This is the Day the Lord has Made

Let us rejoice and be glad in it! (Psalm 118:24)
I sing this scripture as a song and I use it in expressing my gratitude. It’s not unusual to read it as a text message when a friend or loved one has a birthday. I say “This is the day the Lord made you and I’m rejoicing and so glad for it.” And, for you and me, this is the day the Lord made for us.

Notice that scripture isn’t talking about tomorrow and what may happen tomorrow. The psalmist is putting an emphasis on THIS day! That reminds me of another scripture. “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.” (Matthew 6:34)

We have had plenty to worry about, haven’t we? As if the pandemic wasn’t enough, now it seems our country is at war with itself Oh, how we need unity! We ponder about the future and what it will look like My friends, two who are pre-school teachers and the other is a special needs teacher, were talking about what school is going to look like come August. Too often, we set ourselves in a whirlwind of worry and anxiety about what tomorrow will hold. Especially during these times: If we are concerning ourselves with the future, we are overthinking. That’s opposite to the point the psalmist was making “THIS is the Day” to focus on, to rejoice in whatever this day holds.

Remember when the disciples said to Jesus: “Lord, teach us to pray!” And Jesus gave them the template for all our prayers. “Our Father…..Give us THIS DAY our daily bread.” He didn’t say “give us today and next month’s bread.” This DAY! Can we trust Him for today’s faith – today’s daily bread?

Each day is a blessing from God. He has blessed us with a new day to live it to the fullest, doing the necessary tasks for this day, loving and helping one another and discovering new things about life and about ourselves. Being present with God Who gives us wisdom for today, may be the game changer we need for what tomorrow holds.

No matter what kind of struggle we are facing, we can be secure in knowing that if we do our best in this day to make progress and trust our tomorrows to God -- He will meet us there tomorrow like He does today. "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7).

God is love and everything He does in the world is out of His love for us. He can turn this day’s struggles and suffering into blessings for us if we run to Him and trust in His promises to us. But, how, Lord? And He responds with these words:
"'Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.'" (Isaiah 41:10).

Time Flies When We’re Having Fun

It’s official. Today, July 2nd is the 183rd day of the year -- the official middle of the year. Six months have already passed in 2019. It makes me think – how fast time does fly for me these days – compared to my youth when the time went by so slowly for school to end for the summer, or the long-awaited vacation trip we were going to take, or until Christmas would finally get here, or for reaching the double-digit age of 10, or 13 – a teenager, 16 – to be able to drive. It was taking so long before our planned wedding date in September to get here when I would be at least 18 and my sweetheart would be 19, but we couldn’t wait that long – so we moved it up to July 8th – and my mom had to sign for me to get married at 17. And, then, what seemed the longest wait EVER -- nine long months to pass before the birth of our babies!

You know the saying, “Time flies when you’re having fun!” I had a lot of fun as a kid, but time sure didn’t fly for me. We don’t get to hit a “reset button”, but we DO get to start each new day with the wisdom and knowledge we gained from the past. We're the pilot on this flight and in many ways, it is like a RESET button. Each experience – good and bad, has equipped us to be better, do better and appreciate time more.

I know for young whippersnappers, you think it will be a very long time before you get to my ripe, mature age. I was you. I thought my Aunt Lillie Mae, when she turned age 50, was the oldest old gal ever. And, actually, 50, back then, just did look and act older than we do today. I assure you when I turned 50, I was way too young to act old and you know what, that’s the way I feel at this 70-year mark. I can hardly believe that I could be that number. But, I don’t dwell on age, though I do notice that others seem to respect that age for me as my boys are quick to help me out of the car or carry packages for me. I like that it is respected and I own it! I dwell on living large with every fiber of my being. I’ve said it before…I’ll say it again: “I’m not giving up until I’m taken up!” And whether that is today, tomorrow, or years from now, I will live on purpose to be a devoted follower of Christ from sun-up until sun-down each day and squeeze everything I can out of this life God gave me.

This is the dawn of a new day, today. I know one thing for sure -- we can’t live in the past, and the future isn’t ours to predict. But, we can make minutes, hours and days really count for what matters most. I speak a lot about it, but I repeat, treasure THIS day – make memories for yourself and someone else. Take lots of pictures. I do. I treasure them. Live as if there were no tomorrow. Spread sunshine. Give love and laughter and life to those who need an injection of fun, faith, and friendship. The BAD news -- time flies, but the GOOD news, we're the pilot in the hands of the MASTER PILOT!

And, I assure you, if indeed “Time flies when you’re having fun”, then I must be having a blast!”

Psalm 118:24 "This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it."

God is With You -- So Get Ready for a Blessed Day

"Have a good one!" "Have a great day!" "Have a wonderful day," "Have a terrific day," We’ve all heard those words, in one form or another, and we've given those words at some time to someone. And then there are those of us who take it to a HIGHER level when we say, "Have a blessed day!" After ALL, we say it with the words ringing in our ears "This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it!" (Psalm 118:24). We woke up; we're breathing so it's a good, good day!

Today is election day and I'll be honest with you, I'll be thrilled all the campaign signs will be off the lawns in my neighborhood and the negative ads that dominated our airwaves and the latest polls will be over. At the end of this day, regardless of who is elected, this day will have been a blessed, good day.

What DOES a good day look like to you? Does it depend on all wins and no loses? Sunshine and no rain? Is it a day when all is calm and there are no storms; only smooth sailing and no waves? Is it just laughter and no tears? Is it making progress and no setbacks? Is it just exciting times with no disappointments? What DOES a good day look like?

A GOOD Day has G-O-D in it -- no matter what that day holds. God in our day; God in our heart; God in our circumstances; God in our valleys; God in our mountaintops; God in our joys; God in our sorrows; God in our trials; God in our triumphs; God in our need; God in our abundance.

ANY day is a GOOD, blessed day when we are mindful that where we are and whatever we're doing, He Who holds our yesterdays, todays and tomorrows is with us. He is for us. He is able to sustain us, provide for us, equip us and fill us with His peace, comfort, and joy in our EVERY day! I refuse to count my problems; I'll count my blessings. I'm breathing. I'm moving. I'm alive.

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new EVERY morning; great is Your faithfulness” Lamentations 3:22-23

Now, go out there and have a good, great, wonderful, awesome, fantastic, BLESSED day! After all, God made it for us and He is smack dab in the middle of it so we might as well jump wholeheartedly into this day and make it the BEST one EVER!

Allll Aboard -- for the Joy-of-Life Bandwagon!

Yesterday is gone and THIS IS THE DAY the Lord has made, so let's be JOY-full and be glad for it!

When you’ve had as many DAYS on this earth as I’ve had, you recognize each new day as a blessed day of start-overs, do-overs, rejoice-overs and be-glad-in-it overs. I live in a 55+ community and when we say to each other “Good Morning! How are you doing today?”, you'll usually hear “GREAT! I woke up. I'm still here!" LOL! So if we’re still here – whatever age we are -- that means that God has plans and purposes for us to fulfill in this new day. My favorite "life" quote is: “If I'm not dead; I'm not done!” So that means I must be the best and do the best I can at who God created me to be each and every day.

Being my best is riding daily on the joy-of-life bandwagon – not only for my good which invigorates me and gives me purpose, but to help others (those who get all caught up in the seriousness and practical demands of life) get back the joy of life, too. You know those folks that wake up on the wrong side of the bed. They get so focused on making a living, that they succumb to life by living each day in an almost robotic routine. They forget the child within them and they lose a lot of the flavor and spice of life. They don’t stop to smell the roses, to be struck with wonder anymore, like they did as children. I love this photo of the little girl chasing the chickens -- that's the closest photo I could find that defines me in my wild chicken chases!! I purpose to be the last one standing!

I never want to EVER lose that youthful pleasure and joy of life throughout the entire length of my life. Here's why I'm campaigning for a fully occupied joy-of-life bandwagon with others who want to live audaciously, free of the dismal, woe-is-me hang-ups. I love being silly with my friends, my children, and my grand-kids. I love belly laughing with them. Since I’ve been caring for all these animals, I’ve been belly laughing so much at myself and with others who are laughing with me. Last night, another two of the hens were out and this morning another of the smaller hens was out. I'm so silly that I like to think that God and my mischievous husband are the masterminds behind these little chicken culprits. They're probably belly laughing in heaven as they watch me tearing through the bushes after them.

You might ask me the secret to waking each day with being intentional with joy. It’s the same as when a friend of mine was expressing some major health concerns she was having. Not because she had issues, but her family had them, and now she was fearing the same thing would happen to her. I gave her many scriptures to take like they were a prescription daily – speaking to her body and mind with God’s promises and words. The same with me -- when I start to feel depleted of joy…I take a “God’s Word” scripture “The joy of the Lord is my strength” Nehemiah 8:10; "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence, there is fullness of joy." Psalm 16:11

Here's the truth of the matter -- none of us are free from life’s challenges, tragedies, pressures, or even suffering. We have known the sorrow of loss, the fears, and challenges of illness, but we don't have to allow any of those things to crush our child-like playfulness. We can prove that true joy and happiness can even be experienced in the midst of life’s challenges.

Being more like the “little children” that Jesus encouraged us to be to enter the Kingdom of God just may be the attitude of living life fully, with great joy and gusto, too!

I've got a seat reserved for you on the joy-of-life bandwagon with me.. Come on. Get on board! The ride is oh so sweet.....and hilarious. Just maybe you'll see a frenzied, but joy-filled blonde-haired lady chasing chickens down the road!! It will be worth the ride!

THIS IS THE DAY the Lord Has Made! Let's LIGHT It Up!

Indeed, “This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad for it!” (Psalm 118:24) This day was created by God from the very beginning for His will and good pleasure. It’s a day of great joy to be alive and to celebrate His goodness and mercy that endures forever. I raise His banner of love high on this 31st day of October and I sing out His praises for His greatness and unfathomable love.

I said all that to urge us to light up this day with the Light of Christ. I’ll admit that talking, walking and living in the Light is my number one priority. I've seen lots of photos, on my FB newsfeed, of cute little kiddos being introduced to their first Trick or Treat experience, as well as photos of some quite spooky, blood-curdling Halloween costumes donned by fun-loving grown-ups. I know it’s all about the fun of sporting those costumes and acting out their characters…..BUT!

Not to take away any fun from anyone, but the older I get, and the closer and more intimate and familiar I've become with THE LIGHT, the more I shun darkness and evil on TV, in books and movies, the sweeter and more peaceful my journey has become. How precious that is to me. I steer clear of darkness with intentional determination-- and I'm consistently drawn to THE LIGHT. So in writing this post, it's not to judge anyone's personal convictions, but I really desire to share why I am wrapped up in THE LIGHT.

When I was a child, Halloween was one of the two days a year that we hauled in lots of candy (Easter, being the other). I would usually dress up in some homemade costume -- like a hobo or my pj's. Yes, I went trick or treating as a child and yes, I turned out alright. However, our world around us has changed so much since my childhood.

Over the years I've become more aware of the origins of Halloween and have become more troubled in my heart about this "fun" day. So much so, that I steer clear of Halloween festivities that celebrate this day. I'm posting this because I'm compelled by the LIGHT that has transformed my life, so much so that I truly determine to be God's fully devoted follower in every way. I'm simply sharing these words for you to ponder, consider and seek God's wisdom as you celebrate this day with your sweet, innocent and precious family.

Whether you celebrate this day with your family as a Fall Harvest or go door to door trick or treating, ask God to show you His LIGHT on the subject. We all want our families to have the best, most blessed options....every day. May we humbly ask God for His wisdom and then allow the Holy Spirit to guide us. There is darkness all around us and it's up to us to make God (The Light) famous. It may be a good idea to have a discussion with our family about the origins of tricks, treats, witches and jack-o-lanterns AND then focus on the abundant life and LIGHT of our Savior! If you're celebrating today, know what you're celebrating......celebrate LIFE and the LIGHT! “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.” Philippians 4:8

GIRL!!! You're Still Here -- So You're Not Done!!!

I’m flattering myself to call me “girl”, but, yes it’s my birthday. Yay! I made it another year. I’m still here, so I’m not done living this wonderful life God gave me.

This is the day the Lord made ME, and I’m so grateful He did. That may sound self-gratifying, but honestly, I’m just following scripture that says “You shall love the Lord your God, with all your heart, with all your soul and all your mind, and you shall love your neighbor as YOU LOVE YOURSELF.” I can’t love you if I don’t love me.

This is my last year to enjoy the 60s. Next year it will be the big 7-0 -- holy moly!! Where did all those years go? Seriously, I’m thanking God that He’s blessed me with a full, blessed and fruitful life, but I think I need to come clean with you today and tell you some of my truths.

~ I tell you I am a “wonder woman” widow, but the truth is I can sometimes be a whiny, wimpy widow.
~ I may lead you to believe that I’m a “Mary” sitting at the feet of Jesus most of the time. The truth is I am often a “Martha” -- too busy for my own good, AND God’s good.
~ I show you my best photos and the truth is I often use my “touch-up” app to help me look my best. Thanks for all your comments “Donna, how do you keep looking younger and younger?” Now you know! LOL!
~ I know that I’m on assignment to speak truth, inspiration, and encouragement in my daily blogs and posts. But more times than not – I’m speaking those messages to ME, because I sure need to hear and heed those words, myself!!

That’s my BIG reveal. If there’s anything I want my friends and family to know, it’s that “I make mistakes way too often. I sometimes stumble and fall (literally and spiritually). I often speak up, when I should be silent and listen. I sometimes give advice without being asked. Sometimes I go overboard in my desires to please. I want to be appreciated and be told so. Sometimes I carry a big chip on my shoulder because someone hurt my feelings. And, many times, I wish I could get my “one way ticket to heaven” sooner than later.

But, I don’t let myself stay in any of those negative feelings for very long, because my one determined purpose is to please my Heavenly Father so, I get up, clean up and tell my feelings to shut up and I have a go at it again because this I know with absolute certainty:

I know I am God's daughter.
My greatest love story is that of my Lord and me. I am His and He is mine.
I can stand up and keep going because He is my strength and He is stronger than my weakness.
He is and always will be my constant.
He is and always will be my loudest cheerleader.
I was designed to speak, write and declare the good news of my Lord.
I was designed to confront darkness head on with a passionate fire of the Holy Spirit.
I was designed to be a leader.
I was designed to NEVER QUIT.
I am determined to finish my race strong.

I take a huge amount of comfort from the Apostle Paul. He said, “I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-11.

And now, I want to pass along my birthday gift to you. I want to let you know, that you, too, will face some disappointments. You will get challenged and even knocked down. But, here’s the good news for you and me. We will not lose. We will win. We are not alone. We are not going to give up. We are going to keep marching on -- not because we are super human – but because all the power of heaven lives and rests inside of us.

We’re still here….so we’re not done! Let’s keep marching, skipping, walking, or running on to the Finish Line where we’ll hear our Divine Cheerleader say to us “Well done, good and faithful servants!”

I love you all so much! Thank you for celebrating my birthday with me today! 🎂🎉🎊🎁🎀🎈

This is the Day the Lord Has Made

THIS IS THE DAY the Lord has made!   It was God's from the beginning and it is still the DAY He made -- so let's be joyful in it!

I've watched my newsfeed this morning, I've seen countless photos of cute little kids all ready to go on their first Trick or Treating experience, lots of photos of Halloweens past and some quite spooky costumes donned by fun-loving grown ups.  I know they are all decked out for the holiday fun.

Not to take away any fun from anyone, but the older I get, and the closer and more intimate I've become with my Savior, the sweeter and more peaceful my journey has become.  Oh, how precious that is to me in this season of my life.  I steer clear of darkness -- and I'm consistently drawn to THE LIGHT.  So in writing this post, it's not to judge anyone's personal convictions, but I just feel I must share mine.

When I was a child, Halloween was one of the two days a year that we got lots of candy (Easter being the other). I would usually dress up in some  homemade costume -- like a hobo or my pj's -- none were ever store bought and I and a friend would go door-to-door "soliciting" in our neighborhood.Yes, I went trick or treating as a child and yes, I turned out alright. However, our world around us has changed drastically since I was a child.  

My church always had a Fall Harvest parties where we'd go all dressed up in "fun" -- not gory or sinister -- costumes.

We took our kids trick or treating -- it was my husband's and my goal to help them bring in as much loot as possible. They only knew Halloween meant fun dressing up and getting lots of goods.

But over the years I've become more aware of the origins of Halloween and have become more troubled in my heart about this "fun" day.  So much so, that I steer clear of Halloween festivities that celebrate this day.  I'm posting this because God's Word has transformed my life, so much so that I truly determine to be His fully devoted follower in every way.  I'm simply sharing these words for you to ponder and consider as you celebrate this day with your sweet, innocent and precious family.

Whether you celebrate this day with your family as a Fall Harvest or go door to door trick or treating, study to show yourselves approved to give your family the best, most blessed options.  Perhaps it may open the door for you to discuss the origins of tricks, treats, witches and jack-o-lanterns as well as the abundant incredible life that comes from our Savior!  If you're celebrating today, know what you're celebrating......celebrate LIFE!

1 Thessalonians 5:22  "Abstain from every form of evil."

Have a GOOD Day!

Day 293 of Photo Inspirations -- Have a Good Day!
"Have a good one!" "Have a great day!" "Have a wonderful day," "Have a terrific day,"  We’ve all heard those words, in one form or another, and we've given those words at some time to someone. And then there are those of us who take it even to a HIGHER level and we say, "Have a blessed day!" After ALL, we say it with the words ringing in our ears "This is the day the Lord has made.  Let us rejoice and be glad in it!"  (Psalm 118:24)

What DOES a good day look like to you?   Does it depend on sunshine and no rain?  Is it a day when all is calm and there are no storms?  Is it just smooth sailing and no waves?  Is it just laughter and no tears?  Is it making progress and no setbacks?  Is it just exciting times with no disappointments? What really DOES a good day look like?

A GOOD Day has GOD in it -- no matter what that day holds. God in our heart; God in our day; God in our circumstances; God in our valleys; God in our mountain tops; God in our joys; God in our sorrows; God in our going out; God in our coming in; God in our trials; God in our triumphs; God in our need; God in our abundance; God in our deserts; God in our fruitful fields!

ANY day is a GOOD, blessed day when we are mindful that where we are and whatever we're doing, He Who holds our yesterdays, todays and tomorrows, is with us.  He is for us.  He is able to sustain us, provide for us, equip us and fill us with His peace, comfort and joy in our EVERY day!

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new EVERY morning; great is Your faithfulness”  Lamentations 3:22-23

Now, you go out there and have a good, great, wonderful, awesome, fantastic, fun, BLESSED day!    After all, God made it for us and He is smack dab in the middle of it so we might as well jump wholeheartedly into this day and make it the BEST one EVER!