Gleaning - Hope is Faith Waiting for Tomorrow

Reading this devotion this morning, its a good glean

Hope Is Faith Waiting for Tomorrow by John Ortberg, from Know Doubt: Embracing Uncertainty in Your Faith

Creatures are not born with desires unless satisfaction for those desires exists. — C. S. Lewis We all are hopers. We are creatures who cannot stop wishing. We are four-leaf-clover collectors. We wish on the evening star. We tell stories about genies coming out of a bottle to grant three wishes. After a turkey dinner, my cousin Danny and I used to grab the ends of the wishbone from the turkey and break it in the belief that whoever got the longer piece would get his wish. Where that came from I have no idea. The bone didn’t do the turkey much good. We teach our children to make a wish before blowing out the candle. When my children were small, they loved the movie Pinocchio; especially they loved a plucky, chirpy, irrepressible character named Jiminy Cricket. If you go to the Magic Kingdom at Disneyland, the “happiest place on earth,” you can still hear him sing, “When you wish upon a star… ” We all hope. There is even an anonymous online wish list where people by the thousands record what they’re hoping for — some of the entries are funny, some are scary, and some are heartrending. “I wish to be rich in the immediate future.” “I wish to be very happy because every aspect of my life is going fantastically well forever.” “I wish my wife would die.” “I wish it wasn’t pancreatic.” Many of the wishes are followed by the word please. We just can’t help ourselves. George MacDonald has said, “Anything large enough for a wish to light upon, is large enough to hang a prayer upon.” We all hope, but hope comes in two flavors: hoping for something and hoping in someone. Now, when we are hoping for something, we are hoping for a particular outcome. “I hope I get that job. I hope I get that house. I hope I get that girl. I hope I get that girl and she gets that job and we get that house.” Sometimes the thing we hope for is life or death: “I hope this depression lifts.” “I hope it’s not cancer.” But one day it will be. If not cancer, it will be something else. One day — and this is the truth — every thing we hope for will eventually disappoint us. Every circumstance, every situation that we hope for is going to wear out, give out, fall apart, melt down, go away. When that happens, the question then is about your deeper hope, your foundational hope, your fallback hope when all your other hopes are disappointed. Hoping can break your heart. The difference between hoping and wishing, says writer William Sessions, is the presence of strong desire. In the movie The Shawshank Redemption, the two central characters, played by Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman, have a running argument about hope. Morgan Freeman has learned to manage disappointment by giving up hope. “Hope is a dangerous thing,” he says. “Hope can break your heart.” To Tim Robbins, though, to quit hoping is to start dying. And the final line of the movie, as Morgan Freeman has left prison and headed for the blue waters of Mexico and the reunion with his great good friend, is “I hope…” Hoping can break your heart. That is why we carry one big hope, the secret hope you don’t even dare to breathe: that when you have lost the something you were hoping for, and it might have been really, really big, there is a Someone you can put your hope in. The whole testimony of the Scriptures points to this one Man, points to a God, not because He will be able to give us this thing or that thing we were hoping for — because that’s always going to give out eventually — but because He is the one we can put our hope in. And without hope, as Pope John Paul II once said, there is no faith. Hope is faith waiting for tomorrow. Faith requires belief, and believing is what we do with our minds. Faith requires commitment, and committing is what we do with our wills. But faith must also have hope, and hoping is what we do in our hearts. Excerpted with permission from Know Doubt: The Importance of Embracing Uncertainty in Your Faith by John Ortberg, copyright John Ortberg. Published by Zondervan. * * *  Your Turn Hopeless is an absolutely defeated word. It means it’s over, there’s nothing left to live for, no joy to be found, no peace for the future. But, hope, hope in Jesus means it might be the end of the road, but He may carve out a new road that we cannot see. He may do what only He can do. And there’s hope! Whom are you hoping in? Who are you trusting even if your heart may be broken? Come join the conversation on our blog. We want to hear from you!

Gleaning - The Urgent Lessons

We should not look back unless it is to derive useful lessons from past errors, and for the purpose of profiting by dearly bought experience. George Washington

 

The Urgent Lessons
“Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies. Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.” (Psalm 27:11-12)

 

These requests are simple: “teach, lead, and deliver” so that we will be able to get away from the “will” of our enemies and the “cruelty” of the plans of those who plot against us.

 

We need to be taught the way of God so that we can be effectively directed to live as the God of all creation intended for us to live. “O LORD; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me” (Psalm 25:4-5). Once we have been twice-born, our active drive should be to “walk in thy truth” (Psalm 86:11). John 17:17 equates truth to the Word of God. That Word is the basis upon which and by which the Holy Spirit will guide us “into all truth” (John 16:13).

 

The prayer for deliverance must of necessity be a prayer in accordance with the revealed will of God. That means, above all else, in agreement with the written Word of God. God does not circumvent His Word, even for the sake of delivering His children. The Holy Spirit does not invent some new truth just to help one of God’s erring children get out of a sin-produced jam. The deliverance will be in a “plain path.” God will “lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them” (Isaiah 42:16).

 

May our prayer contain the prayer of Psalm 143:10: “Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.” HMM III

 

Adapted from Treasures in the Psalms, Henry M. Morris III, 341-342.

The Fountain of Life

The Fountain of Life

Today's devotion from http://www.icr.org/

Makes me think of the video and at the end it talks about the point of the whole bible, kill the dragon and get the girl,  .... the bride of Christ  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1W841iPg1Q&index=18&list=PLhhVyaUmOQurlcwxzcyCLQXSpxSKK4XPO

The Fountain of Life
“And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” (Revelation 22:17)

 

The fourth verse of “Jesus, Lover of My Soul” speaks of the mature Christian’s desire for purity and victory over sin and looks forward to the ultimate victory in eternity.

Plenteous grace with Thee is found, grace to cover all my sin;
Let the healing streams abound; make and keep me pure within.
Thou of life the fountain art, freely let me take of Thee;
Spring Thou up within my heart; rise to all eternity.

Our maturing in Christ begins at the time of repentance and forgiveness, and no matter the depth of our sin, His love can conquer it, for “the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. . . . Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief” (1 Timothy 1:14-15). Indeed, “the blood of Jesus Christ . . . cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7).

 

“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God. . . . And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure” (1 John 3:1, 3). Thus, His gracious love for us becomes the agent of pure living in our lives.

 

The love of Jesus Christ is like “a well of living waters” (Song of Solomon 4:15). This well is freely open to all, as we see in our text. Jesus, the lover of the soul, who says “come,” also says, “Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life” (John 4:14). JDM  www.icr.com

Decide to Live your Dreams - Be The Adventure

Decide to Live your Dreams - Be The Adventure

Some great reminders

http://www.success.com/article/31-things-that-happen-when-you-finally-decide-to-live-your-dreams

31. You’ll have way more time.

 “You have to work less to make more money.”  —Dan Sullivan

 

When you commit to living intentionally:

• You will excrete the elements of your life that don’t fit.
• You will repel people who poison your spirit.
• You will attract mentors who help you progress.
• You will build a team that multiplies your work and takes care of the moving parts.

In short, you will have way more time than you’re used to having.

• Your life will be simpler.
• You will be focused exclusively on those things which matter most to you. Your No. 1 priority will be your family.
• You’ll be holistically healthy: You’ll make time for fitness, learning, engaging with others, rest and recovery, and adventure.
• You will be living the abundant life. This is the most natural way to live. It’s the life of creation and power.

Tough Truths - Be The Adventure

Tough Truths - Be The Adventure

A great article and reminder
Tim

We all struggle.  We all suffer on the inside.  Every day…
We worry.
We procrastinate.
We feel overwhelmed.
We feel angry.
We feel lonely.
We don’t feel good enough.
We wish we were thinner
We wish we had more money.
We wish our jobs were different.
We wish our relationships were different.
We think everything in life should be easier.
And yet, every one of these struggles is self-created.  They are real, but ......

http://www.marcandangel.com/2016/09/25/20-tough-truths-about-life-no-one-wants-to-admit/#more-3672

A Great Best List - Be The Adventure

A Great Best List - Be The Adventure

http://www.msn.com/en-ca/lifestyle/mind-and-soul/98-of-the-best-things-in-life-that-money-cant-buy/ar-AAiIhvr?li=AAggNb9

Was reading this this morning and had a good feeling just reading it as I reflect on the number of things that showed up on my mental list. Looking over my side and watching my love make apple and rhubarb dish, brings happy thoughts of grateful love , free thoughts of how I have been blessed.

Enjoy the full list and article  , I'll post a few here in the mean time

Happy Gleaning
Tim Ross
Be The Adventure

From happiness to honesty, these are some of life's best treasures that cost nothing at all.

1. An honest opinion from a loved one.
2. True friends who have your back.
3. A family you can always count on.
4. Someone who supports your dreams.
5. Finding true love.
6. Humor and laughter.
7. Having a positive attitude.
8. A person who doesn't give up on you.
9. Someone to cheer you on.
10. Silly memories from high school.
11. A lazy Sunday.
12. Doing a good deed.
13. Reminiscing on past holidays.
14. A good relationship with Mom and Dad.
15. The first time someone says, "I love you."
16. A satisfying nap.
17. The warm, fuzzy feeling you get when you look at someone you love.
18. Lessons you learn from tough times.
19. Quality time with your loved ones.
20. People telling you how proud they are of you.
21. Having someone listen to you intently.
22. Having and giving respect.
23. A meaningful apology.
24. Peace of mind by letting go of grudges.
25. A home-cooked meal.
26. Hugs.
27. Kisses.
28. The love of your children, family, and significant other.
29. Holding hands with your significant other.
30. The look of love and devotion your pet gives you.
31. Waking up every morning.
32. Feeling and being healthy.
33. The warmth of a smile.
34. The smell of freshly cut grass.
35. The view of a sunset or sunrise.
36. Listening to waves crashing on a beach.
37. Pushing yourself to achieve something great.
38. The sound of rainfall.
39. Reuniting with someone you love.
40. Gazing at the stars.
41. Jumping in a pool on a hot day.
42. Seeing flowers in bloom.
43. The excitement of special occasions (holidays, birthdays, etc.).
44. Receiving a compliment.
45. Strolling on the beach.
46. Celebrating an anniversary with your loved one.
47. Having hope.
48. Growing old with someone you love.
49. Singing along to your favorite song.
50. Overcoming a challenge.
51. Cuddling with a loved one.
52. Enjoying the great outdoors.
53. Sitting by a warm fire.
54. The smell of clean bedsheets.
55. Completing a project.
56. Making a difference in the world.
57. Going for a long run.
58. Staying true to yourself.
59. Catching up with loved ones.
60. Writing in a diary or journal.
61. Teaching someone how to ride a bike.
62. The feeling you get after graduating.
63. Snuggling under the blankets on a cold day.
64. Counting down to the New Year.
65. Getting a full night's rest.
66. Volunteering for a cause you care about.
67. Winning a contest.
68. The smell of fresh air.
69. Learning new knowledge.
70. Taking a bubble bath.
71. Acing a test.
72. Finding something you were looking for.
73. Jumping in a pile of leaves.
74. Watching the snow fall.
75. Going on a hike.
76. Taking off your shoes after a long day.
77. The excitement from getting the job of your dreams.
78. Reaching a compromise.
79. Believing in yourself.
80. Looking into your child's eyes for the first time.
81. Feeling nostalgic.
82. Looking back on childhood memories.
83. Cracking open a book for the first time.
84. The smell of freshly baked cookies.
85. Coming home for the holidays.
86. Writing your vows and hearing them on your wedding day.
87. Seeing others happy.
88. Watching fireworks on the Fourth of July.
89. Falling in love for the first time.
90. The relaxing feeling of a long shower.
91. Keeping a promise.
92. Having the wind in your hair.
93. Feeling like you belong.
94. Being comforted and comforting others.
95. Dancing to your favorite song.
96. Not living in regret.
97. Curiosity.
98. Just being alive.

Gleaning - 5 Foods To Eat Away Depression

Gleaning - 5 Foods To Eat Away Depression

Well, started this new blog this morning, came across this interesting article and thought I would like to not forget these tips.  I use to have a series of blogs on a variety of topics and got to start going again of this work.

Here is the article link I discovered and gleaned from this morning,

http://www.msn.com/en-ca/health/wellness/5-foods-to-eat-away-depression-and-anxiety/ar-BBw3kel?li=AAhp1o8#page=5

The Gleaning Take Away

Eat Whole Grains , I think the best way here, take a stroll along a farmers field and do some gleaning, they will be whole for sure and you can appreciate them better, we did that last weekend up north at dad's and it was a good learning experience for my lady and good refresher for me.

Eat Nuts

Cashews, Walnuts, Almonds, they contain Magnesium which promotes calmness

Eat Blueberries

Eat Dairy,

"Dr. Fran Walfish, a Beverly Hills psychotherapist, recommends patients drink milk, and eat cheese, yogurt, or ice-cream as an antidote to anxiety.

“Yes, there is truth to the ‘old saying' about drinking hot milk before bed! The ingredient tryptophan has a natural calming agent that actually relaxes you without medication. Tryptophan can be found in milk, all dairy products, and turkey,” she told Medical Daily."

Dark Chocolate

"Dark chocolate acts as a natural antidepressant, making us feel better because it contains tyrosine, which is linked to an increase of dopamine. Dopamine directly impacts our emotional well-being as it stimulates the pleasure centers in our brain."

So ..... Eat smart and be aware of the little things , glean what you can

Be The Adventure !

Timothy Ross
Weekend Warrior
www.timothyross.com