Daughters of the King (continued) - Thankful Thursday

Today, I'm continuing to thank God for the wonderful women I met at the "Free To Be Me - Blogger's Retreat".


Thank You, Lord, for these five precious ladies:

1. Mary Snyder

Mary's joy is contagious. Share her adventures in faith and friendship. It's an exciting trip!

2. Marsha Harwood at Marsha's Musings

Marsha has such a beautiful heart for God. She challenged us to find who God designed us to be. She birthed a desire in me to take on her challenge. (I'm still working on my homework!)

3. Tiffany Stuart at Tea with Tiffany

I'm so thankful for the short time we chatted. Tiffany simply glows with God's love. Sure, she stepped on our toes, but she also captured our hearts.

4. Lisa Shaw at Sharing Life with Lisa

Lisa and I shared a few extra miles together during the retreat. This woman is on fire for Jesus. I'm thankful to now call her a friend and sister in Christ.

and

5. Angie Knight at The Knightly News

Angie is such a precious friend. I'm blessed to have met her years ago. God birthed this retreat in her heart. She and several other hard working women made our weekend fabulous.

"Charm is decietful and beauty is vain,
But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised."
Psalms 31:30 (nas)

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For more Thankful Thursday, visit Sonya at Truth 4 the Journey.

In My Secret Place - WFW

"But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you." Matthew 6:6 (nas)

Do you have a secret place?

Do you have a special place where you and Your Heavenly Father can be alone and talk?

Honestly, when I ask myself this question, I have to think a minute.

(thinking)

Yes! I do have a secret place.

My secret place, where I can tell my Heavenly Father exactly what is on my mind, is wherever I'm completely alone.

I love being alone with God in my car. He and I have wonderful talks while I drive. Still, I sometimes get distracted and wonder what other drivers think when I'm laughing, singing, or crying.

My true secret place is in my home, in the morning - right after my husband leaves for work and I watch our boys drive away to school. It is then that I am free. There is no one watching. There is no one listening - except God.

I can laugh. I can sing. I can scream and cry if I need to. I'm free to be me - in my secret place.

Do you have a secret place?

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Visit Penny at Pennyrainey.com for more Word-Filled Wednesday

Where is My Mind? - Monday Manna

‘Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.’ Philippians 4:8 (kjv)

Over the weekend, while walking in St Augustine, Florida, I thought of this verse. It is a verse I learned as a child and want to live as an adult.

How often do my thoughts line up with this verse?

While going through our vacation photos, I came to the one here of a jellyfish. It is a beautiful and dangerous creature; – somewhat like our minds – except, the poor thing is brainless.

So this morning I ask myself, “Where is my mind?”

A few years ago, John and I studied the book of Philippians with friends. Our pastor from Kearney, Nebraska, Doug Shada, led us through four points of focus.

Through each of the four chapters, Paul guides us to have a:

1. Single Mind,

‘Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;’ 1:27 (nas)

2. Submissive Mind,

‘Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.’ 2:3,4 (nas)

3. Spiritual Mind,

‘Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.’ 3:13,14 (nas)

4. and a Secure Mind.

‘Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.’ 4:6,7 (niv)

‘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 praise-worthy – think about these things.’ Philippians 4:8 (niv)

So, where is your mind?

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Take time to visit Joanne at An Open Book for more Monday Manna on Philippians 4:8.