Friday, November 22, 2013

Friday Randomness (Vol. 6)



Scripture speaking to my heart

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirableif 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.

16 comments :

  1. What a great idea for a post! I'm going to go explore some of the links that you included! Thanks! One of my favorite verses this week is the very familiar Proverbs 3:5...but in The Message version: "Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track." Proverbs 3:5 (The Message) I love how it is worded, don't you?

    Blessings, Joan

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    1. Thank you, Joan, for sharing Proverbs 3:5. I many time truly love The Message version. I've also come to enjoy the Voice version too. But I did really love how The Message version worded this and the reminder brings such comfort.
      Many blessings to you,
      Beth

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  2. I love your Friday randomness. Thank you for mentioning the book. I love how God is caring for your heart and encouraging you while your husband is away. You get to see him soon! Hugs!

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    1. Thank you, Barbie. I'm ready to run in to his arms again! Love you.

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  3. Oh I just love you, my friend. Thank you for sharing my post here today. You are such a blessing. Praying for you and your hubby. May the time fly by peacefully, Hugs to you, Beth!

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    1. Love you too, Karin. Thank you for your continued prayers.
      Hugs,
      Beth

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  4. What a sweet post!!! So glad you are having sweet time with Jesus while your husband is gone!!

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  5. Hi Beth! You have been incredibly busy this week, wow! All the refernce gathering and supporting your blog-friends...what a blessing you are to them. I am so glad to read that your husband will be back soon. I know you miss him so much. And the kindness of others really rings deeper with you at this time of trial, I'm sure. God is so good, and knows your heart needs support.
    I hope you have a wonderful weekend, and feel the comforting arms of The Lord enfolding you.
    Blessings, Ceil

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    1. Thank you for your kind words, Ceil. I'm always grateful to see you here.
      Much love,
      Beth

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  6. Beth,
    Just lifting you up in prayer and asking God to surround you with His loving arms! Thanks for always taking the time to pop by my place and offer some encouragement...you are amazing. Be sure, though, to take some time for yourself!
    With much love and ((hugs)),
    Bev

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  7. Beth, I can't wait to hop over and check out the your favorite blog reads. The one from Michelle really stands out to me. That DIY Get Well Soon care package is an adorable idea. Thanks for sharing. I'm hopping over to your archives to find your post on recommended things to send in care packages to soldiers. We finally have an address for my nephew.

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    1. Wanda, please let me know if you did not find the information. I'm also going to hop over and share a link with you. It is so wonderful when we finally have an address so we can start sending some love!!!
      Keeping your airman in my prayers.
      Much love,
      Beth

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  8. I'm a bit late, but you know I love your Friday Randomness as always. I managed to check a few of your links and was very blessed. Have a wonderfully blessed day!

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    1. Thank you, Lauren. Wishing you a blessed day as well. Happy Thanksgiving!!

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Much love to you.