A PSALM OF PRAISE

O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.

Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.

For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods

(Psalm 95:1-3)

7 GIFTS OF GOD ON MY BIRTHDAY

Thanks be to God for another day of life. By the Grace of God, today is my 35th year on the earth. I am learning that every day with Jesus is truly sweeter than the day before. The trials still come like a flood because we are born in sin and shaped in iniquity, and we have to live with, work with, shop with and commute next to people in the same human condition.

What do I want for my birthday today? I am thankful that I have all that I need.

Below are 7 gifts God has given to me and how they have sustained me thus far in my life.

His grace is sufficient in times of weakness. Jesus the living water quenches my thirst for righteousness when I go to Him and He fills me. I see the good or fruit of my labor each day in my family, my friends and those I know casually. The Holy Spirit has kept me from much trouble and danger (when I let Him). The cross of Calvary stands as a reminder of the eternal life Jesus Christ purchased to redeem me from sin. By faith, each day I believe and claim the promises of God’s word on my behalf (Jeremiah 29:11, Romans 8:28, Psalms 138:8, Isaiah 49:25, Isaiah 59:19, Philippians 1:6, Hebrews 12:2 and many more). He keeps me pure in body when time, fasting, distance or circumstances prevent me from rendering due benevolence to my husband.

Wherefore he saith, when He ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men [and women]” (Ephesians 4:8).

7 Gifts of God:

Grace (Ephesians 4:7)

Living Water (John 4:10)

To Enjoy the Good of our Labor (Ecclesiastes 3:13)

The Holy Spirit (Acts 8:20)

Eternal Life (Romans 6:23)

Faith (Roman 12: 3-8)

Celibacy (1 Corinthians 7:7)

I love you all with the love that I've received from the Father. May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God and the communion of the Holy Ghost be with you all. Amen.

RANDOM QUOTES

“We have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past history” Ellen G. White, Life Sketches, p. 196

MY PREVIOUS FACEBOOK POSTS

Reminded of the sins from your past? Here is a promise to each living soul, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9)

"Practice makes Better" - "Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth (practices) righteousness is righteous, even as He is righteous" (1 John 3:7).

Of all the people whose lives have intersected with mine, I pray that the effect was uplifting to us both..., if not, thank God for "do overs."

"And this is the promise that He hath promised us, even eternal life... and this is life eternal, that they may know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou has sent" (1 John 2:25 and John 17:3).

Where are you getting your information about yourself? God says, "I have called you by name" (See Isiah 45:3).

"Progress is only worth talking about if it is put into practice daily"

Personal Computer; $500
DSL Service: $60
Email Account: $0
Connecting and reconnecting with friends on Facebook: Priceless

"If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small" (Proverbs 24:10)

THANK YOU, LORD

THANK YOU, LORD

Thank you, Lord, for simple things
That brighten every day
Like sunshine in the morning
And daffodils in May.

Thank you, too, for friends who care
When tears begin to fall
And thank you too for answered prayer
The greatest gift of all!

Thank you for each spring bouquet
And for the summer rose,
For rainbows in the meadow
And every stream that flows.

Thank you, Lord, for simple things
Which really are quite grand
For each is a miracle
Wrought by the Master’s hand!
Clay Harrison

LOVE: THE GREATEST OF THESE (Part 2)

On July 22, God willing, we will celebrate six years of marriage. As in years past, I reflect on where we’ve come and how we’ve grown. Although it seems like a long time to me, I’m still humbled by the fragility of this particular institution and don’t take for granted each year we’re together. Thanks to numerous journals I’ve kept over the years, I’m reminded of our incredible journey—good and bad.

The apostle Paul learned through his own life struggles to be content in times of plenty and in times of want. I too, am still learning to do the same—to be content when there’s lots of love flowing between us, and when our love tanks are running on fumes. Through the good times, I’m keenly aware that at any minute we could be at odds or worst yet, at war. Recently, I’ve come to the realization that most conflicts can be traced back to the issue of love or lack thereof. Put another way most conflicts stem from feelings of rejection on some level or another.

With our willingness, we can learn to love or get the help we need, to overcome the obstacles that prevent love from flowing freely in our relationships.

Public Service Announcement: KEEP LOVE ALIVE

One of the best things you can do for love is nurture it. Like your car or your body, routine maintenance and regular checkups are beneficial for preventing breakdown. Attend a relationship workshop yearly, meet with other couples on a regular basis and schedule time together to discuss tough issues. Make your relationship a priority and you’ll see its health
improve.

CAUTION!PRACTICE AT YOUR OWN RISK :)

The following was inspired during our Anniversary trip to Niagara Falls last year. The result is a beautiful baby girl.

THE LOVE CHAPTER: KEY ELEMENTS OF INTIMACY

(Artistic Interpretation of 1 Corinthians 13)

What if we applied 1 Corinthians 13 to the Marriage Bed? We quote the verses at
our weddings and apply the principles to our daily interactions, but what if we
applied the following principles to the area of our relationship where God is
the furthest thing from our minds?

Be Patient – Take the time to enjoy each other. Savor each moment. Use your five senses of touch, taste, smell, hearing and sight to enhance the experience. (See Song of Solomon 1:2; 2:6; 4:11; 6:4 and 7:7-9)

Be Kind – Compliment profusely. Now is not the time to take note of, or verbalize physical imperfections. Be thoughtful in what you say. (See Song of Solomon
4:1-7; 5:10-16 and 7:1-5)

Envy Not – Be content and comfortable with who you are and the person to whom you're married. Don’t wish that you or your mate looked the way you or they did in college or envy what you think someone else must be enjoying. (See Song of Solomon 8:6; 7:10; 6:3 and 2:16)

Brag Not – Leave your past in the past. If you didn’t enter this marriage as a virgin or this isn’t your first marriage, don’t brag about the women's worlds you rocked or the men you brought to tears.

Puff Not – Allow room for growth and change. Don’t presume to know it all and
don’t assume that your mate likes what you like.

Don’t Be Rude – Respect each other’s temples and individuality. If your mate does not feel comfortable with something, don’t force him/her.

Don’t Be Selfish – Put each other’s needs first and you’ll both be satisfied. There’s no room for self-gratification in this arena.

Don’t Be Easily Provoked – Make room for mistakes and extend a little grace. Whether due to exhaustion, lack of knowledge or memory loss, your mate will not always please you. It’s ok! There’s always tomorrow.

Keep No Record Of Wrongs - Enjoy the here and now. Don’t rehash yesterday’s offense or the last time you had to extend grace while intimate.

Think No Evil – The songs “It’s Morning” and “Me and Mrs. Jones,” glorify adultery. Be honest in your heart w/God and your spouse, so that you come together with a clear conscience. (See Song of Solomon 3:1-5)


When you were a child, you played childish games. Leave the games
out. Don’t toy with each other’s emotions. If your mate hurts you,
don’t pout and threaten to take your good loving elsewhere. This union is
supposed to bring both of you face-to-face w/each other’s excellent qualities
and dark imperfections. No one knows you like your spouse. Have
faith in each other; Hope for the best in your marriage and let love win
out. (Song of Solomon 8:7)

Copyright 2006 Leuanna Matheson

SUGGESTED READING LIST

Everybody Wins: The Chapman Guide To Resolving Conflict Without Arguing – Gary Chapman
To read about or purchase this book, check the link:
http://www.amazon.com/Everybody-Wins-Chapman-Conflicts-Marriage/dp/141430014X


Boundaries Face To Face: How To Have That Difficult Conversation You’ve Been Avoiding – Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend
To read about or purchase this book, check the link: http://store.cloudtownsendstore.com/bofatofabo.html


For men only A Straight-forward Guide to the Inner Lives of Women – Shaunti & Jeff Feldhahn

Rescue Your Love Life: Changing Those Dumb Attitudes & Behaviors that Will Sink Your Marriage – Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend
To read about or purchase this book, check the link:
http://store.cloudtownsendstore.com/reyololi.html

ANNOUNCEMENTS