Share Your World - 2016 Week 10

What would you ask for if a genie granted you three wishes?
1. For every person on the planet to accept Jesus as their Savior and to lovingly live their lives as an expression of gratitude for the abundant life He gives.
2. No more death or sorrow.
3. Perfect health for everyone.

Of course, all these things will be reality in God's kingdom on earth when Christ returns. I don't need a genie when I have a God who is faithful to His promises.

What experiences are most meaningful for you?
Those shared with someone I love. Doesn't have to be a big event or a planned out activity as long as I can do it with a loved one. I enjoy experiences that stretch me. Not daredevil kinds of things, but stretch my spirit or make me look at things in a way I hadn't considered. Soul stretching experiences are my favorites.

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I always wanted to be a teacher. I think it's because of my love of school supplies and children. But I never finished my education to accomplish this and that's probably a good thing. I've found I'm not as patient as I'd need to be in a classroom. My love of office/school supplies has translated into my love of writing, which is much more suited to my personality. And my love for children has been fulfilled in my own children and grandchildren.

Complete this sentence: The best day of my life was…

The day I gave my heart to Jesus. I was eleven years old and didn't know much. But I knew I loved Jesus and that He could make a difference in my life. That was enough. I've never once regretted it.

Bonus questions: What are you grateful for from last week, and what are you looking forward to next week?
I'm super grateful that our renters found a new place to live so the house will be free for my daughter and her family to move into in a couple weeks. I'm looking forward to getting a haircut next Wednesday at a new salon. Should be fun!

Do any of these questions resonate with you? Share your own answer in the comments!

Linda

Thoughtful Thursday - Creator and Critics

It's easy to get caught up in what people think. We like people to like us. But there will always be naysayers, those who just don't get you, or think you're not living up to your potential. They may even be right on occasion.

But regardless, keep your eyes on your Creator. It's in Him that you live and move and have your being (Acts 17:28 NIV). It doesn't matter what anyone else thinks of you. You are made in the very image of God. That's gotta be good, right? He gives your life purpose and meaning. He loves you in all your imperfection, even when the critics are right. Keep looking to Him as He refines you into pure gold.

God will handle your critics. Your job is to keep looking at Him. Soon others will follow your gaze.

Linda

Wordless Wednesday - Woofspresso, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Linda

Timeless Tuesday - Happy Goodbyes

When I was a kid I used to think it was great fun to say the first two goodbyes on this meme, but I'd never heard the rest of these sayings.  Goodbyes aren't nearly so hard when they rhyme. It automatically ups the happy factor. With my grandkids moving back in the next few weeks, I intend to employ these happy goodbyes every time they go home. After all, if we have to say goodbye, might as well make it fun, right?

Do you say any of these? Do you know any others that should be on this list? 

Linda

26 Weeks Letter Challenge: E

Week five of the 26 Weeks Letter Challenge, where I'll post photographs of things that begin with that week's letter. Feel free to play along in the comments or on your own blog. It's a great way to use some of those pictures taking up space in your computer.

E is for:

Ethan - grandson #2

Eggs, fresh from our friends' hens

Electricity

Expressions 

Endings

Share Your World - 2016 Week 9

Have you done something you truly want to do today?

Yep. I really wanted to get all my blog posts for next week written and scheduled and I did! And take a nap. Naps are always good.

What can you help the world with?

I can continue to guide my children, even though they're grown, in a way of love, compassion, and giving back. I can do the same for my grandchildren. I can be a soft place for people to land when they encounter difficult times or simply need a listening ear. I can share the hope that is within me, Jesus Christ.

If life was ‘just a bowl of cherries’…which fruit other than a cherry would you be?

I would probably be a strawberry. I eat strawberries every morning for breakfast, along with blueberries or blackberries and half a banana. Then I pour a bit of heavy whipping cream and sugar-free hazelnut creamer over it. Delicious. It's my cereal of choice.

Berry breakfast

Quotes List: List at least three of your favorite quotes.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV).  That’s my life verse. Here are a few other favorites.

If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31 (NIV).

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 (NIV).

For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13 (NLT).

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 (NIV).

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:37-39 (NIV).

You may wonder why all my quotes are scriptures. It's because they're the ultimate, absolute truth, which is what any other quote only aspires to. They are God-breathed and His Word never fails. Never. I know of no other quote, no matter how cute, pithy, or poignant, can live up to that. Not to mention that scripture is life-changing when practiced regularly in everyday life.

Bonus question: What are you grateful for from last week, and what are you looking forward to the week ahead? I'm grateful for the opportunity to speak life and hope into the lives of scared pregnant girls who come into the Choices Pregnancy Center where I volunteer. I'm beyond thankful and humbled I got to pray with two of the girls last week. I look forward to a ladies luncheon on Saturday with the women from my church.

Have a wonderful, safe weekend! Don't forget to worship the One who gives you life!

Linda

Thoughtful Thursday - Friendly Reminder