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Plans, Dreams, Goals … Oh Yeah, and Vision Dec. 30, 2022 / 0 Comments
We think about plans, dreams, and goals around this time —when we’re moving into a new year. We might even have a vision for something…
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Start the Fire! Dec. 28, 2022 / 0 Comments
Is it possible to shine God's light in a dark world? I started thinking about this very seriously while reflecting on the last 60 years…
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What Are You Wearing? Dec. 26, 2022 / 0 Comments
What are you wearing today? We get dressed each day depending on the weather, where we’re going, and even the circumstances we’re facing. But putting…
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What God Builds is Significant Dec. 23, 2022 / One Comment
In fourth grade, I used sugar cubes to build a replica of one of the beautiful Old California Missions. When the day arrived to take…
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Gifts For God Dec. 19, 2022 / 4 Comments
Walking with me into my bedroom, Lanie, my then four-year-old granddaughter spotted my jewelry box. “Nana,” she asked. “Can I look at your jewelry?” I…
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I walked into Starbucks to get a cup of coffee. Wh

I walked into Starbucks to get a cup of coffee. When the woman in front of me ordered, the barista asked, “Would you like whip cream on top?

The woman responded, “Yes, please.”

The barista continued. “Would you like chocolate drizzle as well?”

The woman thought for only a half a second and then giggled. “Yes, I’d like chocolate drizzle. Because today is just a “whip cream and chocolate kind of day.’”
I couldn’t help but smile.

Do you need a “whip cream and chocolate kind of day”? I read that chocolate makes us happy because of the mood-elevating substance of serotonin – also known as the happiness hormone. The sugar in the chocolate releases insulin and facilitates the journey of tryptophan to the brain where it engenders happiness. Quite scientific for such a simple pleasure!

So, today friends, I am wishing you a whip cream and chocolate kind of day! I wish you all things happy!

Copyright@www.debbiepresnell.com

Can you smell it? Evergreens, cinnamon, peppermint

Can you smell it? Evergreens, cinnamon, peppermint, and ginger—some of the aromas of Christmas. What’s your favorite Christmas smell?

We have a scent too.

Second Corinthians 2:15 tells us, “We are a fragrance of Christ.”

The Gospel message is like incense diffused everywhere. Those who live for Christ share the Gospel and emit His love. This lovely fragrance rises up to God. Those who reject Christ reject the fragrance and the result is death.

But those who receive the gospel become the fragrance of new life in Christ.
The more we become like Christ, the more we become the fragrance of this new life. Can others smell the fragrance of Christ in us?

Today, let’s ask God to help us be a sweet-smelling aroma to others.

Copyright@Debbiepresnell.com

The tradition/ legacy began more than 33 years ago

The tradition/ legacy began more than 33 years ago when my oldest daughter was about three years old. I baked her Gingerbread Men cookies to eat and made extra to hang on the tree. What began as a day of baking and decorating became one of our family’s most anticipated Christmas traditions.

Today we continue to create the cutest little gingerbread men cookies. I hang some between the evergreen branches on the Christmas tree. This tree, fondly known as the Cookie Tree, stands in the kitchen. Some Gingerbread Men are used to decorate the table. Dozens are saved … to eat! My adult children look forward to not only making and decorating the cookies with me, but also reliving the memories. But the best part is passing down the tradition to the next generation and making and hanging cookies with my granddaughters and grandson.

Gingerbread cookies make the house smell good, make yummy treats for cookie swaps, table decorations, and gifts too.

If you make these cookies, I’d love to see pictures. 😊

What’s your Christmas tradition? What’s become your legacy?

I’ve been asking more questions lately. How? Whe

I’ve been asking more questions lately. How? When? Why? With whom?
All the crazy and not so crazy questions I’ve been asking God about my future.
I mean, it’s normal and biblical to pray this way.
It’s also a bit weird because the future for all of us is a mystery (not to God) but for us.
And accepting and understanding that we can’t know for certain all there is to know about what lies ahead is okay. We’re building and stretching our faith muscles.

I’ve been asking God to help me figure things out … or more accurately show me things that are coming. This is where the “clarity” part comes in.

I’m seeking clarity about this and that, going here and there, searching near and far.
Clarity about everything.

While I was in my car driving on interstate 40 on my way to church, something shifted. Rather, something was clarified for me. I was praying.

Then God clarified my desire for clarity. Isn’t that cool? Almost comical.

Now there’s nothing wrong with praying for clarity. In fact, we’re right to pray for this.
But this time was different. A different situation, motivation, and mindset.

Honestly, if I were to describe what I perceived God’s mannerisms or facial expression was in that moment, I’d say I picture Him shaking his head and sweetly smiling because this is what I heard as He whispered to my heart.

“Debbie, Debbie, stop praying to know your future.”
God continued.
“You don't need to know the big picture or every detail of the plans I have. You can trust me. Pray, rather, for clarity in your next steps.”

Hmm.

I hadn’t even realized that I was asking God to reveal all of it!

So I learned a new and wonderful lesson.

Trust God with my future. Pray for clarity for my next steps.

Maybe you need this too.

Ask God to help you trust Him with your big picture and marvelous future.

Copyright @debbiepresnell.com

Good Morning, SHINE FRIENDS! From my home to your

Good Morning, SHINE FRIENDS! From my home to your home ... from my heart to your heart ... Happy Thanksgiving! I am thankful for you! SHINE ON!

Is God powerful? Does He even care? Does He real

Is God powerful?
Does He even care?
Does He really see?
Is He too busy?

These questions and many more help us come face to face with what we know about God and His true character.

Is God listening to me?
Am I too small?

How we honestly answer these questions impacts our willingness and motivation to pray.

If you're struggling right now with what you believe about God and the power of prayer, first know that you are not alone. Many people struggle with the abstract and faith and things they cannot see.

Ask God to help you believe who He is.
Ask Him to help you experiences His attributes and see His character.
Ask Him to help you believe that He hears your prayers.
Then pray with boldness as if everything hinges on your words.

Copyright@www.deebiepresnell.com