My Soul...

Breathe

The aftermath of the holidays
left my house in a disarray
and my soul overcrowded
supermom lists
and new year's resolutions....

then this:

Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer!
-Joseph Scriven-

Thank you dear God
that you are just a prayer away
all that we need is readily available
anytime, anywhere
we can breathe in the breath of life

In my most frenzied moments
I breathe deeply and restoratively
long and luxurious
imagining my breath as a lullaby
soothing and calming
at the same time invigorating and rejuvenating
as I listen intently
every breath as notes
dancing, floating
like snowflakes
each unique and special
every inhalation controlled and conscientious
inhaling love
exhaling worries and anxieties
slowly easing my pressures
turning my tensions into tranquility
I am untroubled once more
amidst all the frenzy
serenity floods my spirit.

Thank you dear God
for the energizing breath of life.

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 12/30/2007 1 comments    

Labels: My Poetry

Happy New Year

Year's end,
threshold of the old and new.
Clean pages of a bare calendar,
ready for new life's chapter.

May the passing chapter
serve as an anchor
remembering lessons learned
God's unfailing mercy and undying love
His constant nurturing
all through and despite our constant turning

To put into perspective
the aches of the past
allowing the pain from our darker moments
to serve as launching pad
into a promise filled tomorrows
for we surely know
time and time again
when the light returns
we are never the same

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 12/30/2007 0 comments    

Labels: My Poetry

screaming to be alone

I don't know what this is I'm feeling...PMS? Over fatigue?... my heart is screaming "leave me alone!" I want to be by myself and I'm feeling sooo guilty.

then this prayer:

Even your son, Father, took breaks from the people and pressures crowding Him.
Don't let me think I can outperform Him.

Dear God,

help me to convince myself...
...that my body needs a break every once in a while
...that I am not being selfish when I take one
...that a relaxed and rejuvenated mother is a more loving mother.

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 12/27/2007 0 comments    

Faith Notes

It's truly amazing how a true friend knows the simple pleasures of your heart. Reading delightful "faith notes" over a cup of soothing "flowering" tea and melt in your mouth chocolates...blissful!

here are some of my fave quotes from the faith notes my bff gave me:

• If you are happy and you know it, thank God!

• Feeling down? Just look up.

• Upload prayer, download peace.

• Life is a dance; God's love is the music.

• Faith sees the Invisible, believes the Incredible, and receives the Impossible.

• Mountaintops are for views and inspiration, but fruit is grown in the valleys.

• God's promises are like the stars; the darker the night, the brighter they shine.

• Can't sleep? Don't count sheep; talk to the Shepherd.

• No Jesus, No Peace; Know Jesus, Know Peace.

• Exercise daily...walk with the Lord.

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 12/27/2007 0 comments    

{On Nature and Perception}

The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy
is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet,
alone with the heavens, nature and God.

Because only then does one feel
that all is as it should be
and that God wishes to see people happy,
amidst the simple beauty of nature.

Anne Frank (1929-1945)

The moment one gives close attention to anything,
even a blade of grass,
it becomes a mysterious, awesome,
indescribably magnificent world in itself.

Henry Miller (1891-1980)

Change your thoughts,
and you change your world

Norman Vincent Peale

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 12/22/2007 0 comments    

{Simply Grateful} 12/6/2007

• so very grateful that I was able to drive Ian to school before the van overheated again (it was so scary as the van was smoking all over the place as I was climbing the hill to our house; I jumped out of the van as soon as I reached the house; then I was able to refill the radiator fluid as it was empty again after the boys filled it up last night;

• so very grateful that I got to drive Isabella to school before I had to call AAA to tow the van to the shop;

• so very grateful that Phil got done with his finals for the day just in time to give me a ride.

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 12/06/2007 0 comments    

Labels: Personal Thanks

{Simply Grateful 12/5/2007}

• for sons who are willing and able to do a temporary fix to my van (the radiator fluid burst just as I was pulling into the driveway; it was an alarming sight as it steamed and leaked all over the front}
• that the car mishap happened at home and not in the middle of my school bus service
• for a sweet darling daughter who, at my stressful moment, says to me "mom breathe remember you're too blessed to be stressed" (we saw this quote while shopping for a present for the birthday of a classmate last Saturday)
• christmas shopping started yesterday and halfway done
• halfway done with christmas cards
• for my son, Phil, who after his review session last Sunday, bought our christmas tree and put it up
• for a chance to decorate the tree with Isabella
• for a quality time with Ian last Monday
• for my son, Immanuel, who put up outdoor christmas lights

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 12/05/2007 0 comments    

Labels: Personal Thanks

The Presence of Love

Notes from today's service at New Life Church:

What is it that you really want for Christmas?

What will your focus be this Christmas?
...Presents? Or, Presence?

lyrics to:
Presence (My Heart's Desire)
by Furler, Taylor, Hughes

Chorus
Come O Lord and fill up my life
With the light of Your presence
This is my heart's desire
Oh Father come and let Your Spirit abide
I long for Your presence
This is my heart's desire

Verse 2
I long to be washed
In the well of Your mercy
I long to be warmed
By the fire of Your glory
I long for Your presence
I long for Your healing touch

Ending
Lord You're my desire

1. God is the source of love

"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world tocondemn the world, but to save the world through Him. John 3:16-17

2. Love responds with compassion

Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23

3. Compassion brings glory to God

Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
Matthew 5:16 (NLT)

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 11/30/2007 0 comments    

Labels: Sermon Notes

{Simply Grateful} 11/24/2007

for the discipline of solitude and silence (much needed especially during times when I get caught up in overwhelming projects)

for the strength to carry out a vision for an improved kitchen

for not losing sight of my ultimate divine vision allowing balance and joy along the way

for an intimate thanksgiving lunch, full of grace and love, with my wondeful family

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 11/24/2007 0 comments    

Labels: Personal Thanks

{Simply Grateful} 11/01/2007

....for a sweet 40th birthday in the company of my whole family
....for touching well wishes from friends and family closest to my heart
....for a fun time trick or treating with Belle, Ian and Russ
....for a nice bonding time with Ian
....for Immanuel's safety on halloween night away from home
....for Phil's continued diligence and pride in his work
....for the twinkle in my mom's eyes

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 11/01/2007 0 comments    

Labels: Personal Thanks

I am 40!

Things I have learned...

Don't freak...seek
Don't think less of yourself...think of yourself less

Humility is confidence rightly placed

Prayer is not a way to draw God's attention to our needs.
It is a way to draw our attention to how much we need God.

a fave verse from Philippians 4: 6-7
Do not be anxious about anything,
but in everything, by prayer and petition,
with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Peace is not the absence of conflict
but the handling of conflict without loss of balance
-Rabbi Rami M. Shapiro

It's all about love

Jesus replied: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."
Matthew 22: 37-40

Without love,
our words are noise,
our spiritual gifts amount to nothing,
and our greatest sacrifices lose their meaning.

Love is the bottom line

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 11/01/2007 0 comments    

{Simply Grateful} 10/27/2007

....for a fun family time at the beach (Pumpkins on the Pier)

....for the soothing loveliness of our blooming rose garden

God hath not promised
Skies ever blue,
Flower strewn pathways
All our lives through;
God hath not promised
Sun without rain,
joy without sorrow,
Peace without pain.

But God hath promised
Strength for the day,
Rest for the labor,
Light for the way,
Grace for the trials,
Help from above,
Unfailing sympathy,
Undying love.
-Annie Johnson Flint

My prayer:

Dear God,
Right now these flowers are in bloom
Soon they will wither and fall but they will bloom again
As I delight in the constant renewal of life
may it serve as a silent reminder of your promise
not of flower strewn pathways all our lives through
but of your constant presence and undying love
and help me remember that though we plant and water,
it is you who provides the life and growth.

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 10/27/2007 0 comments    

Labels: Personal Thanks

{Simply Grateful} 10/22/2007

....for an opportunity to share a church friend's grief and show our love and support in her time of loss
....for Isabella's memorable birthday (through the graciousnes of ate Cecile she will forever remember and rave of watching the HS Musical on ice with her BFF on her 8th bday)
....for a melt-in-your-mouth chocolate covered pretzels from thoughtful ate Pinky that came in an opportune time of my chocolate fit
....for a wonderful dinner full of FUN (through the kindness of ate Pinky) in the company of my BFF and her whole family (it was very nice meeting her beautiful and wise mom & dad for the first time)
....for a chance to witness the joy in the sweet eyes of two wonderful girls as they spend time together during a sleep-over and most of Sunday
....for hope as my "lost sheep" start showing some signs of maturity
....for a safe drive back

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 10/22/2007 0 comments    

Labels: Personal Thanks

Bench of comfort

He sits down beside me
and puts His arm around me
His comforting strength wrapped around me
like a soothing blanket
Speaking to me with such tenderness and compassion
helping me to be aware of everything around me
showing me things I need to see
pointing my thoughts toward a new perspective...

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 10/10/2007 1 comments    

Labels: My Poetry

Dance with Jesus

When you stumble,
fall on Jesus.
When you are lonely and your sadness is unbearable,
cry to Jesus.
When you are happy and you can't contain your joy,
dance with Jesus.

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 10/10/2007 0 comments    

Labels: My Poetry

{Simply Grateful} 10/09/2007

for a chance to watch the sunset with Isabella after her dance class
for a friend who inspires me to take photographs
and who continues to encourage me to write from my heart

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 10/10/2007 0 comments    

Labels: Personal Thanks

A Sense of God

As inspired by: {Spiritual Awakening}

In the beginning
a sense of God...
handed down from generations
of traditions,
of beliefs and practices.

As time went by
life's distractions got in the way.
Pursuing possessions,
storing treasures on earth,
clouding that sense of the One
Who created it all.

Then a threat of losing it all
knocked me off my stupor.
A sudden emptiness
gave way to a longing
to bring back that sense
of the One Who gave it all.

The hunger for possessions
gave way to a yearning
for that sense of the One
Who provides for all I need
Who loves me unconditionally
Who forgives me and welcomes me back.

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 10/08/2007 0 comments    

Labels: My Poetry

A True friend

You know you have a true friend
when you feel safe...
...to call for no reason
...to unload your bundle of irritations
...to share a humorous and embarrassing moment
...to just be yourself

With a true friend there is rest, comfort and acceptance of your soul

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 10/04/2007 1 comments    

Miracle in a Normal Day

The whirl of day-to-day activities...

...getting the children up and ready for school
...preparing breakfast
...driving them to school
...doing dishes
...cleaning house
...paperwork, bills and phone calls
...picking up the kids
...supervising homework
...taking them to classes and practices

then starting all over again the next day

at times overpowering

at times overwhelming

Thank you, dear Lord, for leading me to a beautiful quiet place

where I can...

...find time to slow down and decompress
...find peace and tranquility
...find respite to gather strength for the day
...find You, feel your presence and hear Your voice

whispering to me
opening my heart
enlightening my soul

for these, my whirl of day-to-day activities,
are opportunities to give unconditional love

bringing me to the realization
that my everyday living
ordinary as it may be
is an extraoridnary testimony
to Your faithfulness and love.

Dear God,

Thank you for showing me the miracle in a normal day.

Bench of comfort

A Noble Duty

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 10/04/2007 1 comments    

Labels: My Poetry

Beauty of Nature

Take time

Linger
feel the nearness of God and experience His closeness

Indulge
let the magnificence of His creation nourish your soul

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 9/30/2007 1 comments    

Labels: My Poetry

{On Greatness}

I was blessed with great guests this weekend
thank you ate Cecile, ate Pinky, Nana, Timothy and Krystn
for making us all feel great
and for your great influence

greatness is making others feel great!
-G. K. Chesterton

greatness is not measured by affluence
but by influence
-Pastor Ron Salsbury

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 9/30/2007 0 comments    

I'm Yours

This is one of my favorite worship songs
from New Life Church
composed by Kevin Ross

Verse 1
You, O lord
Created me and passioned me
You, O Lord
Have blessed me with ability

Pre-Chorus
So what else can I do
But give myself to You
And let my life display Your wonder
Everything I am is according to Your plan
I'm created to praise You

Chorus
Everything I have is Yours
I wanna live my life for YOur glory
I'm giving You my life, my dreams,
I'm Yours
Everything I hope to be
Is under Your authority
There's no where else I want to be,
I'm Yours

Verse 2
You, O Lord
Laid down your life as a sacrifice
You, O Lord
Have rescued me and set me free

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 9/30/2007 0 comments    

{Simply Grateful} 9/11/2007

for a husband who encourages me to take care of myself and go to the gym
for an opportunity to go to the gym (body flow class)
for a time to be still and renew
for a chance to show my love and support to my mom (helped her take a shower)
for my mom's ankle's slow but sure recovery

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 9/11/2007 0 comments    

Labels: Personal Thanks

{Simply Grateful} 9/10/2007

for a wonderful weekend at the beach...watching Phil help Belle skimboard
for Immanuel's and mom's safe drive back
for my husband's love and understanding
for Ian's amazing 'out-of-the-blue' words of wisdom
for concerned calls from friends closest to my heart
for turning my weaknesses to draw me closer to You
for a home in a place surrounded by beauty that beckons and woos my spirit to renewal and contentment

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 9/10/2007 0 comments    

Labels: Personal Thanks

Perfectly Imperfect

as inspired by To Dance With The Lord

I am perfectly imperfect
I know I battle my own demons

the lure
of being in control
of directing circumstances
most especially my loved ones.

the lure
so strong is its pull
and the constant struggle
leaves me drained, weak and dry

for how could my perfectly imperfect self
really control anything?

and in my total surrender
the One truly in control says to me
from John 16:33, Jesus said,
" I have told you these things,
so that in me you may have peace.
In this world you will have trouble.
But take heart! I, Jesus, have overcome the world."

The power that created the universe
is bigger than anything in it
all I have to do is
let go and let God.

My external circumstances may or may not change
But only in my total surrender,
in my brokenness,
through my cracks
can the Living Water overflow.

I recognize now
this state of overflowing
requires continual "in-filling"
after all, I am perfectly imperfect,
leaking through my brokenness.

As long as I remember
to let go and let God,
He will bring me back to Him.

In my total surrender
In my perfectly imperfect state
I will dance with the Lord.

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 9/09/2007 1 comments    

Labels: My Poetry

Rebellion

I woke up to a gorgeous day today, but my feelings didn’t match the weather. I didn’t get a good night’s sleep last night after having another heated discussion with Immanuel. I was so enraged to my core that even Isabella’s happy disposition irritated me.

Immanuel is so convinced that there is nothing wrong with his spur-of-the-moment, inconsiderate actions. It was as if he wants to prove he does not need guidance. I am so furious I couldn’t change him and make him understand to see things my way.

Then I started having stomach pains and I discovered I have my menstruation. I opened my daily devotional given to me by mom’s angel friend, Tita Rose. On my bookmarked page where I left off before we left for our vacation, it read: “Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see”. The writer was sharing a similar experience she was having with her child. As I read, I felt a release, a moment of understanding, and I realized my own narrow-mindedness and rebellion. I wanted so much for Immanuel to see things my way that I closed my heart and forgot to trust God.

Then I called my friend Paz and shared the experience. As the mother of Immanuel's girlfriend, and having teenagers of her own, we are both walking the same path and going through the same difficulties. She also shared similar experiences personal and otherwise. The conversation provided much needed additional comfort and enlightenment.

Dear God,
Please forgive my rebellion, for wanting things my way
Thank you for sending angel friends and for an uplifting book serving as a reminder.
Please give me the strength I so need to not give up on Immanuel and to have enough left to care for the rest of my children.
Please give Immanuel, myself, and my husband, the strength, patience and wisdom we need to understand each other.

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 8/18/2007 1 comments    

Fill Your Cup With Faith

Meet the ladies of faith from our table

our very gracious and elegant host, Tessie Rosen

It was a nice fellowship and luncheon followed by an inspiring guest speaker.

"Is your cup empty or even cracked?" Sometimes we don't realize that our cracks are being used to drip "living water". When we look back we see flowers growing, watered from our cracked pots.

"I'm drinking from my saucer because my cup has overflowed".

Fill Your Cup With Faith

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 6/09/2007 0 comments    

Count Your Blessings

Count your blessings...

The people...
...the parent who nurtured you
...the friend who consoled you
...the stranger who lent a helping hand

The moments...
...a child's hug and kiss
...a soothing cup of tea
...an inspiring book

The familiar
...the sky above
...the warm sun
...the green grass

The unfathomable...
...God's undying love

Count your blessings
like a well watered garden
nurture contentment
and grow in gratitude

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 5/19/2007 0 comments    

Labels: My Poetry

Quest for Greener Grass?

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 5/08/2007 0 comments    

Broken yet Complete

As I explore and ponder...
...my thoughts and feelings,
...dreams and aspirations,
...problems and frustrations,
these journals have become...
...a sweet release from life’s complications
...a silent reminder of hope
...a resource in time of need
in moments of confusion, self-doubt, feelings of inadequacy, fatigue and hopelessness

would I allow fear and desperation to fill me with hatred and despair?

through the admission of my brokenness,
I am reminded of my humanity.
In this awareness of my human frailty,
I am drawn to HIM
I meet HIM at the cross
at HIS feet,
in my brokenness,
I am complete.

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 5/02/2007 2 comments    

Labels: My Poetry

words of wisdom....recalled

Isabella wanted to read me a story one night. I said ok but I will also read my book.

Isabella:
"But mom you cannot do two things at the same time and focus. Master Choi said that. And I want you to really listen to me. So could you please not read your book at the same time?"

Well, that prompted me to immediately put my book down. I'm so glad I did...I got to experience a child's passion for reading...she read with inflection and deep feelings...what a blessing!

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 4/11/2007 0 comments    

The Word of God

The bible is...as necessary to spiritual life as breath is to natural life.
There is nothing more essential to our lives than the Word of God.
~Jack Hayford~

A man has deprived himself of the best there is in the world
who has deprived himself of the Bible.
~Woodraw Wilson~

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 4/03/2007 0 comments    

The Fog...A reminder of Hope

It’s been foggy for the past couple of days. It’s the first time I’ve seen it like this since we moved here. I always marvel at the splendor of the seascape whenever I glance outside. But the last couple of days I can’t even see past the next house. Well, today, the fog finally subsided and I can see the ocean again. The sight is like a breath of fresh air. This allowed for an even deeper appreciation for the majestic beauty that abound.

Our problems are like the fog. We need them so that when it passes, and it will, we can have a deeper appreciation of life and glorify Him who created and sustains it. We need to see past our problems, past the fog, and believe in the knowledge that there is hope, that it is temporary and will come to pass, that there is a blue ocean past the fog.

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 3/17/2007 0 comments    

Piggy Back Ride with Ian

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 3/16/2007 0 comments    

{On Eternity}

God hath given to man a short time here upon earth,
and yet upon this short time eternity depends.
-Jeremy Taylor

May we use our short time here upon earth....

To seek Your face
and know You intimately

To enjoy your blessings
and be filled with gratitude

To see you in every person, place and thing
and love each other and all that there is

To keep your promise in our hearts
and realize what might be

To long for the longing
and believe the best is yet to come.

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 3/16/2007 0 comments    

A Precious Prayer from my Little Angel

On Thursdays, Phil leaves for school before 8am,
requiring I take Isabella with me when I take Ian to school.
She gets a little car sick in the morning. When we got home
she said: "I don't feel very well, mommy".
I said: "Let me pray over you". About 5 minutes after my prayer
she said: "Mommy I’m feeling so much better. Thanks for the prayer."
So off we went to school.

I met with my new friend, Tessie, and she went with me to my 9:30am dance class. Then we had coffee together and talked for a while. It was time for me to pick up Ian (minimum day today) shortly after that. Afterwards, Phil and I had lunch at Yanagi Sushi (he comes home after his first class as his next class is not until 3pm). Then I cleaned for a little bit and....

... it was time to pick up Belle. We always talk about her day and then we enjoy the view during our drive home. In our moment of silence, I inadvertently uttered out loud to myself: "I’m not feeling very well". Isabella’s precious voice from the backseat: "You just need prayer mommy and you’ll feel much better. Let me pray, Dear God, let my mommy feel better, she’s the most wonderful mommy, in Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

My soul, overpowered with a sense of spiritual ecstasy,
seemed to have soared to heaven
to give an ever so tight embrace
to the One who makes all things possible
for bestowing heavenly moments such as this
for His unfathomable sovereignty, goodness, and mercy.

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 3/12/2007 0 comments    

{On Happiness and Contentment}

It is not how much we have,
but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness
-Charles Haddon Spurgeon

They are not poor that have little,
but they that desire much.
The richest man, whatever his lot,
is the one who’s content with his lot.
-Dutch proverb

Contentment is not the fulfillment of what you want,
but the realization of how much you already have.

Happiness is not where or when, but here and now!
-Zig Ziglar

Happiness: Always has been; Always will be...it's what we make it.

The happiest of people do not necessarily have the best of everything;
they just make the most of everything.

There is no key to happiness;
the door is always open

my thought:
A happy life is a matter of choice,
a matter of perception,
a matter of faith.
If we truly believe
then happiness is inevitable.

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 3/08/2007 0 comments    

Crying...a cause for gratitude

We should be thankful for our tears;
they prepare our eyes for a clearer vision of God.
-William Arthur Ward

This reminds me of the time when I took speech class.
One of my speech topics was about how suppressing tears
can be toxic to our health. I remember Belle during the last day of school
when she saw her first grade teacher, Mrs. Tom, crying.
She said to her: "It's okay to cry Mrs. Tom, because you need it to release toxins in your body."
(she heard me practicing my speech too many times she memorized some of it:)

So even crying is something to be thankful for.

To be always in a thankful state of heart before God is not to be considered a high plane of spirituality but rather the normal attitude of one who believes that all things work together for good to them that love God who are called according to his purpose.
-William Law

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 3/07/2007 0 comments    

{On Humility}

Humility is confidence rightly placed
-Pastor Ron Salsbury-


a humble mind is the soil for a grateful heart
where no seeds of discouragement can grow
-Imelda Phillips-


"God opposes the proud
but gives grace to the humble"
1 Peter 5:5b-7

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 3/06/2007 0 comments    

Wait in expectation

Psalm 5:2-3
Listen to my cry for help,
my King and my God,
for to you I pray.
In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice;
in the morning I lay my requests before you
and wait in expectation.

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 2/26/2007 0 comments    

Living in The Power of Hope

Living in The Power of Hope
is the topic during service today
a timely message in my recent state of turmoil and distress
I am reminded to humble myself
and come to the One who brings comfort

Proverbs 3:34
God resists the proud
but gives grace to the humble

A lot of times, our distress is brought about by pride
trying to put on "God mode" when we try to handle things on our own
putting things on our shoulders and toughing it out, so to speak
when all we need to do is humble ourselves, surrender and bring it all to God.

When we lean on Him, we experience hope....

2 Corinthians 3:12
Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold.

....And boldness brings freedom

humble=surrender=hope=boldness=freedom

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 2/25/2007 0 comments    

Labels: Sermon Notes

Consoled by an Angel

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 2/25/2007 1 comments    

Labels: My Poetry

On Reflection and Meditation

{On Reflection}

Follow effective action with quiet reflection.
From the quiet reflection will come even more effective action.
-Peter F. Drucker

A quiet reflection with a thanful heart
recognizing that all that there is
and all that we are
is by His power

{On Meditation}

Holding the word of God in your heart
until it has affected every phase of your life...
... This is meditation.
-Andrew Murray

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 2/07/2007 1 comments    

{On Faith...}

Little faith will bring your soul to heaven;
great faith will bring heaven to your soul.
-Unknown

Faith is to believe what you do not yet see;
the reward for this faith is to see what you believe.
-St. Augustine

Faith sees the Invisible,
believes the Incredible,
and receives the Impossible.

my thought:
Faith attaches itself to our plans
and we begin to fearlessly decide


{...And Anxiety}

Every tomorrow has two handles.
We can take hold of it with the handle of anxiety
or the handle of faith
-Henry Ward Beecher

The beginning of anxiety is the end of faith;
and the beginning of true faith is the end of anxiety.
-George Mueller


{...And Miracle}

For the truly faithful, no miracle is necessary.
For those who doubt, no miracle is sufficient.
-Nancy Gibbs

Faith does not, in the realist, spring from miracles,
but miracles from faith.
-Lloyd John Ogilvie

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 2/07/2007 0 comments    

On the wings of prayer

On the wings of prayer
I soar to new heights
I am in communion with my Maker
and the cry of my soul
beholds joy beyond measure
my soul ascends
and I am cast away
on the wings of prayer

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 2/06/2007 0 comments    

Labels: My Poetry

{On Change}

Out of difficulties grow miracles.
-Jean De La Bruyere

All change is a miracle to contemplate

Growth requires change, change brings forth growth

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 2/06/2007 0 comments    

Live Life...

...and feel God's pleasure

link to: Tag at the Park

John 10:10b
"I have come that they may have life,
and have it to the full."

Psalm 37:4
Delight yourself in the Lord
and He will give you the desires of your heart.

There is not in the world a kind of life
more sweet and delightful
than that of a continual walk with God.
-Brother Lawrence

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 1/20/2007 0 comments    

No need to doubt

{On Decision-making}

James 1:2-8

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,
because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete,
not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God,
who gives generously to ALL without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
But when he asks, he must believe and NOT DOUBT,
because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.
That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord,
he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.

Responding to trouble with trust is the difference
that turns one person better and the other bitter

Trust eradicates any doubt
and doubt turns to hope
expecting and knowing
that God will act
and will reveal His goodness
and His greatness

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 1/20/2007 0 comments    

HIS greatness

In last Sunday's service' opening prayer,
the pastor asked us to reflect on the song we just sung.
Particularly on the lyrics, how great is our God.
He asked us to think of His greatness
in our everyday lives, while driving...etc.
and tears of joy welled up as I meditated on the awesome wonder
I feel everyday I drive my children to and from school.
I bask in the beauty of God’s artwork and am filled
with absolute awe and admiration deep within my heart
and I pray that may it never depart, may I never lose that sense of wonder.

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 1/16/2007 0 comments    

Key to Happiness

My mom & I attended service
and the message is entitled "A Healthy Perspective on Life".
It's part I of a series called Healthy, Balanced and Free.
The message called to mind new year's resolution(s).
And mine for 2007 comes from Matthew 6:33

But seek first HIS kingdom and HIS righteousness
and ALL these things will be given to you as well.

I resolve to live for Jesus and to know HIM more.

The message also called to mind a quote:
"there is no key to happiness
the door is always open"

A happy, healthy life is
a matter of perception,
a matter of faith.
If we truly believe
then happiness is inevitable.

Posted byImelda@Inspired Simplicity at 1/07/2007 0 comments