A neat idea... Blessing Ring (not to wear)

I am making a "Blessing Ring" for a dear friend of mine, Jacki. I have talked about her in previous blogs. I saw this on a blog, so it is not my idea. I just "tweeked" it alittle. I am handing out index cards to people to write notes to Jacki. They can write scripture verses, song lyrics, notes, pictures, prayers, whatever they feel will "bless" (encourage) Jacki. I want to FILL this ring for Jacki. So a friend and I started handing out the cards last weekend at church. I am doing it again this weekend at church. The Blessing Ring has a blessing attached and I added a scripture..."Our heavenly Father has given us the gift of His blessing. A blessing is not only speaking well-seasoned words, but also putting in action those words of encouragement and praise. And so to you I give the blessing ring. Each time someone encourages you in a word or action, place it on your ring...a card, a letter, a picture, a bible verse, song lyrics...punch a hole in it, string it on your blessing ring." "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of heavenly lights who does not change like shifting shadows." (James 1:17)
So the way I changed it was to do the words of encouragement/praise for her and have them "pre-strung" on her Blessing Ring for her. It has bright colored index cards and bright ribbons hanging from it. On a tag card I put her initial on the front and on the back the "blessing" with the verse.
I can't wait to get it to her and "bless" her with it. What a blessing she has been too me. Constantly challenging me to look up scripture she has referenced in our conversations.
I hope you all have a friend like I have, in Jacki. A Godly-woman that inspires you, challenges you, and teaches you about our Heavenly Father. I am blessed...I have several I can think of here and past places I have lived. I thank those lovely ladies and pray that I can be like them. God bless you all.
Just a thought too. You could fill your Blessing Ring with just scripture verses, prayers, all kinds of things. So enjoy this lovely idea from another blogger buddy.
May you have a joy-filled day and say thanks to God who has 'blessed' us all!

Father's Day...

Hi. Happy Father's Day to all.

I was reading a friends blog and he reminded me about who else to concentrate my "Happy Father's Day" too....God. Our Heavenly Father does deserve a "shout out" of Happy, Happy Father's day to the God. He created me! Thank you. You deserve so much more from me then a "shout out". As my friend said...i need to be in prayer and praise mode to Him today and always. (he said something along that line, if you are reading this John...i am poorly paraphrasing you!but you are smiling!!)

But I have thought alot about God and appreciating the "moments" (even the oops moments) lately. I have a friend (jacki) who has cancer. She is amazing woman/friend. She has witnessed to me so much this week. I have been blessed to sit with her and pray with her and hold her hand. wow. there are no "oops" in Jacki's life right now. She is focusing on God, her Heavenly Father, the Great Physician, the Great Healer. She is quoting scripture and holding tight to it through these uncertain times. She has such a beautiful smile. We laughed. We prayed. We chatted. She talked. It was all precious.

Visiting with Jacki has really brought me to the realization of "time". We talked about how today is a gift. We are never promised tomorrow. She is not bitter. She is very focused on God and His word. It is because of Jacki this day and lately...that i feel blessed to vaccum my house, dry my hair, float in my pool, watch my girls, laugh with my husband and much more. I look at things through Jacki Eyes...grateful. appreciative. thankful. blessed. awed by my Heavenly Father.

thank you Jacki for waking me up. giving me a reality check. But i will still mess up, but Jacki is thankful for God's grace.(and so am i!)

So pray for Jacki. And be thankful for the moments and the "oops" moments in your lives. Say "happy Father's Day" to our Heavenly Father. Shout out a "PRAISE" to Him. (thanks John for your blog blutness).

Here is to our earthly father's who are now with our Heavenly Father....Happy Father's day- Dad. (July 27,1993) and Happy Father's Day - Chip (brian's dad) 2/28/09. I know you are well....it is well with your souls. (but we still miss you!)

oops

my life is sometimes full of "oops" moments. Do you have those? these are my "oops" moments lately.

• not keeping up with my blog..oops
• not keeping up with my reading the bible through the year...oops
• not being more patient with my girls...ooops.
• not getting as much done in my day that i would like...oops
• eating the wrong things...oops
• biking has been cut back...it is too hot...oops
• trying to think of more oops moments...oops.

so whatever your "oops" moments may be know to God they are not "oops" they are learning times with Him. He is calling my name...trying to get my attention...getting me to slow down...capture the moment. Be okay about the "oops" (but recovery is important).

I have to go get my hair cut and cover the gray...or that would be an "oops" moment we DON'T want to deal with!

I am glad when i sit and type my blog. I truly think that God has giving me a gift that needs to be explored or used more...writing (just like my friend Dawn). I love to write. I am positive i am not a "great use of english rules and language" writer...but i am fun and try to write from my heart! Try to minister through words.

So have a "oops" free day and more importantly a JOY-FILLED day!