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Greetings!
Life goes by...day after day....and we get swept away with the busyness of schedules.
This month, Best Life Ministries wants to encourage you to make time and fill up on the wonderful things around you that are in everyday life.... Things that God has provided to make our lives better.
Make time for God...and His goodness. The good things of God! Live life to the fullest!!! |
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THE GOOD THINGS OF GOD
"...and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice. So it was when Elijah heard it."
Proverbs 8:34-35 The Message
Today is a "Good Things of God" day at the Weckwerth Farm, and I'm celebrating the things in life that I find encouraging, comforting, and uplifting. Let me describe what it's like here.
The sun rays are bursting through the windows and warming the carpet, where the two cats and little dog, Benny, are now sleeping. The windows are propped wide open, allowing a cool breeze through, forcing the beautiful chimes to ring out softly.
I hear the delicate chirp and whistle of robins at the feeder. I hear the engine of the digger running in the field behind the house and see the brother in law driving the big machine, digging up the soil for the seeds to settle into the rich, black dirt.
As I pour my freshly brewed ice tea over ice cubes, I hear the tinkle of my clear antique glass that Grandma gave me, and watch the lemon slice settle into the center, while I take a big sip of the wonderful rich flavor.
I savor my bite of the sugary peanut butter cookies that were just pulled out of the oven, the aroma now filling the room.
The spring breeze hits my face and arms, while I look out at the lovely apple trees in bloom next to my window.
I have read the Word of God today. It lifts my spirits. Psalm 63:1 jumps off the page and reads, "God-You're my God! I can't get enough of You! I've worked up such hunger and thirst for God, traveling across dry and weary deserts."
The weariness, I can relate to, as I jumped out of bed this morning to another day. But the relaxing piano music I'm listening to now, and the Words of scripture, mixed in with comfort of knowing that God listens to me, and I'm striving to listen for Him....not just through His Word, but in everything around me that He has created.....music, good food, nature, animals, and LIFE, spurs me onto a grateful heart.
Someone once asked Joan of Arc why God spoke only to her. I love her response. She said, "Sir, you are wrong, God speaks to everyone. I just listen."
Today, I want to encourage you to look for the good in this life. There are so many discouraging, disheartening things around us. But with fresh eyes, ears and a nose today, I'm seeking the good things of God. Won't you join me? Let's watch for God. Let's listen.
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 Seeking God: A Desperate Thirst
By Sarah Zook
Psalm 143:6
"I stretch out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land. Selah."
I think it is important to practice a desperate thirst for God. Why practice this? Because you need Him like water. You know...to live.
But to dwell there, in life, you have to learn to remember that deep, soul churning, spiritual longing of thirst, to remember that it doesn't feel good and you need to seek out God to satisfy it. Having spiritual thirst on instant recall allows us to remember how important this truly is - it is a matter of survival.
I think David's addition of "Selah" at the end of this sentence stresses this. Selah is a Hebrew word found in the Psalms and the definition is a bit fuzzy, but the general consensus is that asks you to pause, reflect on what was just said. My soul thirsts for you like a parched land. Selah. David is saying, "Sit with the longing. Think about times you have felt the thirst in your soul. Don't rush to satisfy the longing with something else. Remember the longing. It is essential to your survival."
When I feel hungry, I have to think, "Am I actually thirsty?" Sometimes I realize what I really needed was water. When your soul is parched and in need of God, our tendency toward immediate gratification and searching for satisfaction drives us to fulfill it immediately. With Stuff.....With people.... With distractions. But sit with the longing... uncomfortable as it may be.
Is it your soul longing for God? Now remember the longing. Selah. Feel it all through your body and soul. The desperate, empty need and longing for something more. The need for Something that quenches. Commit this feeling to memory - for instant recall, both so you can identify it when you feel it, and so you can remember it when you don't feel it.
Do you know the first sign of dehydration is that your thirst ceases? But if you remember the thirst, you will seek out water. When your soul does not thirst, remember when it did. The thirst will return quickly and overwhelmingly. When it does, leave it there for a minute. Then stretch your hands out to God and be satisfied.
That feeling of thirst is something just as real in your spiritual life. But we haven't cultivated an instant recall of spiritual thirst. In fact, you are far more likely to remember feeling fully alive and spiritually hydrated. And that feeling is important too. Feeling alive. Remember that feeling?
Think about being thirsty. You know exactly what that feels like, right? It is an uncomfortable feeling that we all have on instant recall, but we also seek to quench it immediately. David uses a physical feeling that we can recall upon mention - thirst - to illustrate a spiritual truth about our need for God. We don't usually dwell on thirst. It isn't comfortable. But we know when we have that feeling it is time to seek hydration...now. It is a survival instinct.
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 | | Photo By: Josh Garland |
The Lord is with you when you are with Him,
If You seek Him, He will be found by You.
2 Chronicles 15:2
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 BLM's Favorite Things: Red Letter Ink
An Interview with Aimee Libby
Q: Where did the concept for "Red Letter Ink" come from?
Over the past several years, I've enjoyed creating custom gifts for friends and family, as they celebrate various occasions in their lives. Whenever possible, I'd include a scripture passage or reference that tied in with that specific occasion. Personally, I love having scripture displayed around my home and office as a reminder of God's love for us. Once I had children of my own and began searching for appropriate décor for their bedrooms, I was extremely frustrated with the lack of cute/modern artwork with a biblical focus. I think that's what really pushed me to finally get my act together and start up Red Letter Ink!
Q: How did you choose the name?
As I brainstormed on options for my company's name, I really liked the idea of incorporating the phrase "Red Letter" in the name because that's what was going to set my product apart from others - the fact that each print/note card would be designed around a specific scripture passage. I remember very early on as a child being taught when I opened my Bible that the red letters were the most important because they were the ones Jesus had spoken. So as I explored names, I settled on Red Letter Ink, with the thought that all my artwork would be digitally printed (using ink), therefore, "Red Letter Ink" was perfect!
Q: You seem to focus on really encouraging the whole family. Which print is the most popular?
It's been very interesting to see which prints people purchase. When I first opened my shop, the Songbird print and the Identity in Christ print were my top sellers. Lately there has been a big shift, though, and people seem to really love my prints that are focused on adoption - specifically the international adoption prints I offer.
Q: Tell us more about that "adoption" print.
Adoption has been a huge part of our extended family. In our family we have 6 adopted nieces (all international), 1 adopted nephew (international), and 2 new nephews who will be joining our family this summer/fall (1 domestic & 1 international). So exciting!! Needless to say, adoption has a very special place in my heart, and to be completely honest, my husband and I haven't ruled out adoption for our family at some point. So creating some prints focused on what the Bible says about adoption was a lot of fun because I've seen first-hand how incredible the adoption process is for the whole family!
Q: Your motto is "inspired art for the soul." How do you feel that your artwork can inspire? (it's obvious when we look at it..but tell us what you think!)
Maybe it's just me, but when I look at something that is visually appealing, it makes me smile. So combining Scripture with art can put a smile on our faces as well as our hearts! God's word is so powerful and inspiring, so what better way to get your day started right than by seeing His Word on your walls or desk. I also think that there's nothing better than receiving a REAL note in the mail (yes, I'm referring to snail mail) from someone, is pretty special, especially when it's got an inspirational Scripture passage included with it!
Q: Where do you, personally, get your inspiration from to create these fabulous prints?
People ask me this a lot and I tell them God has created me so that when I come across a Scripture passage that jumps out, I can instantly visualize how I'd arrange/design an artwork print to tie in with the Scripture. Probably sounds crazy, but that's how I'm wired.
My husband is slowly learning to accept that it's perfectly "normal" if I jump up out of bed in the middle of the night and run downstairs to my office because I've got this GREAT idea for a new print that I need to get out of my head while it's clear and vivid! JOn a more serious note, I have to say that having a brain that is wired the way mine is, God's Word comes alive for me as I read through it and think of all the amazing ways we could display His truths in our everyday lives!
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EXCITING NEWS FOR BEST LIFE MINISTRIES! WE ARE PURCHASING A CHURCH BUILDING FOR OUR HOME BASE!!!
Isaiah 58: 11-12
The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.
Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of streets with dwellings.
Dear Friend,
For over the past few months, my husband, Dean and I, have felt God stretching the vision of Best Life Ministries. We have felt a deep desire to have a home-base for our ministry.
A few weeks ago, we fasted and prayed, and began a search for a building in the area. We set our sights on a small old schoolhouse. But as God began to close the doors, we felt Him leading us that our vision was bigger than the building. The search continued.
A week later, we found a wonderful building, with great potential, but the price per month to rent, was too costly.
This week our neighbors and friends let us know about a church in the country, twenty miles away, that was built in 1900, and was for sale for $1.00. We immediately jumped in the car, went to look at it, and felt the pleasure of God as we walked through the building. We knew it was exactly what we were looking for.
Perfectly suited, better than we could ever dream of, and just what we need, we are moving forward to make plans to move the church onto our property, in the grove.
We're asking for help now. We're asking for you to support the project of ministering to the needs of women, marriages and families through the ministry of Best Life.
Please donate today.
Funds Needed:
$25,000.00 to move the building
$10,000.00 to move electrical lines
$10,000.00 for foundation.
Any amount of donation will be so greatly appreciated!
May this building be exactly what God needs it to be...
a place of help, hope and healing.
http://bestlifeministries.com/building-donation/ 
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2012's Best Life: Fill 'Er Up Conference
 
What wonderful conferences we have experienced this past Winter/Spring! We are thanking God for the opportunities to serve at the following churches: Westwood Community Church, NorthRidge, Marshall Efree, Rising Sun Church of Christ Gateway and First Presbyterian & Friendship Churches. Thank you to all of the wonderful leaders, men and women who made the conferences just fabulous!
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THE BEST PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES 
¼ cup butter
¼ cup margarine
½ cup sugar
½ cup brown sugar (packed)
1 egg
1 cup peanut butter
1 ¼ cup flour
¾ t. baking powder
¾ t. soda
½ t. salt ( I use the thicker kosher style)
Mix shortening, peanut butter, sugars, and egg thoroughly. Sift flour and blend dry ingredients; stir into shortening mixture.
Heat oven to 375 degrees. Roll round balls of dough into ½ c. crushed peanuts and ½ c. heavy white sprinkle sugar. Press down in crisscross fashion with a fork dipped in flour. Bake 10 minutes until golden brown. Sit down and enjoy several!
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Meditate & Memorize These Scriptures to Help Remind You of God's Goodness
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Photo By: Josh Garland |
1. Exodus 34:6
The Lord passed in front of Moses, calling out, "Yahweh! The LORD! The God of compassion and mercy! I am slow to anger and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness.
2. Ephesians 1:7
He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins.
3. I Peter 3: 4
Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.
4. I Cor. 14:33 For God is not a God of disorder but of peace.
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We are accepting bookings for fall 2012 and Spring 2013 conferences at this time. Please email kathy@bestlifeministries.com for more information.
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Photo By: Josh Garland |
Take time to value the beauty, the good things in life that God has for us!
Remember, it's never too late to make changes. Start today. Start living your best life!
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