The Proverbial Sunrise

Just Taking A Break

2009-11-23T16:53:00.006-05:00

(My daughter dancing in a festival)

Hello Everyone!
The Proverbial Sunrise is still running and I am still learning!! There are times when I just need to take a break from the computer. Sometimes, this means that I need to focus more on other areas and be willing to walk in faith in that direction regardless of how it might look to others on the outside. My desire is that I would do the things in my life that God has called me to. I am constantly re-evaluating the things that I am involved with so I can try and do the things God has designed for me. This does not mean that I am not still meditating on the Word. I pray that you to are focusing on Christ. I look forward to joining in community with you real soon about your Proverbial Sunrises! Here's a great sermon that I was listening to yesterday--ENJOY!

Eye Opening

2009-10-26T23:19:00.003-04:00

A friend has been sharing her love of Haiti with me. Did you know that Haiti is only a 90 minute plane trip away from the West coast? Did you know children are used as slaves? A couple in my church has been going through the long process of adoption and all the paperwork and hurdles imposed by the Haitian government. Since I have been learning more about Haiti myself, I thought I'd share these two videos with you during our month of compassion.

What did you think? I'm still learning so much!

During the last week of the month, we take time out to pray for one another. I'll be lifting you all up in my prayers.

Let me know what you think of using Mcklinky. I like the fact that we can easily "hop" to each others blogs without having to go back to the main blog site. But, I don't like the huge graphics. My heart is that we can share easily in community with one another. I'm open to any suggestions.

The next theme will be announced shortly!!

Blessings!

Words From 1896

2009-10-22T06:18:00.000-04:00

The Gentleness of Jesus

(J. R. Miller, "Things to Live For" 1896)

"Learn from Me--for I am gentle and humble in heart." Matthew 11:29

Of the gentleness of Jesus it was said, "He will not break a bruised reed, and He will not put out a smoldering wick." Isaiah 42:3. There is nothing that this sorrowing, sinning world needs--more than gentleness. Yet, there are some Christians who seem never to have learned love's secret of gentleness.

We need to pray for the grace of gentleness, that we may walk softly among men, never hurting another life by harsh words or ungentle acts.

We can have something of the beauty of Christ in our life. As we can get into our hearts the grace of the Lord Jesus, and the mind that was in Jesus--the light of divine love will shine out from our dull nature, and transfigure it. This will make us sweet-tempered and gentle-spirited. It will make us honest in our dealings with our fellow-men. It will make us kind to all about us. It will make us godly people to live with at home. It will make us good neighbors and faithful friends. The unconscious ministry of such a life through long years--will leave untold blessings in this world.

Such a life of quiet, simple, humble, Christlike goodness--will pour out its unconscious influence into other lives--making them better, happier, holier, sweeter. Such a ministry of simple goodness is within the reach of every Christian. It requires no brilliant gifts, and no great wealth. It is a ministry which the plainest and lowliest may fulfill.

In these days of 'fashionable worldliness', the church needs just such simple goodness. It has eloquence in its pulpits, and activity in its pews--but it needs more godly people filled with the gentleness of Christ, repeating the life of Christ wherever they move.

Blessings,

Helping Hands and Willing Hearts

2009-10-19T22:33:00.007-04:00

This Saturday, I was driving into the sunrise when this song came on. You've probably heard it before. It is Brandon Heath's song Give Me Your Eyes. This theme of compassion is not going to get tied up in a nice neat bow by the end of this month. My eyes are becoming more and more aware towards the needs of others. People are losing their homes in foreclosures during these hard economic times. This reality hits close to home for my family. When my husband was laid off his job a year ago, we had many questions for what was next for us. Thankfully, by God's grace we have made it through it.

I would love to hear some ways in which you reach out to others. In sharing, we might spur one another on in love towards others.

My friend purchases MacDonald gift cards and buss passes for the homeless. She also volunteers at a couple of homeless shelters. During Christmas, I like to have a party for the kids. The guests bring a gift wrapped for a child in need that I have given them information about ie/ young boy, size 5. In my children's stalkings during Christmas, I place cards for gifts my husband and I have purchased in their names at World Vision. You can request a Gift Giving Catalog or go directly online to read more about this wonderful opportunity to give.

"Give two chickens. Chickens give children and families a lasting source of nutrition and income. Fresh eggs raise the levels of protein and other nutrients in a family’s diet, and the sale of extra eggs and chickens can pay for vital basics.

Your gift of chickens will also naturally multiply to impact generations of children. Each family that receives chickens can sell the offspring for extra income or share them with other families in need. Chicks require little money, space, or food to thrive and grow — making them an ideal business venture for a single mom or vulnerable family.

Chickens have been a blessing for Placeda Mesias and her children in the Phillippines. “I am happy because there will be food,” says the mother of six. “Like the eggs.” Three of Placeda’s children were suffering from malnutrition before receiving the chickens. Now they are back to a healthy weight thanks to the nutritious eggs.

In another village down the road, Nelsa Cayapas is also grateful for her donated chickens. “Thank you because it’s a big help, especially in the needs of my children, their schooling and their health,” says the mother of four. Nelsa has been able to sell chickens and eggs to her neighbors, using the income to buy rice, milk, sugar, and school supplies."

Have you heard of Tom's Shoes. For every pair of shoes you purchase, they give a pair to a child in need. You can read about them here. I own a pair.

Wendys has their jr. frosty booklets for sale-10 coupons for a free jr. frosty are only $1.00. I hand these out to the people on the street corners during these Fall months.

Coming into these Holiday months, it will be tough for a lot of people. Let's ask ourselves what can we do?

Needs are everywhere. Keep your ears and eyes out and hands willing:).
Blessings!

Some Verses To Ponder On Together

2009-10-12T22:54:00.004-04:00

Has your heart been stirred this month as we have pondered on COMPASSION together? Mine has. I have been looking into new ways to serve others. I pray that my eyes will continue to be open to the needs of others as I learn to see people more and more through the eyes of Christ and less from my human perspective. I'm praying also for unity in the body as we show grace and compassion to one another. The Bible is filled with examples of holy compassion. May we seek this kind of compassion with all of our heart.

Psalm 112:4
Even in darkness light dawns for the upright,
for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man.

Psalm 116:5
The LORD is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion.

Isaiah 30:18
Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!

Isaiah 49:10
They will neither hunger nor thirst, nor will the desert heat or the sun beat upon them. He who has compassion on them will guide them and lead them beside springs of water.

Isaiah 49:13
Shout for joy, O heavens; rejoice, O earth; burst into song, O mountains! For the LORD comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones.

Zechariah 7:9
"This is what the LORD Almighty says: 'Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another.

Matthew 15:32
Jesus called his disciples to him and said, "I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way."

Ephesians 4:32
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Phillipians 2:1-3
1If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. 3Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.

Colossians 3:12
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Blessings!
Amanda:)

Lord Make Me Whole

2009-10-05T15:59:00.006-04:00

This is a song that my brother Gabriel wrote a couple of years ago. My brother, daughter and I sang while my brothers played the music. This was recorded and played at my parents house. My daughter Trinity sang this with us when she was seven. Gabriel wrote a beautiful song about crying out to the Lord to be made whole and complete and feeling the pain of others. As we meditate on the Lord's compassion this month, may we be so filled in His love that we share compassionately and authentically with others.

"...humanizing isn't the same as sympathizing. You can peel a stereotype off a person and not see a beautiful human being underneath. In fact, humanity can be very ugly." Kevin Roose

Let us learn to sympathize and love others whole-heartedly,

Jesus Gives Himself to Us

2009-10-01T10:21:00.002-04:00

When we invite friends for a meal, we do much more than offer them food for their bodies. We offer friendship, fellowship, good conversation, intimacy, and closeness. When we say: "Help yourself ... take some more ... don't be shy ... have another glass," we offer our guests not only our food and our drink but also ourselves. A spiritual bond grows, and we become food and drink for one another other.

In the most complete and perfect way, this happens when Jesus gives himself to us in the Eucharist as food and drink. By offering us his Body and Blood, Jesus offers us the most intimate communion possible. It is a divine communion.

--Henry Nouwen--

Compassion Kick-Off

2009-09-29T15:43:00.005-04:00

Yes! Today is the start of our month on Compassion!

I am privileged to know this little boy named Judah and he is 7. He has a heart to help others. He even started a blog that his Daddy helps him with occasionally. It is called Poor People Helper. He is a sweet inspiration.

A friend sent this devotion out and it is challenging. I am still pondering it. Would love to hear your thoughts!

I Have Not Always Obeyed This Command

September 28, 2009 | By: Jon Bloom | Category: Commentary

"Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you" (Matthew 5:42).

I confess, I have not always obeyed this command.

I'm a veteran urban-dweller. Having lived in an inner city neighborhood for 18 years, I've encountered many beggers and borrowers. Some I discerned as cons I have called out or waved off. Some I have hired to do work. Others I've given to because I felt the conviction of this text.

I've thought a lot about this command of Jesus over the years. I've discussed it with many. I think I know all the major reasons why not to give when someone asks. You don't want to encourage deception. You don't want to feed a chemical addiction. You don't want to contribute to someone's cycle of poverty. And there are many others.

But still this text unnerves and convicts me.

The reason is that Jesus doesn't give this command in the context of addressing how I can best facilitate transformation in someone else. He is telling me how I should respond to those who are making demands on me, either from explicitly evil motives or just plain out of their difficult situation. He is telling me how I ought to respond even when being taken advantage of.
Do not resist the evil person, he says. Let him slap you twice. (v. 39)
Give him more than he is suing you for. (v. 40)
Do more than he is forcing you to do. (v. 41)
Give to those who ask. (v. 42)
Love your enemy. (v. 44)
Jesus is telling me to actively show kindness and radical generosity toward those who hate me or who are seeking to take advantage of me.

Really, Jesus? Isn't that rewarding sinful, or at least unhealthy, behavior?

Of course, I can think of Biblical examples that illustrate when it seems right to resist or flee an evil person in situations of theft, deception, abuse, persecution, war, etc. So when the Word speaks, I must listen carefully, and I must weigh all of his words.

But from the words Jesus speaks here, I think it applies more often and more broadly than I want it to. He does not let me off the hook easily. He tests my heart with such radical love. And in my heart I see my selfish, unloving impulses that do not want to part with my money, possessions, time, or convenience for needy or evil people. And I have a ready arsenal of noble-sounding rationales that conceal my sin, almost from myself.

What Jesus is calling me to is gospel love. It's the love that drove him to die for me with when I was still a weak, ungodly, sinful enemy of his (Romans 5:6-10). There is something about such over-the-top, radically generous love that is so different from the way the world loves that it reflects the Father's love for sinners. It's why Jesus calls us also to costly love. It is both an expression and picture of the gospel.

Pray for me. I have an opportunity in my life right now to obey this command, which is why I'm wrestling with this text again. Pray that I will love the way I have been loved.

Blessings,

Scars Of Pieces

2009-09-21T23:02:00.005-04:00

What was became no more
In the blink of an eye.
Left wondering where it all went
When did we believe the lie?

A disconnect occurred;
Moments replayed in the head.
Sadness flooded in;
A rift between the kindred.

Sitting there with the emotions
Could have been the end.
That didn't seem an option
When hearts needed to be-mend.

Forgiveness grabbed the hem
And dragged in dirt for life.
Reality played tricks while
The other carried strife.

Then real life overcame
The broken soul in need.
And forgiveness began to sprout
From such a tiny seed.

The heart was still shattered
Quite hideous and broken.
But healing had begun
Once the great exchange had spoken.

Love overcame the pain
That sits so well upon the sleeve.
The pain had room to dwell
But no longer allowed to cleave.

Written By: Amanda k

Forgive And Submit

2009-09-15T15:05:00.002-04:00

This month's theme is forgiveness. This is such a difficult area for so many. It's difficult working it out in my own life, so I can only imagine the hurts others are going through. As we share together this month and as you have read other blogs that are participating, I hope a seed of healing and hope has started to rest on you.

Last week I started sharing my thoughts on how forgiveness has been unfolding in my own life. I started my thoughts on how forgiveness is essential in our lives and started to unfold about the phrase "forgive and forget". I've been wresting with what I believe we are called to do which is forgive and submit. Here are my thoughts...

If I'm not called to forget, what am I called to do?
Submit.

I'm called to submit to the Lord ultimately in all things. I'm also called to submit to others as an act ultimately of submitting to the Lord.

Epesians 5:21
...submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Job 22:21-22: (NIV) Submit to God and be at peace with him; in this way prosperity will come to you. or (ESV) Agree with God, and be at peace; thereby good will come to you. Receive instruction from his mouth, and lay up his words in your heart.

To submit is to yield oneself to the power or authority of another. Christ is the ultimate authority in my life-that's who I am called to submit to. By doing so, I will be able to forgive and whole-heartedly love my neighbor. When a feeling of hurt or separation enters my head, I need to continually submit my thoughts, hurts and motives to the Lord. I need to pray for His will in my life and allow Him to work through the hurt.

What do I do with verses like these?

Isaiah 43:14 (NIV) "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.

Phillipians 3:12-13: Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

I find these verses very helpful and encouraging. If I am submitting to the Lord-I am not dwelling on the past. I am dwelling on the Lord. I believe that forgetting the former thing is not necessarily one's actions or words against me, but the ways in which I received their actions and words. I shouldn't repeat the same cycles that cause me to take my eyes off of the Father. Like Paul, I haven't obtained "it", but I keep pressing on.

If I don't forget am I suppose to remember and hold the other person accountable?

I believe we are called to love rather than hold someone else accountable. By loving and showing grace by walking alongside of someone, God shows light on individual hearts. If he uses us to share in word or deed in love with our brother or sister in Christ and God moves them to change-all glory goes to Christ. It is not us who does the changing in the other person-it is Christ alone. If we fool ourselves into thinking we are meant to change the person or be a reminder for the person so they don't fall into a relapse again, all we do is open the gates of resentment and bitterness when we perceive things not to be going in the direction we feel it should, what we instructed or when someone else isn't doing what they should do. It is more in our nature to fix things than to be fixed.

Luke 6:37

"Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven;

We need to be patient with one another, bearing one another's iniquities, lifting up the body of Christ and living in harmony with each other. We need to be patient with God's perfect timing in our offender's life and in our own lives too.

I have forgiven. I also live with hurt and pain. I can choose to give into words and actions that have wounded me or choose to believe in the giver of life and love. Honestly, Some days it is a real battle, but my brother or sister in Christ is far more important to me along with our unity in Christ than my hurt feelings. Somehow, there is peace to be found. Walking in our hurt and following our thoughts and heart motives all the way to the cross is very hard. I hope in sharing that I have given you hope in your affliction. There are valid feelings that come with being hurt. Press on towards the goal; don't sit in the bitterness. Submit to the Lord; trust in His goodness. I'm speaking to myself too.
Blessings,
Amanda

Forgive and What?

2009-09-07T11:27:00.010-04:00

"Why can't I forget? I just want to move on! The words of hurt play in my head and I have to continually submit my thoughts to the Lord. "Lord, search me and know me" is my prayer. Does this mean that I haven't truly forgiven? Am I resentful or have I dealt with the hurt? Lord I am so confused. I thought that I had dealt with these feelings. I thought I was "over it"."

Have you ever thought this too? Everyone often says just "forgive and forget". Sure, I've been able to do that many times myself, but what about the times I have forgiven but cannot forget? What am I suppose to do with that-the feelings, thoughts and hurt that is replayed in my heart? I don't want to replay those thoughts. I don't want to feel hurt. I'm just not able to put the thoughts to rest no matter how hard I try; something reminds me of the incident. First off, I believe that forgiveness is not an option. It's something that Christ exemplified over and over in His life; something we are exhorted to do. You might be familiar with the following verses:

John 20:23: If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.

Matthew 6:13-15: And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Colossians 3:12-14: Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.

What if I have forgiven but cannot forget?

I don't think we are called to forget. I believe we are able to forget through the power of the Spirit.

Genesis 41:50-52: Before the years of famine came, two sons were born to Joseph by Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On. Joseph named his firstborn Manasseh and said, "It is because God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father's household." The second son he named Ephraim and said, "It is because God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering."

Forgiveness then is a gift from the Lord. Forgetting a trespass goes against our very DNA. Our very inclination is to love the world and hate what is good. Are these any thoughts you have entertained: Why would I want to forgive when I could hold a grudge-it feels good to give it back to them? Or- If I separate myself from them, they can't hurt me like that again.

Romans 8:6-8: For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

If we can forget anything easily, it is the Lord and His goodness. We are encouraged repeatedly in scripture to not forget the Lord.

Deuteronomy 4:23:

Take care, lest you forget the covenant of the LORD your God, which he made with you, and make a carved image, the form of anything that the LORD your God has forbidden you.

I will be sharing more insights on my own struggles with forgiveness as this month continues. I think it's okay not to focus on whether I have forgotten things or not. Sometimes, I'm just driving in my car and a random thought comes into my head. I didn't will it-it just popped in. It's not that I haven't forgiven if I haven't forgotten. At that moment, I need to have dialogue with my Creator. I need Him to search my thoughts and see what my heart condition is.

If I'm hurting; He's the Great Healer. If I am having insecurities; He is the Rock and He is my purpose. If I become resentful; He is Justice.

No matter what I am feeling, I need to follow the thought out to see the root of my heart condition and trust in God to supply all my needs and grace daily in every situation. When one suffers, we all suffer. By allowing God to work in our lives, we breathe in the life that God has given us and we give life to our offender. I believe then, we need to forgive and submit. I'll share more on these thoughts later. Today, let us be encouraged to forgive and allow God to work in our lives. If you are hurting, I am very sorry. My heart and prayers go out to you. May the Lord lift your spirit and give you His peace that passes all understanding. May He give you wisdom in your situation.

Walking alongside of you,

Waiting With Our Response

2009-09-05T18:25:00.003-04:00

Choosing life instead of death demands an act of will that often contradicts our impulses. Our impulses want to take revenge, while our wills want to offer forgiveness. Our impulses push us to an immediate response: When someone hits us in the face, we impulsively want to hit back.

How then can we let our wills dominate our impulses? The key word is wait. Whatever happens, we must put some space between the hostile act directed toward us and our response. We must distance ourselves, take time to think, talk it over with friends, and wait until we are ready to respond in a life-giving way. Impulsive responses allow evil to master us, something we always will regret. But a well thought-through response will help us to "master evil with good" (Romans 12.21).

Henry Nouwen

Our New Theme For September

2009-09-01T11:28:00.005-04:00

Oh my goodness- Tuesday has snuck up on me! W hat an amazing time we had sharing our HOPE with others! I was blessed with each blog that I read. I absolutely love seeing the sunrise spreading on so many blogs! I know when I see that picture that I am going to be blessed when I visit and I'm sure other people are catching on and feeling the same way. Please continue sharing and inviting people to share their Proverbial Sunrises too. For those of you that combine your posts with other Tuesday posts-thank you. Thank you for wanting to share and encourage others. Today is a NEW MONTH and that means a NEW THEME! This month let's focus on our God who is full of FORGIVENESS. Today let's pray for one another-feel free to join the MckLinky so we can visit with one another and pray for eachother.

Blessings!

Hope in the Lord

2009-08-26T08:00:00.003-04:00

Happy Wednesday!

Some of you may not know me. I'm Alicia from Confessions of a Snowflake.

I'm new posting to The Proverbial Sunrise. I was honored when Amanda asked if I would consider being a contributor. Although I have not had a chance to post before, I have enjoyed Tuesday's meme and Amanda's beautiful thoughts.

I had a scripture I wanted to share for Word Filled Wednesday and it fit so beautifully with this month's theme of Hope that I thought I would share it here.

I love Word Filled Wednesday. It is a great time of sharing God's beautiful Word and being encouraged by others. It is a great pick me up for the middle of the week. So please join our hostess Susan @ Forever His to get in on the fun!

Even youths grow tired and weary,

and young men stumble and fall;

but those who hope in the LORD

will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles;

they will run and not grow weary,

they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 40:30-31

Where is your HOPE today?

Happy WFW!

Just keepin' it real,

Some HOPE from the OT!

2009-08-25T01:44:00.003-04:00

Hello everyone! It's Tuesday! Have you seen the sunrise? We've been reflecting on HOPE. Today I'd like to share some Old Testament scripture.

1 Chronicles 29:15
We are aliens and strangers in your sight, as were all our forefathers. Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope.

Psalm 9:18
But the needy will not always be forgotten, nor the hope of the afflicted ever perish.

Psalm 25:21
May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope is in you.

Psalm 31:24
Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.

Psalm 33:20
We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield.

Psalm 42:11
Why are you 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.

Proverbs 23:18
There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.

Proverbs 23:18
There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.

Proverbs 23:18
There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.

Please pray for my sister-n-law Kristin. She has been battling diabetes and other physical and emotional things that come along with this. She's had a hard month and been in and out of the emergency room several times. She is in ICU now as her counts are all off and her blood pressure is off the charts. She is frustrated and her hope is low. Please keep her in your prayers. The Lord is a God of hope. We can rest assured in Him through all things.
Blessings,
Amanda:)

Hope

2009-08-18T10:28:00.004-04:00

Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul,
And sings the tune without the words,
And never stops at all,

And sweetest in the gale is heard;
And sore must be the storm
That could abash the little bird
That kept so many warm.

I've heard it in the chillest land,
And on the strangest sea;
Yet, never, in extremity,
It asked a crumb of me.

Emily Dickinson

Blessings Friends!

I Have Hope

2009-08-10T23:58:00.006-04:00

Am I allowed to admit that I've been in a dry spell? Well, its true. I feel like I'm stuck in a storm, reaching out to the Lord and frozen in that position. All the while, life is going on around me with decisions to be made, children to guide and priorities to handle. If it weren't for HOPE, I'd be lost. The storm would have gotten me by now. You see, I can't weather these storms on my own, but I CAN and have been through Christ (Phil 4:13). I have a purpose and identity in Christ. When the lies from the enemy come rushing over me, I can navigate through them because my hope lies in someone much greater than me and my ever-changing ideals. Even though I don't feel confident on my own right now, I can feel confident in Christ knowing that He will complete in me what He has begun.

Have you heard the word "HOPE" lately? I have. My daughters and I have been watching Lost; we're on season 2. The word hope has been thrown around a lot this week while we've been watching. They're holding onto hope that someone will rescue them and get them off the island. It seems in every episode that one of the characters is hoping for something. In one scene, someone objects to helping create an SOS sign for fear of spreading false hope. I thought about those words for a second-"false hope". Even though I'm having a tough time right now, the one thing I can definitely claim is that my hope is not set on something false. I have a blessed assurance in Christ as my hope. Knowing this brings peace. It's something that I can hold onto myself while I'm going through this storm and can share with full confidence to others knowing that it will never produce a false hope for them either.

My HOPE is in Christ alone.

Thank you for joining the Proverbial Sunrise. One of my desires is that we'd see more and more Proverbial Sunrises on others blogs. I pray that through this blog, others would be encouraged to meditate on who Christ is, and as we meditate together, Christ would shine deeply in our lives and minister to others as well as ourselves.

Blessings!

He Is Our Hope

2009-08-03T21:41:00.005-04:00

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

This month we will be meditating on God as our HOPE. What does his hope look like in your life? Where do you go to have your hope filled? As we begin our journey on this month's theme, I'd like to share these definitions from the Webster's 1828 dictionary with you.

Hope
1. A desire of some good, accompanied with at least a slight expectation of obtaining it, or a belief that it is obtainable. Hope differs from wish and desire in this, that it implies some expectation of obtaining the good desired, or the possibility of obtaining it. Hope therefore always gives pleasure or joy; whereas wish and desire may produce or be accompanied with pain and anxiety.

2. Confidence in a future event; the highest degree of well founded expectation of good; as a hope founded on God's gracious promises.

3. That which gives hope; he or that which furnishes ground of expectation or promises desired good. The hope of Israel is the Messiah.

4. An opinion or belief not amounting to certainty, but grounded on substantial evidence. The Christian indulges a hope that his sins are forgiven.

The one thing that sticks out to me in these definitions are the words certainty, confidence and assurance that something is going to happen. Hope is not a wishy-washy word. It's strong! It's something that we can rest assured in. This has gotten me thinking. I surely don't always feel assured or confident. Is this because my hope is in the wrong place at that time or maybe I'm using the wrong word? Maybe, it's that I might say that I am hoping when in reality I am wishing or desiring.

Lord, please search my heart and show me what you will for my life. I pray that as we join together, our hope in you Lord and your grace will be so full in our hearts that it will spill out into every area of our lives.

Please join the Proverbial Sunrise Meme!

May the Lord use this time to open our eyes to see more of Him,

Let's Pray For One Another

2009-07-28T09:09:00.005-04:00

Welcome to the Proverbial Sunrise! This month, we have been basking in the presence of our unchangeable God. Click the above link to read any of our past posts and jump to other blogs that have been participating! By just having this word on the front of my mind, I have found that my ears perk up more when I hear it. I'm intrigued to learn more. I'm finding God in more small parts of the day where I might let my business take over. He's always there in the midst of our everyday. Isn't that thought just beautiful and reassuring. Next week, we're taking a new journey! Let's experience God as our HOPE! I'm excited to see how this unfolds in my life and yours! Let's link up today so we can pray for one another. You don't have to post anything specific on your blog to participate. A little boy named Stellan needs your prayers too, please remember him in your prayers!
May your day be blessed!
To God Be The Glory!

2009-07-25T00:25:00.003-04:00

I hope you have enjoyed our first month together! We have been sharing how God is UNCHANGEABLE. If you missed any posts, you can find them by clicking on the navigation bar above. This Tuesday will be our last week sharing together on our theme unchangeable. Please continue to join us for the Proverbial Sunrise Meme on Tuesdays. Let's take time to pray for everyone who links up on Tuesday. If you'd like us to pray for you, please link up whether you have a post or not. In August, we are going to meditate on God as our HOPE. Place that theme in front of you in prayer and ask God to reveal how He is your hope. What does this hope look like in your life? Throughout August, we'll all share how His HOPE has been revealed to us-through stories, art, music, pictures, scripture-however you experienced God as your HOPE then please share! There will be some new authors sharing with us soon. The desire is that we be filled in Christ so that our lights shine brighter in all the communities that we are a part of. Thank you Amy, for keeping TSMSS going! May you be blessed by our unchangeable God who loves you.

Our God Is...

2009-07-20T23:34:00.005-04:00

changeless, continuing, firm,

fixed, immovable, immutable, inalterable, inevitable, inflexible,

invariable, irreversible, permanent, resolute, stable, strong, unalterable, unmodifiable, unmovable, established, etched in stone, firm, immutable,

permanent, set in concrete, set in stone, unchangeable

Please join in and share about your Proverbial Sunrise!

Unchangeable

2009-07-18T09:53:00.003-04:00

Please join us on Tuesdays to share your Proverbial Sunrise. For more inspiring music visit Amy:)

We Can Rely On God!

2009-07-13T22:24:00.004-04:00

Numbers 23:19 (New International Version)

19 God is not a man, that he should lie,
nor a son of man, that he should change his mind.
Does he speak and then not act?
Does he promise and not fulfill?

1 Samuel 15:29 (New International Version)

29 He who is the Glory of Israel does not lie or change his mind; for he is not a man, that he should change his mind."

A Prayer of Soren Kierkegaard
Move in Infinite Love:
You who are unchangeable, whom nothing changes! You who are unchangeable in love, precisely for our welfare, not submitting to any change: may we too will our welfare, submitting ourselves to the discipline of Your unchangeableness, so that we may in unconditional obedience find our rest and remain at rest in Your unchangeableness. You are not like us; if we are to preserve only some degree of constancy, we must not permit ourselves too much to be moved, nor by too many things. You on the contrary are moved, and moved in infinite love, by all things. Even that which we humans beings call an insignificant trifle, and pass by unmoved, the need of a sparrow, even this moved You; and what we so often scarcely notice, a human sigh, this moves You, You who are unchangeable! You who in infinite love do submit to be moved, may this our prayer also move You to add Your blessing, in order that there may be brought about such a change in us who pray as to bring us into conformity with Your unchangeable will, You who are unchangeable!

Have you experienced our unchangeable God? Please share your experiences, thoughts and ideas with us!

To God be the glory!
Amanda:)

Scripture-Unchangeable

2009-07-12T10:01:00.000-04:00

Job 23:12-14 (English Standard Version)

12I have not departed from the commandment of his lips;
I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my portion of food.
13But he is unchangeable, and who can turn him back?
What he desires, that he does.
14For he will complete what he appoints for me,
and many such things are in his mind.

TSMSS- Inspiration for The Proverbial Sunrise

2009-07-11T14:56:00.000-04:00

Listening to the Reliant K song below was one of the first times that the words "proverbial sunrise" made a picture in my mind. A couple of years back, my brother was in Aruba working. He was outside reading the Psalms and in a conversation he had with my mom he said that he experienced a "proverbial sunrise". Funny enough, when I think of Reliant K and theological ideas that are inspired by the arts and creation, I often think of my sweet brother-he inspires me. He's the youngest and tallest.

Please join in on our Tuesday Meme-The Proverbial Sunrise. This month's theme is Unchangeable. For more information you can use the nav bar up top to read about "The Experience" and related posts on this month's theme. Karen at Hallelujah Anyhow! has been participating in the weekly meme. You can view her blog for more inspiration! For more TSMSS please visit Amy:)

Searching the Scriptures-Unchangeable-Hebrews 6:17-19

2009-07-10T10:06:00.000-04:00

Hebrews 6:17-19 (English Standard Version)

17So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath, 18so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. 19We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain,

Commentary- The great excellence of the new covenant above the former.

The hope here meant, is a sure looking for good things promised, through those promises, with love, desire, and valuing of them. Hope has its degrees, as faith also. The promise of blessedness God has made to believers, is from God's eternal purpose, settled between the eternal Father, Son, and Spirit. These promises of God may safely be depended upon; for here we have two things which cannot change, the counsel and the oath of God, in which it is not possible for God to lie; it would be contrary to his nature as well as to his will. And as He cannot lie; the destruction of the unbeliever, and the salvation of the believer, are alike certain. Here observe, those to whom God has given full security of happiness, have a title to the promises by inheritance. The consolations of God are strong enough to support his people under their heaviest trials. Here is a refuge for all sinners who flee to the mercy of God, through the redemption of Christ, according to the covenant of grace, laying aside all other confidences. We are in this world as a ship at sea, tossed up and down, and in danger of being cast away. We need an anchor to keep us sure and steady. Gospel hope is our anchor in the storms of this world. It is sure and steadfast, or it could not keep us so. The free grace of God, the merits and mediation of Christ, and the powerful influences of his Spirit, are the grounds of this hope, and so it is a steadfast hope. Christ is the object and ground of the believer's hope. Let us therefore set our affections on things above, and wait patiently for his appearance, when we shall certainly appear with him in glory.

Immutable In His Attributes

2009-07-07T03:00:00.000-04:00

Studying on one thought isn't necessarily new to me. I'm thinking about when I do a Bible study-they usually are themed in some way. But in this time and age where information is instant, it's hard to just "sit" on one thought when thousands of thoughts and information to go with them flies before my eyes daily. I'm already wanting to jump ahead and think about the next attributes, but there is still so much to think on here. The last couple of weeks, I have been pondering on the essence of Christ-His unchangeable nature. This week, my thoughts have turned to His attributes. I'm finding that the more I consider how God is unchangeable, the more my thoughts are perplexed and reassured at the same time. The following paragraph has been a jumping spot for my thoughts on His unchangeable attributes-I'm still following the thoughts out:

"GOD IS IMMUTABLE IN HIS ATTRIBUTES. Whatever the attributes of God were before the universe was called into existence, they are precisely the same now, and will remain so for ever. Necessarily so; for they are the very perfections, the essential qualities of His being. Seniper ideni (always the same) is written across every one of them. His power is unabated, His wisdom undiminished, His holiness unsullied. The attributes of God can no more change than Deity can cease to be. His veracity is immutable, for His Word is "for ever.. settled in heaven" (Psa 119:89). His love is eternal: "I have loved thee with an everlasting love" (Jer 31:3) and "Having loved His own which were in the world, He loved them unto the end" (John 13:1). His mercy ceases not, for it is "everlasting" (Psa 100:5)."
A.W. Pink

What are your thoughts this week? I'm trying a new linking program for this meme. I hope it's easy to use for you. Let me know what you think!

Introduction...

2009-07-03T11:13:00.000-04:00

***Hello Everyone! This is a new place to share in community with one another! I think you'll find it uplifting and I hope you'll join in too! Every Tuesday you can share with us by joining the Proverbial Sunrise Meme. Click here for more information. This month's theme is UNCHANGEABLE. You can add your own link to this blog hop here. Blessings to you my friends! I hope to see you again. Amanda:)***

DIGGING DEEPER

2009-07-01T23:37:00.000-04:00

This is new for me. I love thinking on this one thought-God is unchangeable. In this day and age of instant gratification and information everywhere, it's like stopping to smell the flowers. The book I just finished was Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell. One thing I was encouraged to do through reading it was to remember what child-like awe is like. Coming to the cross with that-pondering on who Christ is with that amazing wonder is refreshing. As you're going about your day, may I encourage you to hold onto the thought, "My God is unchangeable!" Wrestle with it, look for it and sit in grace to know more about it. This is the challenge for us-to go deeper. Next Tuesday, we'll get a chance to meet again and share how we experienced our unchangeable God. I'm looking forward to gleaming along with you as we journey together.

Blessings!

God is Unchangeable

2009-06-29T21:50:00.000-04:00

IMMUTABILITY is one of the Divine perfections which is not sufficiently pondered. It is one of the excellencies of the Creator which distinguishes Him from all His creatures. God is perpetually the same: subject to no change in His being, attributes, or determinations. Therefore God is compared to a rock (Deut 32:4, etc.) which remains immovable, when the entire ocean surrounding it is continually in a fluctuating state; even so, though all creatures are subject to change, God is immutable. Because God has no beginning and no ending, He can know no change. He is everlastingly "the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning" (Jam 1:17). -Arthur W. Pink-

This weekend we went on a road trip to rural Alabama. I had been pondering over the word "unchangeable" ever since I first wrote about the Proverbial Sunrise. Coming from the city in Florida, I didn't take the beauty of the country for granted. The miles of tress between destinations, the rich orange clay roads, old bridges, rivers and gardens added to my appreciation of God's beautiful creation. Our family was blessed as four generations laughed and shared the weekend together. As I considered the events and scenery going on around me, I kept coming up to the same conclusion. Those things are continually changing. It seemed as if the more I tried to think on how unchangeable God was, the more I saw how everything else was alterable. I must admit, I was kind of saddened by this fact. I suppose that I just wanted to look on something and say, "Yes! That is unchangeable!-That is just like God!" It wasn't the physical that gave me peace in my soul though; it was reflecting on His unchangeable attributes like His wisdom, love and will. It was as if I needed to meet the resoluteness of God by a process of elimination. I was reminded of God being in the whisper or silence as it says in 1 Kings 19:11-13 and not in the earthquake. For me, these verses reminded me that it's not a matter of God being or His existing, it's seeing how He will show himself.

I realized this week that I was trying to grapple with the pure essence of God. Malachi 3:6 says, "I am the LORD, I change not". His is unchangeable. There never was a time that God wasn't and there never will be a time that He will cease to be. He is infinite. He is perfect. He cannot get any better and He cannot get any worse; improvement or debasement is impossible. His power can never diminish or His glory fade. This facet of our immutable God is so complex yet so reassuring to me.

Contemplating this one word, this one attribute of God this week has revealed various thoughts for me. I am looking forward to thinking on my unchangeable God this month and praying and believing that He will show me more of Him.

To God be the glory,

Join me in meeting God this week!

The Unveiling Of The Proverbial Sunrise

2009-06-24T18:19:00.001-04:00

Psalm 50:1-2-"The Mighty One, God the Lord, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting. Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shines forth."

I love that last phrase-"God shines forth"! I find that different seasons of life bring challenges to doing just one type of Bible study consistently. However, I can lay my eyes on a beautiful sunrise and see God; I can feel the wind blow my hair gently and experience His nearness. Can you relate to this too? I want to meditate on his greatness and sit at the feet of grace daily. Would you like to worship in a new way-everyday? I would. I was wondering, how can I meet with God everyday? Part of the beauty and mystery of God is that we will never understand the fullness of who He is. We hear about attributes of who God is. We hear traits like God is Grace, God is Love, God is Just or that He is Faithful. As I read that God is Faithful, I just sit and reflect in reverence and in awe feeling the power of those words. Weighty thoughts come over me, "Oh! What blessed assurance there is to know that God is Faithful!" and "What does it mean deep to the core this faithfulness of God?" Thoughts like these led to the creation of The Proverbial Sunrise.

Each month an attribute of God or particular theme will be posted for us to meditate on as we "walk along the way" together. During the month, while our hearts are connected on a particular trait, we will look for ways to express the trait or theme through whatever medium we desire. My hope is that while we are set on the TRUTH of who God IS, we will experience Him in others, in a variety of places and special moments. My desire is for us to worship together as one body; being inspired by what we each find and share our experiences with each other. My hope is that we would be so full of Christ by worshiping together in this new and possibly different way that our lights will shine brightly in our fullness of God to everyone around us.

How can we share in the experience of The Proverbial Sunrise together? Weekly and monthly, we'll have an opportunity to share the ways in which we've experienced Christ. Every Tuesday, we'll link together to share in the Proverbial Sunrise Meme. At the end of each month, we'll have a chance to participate in the Proverbial Sunrise Blog Carnival. The point is for everyone to be connected with one another while finding encouragement and inspiration. You can share stories, scriptures, videos, music, pictures-really anything! Hopefully, you'll notice more ways that you experience God and share them with everyone else. I love participating in memes and reading the insights of others. This is not to take away from any of those but to enhance the community. By taking the whole month to explore Christ, and asking Him to open our eyes to more of Him, I'm sure we will all experience many amazing moments to share. Let's taste and see that the Lord is good together!

Grab a button and join in!

July's theme is: UNCHANGEABLE
You can link in to join starting Tuesday, June 30th!

Desiring to savor the richness of Christ alongside of you,