Blessing Inspirations - Insightful quotes, Bible verses, and poems on the topic of Blessings.
I fell upon this wonderful quote by Willie Nelson while I was researching content for my blog. It's really the premise of my whole writing:
"When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around." --Willie Nelson
It's true. When you change your perspective on life and start to recognize all the wonderful things that God has for us, your life very much improves. You see things in a whole new light.
Wishing you "Blessings from Above"
Denise
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Tuesday - Blessing Others - suggestions how you can be a blessing to others.
Learning is one of my favorite things to do - it's become quite a hobby actually. I've been in school in the structured school setting for my Associate, Bachelor's and Master's degree. And all the while I was taking those classes, I was taking classes for fun in my spare time. My life was and sometimes still is, one big class. Basket weaving (yes, seriously!), Financial planning, photography are among my top favorite.
After I achieved my Master's degree in Writing in May of 2007, I swore I'd never take another class. Those who know me well knew that wouldn't last long. Before I knew it I found myself in a training class to be a volunteer at a local animal shelter and I often attend trainings at my job (at a University of course!) that I am not even required to take. Then of course there are wine classes and the possibility of glass blowing courses in my future. Like I said, I really love to learn.
But what does this have to do with blessings? Well for starters, God has given me the ambition to learn new things and better myself. Without realizing it my life has really been improved because of these classes. I've made new friends, embarked on many social outings, written articles on my new found knowledge, and created beautiful things I can be proud of and pass along to future family.
I am also very future that we have access to such wonderful things in our country. Many in other areas of the world are struggling just to survive and here, I have so many things to take advantage of. I don't have a long enough life to explore all of the things that I could!
And finally, and post importantly, I blessed by those who have the knowledge and better still, are willing to share it. Today's theme is how to be a blessing to others and that's exactly how you can do it - by taking the time to share something with someone else that could ultimately help improve their lives, get a better job, or maybe just make a new friend. To you it may just be transferring knowledge from your brain to someone else's, but to someone else, that knowledge can be life alter.
And you don't need some biggie big skill to teach others. It can be a simple as teaching how to do domestic chores efficiently or grocery shopping 101. It really can help someone else. Be a blessing to others - be their teacher in some way.
Thanks to all the wonderful teachers that I've had and that are currently in my life. You are a blessing.
Wishing you "Blessings from Above,"
Denise
Learning is one of my favorite things to do - it's become quite a hobby actually. I've been in school in the structured school setting for my Associate, Bachelor's and Master's degree. And all the while I was taking those classes, I was taking classes for fun in my spare time. My life was and sometimes still is, one big class. Basket weaving (yes, seriously!), Financial planning, photography are among my top favorite.
After I achieved my Master's degree in Writing in May of 2007, I swore I'd never take another class. Those who know me well knew that wouldn't last long. Before I knew it I found myself in a training class to be a volunteer at a local animal shelter and I often attend trainings at my job (at a University of course!) that I am not even required to take. Then of course there are wine classes and the possibility of glass blowing courses in my future. Like I said, I really love to learn.
But what does this have to do with blessings? Well for starters, God has given me the ambition to learn new things and better myself. Without realizing it my life has really been improved because of these classes. I've made new friends, embarked on many social outings, written articles on my new found knowledge, and created beautiful things I can be proud of and pass along to future family.
I am also very future that we have access to such wonderful things in our country. Many in other areas of the world are struggling just to survive and here, I have so many things to take advantage of. I don't have a long enough life to explore all of the things that I could!
And finally, and post importantly, I blessed by those who have the knowledge and better still, are willing to share it. Today's theme is how to be a blessing to others and that's exactly how you can do it - by taking the time to share something with someone else that could ultimately help improve their lives, get a better job, or maybe just make a new friend. To you it may just be transferring knowledge from your brain to someone else's, but to someone else, that knowledge can be life alter.
And you don't need some biggie big skill to teach others. It can be a simple as teaching how to do domestic chores efficiently or grocery shopping 101. It really can help someone else. Be a blessing to others - be their teacher in some way.
Thanks to all the wonderful teachers that I've had and that are currently in my life. You are a blessing.
Wishing you "Blessings from Above,"
Denise
Dee's Blessings - Blog Blessings
Monday (ok, this is a little late!) Dee's Blessings - people who know me well call me Dee and you can too. Here you'll find the many blessings in my life in hopes of inspiring you to recognize these things, and others, in your own life.
Dee's Blessings is something I usually like to do on Mondays and in case you have't noticed, today is Tuesday. But hey, better late than never right?
This may seem like an odd thing to consider a blessing, but that's what this blog is to me for so many reasons.
Dee's Blessings is something I usually like to do on Mondays and in case you have't noticed, today is Tuesday. But hey, better late than never right?
This may seem like an odd thing to consider a blessing, but that's what this blog is to me for so many reasons.
- It gives me the chance to express myself
- It gives me an opportunity to write and showcase my skills
- It requires me to step up and be a better Christian by forcing me to recognize my blessings.
- It helps me to point out the blessings in others lives which hopefully impacts their lives in some way.
It's so ironic that not all that long ago I couldn't possibly understand what benefit a blog could be to me. It was only after I started playing around with one and falling upon uses for it that I found it of such value.
I love that it's such an instantaneous thing. I can have a thought and see it online immediately. It's the way to go for me. And although I still try and find writing jobs in hard copy publications, I find it frustrating. I still haven't heard from a few of the publications that I contacted last year, despite emails from the editor expressing a vague interest. At least with the blog I have control over what I do and when I do it. And this way I don't have to pester an overwhelmed editor to get my work seen by the public!
Thank God for this wonderful technology. When it is working properly and utilized properly, it really is a useful tool.
Wishing you "Blessings from Above,"
Denise
Friday, March 7, 2008
Biblical Blessings - The birth of Jesus
Today is Friday - Biblical Blessings - This will focus on blessings found throughout the Bible and how they can apply to our lives today.
While the Bible is filled with many blessings that apply to our lives today, I thought I'd focus on the birth of Jesus Christ with Easter just around the corner. That's when we lost him, but we'll focus more on that when we get closer to the holiday.
For now, let's remember just what a blessing it was for all of mankind that Jesus was born. God cared enough about us to send his one and only son to forgive us of our sins. Now we can live sin free and can have fellowship with God because of Jesus.
And think how miraculous his birth was. God planned his birth for centuries prior to it's actual happening. He orchestrated so many things it's amazing. And then he planted Jesus in a virgin, Mary, and gave her the responsibility of giving birth to him. And there was nothing King like about the night that he came into the world. He was born in a manager and didn't even have a bed to sleep in. Yet he made such an impact on the world he lived in and the rest of humanity to come. Millions and millions will have been blessed by his prescense.
Why was Jesus a blessing for me and for you?
Thank God for the blessing of Jesus and all he did. We should be so thankful!
Wishing you "Blessings from Above,"
Denise
While the Bible is filled with many blessings that apply to our lives today, I thought I'd focus on the birth of Jesus Christ with Easter just around the corner. That's when we lost him, but we'll focus more on that when we get closer to the holiday.
For now, let's remember just what a blessing it was for all of mankind that Jesus was born. God cared enough about us to send his one and only son to forgive us of our sins. Now we can live sin free and can have fellowship with God because of Jesus.
And think how miraculous his birth was. God planned his birth for centuries prior to it's actual happening. He orchestrated so many things it's amazing. And then he planted Jesus in a virgin, Mary, and gave her the responsibility of giving birth to him. And there was nothing King like about the night that he came into the world. He was born in a manager and didn't even have a bed to sleep in. Yet he made such an impact on the world he lived in and the rest of humanity to come. Millions and millions will have been blessed by his prescense.
Why was Jesus a blessing for me and for you?
- Now you can converse openly with God.
- Once you accept Jesus into your heart you are saved and will go to heaven to enjoy eternity with God.
- He saved us from our human sin.
- His life was an inspiration on how we should live and treat others.
- We can live because he died.
Thank God for the blessing of Jesus and all he did. We should be so thankful!
Wishing you "Blessings from Above,"
Denise
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Today's Blessing Expert - Leslie Sansone
Thursday - Blessing ExpertsEveryday I "walk" with Leslie Sansone to try and shed some pounds. Leslie is the creator of the Walk at Home program, a wonderful exercise routine that allows you to "walk" in the comfort of your own home. If you keep up to the pace of her music, you'll have "walked" one, two, three, or four miles in your own living room.
I love utilizing these DVD's because first, I stay in the comfort of my own home. This works out nicely when I the weather is bad, it's dark out, or I truly just don't feel like getting out of my jammies to walk outside! Second, Leslie is such an uplifting blessing to my day. She's enthusiastic and encouraging.
Leslie's Walk the Walk series is a spiritually focused workout set to positive Christian music. During the exercise routine, comprised of four basic movements, Leslie praises her Creator and counts her blessing.
So what does Leslie see as a blessing? She only says three blessings during her Walk the Walk tape (yes, I've had these tapes for a long time!), but boy they are big ones:
Her customers that walk with her - without us she wouldn't be in business and wouldn't be as successful as she is - at least not in the exercise industry.
Her health - this is truly important and is something we should all be grateful for. Your health is one of those most precious gifts you can have and often we don't realize that until we're sick. Once you become unhealthy, particularly if you have an lifelong ailment, it can make the day-to-day routine extremely difficult. Perhaps the illness keeps you from working on a regular basis or maybe it isn't life threatening, but just down right inconvenient. Either way, getting through the day can be tough. While you are healthy, enjoy every minute of it. Live your life to the fullest because you never know what our bodies have in store for us.
Her family and friends (everyone you love) - it's smart of Leslie to recognize that the people she holds most dear are a blessing. They'll be there during your darkest hour and will help you when you just need a little lift. They are the people that are most likely to stick with your through thick-and-thin. Don't take them for granted. They are important and they can be gone in a flash.
Leslie is a wise woman and I am blessed every time I workout to her DVD. She truly is a blessing in my life. She's helped me lose weight in the past and she's working with me again to lose what I gained in recent years from medication.
Check out her website if you have time. Leslie is bound to be a blessing to you too!
Blessings!
Denise
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Blessings Inspirations - Psalm 128:2
Wednesday - Blessing Inspirations - a look at Bible verses and quotes on the topic of Blessings.
I love what Psalm 128:2 in the National International Version (NIV) of the Bible says. It reads:
"You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours."
- The Bible (NIV version)
I believe that verse is saying to us that if we work hard at whatever we are doing we will be blessed in many ways and will really enjoy those blessings. As my previous Pastor, Pastor Russ, use to say, "Bloom where you are planted," meaning that we should work hard at whatever we are doing and do it well. As we can see the Bible says, in so many words or less, work hard and God will reward you.
I can see this reflected in my own life as I've worked hard at establishing a new home within the last few years, I've gone on to obtain a Master's degree in Writing, I've worked hard at establishing relationships at church and on my job, and I've taken on the role as a wife. After approaching these things with positiveness and determination (most of the time anyway!) God has blessed my with a wonderful part-time job at a local university that I've always wanted to work at, has given me the time to start on a new goal of freelance writing, has provided me with many new and wonderful friends, and has given me a really great marriage.
What things have God rewarded you with for all your labor? Do an inventory and I bet you will see a lot of things God has done for you.
Wishing you "Blessings from Above,"
Denise
I love what Psalm 128:2 in the National International Version (NIV) of the Bible says. It reads:
"You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours."
- The Bible (NIV version)
I believe that verse is saying to us that if we work hard at whatever we are doing we will be blessed in many ways and will really enjoy those blessings. As my previous Pastor, Pastor Russ, use to say, "Bloom where you are planted," meaning that we should work hard at whatever we are doing and do it well. As we can see the Bible says, in so many words or less, work hard and God will reward you.
I can see this reflected in my own life as I've worked hard at establishing a new home within the last few years, I've gone on to obtain a Master's degree in Writing, I've worked hard at establishing relationships at church and on my job, and I've taken on the role as a wife. After approaching these things with positiveness and determination (most of the time anyway!) God has blessed my with a wonderful part-time job at a local university that I've always wanted to work at, has given me the time to start on a new goal of freelance writing, has provided me with many new and wonderful friends, and has given me a really great marriage.
What things have God rewarded you with for all your labor? Do an inventory and I bet you will see a lot of things God has done for you.
Wishing you "Blessings from Above,"
Denise
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Blessings Others - Dog Sledding
Tuesday - Blessing Others
I've been away for several days in the Poconos Mountains in Pennsylvania so I haven't been able to blog for a while. That's ok though. I had a great trip and was richly blessed while I was away. This works nicely since Tuesdays are "Blessings Others" day on my blog.
While Nick and I were away we did several fun activities including snowmobiling and dog sledding - that latter being my favorite! What a wonderful thing to do that you can't find every where. When I found out they run a business at the Pocono Manor Inn Resort, I just had to do it. Sure it was a little pricey but that didn't matter to me. And I am glad we did it! We were blessed to have had the chance.
Seven sweet Siberian Husky dogs and their owners took us out on the snowy terrain for a fun-filled ride that lasted a little over an hour. We heard a little bit about the dog's past and had fun watching as their owners picked one-by-one who would be the lucky ones that would have the honor pulling our sled. Each howled and scratched their paws in the snow to signal they wanted to be one of the chosen ones.
After all six runners were in place, the lead dog took his place in the very front to do the leading, but not before checking out who was part of the pack! He checked everyone out to see who he was leading.
Not only were we blessed by this wonderful experience and these sweet dogs, we were blessed by an act of kindness from the owners of the business. You see, the day we went, the sun was shining and it was 50 degrees. Much of the snow had started to melt affecting our ride and slowing down the dogs. Although we weren't complaining a bit, the owners felt bad and decided to give us a free ride next season. How very nice! We'll remember them and surely go back.
They blessed in a tremendous way by giving us memories and by offering a chance to make more memories, free of charge. See? Small acts of kindness is all it takes.
Next Tuesday we'll take a look at identifying ways to bless others.
Wishing you "Blessings from Above,"
Denise
I've been away for several days in the Poconos Mountains in Pennsylvania so I haven't been able to blog for a while. That's ok though. I had a great trip and was richly blessed while I was away. This works nicely since Tuesdays are "Blessings Others" day on my blog.
While Nick and I were away we did several fun activities including snowmobiling and dog sledding - that latter being my favorite! What a wonderful thing to do that you can't find every where. When I found out they run a business at the Pocono Manor Inn Resort, I just had to do it. Sure it was a little pricey but that didn't matter to me. And I am glad we did it! We were blessed to have had the chance.
Seven sweet Siberian Husky dogs and their owners took us out on the snowy terrain for a fun-filled ride that lasted a little over an hour. We heard a little bit about the dog's past and had fun watching as their owners picked one-by-one who would be the lucky ones that would have the honor pulling our sled. Each howled and scratched their paws in the snow to signal they wanted to be one of the chosen ones.
After all six runners were in place, the lead dog took his place in the very front to do the leading, but not before checking out who was part of the pack! He checked everyone out to see who he was leading.
Not only were we blessed by this wonderful experience and these sweet dogs, we were blessed by an act of kindness from the owners of the business. You see, the day we went, the sun was shining and it was 50 degrees. Much of the snow had started to melt affecting our ride and slowing down the dogs. Although we weren't complaining a bit, the owners felt bad and decided to give us a free ride next season. How very nice! We'll remember them and surely go back.
They blessed in a tremendous way by giving us memories and by offering a chance to make more memories, free of charge. See? Small acts of kindness is all it takes.
Next Tuesday we'll take a look at identifying ways to bless others.
Wishing you "Blessings from Above,"
Denise
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