Posts from the ‘worship’ Category

November 29th ~ Thankful Thursdays

When do we normally give thanks? Not just praying..but when do we normally say Thank You or I’m thankful for… ?

Think about it for a second.

It is usually AFTER a blessing. Right?

After we’ve had an answered prayer.

After we’ve seen a beautiful sunset.

After.

What if we gave thanks to our Father before the blessing?

Jesus did.

Look at these two different passages of scripture and then tell me what you notice… They are lengthy..but PLEASE read them..

 

John 6:9-13 (NIV) ~ “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?” Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” There was plenty of grass in that place, and the men sat down, about five thousand of them. Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish. When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.

There were ONLY five loaves and two small fish. There were about five thousand men. Jesus GAVE THANKS and then….fed all who were there and still had food left over!

John 11:38-44 (NIV) ~ Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. “Take away the stone,” he said. “But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.” Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.” When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”

WOW! Can you just imagine this!!! Oh how awesome it would have been to have witnessed this first hand. I sit here now just imagining his voice..LOUDLY saying: “Lazarus, come out!” And then..to see the looks on their faces when lo and behold Lazarus came strutting out! Well, maybe he didn’t strut..I bet he was amazed and awestruck. Woah! Blows my mind.

They took away the stone at Jesus’ command and before Jesus even commanded Lazarus to come out, Jesus thanked God out loud for hearing him. BEFORE…not after the blessing..the miracle.

So..after reading and studying these passages, I am really reminded that we are supposed to give thanks BEFORE the blessing or miracle. That requires faith.

 

My gratitude list for this week’s post:

 

1) I am so thankful and blown away at how my God provides..He is so good to us!

2) I am thankful for photography..I’m thankful for those who allow me the privilege to photograph their families..and capturing those special moments..

3) I am thankful for being able to see and hear and taste…Being able to see the beauty around me..and even seeing the loneliness so that I can reach out. being able to hear the voices and laughter and music. Being able to taste good food. :)

4) I am thankful that my GOD will provide all of my needs.

 

Share with me…What 3 things are YOU thankful for this week …that have already happened? Then..what ONE thing are you thankful for that you are having faith that will happen?

 

Psalm 100:4 ~ Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.

 

              Until Next Time,

 

 

 

 

Thankful Thursdays ~ November 1st

Hebrews 12:28,29 (NIV) ~ Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.

Thankful. Worship. Consuming Fire.

Have you ever looked at “Thanking God” as an act of worship?

That’s what it is…

We are to be so consumed with God that HE is in the center and controlling everything!

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV) ~ Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Our feelings and circumstances should never cause us to hold back from worshipping our God with thanksgiving. Feelings are feelings.. They don’t control us. We have the choice to have self-control and not let outside influences dictate our reactions or responses to them.

There will be days that we don’t “feel” like looking for the joy and giving thanks to Him for anything. Those are the days that we are allowing “self” to get in the way. Those are the days when we need to dig deep and look for the joy, even in the tiniest of things. There is joy to be found everywhere and Yes, even in the not so good days.

This isn’t saying to THANK HIM for all the things that happen to us..but, to “give thanks in ALL circumstances”. 

To trust HIM.

Proverbs 3:5 ~ Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding

Proverbs 29:25 ~ Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.

Before I tell you what I am thankful for today, I want to share with you a blog post from last year that I wrote about thankfulness.

You can click HERE to read it.

I am THANKFUL for……………..

1) Time spent with my family and loved ones

2) New pine straw in my flower beds..and that my husband put it out

3) Running my best time ever in a 5K road race last Saturday (winning 3rd in my age group)

What THREE things are you thankful for this week?

Share them with me and others…Thankfulness is contagious.

Until Next Time,

Thankful Thursdays ~ October 11th

It’s funny, since starting these Thursday posts, I seem to be more aware of things and people who I am thankful for. Gifts and blessings from God that I am more aware of. I look forward to these Thursday posts. To get to share with all of you..and read your comments about what you are thankful for.

It blesses my heart..

If it blesses MY heart, then just IMAGINE how thankfulness blesses God’s heart.

 

   Psalm 95:2 (NIV) ~ Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.

 

 1)  I am so very thankful that I was able to be a part of our local Christ Makes Winners Rally at my church last night. We worshiped HIM with music, song, a phenomenal speaker and prayer.  It was awesome! So many kids from our community, coming together before the BIG football game (LOWNDES versus VALDOSTA) …putting their focus on GOD first..coming together as friends instead of rivals. A tradition that was started 32 years ago by VHS Coach, Nick Hyder. To show them that JESUS makes us ALL winners.

 

 

 

 2)  When we were driving out of our neighborhood this morning..as we rounded the corner, God had a GORGEOUS sky waiting ahead. As I stopped at the stop sign before leaving our neighborhood, my daughter and I both snapped a picture. Breathtaking. I’m always in AWE of God when I see the skies that he creates.

 

 

 3)  I am so thankful for the gift that God gives to those who are published authors..for HIS glory. I recently (this week) began reading Ann Voskamp’s book, One Thousand Gifts. Awesome…

 

 

As always, I could just go on and on..God’s blessings are so abundant.

Sometimes, all it takes is to stop and reflect. Slow down and notice the little things and THEN, thank HIM for them.

 

 

   Romans 11:36 (NIV) ~ For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.

   Ephesians 3:20,21 (NIV) ~ Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

 

 

   NOW...it’s your turn. Share with us… 3 things that you are thankful for this week.  As I’ve said before…you can comment on this post, on FB, or on Twitter..  Please share with us…

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{ or my website..here.. heatherdawkins.com }

 

         Thankful for YOU,

 

THANKFUL THURSDAYS ~ October 4th

It’s that time again! I have been looking forward to Thursday all week!

  I wonder…did you think more about what you were thankful for?

I did! I loved the comments.. Loved hearing what YOU were thankful for!

 

 Colossians 4:2 ~ Devote yourselves to prayer  with an alert mindand a thankful heart.

 

Not only are we to pray. We are to thank HIM when we pray. We are to  be thankful..when we pray. Prayer is a privilege. It is our lifeline to God. HE owes us nothing..yet, HE allows us to have a conversation with HIM. HE loves for us to “hang out” with HIM in prayer. Prayer is an act of worship. Being thankful to God is an act of worship.

   So, let me hear it!

 

  What THREE things are you thankful for this week?

 

   Psalm 107:22 NLT ~ Let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving and sing joyfully about his glorious acts.

 

Don’t forget to thank HIM!

  AND…Maybe, you need to thank someone else too. Just a thought. You never know how much a thank you may mean to someone.

   PLEASE...share with me! Leave a comment with your 3 things that you are thankful for this week! Follow me on twitter @hgdSimpleTruths or click on the box in the top right corner of this post to get Simple Truths free to your email. You can also like my FB page..it is listed as Simple Truths Blog.

 

Here is my list of THREE things:

    1) I am thankful for a husband who loves me faults and all.

    2) I am thankful for a wonderful Dstudy group at my church.

   3) I am thankful to be able to run and work out! 

 

 

         UNTIL NEXT TIME,

 

An Empty Package

What if you got a gift bag and you filled it with pretty tissue paper and put a beautiful bow on the outside?  BUT…you didn’t actually put a present inside the bag. It sure is pretty. Decorated just gorgeous. BUT..it’s empty.

Pretty much a waste isn’t it? What’s the point of it? Would you want that gift?

Now..

In life, we all pretty much do the same thing sometimes. Sure, we look like we have it all together. Hair fixed. Decent outfit. A home with manicured yards (with my house being the exception.. :) ). We all may look like we have it all together.

Five Bibles in the house. “Praying” before each meal. Going to church. You know..doing the “right” things. To look good.

How’s the inside look? See..God looks on the inward appearance.

1 Samuel 16:7 (NIV) ~ But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man look at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

Everybody sees our outward appearance. Only God and (me or you) can see what is on the inside.

Will you take a look on the inside with me? Will you look within..like I am doing..and see what may need to improve with the attitude of the heart?

Otherwise, we are just nicely decorated..empty packages.

I don’t want to be an empty package that just looks like it should. I want to glorify HIM in ALL things. HE sees the inward appearance. We can’t fool HIM.

 

“What you are is God’s gift to you, what you become is your gift to God.”~ Hans Urs von Balthasar

 

 

Questions for you and for me:

1) What are some changes that you may need to make? 

2) How’s your attitude?

3) Do you realize that we can’t fool our God?

 

 

Until Next Time,

In The End

   I am so excited to share something awesome with you all! A few months ago, I had the privilege of being a small part in a music video. One Day Dreamer is hoping to jumpstart their band with this music video.

What a beautiful story and song it has turned out to be! I promise you that it is worth the few minutes it takes to watch it. They have put their heart and soul into it and you can tell.

Take a minute and watch “IN THE END”. One Day Dreamer is not just another band. To those involved, it is more of a “calling”. You can read more about these guys on their website. I’ll provide the links at the bottom of the page.

Not only do these guys play some AWESOME music, they also have a Video Production company called GlowCreativeStudio. They have a heart for God and missions.

Psalm 92:1 ~ {NIV} ~ It is good to praise the Lord and make music to your name, O Most High.

 

Here are the links:

One Day Dreamer

Sound Cloud

GlowCreativeStudio

AND….NOW….for the music video….I am so excited to share this with you! :)

In The End

Watch it please and then..if it touches you, please share it. I know that they also would love your prayers. Thanks so much…

Enjoy some of the still production photos…it was so much fun! :)

 

Until Next Time! :)

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

                            

It’s ALL About Love

 

 

Well, it has taken me a bit longer to process these thoughts and truths that have been jumping around in my head. I know that I have shared before, that I take this “writing” or “blogging” thing very serious. AND…Sometimes…that means just waiting and being still. Waiting for God. I have learned patience through this almost year that I have been sharing here on “Simple Truths”. I’ve learned that I am on HIS timeline…not mine.

I have learned that I am at peace when I am patient for HIS time.

I don’t want to mess this up. I don’t ever want these posts to be about ME. Oh no..not at all..I only want to shine for HIM. When I say I want to shine…I mean that HE IS LIGHT and I want to reflect HIM and HIM alone.

It has been a week ago today that I left to go on a retreat for women. We went away for two nights and oh how God touched me at the core of my soul. HIS presence was known. HIS words were spoken through many women (message, prayer, song, testimonies, sharing, etc..)  because of their obedience to HIM. It’s not always easy being truly obedient…because it really does take you out of your comfort zone. This I know. From experience. BUT…..oh at the blessings and complete joy that is felt when you are obedient. Blessings…not just for the other people…but for you as well.

I saw chains loosed last weekend…and chains are still being loosed because of the TRUTH that was spoken to us. GOD”S WORD is TRUTH dear friends. It IS HEALING for the soul.

 

Most importantly though…GOD’S WORD reflects HIS LOVE for US!! Friends…hear me when I say this…God LOVES YOU! He loves every single one of us!

We have got to start reflecting that LOVE. That TRUTH.

 

1 Peter 4:8 (NIV) ~ Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

 Deeply…it says. Not surface. Not fake. BUT….DEEPLY.

God’s LOVE….the love of Savior Jesus….covers our sins.

If you ARE a true follower/believer, you are CALLED to LOVE. DEEPLY.

I am called to love deeply. Do I always? No… Sometimes…the love that I show and you too (if you are being honest), is love that may be dependent on my emotions at the moment.

I am called to love deeply….not just when I feel like it. Not just when everything is “hunky-dory” (pardon the “old” phrase).

I am SO VERY THANKFUL that God loves me ALL the time. In fact, it still blows my mind sometimes that HIS love NEVER CHANGES. Seriously, you should do a search on your Bible app or in the dictionary and concordance in your actual Bible on the phrase “His love”. It’s awesome!

 

John 15:12~ My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.

We don’t love in this way out of our own ability to do so. NO…that isn’t even possible. IF and WHEN we LOVE in the way God commands us to love, it’s because God is loving the other person through us. IT’S HIM.

 

1 John 4:19~ We love because he first loved us.

 

   I am so thankful for all the LOVE that was shown this past weekend at the retreat. Women sometimes have a hard time letting down our walls..and letting ourselves be loved. It has to STOP. We have to stop comparing ourselves and thinking that everybody else must be thinking something “bad” about “me”. It’s a trap. A trap that the enemy wants us to be in. BECAUSE..we can’t possibly love each other if we don’t even love ourselves. GOD LOVES YOU.

I LOVE THESE WOMEN!!!

 

It’s okay to recognize areas that you have fault…but give those faults and bad habits…bondage..to  GOD (repent and change). THEN and only THEN can you move on. When I say move on..I mean, STOP letting your past mistakes define you. Allow God to love you and in turn reflect that same love to everyone you meet.

 

1 John 4:8~ Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.

It is ALL about LOVE. Isn’t that what we all want anyways?

I’ve got lots more on my mind and heart that I plan on sharing in regards to how my heart was touched during this time away. So, I’ll share again with you soon.

 

 

Until Next Time,

 

HE loves You, Flaws and All

 

As I was exercising on my treadmill (yay me!!), I had my earphones in and was listening to some awesome praise and worship music. It is a wonder that I didn’t fall off. Picture it : Treadmill…Music…Caught up in worshipping my Redeemer..hands raised…eyes closed…it was beautiful. Thank goodness. :) Believe me, it could have been ugly….I really do trip going UP steps. It’s happened..more than once, my husband and girls can tell you.

One of the songs that just got to me was Blessed Be Your Name by Matt Redman.

Some of the song: Blessed be Your name, when the sun’s shining down on me..Blessed be your name….. Blessed be Your Name on the road marked with suffering….Blessed be Your Name..When the darkness closes in on me, still I will say..Blessed be Your Name! You give and take away..You give and take away..My heart will choose to say..Lord, Blessed be Your Name!!!

It just hit home with me. That no matter what. No matter the hurt..no matter the anger..no matter what..I can and will choose to say: Lord, Blessed be Your Name!!!

With Joy and complete Adoration. I am completely in love with my Savior…

See, Scripture tells me that EVERY  good and perfect gift is from above!

James 1:17 ~ Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

AND then….Born Again by Third Day came on. I’m not gonna lie…I was having a mini-revival..in my exercise room..just me and God.

Here are some of the words to that one:

I was lost when You found me here..I was broken beyond repair..Then You came along and You sang a song over me! It feels like I’m born again, It feels like I’m living, for the very first time, for the very first time..in my life…   The life I have now, it is only the beginning! Feels like breathing, feels like I’m moving, For the very first time…

Listen to me friends, hear me when I say…these words spoke to me!

It is how I felt when I finally surrendered and waved the white flag of control over my life. You can be in church your whole life and still miss it! You can answer the call of salvation…and still miss it!  Rules…Rules..Rules…NO…it is about RELATIONSHIP! This is so important to me…I want everyone to Get It! My relationship with God..it is so amazing now! I GET IT…and I have finally given up on doing things “my way” and then giving it to Him. He wants it all. He wants us to talk to Him. He desires a relationship with us…in our sinfulness..our ugly selves..He Still Loves Us. Now, I am not at ALL saying that I live life perfectly now…I am saying that my heart’s desire is to live a life holy and pleasing to God. Because I realize that I have a need for Him..every minute of every day..and He IS Good!

I absolutely LOVE in Matthew 9 ..when Jesus straightens out the Pharisees. Read it with me..and picture the scene.

 

Matthew 9:10-13 (NIV) ~ While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and “sinners” came and ate with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat  with tax collectors and ‘sinners’?” On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

 

  BAM !!!

Could it be any clearer? Could you totally see this happening today? I know I could, because there are still those that think just obeying RULES is the “ticket” to Heaven. There is no ticket. It is a free GIFT. Paid for in full by Jesus Christ once and for all on Calvary’s Mountain! Can I get an AMEN!!! There is a cost though.. and that cost is surrender. Let’s also never forget the cost that HE paid…the sacrifice HE made. Out of LOVE…for YOU and for ME. We are to continually choose surrender and relationship to/with HIM.

Look at those verses…see how relational Jesus is. He ate dinner at Matthew’s house. Think about it. He spent time with those who desired Him and with those whom the Pharisees looked down their noses at. He didn’t act as if they weren’t good enough. The Pharisees lived their lives following rules…they even questioned Jesus. We aren’t really different…at some time or another, I was a Pharisee. Then…came surrender..which then brought freedom. Like the song said…Feels like I’m Born Again, Feels like I’m Living

I just had to share with you all…just how pumped up I am today…because of Jesus. Because His Mercy is NEW Every Single Day. I want you all to know that He Loves You…flaws and all. AND then…when you wave the white flag, He’s gonna bless you beyond your wildest dreams! You won’t be able to hold it in. You will GET IT…You will get what I am saying!

Just know this JESUS loves YOU. Yes, YOU!! Lay it down at His feet….Don’t just try to appear HOLY…Be HOLY as you are called in Christ Jesus.  God desires for us to realize that we need HIM …that we can’t do it on our own.

 

2 Timothy 1:8,9 ~ So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life – not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace.

 

Jesus Loves You…Yes, YOU!!

Until Next Time,

 

  

 

 

 

When You Are Weary, Don’t Look Past HIM

  I wonder if any of you have ever felt like you were just beating your head against a brick wall? Or maybe have you ever just wondered why…why..why? Maybe even wondered if you were the “person” for the task at hand? Like, “God, I don’t want to do this and I am tired of this same problem!”

   Bear with me just a minute as I let some questions fly…  Do you find yourself in a state of fear about a situation that just isn’t going well in your opinion ? How about this..ever just want to say to God, “Please God..could you just go ahead and show me why this thorn is still there?”

   I am going to be transparent with you right here and now. I have asked every single one of those questions and I have felt the pain and the fear that accompanies them. I have cried out (aloud) to God..saying “I just don’t understand, I am weary, I am tired, could you just take this “thorn” away!!” You are not alone. I am not alone.

   2 Corinthians 12:8 ESV ~ Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.

   Even as I cried out, I felt The Holy Spirit saying to me..“Because there is a lesson in it. Trust Me. Everyone has their own thorn. “ Now, I am NOT going to lie to ya! I don’t like that answer..I don’t. See, like you probably, I want what I want. And what I want is for life to be easy. I am being real here. I am so thankful that I do hear and feel that immediate “no, no, no..trust me Heather..I will never let you down..it’s gonna be all good..just trust me” that comes from my Jesus. He keeps me straight and I am so grateful that I am His!

   Psalm 142:3(a) ESV ~ When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who watch over my way.

   Allow me to share with you, a portion of Pastor Judah Smith’s message from last week at Catalyst. Judah is Lead Pastor of The City Church in Seattle, Washington. He is an author as well. Well, Pastor Judah asked a few questions also. Let me just share them with you..and as you read them, truly think about them.   Since when is Jesus not enough? Do I realize what I have in God? Since when did we have to supplement our Savior? Something else Judah Smith said was, “There’s no secret, Jesus is freely and willingly available to everyone!”

   You are probably wondering what in the world do these questions have to do with what Heather shared??

   It is simple. Those thorns, problems, reoccurring issues, difficult people, hurts, weaknesses. Those fears, and the weariness and just “banging your head against a wall” feelings. Jesus, Savior, Father God, IS ENOUGH.

   He tells us…MY GRACE IS SUFFICIENT FOR YOU

   2 Corinthians 12:9(a) ESV ~ But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

   Since when is He not enough?

     We look past Him sometimes…all wrapped up in our pity parties..or woe is me attitudes.. When we simply need to just Come To Jesus. Lay our burdens at His feet. Trust in Him and Him alone. Realize that we are nothing apart from Him. Quit asking why and for the “thorns” to be removed and just Let God Be God! Quit trying to supplement Him with other people…and worship Him alone. His grace is sufficient..and He alone is worthy to be praised. Look to God alone when facing difficulty and Let Him Be Who He Is. And last but not least, quit expecting other people to fill a void that only God was meant to fill!

   Psalm 16:5 ESV ~ Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure.

   Amen…I love to study the Psalms..King David was real and he struggled just as we do today. He knew that the Lord ..alone.. was all he needed.

   My hope for whoever reads this is to realize that you are not alone. Not just because you aren’t the only one who has these feelings..but BECAUSE Jesus IS enough. Don’t look past Him.

   Until Next Time,

  

To Be A Blessing..Be Present

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Have you ever had an experience that you knew would take you a while for your mind to process? That’s
what these past two days have been like for me. Speaker after speaker bringing God’s message to all 13000 of us at Catalyst. Talented artistic musicians and even some awesome talent from America’s Got Talent performed. World renowned pastors, authors,leaders, speakers..etc. Shoot, even Jeff Foxworthy spoke!

We heard so many true stories..saw the faces behind the names.We worshipped Father God! We had fellowship with other believers. I made the statement to my friend and another woman that was walking through the crowd.. (13000 People!!), that it sure would be nice if we didn’t have to go back to the real world. Then I said, “but that’s not what we have been called by God to do.” No, we have been called to go into the world..not run away and hide out. We are called to go and tell everyone about Jesus. We are commanded to step out of our comfort zones and help those in need. Let’s be real..we have all been in need at some time or another. Not just financial, but emotional, physical and spiritual needs.

God didn’t say: “Believe in me and confess your sins and then go make yourselves comfy and just chill out until Jesus comes back or until your time on earth is done.” Ummm NO.. God said to go and make disciples of ALL nations. Not just the towns you might like to vacation in. Not just the people that you love to be around. Not the clean and safe and healthy people ONLY. No, He said ALL!

Andy Stanley told us this: ” Do for ONE what you wish you could do for everyone.” Wow! How profound is that?! He says to forget the dumb “adult” saying: “If I do it for you, I will have to do it for everyone.” Something else that he said was : “When you do for one, you end up doing for more than just one.”

Now, here’s the tricky part. Guess what? Just because somebody tells you they NEED you to do some project or something for CHURCH or a GOOD cause, doesn’t necessarily mean God is telling you. Get involved..help out..love others(everyone) and listen to the nudges from the Holy Spirit. They talked a lot to us about BEING PRESENT. We can’t BE PRESENT if we are too busy. Even if it’s GOOD things we are doing, if we are doing them for others or ourselves and not for God, it’s time to re-evaluate. How can we be truly present if our mind can’t even stay on the task at hand for worrying about the next thing we promised to do.

Let’s remember always who God is. Let’s Be Present. Focusing on Him first. Our priorities have to be in the right order. I took away so much from these past two days. One thing that Jim Collins (author of Good to Great and How The Mighty Fall to name a couple) did was to challenge all 13000 of us to turn off all electronic gadgets at least 2 days every 2 weeks. To discipline ourselves, to find times of quiet we may need to try this. Jim said that the gadgets rob us. He means that they rob us of precious moments that we can’t get back…the gift of time.

I must agree..in order to BE PRESENT, we have to disconnect from things that get in the way of our attention. Who hasn’t tried to have a conversation with someone and you could clearly tell that they were half-listening? How did it make you feel? Not very important I imagine. Sad thing is, we are ,every single one of us, guilty of this! I have done it..and I have had it happen to me. Now here is the really sad thing…I know I have done it to God.. God of all people!!!!! However, God has never ever done it to me.

Maybe you will want to try the one day a week electronic device “turn-off” with me….
I am starting mine tomorrow. I look forward to sharing with you again really soon. Boy do I have a lot to share!

Be blessed, but most importantly..be present and be a blessing! Remembering that Father God is THE ONLY one who can meet those needs of others. We are simply His hands and feet. Speaking of feet.. We got the pleasure of hearing Blake Mycoskie ..founder of TOMS, speak. His vision started with hopes of providing shoes for about 250 kids in Argentina. As of now, over 2 million kids have received a pair of shoes. Love that One for One motto. Amazing testimony of wanting to love like Jesus…meeting a need.

TITUS 3:14 (NKJV) ~ And let our people also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful.

UNTIL NEXT TIME,

Heather Dawkins

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