<![CDATA[Bluidkiti's Alcohol and Addictions Recovery Forums]]> http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/ Stop in and join us at bluidkiti.com en Fri, 18 May 2012 22:56:22 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/images/misc/rss.jpg <![CDATA[Bluidkiti's Alcohol and Addictions Recovery Forums]]> http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/ what to say to someone who asks... http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5474&goto=newpost Fri, 18 May 2012 19:37:43 GMT This was given to me by my sponsee today..she was having problems of what to say to people, old friends who ask her why she is not drinking... This was given to me by my sponsee today..she was having problems of what to say to people, old friends who ask her why she is not drinking booze..she said "I don't drink anymore for the benefit of mankind" I loved that one..never heard that. I will hear I am allergic to alcohol, or I break out in handcuffs, I personally will say I can't drink on the medications I take..but doing it for the benefit of mankind means a lot for us alcoholics..it benefits the people we may have killed why driving drunk, it benefits our employers, where we drank at work, passed out at our desks, and generally just didn't do the job we were hired for. Think about what you will or do say to that question of why you are not drinking booze..I know this was posed to me many times when I first got into recovery. Just a thought for you all out there. Peace, Schell:162: ]]> Newcomers to Recovery Support schell81208 http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5474 Not What I Planned http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5473&goto=newpost Fri, 18 May 2012 13:59:06 GMT Not What I Planned by Anne Cetas Rest in the Lord. —Psalm 37:7 This isn’t the way I expected my life to be. I wanted to marry at 19, have a... Not What I Planned by Anne Cetas

Rest in the Lord. —Psalm 37:7

This isn’t the way I expected my life to be. I wanted to marry at 19, have a half-dozen children, and settle into life as a wife and mother. But instead I went to work, married in my forties, and never had children. For a number of years I was hopeful that Psalm 37:4 might be for me a God-guaranteed promise: “He shall give you the desires of your heart.”

But God doesn’t always “bring it to pass” (v.5), and unmet desires stir up occasional sadness. Like mine, your life may have turned out differently than you planned. A few thoughts from Psalm 37 may be helpful (even though the psalm is primarily about comparing ourselves to the wicked).

We learn from verse 4 that unfulfilled desires don’t have to take the joy out of life. As we get to know God’s heart, He becomes our joy.

“Commit your way to the Lord” (v.5). The word commit means “to roll.” Bible teacher Herbert Lockyear, Sr., says, “‘Roll thy way upon the Lord,’ as one who lays upon the shoulders of one stronger than himself a burden which he is not able to bear.”

“Trust also in Him” (v.5). When we confidently entrust everything to God, we can “rest in the Lord” (v.7), for He is bringing about His best for our lives.
As I walk along life’s pathway,
Though the way I cannot see,
I shall follow in His footsteps,
For He has a plan for me. —Thiesen

A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. —Proverbs 16:9 ]]> Daily Spiritual Meditations bluidkiti http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5473 The Fox without a Tail http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5472&goto=newpost Fri, 18 May 2012 12:44:11 GMT The Fox without a Tail One day a fox became caught in a trap. In his struggle to free himself, he left his tail behind. On his way home, he... The Fox without a Tail

One day a fox became caught in a trap. In his struggle to free himself, he left his tail behind. On his way home, he devised a way to head off being made the butt of jokes. He trotted back into the forest and called together all the foxes.

"Foxes are much more attractive when they do not have a tail," he said as he wiggled his stump. "Observe how sleek my appearance is. No longer will I have to pull burrs out of my tail. I am free – and you can all be free, too! It is time for all foxes to cut off their tails."

"Nonsense!" an elder fox yelled out. "If you had not lost your own tail, my friend, you would not be urging us to lose ours as well. You must deal with your loss on your own."

The Moral of the story: Do not trust all of the advice given by others.

Many in the program offer helpful support based on their experience. There are also those who give advice. Sometimes this advice is well-meaning and useful; other times it may seem suspect. Listen to the support, guidance, and advice you are given. But never let such information have a negative impact on your recovery.

I will listen to the advice I am given, but will make decisions that are right for me.

You are reading from the book:

Morning Light by Amy E. Dean ]]> Daily Spiritual Meditations bluidkiti http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5472 What is Taking Root? http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5471&goto=newpost Fri, 18 May 2012 12:41:06 GMT What is Taking Root? TODAY’S SCRIPTURE “He answered, He Who sows the good seed is the Son of Man” (Matthew 13:37, AMP) TODAY’S WORD from Joel... What is Taking Root?

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“He answered, He Who sows the good seed is the Son of Man” (Matthew 13:37, AMP)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

God is constantly trying to plant new seeds of victory on the inside of you. He’s trying to increase you. He’s trying to enlarge your vision. He wants to take you to new levels of victory. But before you see a harvest, the seed has to take root. You have to conceive it before you are going to receive it. In other words, before you’re ever going to be successful, you’ve got to see yourself successful. Before you’re ever going to have your dreams come to pass, you’ve got to look out through your eyes of faith and see them coming to pass. That’s how you allow the seed to take root.

Today, I encourage you to examine your thought life. What are you allowing to take root? Are God’s seeds of victory and life growing in your heart and mind, or are you nurturing seeds of defeat and despair? The good news is that you can change your thoughts right now, this very moment. Begin to dwell on God’s promises and His goodness. Let His good seeds take root in your mind and heart. It won’t be long before you’ll see that harvest of blessing come forth in every area of your life!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father God, today I surrender every area of mind, will and emotions to You. I choose to dwell on Your goodness and faithfulness so that the good seeds You’ve planted in my life will take root. Keep me close to You and direct my steps down the good path You have prepared for me in Jesus’ name. Amen. ]]> Daily Spiritual Meditations bluidkiti http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5471 Daily Prayers - May 18 http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5470&goto=newpost Fri, 18 May 2012 11:25:18 GMT Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for the many wonderful promises for all of Your children. I do thank You for the promise of long life, not only for... Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for the many wonderful promises for all of Your children. I do thank You for the promise of long life, not only for me, but for all of my family members. I claim Psalm 91 over our lives. Thank You for watching over us all the time. Lord, now that I am older and have had many experiences, help me to be gracious in sharing the things that I have learned over the years. Help me to also keep my mouth shut when I should and allow others to learn from you. Thank You for helping me to grow old graciously. Lord, bless all around the world. Strengthen and protect them. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen. ]]> Prayers and Prayer Requests bluidkiti http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5470 Food for Thought - Safety http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5469&goto=newpost Fri, 18 May 2012 05:15:06 GMT Friday, May 18, 2012 You are reading from the book Food for Thought Safety I am safe as long as I do not take the first compulsive bite.... Friday, May 18, 2012

You are reading from the book Food for Thought

Safety

I am safe as long as I do not take the first compulsive bite. Abstinence is my security. If I break my abstinence, I lose my protection against the confusion, remorse, and pain of overeating.

To keep my abstinence strong, I need to use the OA tools of recovery each day. I need to build my program and to give it my best efforts. Remembering that my Higher Power has given me a new life, I will not endanger it by forgetting how much I need His care.

Temptation is always appearing in one form or another. Sometimes it may seem impossible not to give in. My strength lies not in myself but in God, and only by maintaining close contact with Him can I remain safe.

My Higher Power has led me to OA and has given me a safe place to be. When I am tempted or upset, I will use the telephone, go to a meeting, practice Step Eleven, and do whatever else it takes to maintain my abstinence.

Thank You for bringing me to a safe place. ]]> Other Addictions MajestyJo http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5469 <![CDATA[The Language of Letting Go - Don't Stop Living Your Life!]]> http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5468&goto=newpost Fri, 18 May 2012 05:12:22 GMT Friday, May 18, 2012

You are reading from the book The Language of Letting Go

Don't stop living your life!

So often, when a problem occurs, inside or around us, we revert to thinking that if we put our life on hold we can positively contribute to the solution. If a relationship isn't working, if we face a difficult decision, if we're feeling depressed, we may put our life on hold and torment ourselves with obsessive thoughts.

Abandoning our life or routines contributes to the problem and delays us from finding the solution.

Frequently, the solution comes when we let go enough to live our life, return to our routine, and stop obsessing about the problem.

Sometimes, even if we don't feel like we have let go or can let go, we can act as if we have, and that will help bring about the letting go we desire.

You don't have to give up your power to problems. You can take your focus off your problem and direct it to your life, trusting that doing so will bring you closer to a solution.

Today, I will go on living my life and tending to my routine. I will decide, as often as I need to, to stop obsessing about whatever is bothering me. If I don't feel like letting go of a particular thing, I will act as if I have let go of it until my feelings match my behavior. ]]> Family and Friends of Alcoholics and Addicts MajestyJo http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5468 Touchstones - Quiet Moments http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5467&goto=newpost Fri, 18 May 2012 05:08:11 GMT Friday, May 18, 2012

You are reading from the book Touchstones

One should learn to enjoy the neighbor's garden, however small; the roses straggling over the fence, the scent of lilacs drifting across the road.

—Henry Van Dyke

There are many gifts around us which we overlook when we're busy dealing with our anxieties and obligations. We talk about burning out from our high-intensity lifestyles. We act as though nothing would get done if we didn't do it ourselves. We get so engrossed in fighting with the frustrations of life that we fail to see the good things coming our way that took no effort on our part.

As we look around us this very moment, what good things do we find? Has a friend given a warm hello? Is the sun shining? The rain falling? Has the traffic flowed smoothly? We have no claim on these generous events, and we can't say God smiles on us when we have them or He frowns when we don't. We can say there are always generous forces coming our way, which comfort and heal us. We only need to take time to enjoy them.

Today, I will take some quiet moments to notice the good things coming my way. I will be grateful for them. ]]> General Recovery MajestyJo http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5467 NA JFT May 18 - Friends And Amends-Keeping It Simple http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5466&goto=newpost Fri, 18 May 2012 04:13:54 GMT May 18

Friends And Amends—Keeping It Simple

"We made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others."

Step Nine

In every relationship, we don't always handle things the way we would have hoped. But friendships don't have to end when we make mistakes; instead, we can make amends. If we are sincerely willing to accept the responsibilities involved in friendship and make the amends we owe, those friendships can become stronger and richer than ever.

Making amends is simple. We approach the person we have harmed and say, "I was wrong." Sometimes we avoid getting to the point, evading an admission of our own part in the affair. But that frustrates the intent of the Ninth Step. To make effective amends, we have to keep it simple: we admit our part, and leave it at that.

There will be times when our friends won't accept our amends. Perhaps they need time to process what has happened. If that is the case, we must give them that time. After all, we were the ones in the wrong, not them. We have done our part; the rest is out of our hands.

Just for today: I want to be a responsible friend. I will strive to keep it simple when making amends.

pg. 144 ]]> Narcotics Addiction - Substance Abuse Recovery MajestyJo http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5466 West Texas - Tribute http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5465&goto=newpost Fri, 18 May 2012 02:05:08 GMT Dedicated to my friend Carey's sister. Awesome!

http://player.vimeo.com/video/221320...e=0&portrait=0

Wyman, the photographer, used to live in the old jail in Benjamin, TX. The photo of the coiled rattlesnake appeared on the cover of a wildlife magazine in the 80s. He said, there were times he crawled a long way on his belly to get a good shot of a wild animal.

The music is by Doug Smith. Doug is from Petersburg , Texas and lives south of town. Doug plays by ear- He can not read music, but has many CDs. A pickup accident left Doug paralyzed and he does not play any more. Most of the pictures were taken in the rolling plains ( cap rock to Seymour , the Fork, 6666, and Waggoner Ranches. There are some scenes in Palo Duro Canyon .
Please take a moment and view....I don’t know if I’ve ever seen such fantastic use of music set to amazing animal and landscape photography. The changes in the tempo perfectly compliment the scenery. It is simply a beautiful portrayal of our magnificent home state! ]]> Videos and Music MajestyJo http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5465 Motives http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5464&goto=newpost Thu, 17 May 2012 19:43:28 GMT
Quote:

Be aware of your motives

"Ordinarily, everything we do is in our self-interest. Everything."

-- Anthony de Mello

"Remember, most of the things you think you need are ego trips designed to bolster your image and your perception of security.... You'll waste a lot of energy satisfying your ego only to find that, as soon as it's got what it wants, it ignores all your efforts and promptly nails another list of demands to your forehead. The ego will always try to force you to slave for its vision. I wouldn't stand for that BS if I were you."

-- Stuart Wilde

"We have no need to teach pure motives to the mind. All that is necessary to make the mind pure is to undo the negative conditioning to which it has been subjected; then we will be left with pure, unconditioned awareness."

-- Eknath Easwaran

Higher Awareness

Often when I questioned whether I was doing God's will in my life or whether I was running on self-will, my sponsor told me to examine my motives. More importantly, was is my intent behind the motive. Was it for my honour and glory? Was I looking for approval and validation outside of myself? Was I doing something to make myself look good because of the pain inside?

I have often had my motives questioned about sharing on the internet. It has been because I care and wish to carry the message to others. Because of my health, I only get out to one meeting a week. This site and another one, help me to stay spiritually connected. I need that defense to maintain my sobriety. Not to stay sober, but for my peace of mind. They say if I don't give it away I can't keep it. I have been given many gifts of awareness in recovery, I thank you for the opportunity to share with you. When I look at things, there is always something else to learn, a new perspective to see, and new enlightenment to direct me on my journey.

So many times, when I question, should I or shouldn't I, I have to ask myself, "What are my motives?" What is my reason for doing this? Can I take my Higher Power with me in my decision?

As my sponsor says, '...you end up shoulding all over the place."

]]> Newcomers to Recovery Support MajestyJo http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5464 First step towards recovery http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5463&goto=newpost Thu, 17 May 2012 16:12:16 GMT Hi! Today i have finally taken the first step towards recovery from Alcohol Abuse. I have been drinking since 1983. I am 42 years old, and have... Hi! Today i have finally taken the first step towards recovery from Alcohol Abuse. I have been drinking since 1983. I am 42 years old, and have finally admitted to myself that i have a problem. After hundreds of blackouts, erratic behavior, i need to put a stop to all this. I have made an appointment to see my doctor tomorrow to review my alternatives. I have discussed this with my significant other and they are on board with me. I guess i am looking for encouragement and advise on this diffult road ahead. Thank you!:195: ]]> New Member Check In Nile313 http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5463 Weekly Spiritual Meditations - 5/18 http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5462&goto=newpost Thu, 17 May 2012 15:19:05 GMT Each of us can confess our failures to God in prayer and be cleansed and forgiven. As we travel through life, we come across many hurdles and... Each of us can confess our failures to God in prayer and be cleansed and forgiven.

As we travel through life, we come across many hurdles and difficulties. We may be tempted to try to satisfy our spiritual thirst in many ways. But only a close relationship with God offers real, lasting satisfaction. Only God’s living water can quench our soul’s thirst.

Our actions are meant to spread the good news of God's love everywhere.

Take time daily to say thank you to God and to people who help you.

To human eyes we may be nothing, but God has created each of us valuable and unique. We are precious in God’s eyes (Isa. 43:4). By realizing this, we feel happy doing our daily activities and having faith in God’s promise that one day everything will be made beautiful (Eccl. 3:11).

Whatever our condition, God loves us.

When we trust God’s perspective we can experience God’s peace.

Hope in anything except God makes our hope depend on circumstances. But basing our hope in God means we can find joy in situations where it seems joy should not exist.

Look for ways God shows love for you, and find a way to show God’s love to those near you.

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THE FROG HAT by Tina Blessitt
My 9-year-old's last-second request surprised his doctor and taught me a valuable lesson.
Last fall my 9-year-old son, Austin, had his tonsils removed. Before the surgery, Austin's anesthesiologist came to start an IV. He was wearing a cool surgical cap covered in colorful frogs. Austin loved that "frog hat."
The doctor explained that he had two choices. He could either try to start the IV, or he could wait until Austin was up in the operating room. In the OR, the doctor would give Austin some "goofy" gas, and start the IV when he was more relaxed. "So, Austin," he asked, "which do you want?"
Austin replied, "I'll take the gas."
But when the doctor started to leave, Austin called, "Hey, wait." The doctor turned. "Yeah, buddy, what do you need?"
Austin asked, "Do you go to church?" "No," the doctor admitted. "I know I probably should, but I don't." Austin then asked, "Well, are you saved?"
Chuckling nervously, the doctor said, "Nope. But after talking to you, maybe it's something I should consider."
Pleased with his response, Austin answered, "Well, you should, 'cause Jesus is great!"
"I'm sure He is, little guy," the doctor said, and quickly made his exit. After that a nurse took me to the waiting room. Someone would come and get me when Austin's surgery was done.
After about 45 minutes, the anesthesiologist came into the waiting room. He told me the surgery went well and then said, "Mrs. Blessitt, I don't usually come down and talk to the parents after a surgery, but I just had to tell you what your son did."
Oh boy, I thought. What did that little rascal do now? The doctor explained that he'd just put the mask on Austin when my son signaled that he needed to say something. When the doctor removed the mask, Austin blurted, "Wait a minute, we have to pray!"
The doctor told him to go ahead, and Austin prayed, "Dear Lord, please let all the doctors and nurses have a good day. And Jesus, please let the doctor with the frog hat get saved and start going to church. Amen."
The doctor admitted this touched him. "I was so sure he would pray that his surgery went well," he explained. "He didn't even mention his surgery. He prayed for me! Mrs. Blessitt, I had to come down and let you know what a great little guy you have."
A few minutes later a nurse came to take me to post-op. She had a big smile on her face as we walked to the elevator. "Mrs. Blessitt, I couldn't wait to tell you something exciting that your son did."
With a smile, I told her that the doctor already mentioned Austin 's prayer. "But there's something you don't know," she said. "Some of the other nurses and I have been witnessing to and praying for that doctor for a long time. After your son's surgery, he tracked a few of us down to tell us about Austin's prayer. He said, 'Well girls, you got me. If that little boy could pray for me when he was about to have surgery, then I think maybe I need his Jesus too."
She then recounted how they joined the doctor as he prayed to receive Christ right there in the hospital. Wow! Austin had played a small part in something wonderful. But then, so did the nurses who prayed and witnessed.
I thought about John's words in his Gospel, "One sows and the other reaps" (John 4:37). Austin's experience taught me that, although we never know which role we may be called to play, in the end it doesn't matter. What's important is that we remain faithful in sharing the gospel.
"A little child will lead them." Isa.11:6

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Holding The Hands Of God by Milton C. Gardner, Jr.
Hand-holding is, I believe, a tradition as old as the creation of mankind. Somehow, I can imagine that Adam and Eve must have held hands as they walked through the Garden of Eden.
Through the centuries, lovers have held hands as an expression of fondness and devotion. In times of distress--even pain and anguish--caring people have reached out to hold the hands of the afflicted and in this silent way have said, "I care."
Often, God's people hold hands as they sing or pray. Thereby, they form a "bond of love" and forge lasting bonds of brotherhood.
Sometimes parents hold the hands of a child who is dreading some pain--perhaps a shot or a medical procedure. Hand-holding is reassuring and comforting.
"Let me hold your hand," we say to a child when we cross a busy thoroughfare. Hand-holding affords protection.
As the family of God, we have the blessed assurance of God's hand to steady and secure us. He offers His hand as an expression of His tender devotion and constant love.
Isaiah sings: "For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee" (Isaiah 41:13).
In times of loneliness and pain, we must needs slip our hands into the strong but gentle hands of God. He loves, He cares, and He protects His own.

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Will the Rope Hold? by Mike Woodard
The summer between my 3rd and 4th year of university I worked at Yellowstone National Park. It was a great summer, full of adventures and new experiences.
On a day off, I had signed up for a day long class in rock climbing. I was successfully making my way up the side of a mountain when the instructor surprised me with an unexpected challenge, when he said, “I want you to push yourself off and fall on the rope!” Questioning why he would ask me to do this, I hesitated, and he wisely pointed out that, “You will never be a good rock climber until you can trust that the rope will hold you. Push yourself off and fall on the rope.”
I was afraid. Obviously, my trust was in my ability to use my hands and feet to scale the mountain. The rope was a secondary source of security, in case I slipped (which I did not plan to do!). I eventually did let go of my hand holds, and I’m here to tell you that the rope held!
There are times when God seems to say the same thing to me as my instructor did that day. “Take the step, release your hands on what you are holding and see that I’m trustworthy.” The writer of the Psalms wrote, “O taste and see that the LORD is good; how blessed is the person who takes refuge in Him!” Psalm 34:8
Just as I would never be a good rock climber without experiencing that the rope will hold. The same is true of my spiritual life. I will never be a responsive Christ follower if I am unwilling to let go of whatever I am grasping when God says, “Let go, trust me.”
Are you willing to let go of the things that give you security? We can only experience God’s goodness when we take those, sometimes scary steps that take faith. Do you trust God is able to hold you securely when you let go of the things that provide comfort or security? What step is God asking you to take? Could it be he is asking you to let go of a relationship, finances or a position … A thought that comforts me is God holds the universe together it is likely He can provide all I need to hold life together … Enjoy the adventure!
Father God, Help me today to truly trust You and to let go of the things I have been putting my trust in. You alone are able to hold me securely! Thank you.
Questions: What step is God asking you to take today? What are the things we look to, other than God, for our security?

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One Day At A Time by The Vine
Therefore don't be anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Each day's own evil is sufficient. - Matthew 6:34
This last reason our Lord gives against anxiety for the future is that we have nothing to do with the future. God gives us life by days, little single days. Each day has its own duties, its own needs, its own trials and temptations, its own griefs and sorrows. God always gives us strength enough for the day as He gives it, with all that He puts into it. But if we insist on dragging back tomorrow's cares and piling them on top of today's, the strength will not be enough for the load. God will not add strength just to humour our whims of anxiety and distrust.
So the lesson is that we should keep each day distinct and attend strictly to what it brings us. Charles Kingsley says: “Do today's duty, fight today's temptation, and do not weaken and distract yourself by looking forward to things which you cannot see, and could not understand if you saw them.” We really have nothing at all to do with the future, save to prepare for it by doing with fidelity the duties of today.
No one was ever crushed by the burdens of one day. We can always get along with our heaviest load till the sun goes down; well, that is all we ever have to do. Tomorrow? Oh, you may have no tomorrow; you may be in heaven. If you are here God will be here too, and you will receive new strength sufficient for the new day.
One day at a time. A burden too great
To be borne for two can be borne for one;
Who knows what will enter tomorrow's gate?
While yet we are speaking all may be done.
One day at a time,-but a single day,
Whatever its load, whatever its length;
And there's a bit of precious Scripture to say
That according to each shall be our strength.

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Getting Nowhere Fast? by Sheree Motola
"Meanwhile, Boaz went up to the town gate and sat there." (Ruth 4:4)
The town gate was the place in town where many legal transactions took place. Boaz wanted approval from the elders to marry Ruth, but he first had to clear any prior claims to her estate. Instead of running around, making things happen, Boaz went to the gate, sat and waited until the people he needed to speak with came by the gate. Boaz was secure in his purpose and knew he was in God's will so he trusted plans to unfold.
Are you rushing around trying to make things happen or are you waiting on God to lead the way? Relax, regroup, and let God lead the way.
PRAYER: Lord, let me learn to wait. Show me your plan for my life and give me the patience and the trust to let it unfold in Your way. Stop me from running around, trying to make things happen and let me rest in your peace. In Jesus' name. Amen

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WHO WILL CATCH YOU? by Russ Lawson
We are living in tough times now. Of course there have always been tough times, haven't there. Jobs are hard to come by, the cost of anything you want to buy has risen, we are making choices now as to how to spend what money we have, that we may not have had to make a few years ago. It seems that every time we turn around they discover some new disease or someone you know has been diagnosed with cancer or some other terrible illness.
How do we survive in a world like this? We need to understand that life for the Christian is all about living by faith isn't it? I mean really, everyday we are challenged to go ahead with our living, by faith alone! We could wake up and think, "Something terrible may happen to me today, therefore I'll just say in my bed." Maybe something terrible has already happened to you! It is faith that gives us the power to put those thoughts out of our minds and get up and get on with living anyway.
I can pretty much guarantee you that if you get out of your house or out of your secure place, where ever it may be and try living, something sometime, somewhere will happen to cause you difficulties. It is how we choose to face those difficulties, that makes all the difference to our "quality of life". Walking by faith allows us to see past the difficulties and trust in one who can lift us up above whatever problem the world might put in front of us.
An "email friend" shared this true story with me and I want to share it with you because it teaches us about faith. "My elder son, at the age of about 3 taught me one of my biggest lessons on faith, better than any Sunday school teacher or grown up person could ever do.
I was fiddling in the garden. My son was playing on the porch behind me. Now the porch leading into the house is about one story off the ground as the house is built on a steep incline. I heard a voice crying "Daddy, catch me!" and as I turned around he was in mid air after having jumped off the porch. I did catch him, the impact actually knocking me flat on my back. Thankfully neither of us was hurt. I was just about to scold him when it dawned on me -- he had faith in me. He had complete faith that I would catch him. What a lesson! This is how our faith in God should be, complete and trusting." (Charl Marais)
That story is another example of the type of faith which Peter had when he walked on water, (Matthew 14:25-33). It was a faith of complete trusting in the one that can catch us and keep us from the terror of the world that surrounds us. Yes, Peter, like us, took his eyes off of Jesus and started to sink. But also just like us, Christ loved him enough that when Peter cried out for help, Christ lifted him up!
How do you choose to face life? Will you cower down, afraid of what might happen, or face it with faith and confidence knowing who will catch you, who will lift you up when terrible things do happen?
Paul wrote these inspiring words 2,000 years ago and they still stir our hearts to faith: "I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:12-13).
Will you choose to walk by faith not by sight? (2 Corinthians 5:6)

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CHOOSING YOUR WAY Courtesy of Steve May's Monday Memo
Victor Frankl wrote, "We who lived in concentration camps can remember the men who walked through the huts comforting others, giving away their last piece of bread. They may have been few in number, but they offer sufficient proof that everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms -- to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way."
Think of all the things you can't control: the economy, your health, your income, the choices that your kids make, the decisions that your boss makes... You may have some influence over these things, but not complete control.
But there is one thing you can control: How you respond to every situation. You can respond with anger, doubt, and self-pity ... or with faith, hope, and love. It's your choice.
Again and again in the Psalms we encounter David in difficult situations -- surrounded by enemies, struggling with sin, sinking in despair -- and again and again we see his absolute resolve to think right:
Why are you so downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. (Psalm 43:5)
You can't control what happens today, but you can control your actions. Don't let any situation get the best of you. No matter what you face, you can choose your own way.

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SPIRITUAL VITAMINS A TO Z Author Unknown
Remember to take your vitamins every day!
Anxious? Take Vitamin A. "All things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)
Blue? Take Vitamin B. "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name." (Psalm 103:1)
Crushed? Take Vitamin C. "Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7)
Depressed? Take Vitamin D. "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you." (James 4:8)
Empty? Take Vitamin E. "Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him, bless his name." (Psalm
100:4)
Fearful? Take Vitamin F. "Fear not, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God." (Isaiah 41:10)
Greedy? Take Vitamin G. "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put unto your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back." (Luke 6:38)
Hesitant? Take Vitamin H. "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who brings good news, who announces salvation, who says to Zion, 'Your God reigns.'" (Isaiah 52:7)
Insecure? Take Vitamin I. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13)
Jittery? Take Vitamin J. "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." (Hebrews 13:8)
Know nothing? Take Vitamin K. "Know this that the Lord is God, it is He that made us and not we ourselves. (Psalm 100:3)
Lonely? Take Vitamin L. "Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:20)
Mortgaged? Take Vitamin M. "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9)
Nervous? Take Vitamin N. "Never, no never will I leave you nor forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5)
Overwhelmed? Take Vitamin O. "Overcome evil with good." (Romans 12:21)
Perplexed or puzzled? Take Vitamin P. "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid." (John 14:27)
Quitting? Take Vitamin Q. "Quit you like men and women, be strong." (1 Corinthians 16:13)
Restless? Take Vitamin R. "Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him." (Psalm 37:7)
Scared? Take Vitamin S. "Stay with me, and do not be afraid; for the one who seeks my life seeks your life; you will be safe with me." (1 Samuel 22:23)
Tired? Take Vitamin T. "Those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31)
Uncertain? Take Vitamin U. "Understand that I am (the Lord). Before me no god was formed, nor shall there be any after me." (Isaiah 43:10)
Vain? Take Vitamin V. "Vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one. (Acts 5:16)
Wondering what to do? Take Vitamin W. "What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6:8)
eXhausted? Take Vitamin X. "Exercise thyself rather unto godliness." (1 Timothy 4:7)
Yearning for hope? Take Vitamin Y. "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for you art with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." (Psalm 23:4)
Zapped? Take Vitamin Z. "Zealous for good deeds." (Titus 2:14)

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Small Straws In A Soft Wind by Marsha Burns
Be aware that you are about to see the process of doors of opportunity opening that will be a pleasure and delight. Take advantage of stress-free blocks of time in which you can be restored and renewed both spiritually and physically. Don't push yourself in this time of healing. Let it come. Be open and receive all that I have for you, says the Lord. It will come with a very soft but powerful anointing. Hebrews 4:10 For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His.

Resist the temptation to get into condemnation when things don't turn out as you expected they would. Those things that you perceive as being mistakes serve to set the boundaries of your spiritual flow. I would have you pay attention to those boundaries and rejoice in receiving course corrections. I am with you to keep you on the narrow path to your destiny, says the Lord. Proverbs 3:11 My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, nor detest His correction.

Stay focused, and refuse to be scattered through trying to take on more than you can effectively handle. Take the time necessary to establish yourself in peace and tranquility so that the enemy cannot find an inroad. Confusion and chaos are the devil's playground, but I have given you the peace that surpasses all natural understanding. Settle down in the emotional and mental stability that I have provided, says the Lord. Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

You are currently in a time of rediscovery and recovery of things that have been lost to you, things that you once possessed either mentally, emotionally, physically or spiritually. You will have a sense of freedom that is beyond words to describe and will come from the very core of your being. This is a subtle work of My Spirit, says the Lord. Luke 4:18-19 "The Spirit of the LORD is upon me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD."

This is a time when you can and must release all things from the past so that you can move forward in My will and purposes. Cut the ties that bind or keep you bound through disappointment and failure. Keep your focus on the eternal now, and stay ever present with Me, says the Lord. I am doing a mighty liberating work in your hearts and minds. You would do well to cooperate with this work and set your sights on freedom. Romans 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.

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The Trumpet by Bill Burns
A spiritual time frame is before you, a time in which I will give unusual signs so that you may know that I am with you and that I am at work among you. Therefore, watch. Look and listen for My intervention into your lives with unusual signs that will confirm that which I am doing, says the Lord.

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God Loveth Me by Grace E. Easley
Sometimes I get to thinking
Of the way You care for me,
And I feel so very humble,
That such a thing could be.
For I'm only just a creature,
That you fashioned out of clay,
But You're always making sure that I
Have all I need each Day.
Sometimes when I am worried,
And I don't know what to do,
And things don't seem to work out,
I always run to you.
And what I thought were problems,
Vanish 'neath Your hand,
You take the time to listen,
And you always understand.
My dwelling may be humble,
But You share my small abode,
And when I feel I'm sinking,
You are there to lift the load.
And I count myself the luckiest,
That anyone can be,
Because I know beyond a doubt,
...My Savior loveth me!

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God Is Really There Author Unknown
When the tide comes rolling in,
And the mighty oceans roar,
It can go on land so far
That is all it goes no more
When the storm clouds gather round us
And the great big raindrops fall,
Just so much will fall to earth
As it heeds the Master's call
When the load becomes so heavy
That the body cries in pain,
Remember that this too will end -
Like the ocean and the rain
So adorn thyself with gladness
Remember, God is really there
He takes time to feed the sparrow,
And He always answers prayers

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Loving God Under Trials
12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. 16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. 18 Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.
Qualities Needed in Trials
19 So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; 20 for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God. James 1:12-20

1 I waited patiently for the Lord; And He inclined to me, And heard my cry. 2 He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, Out of the miry clay, And set my feet upon a rock, And established my steps. 3 He has put a new song in my mouth—Praise to our God; Many will see it and fear, And will trust in the Lord. Psalm 40:2

11 For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; 12 As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us. Psalm 103:11:12

1 It is good to give thanks to the Lord, And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; 2 To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning, And Your faithfulness every night, 3 On an instrument of ten strings, On the lute, And on the harp, With harmonious sound. 4 For You, Lord, have made me glad through Your work; I will triumph in the works of Your hands. Psalm 92:1-4

Do Good to Please God
1 “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2 Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 3 But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly. Matthew 6:1-4

37 “Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 38 Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” Luke 6:37-38

17 Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted. Hebrews 2:17-18

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Just A Note
Ah, my blessed and forgiven child. Come take my hand and let’s walk awhile. I just wanted to talk to you a minute and remind you that I love you. I wanted to remind you I’m here for you and I understand your struggle and the things you are going through.
I know it seems when the hour is the darkest that I’m far away but that is far from the truth. I want you to remember that I’ve mirrored your every struggle, cried your every tear, smiled your every joy and experienced your deepest pain. Don’t ever forget the things you deal with I’ve felt those same things before.
Don’t be afraid. Don’t run away. Most of all do not give up and lose hope. Always remember I’ve come a long way for you. I’ve experienced my greatest agony for who you are. We have a lot of history you and I. Don’t ever forget that. The last I would ever do is give up on you and walk away. I will never leave or forsake you.
Remember my Father's house has many mansions. I went to prepare a place for you and will return to take you there. I want to share all that with you. There are blessings for you that you cannot even fathom. When the road is rocky and the circumstances fierce when things are misunderstood and confusing I am near you. I feel your struggle. You are never alone.
Smile, child of mine! I love you and you must remember to lay your burdens on me. I’ve paid for them already. There is no need for you to fret and worry. Let me carry that as well.
I just wanted you to pause a minute and remember me. Dwell on me and not your problems and struggles. I’m bigger than all those things and I will never ever take you where I have not already been.
I love you blessed child of mine. Do not ever forget that. Come to me and I will give you rest.
Jesus

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O God, help us to love and respect one another as your children. Give us the knowledge, wisdom, and courage to be your arms and legs here on earth as we spread the good news of your love for each of us. Amen.

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Read Through The Bible
2 Samuel 22
1 Then David spoke to the Lord the words of this song, on the day when the Lord had delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul. 2 And he said: “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; 3 The God of my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, My stronghold and my refuge; My Savior, You save me from violence. 4 I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised; So shall I be saved from my enemies. 5 “When the waves of death surrounded me, The floods of ungodliness made me afraid. 6 The sorrows of Sheol surrounded me; The snares of death confronted me. 7 In my distress I called upon the Lord, And cried out to my God; He heard my voice from His temple, And my cry entered His ears. 8 “Then the earth shook and trembled; The foundations of heaven quaked and were shaken, Because He was angry. 9 Smoke went up from His nostrils, And devouring fire from His mouth; Coals were kindled by it. 10 He bowed the heavens also, and came down With darkness under His feet. 11 He rode upon a cherub, and flew; And He was seen upon the wings of the wind. 12 He made darkness canopies around Him, Dark waters and thick clouds of the skies. 13 From the brightness before Him Coals of fire were kindled. 14 “The Lord thundered from heaven, And the Most High uttered His voice. 15 He sent out arrows and scattered them; Lightning bolts, and He vanquished them. 16 Then the channels of the sea were seen, The foundations of the world were uncovered, At the rebuke of the Lord, At the blast of the breath of His nostrils. 17 “He sent from above, He took me, He drew me out of many waters. 18 He delivered me from my strong enemy, From those who hated me; For they were too strong for me. 19 They confronted me in the day of my calamity, But the Lord was my support. 20 He also brought me out into a broad place; He delivered me because He delighted in me. 21 “The Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness; According to the cleanness of my hands He has recompensed me. 22 For I have kept the ways of the Lord, And have not wickedly departed from my God. 23 For all His judgments were before me; And as for His statutes, I did not depart from them. 24 I was also blameless before Him, And I kept myself from my iniquity. 25 Therefore the Lord has recompensed me according to my righteousness, According to my cleanness in His eyes. 26 “With the merciful You will show Yourself merciful; With a blameless man You will show Yourself blameless; 27 With the pure You will show Yourself pure; And with the devious You will show Yourself shrewd. 28 You will save the humble people; But Your eyes are on the haughty, that You may bring them down. 29 “For You are my lamp, O Lord; The Lord shall enlighten my darkness. 30 For by You I can run against a troop; By my God I can leap over a wall. 31 As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him. 32 “For who is God, except the Lord? And who is a rock, except our God? 33 God is my strength and power, And He makes my way perfect. 34 He makes my feet like the feet of deer, And sets me on my high places. 35 He teaches my hands to make war, So that my arms can bend a bow of bronze. 36 “You have also given me the shield of Your salvation; Your gentleness has made me great. 37 You enlarged my path under me; So my feet did not slip. 38 “I have pursued my enemies and destroyed them; Neither did I turn back again till they were destroyed. 39 And I have destroyed them and wounded them, So that they could not rise; They have fallen under my feet. 40 For You have armed me with strength for the battle; You have subdued under me those who rose against me. 41 You have also given me the necks of my enemies, So that I destroyed those who hated me. 42 They looked, but there was none to save; Even to the Lord, but He did not answer them. 43 Then I beat them as fine as the dust of the earth; I trod them like dirt in the streets, And I spread them out. 44 “You have also delivered me from the strivings of my people; You have kept me as the head of the nations. A people I have not known shall serve me. 45 The foreigners submit to me; As soon as they hear, they obey me. 46 The foreigners fade away, And come frightened from their hideouts. 47 “The Lord lives! Blessed be my Rock! Let God be exalted, The Rock of my salvation! 48 It is God who avenges me, And subdues the peoples under me; 49 He delivers me from my enemies. You also lift me up above those who rise against me; You have delivered me from the violent man. 50 Therefore I will give thanks to You, O Lord, among the Gentiles, And sing praises to Your name. 51 “He is the tower of salvation to His king, And shows mercy to His anointed, To David and his descendants forevermore.”

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Dear God, the world is thirsty for you. Thank you for sending Jesus to quench our thirst. May all those who are weary come to you for living water. We pray in gratitude, saying, “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.”* Amen. *Luke 11:2-4 (KJV).

Wherever you are in life, whatever you've done, you can begin again. If you do not have Jesus in your life and wish to ask Jesus into your life please go to this link now to do so: http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=866 .
Jesus is calling you to live a life that matters. ]]> Daily Spiritual Meditations bluidkiti http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5462 A Place For You http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5461&goto=newpost Thu, 17 May 2012 14:23:33 GMT A Place For You by David C. McCasland If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you... A Place For You by David C. McCasland

If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. —John 14:3

A couple who brought their elderly aunt to live with them were concerned that she would not feel at home. So they transformed a room in their house into an exact replica of her bedroom at the home she left behind. When their aunt arrived, her furniture, wall hangings, and other favorite things felt like a special “Welcome home!” to her.

In John 13:36–14:4, we read that at the Last Supper Jesus spoke to His disciples and tried to prepare them for His death. When Simon Peter asked, “Where are you going?” Jesus replied, “Where I am going you cannot follow Me now, but you shall follow Me afterward” (13:36). Jesus was still speaking directly to Peter (and also meant it for all of His followers) when He said, “In My Father’s house are many mansions [rooms]; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also” (14:2-3).

Heaven is a family gathering of believers from every tribe and nation, but it is also our Father’s house—and in that house He is preparing a room just for you.

When you arrive in heaven and Jesus opens the door, you’ll know you’re home.
I have a home in heaven above
From sin and sorrow free—
A mansion which eternal love
Designed and formed for me. —Bennett

For the Christian, heaven is spelled H-O-M-E. ]]> Daily Spiritual Meditations bluidkiti http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5461 New Chapter http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5460&goto=newpost Thu, 17 May 2012 14:13:17 GMT New Chapter I am always growing and progressing. Around this time of year, students graduate from colleges and universities. It is significant... New Chapter
I am always growing and progressing.

Around this time of year, students graduate from colleges and universities. It is significant that the ceremony marking the completion of their studies is called commencement. All that they have worked for and looked forward to completing becomes not an end, but a beginning.

So it is in my life. Every time I achieve a goal, I find myself at a place of beginning as well as completion. Before a new chapter has a chance to unfold, I may feel I’ve come to a standstill. Yet as soon as I realize I am ready for something more, a new door opens.

Sure in my faith in God within, I know a good purpose is being fulfilled through me. As I close one chapter in my life, a new one opens with hope and promise. And I am ready!
I am the Alpha and the Omega.—Revelation 1:8

Daily Word ]]> Daily Spiritual Meditations bluidkiti http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5460