Tag Archives: Jesus

Dec28
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I have lately been involved in looking more closely at the strengths and skills. I am consistently reminded that it is never too late to get your Dream On!!
 What makes heart passion for serving the Lord Jesus Christ happen? For me, it is knowing the anticipation of life’s unwrapped gift!! Walking in faith believing and exclaiming to my Lord….THIS is what makes my heart beat, makes me rise to meet each new day and why I breathe!!
 We all start somewhere….. I enjoy my simple journey as God continues to raise the level of passion in my heart for the “more” yet to come!!
 My consistent prayer for myself and for those that I love is to faithfully live out all that God has, is and will continue to set ablaze in our hearts for building up the Kingdom of God!!

 

“You see, his faith and his actions worked together. His actions made his faith complete.” James 2:22

 

Living Simply~Simply Living!!

 

Mel

The Expert In Anything Was Once A Beginner

The Expert In Anything Was Once A Beginner

Dec12

You Version Christmas Story Tracker

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Christmas Story Tracker

Check out this phone App that will show you where the Christmas Story is being read all around the world. A great family project and reminder to stay focused on the true meaning of Christmas. A beautiful thought that hearts are connected all over the world around the Christmas Story!!

The Birth of Jesus

“At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the
Roman Empire. This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) All returned to
their own ancestral towns to register for this census. And because Joseph was a descendant of King David,
he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth
in Galilee. He took with him Mary, his fiancée, who was now obviously pregnant. And while they were there,
the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in
strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no  lodging available for them.
The Shepherds and Angels
That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly,
an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They
were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that
will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in
Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped
snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.” Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others
—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on
earth to those with whom God is pleased.” When the angels had returned to heaven the shepherds
said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord
has told us about.” They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby,
lying in the manger. After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what
the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, but
Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. The shepherds went back to their
flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them.
Luke 2: 1-20
Nov23

From the Rising of The Sun….

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“From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the Name of the LORD is to be praised.” Psalm 113:3

Sunsets have always brought to life wonder in me. As a young girl, I would lie in the grass and look heavenward. I considered the mysteries of the world, as a curious observer of clouds in action. Every gaze distinguished shapes that stood out to me as uniquely created for me. I would reach my hand as if to touch the images so very far away only to come up short but better for dreaming, enjoying, experiencing and hoping.

Tonight, at Bahia Honda State Park in the Florida keys, I was swept away by the beauty of my surroundings. Inside of me, my heart, resonated the same heart of that little girl long ago with child-like fascination regarding the grandness of the universe and the great things still yet to be explored. Having lived 50 years, I am still growing in wonder and  love with my God. I am still compelled to wander, explore, pray, trust, wait, meditate on the Word, listen, obey and grow in my understanding of my great creator God as He continues to beautifully set in motion His creation for us to enjoy. This brings blessing, honor, pleasure. glory and adoration. A testimony that He is God and there is no other!

“The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. They speak without a sound or word their voice is never heard. Yet their message has gone throughout the earth,  and their words to all the world. God has made a home in the heavens for the sun. It bursts forth like a radiant bridegroom after his wedding. It rejoices like a great athlete eager to run the race.The sun rises at one end of the heavens and follows its course to the other end. Nothing can hide from its heat.” Psalm 16:1-6

The sun-s0aked day welcomed scattered clouds, created as a day for us to treasure. Hiking, walking along the beach hand-in-hand learning about the native culture. slipping our toes into the cool waters, experiencing the coastal elements and relishing in the tropical blue waters. Fair weather, balmy winds and beauty were today at every turn in the Florida Keys. We daily cherish quiet moments, relaxed dinners and have fallen in love with the slow, island pace and enjoy exploring every beautiful corner.

Sunsets, beaches and the natural habitat at Bahia Honda State Park in Florida are filled with well-preserved history.  The coastal setting surely provides interaction with an area that is is almost untouched by unnecessary improvements. Its pristine parks meets the needs of any traveler that may happen upon this oasis of protection, preservation and historic reference for future generations.

At this moment words fail me as I try to paint a picture of my encounter with my Lord, my God and my Savior this night. My heart is full. My mission for relaxation is often complicated by not slowing the pace long enough to communicate with my heavenly Father. I am always going, doing, being, serving, working. Today, after several nights of true rest,  I sat in the sand, knowing that I would have communion with the lover of my soul. My heart was expectant and I longed for His embrace. The need for clarity, love, encouragement and intimacy would meet a felt spiritual need.. The Lord taught me so much in the quietness of those moments. As the Lord always does, when we come seeking Him, He will find us. Tonight He painted a picture of Himself in the sky, just for me. He IS the Light of the World!! Gleaning much from simply being in His presence I renewed a vigor for principles for living as He guided me to Biblical moments and knowledge that challenged me to my core  The darkness of my sin, much like the striations of clouds, shades the brilliance of His light.  My heart is grieved for the times that I have hidden the true light that speaks to hearts regarding the gift of salvation, a hope, a future and heavenly award. My a re-committed life to be a vessel worthy of His light and the furtherance of God’s perfect love come to earth with the purpose of rescue, restoration, reconciliation and renewed hearts.

   Peace, joy, love, hope, and help today.

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it  under basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew5: 14-16

God painted a new view of my faith journey with Him in a simple sunset…..L.I.G.H.T.

Life

God’s light shines no matter the circumstances. When our lives seem to be falling apart, God leads our way through speaking wisdom and giving LIFE through the power of the Holy Spirit. His commitment to us is sure and steadfast. Like clockwork, the sun rises and falls in the same way. He is trustworthy, sure, immovable

“The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone.” John 1:4 NLT

Quote: “I know that life is given us so that we may grow in love. And I believe that God is in me as the sun is in the color and fragrance of the flower, the Light in my darkness, the Voice in my silence.” Helen Keller

Invitation

We have been invited into His family and our faith walk continues with an invitation. Are you waiting for the “silver lining? Have you ever posed this question to God? “When will the sun to start shining again”. God is not done. Darkness has no power over Him!! We must accept His invitation to walk every day that we have breath in the Light of His Love!

“For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light!” Ephesian 5:8 NLT

Guide

Light is purposeful and directed with meaning. We depend on the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us as we journey. Imagine one small light in pitch blackness. Faith steps out to take the next step for the Lord, His light shines exactly where we need it to for protection and direction.

“You are my lamp, O LORD; the LORD turns my darkness into light.” 2 Samuel 22:29 ESV

Harmony

Light shines in spite of us. Tonight the moon slipped quietly behind the clouds just before descending beyond the horizon. Striations of darkness did not obscure the light but it was not fully seen.  No matter how bright the light of God is in us, the power of the light in my walk and testimony is affected by the darkness that I bring to the relationship. God longs and desires to shine in His fullness in our testimony of faith. When I am walking in harmony with my God He is radiant. When our flesh creeps in, the shadows and darkness affects the outcome of light in our lives. His light shines in darkness still and on darkness.  We are affected in ministry because of frail, sinful selves are seen clearly in light of the Son of God.

Read Proverbs 10 regarding to harmony with God!

“Our faith in Jesus brings us into harmony with God. Accepting Jesus’ vision of life, what it can be and how we should live it, aligns our will with God’s will. As a result of this harmony we work for the same goal that God works for.” Rootings Blog

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving brings hope. While we are all flawed, our testimony of faith will be known by the fruit of our labor. What are we doing for the kingdom? How is He being blessed? Honored? Adored? Refreshed? And how does in shine in our lives. Each one of us uniquely created by God o stand as a correct interpretation of who God is. And what is our message? Jesus loves you without condition, we are partakers in grace and salvation as it is offered to us through the plan of God and sacrifice of His Son.

 “Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14

GO LIGHT YOUR WORLD!!

“Sunrise, sunset Sunrise, sunset Swiftly fly the years. One season following another. Laden with happiness and tears.” Fiddler On The Roof

Oct21

2012 ABC Family 25 Days of Christmas Schedule

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2012 ABC Family 25 Days of Christmas Schedule

Looking forward to a Christmas season filled with heart-warming movies, specials and shows. Taking a slower pace this year. Expectant. Excited to share Mason’s first Christmas and introduce him to the family traditions that fill our hearts with joy.

What traditions do YOU have? I’d love to hear from you!!

Living Simply~Simply Living!

Mel

Jul22

Simple Life Heartenings…..the heavens declare!

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Simple Life Heartenings…..the heavens declare!

Simple Life Heartenings…the view from here!

“The heavens proclaim the glory of God, The skies display His craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make Him known. They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard. Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world. God has made a home in the heavens for the sun.” Psalm 19:1-4

The schedule of my life is often nothing short of chaotic. By being purposeful with my calendar, I am able to cherish carved moments in my quest for enjoying the simple things in my life. The limitations in the hours in a day at home are often complicated by the things that are equally as important.

Not unlike your lives, normalcy is found in juggling the balls related to our lives’ calling, our spouse. family, friendships, personal care, spiritual things, housework (ugh), meals, etc…..and the things that we love the most….gardening, a ride on the Harley, snuggle time on the couch and watching a movie together on a Saturday night, watching the sunset from our front porch….name yours….after all the lists are filled in, there is no energy left even IF we had the time.

And, when we finally get it right, you know, strike the balance, God cocoons you in the grandness of His love. And we are reminded of the simple daily moments that make our hearts complete.

The dates required by our ministry were filled in on the calendar in the Fall of 2011 as soon as our 2012 NASCAR schedule was set. Birthdays, anniversaries, appointments, other important dates, including the due date of March 2 for our first grandchild to arrive, etc…

Rejoicing, on February 28,2012 our grandson, Mason Blake Fannin was born. We missed our first Daytona 500 race in 11 years. In May, Monty’s mom, Bobbie would turn 80 years old. The party was beautiful, She was honored by sharing the night with 100 of her closest friends. On July 17, MRO and the women’s ministry would host 200 ladies at the annual Summer Caution, a pause with a cause event….a night to honor and donate supplies to Bright Blessings, a local non-profit that provides birthday gifts and parties for homeless children in the greater Charlotte, NC area.

And sandwiched between the next race and this event was the opportunity for Monty and I to slip away for a couple of days and have a little Christmas in July. I gave Monty the gift of a hot air balloon ride in Asheville, NC for the both of us. July 18, 2012, we were excited to run away for a few moments of alone time. While exhausted, we were fueled by the excitement of this Bucket List adventure.

It was everything that you might imagine and more. We were cleared to take off, and the excitement began. A scurry of men and women operated with such fervor that they looked like mice scurrying to beat out the others for a piece of cheese. With each movement, the majesty of the beautifully crafted basket and the magnitude of a 90 foot tall balloon was overwhelming.

Within moments of full inflation, we would board with the other 5 men and women and the pilot for an hour of sheer bliss. Not being a fan of heights, I wondered what I might feel. Would the basket hold, will I fall out, just how close are you to the flame required to fill such a large balloon, etc….Fill in your own questions.

As the balloon rose above the other balloon traveling that day as well, I was immediately transfixed by the beauty and majesty of Mount Pisgah. Interestingly, I have just been reading through Deuteronomy and thought back to Moses. Mount Pisgah (Mount Nebo) is the mountain in the Bible from which Moses saw the Promised Land for the first time. Mount Pisgah is where the LORD instructed Moses to go up into the top of Pisgah. Moses was to lift up his eyes westward, northward, southward, and eastward and look but Moses was not to go over Jordan. Mount Nebo (Mount Pisgah) is where Moses was given the view of the Promised Land, from the top of Mount Pisgah. After seeing the land promised by the LORD GOD, Moses died.

I thought of all the work that God did through the life of Moses. He stood on that mountain, saw the Promised Land and yet he would never enter. Deuteronomy 34 says that “No prophet has risen since in Israel like Moses.” And God buried him in the valley.

The pilot of our balloon was asked where will we go? End up? Land? Her reply. Wherever the wind takes us. And it would prove true.

There is no place that I have ever experienced such calm. Such peace. Such stillness. Such grandeur. Even in the winds that carried us.

So I say….from my view.

God is a mighty rushing wind. He leads. He wills. He is consistent and sure. He guides and directs us as we quiet our spirits in order to hear Him. As believers, we are dependent on the direction of the Holy Spirit.

He speaks quietly, reverently, boldly and with great majesty. As did our balloon respond to its complete direction.

Obstacles are allowed. We were on course with a seemingly sure landing site, only to have our basket drag across the treetops. Immediately changing our course. The balloon’s pilot maneuvering its controls to make the slightest changes necessary to regain perspective and control. Not unlike our lives when our course direction has been changed by circumstances beyond our control.Faltering at the controls can prove tragic.

Sometimes God allows us a place on higher ground to find perspective just like God gave to Moses. I am reminded to trust Him even more and be thankful because I do not always get to see a higher view when I find myself battling in the trenches. Tough stuff….want to know the will of God for your life? “In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Landing is only one part in the journey of many. No two will be the same. We learn to navigate, defer to His power, and grow from the bumps along the way that lead to learning. With each adventure, our trust in Him grows. His purpose in our lives is His number one objective. Growing in Christ-likeness in order to bring honor and glory to His Name. We were created by Him, for Him.

Thanks for reminding us Lord that there are consequences when we fail to see YOUR perspective. Help us to I find our rest in Your faithfulness along the way. Whether a textbook landing or one that could have looked a little better, each moment teaches us to be more attentive to YOUR way.

Thankfully….You are still God…..despite my best and my worst.

We go through the process of faithfulness by studying His Word and using it in the hopes of being a vessel worthy of use by and for our maker. We operate time and time again and get better at this faith living life. We are allowed Mount Pisgah moments sometimes but not always. Yet, we trust Him when we cannot see the forest for the trees. And we practice, grow, are challenged, see victory, cry, try to sometimes fail.

And above all, we must declare His goodness through the generations and pass it on…..

Where are the winds of God blowing in your life friend? Will we be found faithful to the glory of God as was Moses? The answers do not lie in my perspective but in Him alone….

Finding joy in my simple life……Pray that you are too!!

You are loved!!

Melanie