NEW FEATURES FOR 2014!

First of all, I am not going to change my template.

It's kinda grown on me - and I'm still loving the *rustic barn* look!

But here's some other changes:

I have added a new page, "Button, Buttons," and put some links to other blogs and sites there - in an effort to whittle down my sidebar a bit!

(My blog pages can be found on the sidebar.)

And, I am starting some new devotionals this year. 

Here's what I'll be reading:

"Your Daily Walk" by Bruce H. Wilkinson, Executive Editor, c. 1991, Walk Thru the Bible Ministries, Zondervan Publishers.

"The One Year Book of Encouragement" by Harold Myra, c. 2010, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

"Once-a-Day Devotional" by Rick Ezell, Dave Veerman, Bruce Fielding, Mark Jackson, Dave Tieche, Dave Jorgensen, and Tom Taylor, c. 2012, The Livingstone Corporation, Zondervan Publishers.  (This book is actually a devotional for men, but in looking it over, I really liked what it had to say - so I'm giving it a whirl!!)

So, the sidebar will reflect excerpts from my reading.  I'll be updating these frequently, so keep checking back!

Look under:

A WORD FROM THE WORD
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
DAILY WALK - Overview
DAILY WALK - Devotion
BE ENCOURAGED
A PRAYER OF ENCOURAGEMENT
A PRAYER PROMPT

Also, I have decided to read through the Bible in The Message paraphrase.  Though I'm not going to use this version for my study purposes, I am interested in hearing a different *voice* throughout this year.  I'm hoping to add a new *shade of meaning* to my beloved Scriptures.  (This will almost be like another devotional, in my mind.)

I'll be posting a *message* from The Message on the sidebar.

Look under:

A "MESSAGE" FROM GOD

(I'll also be updating the reading plan once-a-week at the bottom of my blog).

"The Daily Message" - Through the Bible in One Year, by Eugene H. Peterson, c. 2006, NavPress Publishing.

Finally, I will be revealing my Word for 2014 next Monday.  It's a word that surprised me - and I'm wondering how God will work it out in my life next year!  

(As an interesting sidenote, I have already seen two bloggers who have the same word!  God must be speaking!!)  

May I also take this opportunity to tell you all how much you 

mean to me!  

I have made such wonderful friendships here in Blog Land.  I have walked through many life circumstances with you.  You have all upheld me, inspired me, encouraged me, convicted me, challenged me, and taught me so very much.  And, more often than not, you have provided some much-needed and always-appreciated laughs and giggles!

How I love you all!

The Lord does a mighty work through this venue of blogging, and I feel privileged to be part of this vital and necessary community.  May we all continue to write what God lays on our hearts, and may He use His words through us for HIS purposes.

All to HIS glory!

(From the bottom of my blog):

ALL FOR HIS GLORY

I'm not trying to win the approval of people, but of God.

If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ's servant.

But even before I was born, God chose me and called me by His marvelous grace.

I will commit myself to instruction and listen carefully to words of knowledge.

I will leave it all in the Lord's hand.

I will trust Him.

For there truly is a reward for those who live for God.

ALL GLORY TO GOD FOREVER AND EVER!! AMEN!

I'D RATHER HAVE JESUS

I'd rather have Jesus than men's applause,

I'd rather be faithful to His dear cause -

I'd rather have Jesus than worldwide fame,

I'd rather be true to His holy name -

I'd rather have Jesus and let Him lead,

I'd rather have Jesus than anything

This world affords today.

"So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable.  Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless."

(1 Corinthians 15:58)

SERVING THE MOST HIGH

Corrie ten Boom once said she was simply, "the skin on the hands of God."

"Love your neighbor as yourself." (Matthew 22:39)

"And the King will say, 'I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!'" (Matthew 25:40)

"'And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded.'" (Matthew 10:42)

"...my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned to me by the Lord Jesus - the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God." (Acts 20:24)

True greatness is to serve unnoticed and to work unseen. 

(From The Daily Walk Bible, NLT, c. 2007)

***A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ONE AND ALL!***

MAY WE BE WARRIORS FOR HIM IN 2014!!

"For your unfailing love is higher than the heavens. Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds. Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens. May your glory shine over all the earth." (Psalm 108:4, 5, NLT)

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"