Inspiration

((((Sky)))))))

(((((((((((((((((Sky)))))))))))))))))))))

thankyou ....... Jinny xoxoxoxoxoxo

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One way to have cool water
to drink when canoeing
is to drag by rope a
plastic bottle of water.
The coolness of the river
will chill the water,
and provide for refreshing
thirst-quenching drinking.

It is a drag on the canoe though.
It could slow down progress, especially
if the container is large,
and if you have too short of a rope
it will thump against the canoe
or even get in the way of the
paddle at times.
It's important to know how to do
it just so.
But it's still a drag.

There are many things in life that
can drag us down or slower.
Some things are worth it, like
the taste of cool water on a hot day.
Some things are not worth it,
such as when the bottle thuds
against the canoe in an irritating way.

What is worth the drag?
What is worth having so the float down the
stream is more enjoyable?

<font color="blue">[b]
Strength for the journey.

Many can make a quote about being strengthened
by God to do all things.
I think many become discouraged in life
and feeling defeated because they have
just never discovered this truth:
God didn't intend for us to travel our
journey in our own strength, but only with the
strength He provides.

Some have assumed it must be up to them to live
for God and never make use of the rich resources
God has already provided to strengthen us for the
journey. (It was likened to a guest who has been invited
to a banquet but never sits down to the meal: they have
never learned to draw their strength
from God's resources.)

God doesn't want us to be that way.
God doesn't want us to fail.
God is far more concerned about your spiritual welfare
than you will ever be.



exerpted from B Graham

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The enjoyment of sweet scents
comes from God.
It is the way He made us,
yet another way we are like Him.

Have you ever walked through an
area that had a sweet aroma?
Perhaps it was a bakery, or
an Italian restaurant, or even
a roadside bbqer.

On one trip, the strong aroma
of the orange blossoms from the
miles and miles of groves
overpowered me and I had to pull
into a parking lot and take a nap.
That was many years ago, long before
I lost my sense of smell in an accident,
and yet my mind can still recall that sweet
scent.

Next time a sweet aroma reaches out to
you enjoy it, and remember God likes it too,
and decided to share it with you.

(((((((Sky)))))))) I haven't been on much lately so I have been catching up on my reading here, LOL!

I must say I haven't been in the best of places recently. But this has brought me great comfort today. So, I thank you for taking the time out of your day-to-day to post these things. My heart feels a little lighter and my eyes a little brighter.

Thank you
recluse1

We don't even have to wait to happen upon sweet scents to come upon us. I just purchased another Rosemary plant for my living room. The scent of rosemary is uplifting and calming and improves mood. If you are struggling, get a rosemary plant and put it next to where you spend a lot of your time. Other scents that can be calming and have a positive effect on mood include lavender, vanilla, citrus, sandalwood, marjoram, sage, mint, and other fruits and flowers.

You can attend to what scents have a positive effect on you, and keep yourself surrounded with them. There are many ways to increase your exposure to those scents, besides growing the plants in your house. Try essential oils, candles, room fresheners, etc. I like the "black ice" scent in my car (one of those tree air fresheners for cars), but it is really strong so you have to follow the directions and not open it all the way. Or bake some cookies or a loaf of bread, for the smell, and give it to your neighbor if you don't need to actually eat that stuff.

We can seek for uplifting scents, just like we can seek for spirituality; and invite scents into our lives just as we can invite God into our lives.

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So many different aspects of life!
Things to share.
Things to hide.
Things to enjoy alone.
Hassles that are all ours alone, too.
Concerns of a common group abound.
Who can make sense of it all?

Life is like a huge puzzle
and our day to day efforts are
finding those pieces that fit
our particular life/puzzle.
For each spot, only one thing
takes shape to fit there.
Once we have that piece "solved"
satisfaction and better living
occurs.
Then we move on to the next.

No puzzle is complete without
all the pieces.
Who hasn't worked for days or weeks
on a magnificent puzzle
only to find that a piece is
still missing.
You scour the table, the box,
the floor.
You sweep and shake and
diligently search for that
one last puzzle piece.
Nothing else will suffice.

God fits as one of those Pieces.
Have you found where He belongs
in your puzzle of life?

(((Rapunzel)))
(((Recluse)))

Sky,

Know that your dedication to this site and it's members doesn't go without notice. You are much appreciated!

((((((((((((((( Sky )))))))))))))))))

I certainly notice and appreciate your posts.

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Anyone who's ever been swimming under water can understand how it's another world there.
The sounds from above are muffled, if you sense any at all.
Depending upon whether you have any apparatus or just holding your breath your experience will differ.
For the snorkeler or scuba diver, the experience can become surreal.
You see things you never had the chance to before,
nor imagined were there.

The lack of common sounds takes some getting used to.
The sense of weight difference is also challenging.
If you've chosen a good place, the colors and shapes of underwater life is exquisite
and draws much of your attention.
You learn how to appreciate things in a new way.

Going before God in prayer can be a similar experience.
Blocking out the sounds of the world and listening to
the still small voice of God within us takes practice.
Our Spirit bears witness with His, and we can appreciate this phenonmena.
The peaceful nature of knowing we are before the throne of God
and not only allowed to speak our peace, but encouraged to
gives this time a special setting and sense about it.
There is much to see and know from spending time
with God in prayer.

Both experiences take place in a realm not known to all people, though available.
Next time you approach the throne, take time to realize where you are,
and appreciate what surrounds you.

Peace.

Amen!

Going without that experience once you become accustomed to it, is like trying to hold your breath, or maybe more accurately, like being a fish out of water.

You got that right!

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Have you ever stood on a mountain top and looked down upon a city?
I have, many times.
One place is Look Out Mountain, TN, and another is on the expressway coming into Chattanooga.
It's wondrous at night, especially. all the sparkling lights and moving car lights.
Once, while on a mountain west of Alburquerque on the 4th of July, I saw fireworks displays being held in many places in the city!

When I did such a thing, it was a time for me to think about everyone in the city, whether they were enjoying it, what they were doing, etc.
It took a second to realize I was standing there without thinking about myself, except that I was there.

When tempted to do something not really good for you, it might be easiest to think only of yourself
but if you can see the long view, of afar off, or of others you might affect in your "city"
it will be easier to not give in to the temptation.

Keeping a good perspective helps to see what's true, and good.

We are but a small part of something vastly larger than ourselves. Yet, all are intricately connected.

[b]<font color="darkblue">

It can be refreshing to sit
at night
around a blazing campfire.
Sharing our stories
in the fellowship of
kindred spirits.

Just as the sparks can rise
and cinders be caught in the
wind
only to disintegrate in air,
God can make our enemies
and struggles disappear.

I don't know what i can say that is proper here.

Guess y'all can pray for me, and that those who pulled my inspiration away will be blessed, and that I'll find it again soon.

Don't give away your power, Sky. It is taken away only when you allow it. "Greater is He that is in you."

(((( Sky )))))

((((Sky))))) I do so hope that you do not give up on your threads here. They have brought me so much joy. Many times after coming here to read them, I walk away with a new perspective and food for thought.

Sometimes when all we need is a little lift, we can get that here in your threads. Keep doing what you do so well, reaching out to others and telling us about the love of God and how to apply these things in our daily lives.