Happy Thanksgiving!

What is the key to having a happy thanksgiving? Being thankful of course!

No matter how bad things may seem, there is always something that we can be thankful for in our lives. I encourage you today to make a list of the things or people you are grateful for and when you are feeling down or anxious, get out your grateful list and feel the joy return to you.

"Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.

Worship the Lord with gladness;

come before him with joyful songs.

Know that the Lord is God.

It is he who made us, and we are his;
We are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations."

Psalm 100 (Holy Bible - NIV)

Heather Harris

November 27, 2008

Run with Perseverance the Race

Two of the most inspiring lives are the lives of Dick and Rick Hoyt. Rick has cerebral palsy, caused by loss of oxygen to his brain at birth from his umbilical cord being wrapped around his neck.

As of August 31, 2008, Dick (father at the age of 66) and Rick (son at the age of 44), "Team Hoyt", had participated in a total of 984 events, including 229 Triathlons (6 of which were Ironman competitions), 20 Decathlons, and 66 Marathons, including 26 Boston Marathons. They have also biked and run across the USA, in 1992 — a 3,735 mile journey that took them 45 days.

Dick pulls Rick in a special boat as they swim, carries him in a special seat up front as they bike, and pushes him in a special wheelchair as they run. Watch the videos below to see a father's love and a son's courage to run with perseverance the race marked out for them.

The Ironman race encompasses three endurance events of a 2.4 mile (3.86 kilometer) swim, followed by a 112 mile (180 .2 kilometer) bike ride, and ending with a 26.2 mile (42.195 kilometer) marathon.

The belief of Team Hoyt is "You CAN".

Ironman Race... (click on the link below, then click on the back button to return to the blog)
http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=8cf08faca5dd9ea45513

TODAY NBC News Interview...(click on the link below, then click on the back button to return to the blog)
http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=4e7679f8a731d6cce58a

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."
Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)

"He (God) gives strength to the weary and increases the power to the weak. Even the youths grow tired and weary, and the young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
Isaiah 40:29-31 (NIV)

"I can do everything through him (Christ) who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13 (NIV)

Heather Harris
November 15, 2008

Our Future..."Think About Such Things"

With all the doom and gloom talk about the economy and state of our country, it is easy to fall into concern or even fear our future. My advice....turn off the television and invest in a good book. While we do not need to be in denial about the things going on around us, it is very important for us to focus on a good report.

Paul encouraged us in Philippians 4:4-9, 11-13 (NIV) to focus on the good:

" Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things. And the God of peace will be with you.

I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or want. I can do everything through him (Christ) who gives me strength."

Do you desire to have peace in your life? Then think about such things. God remains in control of your life and is your provision as long as you give Him permission to do so. Let your requests be known to Him today and then rest in His peace.

Heather Harris
November 5, 2008

Never Begging for Bread

No matter what happens in this world, God will never forsake His children. We don't always understand why things happen, but this we do know, God's 'no' means He has a better 'yes'.

“All things work together for good to those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 NIV (Paul)

“’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,’ declares the Lord, ‘and will bring you back from captivity.’” Jeremiah 29:11-14 NIV (Jeremiah)

“I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging for bread. They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be blessed.” Psalm 37:25-26 NIV (David)

Security is not in your investments, your savings, or your job. True security comes from a life surrendered to God, being generous, and lending freely to those in need. By doing so, your future becomes secure, prosperous, and full of hope.

Heather Harris
November 2, 2008