Find God in Designer Clothes: with a Funny 1930′s Video

May 18, 2012 By Leave a Comment

By Dianne Neal Matthews:

The next time you see designer clothes, you can find God by remembering who the TRUE designer is.

 

Fashion in the 21st Century. To see what was predicted in 1930, see the funny video below.

Was it possible that I needed new bifocals? I took a second look at the price tag to make sure I’d read it right.

Searching for a dress to wear to a family wedding, I had gone into one of my favorite department stores, but ventured into a section that I’d never browsed before. Picking up a pretty dress, I recognized the name of the designer but not the price.

It seemed to me that someone had added an extra digit to the tag!

Later, as I thought about the first designer dress, I decided that even though the prices may be shocking, it is possible to find God in designer clothes.

When Adam and Eve disobeyed God and felt shame for the first time, they made the first clothing—not Tommy Hilfiger, but fig leaves. God had something better in mind. Although their sin forced them to leave their perfect home and suffer painful consequences, God did not abandon them. He fashioned clothing for Adam and Eve from animal skins—garments that were more durable, protective, and less scratchy than leaves (Genesis 3:7-11, 21).

God’s sacrifice of animals to cover Adam’s and Eve’s nakedness foreshadowed the day when Jesus would sacrifice his life to permanently cover our sin. We may try to make ourselves spiritually presentable by following rules or rituals or by being a good person, but that will leave us chronically under-dressed.

Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 13:14 (NIV)

Only the robe of forgiveness provided by Jesus’ sinless life, death, and resurrection is adequate to cover the shame of our sinful condition. Once we accept this incredible gift, our sin no longer separates us from the holy God who created us. We’ll discover that it’s possible to find God in designer clothes that He has provided for us. And we can draw near to him without thinking, I don’t have a thing to wear.

 © Dianne Neal Matthews (www.DianneNealMatthews.com). Dianne is a freelance writer and the author of four daily devotional books. This article is adapted from her book, The One Year Women of the Bible (Tyndale House).

For a bit of humor, see this YouTube video: created in the 1930′s and answering the question, “What will Eve wear in A.D. 2000?” Some ideas are not that far off base: a man carrying his own phone, and climate controlled environments, making any clothes comfortable!

Clothing of the Future – Clothing in the Year 2000

 


What fashions do you imagine will be popular 80 years from now, in 2092? Do you wonder if God ever chuckles at our efforts to clothe ourselves, knowing that in the future we may realize we looked a bit silly? What fashions do you think were awesome in the past that you would never wear now?  Click ‘Leave a Comment’ at the top of this post and share your thoughts!

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Find God in Marriage: Quotes Plus Marriage Book Review

May 17, 2012 By Leave a Comment

By Karen O’Connor:

Here are a few great marriage quotes Karen O’Connor heard from other women, plus our recommendation for a new great marriage book by Poppy Smith:

 

Recommended: Why Can't He Be More Like Me? by Poppy Smith

Several years ago I asked four women friends who had been married a long time—some over fifty years—their secret to a solid relationship. I’ll never forget what what I learned and how their answers helped me to find God in marriage–my own marriage.

“I remember how God has proven himself worthy and faithful in the past,” said Corinne, “and that keeps me going forward.”

Joan added her perspective. “I stay open-minded and keep a sense of humor.” She admitted to being a perfectionist so “it’s important to laugh at mistakes, smile at misunderstandings, and chuckle at misdeeds, especially when neither of us means to hurt one another.”

Barbara shared her secret: “I gave up my right to be right. I realized that my husband is just being himself. He’s not trying to fight me. When I began to see him in that light, I saw what a precious person he is.”

Mabel said simply, “I’m committed because I desire to be.” She said yes to her husband’s proposal many years ago and never looked back or second-guessed her decision. That, she added, has kept them going and continuing to love one another for over five decades.”

I went home filled with new inspiration as I committed to find God in my marriage and to see what a precious person my husband is just the way God made him.

For more encouragement, I turned to the following article by Mary Fairchild on how to keep your marriage strong and healthy: 5 Steps to Building Your Christian Marriage.

©Karen O’Connor. Karen is an author, writing mentor, and frequent contributor to Finding God Daily. Visit Karen on the web at www.karenoconnor.com

Also recommended (by Laurie, Finding God Daily editor): the terrific new marriage book by Poppy Smith: Why Can’t He Be More Like Me? 9 Secrets to Understanding Your Husband.

Chapter titles include: He’s Not My Clone!, His Brain Isn’t Wired Like Mine and When I Say This, He Hears That. Here’s a funny note from the back of the book:  Q: “What do you and your husband have in common?” A: “We got married on the same day.” Poppy offers great examples that show how conflict often occurs and reveal how to overcome problems to strengthen marriages.

Most marriages start with romance and a promise to cherish. Here’s one proposal that should make you smile, titled: Greatest Marriage Proposal EVER!!!, submitted to a contest by MattandGinny. If your marriage is struggling, can you think back to your proposal and the person you loved the day you married? How can you recapture your appreciation of him or her?

Click here to see other entries: Ultimate Proposal Contest.

Disclosure: Associate proceeds from Finding God Daily links in photos or book titles to Laurie’s Lists on Amazon.com will be donated to Right to the Heart, a 501 (c) 3 ministry. To learn more about this ministry, click here. 

 

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Find God in Family Photos

May 16, 2012 By Leave a Comment

By Karen O’Connor:

Do you find God in family photos–or at least, while looking at them–thanking Him for those people who helped shape your life?

 

Stock Photo from Bandini

My husband and I looked at each other, took a deep breath, and agreed it was time to tackle those boxes of photos that had accumulated over many decades before digital images became the rage.

Some of our best memories were captured in those pictures.We couldn’t just throw them away. So we pulled them out, sorted them by category such as holidays, celebrations, and vacations and then separated them into piles—one for each of our five children and twelve grandchildren.

It was no small effort, but well worth it. By the time we finished we were finding God in our family photos in ways we never expected.

We laughed and cried over many, shredded some that were too embarrassing to keep, and then got serious about choosing the ones worthy of putting into small albums for each family member.

It took nearly two weeks to complete the project but we did it! And we felt so good when we presented these mini-albums to each one in person. Everyone loved the result and were thankful for the time we’d invested.

Baptisms, birthday parties, graduations, and vacations all came alive again as we laughed and reminisced together over old times. We shed some tears too as we looked at photos of grandparents and aunts and uncles who were no longer with us. The more I recalled times spent with loved ones the more I realized how much God has blessed me with these people who have shaped my life and contributed to it in so many ways.

To find God in family photos was as important to me during those moments as finding Him in prayer or in church or in my garden. I was reminded of His love for me and my love for those He placed in my life.

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. (John 13:34-35, NIV Bible).

Want to sort and organize your print photos? Take a look at this helpful YouTube video:

©Karen O’Connor. Karen is an author, writing mentor, and frequent contributor to the Finding God Daily blog. Visit Karen on the web at www.karenoconnor.com

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Find God: Cry out to the Lord

May 15, 2012 By Leave a Comment

By Deborah Lovett:

When you are in pain, do you cry out to the Lord?

 

If my own daughter or son cries, I am there–on top of the situation, doing whatever I can to subdue their pain, their troubles, or their confusion. I can be a maniac when it comes to my children!

When they cry, however, if they do so silently I am not able to help them.  If you are hurting, be willing to ask God for help.

I believe God is asking us to cry out loud to Him, on our knees, believing in faith, and waiting in patient expectation. When we “cry silently” to Him, He knows, because He is all knowing, but I believe we open up the heavens when we cry aloud. When we cry out loud, it says “I am not too proud to cry, I need your help, I can’t do this on my own.”

It is a humbling thought to think of ourselves finding God by crying out to Him, the God of the Universe. But that is exactly what these Psalms suggest we do over and over:

You CAN ask God to listen:

Psalm 88:1-2 “O Lord, the God who saves me, day and night I cry out before you. May my prayer come before you, turn your ear to my cry.”

Psalm 17:1 “Hear, O Lord, my righteous plea; listen to my cry. Give ear to my prayer– it does not rise from deceitful lips.”

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.”

He DOES hear your cry:

Psalm 118:5 “In my anguish I cried to the Lord, and he answered by setting me free.”

Psalm 6:9-10 “The Lord has heard my cry for mercy; the Lord accepts my prayer. All my enemies will be ashamed and dismayed; they will turn back in sudden disgrace.”

There is Power in the Name of Jesus! Cry out to Him today! And remember as you do: He loves you unconditionally, and is very near to you today. Find God by crying out to HIM!

James 1:2-3 “Consider it pure joy my brothers whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.”

©Deborah Lovett 2012.  Deborah the author of two books and a contagious speaker for Women’s Events who spreads faith to those she comes in contact with. Find Deborah athttp://www.deborahlovett.com.

Cry out to the Lord your pain, AND cry out your praise!

See this video by E4StudentMinistry:

Also see this great video on YouTube:  Jesus Culture – We Cry Out – Kim Walker:  http://youtu.be/OBMSw9-oySA and a video by Third Day: Cry Out to Jesus: http://youtu.be/JmVxRl5bc4Y

 

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Find God at the Office

May 14, 2012 By Leave a Comment

By Karen O’Connor

 

Can you find God at the office by seeking Him first, then changing your attitude?

Years ago while on a temporary writing assignment at a publishing company, I realized I was putting in time instead of living in the time I had. Somehow I’d forgotten how to be alert to the little joys that are part of each day, how to find God at the office, regardless of the circumstances.

Right then I decided to approach this short-term position with a new attitude and a new perspective. I stopped obsessing over personality conflicts, income, deadlines, and office politics. Instead I focused on how I could bring serenity to those around me and to myself too.

I came up with a simple plan based on some principles I’d read in a magazine article years before. Maybe they’ll work for you too.

• Do something nice for yourself. For example, put something in your office or cubicle that is just for you, maybe a photo, an inspiring quote, a fresh flower.

• Do something caring toward another. You could post an uplifting quotation on the bulletin board each day, start the coffee, invite a co-worker to join you for lunch.

• Do something that needs to be done––even if you don’t feel like doing it. How about purging your desk drawer of paper clutter, shredding data that is no long relevant, phoning people you’d rather not speak with. Challenges disappear when you handle them.

• Give thanks each day. Consider what a difference it would make in your office if you became the ‘gratitude guru,’ being quick to say, “Thank you” to others.

It takes so little to change the way we behave toward others and our attitude. Start your day first by seeking the Lord and His will for you for the day,  and you are more likely to find God at the office, or any other workplace.

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. (Psalm 19:14, NIV Bible)

 

Here’s are a few awesome videos about living out your faith in the workplace, from Transform Work UK: transformworkuk.org (Twitter @Transformworkuk.)

©Karen O’Connor. Karen is an author, writing mentor, and frequent contributor to the Finding God Daily blog. Visit Karen on the web at www.karenoconnor.com

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Finding God on Mother’s Day: the Mother Trophy

May 12, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Moms, in honor of Mother’s Day I present to you . . . drum roll, please . . . the Mother Trophy!

 

My youngest daughter (now a teen) was four years old when her little wooden car didn’t win a race at AWANA kid’s club. The grand prize had been a trophy.

Her brother responded by giving her one of his old basketball trophies. Dad gave her a weight-lifting trophy he’d won at the county fair.

My daughter perked up for a while and had fun decorating her room with them, but later she sighed.

“Someday I want to earn a trophy myself.”

I asked her, “How would you like to earn one?”

She thought a minute, very seriously. “I think maybe playing soccer . . . or doing gymnastics.” She paused.

Then she said, matter-of-factly, “But what I really think I want to get one for, someday, is for being a mother, with my own children.”

Wow. A Mother Trophy! Wouldn’t that be something?

Just when we as parents feel unappreciated, BOOM, a child says or does something to show we are valued. That our work is recognized. That what we do is meaningful. Our children are given to us as gifts–and those gifts give back to us.

Children are a gift from the Lord (Psalm 127:3)

All you moms out there: I’d like to give you a virtual Mother Trophy: so just pretend to reach into your computer screen and grab this one! And have a lovely Mother’s Day.

Excerpted from the book The Power of Parent-Child Play, © Laurie Winslow Sargent. Laurie is the editor for Finding God Daily, a multi-book author/contributor and magazine article writer. Her parenting blog is at ParentChildPlay.com. You can find Laurie on Twitter as @LaurieSargent.

Here are two fun videos in celebration of mothers:

 Mother’s Day Video–Thank you MOM! by ChurchMediaToday

 

 

Unnoticed Moms from Igniter Media

 

Like these videos?  Click through to their dedicated YouTube pages via the titles above the videos to add to their view count. Both ChurchMediaToday and Igniter Media offer annual subscriptions for use of their videos logo-free, in church and other group settings.

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Finding God in the Shoeshine Man

May 10, 2012 By Leave a Comment

By Karen O’Connor:

Is God prompting you today to recognize someone in a special way, whether that be a shoeshine man or someone else who serves others?

My husband Charles worked for a time selling men’s shoes at Nordstrom. While there he met Dan, whose job it was to shine men’s shoes. Charles and Dan became good friends, trading jokes and jibes each day when they met in the shoe department.

Over time, Charles learned that Dan was a lonely guy with few real friends and little or no contact with his grown children. It was unlikely this unusual friendship would be instrumental in Charles finding God in the shoeshine man. But it did.

One particular day, he made a point of finding out Dan’s birthday. It was apparent to him that this crusty old codger would enjoy some acknowledgment. Charles got the date from the personnel manager and ordered a cake. Dan was turning seventy—not a small milestone. The morning before the big day, Charles announced at an employee meeting that he’d have a cake for Dan in the lunchroom at noon. He invited as many as could get away at that time.

The following day, Dan walked in for lunch and was overcome with music, cake, and a bombardment of Nordstrom friends. He wept at the sight, stating in a wobbly voice, “This is the first birthday party I’ve ever had.” You can imagine how Charles felt. He’d followed his hunch and carried it out. A couple of years later we received an early morning phone call from the personnel manager at the store. Dan had died the previous day.

Now it was Charles’ turn to weep. A man unlike any he’d known before had become a good friend and now he was gone. Finding God in the shoeshine man had changed his life. “It didn’t cost me a thing,” said Charles. “Dan gave me more than I ever gave him.”

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves (Romans 12:10, the Bible).

For fun, view this YouTube video featuring New York City’s best shoeshine man.

 ©Karen O’Connor. Karen is an author, writing mentor, and frequent contributor to the Finding God Daily blog. Visit Karen on the web at www.karenoconnor.com

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Finding God in Surviving Bullying

May 3, 2012 By Leave a Comment
By Linda Evans Shepherd

Finding God in Surviving Bullying

Bullying is a deep problem in our society, where kids, teens, and even adults are belittled, harassed and tormented for social, economic, physical, religious, and other reasons. Though being bullied can be emotionally devastating, it can be survived.

Below are several stories of famous celebs who not only survived being bullied, but overcame it. At the end of their stories, I’ll share tips on finding God in surviving bullying plus a trailer for the movie Bully.

Photo of Miley Cyrus (Wikipedia.com)

According to the antibullyingblog, when Miley Cyrus was a pre-teen in Tennessee there was an “Anti-Miley Club” at her school full of “big, tough girls” who bullied her.

Cyrus was once locked in a bathroom during class: “They shoved me in. I was trapped. I banged on the door until my fists hurt. Nobody came.”

Other incidents included challenging Cyrus to a fight, which only ended when the principal stepped in. And when Cyrus wasn’t being physically abused, she was being teased. Classmates told her, “Your dad’s a one-hit wonder. You’ll never amount to anything — just like him.” Fortunately for her, Cyrus did not listen to nay-sayers, scoring the role of “Hannah Montana” and a ticket to fame and fortune.

Lady Gaga (Wikipedia.com)

Miley is not the only celeb who experienced the bully-treatment.  At a recent Monster Ball concert in New York, Lady Gaga said:

“I use to get really bullied at school…one time I got thrown in the trash. I went to the pizzeria around the corner. And you know, it was meant to be a joke, right? But these guys that some of my friends were friends with, were also friends with these other girls who really didn’t like me very much.

So the guys were like, let me put you in the trash where you belong. So they picked me up in my school skirt and they put me in the trash. I was looking up at them and trying to laugh…to act like it didn’t bother me because I didn’t want to show a sign of weakness. But really, I was holding back the tears so hard because I was so embarrassed that I was in the trash can. So I want to say to you that I am living proof that if anyone ever puts you in a (bleep) trash can, you can get the (bleep) out.”

Bill Clinton from Wikipedia.com

Even United States Presidents endured bullying. In fact, President Bill Clinton was bullied in junior high for being a “fat band boy” with bad taste in clothes, also mentioned in the antibullying blog article.

Their taunting culminated in an incident at a junior high dance: one older student teased Clinton about his carpenter’s jeans, and even hit Clinton in the jaw. But Clinton did not give the bully what he wanted, choosing to stand his ground rather than fight back or back down. Clinton shares in his memoir, My Life, “I had learned that I could take a hit and that there’s more than one way to stand against aggression.” He survived the incident, and his status as a band geek paid off, with Clinton becoming a talented and celebrated saxophone player in addition to his life in public service.

If you are being bullied, check out these tips suggested by Kids Health:

  • Ignore the bully and walk away.
  • Hold the anger.
  • Don’t get physical.
  • Practice confidence.
  • Take charge of your life.
  • Talk about it.
  • Find your (true) friends.

How to Find God in Surviving Bullying

Some of these tips are easier to achieve than others. But I think the biggest thing you can do is to decide, I will not believe the lies the bullies use to hurt me, I will trust God.

We serve a God who sees us loved, precious, redeemed, valuable and beautiful, who sent his own son to die in our place.

Try praying this prayer from my article, I am Getting Bullied from ThinkingAboutSuicide.com:

Dear Lord,

I break the lying words that people are saying about me, in the power and authority of the name and blood of Jesus. I ask that you replace those words with loving words you use to describe me; precious, loved, beautiful, smart, full of promise, a miracle, and wonderful. Give me your power, strength and truth to believe your words instead of the lies. Please block and cancel lying words and any thoughts of suicide – in the power and authority of the name and blood of Jesus. Thank you for giving me a hope and a future. In Jesus name, Amen.

So you see, it’s possible to find God in surviving bullying. Check out the new Bully movie as well as Paul Coughlin on how to Bully-proof your kids from CBN.com:

To discover more about how to have a relationship with God, go to GodTest.com.

©Linda Evans Shepherd. Linda is the President of Right to the Heart ministries, publisher of Finding God Daily, and pens many of our articles.  She’s also the author of over 30 books and a national speaker.

 

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Finding God in the Best Selling Books of All Time

April 30, 2012 By 1 Comment

By Karen O’Connor:

 This week I read a review in The Wall Street Journal of a new book titled, Hit List, written by James W. Hall, on how to make big money in fiction writing. The author of the book talked about many all-time best-sellers including Jaws, Peyton Place, and To Kill a Mockingbird. He also commented on religious works that sell so well that “most bestseller lists shunt them off into a separate category so the mainstream nonreligious books will have some slim chance of survival.” How interesting that finding God in the best selling books of all time actually creates competition for those books that have nothing to do with things spiritual.

Though the focus was on best-selling books, the Bible was not among those featured, even though it is easily one of the best-selling and most widely read books of all time according to the online report, The 21 Best-Selling Books of All Time by Ed Grabianowski. (Wikipedia reports an estimate of 2.5 to 6 billion Bibles sold.)

Finding God in the best selling books of all time may come about in various ways—through a character in a novel or in a true story of redemption, but it’s a sure thing if you turn to the Bible where God is on every page, from Genesis to Revelation. If you’d like to start reading the Bible but aren’t sure where to begin and what to expect, check out this article for practical suggestions: How do I start reading the Bible? posted at intervarsity.org.

And for fun view this YouTube video featuring the top ten best-selling novels of all time. You might be surprised at some of the titles found there.

©Karen O’Connor. Karen is an author, writing mentor, and frequent contributor to the Finding God Daily blog. Visit Karen on the web at www.karenoconnor.com

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Finding God When Disappointed by Christians: Hypocrites?

April 27, 2012 By 2 Comments

By Dianne E. Butts:

3 Things to Remember when Christians Disappoint Us

Have you been wounded by a Christian, or read in the media about the failings of  professing Christians and decided they must be  hypocrites?

Have you then used that as an excuse to not believe in Christ yourself?

Well, do bear in mind:

1. Inevitably, professing Christians will disappoint us, because we all fail at times. Christians are supposed to live their lives striving to do what is right. But sometimes the failings of Christians are huge, which not only makes other Christians look bad but can also desperately wound others.

Know this, though: the Bible is filled with stories of God’s people failing: Moses killed a man and buried him in the sand, not knowing someone was watching. King David had an adulterous relationship and committed murder in an attempt to cover it up. Of course Christians shouldn’t do the terrible things Moses and David  did. The Bible is full of stories about terrible mistakes people made: not to endorse those mistakes, but to chronicle actual historical events and reveal repentance, forgiveness and redemption.

It is the grace of God and His forgiveness that saves us, not our bad (or good) behavior. (See the video embedded below!)

2. Still, God can use people who do bad things. Moses still led the people of Israel out of Egypt and built the tabernacle, one of the greatest object lessons that explains God. King David still fathered the bloodline that led to Messiah, as God promised would happen. David drew the plans and financed the Temple (the permanent version of Moses’ object-lesson Tabernacle) that his son, Solomon would build.

Have you ever done a bad thing? God can still use you for good, if you will begin now to cooperate with Him.

3. To not follow Jesus, because of  bad things some Jesus-followers do, will deprive YOU. When we stand before Jesus on Judgement Day (and there will be a Judgement Day!), telling God you rejected Him because you heard about a professing Christian who groped women, or was accused of not being honest in financial dealings, or made other even more terrible choices won’t fly. God will judge you on what you do. You won’t be able to use any other failing people you justify as hypocrites as your excuse.

Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister. Romans 14:13 (Bible, New International Version)

Are you confused about the relationship between works (good deeds we do) and faith, and how that affects your salvation? Here is an excellent short film from Igniter Media that explains it well, and creatively too!

You Do The Math, from Igniter Media.

Downloads and DVDs are available at http://www.ignitermedia.com.

 ©Dianne E. Butts. Dianne has over 275 articles and short fiction in more than fifty publications. She is a regular contributor to Finding God Daily. You can find Dianne’s blog HERE.

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Finding God in Fashion

April 25, 2012 By 2 Comments

By Karen O’Connor:

Faith and Fashion: Are they compatible?

 

I read a column in today’s Wall Street Journal about what’s in and what’s out when it comes to fashion. Shoulder pads from the 1980s are definitely out. Soft fabrics and slimmer lines are in. Men’s swimsuits are back to the boxer style “with drawstrings and dignity” as the headline proclaimed, and T-shirts and flip-flops are still okay.

I wondered, as I read, if anyone considered finding God in fashion. That may create a chuckle or a smirk. In church, maybe, but in fashion? Who’d believe that?

It’s worth a thought as I see it. After all, it was Jesus Himself who reminded us not to ask the question, “‘What shall we wear?” Your heavenly Father knows what you need. Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:31-33, NIV Bible).

Of course we want to look attractive and be part of the culture of our day. God does not expect us to walk around in togas and robes (though sandals have stood the test of time). But obsessing about the latest trends creates stress and competition and takes our hearts away from our Creator and the wonderful provision He has for each one of us. It also tempts us to wear clothing that reveals the parts of our bodies that should be kept to ourselves.

The next time you walk into a clothing store think about what really matters—dressing for the one who made you––and then select clothes after first finding God in fashion.

I really like this passionate YouTube video with Elizabeth Inrig from Trinity Church in Redlands, California on how to dress modestly and attractively.

Modesty and the Christian Woman

As swimsuit season approaches, need a lead to some cute but modest swimsuits? Try Lime Ricki or Divine Modestee!

©Karen O’Connor. Karen is an author, writing mentor, and frequent contributor to the Finding God Daily blog. Visit Karen on the web at www.karenoconnor.com.

Comments welcome! Have you found creative ways to be fashionable yet modest at the same time?

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Find God While Drinking Coffee: Help Rwandan Genocide Survivors

April 24, 2012 By Leave a Comment

By Dianne Neal Matthews:

While spending a week with my daughter and her family, I decided to visit the church they attend instead of going to my former one. Little did I know that I would find God while drinking coffee that morning. As soon as I stepped through the doors, I saw a familiar face.

My friend Fred and I chatted as he tended the coffee bar. When my son asked him what brand coffee the church used, Fred told us the fascinating story behind a company called Land of a Thousand Hills.

In April 1994, Rwanda (an African country half the size of the state of Maryland) suffered one of history’s most atrocious genocides. In only 100 days, almost one million ethnic Tutsi and moderate Hutu sympathizers were killed by extremist Hutu militia. In the aftermath of civil war, Rwanda made a commitment to national restoration. The government asked the church to guide the country toward reconciliation and called on the outside world to support them as it looked to heal and eradicate poverty, disease, and illiteracy.

After the genocide, I visited Rwanda for the first time. I asked the local priest in the village of Bukonya how Americans could help his country rebuild. He replied, “sell our coffee.”  In that moment the Bukonya blend was born. Jonathan D. Golden (From landofathousandhills.com)

In 2001, Jonathan Golden, founder of Land of a Thousand Hills, recognized a tangible opportunity to impact the lives of the Rwandan people. He started a coffee company that pays a fair wage to the farmers of Rwanda, helps them with basic needs, and offers a quality product to coffee drinkers. The introduction of this concept to the healing fields of Rwanda opened the door for formerly warring countrymen to not only rebuild their homesteads, but to work together toward lasting peace. A commitment to excellence in coffee has brought dignity and hope to a nation that history suggested would never recover.

 Help Rwandan Genocide Survivors

Through Land of a Thousand Hills  (on Twitter as @1000HillsCoffee) you can enjoy your coffee while also offering help to these African communities. The company’s website promises, “When you buy Land of a Thousand Hills, you are receiving coffee that is 100% Arabica, fairly traded, and roasted fresh. Your excellent morning cup is offering hope to these developing coffee communities with each purchase.” Thus the company’s tagline: Drink Coffee. Do Good.™ Thanks to Land of a Thousand Hills, many people are find God while drinking coffee at church.

In this short video, watch images from Rwanda and the coffee workers accompanied by moving music:

 ©Dianne Neal Matthews. Dianne is a freelance writer and the author of The One Year Women of the Bible (Tyndale House Publishers) and three other daily devotional books. Visit her at www.DianneNealMatthews.com or @DianneNMatthews.

 

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Finding God in Humor

April 23, 2012 By 1 Comment

By Karen O’Connor:

 Have you considered finding God in humor? If not, give it a try. I believe God wants us to be full of joy and laughter and to give up fretting and worrying.

You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands (Isaiah 55:12, NIV Bible).

By sharing a smile with others, you’ll honor God and bring encouragement and hope to yourself as well.

Five Ways to Nurture Your Sense of Humor

 

1. Share a funny or embarrassing moment with someone you know, and enjoy it together. My friend Melissa called to say she sprayed her hair with furniture polish. “It fell flat but had a nice shine!”

2. Laugh at yourself even when you feel like crying. I thought I’d misplaced my cell phone only to discover I was using it right then to speak with my neighbor. Oh my!

3. Cheer up sick friends with a book of humorous stories or jokes. Help them discover that as Will Rogers said, “Laughter is the best medicine.”

4. Find humor even in serious situations. A woman whose hair was growing in after chemo treatments said her husband Dan helped her laugh everyday. “We had a short-haired dog at the time so when my hair started coming in, he clapped me on the back and said, ‘Great. Now I have a short-haired wife too!’ I liked my new look so well, I never let my hair grow long again.”

5.  Make a list of scripture verses that encourage laughter and tack them up on your mirror or bulletin board to review each day. Here are a few.

“Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy” (Psalm 126:2).

“A happy heart makes the face cheerful . . .” (Proverbs 15:13).

“Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh” (Luke 6:21).

         

Finding God in humor is easy once you look for Him there. Enjoy this YouTube video from Mars Hill Church, “Was Jesus Funny?”

 ©Karen O’Connor. Karen is an author, writing mentor, and frequent contributor to the Finding God Daily blog. Visit Karen on the web at www.karenoconnor.com

 

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Find God in Earth Day

April 22, 2012 By Leave a Comment

By Dianne Neal Matthews:

Earth Day 2012

 

Since April 22, 1970, Earth Day has been an annual event to celebrate Earth and focus on the environmental health of our planet. Former Wisconsin senator Gaylord Nelson initiated the idea of a nationwide demonstration to show support for environmental causes.

On the original Earth Day, approximately twenty million Americans in schools and communities throughout the nation participated in rallies and demonstrations, making environmental protection a major national issue.

At the time, I was a high school senior and joined my classmates in picking up litter around town.This year I plan to find God in Earth Day by remembering the most destructive force on our planet.

Earth Day is now a worldwide observance with events scheduled in late March or April. An estimated one thousand groups and five hundred million individuals take part in programs designed to call attention to local and global threats to the environment and discuss possible solutions. Volunteers join in activities such as picking up litter, cleaning up streams, and restoring parks.

The biggest threat to our planet’s environment, however, is sin. The prophet Isaiah said:

The earth is also polluted by its inhabitants, for they transgressed laws, violated statutes, broke the everlasting covenant”. (Isaiah 24:5, NASB Bible).

Also, Paul writes that from the beginning, all creation has been groaning from the curse of sin and wanting to be set free. (Romans 8:22). Sin has distorted God’s perfect world along with the human population.

God created the earth, and His glory fills it. He preserves it, and someday He will judge it and then renew it. We are responsible to be good stewards of the earth, taking good care of it while being careful to not worship it instead of its Creator. While there are practical environmental problems that need to be solved, the most important issue to work on is the spiritual health of our planet. By meditating on this truth, I can find God as I celebrate Earth Day in the proper spirit.

They traded the truth about God for a lie. So they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator himself, who is worthy of eternal praise! Romans 1:25 (NLT Bible)

This excerpt from a 1970 CBS News special report shows how citizens of New York City commemorated the very first Earth Day:

Starting April 22, NASA is having a video contest that could win you behind-the-scenes access to the next rocket launch of a NASA Earth-observing satellite. For information about the NASA video contest, click here.

 © Dianne Neal Matthews (www.DianneNealMatthews.com). Dianne is a freelance writer and the author of four daily devotional books. This article is adapted from her book, The One Year on This Day (Tyndale House).

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Finding God While on a Diet

April 17, 2012 By Leave a Comment

by Karen O’Connor:

 

 

I walked into the gym ready to work out. Two young men greeted me from behind a table displaying various diet drinks, energy bars, and publications with health tips.

I picked up a magazine and leafed through it. There was no getting away from the ads touting this or that product that would sculpt my figure, add zest to my day, and tone my muscles. All good stuff!

However, none of that matters if I don’t have God at the center of my life. I discovered this truth a long time ago. Finding God while on a diet in my forties changed everything­­––from the way I managed my food intake to the way I approached my spiritual life.

Instead of obsessing about calories and vitamins, following one unsuccessful diet after another, I turned my attention to God’s Word in the Bible—something I had never thought to do before––thanks to a friend who invited me to a Bible study class. One verse stood out in Matthew’s Gospel.

If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don’t you think he’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving (Matthew 6:31-32 MSG).

That settled it for me. I gave up diets. I began to eat sensibly, trusting God to guide me in the grocery store as well as in a restaurant when eating with friends. I’ve maintained a balanced weight for my height and age for over thirty years and rarely step on a scale. If God can do that for me, he can do it for you too.

Finding God while on a diet can lead you to feast on God’s Word and surrender all worries about weight and appearance to Him.

For some basic tips on eating right for your metabolism type, check out this YouTube video with nutritionist Nancy Dell.

©Karen O’Connor. Karen is an author, writing mentor, and frequent contributor to the Finding God Daily blog. Visit Karen on the web at www.karenoconnor.com

If you are interested in finding other ways to combine healthy eating with spiritual discipline–integrating Christian faith, physical fitness, and healthy eating with positive mental health–visit this website: First Place 4 Health. You also may enjoy this interview with Carol Lewis, the national director of First Place 4 Health.

Give God A Year and Change Your Life Carole Lewis 1/3

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Finding God in a Stew Pot in Africa

April 14, 2012 By Leave a Comment

By Karen O’Connor:

Sometimes our plans are not God’s. Janie unexpectedly found the will of God in a stew pot.

 

My young church friend Janey could hardly wait to board the plane with her college friends for a short-term summer mission in the Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire) in Central Africa.

The group’s purpose was to meet native Africans, and to move from village to village supporting Christian leaders in showing a film about the life of Christ. The furthest thing from her mind was finding God in a stew pot.

But then one evening at dusk, an African man on the crew called her aside and asked her to prepare stew for dinner. “That was the last thing I felt like doing,” said Janey. “I was annoyed that he chose a woman to do the cooking. Why not a guy? Besides, that’s not what I came for. I wanted to share Jesus with the people, not be stuck in front of a stove.”

But Janey didn’t have a choice. She was told to get on it.

“Then the most amazing thing occurred,” she said smiling. “As I peeled carrots and potatoes, and cut up pieces of stew meat, I looked up for a moment, and there in the midst of this beautiful tropical setting, I noticed mothers walking back and forth, busy with their duties, as children played and ran down the dirt paths.”

Janey lingered over the scene when suddenly the sky turned an intense bright orange––almost red.

“It was the most stunning sunset I had ever seen. I couldn’t stop looking at it. Moments before I had been so focused on what would gratify me, I almost missed this exquisite gift, and the entire point of the trip, which was to serve where I was needed. I turned back to my task. There I was finding God in a stew pot—a most unexpected place,” she said. “And I was filled with unspeakable joy.”

I will bless her with abundant provisions; her poor I will satisfy with food.  (Psalm 132:15, NIV Bible)

Then Janey added, “It was the best stew I ever ate!”

For delicious beef stew, check out the instructions on this YouTube video:

How To Make Great Beef Stew, Fast & Easy

You can also print this beef stew recipe.

Have you ever had an intended mission interrupted by an unexpected moment from God?  Sometimes our plans are not His! Share your own story with us in a Comment (link is by the article title).

 ©Karen O’Connor. Karen is an author, writing mentor, and frequent contributor to the Finding God Daily blog. Visit Karen on the web at www.karenoconnor.com

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Finding God in Acts of Kindness from a Neighbor

April 13, 2012 By Leave a Comment

By Karen O’Connor:

Are you finding God in acts of kindness from others?

 

One day my husband and I returned from a camping trip with two duffel bags stuffed with dirty clothes. I did a big load of wash that evening in the apartment house laundry room, but then went off to sleep, forgetting to transfer the clothes to the dryer.

The next morning I dashed downstairs, still in my bathrobe, eager to transfer my wet clothes before the person who had the 6:00 slot arrived.

Too late! As I pushed open the door, there sat Laverne, my neighbor who lived down the hall from me.  “Good morning,” she said.

“Good morning. I’m so sorry. Last night I forgot to . . .”

She finished my sentence for me. “Forgot to put your clothes in the dryer?”

“Right,” I said, as I walked toward the folding table, too embarrassed to look her in the eye. There I saw several piles of clothing dried and neatly folded––even categorized: socks and shirts, towels and underwear—my husband’s and mine. All I had to do was stack them in my laundry cart and head upstairs.

“Laverne, did you . . .?”  I pointed to the clothing.

“I did,” she said, smiling. “I got here early today, so why not?”

“What an angel you are.”

Laverne looked at me, her bright eyes brimming with kindness. “I didn’t mind,” she said.  “Isn’t that what we’re here for? To help each other?” She was practicing what I learned from the Bible so many times before.

“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves” (Romans 12: 9,10).

Oh my! There I was finding God in a neighbor’s kindness. I took her lead, and in turn, I did something for someone else that day. How could I not? “Isn’t that what we’re here for?” I reminded myself.

Enjoy this YouTube video with inspiring quotations on the virtue of kindness.

Karen O’Connor is an author, writing mentor, and frequent contributor to the Finding God Daily blog. Visit Karen on the web at www.karenoconnor.com

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Finding God While Playing Tennis

April 11, 2012 By Leave a Comment

By Lane P. Jordan:

Finding God while playing tennis seems a little ludicrous!  But, when you have been too ill to get out of bed, you realize that every moment of being healthy is a gift from God.

So here I was today, hitting a backhand and then running to the net.  That’s when I realized how blessed I was to have a healthy body and strong legs to help me run.

I have a strong heart to keep my blood moving, healthy eyes in which to see the tennis ball, and sharp ears to hear when it bounces.

And that’s when I realized that God made all that possible.  He healed my body and my emotions so that I was able to get back to my life, fully living.

Some people would say God has more important things on His mind than seeing us play tennis.  I believe that He came to give us life and life abundantly!

I believe He smiles when we are playing and laughing and having fun here on His earth!

Whether we are solving the world’s problems or finding joy in a beautiful and remarkable day, God smiles.

And He is waiting for you to find Him too.  It may be finding God on a tennis court, or  somewhere quite different.

Praise Him today for ways he has healed you and for the physical senses he has given you!

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Philippians 4:4 (NIV Bible)

And in case you’re curious about playing tennis, here’s a tutorial on YouTube: Tennis Tips: One Handed Backhand by Gilad Bloom with PlaySportsTV.

@Lane P. Jordan. Lane has been speaking for over 15 years across the country. For more information, visit Lane at www.LaneJordanMinistries.com.

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Finding God: Help for the Compulsive Gambler

April 10, 2012 By Leave a Comment

By Karen O’Connor:

Help for the Compulsive Gambler

 

“It only takes a dollar and a dream.” For many men and women that’s all they need to read on a poster or on the Internet to lead them to the nearest casino or web site. From there, thousands begin a slow descent into compulsive gambling.

Some however, actually find God while gambling because they wake up to the destruction they’re causing themselves and their loved ones.

When Lydia’s husband of 44 years passed away, he left her set for life financially. She joined a senior club in her community and signed up for a bus trip to a gaming hall.

“That was the beginning of the end for me,” she admitted. “I enjoyed the feeling of watching the wheel spin and the dice fall in my favor––at least part of the time. It was enough to bring me back.”

Lydia continued her gambling pattern until she went through $200,000 before seeking help on the counsel of her son.

According to Dr. Robert Perkinson , clinical director of Keystone Treatment Center (keystonetreatment.com) in South Dakota, compulsive gambling “is called the hidden illness since there is no smell on the breath nor stumbling of steps or speech.”

Dr. Perkinson focuses on three steps to recovery at his treatment center. He claims people need to:

• get honest about their addiction

• go to Gamblers Anonymous meetings and participate with others

• get on a spiritual path to God.

“Ninety percent of addicts who take these actions stay clean,” he said.

Perkinson also made the point that “many people know God’s teachings, but they are helpless to live by them, because of the addictive nature of gambling. Addiction stands in your way of God,” he said resolutely.

But those who find God through gambling and subsequent treatment discover that only He can release and save them: restoring them to sanity and serenity.

©Karen O’Connor. Karen is an author, writing mentor, and frequent contributor to the Finding God Daily blog. Visit Karen on the web at www.karenoconnor.com.

Here’s a YouTube video with one man’s story (audio) about the destruction caused by his being a compulsive gambler and how he found help:

Do you have a story to share about how gambling hurt you or your loved ones? Or something to share about how God helped you or someone else recover from this addiction?  We’d love to hear your thoughts on this. Click the link by the title: Leave a Comment.

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Finding God in the Amazing Sand Art of Joe Castillo

April 8, 2012 By Leave a Comment

By Laurie Winslow Sargent:

Joe Castillo

I’m finding God in the sand paintings of Joe Castillo.

Joe has performed his unique form of artwork for audiences around the world. According to his website, joecastillo.com:

“SandStory® consists of art images created by Joe Castillo as he draws in sand with his hands on a light table. The performance is scored and choreographed to live or recorded music performed live on stage and video projected on a screen for large audiences.”

Joe began learning art techniques when he was five years old, from his artistic parents and within the international art community in Mexico. He accepted Christ as his savior at age fourteen, and according to his About page,  “For the next forty years his love of art and his passion for God would inspire and guide his life.”

Joe has experienced some very difficult losses: first his father, then his wife of twenty-six years to breast cancer. Yet he continues to praise God and lead others to Him, through his amazing artwork and story-telling. Joe has created performances for CBS, NBC, BBC, TED, and for kings and presidents across the world. In his most recent blog post, he describes how last year he performed in Columbia, Brazil, Scotland, Qatar, St. Martin and Mexico. (See more at his blog post, 2011 in Review.)

 

Amazing Sand Art of Joe Castillo: He is Alive

Here is Joe’s most recently uploaded SandStory®:

Joe’s events for this month (April 2012) include appearances in Madison, WI; Austin, TX; Nashville, TN; Greenville, SC; Oklahoma City, OK; and Norfolk, VA. In addition to his website,  you can find him on Facebook and Twitter. I also encourage you to click through to Joe Castillo’s YouTube Page directly, to see more of his amazing videos.

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