PASTOR APPRECIATION GIFTS

Welcome to Our New and Updated “Pastor Appreciation Gifts” Online Store

Posted on October 14, 2020December 24, 2020 by pastorappreciationblog

Hi Friends:

Our newly re-built and re-designed online store, Pastor Appreciation Gifts, is now up and running, and we’d like to invite you to visit us and take a look at the “new look.”

It has been our honor and privilege to be allowed to serve so many of you, for these many years, helping to “Honor Those Who Honor Him.”

We’ve worked very hard on this, and have spent many, many months getting the new website built, and we still have some updates and re-arranging to complete, some “spacing” issues to resolve, but we can finally invite you in for a look at our new online store.

While this is just “the tip of the iceberg,” it is still the tip, so we wanted to get it as close to completed as possible before we “opened the doors.”

We will be adding many more new products, and product categories, as we go, but we are proud to be able to begin anew with the Personalized Plaques and Christian Calligraphy Artwork we have been so blessed to offer over the years. This includes our Mini-Pulpits, Standing Billboard Plaques, in addition to “Why, Pastor, Why” Plaques, “In Praise of Pastor’s Wife,” “Letter to Assistant Pastor,” and the “Star Witness” Personalized Plaques. Plus, we have added 5” x 7” artwork, which is perfect for shelf or desktop display.

We will also be updating our online ministry efforts, with complementary looks to our Blog, Facebook, and YouTube sites.

We invite you to please visit Pastor Appreciation Gifts, where we welcome any comments, and we’d love to hear from you, and be allowed to serve you, and your family.

As always, you can call us. Our new toll-free number is 833-4PULPIT (833-478-5748), our email address is still customerservice@pastorappreciationgifts.com, and you can always use our “Contact Us” page to send us a message.

We will continue to do everything we can to serve you, in any way we can. Our mission and credo haven’t changed. We still believe that God honors those who honor Him, and that “He will bless those who bless you.”

Again, we look forward to your visit, and serving you in any way we can.

Blessings to you, and your family,

Pastor Appreciation Gifts

Just click on the link to go directly to Pastor Appreciation Gifts

HISTORY CHANNELS, PASTOR APPRECIATION GIFTS

Origin and Notes on “The Irish Blessing (May The Road Rise To Meet You)”

Posted on February 27, 2016December 31, 2017 by pastorappreciationblog

Hi Friends:

I always enjoy learning about how phrases or sayings came to be, and I have been thinking about, for some time now, looking at exactly where what is known as “The Irish Blessing” came from: Who wrote it, and how long ago was it written.

This simple, yet profound verse, which begins with, “May the road rise up to meet you,” is known world-wide as “The Irish Blessing,” and is perhaps the most popular of all Irish sayings. While I’m not Irish, I know, and have certainly heard, all of its words, in various forms, from many different sources, over the years.
Here is the full verse:

“May the road rise to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the sun shine warm upon your face
The rains fall soft upon your fields
And until we meet again
May God hold you
In the palm of His hand.”

Over at Pastor Appreciation Gifts, our artwork featuring “The Irish Blessing” continues to be one of our most “looked up” works of art, throughout the year, and, most certainly, during the first part of the year. I have been amazed at how often visitors “land” on our website, from conducting a web search for “Irish Blessing.” So, I have been wanting to find out more. Plus, we are so blessed, by how many friends we have who visit our blog from Great Britain. Here is what I’ve learned:

First of all, no one knows who first wrote it. This surprised me. It is one of those verses which has been handed down, generation to generation, family to family, person to person, for so long, that no one can remember who “said it first.” Remember that so much of our history, especially family and local history, has survived in exactly the same way. It is known for certain, however, that it was an ancient Celtic prayer and blessing. I could not find one instance where the “land of origin” was in question. Everywhere I looked, I read the same type of introduction, beginning with something like, “This traditional Irish blessing is an ancient Celtic prayer …”

I learned about Celtic literature and history. I’ll be honest, and I think many of us are the same, with our only exposure to foreign culture being on television or in movies … when we think of “Celtic” we first think of incredibly talented performers, singers, and dancers … and, don’t realize the great culture and history of the Celtic people.
Who were, and are, the Celts? Officially, in our American definition, the simple definition of “Celt” is a member of a group of people (such as the Irish or Welsh) who lived in ancient Britain and parts of Western Europe, or a person whose ancestors were Celts. “The Irish Prayer” is also credited as being a “Gaelic” prayer. Which, you guessed it, made me find out exactly what that meant. I learned that “Gaelic” means “of or relating to the Celtic people of Scotland and Ireland.” These are things I thought I knew, but, really, needed to find out for sure. For our dear friends across the Pond, please understand that, over here, many of us don’t even know our next-door-neighbors, so please forgive us, as we are trying to learn …

It is historically accurate that “The Irish Blessing” came from … well … from Ireland. I learned that Celtic literature is known for using images of nature and everyday life to speak of how God interacts with His people. Remember-Jesus did the same thing! He used examples which His audience would be familiar with. As I learned about Celtic writing style, I was reminded that there are scholars who believe that “The Irish Blessing” was written by St. Patrick. It would certainly fit his writing style, as he would use nature in descriptive terms in his writing For example, one of his most famous works was “St Patrick’s Breastplate,” in which he described God’s strength by using examples from nature. However, as with the author of the book of Hebrews, it is not known for certain, only theorized due to writing style.

When we look at the words of this verse, beginning with “May the road rise up to meet you,” this prays God’s blessing on your journey. May it not be too difficult, without obstacles and challenges to overcome. Then, we see the images from nature: the wind, sun, and the rain. Historically, this points to God’s overall care and provision for us. Yes, the wind can be compared to God’s Spirit, in a word used to describe His arrival and presence, in Scripture. The sun easily represents warmth and comfort of God’s protection. The rain, a necessary part of growth, is prayed to be a soft, gentle rain.

My favorite part is the last:
“And until we meet again,
May God hold you
In the palm of His hand.”

That’s powerful.
By the way, there is a song to the words of this verse. I learned that Denes Agay (June 10, 1911 – January 24, 2007), an Hungarian composer, wrote the music for this verse.

Powerful words.
I think about whether it’s ok to write about a “blessing” that doesn’t include Scripture. Then, I think about the Patriarchs. How important it was that the head of a family would give his “blessing” to others. Maybe it was to family members (especially heirs), or visitors, or even strangers. How the word “blessing” is such a large part of human relationships. How it is the intent behind the words, and not just the words, which carry such power. I think about how we, in seeking to get approval of a plan, a goal, maybe a marriage, seek to gain someone else’s “blessing.” Think about it. The simple definition of blessing is “approval that allows or helps you to do something; help and approval from God; something that helps you or brings happiness.”

I think that covers it.
So, it’s ok to “give someone your blessing.” Even if you quote someone else’s words. And, if that person’s blessing can be written down, how encouraging that would be, as time goes by. So … it must be ok to bless someone … even if you quote someone else’s words … and, it must be ok to write that blessing down … to remind someone that they “have your blessing.”

It is no secret that I send along blessings to you, and your family, each time I write.
I mean it!

Here’s a look at the words of “An Irish Blessing (May the Road Rise to Meet You)” in art form, over at Pastor Appreciation Gifts:

I like it!

PASTOR APPRECIATION GIFTS

From Pastor Appreciation Gifts: New Designs/Sizes for “John 3:16” Plaque

Posted on April 18, 2015January 1, 2018 by pastorappreciationblog

Hi Friends:

We’d like to share with you the new designs of our popular “John 3:16 Personalized Plaques,” over at Pastor Appreciation Gifts.

We have made this available in 6 different designs, and 4 different sizes.

The Plaques feature the words of John 3:16 with the name of a special loved-one added, to make this a most unique, deeply personal gift, in recognition of the greatest Gift ever given!

A personal gift.
A personal Savior.

Here’s a look at the new Plaques.
If you’d like more information, each picture will have a link to that page over at our online store.

This is the Glossy Mahogany, with Gold Plate (Silver Plate also available)

I love her too! This is Cherry Finish w/Gold Plate.

Here is the Glossy Mahogany Finish W/Black Plate

BEGIN A NEW DAY, SUCCESS: NOTES, QUOTES, & FOLKS

“Period” Art Words: “Begin a New Day”- Part Five

Posted on January 26, 2015January 1, 2018 by pastorappreciationblog

I am reminded that it will be my attitude which determines, at the end of the day, whether it has been a “good” or “bad” day. We all face our share of challenges every day, and it is our attitude toward those “challenges,” more than anything else, which will determine the effect those challenges will have on our day … and, on the way others will view us.

As we’ve written, we don’t spend a lot of time promoting our online store, through any of our “social” outlets, as the purpose is never about us. Our sole intention will continue to be to bless, encourage, and inspire others, through whatever means we have. I feel that this is a great way, a great attitude to have as we face a new day: How can we bless others today? How can we show God’s love to those around us? How can we witness to others … through our actions-and our attitudes today?

We have been blessed to have been allowed to serve so many, and still consider it a privilege to continue to do so. Over the years, we have had close to 1,000 products on our store at one time, but the original “products” we started with, along with our plaques, was the artwork. In fact, the very first order we received was for a work of Christian art, shipping to Antioch, Tennessee. We believe in being loyal to friends … even if we’re in the same business. So, as long as we are in business, and it is still available to us, we’ll feature the Christian Calligraphy Art. In the near future, we will begin the new phase of our business, featuring Art Prints with the writing of Richard. Vincent. Rose. available in framed art. This will be a “New Day” for us … but, we will continue to honor our friend and favorite artist, by featuring her artwork …

Which leads us to the actual artwork entitled “Begin a New Day.” This is where this series began, and it will conclude with the words and art featured on our online store. Great art should always inspire us … and, make us think. In this case, just this one art print has led to five different posts, and several pages of writing. And, a lot of thinking.

We have been so blessed to be allowed to encourage, inspire, bless-and challenge our friends with artwork just like this. I wanted to write about the words themselves, but the words themselves just, simply, speak for themselves. We always say that when it comes to our writing, it is always about the words … and, always will be. It is true, also, in the “artwork” which we are privileged to carry. This is a classic example:
It reminds us that every day is a direct gift from God. A gift, freely given to us. What are we going to do with it? We’ll never get this day back … so, each day carries with it a tremendous price paid for it … will we use it for positive or negative? It speaks again to so many posts we have written, that the best way to start the day … is to go to the One who has given you this gift.

Here are the words to “Begin a New Day”:

“This is the beginning of a new
day. The Lord has given me this day to use
as I will. I can waste it, or I can use it
for good. What I do today is important
because I am exchanging a day of my life
for it. When tomorrow comes, this day will be
gone forever, leaving in its place something I have
traded for it. I want it to be gain: not loss … good:
… not evil … success: not failure … in order that I
may not regret the price I paid for it.”

Here’s a look at the way the art print looks:

We are honored and privileged to be allowed to serve others with messages like this one. We greatly appreciate those who tell us they stop by just to read the art, to be encouraged and blessed. That’s what the artwork, that’s what “the business” is all about.

We’ll close with a direct link to this work of art. From that page, you’ll be able to look around at the other artwork which we feature. We have tried to arrange the art by category to make it easier to browse around and find something you are specifically looking for:
“Begin a New Day” from Pastor Appreciation Gifts

BEGIN A NEW DAY, HISTORY CHANNELS, SUCCESS: NOTES, QUOTES, & FOLKS

“Period” Art Words: “Begin a New Day”- Part Four

Posted on January 23, 2015January 1, 2018 by pastorappreciationblog

Hi Friends:

Well, as I begin Part Four, I am reminded that the original idea was a single post, intended to share with you a particular piece of artwork we feature over at our online store, Pastor Appreciation Gifts, entitled “Begin a New Day.” As with our writing, it will never be about the art … it’s always about the words … and, just thinking about the words to this artwork brought on a series, which we hope has blessed and encouraged you. I never know, when I begin to write that first sentence, what will follow. I mean, I have it all planned out … but, God will intervene, and … “here we go …”

I am reminded that God gave me an idea from the book of Haggai, and, as I began to write … and listen … it turned into an eight-part series. It was only about “Three Words,” but God turned it into several pages, over many, many days. Looks like it will also turn into a new book in the future. I just can’t say enough, how important it is to listen to God, to put yourself into a position to be used by Him, for Him, and through Him.

As I continue this “series” on “Begin a New Day,” I remember that, about 6 months ago, I started a series on “Road Reflections,” about our travels through the South … it has been 6 months now, and I haven’t finished it yet, and, in fact, haven’t written about the “series” in what seems like months … I’m ok with that, as long as I am led by the Spirit about what I write, and when …

One of my favorite stories about President John F. Kennedy is how often he would prepare a specific speech, for a specific time, for a specific audience … and, then … between the time that he would be introduced, and the time he had made his way up to the podium … he would deliver a totally different speech … completely from memory …

I am also reminded of what I have recently researched concerning Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech, in Washington, DC, on that day back in 1963. The day before (and days before), Dr. King, yes, prepared the speech that he knew could be the defining moment … and, prepared for the speech … The “I Have a Dream” segment was not part of the preparation … in fact, his closest advisor had strongly advised against using this “I Have a Dream” idea which Dr. King had already presented in speeches in other cities, prior … So, somewhere in the middle of Dr. King’s speech (the one which he was reading directly from, on the podium) … he heard the voice of legendary Gospel singer Mahalia Jackson (who had performed earlier in the program), yelling to him … yelling at him … to talk about “The Dream,” the title of a similar speech she had heard him make in those other cities … So, Dr. King set aside the remainder of his prepared speech … and, spoke, with no notes, the speech which would define his life, and his mission to the world …

I should add that, according to my research, when Dr. King began the “I Have a Dream” portion of the speech, this “closest advisor” was not pleased … I can’t repeat what he said … but, let’s just say that he was not happy with the way the speech had turned … that Dr. King had relied on his heart alone to share his deepest “dreams,” and not what was “prepared” for him to say …

The night before Dr. King gave this speech, he was going over the prepared speech with his advisors, making final preparations, in a meeting room at the hotel. Abruptly, Dr. King left the meeting, to go up to his private room. The reason? Here’s what he said: “I’m going to consult with my Lord.”
You know how many were there to hear Dr. King’s words. They had planned for, maybe … maybe … 100,000. You know that 250,000 came. I have had the honor to speak in front of large crowds, and, it seems, the larger the audience, the larger the preparation. And, I’ll admit, the less the “ad-lib.” And, the more guests are performing/speaking on a program, the more closely you are expected to “stay with the program.” I can’t even imagine standing in front of a quarter-of-a-million people, and then just completely leaving the script behind, and (as we say in education), just “winging it.”

On that hot August day in 1963, there was a world-wide television audience, including President John F. Kennedy, watching from the White House. I have read what he said, as he watched the speech. Let’s just say he was impressed. Greatly impressed. Later that day, as Dr. King and other dignitaries associated with the event were guests at the White House, here are the 4 words with which President Kennedy greeted Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King: “I have a dream.”

I am reminded of a Bible study I attended a few years ago. The Pastor was the speaker, and he began the lesson by describing the impact which a few words he heard, early in his life, had made on him. How a few words, from one speech he had listened to, had affected the way he looked at his life and purpose today, and in the future. How this one speech had affected not only him, but an entire generation of Americans. The speech was President Kennedy’s Inauguration Speech, which he had heard live, as a teenager. The words revolved around the “Ask not what this country can do for you” portion of the speech.

That was 1961. Two years later, came the “Dream” speech. It could be said that, just like Abraham Lincoln’s speech at Gettysburg (I try to never miss an opportunity!), these speeches’ power and affect would only be realized later … but, they would be realized … the question is always, “How fully?”

You just never know who may be listening to what you say. Or, to what you write.

I think I just realized that I must write a “Part Five.”

I had no idea that I would “go there” with this writing, but I am glad that I did. I want to be obedient to the call. His call. I am reminded, again, that God is not interested in capability … only availability …

Jesus gave the most powerful “speeches” in history … I also think of Paul, standing before kings … I don’t read of any mention of preparation for these speeches … I only read of the time they each spent in prayer … before the speeches … This “Begin a New Day” with prayer, and hearing from God is a powerful concept … and, I’m ok with that …

I am also reminded of the power of words. Your words. My words. Words you say. Words I say. Words you write. Words I write. How much prayer goes into each? If we “Begin a New Day” the “right way,” then I like our chances for the rest of the day.

Blessings to you, and your family,
Richard. Vincent. Rose.
The Gettysburg Address

BEGIN A NEW DAY, PASTOR APPRECIATION GIFTS, Welcome

“Period” Art Words: “Begin a New Day”-Part Three

Posted on January 17, 2015January 1, 2018 by pastorappreciationblog

Hi Friends:

Here we are, writing again about “Beginning,” and I just realized, after all of this time … that when I write to you … I never include a greeting to open … I don’t know if having a greeting is considered to be proper in cyberspace, but, if I was writing a hand-written letter to friend or family, or even a “business” letter, a greeting is always the mandatory way to start. So, since I really do consider everyone who honors us by “stopping by” and reading our posts a friend, as well as a tremendous blessing to us, I’ll try to always start our writing to you in the personal, “proper” way. I do try to always end with my own, personal standard “closing” of “Blessings,” or “Blessings to you, and your family.” When I am writing business correspondence to customers over at our online business, I always close with “Blessings to you, your Pastor, and your family,” or, “Blessings to you, your family, and your business.”

The reason I do this is because it reinforces our business motto, our business mantra, and our core belief, taken from Genesis 12:3, that God will bless those who bless you.
Period.
I know this to be true.
Period.
We have been so blessed, so privileged to serve customers all over the world, and to hear from readers from every land.

I have been asked why we don’t, very often, make a point to promote our business on our blog, or our Facebook page. So far, that’s the only 2 “social network” type efforts we are involved in. After all, I am questioned, isn’t that the reason a business would have a blog or Facebook page? To promote their business? A purposeful attempt to send potential customers from one place to the other? Etc.

To answer those questions, I must go back to the only reason we started the blog/Facebook page to begin with. Our business was doing well; we were receiving visits and serving customers from every part of the globe. But, the whole idea behind the business was to bless others. Our products would serve as a vehicle to bless others. Period. Our business motto, for Pastor Appreciation Gifts, was “To Honor Those Who Honor Him.” Yes, this all came about, the online business came about, really, because of “Why, Pastor, Why.” We needed an avenue to get “Why, Pastor, Why” into the hands of as many Pastors as God would allow. We had no idea how much work was involved in an online store, nor did we realize how many people the business would attract. You must also realize that, after writing “Why, Pastor, Why,” God gave me, very personally and directly, specific promises regarding the poem, and the future. I have done my best to honor those directions, and the promises behind them.

Yet … the whole idea behind the business was to bless others, to encourage, witness to, and inspire. I just didn’t want people to think we were “in the business” for the “business.” We felt strongly that, yes, a Christian business is great, but … the underlying reason for all of it was to minister to others. How best to do that? So, this is where the blog originated. Then, we decided to “mirror” the blog over to Facebook, because some people like blogs, others liked Facebook. It gave us the opportunity do what the whole idea was to begin with … To encourage, witness to, and inspire. We are able to do more on the blog, with photos, history, and so forth, but we have been blessed by our contacts on Facebook, as well.

That is really the reason we started the blog, and our Facebook ministry. I pray every day, and that’s how I describe them as I pray, as a “ministry,” asking God to bless them both, and to help us minister to, encourage, bless, inspire, and to lead people to Jesus.
Period.

Well … yet again, it looks like we’re not going to be able to get to that artwork of “Begin a New Day” which was the whole idea, and of which I began the first paragraph of what would become “Part One” with the intention of describing … But, that’s ok. I started this writing with the sole intention of going directly to the artwork, but, as is often the case, God led me in a totally different direction. If I can “Begin” everything I do, including each and every day, being totally open to His guidance and direction, I’ll be ok with that.

It also takes a lot of time to fulfill my self-made commitment to write every third day (I do love that “3rd day” idea, though). It really is a commitment which I try to stick to. It is difficult, but a real joy. We are so blessed to have friends all over the world, and we are “blown away” so often by the reach of these online ministries. I could give a story each week, of how faithful God has been to our writing, and reaching out, as we used to call it in radio, “across the airwaves.” Here’s one from just this week: Recently, we shared a video of a commercial that centered on “Friendship,” and featured players involved in Wheelchair Basketball. I just heard from a Wheelchair Basketball League team in Great Britain, south of London, who liked the write-up about the video. What an honor to have made so many friends in England! Great Britain has been so good to us, and we are so grateful!
We have featured stories about the author of certain hymns, which is a favorite subject. Shortly after sharing the history/author of a famous hymn, I heard from the grandson of the author, who, himself, was thrilled by the story about his beloved Grandfather … which someone had shown him, while at church that Sunday morning. There have been so many stories like that.

We also have a “YouTube channel,” where we feature the videos from the blog/Facebook pages, and we are constantly blessed by those who write to us about that. Just this morning, one of my favorite people from the entertainment world, from a very famous “acting family,” wrote to say they enjoyed one of the videos. You just never know … you just keep on … keeping on …

Every letter which we send out will always have the two “by-words” of our ministry:
“Honor” and “Privilege.”
It’s because it is such an honor, and a privilege, to be allowed to serve you, and to share our writing with you.

The “Begin a New Day” was started to go with what we had shared about the “Beginning” of the New Year. In a couple of weeks, it’ll be February … I’ll try to end the series before then …

I hope this explains why we don’t often promote Pastor Appreciation Gifts via this source. It’s not because we’re not proud of what we do over there, but, the ministry must always be first. It must never be about “us.” We are really excited about the future of the business, and what direction it will be taking in the near future. We can’t escape the fact that the business is as much a part of us as the writing, etc. I also notice I haven’t mentioned the book yet. I have also had people ask me why I don’t go all-out to promote the book over here. Well, I do mention it on occasion, only when a particular work from the book is shared. The book is also something, like the future, which is not in my hands.

We will try to write more about the business in the future, perhaps. And, the artwork we feature at Pastor Appreciation Gifts. Especially as we do more. We have been so blessed to hear that some friends visit the website just to read the messages on the artwork, as it blesses and encourages them. Well … that’s what we’re “in business” for.

Blessings to you, and your family,
Richard. Vincent. Rose.

BEGIN A NEW DAY, BIBLE STUDY, HOLIDAYS, WEATHER-OR NOT

“Period” Art Words: “Begin a New Day”-Part Two

Posted on January 14, 2015January 1, 2018 by pastorappreciationblog

Well, since I wrote Part One, we have had overnight low temperatures up here from 15 to 25 below zero. In fact, as I write this on an early evening, it is already below zero. That’s ok: it’s going to be “warmer” tonight than last night (only -10), so we’ll take that as a positive. And … get this … we may actually see 30 degrees (above!) tomorrow … before it’s back to near 20 below in a couple of nights … Last Friday, when I left School, it was 17 degrees (above zero!), and it felt like Spring. I remember that it was 16 degrees on my front deck, and I felt like I should be wearing just a t-shirt. So … it really is just a matter of perspective … how you look at things … your attitude. Since that writing, we’ve had a couple of snowstorms, with another one set to arrive on Sunday … into Monday.

One of the things I had to learn over the last few years up here in the North Country:
Never, ever say, “It’s too cold to snow.”
Now, I can add to that, something else I guess I should never say … something I had let “slip out” a couple of times over the last couple of days:
“Looks like this will be the first “Martin Luther King, Jr. Day” where I won’t have to shovel snow.”

Anyway, I remind myself again, that, you just never, ever know what the day will bring. That’s why it’s so important to start your day the right way. We all work with people who seem to always be in a bad mood, and, you take it personally when they turn on you. My stock reaction to these people is this: “They weren’t in a good mood when they got here.”

It is so important to “Begin a New Day” with the correct attitude. And, I believe the only way to achieve that is by going to the One Person who controls the day, who already knows what the day is going to hold … By starting the day with prayer and reading His Word. Why would you not consult with the One who already knows what’s “coming up,” and, most importantly, can give you the advice to get through it, no matter what comes along.

I am reminded of the quote from Mother Teresa, and this is a paraphrase from memory:
“Lord, help me to remember that there is nothing that can happen today, which you and I can’t handle together.”
So, why not get a head start?

Something tells me I’m not going to get to that piece of artwork, which was the original idea …

Often, I mention that people ask me for suggestions about what are the best Scriptures to read during your morning Bible study. First, I think that should be a choice of what you believe God is directing you to read and study. If you aren’t sure, how about starting with one of your favorite passages of Scripture, and allow God to lead you from there. If you will begin, and be sincere, He will lead you into what to read next.

I must say that one of my favorite books to read from, especially first thing in the morning (and the same rule would apply at night), is the Psalms. One of the reasons is that, yes, they are so good, but, most of the chapters are short, allowing you to read an entire chapter in one sitting. I know that time is critical in the morning (even more of a reason to start the day with Him), and being able to read an entire chapter just gives you a boost on its own. Plus, the messages from the Psalms, reading that David faced the same struggles which you are facing, are so encouraging.

Here’s what David wrote about this “Begin the Day” situation:
“My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up” (Psalms 5:3). Look how early in the Psalms this word comes. Notice that it begins with “my voice,” meaning that David is beginning the day with prayer-first. He is confident that God will hear his voice, which is so important. I like the fact that, before David talks to anyone else … friends … family … neighbors … the television … the radio … the stereo … he directs his communication to God. Then, he looks up, which I can see as David, after praying to, speaking to God … he then listens … As important as it is to speak to Him, we must follow that up with listening to Him … I also like the way that David is just as confident, just as certain, that God will hear him … as he is confident, just as certain, that God will speak to him …

Now, let’s see what Jeremiah wrote about this “Begin the Day” situation:
“It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22, 23).
So, God’s mercies are made new-to us-every morning. Hey-That even includes weekends!
Isn’t it great to know that we really can get a fresh start … every morning!
When I read these two verses from Lamentations, I couldn’t help but read the next two verses:
“The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him” (Lamentations 3:24, 25).
How much do I love the fact that God is good to those who seek Him … who hope in Him.

When I think about what makes Christians different from the world, and how those we know, who are “in the world” handle the tough things which life throws at all of us, I think of this verse. It is because, as Christians, we have hope. Hope which the world just doesn’t have. Just knowing that we know the One who holds the future … and, holds us … makes all the difference “in the world.”

As the old saying goes, “I may not know what the future holds, but I know Who holds the future.” I can hold onto that hope, my hope, by holding on to Him. When we think of the future, often, we think of things a long way off. I need His help to get through today!

If I can start the day off right … then, I’ve gotten off to the right start … and, I like my chances … As long as I keep Him near me every moment of every day.

Just yesterday morning, after I had a tough “day before,” which would involve me thinking much about the future … As I was praying, speaking to God about the situation, God broke through my prayer, and gave me, spoke to me, quoted to me, a particular verse, from Philippians. The meaning was clear, and I would study the passage for my morning Bible study. It spoke directly to me about the future, and God’s place in it. Immediately, God’s peace flooded my entire being, and, I’m not worried or anxious about this particular situation anymore. In fact, I won’t worry about this particular situation ever again.

This is another example of why it is so important to “Begin the Day” the right way.
By speaking to … listening to … the One who holds today, and all of my tomorrows.

Blessings to you, and your family,
Richard. Vincent. Rose.

BEGIN A NEW DAY, BIBLE STUDY, QUOTES FOR ALL

Your Day: “End” the Same as You “Begin”

Posted on January 11, 2015January 1, 2018 by pastorappreciationblog

I came across a couple of poems written by Author/Poet Catherine Janssen Irwin, which fit in perfectly with our post on encouragement to “Begin the Day” properly.
I should also add that the best way to end your day is the same as beginning the day:
To pray.
Night and day.

I believe the best time to read is before you go to sleep. It goes deeper than the fact that one of the things that all successful people have in common is that they read before they go to sleep. And, of course, the very best thing to read at “bedtime” is God’s Word. There’s just nothing better, to guarantee a great night’s sleep, than to read the Bible, and pray. There is just something so relaxing, so peaceful to your spirit, than hearing from God before you sleep. It also gives you the ideal opportunity to “review” the day, praising God for His help throughout the day, and gives you the opportunity to ask for help in specific circumstances.

I can guarantee that as you read His Word, the peace that will set in will make you sleepy. And, I can also guarantee that if you’ll just speak with Jesus, talk to Him, you will drift off to the most restful sleep. Your dreams will be much better, too!

So, please be blessed by these two poems, and the hope which they convey.

Boundless Courage

I had to find the courage
To see me through the day,
And so I knelt in silence
And began to softly pray.

I felt his strength come flowing
As my Saviour did his part
To grant me boundless courage
That would live within my heart.
This courage has sustained me
Through trials of pain and sorrow.
And I can trust, believing
He will see me through tomorrow
Catherine Janssen Irwin

He’s standing at the threshold of every bright new day,
waiting to be noticed, as you go your busy way.
He’ll guide you past the rough spots, and His blessings will impart,
just follow where He leads you, as you hold Him to your heart.
When your busy day is over and the shades of night appear,
you can trust that while you’re sleeping,
His love will still be near.
Catherine Janssen Irwin

Bless and Encourage Others By Sharing This:

Like this:

Bless and Encourage Others By Sharing This:

Like this:

Bless and Encourage Others By Sharing This:

Like this:

Bless and Encourage Others By Sharing This:

Like this:

Bless and Encourage Others By Sharing This:

Like this:

Bless and Encourage Others By Sharing This:

Like this:

Bless and Encourage Others By Sharing This:

Like this:

Bless and Encourage Others By Sharing This:

Like this:

Bless and Encourage Others By Sharing This:

Like this:

Bless and Encourage Others By Sharing This:

Like this: