"Heart Keepsakes"

Anything with a "heart" on it will catch my eye every single time!  I was so tickled to find out how to make a heart on my postings on face book.  For those of you who don't know, you just use the < key with a 3 next to it and when you push enter it makes the cutest little heart!  This just makes me so happy!  Call me silly I know!  I have some jewelry that reflects what I hold dear to my heart.  I have a ring with a broken heart on it and I never take it off, as well as my heart bracelet, given to me by my daughter, Kimberly.  On special occasions, I wear a heart pendent necklace with my grand children's names engraved on the outside.  These are my "heart keepsakes" and a reflection of what I hold dear in my heart. 

                                                           Proverbs 4:23
             Above all else, guard your heart for everything you do flows from it.

My heart is my most treasured possession because it belongs to God and above all else I must guard it.  My heart is a wellspring that flows into every detail of my life and my relationship to the Lord and to others is according to the condition of my heart.  I must keep it diligently for the sake of Jesus Christ and His glory!  God has made a way for us to love Him with all of our hearts!  I believe that I am God's "heart keepsake" and so are you!  We are His treasures possessions.

                                                            1 Peter 3:3-4
Do not let your adornment be merely outward, arranging the hair, wearing gold or putting on fine apparel-rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.

                                                             Morning Prayer
Dear Lord,
   Help me to keep my heart with all diligence, having a full understanding of the treasure I possess in You.  Keep my heart for your sake!  Amen ~ 
   

Living In A Heavenly Place

In our pursuit of possibly purchasing a home, I found a home listed that is the exact model of our current home we are leasing.  I dearly love this house!  How exciting to think we could own it!  As I scanned over the pictures in the listing I took note that the walls were plain white with no molding.  The windows were missing coverings and drapes that I currently have.  The family room did not have a fireplace with a home entertainment center.  Where is the flower box in the front courtyard?  Looks like there is no refrigerator in the kitchen, nor cabinets and sink in the laundry room?  I'm suspicious it doesn't have the intercom system nor the security system.  This house only had the rocks and block fence with no view.  I'm so spoiled with the green grass and beautiful trees and shrubs in our backyard, not to mention the view fence with nothing but natural desert landscaping and mountain views.  Are there lots of bunnies and birds and little creatures running around?   No where did I read that landscaping services and water are free to the owner!  Nor did I find a clause that says, "Any necessary repairs will not be the responsibility of the resident."  Perhaps I should give this some more prayerful thought . . . . ???

                                                                         1 Timothy 6:6

                                         But godliness with contentment is great gain.

I live in "Heavenly Places" in Christ Jesus.  He blesses my heart and gives me such joy and I bask in His wonder.  My real pursuit is in Godliness and He has caused my heart to be content.  I already have everything I need in Christ.  There is no need for me to pursuit anyone or anything else.  All He asks of me is to have a thankful heart and to worship Him and to be content.  I think I can do that . . .

                                                                         Morning Prayer
Dear Lord,
    Thank you that I live in a "Heavenly Place" and my dwelling is in You.  I am so very content in my heart because You give me such joy and peace.  You alone will I pursue with my whole heart!  Amen ~

Accomplishments vs. Influence

The great accomplishment at the Olympic Games is to win the "GOLD"!  The sacrifices and the cost of this goal for each participant is not even measurable.  For many athletes, their performance will become their future "identity". 

In watching the Olympics, I have not been focused on the accomplishments of the athletes, as much as their influence they are making to the world watching.  I study their responses to their wins and losses more than their final scores.  To me, their greatest victory is to respond to their own performance with humility and thankfulness.  I love to watch their behavior and gestures of compassion and encouragement to their competitors.  This can be a much greater victory than winning the "Gold".  

Our true "Identity" comes more from our influence on others than our accomplishments  and the rewards are far more significant. 

                                                                  Hebrews 12:1

Wherefore, seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.

                                                                Morning Prayer

Dear Lord,
    Help me today to focus more on the influence that I am making upon others, than to my own record of accomplishments.  Love is always your goal for me and I will be pure "Gold" in Your eyes.  Amen ~