Lessons Learned from the Book of Daniel

1. When we face a fire...

A. God delivers us from it which BUILDS our faith.

B. God delivers us through it which REFINES our faith.

C. God delivers us by the fire and takes us on home which PERFECTS our faith.

From It = Builds Faith

Through It = Refines Faith

By It = Perfects Faith

2. RESOLVE what we are going to do and believe NOW so when we are tempted or tested we stand strong.

Daniel resolved to love and serve God ONLY.

Daniel worked hard.

There was no corruption found in Daniel.

Daniel led his buddies to God.

Daniel didn't choose to lavish in the luxuries of the king. He chose godly discipline.

3. When in the lion's den...

A. We can PANIC.

B. We can become PARALYZED.

C. We can PRAY!

Pray in EVERYTHING so my reactions will be from Him not me! Phil 4:6-7

4. Godly discipline is PROFITABLE in ALL things!

5. God has control of ALL of this world. Empires, kingdoms, rulers, and simple hearts like Shad, Meshach, Abed and mine.

6. Sometimes God steps people down so others can STEP UP.

7. Set your mind on things ABOVE not on the things of this world.

8. Our greatest purpose in life is to Glorify God!

9. Satan offers FALSE FULFILLMENTS. The only true fulfillment comes from Christ.

10. Our world today is like Babylon! We have all the luxuries and anything we could possibly want. Our motto is "I want it all and I deserve it." The same as Babylon, "I am and there is no one besides me." Am I a Babylonian girl living in a Babylonian world? or Am I Daniel?

Preparing For Rain

Yesterday we saw the movie FACING THE GIANTS! It is a MUST see!
My favorite part was the story of 2 farmers!(I can't remember the exact words so I'm writing a new version.)

2 farmers lived in the same town. Both had beautiful fields, growing crops and cattle. However, there had been no rain for months. The fields were turning brown, the crops were running low, and the cattle were thinning by the day. The 2 farmers met in town one day at the local store. After discussing the drought, the store owner said to the 2 farmers, "Well, boys what are you going to do."

The 1 st farmer said, "I don't know. Looks like I may loose it all. There is nothing much left here and nothing coming my way. I think I may just shut it all down and leave town." The store owner nodded and looked at the 2nd farmer, "And you?" he asked.

"Me? I'm preparing for the rain!"

Sometimes life gives us moments we can't understand. We feel like we are in the middle of a drought. It can be with relationships that seem like they won't heal. It might be with our dreams that we believe will never happen. It can be with life that we can't figure out or our purpose seems gone. It can be and it may seem like so many things, but what it needs to be is

time to prepare for the rain!

Are you farmer 1 or 2? Are you gonna quit or are you going to get ready for the rain? God is preparing to shower down on your emptiness, hurt, or fear. We never know when the rain is coming, but we know God always provides. So don't tuck your tail and run! Don't fight it! Just get ready for the blessing He is going to pour down on your life! God is able to do far more than we can think or imagine (Eph), so get ready for it... prepare for the rain!

Be All There

You learn a lot about a person just by watching and listening.
This weekend I learned a little something by watching someone I've known for awhile.

Have you ever heard the saying, "If you're there, then... be ALL there." I read one time when Pres. Bush is talking with someone, he gives his undivided attention to that person. You feel you are the only person in the world to him at that moment in time. I want to be that kind of person!

My friend has a knack for doing this! I watched this weekend and this is how he does it. It's stuff you've heard or read, but we don't often do it. Here you go,

Top 5 Ways to BE ALL THERE:
1. Eye Contact! When you're talking to someone, make eye contact. When the conversation ends, know the color of their eyes.

2. Watch! Watch what the other person is interested in. Not listen, but WATCH when they take a moment to glance at something. We would get so much closer to our kids just by watching what catches their attention and taking a quick sec. to ask what they think about it.

3. Listen! Really listen to what they say and uncover their dreams. When you do, ask questions about it. Listen to them talk. Many people fear their dreams and most people don't care. Be the person who listens and cares. Ask the question: What is your biggest dream?

4. Remember! Even though you may not talk to them often, when you do see them, remember to ask about their dreams.

5. Encourage! Say one encouraging word to them. You never know the power one word holds. Encourage them to live their dreams. They may not believe they can do it themselves. People go much farther on someone else's belief than on their own.

It sounds so easy, and yes, it looked so simple this weekend. However, sad to say, I didn't reciprocate. Couldn't tell you the person's dream who taught me these lessons. Didn't really listen or watch, but...I learned a very valuable lesson, next time and every chance I get...I'm going to be ALL THERE!