I have discovered a new and exciting hobby of taking photos and sharing God’s Words as they inspire me to be in complete “AWE” of how great our God is! I hope you enjoy the photos.
Hello friends! I wanted to let you know that I updated my Inspirational Photos Page on my Blog. Simply click the the words “Inspirational Photos” on the Home Page. Thank you all for your continued support. I hope you find encouragement, comfort and reassurance of God’s enduring, unfailing LOVE. The world is facing a common enemy in COVID-19 and my heart breaks for all who are affected. Stay strong in your faith. Trust in the PROMISES of God!
~Peace Charlotte
Saturday, March 21st, 2020
The Photo-a-Day Challenge for today is:
LISTEN
Merriam-Webster Dictionary: LISTEN
• to pay attention to sound
• to hear something with thoughtful attention
• to be alert to catch an expected sound
The Bible gives us many examples of listening. It is when we quiet ourselves that we can hear God speaking to us. I love the sounds of nature, birds singing, the wind blowing, ocean water as it crashing into the shore, the thunder during a storm, all these and many more. All of these are gifts from our Heavenly Father.
What are ways you listen for God’s small still voice in your life?
Here’s a few verses that teach us about listening:
“Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, “This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!” ~Mark 9:7
“We know that God does not listen to sinners, but he does listen to one who worships him and obeys his will.” ~John 9:31
“Like a gold ring or an ornament of gold is a wise rebuke to a listening ear.” ~Proverbs 25:12
“They are from the world; therefore what they say is from the world, and the world listens to them. We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us, and whoever is not from God does not listen to us. From this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.” ~1 John 4:5-6
“Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!” ~Luke 9:35
ειρήνη – “Peace” in Greek, reference listed the below.
~Peace~ειρήνη~Charlotte 🌻🙏🏻❣️☀️
References:
Saturday, March 21st, 2020
Words Matter! I have a friend that uses that phrase from time to time. Each time I hear it, it’s truth rings loud. I use words too quickly and often find myself backpedaling my way out of a situation that could have been avoided. Speaking before giving thought to words usually does not end well especially when emotions are in play. I have tried to practice another phrase that my wise friend uses; area of concern and area of control! Sounds easy enough doesn’t it? It makes total sense to me in theory it’s the practical application that gets me into trouble. Simply put, each of us have countless things we are concerned about; however, we are actual only in control of very few.
Indeed, the words we use are very powerful, they can bless and curse. It is the smallest of things in life that can make the biggest difference such as, the size of the rudder in comparison to the size of the ship it moves or how the slightest little spark can cause a raging fire. Our tongue or as James describes it in verse 8 of chapter 3, “but no one can tame the tongue—a restless evil, full of deadly poison.” Rev. Sam says on page 26 of the pamphlet, we should listen more and speak less and the best way to be full of blessing is to place ourselves before God.
There are times when we need to seek forgiveness for the words we speak. Sometimes, we seek refuge from cursing we did not ask for. A lesson I’ve learned and continue to learn is we are all sinners and need forgiveness. Just as God forgives, grants mercy and grace we must do the same for others. Forgiveness does not mean you condone or excuse someone’s offenses, you release your resentment of the actions. “…since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; they are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” ~Romans 3:23-24
The tongue and the words it can produce can be used or good or great evil.
Practice:
As you examine your words in the quiet, where has this restless evil hurt you?
How have you hurt others?
If there is someone you have wronged with your words, can you reach out and ask for grace?
ειρήνη – “Peace” in Greek, reference listed below.
~Peace~ειρήνη~Charlotte 🌻🙏🏻❣️
References:
https://biblehub.com/greek/1515.htm
https://www.abingdonpress.com/
Friday, March 20th, 2020
Today is turning out to be a day of celebration(s)!
And, I am also celebrating 15 Years Federal Service!
God is good, GOD IS ALWAYS SO VERY, VERY GOOD!
ειρήνη – “Peace” in Greek, reference listed below.
~Peace~ειρήνη~Charlotte 🌻🙏🏻❣️
Reference:
Friday, March 20th, 2020
ειρήνη – “Peace” in Greek, reference listed below.
~Peace~ειρήνη~Charlotte 🌻🙏🏻❣️
Reference:
Friday, March 20th, 2020
Matthew 11:28
“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”
How do you sabbath?
Rev. Sam shares her story of sabbath on page 25 of the pamphlet, “The Sanctuary for Lent 2020.” She shares a story of how her world and how her sabbath changed after having a child. Everything changed. The Bible tells us to keep the sabbath holy.
Do you have a routine or an activity that helps you celebrate “sabbath?” Rev. Sam explains that cooking and doing meal prep while listening to music is critical to her being. She is able to hear all the noises, from slicing food to the lyrics of songs to feel her spirit and soul. She’s able to recognize her pains and her joys. In doing these things she is able to feed her body, mind and soul, gain nourishment and a renewed spirit.
How do I sabbath?
• I write and share on this blog site. It is relaxing and stimulating all wrapped up together.
• I worship with my friends and family on Sunday’s and share in communion.
• I spend quality time my Esther’s Circle Women’s group at church.
• I engage in interesting conversations with my coworkers with about religion and politics.
• I stay connected with friends through texting.
• I take pictures of nature: trees, flowers, ponds, lakes, birds…lots of things.
• I go for a drive on roads less traveled sometimes with the radio on and sometimes in silence.
• I spend time with my family.
• I pray.
As you can tell, I try to stay connected but it is also good to spend time alone with God. Sit in the silence and listen for God’s voice. He speaks in a small still voice. When we sabbath, we admit we need God’s help.
ειρήνη – “Peace” in Greek, reference listed below.
~Peace~ειρήνη~Charlotte 🌻🙏🏻❣️
References:
https://biblehub.com/greek/1515.htm
https://www.abingdonpress.com/
Friday, March 20th, 2020
The Photo-a-Day Challenge word for today is: SEE
Merriam-Webster Dictionary: SEE
• to perceive by the eye
• to perceive or detect as if by sight
• to form a mental picture of
• to come to know
1 Corinthians 13:12
“For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face. Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known.”
Have you ever found yourself squinting to see something more clearly? I wear glasses and often I ind myself squinting or taking my glasses off to change my point of view, hoping for an improvement. 1 Corinthians 13:12, is one of my favorite verses in the Bible. From early in my childhood I heard stories of Jesus and of Heaven, this stories helped me imagine what places and people looked like. It wasn’t until I was older and discovered if you read a book your imagination gets to create all the visuals of places and people based upon what the writer tells you. Then, someone decides to make that book into a movie and the producer gets it all wrong, lol! Our imaginations create things that are personal and hold great meaning to us, that’s the beauty of reading, at least for me. The Bible offers glimpses of Heaven and just in my span of life so far my image of Heaven has changed because my knowledge of the Bible and my personal relationship with Jesus has grown stronger. My vision has improved but still remains a bit out of focus.
As I began writing this I was drawn to the word faith and the importance it is in the lives of believers. As I was thinking about the word, “SEE,” I began to see the connection it has with faith, faith helps us SEE. We each SEE Jesus in our own way, our experiences have molded an image of who Jesus is to us and that’s why it’s called a personal relationship. It’s different but the same, Jesus is Jesus our visual image in our minds may look different, but He is indeed JESUS to us all! Do you remember a few years ago the dress color debate circling the internet, some said black while others said it was black & blue and white & gold? Turns out it was actually blue & black. *https://www.nhpr.org/post/what-color-dress-debate-broke-internet#stream/0
No matter your visual images of Jesus and Heaven, this I know…One day we will SEE face to face.
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” ~ Matthew 5:8
ειρήνη – “Peace” in Greek, reference listed the below.
~Peace~ειρήνη~Charlotte 🌻🙏🏻❣️☀️
References:
https://biblehub.com/greek/1515.htm
https://www.nhpr.org/post/what-color-dress-debate-broke-internet#stream/0
Thursday, March 19th, 2020
The photo word for today is: ABLE
Merriam-Webster Dictionary: ABLE
• having sufficient power, skill, or resources to do something
• having the freedom or opportunity to do something
• having a quality or nature that makes something possible
“I pray because I can’t help myself. I pray because I’m helpless. I pray because the need flows out of me all the time, waking and sleeping. It doesn’t change God.”
~C. S. Lewis
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Around the globe we are dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. In the midst of chaos and uncertainty the one thing we are always ABLE to do is PRAY! Praying is communicating with God. The more we pray and seek God’s Will, we are ABLE to strengthen our relationship with Him. If you don’t know how to pray you can recite the Lord’s Prayer found in the Bible. *Matthew 6:9-13 and Luke 11:2-4
We are ABLE to call out to God from anyplace, from anywhere and at anytime. You don’t have to know any special words just speak what’s on your heart. God is waiting for you and me. When we don’t know what to do, we can pray. My thoughts and prayers go out to those suffering with COVID-19, stay strong in your faith, God is with you. I am also praying for our leaders around the world and for clear heads and mutual respect for our neighbors, we are all in this together. This is not a time for hoarding and inflated pricing for supply and demand. This is an opportunity to do what’s right and good for all humanity. May the Lord Bless You and Keep You. ~Amen.
Here’s a poem I wrote and it was published in 2006, I hope it finds you well.
ειρήνη – “Peace” in Greek, reference listed the below.
~Peace~ειρήνη~Charlotte 🌻🙏🏻❣️☀️
References:
Thursday, March 19th, 2020
Luke 13:10-13
“Now he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath. And just then there appeared a woman with a spirit that had crippled her for eighteen years. She was bent over and was quite unable to stand up straight. When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said, “Woman, you are set free from your ailment.” When he laid his hands on her, immediately she stood up straight and began praising God.”
The verses for today tells us a story of Jesus teaching in a synagogue on the sabbath. He sees a crippled woman and heals her. But immediately the leader of the synagogue were angry and started to quote the law, saying there are six days that work should be done and not on the sabbath. Suggesting the woman return another day. Jesus replies and calls them “hypocrites” pointing out that each one unties his ox or donkey from the manger to get water on the sabbath. The leaders were “splitting hairs” with regard to the law. Rest on the sabbath is to engage in things that draw us nearer to God. Work is subjective in this regard, getting out of bed can be work for some of us, driving to church on Sunday or the day you worship; silly and piety are those who want to point fingers and make acquisitions. Jesus healing on the sabbath, shows us compassion, mercy, grace and love. These are the qualities that we are to extend to one another. We can follow Jesus’ example, when we see others in need, we should do what you can to help. Even offer to help before it is requested, just like Jesus did healing the crippled woman.
During this time of Lent as we continue to navigate REST, is your spirit in need of healing? Often, our needs are sometimes unseen by the naked eye, but God knows our hearts and our thoughts. If we call out to Jesus, He will hear us and offer a soothing ointment to our most vulnerable pains; body, mind and spirit.
• Is there something you need to be set free from?
• Can you call out and claim your pains and aches?
No matter what aliments you are experiencing, physical or spiritual, Jesus is eager to restore you and give you REST.
Matthew 11:28
“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”
Exodus 33:14
“My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
Practice:
Pray as you rub a little bit of oil on your wrist or hand: “God, I come to you seeking healing. I want to be restored to wholeness. Help me find REST in your compassionate love. Help me find a reason to praise you. Amen.”
ειρήνη – “Peace” in Greek, reference listed below.
~Peace~ειρήνη~Charlotte 🌻🙏🏻❣️
References:
https://biblehub.com/greek/1515.htm
https://www.brittanyhopemusic.com/media
http://www.freebibleimages.org/illustrations/gnpi-066-stooped-woman/
https://www.abingdonpress.com/
Wednesday, March 18th, 2020
Luke 18:15-17
“People were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them; and when the disciples saw it, they sternly ordered them not to do it. But Jesus called for them and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.”
I simply must include one of my favorite photos I found online a few years ago. Every time I see it, I can’t help but see me in the photo with Jesus. It also reminds me of a real photo of me in my moms arms as a child. Mothers are gifts from God.
Rev. Sam writes (page 23) about children today and how they change the lives of all those around them. I can’t speak from a parents perspective with children but as an aunt of a niece and nephew and a great-aunt of two boys, soon to be three boys I can say with certainty children are a blessing. I also had the opportunity to share in the early lives of two twin boys of a dear friend of mine. I have enjoyed seeing all these children grow, learn and change. They grow up so quickly, almost too quickly, one day they love to hug you and the next, they are too cool for such things. (Lol). I look back on my own childhood and remember all the sacrifices my parents made for me. Having the support and physical presence of my parents is beyond words, my heart is full. With the fast paced world we live in it can be easy to have things pass us by. Please take time for your children, they may not see the benefits now but it will matter later in life. Enjoy the wonder and curiosity of our youth, encourage them and provide avenues to chase their dreams. They grow up so very fast! In our scripture verses for today, Jesus welcomes children with open arms. The disciples thought they were disrupting the work they were doing, Jesus quickly says to the disciples, “for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.” ~Luke 18:16-17
Children remind us of what pure love is all about, they remind us of God’s love for us. The importance of Sabbath REST, is to slow down, redirect our thoughts even recalibrate ourselves from the chaos going on in the world area us. We are in trying times right now, we need God more than ever to navigate the daily changes that are being implemented for our safety and health. We can still support and encourage one another in the midst of these trials. Trust in God, love children, love your neighbors, pray for your community, your family, your friends, your nation, your government and it’s leaders. Find rest in God the Father! My prayers and thoughts are with you my friends! Go in Peace~
Practice:
If you have children, ask them to choose and activity to do together, be intentional and present with them. If you do not have children, choose a childlike activity to enjoy. Play and have fun! Be joyous!
ειρήνη – “Peace” in Greek, reference listed below.
~Peace~ειρήνη~Charlotte 🌻🙏🏻❣️
References:
https://biblehub.com/greek/1515.htm
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