Friday Randomness (Vol. 6)

Scripture speaking to my heart

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy -- think about such things." ~ Philippians 4:8

Devotional Love

"We, too, must choose each day to serve the Lord. It won't prevent the difficulties ahead or bring wars to an end. But oh, what freedom to be able to choose the one thing that can bring us peace, even on the hard days. Since God has allowed our struggles, He can use them—even deployment. Nothing in our lives will be wasted when we choose to place it in God's sovereign hands by serving Him."
~ Faith Deployed...Again (pg. 171)

What am I reading now?

"Will you give me your whole heart — undivided, yielded, and surrendered? Your heart is fragile, yes, but in the palm of My hand, it is made strong. In my hands you are secure and loved, without conditions, and cared for deeply. Trust Me. I will not hurt you." ~ Coffee Talk with Jesus: Intimate Chats with the Savior, by Barbie Swihart of My Freshly Brewed Life. Her book will be releasing soon! I get to be part of the launch team and give you a quick glimpse.

and...

"God is reaching out to us, wanting us to see we need him. But since he is God, we think he wants some song and dance from us—in other words, behavior modification. He actually just wants us. He longs to set us free. And yes, to accomplish all that, he wants us entirely." ~ Anything: The Prayer That Unlocked My God and My Soul, by Jennie Allen

Both of these book are GOOD for the soul!

Good news from Pastor Pete Wilson (Let Hope In)

Check out his recent announcement here. I love how he is offering hope for you and then for you to give hope to another. You only have until December 1st so act quickly. I already have a copy (as you know!) but I'm purchasing another so I can then give away two copies. LOVE!!

Favorite blog read from the week

My friend Karin of Sunrise with a six pack took my breath away with her post The One Word I Want To Leave With My Children. Oh my, you must read.

There were a few more favorites this week...

Michelle DeRusha delivers a beautiful reminder of the only place to go When You're Looking for an Endorsement. "When you go looking for endorsements, look no further than God..."

I don't recall how I stumbled upon the post 26 Acts of Kindness in 26 Days from The Larson Lingo. It made me think of my friend Jenn from Running This Thing Called Life because she has this amazing gift of dishing out kindness daily and then it hit me how we should all be doing at least one thing every day to bless another. There really are so many simply things we can do.

Pray for your spouse

If you have not read, I highly suggest picking up a copy of the book, The Power of a Praying Wife, by Stormie Ortman. We need to be praying for our men. Let me add, you should read this book even if you are not married; you can pray for your future husband!

Jennifer of the Unveiled Wife also shared this week 25 Verses to Pray Over Your Husband. I completely agree with her when she says, "prayer is a vital part of a successful marriage."

Favorite new song

How Many Kings, by Downhere

"How many kings step down from their thrones?

How many lords have abandoned their homes?

How many greats have become the least for me?

And how many gods have poured out their hearts

To romance a world that is torn all apart

How many fathers gave up their sons for me?"

Okay, these lyrics had me in tears this week!

Favorite Internet find

I saw this shared in many places this past week... Homeless Man Breaks Out in Gospel with God of Second Chances. Beautiful!

Favorite Facebook post

Speaking of blessing others, Jenifer Metzger of Sweet Blessings shared a Pinterest Pin on her page this week that was adorable and a great idea for lifting someone spirits.

DIY "Get Well Soon" care package

I'm finding blessings in a deployment

~ Time to refresh my soul with God.

~ Sending my soldier text messages to tell him how much I love him.

~ More text messages and emails from family and friends to say they are thinking of us.

~ Text messages from him just to say good morning.

~ Shopping with my son and his girlfriend (he isn't here to watch spending. hehe)

~ AA changing your flight without fees after his leave time was extended.

~ Hotel contacts who take care of you.

~ Discovering my soldier is keeping a journal.

~ Rain...I feel it helps welcome my sometimes dreary mode.

~ Picking up the phone and having someone come do your fall clean-up.

~ Invitations to dinner.

Do you have a favorite from your week? Share away in the comments. I always love hearing from you.