PRAISING GOD FOR THE WORD

I loved this photo of this child reading to an elephant. This is me reading God's Word.

The elephant is what I face within. Sometimes I chose to see my elephant. Sometimes I don't.

I am praising God this morning for His Word, for the love letter He left me. Within His Word He leaves guidances and promises. Within His Word the story of His Great Love for Me is shared.

Historically, individuals did not read and study God's word. The first printed Bible was around 1454. Tradition shows us that typically a rabbi or head of a family or community of people's would have a Bible (or Torah) and read it to others. The Bible was read and interpreted in community. So I take this praise a step further and thank YOU as my community of interpreters. I also thank my pastors and my small group.

Father, I thank you for inspiring scripture
Lord, I praise you for the stories held within
I praise you for inspiring men to leave in the confusing parts
I praise you for being a God who allows me and others to wrestle
I praise you for being a God who provides instruction to teach us,
not punishment

With Love,
Danielle

40 DAYS OF PRAISE

DAYS ELEVEN AND TWELVE HIGHLIGHTS
I have begun a new job and wonder if it has been somehow placed in my path to distract me. The days are long and I feel very tired. I have not had the energy this week to visit many of your blogs to read and comment. I am praising with you though.

I took off from work today for a few hours and headed to my church. Chris Tomlin was playing. So I took off my heels and stood barefoot in our worship center and jumped and shouted and worshipped. This was a special blessing. T'was the perfect way to end day 12 of these 40 Days of Praise. : )

PRAISING GOD FOR PURITY*

Today I want to thank God, to praise God for calling my heart, mind and body to a life of purity.

What is purity? Well, it is my commitment to actively discern what situations, behaviors or thoughts might be damaging to my sexuality. Purity is living in the knowledge that my sexuality is gift from God, designed by Him expressly for Him.

Purity didn't happen overnight for me. And it isn't as though I don't ever struggle. I have to PRACTICE purity and really pay attention to situations that might be damaging to me (like not allowing my mind to chase down some fantasy over a guy). Eish...there is a lot of honesty going into this post. But my motivations are to very honestly PRAISE Jesus Christ for showing me my WORTH is in him. I'd like to post more on the subject of purity and singleness but maybe after 40 Days of Praise.

Lord, today I praise you for loving me
Father thank you thank you for calling after my heart
Thank you for showing me my worth is IN YOU
Not some go-no-where relationship
Not in a make out session
Not in another bad Hugh Grant movie
But in YOU! In my RISEN SAVIOR!
Lord, thank you for not condemning the adulteress
I praise you for loving her
And for forgiving her and me who once was on a painful path

God wants (me) to live a pure life.
Keep (myself) from sexual promiscuity.
Learn to appreciate and give dignity to (my) body, not abusing it
as is so common among those who know nothing of God. 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5

Friends, I once knew nothing of God. Now, I can't get enough of him. Blessings and Happy Friday. I know it's a 4 day weekend for many! Let's enjoy our holiday!

*It's been 2 years this month...and, friends, it wasn't always easy, but if you have a desire to achieve a closer relationship with God, begin to pray about this and put your sexuality into the hands of the One who loves you most.

PRAISING GOD FOR RAINBOWS
(Thank you, Georgia)

My friend Georgia called me this morning to share with me she'd been praising rainbows. So this post is dedicated to her.

I meditate on this verse:

"We humans keep brainstorming options and plans,
but God's purpose prevails."--Proverbs 19:21

When you are seeking wisdom, go to Proverbs. Why do I chase my own plans? How silly of me not to humble myself to God's purpose. Afterall, He created the rainbows. Rainbows are surprises. They just appear. And I've never met a human being who didn't enjoy them. How wonderful our God is who created all this for us. This is the same God who has plans for me. Plans to prosper not harm me.

"Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another--showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God's way." --2 Timothy 3:16


Kermit the Frog sang:

Why are there so many
Songs about rainbows
And what's on the other side?

I'd like to think it's God waiting for us.

What does a rainbow mean to you? Are you chasing rainbows today or are you brainstorming your OWN options?

Blessings friends. Happy Thursday.

40 DAYS OF PRAISE

DAYS NINE AND TEN HIGHLIGHTS
Wow! 40 Days of Praise seems to be catching on. I understand that many are reading but are shy to comment. Friends, don't be shy...POST, POST, POST...we are making a joyous noise with our keypads, right? If you just READ...well, a mouse doesn't make a joyous noise....just "click, click, click"...

Seriously, I thank all who are reading. I know you are praising God in your hearts. I have enjoyed your personal emails. Special thanks to Janine, my guest Praiser. There may be a few more guests coming up...stay tuned.

Go here for a special treat...from Steve Sporre's blog...here are some awesome up n' coming Worship Leaders! TOO COOL

PRAISE GOD FOR ENJOYABLE SCENTS
(Welcome Our Guest Praiser - Janine!)

“Pleasing is the fragrance of your perfumes; 
 your name is like perfume poured out. 
 No wonder the maidens love you!” (Song of Solomon 1:3)

Today I went to the mall and as always I had to stop at the Bath and Body store. I can spend hours there just sampling new scents, trying out products and just enjoying the variety of smells that men try to mimic from nature. Then it got me thinking on how good God is to have given us scents, so that our lives can be more enjoyable. Who does not love a new car smell, fresh roses, baby smell or just baked apple pie?

There are so many studies on how scents can affect your mood, your productivity, your sexuality, and so much more. The beautiful thing is; God designed all that! We find so many mentions of perfume, fragrances and smells in the Bible. On the book of Ruth, Naomi tells Ruth to perfume herself for her master “Wash and perfume yourself, and put on your best clothes.” (Ruth 3:2) On the gospel of Matthew, we are told the story of the woman who poured very expensive perfume on Jesus’ head to show her devotion to him. “a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table”. (Matthew 26:7) That shows us how scents are important to God, they were created by him, so I don’t feel so bad for being so addicted to smelly candles, lotions and perfumes, God designed me to appreciate that, and I praise him for it!



Dear Lord, thank you for my lavender and acacia pillow mist, that calms me at night, thank you for orange ginger lotion, that gives me energy throughout the day, thank you for soothing eucalyptus, and for the expensive Givenchy and Burberrys that I love wearing. Thank you for blessing us with scents, thank you for perfuming my life with your love and your grace!

Janine

PRAISING GOD FOR WORSHIP LEADERS

Friends, sorry this post was delayed. Like you, I am praising God each morning during this 40 Days of Praise and this post was on my heart this morning and throughout the day. I just didn't get to my computer before leaving for work.*

I praise God for talented worship leaders. This is a photo of Jeremy Camp and Adam Watts. Their worship music astounds me and helped draw me closer to God. I have been a longtime music ethusiast (especially live music) and these guys ROCK!

This might sound stupid but during the time when I was renewing my faith and going back to church, I was worried that I'd have to embrace organ music and corny Christian songs that do silly things like Jesus-fy the lyrics to top 40 tunes. This was agonizing to me.

But I was blessed to have been lead to a church with an AMAZING worship team! Now, worship music is my favorite. I love it played LOUD. (that's probably because it drowns out my own singing!)

So, today I'm praising God for Worship Leaders, especially for those who write and perform their own original music! ***There is a worship leader from Portland who comments on my blog from time to time, check out his blog this week and listen to some of his music that he posts...Steve Sporre And Robin White also has a few tunes of his own...cool stuff! Robin's Tunes

So, Lord, I praise you for touching the hearts of talented men and women who lead us in worship
Father, thank you for inspiring their works
I praise you for creating their gifts so that we may further enjoy Your great company

Humbly,
~Danielle

*yes...I got a new contract and began a new job last week...PRAISE!!

40 DAYS OF PRAISE

DAY EIGHT HIGHLIGHTS
How is it going for you? I'd like to know if you are praising or just reading these praises, how are you doing this week?

PRAISING GOD FOR COFFEE

I know...this isn't a very "weighty" post but I had to do it, so go easy on me. Hey, you know what coffee really means to me? Coffee, I believe, is God's reminder in my life to s..l..o..w..d..o..w..n.. Coffee means: chill and enjoy. (and for an intense personality like mine, this is a welcomed reminder!)

I like to hit the same coffee joints again and again...I always take mine the same way...half n' half, sugar and some cinnamon sprinkled on top (unless I'm at a Denny's or something...and then I just get a kick out of opening those mini creamers...yes, I should add that mini creamers are certainly praiseworthy...it boggles my mind they don't require refrigeration...)

You know, God is in the details. And I don't drink alcohol. So java is really my beat.

So thank you, God for all the cool, crazy things of this world. Lord, I could praise you for the big things, but today I want to find you in something kinda simple, like in my morning cup of Joe. Because you're in the simple stuff too.

Father, I choose to see you in every detail of my life. Lord, you are everywhere and I love you for this!

Lord, I'm amazed by you!
Lord, I'm amazed by you!
Lord, I'm amazed by you...because you love me!

(I dunno...did I get these song lyrics, right? Tina, help me out...and gimme a break, friends...I haven't had my coffee this morning yet...)

Happy Monday, Praisers! God Bless your week!

40 DAYS OF PRAISE

DAY SEVEN HIGHLIGHTS
I continue to prepare for Rwanda. Please lift my sisters and me up in your prayers. Please lift the people of Rwanda, especially those with HIV, up in prayer. I am not providing specific details in my blog regarding when or where we will be traveling but for those of you who have wished us well...I thank you.

Our praises continue...

PRAISING OUR REDEEMER FOR THE HOLY CROSS

It's Sunday morning and all I can think about is the Cross. The power of the Cross. The redemptive love of the Cross. I think of Christ's scars that healed me. I think of how unworthy I am and how worthy Christ is. I feel peace this morning and I feel loved.

Father, thank you thank you for the Holy Cross.

I don't really have many words this morning...perhaps more will come later. I am in awe of my own emotion for Christ's love for me.

Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care. psalm 95:6,7

40 DAYS OF PRAISE

DAY SIX HIGHLIGHTS
Oh Canada! Welcome to 40 Days of Praise! Please check out these blogs and say hello:
Breathing and Believing. Just Be.
I Brought the Markers

I am also reading Crissi's blog each day. Wonderful heartfelt praises! Check her out:
Child In Faith

PLEASE CONTINUE TO POST AND TELL ME WHERE YOU ARE PRAISING/POSTING FROM! INQUIRING MINDS WANT TO KNOW!
Happy Sunday All!

PRAISING GOD FOR MY FATHER

I wrote a bit about my father earlier on when I first began my blog. When I began this blog in December, I had not spoken to him in over six years. I had forgiven my father for his absence in my childhood but I had not really extended him any grace. God put on my heart to have courage and reconcile.

My father and I now speak at least once a week on the phone. He is a really kind man and our talks are always joyful and deep. We have been able to have some very healing discussions regarding his heroine addiction (which ended when I was a teenager) and about God. God has worked miracles in his life and mine and together, my father and I often praise God for His faithfulness in our lives.

I am praising God for my father this morning.

Lord, thank you for bringing my father and me back together!
Father-God, you are A-W-E-S-O-M-E
And I love you.

Amen.

**This is the Oakland Bay Bridge. It's significance to me is private.

40 DAYS OF PRAISE

DAY FIVE HIGHLIGHTS
I am really enjoying reading your blogs and your praises in the comments of my posts. Your hearts for God are BEAUTIFUL!

IF YOU ARE READING THIS POST PLEASE COMMENT WHERE YOU ARE PRAISING FROM (California, Texas, etc.).

Therefore I will praise you, O LORD, among the nations;
I will sing praises to your name. 2 Samuel 22:50 (NIV)

Invigorate my soul so I can praise you well,
use your decrees to put iron in my soul. --Psalm 119:175 (MSG)

PRAISING GOD FOR TINA

Father, I praise you for this woman
Lord, I thank you for her presence in my life
Her love for You inspires me
Her trust in You draws me closer to your truth
She is your faithful servant
and I'm ever-greatful

Lord, your timing is perfect!
For you brought this friend into my life
that she would walk with me on my journey
and I on hers

Oh, Lord what a gift you have given to me!
Your love for us is mighty!
I join you, Lord, and sing praises for my friend!

The LORD your God is with you,
he is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
he will quiet you with his love,
he will rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17

40 DAYS OF PRAISE

DAY FOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Gina has joined us and shared this beautiful poem she wrote for the Lord during this tough time in her life.

IN JESUS' ARMS... Lord, I know in this place, I am safe. Here with You, I know there is truth. You pick me up and hold me close, wiping away the tears that streak down my face. In You I've found a comfort so peaceful, so strong; a gentle forgiveness for all of my wrongs. And as I climb mountains so strenuous in this life, You've promised to always be right by my side. Thankyou precious Jesus for all you do for me, without Your unfailing love, where would I be? AMEN.

Beautiful! Worthy of praise!

PRAISING GOD FOR THE APOSTLE PAUL

There is so much to say about Paul, I hardly know where to begin. Paul is perhaps my most favorite person in the Bible, aside from Jesus Christ. Paul is the one with whom I most identify. Paul was a Jew's Jew, friend to the Gentile, wise, daring, straight-forward and loved God with all his heart. I especially love II Corinthians where Paul is just fed up with these people and he begins to really pour his passion and heart out to them...he cares enough about God to be a fool for God. And I think I am also a fool for God. I wouldn't have it any other way!

Thank you, Lord for changing Saul's heart! Thank you, Lord for changing my own!

40 DAYS OF PRAISE

DAY THREE HIGHLIGHTS
New folks are joining the ranks of the humble and faithful. Welcome to 40 Days of Praise!

In The Quiet
Meet Virgina

Friends, what do you say about givin' a lil' comment or 2 on these blogs in support of our brothers and sisters who are choosing to PRAISE HIM!!

PRAISING GOD FOR MY SON

I had another praise in mind for today but when I awoke, I began to think about my son. I awoke praising God for my motherhood and for allowing me to be the mother of such a great kid.

Some of my blog details the turbulence in my life surrounding my shared custody of my son, Forrest. But you know what? It's not so bad. A few years back things were really tough. My son and I were both struggling with depression. We both were lost. These days there's "stuff" to deal with but it seems so minor compared to the larger issues that loomed over our heads once. God has been so faithful. I am so appreciative.

Forrest is a bright, funny and kind person. He has never raised his voice to me. He holds my hand and prays with me each night that he is here in my home. He is a gentle soul and I love him to pieces.

Lord, I praise you this morning for my boy.
Thank you for giving me this courageous son.
Lord, I praise you for giving me the strength to love him during these kooky teenage years!
I praise you for pursuing his heart that he might know You, Father.

One day some parents brought their [scruffy teenagers] to Jesus so he could touch them and bless them, but the disciples told them not to bother him. Then Jesus called for the [teenagers] and said to the disciples, "Let the [teenagers] come to me. Don't stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I assure you, anyone who doesn't have their kind of faith will never get into the Kingdom of God." Luke 18:15-17

40 DAYS OF PRAISE

DAY TWO HIGHLIGHTS
A good friend of mine has been blogging about her cousin's battle with Meduloblastoma. She has spent many hours in Brazil showing her devotion and love to her family during this crisis. Her praises during our 40 Days of Praise are so beautiful and heartfelt. I pray you will be lifted and inspired.

My Time in Brazil With Thassiana

For those of you just now joining our 40DOP - Welcome!

PRAISING GOD FOR PANCAKES
(there...I said it...)

The last few weeks have been just crazy but one of my gal friends and I took off to Lake Tahoe for the weekend for a 3 day mini vacation. Had me a short stack at Grandma Hatties just outside of Carson City. Mmmmm.

Funny how pancakes, a cup of coffee and time with a good friend can melt your worries away.

Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. --Philippians 4:6-7

Pancakes. Without a doubt: God inspired.

40 DAYS OF PRAISE

DAY ONE HIGHLIGHTS
Please check out...Gracie's Poetry

And...Kevin's Awesome Blog ~Could this scripture be a coincidence? Naaahh!

And...Special thank youz to Robin White for giving my blog a new look! Whitey's Cool Blog ~Lift up special prayers for Robin's mission service in Japan!

Crissi of Child in Faith is also joining us! Check Her Out

Also, I wanna highlight BN's new blog! Please go and check her out! The P.E.A.C.E. Plan Rocks ~Welcome BN!

Keep on praisin' !!

I LOVE YOU THIS MUCH...(well, maybe even MORE!)

Friends, welcome to my first post of 40 Days of Praise. I hope you will CHOOSE to PRAISE GOD right along with me over these next 40 Days. Tag me here with a comment or post somethin' awesome on your blog.

Hey, are these next 40 days gonna be terrific or what!?

I wanna take time out to praise God today for my friends. Amigos/amigas...you know who you are.

Lord, thanks for my friends.
Thank you, Father, for putting so many awesome people in my path.
Thank you for bringing me onto a team of wonderful servants at my church.
Thank you for bringing so many godly men and women into my life.
Thank you for bringing other godly single women and single moms into my life.
Thank you for putting so many COOL bloggers in my path.

Father-God, you are A-W-E-S-O-M-E.
And I love you.

Amen.

"Friends come and friends go,
but a true friend sticks by you like family." Proverbs 18:24

Indeed!

~Danielle

ABANDON ONESELF TO PRAISE
PRAISE-A-THON AHEAD!!

Friends,

This Monday I will be embarking on a journey of love. I'm calling it 40 Days of Praise.

I will be blogging 40 straight days of praises. Whatever comes to mind...no blogging ahead. Promise!

Please check me out, offer a praise or even blog praises at your site.

Let's make a joyous noise with our keypads!

In Christ,
Danielle

DO NOT DRIFT
[Jesus Said] "I will not leave you orphaned. I'm coming back." John 14:18

BLUE JEAN FROG

BUT FIRST, THANK YOU
Thank you, friends, for reading and commenting on my current struggles. My last post came after a few days of great sorrow and frustration. Your encouragement is very touching considering I have never personally met any of you. But then, I've never met the Apostle Paul and yet, I feel very close to him through his kind and generous words. And just as Paul's words touch my heart, yours did as well.

Tonight, I seek to praise God.

When I went to Costa Rica a few years back, I encountered a little dart frog they call the Blue Jean Frog. This tiny creature gets his name from the little pair of blue jeans he wears which distinguish him from the other frogs his size with no pants.

What a beautiful God we have who created this little creature. God has left no detail undone. These are not my photos. I found them on the web, but I did see these tiny guys out in the rainforests.

Thank you, Lord, for being so big. For being bigger than my problems. For being so imaginative. I praise you for our planet filled with miraculous creatures and events. I know you hear my restless prayers...I know you exist in every detail of my life...right down to my blue jeans.

"The minute I said, 'I'm slipping, I'm falling.'
your love, GOD, took hold and held me fast.
When I was upset and beside myself,
you calmed me down and cheered me up." --Psalm 94:18-19

WELCOME AARON
I'd also like to note...my best friend Tabitha gave birth to her 3rd son, Aaron today. I got to hold the little grapefruit in my arms tonight. : )

I love you, Lord.

Goodnight.
~Danielle

PRAYERS REQUESTED


ONE DOOR IS CLOSING
I have been informed that my job contract will indeed end this month. They are choosing not to renew. I have mixed feelings about this.

For those of you who have read my testimony, you know that I went through a rough employment period that lasted for about 2 years. During that time I did everything from data entry to selling cars...used ones at that.

I know God will open a door.

ADDITIONAL PAIN
My son has moved back in with his father. I fear I will be asked to pay child support again. It seems a further insult to a mother. My son's father has purchased him a car, thrown in a personalized license plate and now wants to offer him the option of testing out of high school. This would mean no diploma for my son. My patience is being tested, yet I remain strong in the Lord.

APPLICATION IN HAND
It is time now for me to apply to go on staff at my church. I will be part time. I have been waiting to do this since last Christmas. I have been asked to help drive the Single Parent Ministry. This seems especially painful to me as nothing has been more painful than being a single mother. But God has been faithful. I know my heart is being called to serve and I find that to be asked is a privilege.

RWANDA
I remain focused on preparing my heart for Rwanda. I continue to pray my way through what feels like attacks. I am hurting this week but strong in the Lord. I stand assured that Christ is risen. I stand assured that God is in the details.

"My troubles turned out all for the best--
they forced me to learn from (God's) textbook." --Psalm 119:71

MY PRAYER
*************
Lord, you are awesome, and I love you.

Father, I praise you through this pain
Lord, I give all my fears to you

After all, it's you who gave me my wit,
my ability to write,
to laugh,
to love

Even better, it's you who gave me my son.

Damnit, God...I know I'm gonna get through this...

And I wouldn't have my life any other way
Lord, I won't back down
I am strong in you
Trying hard to be patient with your work
Yet there's still so much to be done in me

Just get to it
Get on with it
Because tonight it hurts a lot

Slam the damn doors and open me up to your light
Slam the anxiety in my head
Tear into the exhaustion in my heart
And address these scars
Tell me you understand
Over and over and over
You tell me you understand
Jesus, my savior, I know you understand

I'm not even a minor player in all of this
I seem hardly worthy that you've gotten me this far

and when you showed the disciples your scars
you showed us you were hurt too
you said that we were worth the great price you paid
you made my scars mean something to you
you made my voice mean something to you
you made my motherhood mean something to you

My gratitude tonight is full inside of me
My trust in you abundant


Amen.

~Danielle