
She was offering me a bent safety pin which had seen better days.

It was a small, silver, safety pin.
Yet it appeared jewel like, extended in the hand of a stranger. Just what I needed.
She appeared embarrassed by her offer of help and awkwardly returned my joyful hug as I thanked her.
She smiled and gave me a firm hug back..... no longer muttering.

I had a great vacation with many blessings but the gift of the safety pin is definitely a memory I will treasure.
The act of kindness to a stranger from a stranger helped restore more than my gaping waistband, it helped pin back together my bruised desire to be an encouragement and help others.
From the smallest gift, we can encourage one another to press on. Do not doubt your ability or your gifts to make a difference today.

Being held together by His Love,
~Debbie

© 2010 Debbie Turner Chavers

Hebrews 13:2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

2 Thessalonians 3:13 But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.

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 11:23Who, 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 job is to serve others in my circle of care by making life easier, more orderly, and prayerfully a better day for those in and around my sphere of influence. And when life slows down, I grab a pen "Writer"or paintbrush "Painter" and share what I am learning with others.

As with any job, I am more successful on some days than others. This servant thing is hard.
Yet, to live life only for one's self is harder still.
Regardless, of our job titles, job one is to serve, just as Christ served.

After, study of God's word, I think Servant, is a pretty grand title.

~Debbie

© 2010 Debbie Turner Chavers

Matthew 20:26-28
But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

Mark 9:35
And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, [the same] shall be last of all, and servant of all.

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 stacked on mercies side.

James 2:10
For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one [point], he is guilty of all.

Luke 6:42
Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother's eye.

~Debbie

© 2010 Debbie Turner Chavers

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 shall all families of the earth be blessed.

A Holy Reciprocal.
If it is your habit to be a giver/ nurturer by nature, then receiving something in return will probably be odd at first.
To give and expect something in return.
Yet, this is scriptural.

Example:
For God gave and wants you in return.

John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Remember the choices you make today are affecting your future.
I am told in God's word that you reap what you sow.
So, I now expect a reciprocal. Not a payment in kind, yet to be blessed in return for my blessing.
An Abraham type of blessing.

Luke 6:38
Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom.
For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

You do not plant beans and expect to harvest apples from that field.
A reciprocal, something of like value. Ask and receive.
To give and receive nothing in return is not scriptural.

~Debbie
© 2010 Debbie Turner Chavers

In Isolation

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 4:19But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Matthew 26:11For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always.

Half-Hearted

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.

~Debbie
© 2010 Debbie Turner Chavers

You can read more about the heart at The Love of Money my art parable painting.

The Love of Money Is The Root of All Evil

© 2010 Debbie Turner Chavers

Mark 12:33
And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love [his] neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.


*Update-added January 2016 : I have painted another Art Parable titled  1/2 Hearted Obedience, which you can view by clicking on the title of the painting.

1/2 Hearted Obedience

© 2013 Debbie Turner Chavers

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.
Neutral 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 could easily move the gear into Reverse.
Alright, so the gears work!
Yet, as soon as I turned the engine on, the gears would lock.
Not moving.
I called for help.
My help, came from my husband, who said, " Put the car in Neutral with the brake engaged, turn on the engine and move the gear into reverse. "
Wow! it worked.
A simple gear change.
If you find yourself not going forward and not going backwards. A shift in gears in needed.
Neutral.

~Debbie
© 2010 Debbie Turner Chavers

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

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 quite attractive in appearance. It was similar in appearance to lambs ear. An invasive plant.
All the weeds up to this point had been pliable and easy to remove with the roots lifting out easily. When I tried to pull this new weed from the bed it had a long tap root. This tap root required a small shovel to remove its hold in the garden.
Because this particular plant had a tap root, I will have to be diligent to watch for its renewal.
Although it appeared attractive, it was an invasive weed.
Some things in our own lives have tap roots and require the shovel of God's spoken Word and the power of His Holy Spirit to remove. We must be diligent to examine the garden of our heart and weed out those things which will invade and attempt to take over the garden of our heart.
We are a garden unto the Lord and He has planted peace, love, joy, goodness in His garden. These are some of the seeds that God's love has planted in us.

The Easter season is upon us. My encouragement today is that we all will pray for and allow God through His son Jesus Christ to create in us a clean and weed free heart and renew a right spirit within us.

~Debbie

© 2010 Debbie Turner Chavers

Psalm 51:10
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

Ephesians 3:17That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,

Song of Songs 2:15
Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines [have] tender grapes.

Isaiah 58:11And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.

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 complain. Whether by a peevish attitude or a general dissatisfied demeanor I can affect those around me. So can you.
So today I want to provoke us both to take the lead. Obey God's word and provoke those around us unto love and good works.
You and I have tremendous potential to have a wonderful, positive effect on others during our life time.
Do not dismiss the power of one.
Be the one who provokes others unto love and good works.

~Debbie

© 2010 Debbie Turner Chavers

Hebrews 10:24
And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:


John 15:3
Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.

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 in an entirely new way. The scripture states, I was a stranger and ye took me in.
Well, to be honest that has always kind of freaked me out. You know taking in the stranger. From a small child I was warned not to pick up hitch-hikers. Do not accept candy from strangers. And the list went on. Stranger Danger!
I repeated these same warnings to my children. So how could I reconcile my fear with the scripture admonition of Jesus Christ, with my parents warnings ringing in my ears?
Well, God meets you where you are at, even if it is out of town!
He showed me that I was being allowed to take in a stranger by offering friendship and fellowship to those who were put in my path.
I am being allowed to participate at my own comfort level..via friendship to fulfill the scripture admonition. I was a stranger and you took me in. I took them in by including them in my circle of care.
Read over the scriptures below and see how God grants you the ability to live out these scriptures.

~Debbie

© 2010 Debbie Turner Chavers

Matthew 25:35
For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:

Matthew 25:36
Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.

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?

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 tried to explain to her that not everyone would appreciate our gifts and yet we should still give. He did not like her flower, but I did.

Years later, we still give a horrified laugh when we remember the insensitivity of the situation. There were other times when this same person was giving but had a hard time receiving. It would be easy to only perceive the weeds in life and not look for the flowers.
Weed or flower? The choice is yours.
It is really all about how you view it.

We used that day to learn to look beyond the obvious and try to be patient with each other.
By the grace of the Holy Spirit and a realization of our own faults we will be able to patiently anticipate the finished work in each other.
Only the potter knows when the pot is finished and complete. We are told to be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving one another.
Be patient with each other, sometimes things are not as they appear at the moment.
But the sculptor of our soul sees the complete picture before the unveiling.
Be patient.
Wait for the "Ta Da"! at the unveiling.

~Debbie
© 2010 Debbie Turner Chavers


Ephesians 4:32
And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

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. Even in gardening, the fields have to be ploughed repeatedly until the soil is pliable, broken up and ready for the applied seed. Prepare your fields. Do your part.

Eventually, there will be a harvest. Remember, even a field that is not ploughed will break through with weeds. Seeds are everywhere. Plant what you want to grow.

Be diligent......hands steady on the plough, working toward the desired harvest in your life and the lives of others.

~Debbie

© 2010 Debbie Turner Chavers

Luke 9:62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

Romans 14:17
For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

Choose Your Path Carefully

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.
Until..... we pulled off the road.

Life can be like this at times. The path your on, appears to be just fine. Until you take a moment to pull over. If we had examined our path closely we would have noticed that the road was fairly firm but just inches into the side of the road the land was mush!

Quickly realizing our mistake, we turned the wheel and started moving backwards.
Well, sort of. We actually moved backwards and forwards, and backwards and forwards with much prayer and steady slight turning of the steering wheel.
Going forward into the mush seemed counter productive but the driver hoped to find more solid ground on which to get a running start toward the road.
But we had made a rut.
Sometimes even our well meaning actions to get out of a mess....put us in a rut.
After much effort and many false starts we finally made it back to within a few feet from the road. Not back on the firm ground of the road bed. But close.
So close....yet so far. Long story short. We have a friend who lives right off that country road who has a tractor.
We walked down the road and our friend pulled us out of the ditch with that beautiful country tractor. After a bit of effort he pulled us out of our dilemma, for which we are very grateful.
What could have been a huge aggravation ended on a positive note because of the help of a friend when we wandered off the path.

Life is like that. God has a chosen path for us to follow and yet if we through accident or rebellion wander off it, He is prepared to rescue you if you will come to Him and ask.
Don't leave your life or your truck in a ditch. Get some help. I am glad we did.

~Debbie

© 2010 Debbie Turner Chavers


Proverbs 4:26Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.

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 has recognized some ancient landmarks and yet ignores or replaces thousands of others that have far greater value to the spiritual and physical needs of our nation.

Each dismissed boundary shouts from our past "This is Important"

I am one, you are one. In my life I can choose to honor God's word and obey the boundaries that His love for me has established. As an individual I can daily find a way to establish God's word, His ancient landmark in my heart and my everyday life.
In the physical realm, I can let my voice be heard for the good.
There are many ways to establish a landmark or recognize and honor our ancient spiritual and physical landmarks.
Set a precedence.
You are the generation that will establish your children's landmarks.
Be one.
A vocal, active one.
I am one. You are one.
Make a difference.


~Debbie


Proverbs 22:28
Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set.