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Length of Days - Search for Freedom

Monday, May 27, 2013

WHOM OR WHAT DO YOU MEMORIALIZE?

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Isaiah 26:3 

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

Whom or what do you memorialize: preserve the memory of, or commemorate? This is the day for remembering. Many of us have memories that define our lives and either propel us forward or place a boot on our neck and will not let us go.

What is your earliest recollection? I remember, when I was about three or four, we lived in Dayton, Ohio. My sister, Donna, and I usually loved to play in the sand box in the back yard where a little blue and red tin mill allowed sand to be funneled down from the top and filter through to the pile below. But, in the summer, when the sun lingered in the western sky, we rolled and tumbled around in the front yard. Momma’s rule was, we had to come in when the street lights came on. And, we did. Our parents taught us independence and responsibility at a very young age. I still memorialize my independence training.

Some people’s earliest memories are of abuse at the hand of parents or embarrassment due to the betrayal of a trusted friend or loved one. Those remembrances stomp on ones life breath and refuse to let fresh air blow in and fill them with new energy and hope. It becomes impossible to lift up with joy the memories of the blessed ones that have entered our lives, either near to our heart or as our national treasures. When a memory has become an obstacle, it blocks our faith in God that he can bring joy to our future.

I am not saying that one should deny the pain caused by another. I am suggesting that you forgive them, turning them over to God to love. When the negative memories are released to God, you can remove the obstacles that pin you down and find the peace promised to all who keep their minds and thoughts fixed on God. The offender cannot free you from the memory. And, perhaps, they would not if they could. Remember what happened so as not to be trampled on again, but forget the pain and forgive the offender and set yourself free. Once safely resting in God’s peace, you are free to memorialize the positive, the heroes and the fallen with an open heart.

This is Memorial Day. Whom or what do you memorialize? Let us pray:

"Loving Father, God of all, I bow before you, for your name is wonderful. Forgive me when I use your powerful name to the detriment of others. Holy are you and your son Jesus, the Christ. I ask to be released from the negative memories in my life. I turn them over to you, for only you can dissolve the pain they have caused. This very day, I choose to forgive those who have offended me. Not because their offence is meaningless but because my love for you is more meaningful than the pain. I don’t have to know how you work this miracle. I simply accept it and thank you for your blessings. In the name of Jesus, your son and m redeemer, I pray. Amen"

Doris
"God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine."Copyright 2013 Doris Gaines Rapp

For children and teens, go to: www.inmyprayerchair.blogspot.com And . . .
https://www.facebook.com/pages/My-Prayer-Chair/476665319066226 (copy and paste to address line if needed)

If you are in the Houston, Texas area on Wednesday, June 5 at 7 pm, I will be signing, Escape from the Belfry - a young adult novel full of adventure at Barnes and Noble on Westheimer. Check www.dorisgainesrapp.com for book signings in your area.

Monday, May 20, 2013

LIVING IN THE SWEET SPOT

"For nothing is impossible with God." Luke 1:37 (New Living Translation © 2007)

"Are you running with me Lord?" This was a favorite question many years ago. Living in the Sweet Spot means that we have discovered how to say, "Am I running with you God?"

How many times have I come up with "wonderful ideas" and plans, then asked God to honor or bless them? God’s plans may seem mysterious and hidden from our sight. Friends, our daily lives are part of his plan, when we rise up and when we lay down. We too often are looking for that ministry for God that will be recognized by others, that will bring us recognition and validation. Which do you want, man’s validation or God’s?

"So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

Matthew 6: 31-33 (NIV © 2011)

If heaven opened up and God said, "Go to that other house and say, ‘God loves you,’ but tell no one else of your mission," would you believe you were doing God’s will? If you had received such direction, as small as it may seem to you, it would not only be heaven that opened up, but your heart as well. Living in the Sweet Spot is obeying God’s call, even if no one else knows of the calling. Then . . . you are living in the Kingdom of God and nothing is impossible to God (not you) GOD! Let us pray:

"Heavenly Father, you whisper in my ear and in my heart. Holy is your name and the name of your son, Jesus. Speak to me in the stillness of my soul. Then, give me the heart of a servant that I may have the strength and courage to follow your will for my life. Forgive me when I seek the things of this world that even those who know-you-not already have and need. I seek your presence in my life, so that I may live in your kingdom and experience all your blessings and mighty works, for I know nothing is impossible with you. The Sweet Spot is in your arms, Father God, and that is where I will find my home. In the name of Jesus, your son and my savior, I pray. Amen"

Doris
"God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine." Copyright 2013 Doris Gaines Rapp

If you are in the Houston, Texas area on Wednesday, June 5 at 7 pm, I will be signing, Escape from the Belfry - a young adult novel full of adventure at Barnes and Noble on Westheimer.

It is also available at www.archwaypublishing.com , www.amazon.com , www.bn.com , and through your local bookstore - just ask them to order it.

You can order, Escape from the Belfry, from Archway Publishing at (888) 242-5904. ENJOY!
For children and teens, go to: www.inmyprayerchair.blogspot.com And . . .
https://www.facebook.com/pages/My-Prayer-Chair/476665319066226 (copy and paste to address line if needed)

Monday, May 13, 2013

When It Is What It Is

"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV © 2011)

How many times do you waste energy grieving over, or fighting with, what simply— "Is?"

"But, it shouldn’t be this way!"
"I know it could be different!"
"Why are people so dumb?"
"Why did they make it that way?"
"What were they thinking?"
"Common sense tells you— "

Why do you use your precious energy and logic trying to figure out something that is illogical? Why worry about what is not when you could step-over that obstacle and move on to what is?

Thomas Edison would never have invented the incandescent light bulb if he argued over why the first one didn’t work. He would have refused to move on until he had "out thought" the flawed design. He simply accepted that which did not work and improved on it until it did.

Rule out the impossible so you can embrace the possible. Accept God’s response of "No," or "Not now," and open yourself to the greater possibilities He has in mind for you. When you remain angry over why things aren’t the way you think they should be, you miss all the ways in which they can be. Embrace God’s plan for your life and your family, and possibilities will bloom around you like the flowers of spring. Let us pray:

"Oh Loving Father, you have so many miracles, so many glorious possibilities, for me that I would live each day in amazement if I actually took time to notice them all. I am so sorry that I don’t see your will for my life because I am angry and disappointed with you for not giving me what I want, in the time and manner in which I want it. I too often do not accept what is. Teach me to give thanks in all things, because those things are more precious than the most valuable jewels. Yet, I have cast aside diamonds because I was searching for coal. Open my heart and life to all that you have for me. I accept your will for my life this very day. Glory be to you, Father God, for you are all that is life and love. In the name of Jesus Christ, your son and my redeemer, I pray. Amen"

Doris
"God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine."
Copyright 2013 Doris Gaines Rapp

It’s now Available! Escape from the Belfry - a young adult novel full of adventure is now available to order at www.archwaypublishing.com , www.amazon.com , www.bn.com , and through your local bookstore - just ask them to order it from Archway Publishing. The Archway Bookstore is very new but not as new as my book, Escape from the Belfry. You can order it from Archway Publishing at (888) 242-5904. It will take a few more weeks before their "Buy Me" buttons are in place on their website bookstore. Just call. ENJOY!

For children and teens, go to: www.inmyprayerchair.blogspot.com And . . .

https://www.facebook.com/pages/My-Prayer-Chair/476665319066226 (copy and paste to address line if needed)

Monday, May 6, 2013

BLESSINGS ARE MINE

"And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." 2 Corinthians 9:8
(NIV © 2011)

Celebrating a birthday is like throwing a party for God. When we set aside a special day to review the year and look forward to the next, we see blessings that have fallen all around us until they cover our whole being and fill our shoes!

Saturday, I had a wonderful time at a book signing, to open the new library in Roanoke, Indiana, with fifteen other friends and authors,. So many happy faces, so many kind words, that my face was set in a perpetual smile for the rest of the day. True blessings do not come in the form of a winning lottery ticket. If you are waiting for the "gold ticket" in the candy bar, you will miss the real God-sightings all around you.

We, the authors, and one big golden dog who lapped up attention from all who passed by as she sprawled on the floor, were scattered all over the library. Blessings came in full measure in my corner of the building, on the face of my friend Mary who drew dinosaurs for children in the kids corner; in my conversation with Lynette whose book on sexual purity is a "must have" for every church library; and the constant smile of Marsha who wrote an inspired tribute to her mother, one of the first female pilots of WWII. I was also truly touched by the new authors I met, and for Judy, whom I see only once every few years. These are life’s true treasures.

In the third verse of the hymn, Great is Thy Faithfulness, we sing the inspired words:
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside! 
(© 1923. Ren. 1951 Hope Publishing Co., Carol Stream, IL 60188)
Roses are always good to stop and smell. Dear Ones, it is far more important to take time to count your "ten thousand blessings" at the end of each day and rise up every morning with childlike anticipating for the grace you will receive with your first holy breath. Let us pray:

"Father, God, holy is your name. Amazing are your gifts. Abundant are your blessings. Since your kingdom has come in my life, I have walked in the light of your presence and joy. I thank you for all you have given me. Forgive me when I have said, ‘I know you sent your only son to save my soul, but, God, I want more, more of what the world has to offer.’ I have turned away your treasures that outlast time, for trinkets that dazzle for a while and then turn back to dust. No more. I choose you Father, your love and your blessings. Great is your faithfulness, Father God. For all these things, and ten million more, I thank you. Let me walk in your way every day of my life. In the name of Jesus, your son and my redeemer, I pray. Amen"

Doris
"God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine." Copyright 2013 Doris Gaines Rapp

For children and teens, go to:
http://inmyprayerchair.blogspot.com And . . .

https://www.facebook.com/pages/My-Prayer-Chair/476665319066226 (copy and paste to address line if needed)

Escape from the Belfry (Y/A Adventure novel) Enjoy!