Writing and Art From A Life Redeemed by Jesus Christ

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...

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 ...

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...

Once again a new year is upon us. It is time for reflection and realignment of goals. Goals are small steps we each can take to further our success in everyday life. I try not to make new year resolutions. Instead I make a list of things I would like to accomplish in the following year. As I reflect on my current list it falls into several categories. I am listing the top three and how I start determining my plan of action. As I focus on each area, of Spirit, Soul, and Body I will co-ordinate my personal plan of action. You do the same for yourself. Spirit- the principle of conscious life; 1. (My intentions/goal) My mental determination to stay organized, focused and methodically move toward my goals. This involves a whittling away of what is not necessary in my everyday life on a regular basis. To be evaluated routinely. In my case, daily, the night before a new day. As with any plan...adjustments will be made as needed. It is necessary to recognize your small and large success in a...

 Original water color painting " Weeping May Endure for a Night, but Joy Cometh in the Morning" copyright © 2005 Debbie Turner Chavers  This is a reminder to love one another and live your life fully given unto the Lord . No man knows the time table of the Lord. We each have been appointed a time to die and a purpose under heaven. Most of us are fairly sure that we are not prepared to die. Yet, are we prepared to live? Precious people all around the world died yesterday, today, and will die tomorrow. You have been created and appointed to serve the Lord with your life and your gifting. Are you applying yourself to your appointment? Are you loving others and walking in forgiveness? Prepare to Love and to Live. Today is a unique opportunity for YOU . Prepare to LIVE . Even when your hopes, dreams, or a loved one leaves, you must live. Grab the gift of your life and live. Do not wait any longer. Armour yourself in His love and LIVE. Live and love each pre...

 Enough © Debbie Turner Chavers  Elijah was a prophet in the Old Testament who loved God and did many things in the strength of the Lord. But there came a time when he was worn out. So worn out and discouraged that he asked the Lord to let him die. 1 Kings 19:4 But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I [am] not better than my fathers. 1 Kings 19:5 And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise [and] eat. 1 Kings 19:6 And he looked, and, behold, [there was] a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again. 1 Kings 19:7 And the angel of the LORD came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise [and] eat; because the journey [is] too great for thee. Now as you read...

Yesterday was my one year blog anniversary for this encouragement journal. I started out writing a few of the thoughts and processes that I use to encourage myself. Living out loud online. LOLO ! my encouragement journal :) I have always loved to encourage others as well as receive encouragement. I did my part and you through your prayers and emails of support ministered right back to me:) Thank you. I know that when we get to heaven we will know then the difference that our love and how our lives lived have affected others. But for now I will take encouragement by the purposed and random acts of kindness from others. Mine to others and theirs toward me and mine. You make a difference, I make a difference. Praying that we all continue fighting the good fight of faith. Loving and leaving a positive impression of God's great love toward us all. ~Debbie 2 Peter 1:10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye sh...