Life is a journey—sometimes we’re on the mountain top and other times we’re in the valley. Regardless, let’s shine together. Subscribe Now

Tagged: serotonin

A Whip Cream and Chocolate Kind of Day! Dec. 02, 2022 / 2 Comments
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…
Continue Reading

Instagram post 17944138154902887

Instagram post 17944138154902887

I remember the day I dropped a penny down the garb

I remember the day I dropped a penny down the garbage disposal and turned it on before I realized what I’d done. After turning the disposal off, my husband and I both tried to retrieve it by reaching down into the disposal but the chewed-up penny was stuck.

The next day, I tried again, but to no avail. When my husband came home from work, however, he had a new idea. Using a flashlight, he spotted the penny stuck inside a crevice. He then chewed a piece of gum, stuck it to the point of a wooden utensil, and pushed it into the garbage disposal. The penny came right up out of the disposal.

“You’re so clever to fix it like that,” I said.

“It’s just good we had a piece of gum,” he replied.

“What good is gum if you don’t know how to use it?” I quipped.

A pack of gum on the counter might not seem like the obvious tool for clearing an obstruction, but my problem-solving husband applied his wisdom and recognized another way it could be used.

God gives us His wisdom in the Bible. But what good are words if we don’t use them, apply them, or obey them and call on God? Knowledge alone isn’t enough. Even Satan and his demons know what’s written in the Word. Atheists can be equally knowledgeable. They can know who begot whom, every date, and the order of events. But because they lack the Holy Spirit’s guidance and teaching, they have facts without wisdom; they have knowledge, but lack understanding. They have empty words . . . words without meaning.

God’s Word carries meaning, and He intends for it to change our lives. In His Word we possess what we need to live a righteous life. God wants to show us the way and to help us in every task; being independent and self-reliant is not His way. We must never feel guilty about calling on God every day because that is what He wants us to do.

The stick of gum was a creative way of fixing a single problem. But understanding and applying God’s Word — and obediently calling upon God — will transform one’s life for eternity.

©www.debbiepresnell.com Adapted from “Shining Through the Psalms. Available on Amazon

Sometimes I get ideas, glimpses, or heartthrobs. A

Sometimes I get ideas, glimpses, or heartthrobs. A passion that bubbles up inside of me. Often, out of left field and completely unexpected.

Are they ludicrous or miraculous?

I don’t know. That is the question I’m asking.

Ludicrous: foolish, unreasonable, absurd, nonsensical, laughable, unobtainable.

Miraculous: divine intervention, surprising, unexpected, wonderful, amazing, remarkable, miracle.

I guess in one way everything we do or think or pursue is one or the other—a ludicrous idea or pursuit that stems from our own dreams and selfish desires, or God plants the idea within our heart.

Over my six decades, I’ve experienced both. But with spiritual maturity, I’ve learned to ask, “Which is it, God?”

Then I wait until he reveals which way to go or changes my mind.

This is where I am today and I’m asking the question, “God, is this ludicrous or miraculous. (I also asked my
godly friends to pray with me.)

My prayer is simple:

SHUT IT DOWN: any people, things, places, or opportunities that are not Your best for me.

OPEN IT UP: any doors of opportunity, people, things, places, events, that are Your best for me.

Is it ludicrous or miraculous?

Keep your eyes on God. He understands that sometimes we don’t know. And keep asking Him the hard questions.

May God reveal Himself to us today.

Copyright@www.debbiepresnell.com

Good Friday morning, friends! Today is a GREAT day

Good Friday morning, friends! Today is a GREAT day to give thanks ... again. Let's make a list. We are so grateful God and we thank You!

Shine Friends, I want to pray for you today. Put y

Shine Friends, I want to pray for you today. Put your name only (no details, for God knows) in the comments and I will take you to our Father God. It is my joy and honor and privilege to pray for you. Keep Shining!

Aww. 10 minutes. Sitting in the sauna was exactl

Aww. 10 minutes.

Sitting in the sauna was exactly what my body needed. I’d read about the benefits:

• Rising body temperature promotes heart health, resembling mild exercise.
• Deep sweating releases toxins in the body.
• Perspiration cleans bacteria from our skin.
• Higher body temperatures produce white blood cells that help fight cold, flu, sinus congestion, and allergies.

I needed all these things.

To be refreshed and cleansed.

My sweat-drenched skin glistened. Perspiration beaded on my forehead and dripped from my face. Sprinkled with water this way, I felt clean.

But to be fully refreshed, we also need a spiritual cleansing.

Sin is toxic in our bodies, and unresolved guilt weighs heavy on our hearts. Both activate breakdowns that affect all areas of our lives. Like the release of toxins through sweat, we can release the sin that makes our heart, soul, and mind sick.
We become truly clean when we pray, “Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin” (Psalm 51:2).

In the Hebrew, the words healing and cleansed both mean “to be purified.”
We CAN BE purified, totally clean — “washed whiter than snow” (Psalm 51:7).

Ezekiel 36:25 tells us, “Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols.”

Admitting that we’ve sinned might not be easy, but it’s a necessary step to confession. When we ask the Lord to be gracious or merciful, we’re asking Him to withhold the punishment we deserve for the sin we’ve committed.

Confession leads to the healing of our souls. Like the cleansing beads of sweat, words of confession wash away all the filthiness.

We won’t glisten with sweat, but we’ll radiate with joy because of a healed heart. Is your heart heavy? Is a sinful attitude, habit, disposition, or action making you feel dirty?