Thankful Life - July 27, 2014

We have to be very careful in how we approach this life... if we worry, fret and live in fear, we miss out on the blessings that are in the midst of real challenges. I know for me, I have (over the years) created my own disasters because I 'thought' wrong. How about you?

Today, I reflect and look deep in my heart to see what I really need to let go. Confronting situations are definitely not one of my strongest attributes and I desire to be bolder and less fearful when it comes to speaking up and defending my ground in certain areas. Yet, looking back, I have seen change... and for that I am truly grateful and I pray I not become complacent in what is already done, and focus on what God can yet do in His strength and toward His will for my life. In a recent teaching, we were asked... "what is abundant life?" My first thought was simply, "knowing God"... and onto, "knowing God's mercy, tenderness and the knowledge that He does have a plan", seemed to finish the thought so much more satisfactory. We all struggle, fight the flesh and can get sucked into despair because "we just can't get 'there'". Friends, let us know that God, yes, the God who loves you passionately, desires you to KNOW ALL THAT HE IS FOR YOU.... to know that His love is like nothing you can ever fathom. but He will pursue you over and over (continually) so you will know. And this, I am telling myself as much as I am sharing it with you!!!

Abundant Life... is not a bank account or stuff... it is knowing whose you are and knowing His love is everything... the blood of Jesus will cover and carry you through. Get to know the power of the Holy Spirit... not as a 'fix all', but as the mighty and perfect mercy and grace of our Savior. I am thankful I have so much to learn... as well as so much to heal from. Thank You LORD for pursing my heart and Your will for abundancy.

And again, I am facing an internal challenge to step out and speak up... Father, there is something that really needs to be done. This thing that is uncomfortable, because I was uncomfortable with what and how something was said to me. Help me to, not only be bold, but to be wise with my words and attitude. Help me to present my case lovingly, while intelligently and with conviction. I want firm boundaries, yet flexibility to work well with others. As I come to You Father, help me to lean in to Your desires for my life and my life's work. Help me to see Your will as I carve out this life and what is to be done and how I do it.

In the mighty name of Jesus, help me keep my eyes on You and doing what You will have me do... serve - love - encourage - engage with and believe that You are for me.

"We should consider these examples and Christ the perfect example

Surrounded then as we are by these serried ranks of witnesses, let us strip off everything that hinders us, as well as the sin which dogs our feet, and let us run the race that we have to run with patience, our eyes fixed on Jesus the source and the goal of our faith. For he himself endured a cross and thought nothing of its shame because of the joy he knew would follow his suffering; and he is now seated at the right hand of God’s throne. Think constantly of him enduring all that sinful men could say against him and you will not lose your purpose or your courage." ~Hebrews 12:1-3 (J.B. Phillips New Testament)

We mustn't wait til "things" are good to serve others... We serve knowing God is good.

#givingthanksdaily
#lifeincolorandwords

©2014 Shawn Boreta

Thankful Life - July 22, 2014

Today Father, I just want to thank You for the people in my life. For those who know they are an influence, and those who have no idea, I thank You. As I sit here tonight, reflecting back on my day, I am so grateful for moments of weakness; those moments when I fall flat, yet can remember that I am Yours and be comforted. I am grateful for moments of weariness; those moments I scrape and scramble to get by, because I AM YOURS and find peace in that very instant. I am grateful for moments of recognition; those moments when I see Your hand, more than mine, and realize I desire to be like You even more deeply.

Today Father, I just want to thank You always finding ways to remind me of who I am becoming is not who I was... and I was has no relevance of who I am now...

Today Friends, I just want to remind you that You have a Creator who divinely loves you and desires your life to be His, wholly. For those who have yet to 'believe', I pray for you now... that there will be many around you, who surround your every day life with love and example of a Christ-like life. That during times of weakness, weariness and need to recognize something more is here for you, that you will cry out, call upon and believe that you were created for His pleasure and to live this life out for His glory. 

May we Father be wholly Yours and desire to be wholly committed to living the life that You desire for each of us. Let us know that there is nothing perfect outside of God. We must be content with the perfecting process that God has for each and everyone of us. In moments of my defensiveness, I would often say "well, I'm not perfect.… "and really, does anyone really expect you to be? And, if they do we do have the right to set that expectation straight. This also goes for many of us, who have the 'perfectionist' in them. Let us remember who actually is perfect and who He is for each of us.

#givingthanksdaily

#lifeincolorandwords

#thankfullife

©2014 Shawn Boreta

Thankful Life - July 21, 2014

Digging into the Word is essential for this life. We cannot survive the strife, pain, obstacles or even the good without the right direction and insights. This only comes from His Word and guide of the Holy Spirit. We must be careful to dwell in and meditate on the Word of God. Let us, LORD God depend on the Spirit for every step, every thought and desire to be in Your will.

"I have chosen the way of truth and faithfulness; Your ordinances have I set before me." ~Psalm 119:30 (Amplified Bible)

Remember to note the things of joy in your life... so that, when the times of challenges and obstacles arise, you can remember... "this is only temporary"... Why? Because we have an amazing, wonderful, faithful and perfect God directing our paths, loving us intensely and who has already prepared "the Way".

#thankfullife #givingthanksdaily #lifeincolorandwords

©2014 Shawn Boreta 

Being His - July 12, 2014

As I sit here tonight, I am once again reminded how fortunate I am for this journey of gratitude and truly grasping His gift of His Word and promises. It truly seems like a lifetime ago, or even someone else's life, when I think of the road traveled with my Savior began. In the "trenches", not in the "glow" is where I see His light shining brightest for me. It has been through the harshest of circumstances and the bleakest of moments that He lifted my heart, soul and mind to meet His glory. And, it's the gift I so desire for everyone I meet, and the greatest news is our Creator, our Savior, our Helper also desires that for our lives.

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." ~Isaiah 41:10 (New International Version)

Heartache....

Don't let the enemy have any of these moments... all your moments belong to God... belong to God to work out, filter through and repair. JESUS LOVES YOU... so much that He left us with the Holy Spirit (Him in us) to help us with all the details of living this life. Allow Him to work...

Hope...
His Orchestrated Purpose [toward] Eternity

First, choose Him!
Believe that He is your Salvation.
Trust He knows your circumstances and will not leave you stranded!

You Know that people will tear you down.
You know the enemy wants you to believe that.
You KNOW THAT GOD IS ALWAYS PRESENT.

Let the Holy Spirit be your GATEKEEPER!

There is no "but" in this life we lead with God... we say, Yet God!

Yet God, has great things for you. Yet God, desires His children to KNOW His promises...

God promised that He is all you need... "My grace is sufficient for you..." (2 Corinthians 12:9)

"But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and [a]show themselves most effective in [your] weakness. Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, may pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me!" ~2 Corinthians 12:9 (Amplified Bible)

Thankful Life - June 6, 2014

How do I get to be the person I need to be? Help others get to the next level…

Look at the end, and it’s all about relationships we forge during our lifetime that truly matters.

We under estimate our power – that is within us – through the power of the Holy Spirit (God in us). When we are true to our self in our faith, we can see and experience that true power, daily.

It’s not always what you are willing to do for others, but how you interact with them.

Buck the FEAR…

When we think too much of ourselves, we don’t step out, we don’t reach out, we neglect to love other enough to put faith in front of our fear. Be open to step out in faith today.

“Through His faithfulness, you are guarded by God’s power so that you can receive the salvation He is ready to reveal in the last time.”  1 Peter 1:5 (Common English Bible)

©2014 Giving Thanks Daily

#givingthanksdaily
#lifeincolorandwords

Thankful Life - June 5, 2014

There is no doubt about it.... I am getting older, and this body is dying. We live in this "dying" world - this world where pain and disappointment are ever present - but it's in the living daily that we are able to appreciate the time we have. But did you know that this "dying" world was created and everything about it is known by the LIVING GOD? Living for Jesus gives meaning to that which seems dead. Nothing in this life matters except pursing Him and LIVING WITH HIS PURPOSE in mind. Regardless of what this world is, we are not of this world. He is pursing you... your hopes and joy... your desires and purpose... you!

We live greatly when we love greatly... encourage those around us... inspire others to seek God. Holy Spirit help us engage and to be present for all Your divine interactions and opportunities.

"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing." ~1 Thessalonians 5:11 (English Standard Version)

Love one another, extend love and carry His truth in our hearts... May you all have an amazing day celebrating our Father's beautiful gift through Jesus.

Today, decide to LIVE FOR HIM... in pursuit of your creator... the ONE who loves YOU MOST!

Life in the living...

We live life when we give life through encouragement... LOVE... compassion and passionate living.

So, are you part of the land of the living?

In this season of life, please share yourself most of all.

Thankful Life - May 31, 2014

Good day brothers and sisters... preparing for my day... getting quiet and leaning on my LORD for the day.

Enjoy this beautiful day that our LORD has made and our Lord has made possible for us to walk in hope, joy and love.

(John 3:16-17, 1 Thessalonians 5:18)

"And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." ~Ephesians 5:20 (New Living Translation)

“I thank my God always for you because of God’s love and kindness given to you through the Messiah Yeshua, in that you have been enriched by Him in so many ways, particularly in power of speech and depth of knowledge." ~1 Corinthians 1:4-5 (Complete Jewish Bible)

Living a thankful life has its perks... you begin to see things differently and the light is always on. Just my thoughts.

Help me LORD to know that this mountain before me, or this climb ahead of me will be strengthened and fortified by Your promises and hope. Thank You mighty and faithful God for loving me so much. thank YOU Father for never leaving me, and pursuing me, even in my mess, and among my messiness. I love You Abba Father and cannot imagine this life without You. In the name of Christ Jesus, let me LIVE rightly and wholly as Yours. Amen.

You do it "one thought"... one word, one verse... at a time. You dive in, drive forward and don't let the enemy take any credit for anything that you don't accomplish. You fight your own will by giving all the desperation, depressive thoughts and uncertainty to God... HE WILL FIGHT THE BATTLE because the battle that is not flesh is HIS... all His, and Jesus already won.

What is our job? 

"Putting on the whole armor of God" ~Ephesians 6:11

"Dwell in Him... He is our refuge our fortress" ~Psalm 91:1-16

Remember "...we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds...Hold every thought captive…” remember that He is the victor... ~2 Corinthians 10:3-5

"God is our shield..." ~Psalm 84:11

So what are you focusing on today? 

Is it your 'circumstance'? Or what Jesus did for you?

“Trust in the LORD and do good;
Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness.
Delight yourself in the LORD;
And He will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the LORD,
Trust also in Him, and He will do it.” ~Psalm 37:3-5 (New American Standard Bible)

I love this.... "DELIGHT YOURSELF IN THE LORD.....

...and HE WILL GIVE YOU THE DESIRES OF YOUR HEART."

The more you focus on HIM, the more His desires for your life, will become YOUR DESIRES...

Thankful Life - May 21, 2014

Oh LORD, I seek You... Father, come in - I know it's messy and in disarray at times, but YOU are welcome. Show me how not to hide, how to exude You. Help me know that You are in Your dwelling place, my Tabernacle... Your Temple... Let the doors of this tent fly wide open and let me know YOUR presence in this place. Remove the mess LORD, as I follow and love through obedience. Correct me. Let me see Your blessings. Let me know Your daily and moment to moment mercies. Let me grow in Christ... and be more and more like Jesus through every moment of growth. Let Your light shine, and my light that is YOU be seen to others.

Help me LORD to know that this mountain before me, or this climb ahead of me will be strengthened and fortified by Your promises and hope. Thank You mighty and faithful God for loving me so much. thank YOU Father for never leaving me, and pursuing me, even in my mess, and among my messiness. I love You Abba Father and cannot imagine this life without You. In the name of Christ Jesus, let me LIVE rightly and wholly as Yours. Amen.

I want to encourage you to seek Him diligently. In the midst of sorrow and turmoil, He is waiting. In the circumstance that seems hopeless, He is waiting. In the times when you don't see an out, He is waiting.

He is waiting. He pursues You throughout your life, and delivers salvation unconditionally, and free to you. Will you meet Him as He waits?

Often times, we worry needlessly... we allow the enemy, habit or our past dictate our worry barometer... We truly need to live today - allow our past to help us make better decisions, while today gives us permission to let go of the past. Jesus is our NOW - not the abuse, not the illness, not a failed relationship, not the abuse you have gone through... it is not dismissing those things or you, but negating who they came from. You are not alone. Allow God to heal and take what is not edifying to Christ or encouraging scripturally. He will take it all, and leave you with hope, but you have to let Him have it. Let us not keep picking up the past, the hurt, the heartache, BUT HANG ON TO HIS PROMISES.

Often times, we worry needlessly... we allow the enemy, habit or our past dictate our worry barometer... We truly need to live today - allow our past to help us make better decisions, while today gives us permission to let go of the past. Jesus is our NOW - not the abuse, not the illness, not a failed relationship, not the abuse you have gone through... it is not dismissing those things or you, but negating who they came from. You are not alone. Allow God to heal and take what is not edifying to Christ or encouraging scripturally. He will take it all, and leave you with hope, but you have to let Him have it. Let us not keep picking up the past, the hurt, the heartache, BUT HANG ON TO HIS PROMISES.

When we allow our past to become our present, we dismiss all of what God has for us. Let today be the day you allow the ashes of the past to become beauty of His victory on the cross for you. Healing comes when we let go of our own beliefs about our life... and who we are AND hang on to His promises of hope... keep your focus on the LORD, and He is faithful.

For this I am grateful.

I have been needing time with my God... and being reassured of who I am through Christ, as well as whose I am because I chose to believe... I chose to trust... I chose to live for Christ. And daily, I choose to believe... I choose to trust... I choose to live for Christ.

Join me?
Join me!

#givingthanksdaily
#lifeincolorandwords

It's a Choice

We come into this world heading for a place that none of us want to end up. That place is darkness and desolate. It is hell!

We enter into this world, with the DNA of an amazing creator – our Creator. And our amazing Creator, pursues us and pursues us and pursues us.

So what do we do?
We choose!

We believe that Jesus is who He says He is.

We believe that God loves us passionately, as well as compassionately.

We believe in a Savior.

We believe to believe what He tells us through His Word.

And we live out that choice, in action.

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." ~John 3:16 (King James Version)

"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in[a] Christ Jesus our Lord." ~Romans 6:23 (New International Version)

#givingthanksdaily for His grace and gift.

"This means that our knowledge of men can no longer be based on their outward lives (indeed, even though we knew Christ as a man we do not know him like that any longer). For if a man is in Christ he becomes a new person altogether—the past is finished and gone, everything has become fresh and new. All this is God’s doing, for he has reconciled us to himself through Jesus Christ; and he has made us agents of the reconciliation. God was in Christ personally reconciling the world to himself—not counting their sins against them—and has commissioned us with the message of reconciliation. We are now Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were appealing direct to you through us. As his personal representatives we say, “Make your peace with God.” For God caused Christ, who himself knew nothing of sin, actually to be sin for our sakes, so that in Christ we might be made good with the goodness of God." ~1 Corinthians 5:16-21 (J.B. Phillips New Testament)

My Life is a Prayer - March 11, 2014

I am grateful for Your Word... for being Yours and being led to perfection daily... I praise You LORD. I am thankful for every single day. Help me to live in a way that gratitude describes me.

Another day in victory, yet... help me Father, as this road I am on seems so long... dry and full of pot holes. As I stop, catch my breath tonight and hold on to You, I am in great need to exhale the negative that comes in and breathe in Your Word... James 1:2-3 says, "Regard it all as joy, my brothers, when you face various kinds of temptations; for you know that the testing of your trust produces perseverance." (Complete Jewish Bible).

I love this text... Regard (care, concern, respect, consider, appreciate) IT ALL AS JOY... that means everything... the trials; the obstacles.... "How LORD?" I think, and He assures, "Just as you are - through my Word; in my promises; because I am here and will never leave you".

Temptations (my urge to run... hide... give up or in... the enemy's desire to see me submit to his ruin and deceit) - NO! I will not.

I am weary, yet You, my God are here to carry me, lift me and sustain me in every possible way. I remember to CALL ON YOU - Matthew 11:28 reminds me, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and loaded down with burdens, and I will give you rest." And in the International Standard Version, I see "loaded down"... does anyone else feel that way when it comes to their marriage - and the enemy's plotting to destroy? KNOW THIS, OUR FATHER IS GREATER, BIGGER, STRONGER AND PERFECT in His plans.

As I search the Word, Your Word, I see so many ways that You love and guide me Father. Thank You for being with me, for "clearing my path", making a way... drawing me nearer and "leading me toward perfection". Your ways LORD God... Your ways I desire and seek.

"30 God! His way is perfect;
    the Lord’s Word is tried and true.
He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him.
31 Now really, who is divine except the Lord?
    And who is a rock but our God?
32 Only God! The God who equips me with strength
    and makes my way perfect,
33     who makes my step as sure as the deer’s,
    who lets me stand securely on the heights,
34     who trains my hands for war
    so my arms can bend a bronze bow.
35 You’ve given me the shield of Your salvation;
    Your strong hand has supported me;
    Your help has made me great.
36 You’ve let me walk fast and safe,
    without even twisting an ankle." Psalm 18:30-36 (Common English Bible)

Assured, I step forward, IN FAITH (beseeching even more faith) toward perfection every day, in every moment. And, as Your Word envelops my heart, and moves this little faith, I trust. Yes Father, I trust. I request ALL the strength I possess through the Holy Spirit to bring me a calm to my heart and a lifting of my soul tonight...

And, again I repeat my prayer from the morning, and trust... Yes LORD, I trust in the mighty name and powers of my Savior, Jesus... I trust.

A Pouring Out Lord I am coming to You this morning, tired and weary of this battle. It grows old. Renew me today. Put that fire in my heart to work diligently in the most important ministry I have! Pour out Your compassion and let it indwell greatly in my heart, let my eyes see as You see, let my ears hear Your words of encouragement. In this battle, even without arrows shooting or bullets penetrating, it's the deep unresolve of sin in the heart of those who do not know You. The enemy has not won, but the battle rages as he has. His only goal is to kill, steal and destroy and satan you will not, WILL NOT get my household. So Father, I am coming to YOU NOW for your strength and courage in this and every single moment. Help me to submit to the strength of the Holy Spirit and not to the desires for peace – keep my sights on You and help me do what's right I want to speak truth and allow You to reveal Your amazing Grace, Your amazing healing, Your amazing glory to those who don't believe; but Father You know the needs I share. Let me not be hindered by the battle, BUT encouraged, energized and joyful in Your victory. Remind me Lord, continue to remind me. In my tearful times I don't want to be afraid to cry, or afraid that the tears won't stop. Help me and my unbelief today. Help me and my doubt today. Help me let go of the fear that this is all there is today. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

And, as the day progressed, the prayers continued... "I have such a narrow view of things at times LORD... and I want to focus on the right things... the day to day... the moment to moment... Thank You for not leaving me, nor forsaking me – in the fire, I am covered and protected - I know it's when I reach beyond You that I get burned. It's when I decide to place my dependence on me, rather than You that I go under. Help me to stay above all that is strife and distracting AND distancing. Humbly and Yours, I come to You in Jesus' name. Amen."

And tonight I am reminded once again... Live as though every moment is a miracle, and every moment leads to the next miracle. And you know what? This life truly is a miracle, as is every moment.

#givingthanksdaily
#lifeincolorandWORDs
#mylifeisaprayer

My Life is a Prayer - February 6, 2014

WORDS...
There are many words that ran through my thoughts today, and many that I pondered... much of what I 'thought on' was prayer.
We are instructed to 'hold every thought captive', and for me, that is where my day begins and my life prevails... 'every thought' that is God - Christ edifying and in obedience to His will.

Big command, and totally doable through He who loves me so much.

Father, I need You today, actually all of this week… It has really been trying for me. I don't want to be a complainer and the grumbler, but I feel like that's what I am doing this week. I'm overwhelmed! I'm tired… And in need of Your wisdom. Help me in this time of busyness to know what to say, how to react, how to be an example in the hardest of situations. Not that these are the hardest of times, but I see You trend in my life. I get farther and farther behind by not saying no. I allow myself to be overwhelmed, and to what end? Help me LORD… Help me LORD! I ask for your help in the precious name of Jesus I pray, amen.

#givingthanksdaily
#lifeincolorandWORDs
#mylifeisaprayer

Thankful Life - January 30, 2014

Yesterday as I began my morning, I knew that I had 'a day' before me... plenty to do, more to be added and so much that I would be inspired to do as the day progressed. And, yep, just as I expected - it was ALL and MORE than all that. Thank You LORD for strength and gumption. And, it was a good day.

As I start again today, I have to submit Father 'it all' to You! And, it will be a good day. Fear is not an issue in the moment to moment, but an underlying theme of this daily journey. This week, I am listening to and reading through Isaiah 43.

"Do not be afraid, because I have reclaimed you.
    I have called you by name; you are mine.
When you go through the sea, I am with you.
    When you go through rivers, they will not sweep you away.
    When you walk through fire, you will not be burned,
    and the flames will not harm you.
I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
    Egypt is the ransom I exchanged for you.
    Sudan and Seba are the price I paid for you.
Since you are precious to me, you are honored and I love you.
    I will exchange others for you.
        Nations will be the price I pay for your life." ~Isaiah 43:1-4 (GOD's WORD Translation)

Every day I need reminding that He paid the price, and every day I just need to believe a little bit that He is All for me, and ALL IS GOOD.

Father, from the roadblocks that thought and circumstances allow, help me to be in Your presence to see every breakthrough, every stopping point and mountain top that You have me in. Thank You for yesterday's challenges, resources and the friends who helped me see more clearly. Thank You for today, the plan and changed details that will occur... thank You Jesus for providing and doing 'it all' TODAY AND EVERY DAY, grateful in Your amazing and perfect name, amen!

#givingthanksdaily
#lifeincolorandWORDS

It's Quite Simple - by Shawn Boreta

Every day I am blessed with new ideas... new assumptions... and in every moment, I am assured through His truth.

Someone said the other day, "that's their truth, and I have mine..." in love, I did not agree... but added, "their perception of 'THE' truth... since the reality is, things happen one way, and the situations are relayed another.

As I think about this, I wonder... "what if" (one of my favorite thoughts...) - what if we saw things the same way?

We would have nothing to look forward to in my opinion. We would see colors the same, the weather the same... YUCK... I love that "I love" the sunshine, and my best friend "loves" the rain. I love that "I love" vegetables, and I am challenged to make them "loved" by my husband, which he does not...

Love our difference, embrace the challenge to work together, love one another for our differences and see truth from God, and perception as an opportunity to connect with other or change our out own outlook.

#givingthanksdaily
#LifeincolorandWORDS

Thankful Life - January 13, 2014

HMMMMMMMMMMMMM...

What if... 
all children in need of a home, received one? (Acceptance/Chosen)
all children were loved and never needed to look outside their home for acceptance, and had a community surrounding them for guidance and extended love? (Freedom)
all children, young and old, healthy or ill, knew where they 'came from', and where they 'are going'? (Hope)

Just some thoughts today... 

In March, we will be launching my ART LINE and so excited to bring awareness to my favorite organizations, and for their benefit. 

...stay tuned!Please check out - Bethany Christian Services, Hope's Not a Crime and Love Never Fails (http://loveneverfailsus.org/)

It's quite simple... by Shawn Boreta

God wants you to believe Him... when He says, "you are already healed..." we are to believe. We can step in to the change necessary to know His healing. We must let go...

It was years of reprogramming my mind, that now indwells my heart.

You have to believe... you have to choose. BELIEVE... move forward... let go... embrace change.... love the challenge of change... KNOW THAT YOU ARE ALREADY HEALED... you just have to accept that you are His child and everything in Him is possible.

It is possible, because it is already accomplished for me and for you.

My journey of daily gratitude forged the path necessary so I can step in His confidence every day - His desire is for us to KNOW His grace and mercies. My prayer, daily, is for you to have the same confidence and awareness of His presence. Not every day is perfect, but every day is being perfected through Him.

Today, I invite you to join this journey of daily gratitude... to give thanks in new ways and realize His daily gifts for you - through the storms, in the hurricane of daily circumstances and in the calm that only He can bring. I encourage you to take a stand for your own life by giving it all to your Creator and Redeemer. It's time. It's your time to know His time for you.

#shawnboreta

It's quite simple... by Shawn Boreta

Today I am grateful for the desires of my heart. I'm grateful that in obedience, the desires of my heart, will be HIS will. I have learned, that when I am obedient, I see things differently; I see things through different eyes and I hear things with different ears. Our Creator pursues us and desires us to know His call.

Thankfulness is a gift we, not only give ourselves, but a gift we give to those around us... One thing I have learned greatly, is it's really hard to be down and out when you are focusing on gratitude.

Today was a crazy-busy day. A good day, but much going on. In the process of the day, I was able to speak to so many wonderful, dedicated and giving people. I truly have a great team to work with. The LORD is so amazing in His plans. Tonight I was able to visit with two sisters in Christ and it was revealed in my heart, that I have changes to make; a softening so to speak in regards to this one area. I heard that urge last night in my soul as well. Father, help me to be more like You, and engaged wholly in the Spirit as I walk on this earth. Help me Father to hold on to the thankfulness that You put into my heart through salvation. Help me to see all Your gifts of this life through to the next. Thank You for loving me, guiding me and giving me all that I need, and more of what I desire - help me know Your desires in all things. I love You Abba and am truly humbled by the lessons of the days, and the blessings of this Kingdom building and work.

#givingthanksdaily

Thankful Life - January 9, 2014

To be bold in faith, often means, doing things others will not even attempt. Let us be bold. In our boldness, He is with us every step and every breath of the way. He will strengthen, guide and give us the wisdom during this journey.

We can count on His presence and we can know that, as His children won by the blood of Jesus, we can do all things in confidence and in obedience because of WHO we hold inside us.

Let us be bold, and walk in His light and shine His glory in this world. You have to allow God to work in your family's life... to help them grow. Because of your example, they will change, however, they may not realize it was your ongoing and steady influence that help them get there. Gratitude in your every moment is where we begin. Be thankful in all things.

“Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever.” ~1 Chronicles 16:34 (New International Version)

In your moments of thankfulness, remember to recognize the changes in your own life, as well as those you love. And be grateful for all the I will not be preoccupied with the 'what ifs', but grateful for all that HE HAS DONE WITH MY 'what did nots'. Not sure if this makes since, but for years I thought that I could be so much 'farther along' if something would have been different - BUT WHAT I HAVE FOUND that because of all the 'what did not', bad decisions and in spite of 'me', HE HAS DONE AN AMAZING WORK IN ME.

It's quite simple.. by Shawn Boreta

Today I am grateful for questions I cannot answer... and the feeling of restlessness to keep fighting toward His wisdom. 

Often, less than it used to be, I get flustered when I have question after question thrown at me - even if I know how to answer it in my head, my mouth will not mutter a coherent or intellectual word.

Why am I thankful for this? Today, I realized that this is a trigger - not necessarily a good response, but I now know what to work on... and pray for guidance with.

What are you thankful for? 

Thankful Life - January 1, 2014

What if what you see is so small that you miss the heavenly beauty of what is outside of your scope of vision? What if your circumstances are limiting your vantage point? What if you could see things from God's perspective for just glimpses and moments?

I believe we can... and it comes when we dive into the Word... learn from our experiences... pay attention to His instruction and guidance as we seek Him through the full strength and power of the Holy Spirit. Our wholeness in Him, and because of Him, is limitless.

Our Creator, who is also our Redeemer and Teacher has Hope for us in BIG WAYS... We not only hope for what is to come, we have hope in what has already passed. Today, I am so thankful for time to reflect and be challenged. I am completely challenged today to see my every challenge as a blessing - not just at the end of the challenge, but in the middle of it.

"However, He was the one who lifted up our sicknesses,
and He carried our pain,
yet[and] we ourselves assumed him stricken,
struck down by God and afflicted.
But[AND] He was pierced[wounded] because of our transgressions,
crushed because of our iniquities;
the chastisement for[of] our peace[healing] was upon Him,
and by His wounds[wound] we were healed[it was healed for us]." ~Isaiah 53:4-5 (Lexham English Bible)

If you are sick, weary, discourage or disheartened, KNOW that because He was nailed to the cross to suffer for our sin, died and rose again (all three), when we choose to believe and receive His gift, we are healed of the greatest sickness of all - eternity without Him. If you are not His, or if you are unsure of where you stand... cry out to Him and He (through the power of the Holy Spirit) will show you the way. It's time... it's your time to allow His gift to envelop your heart, mind and soul.

Happy New Year - 2014

We will not know how many people are influenced by us in this lifetime... good or bad - we will get inklings on occasion, however others exposure to us happens every single day. Bad behavior, inadequate attitudes, not enough grace, lack of compassion is evident everywhere... let us submit to Christ-like character and actions in all things - in this season my prayer is that as we are out and about, His light shines through and tenderness, love and compassion are evident and many are witnessed to through His power and strength that comes from our submission and obedience.

Love one another, extend love and carry His truth in our hearts... May you all have an amazing day celebrating our Father's beautiful gift through Jesus.

In this season of gifts, please share yourself most of all.