The solution for when my thoughts get the best of me…

Last week, I was chatting with a friend that I have not spoken to for a couple of months.  We had a good conversation catching up with each other’s lives, laughing and sharing easily. Yet, after we hung up, my mind started working overtime wondering if there was something wrong since it had been such a long time since we had communicated.  I let my mind wander about a couple of stray comments she made – and before I knew it, I was sure that there was something wrong between us.  The truth of the matter was that I allowed fear to take control of my thoughts and make something out of nothing.

God has been teaching me over the years to take control of my thoughts.  When my mind starts thinking of things that are not founded in truth (like what I was thinking about my friend), I need to stop that train of thought, refocus and dwell in truth.  It is a discipline that I can control with God’s help and over time I have been able to do this.  My thoughts about my conversation with my friend were not founded in truth, but in fear that something had caused her to think badly of me and that in turn would cause her to dislike me.  But as I stopped this train of thought and focused on the truth (of our conversation and of our friendship), I realized that I was letting my thoughts get out of hand again.  The truth was we had a good conversation and our friendship was solid – and if there was a real problem, I know that we have a basis to be truthful with each other and work it out.

When my thoughts start getting the best of me, I remind myself of the scripture that tells me “to take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ”(“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”  2 Corinthians 2:10).  I am the only one who controls my thoughts and with God’s help, I am able to stop fearful thoughts and focus on the truth of the matter.

So how about you – do you struggle with wrong thoughts about yourself, others and your faith?  Is it possible to stop the fear and demeaning thoughts that trouble us? Yes, but only with God’s help.  When your mind starts thinking about things that bring fear or are untrue – stop the thought and ask God to take that thought captive (to take it away) and then focus your mind on what you know is true.  For me, those thoughts of truth include:

• I am loved and accepted by my Heavenly Father
• God is in control and nothing that happens is out of His plan
• I have self-worth because I am made in the image of God

Lord, help us to focus on the truth and not on unfounded fears.  Help each of us to “take every thought captive” and to dwell in the truth of your promises and love for us.  Remind us of this verse when we allow our thoughts to go to places that bring fear and struggles.  Thank you for our ability to think and reason and help us to call on you for reminders of your love and care about our thoughts.  May we bring You glory.  Amen

Please share with me what your solution is when your thoughts get the best of you?

January’s Joy Bracelet Winner is

Thank you everyone for leaving comments to win the January Joy Bracelet … the winner picked by Random.org is

Comment number #2 Randi S – please contact me as soon as possible, so I can get your bracelet to you (you will be receiving an email from me)

I am already preparing for February’s give away which will be …

The ever poplar As for Me and My House Wall Decor.  This is Blessings Unlimited Hostess Special for February – it can be purchased for $24 with a Gathering of $300 or more.

There are so many Blessings to look for each day…

Blessings Unlimited Giveaway –

Every month Blessings Unlimited does a monthly special for guests and hostesses.  This month’s guest special is one of my favorite jewelry pieces, the Joy Bracelet.  When a customer orders $40.00 of Blessings Unlimited products at a Gathering or from me personally, this bracelet is then available to purchase for $15.00 (retail price is $44.00)

I love the tri color metals (silver, gold and copper tones) and the three charms which say Live, Dream and Hope used to create this bracelet. It is based on the verse, The Joy of the Lord is my strength.   It is just a fun piece to wear and I always receive compliments when I have it on.  You can see this piece on my website at http://www.myblessingsunlimited.net/sjoseph/Products/Detail.aspx?product=80340.

This week, I am giving away this bracelet to one of Recognize and Remember’s Readers… Here is how you can enter

1. Leave a Comment on my blog telling me where you wear this bracelet to
2. Become a follower of my blog by subscribing to my blog (upper right hand corner) or add me to your reader.  Leave me a comment that you did so.  (if you are already following me, leave a comment that you are doing so)
3. Tell a friend about this giveaway (just let me know that you told someone)
4. Post on Facebook (again let me know that you did this)
5. Let me know that you want to receive Blessings Unlimited Inspirational Living online Newsletter (if you already receive it, leave me a comment that you receive it.)

You can actually receive 5 opportunities to win the Joy Bracelet – so don’t delay in leaving a comment or two, three, four or five.

Contest is only open to US citizens and will run from Monday, January 16 to midnight EST on Friday, January 20.  Winner will be picked by random.org .

I hope you win …

 

Blessings Unlimited Spring 2012 Catalog

Wow, where did the past 5 months go?  In August, Blessings Unlimited released a new catalog and the months flew by as gatherings were held, events were attended and products made their way into people’s homes and lives.  And before I knew it, there was a new catalog arriving on my doorstep.

Introducing Blessings Unlimited Spring 2012 Catalog… Discover Meaningful Beauty

I love the greeting words on the inside of the catalog – “Like you, we want reminders of our faith, timeless truths, and beauty to surround us in our daily lives. We thought of you and prayed for you with every item we created.  +”

And of course, when there is a new catalog – there are always beautiful new message based products to share.   Here are a couple of my favorites…

Psalm 90:17 Square Tray – “May His goodness surround us ~ May the favor of the Lord your God rest upon us.”  This square tray comes in white or teal and sits on legs — this reminded me of my friend Alison’s blog – Stuff and Nonsense – as she loves all things white (My Blessings Unlimited business is proud to be a sponsor of  Stuff and Nonsense)

Price $45.00

Large and Small Globes — above is the small globe.  These globes carry messages of discovery with scriptures.  They remind me of God’s call to go into all the world and share the good news of salvation.  Price for small globe is $32.00 and large globe is $46.00.

There is a new Grace and Gratitude Collection that includes beautiful stacking cake pedestals in 3 sizes, a matching tea cup and this apron with this message “A grateful soul is truly blessed” based on 1 Chronicles 29:13 “Our God, we give You thanks.”  Apron is priced at $39.00

Celebrate Cupcake Stand & Wrappers – this piece is just fun for all ages.  I am thinking birthdays, showers and celebrating you days.  This is a must have for this Grammie.  Price is only $21.00 and it can be reused if careful.  Matches the Celebrate Plate below…

Our new hand painted Celebrate Plate is designed to celebrate those whom we love – friends, family and new acquaintances.  Use this often – this plate is not be stored on the shelf.  Price $26.00.

Another fun feature of this catalog is that they asked me to share my Blessings Unlimited story …

I am so glad this is the product that they featured my story on – it is still one of my favorite products As For Me and My House Wall Decor  - Price is $76.00

I love my calling to Blessings Unlimited and would love to share it with you. If you would like to receive a catalog or information about becoming a Consultant, please contact me at sandrajoseph@windstream.net .

Tomorrow look for a Blessings Unlimited giveaway right here on my blog.  If you leave a message for me today – tell me which of  the above new products are your favorite – you will receive an extra entry into the give away.

Many Blessings,

Sandra Joseph

Blessings Unlimited Independent Consultant, Founding Leader and Senior Team Leader

My Blessings Unlimited Website http://www.myblessingsunlimited.net/sjoseph/default.aspx

Blessings Unlimited Inspirational Living  monthly online newsletter http://www.imakenews.com/blessings/index000560804_13.cfm?x=bksF7M9,bdMWkKRs (leave me a comment to receive)

Signs of a New Year – a Clean House and a New Scripture Verse for 2012

Christmas is officially over at our home – the tree and the decorations are put away.  I always reach a point after the holidays that I need my home back.  My family teases me about how when I reach this point, I am relentless about getting the decorations down now (I admit that I deserve all of their teasing)!   The decorations that brought magic into our home, somehow lose that magic afterwards.  Now the house is clean, the decorations are stored away and I am feeling good.

I am also delighted with the verse the Lord gave to me for my theme verse for the year 2012.  As I have mentioned in the past, I seek a theme verse each year ( you can read prior posts about it here and here) .  Once again there were several verses that I pondered, but it was made clear to me that this was the perfect verse.

“LORD, you establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished you have done for us.”  Isaiah 26:13

As I reflected on this past year and looked ahead to the next year, I was reminded that God is the one who does all things for us.  I use to think that I was capable and able to do many things, but as I attempted to do  things,  God has made it very clear to me that He is the one who does it all.

Every year brings much to be accomplished and 2012 will be no different.  Looking ahead there will be much to be accomplished in my life as well as our family’s  lives including…

• An upcoming wedding on June 23rd of my youngest daughter
• Moving our middle daughter and grandson to be reunited with our son-in-law as he returns from being deployed, then moving them again as they receive new orders
• Moving the newlywed’s stuff to their new apartment
• Lots of Blessings Unlimited work to be done, products to be shared, events to be planned and new team members to be added and trained
• Continuing to grow together as a couple after everyone moves out again and we become empty nesters (again)
• Learning more and more about the God who calls us to live for Him.

As the above items, and things unanticipated, will be accomplished by the Lord – His presence with us as we journey through the next 12 months will be needed each moments of every day.

Do you have a verse for 2012 – I would love to know what it is.  Please share the verse  and what it will remind you of.  If you do not yet have a verse or are unsure of how to seek a verse — go to www.biblegateway.com and search for words that are on your heart.  Read through the suggestions and pick the one that claims God’s promises for your current life situation and then share the verse.  I am excited to see the verses God will lead you to.

Book Review: God’s Story Your Story

 

  When I received the request to review God’s Story your story by Max Lucado, I was undecided about what to do.  The title of the book drew me, because I love how God is writing His story through each of our lives.  Yet, I must admit that I have never been a big Max Lucado book fan.  His books always seem to skim the surface of the struggle, yet never dig in deep enough for me.  The message of my life has been to recognize and remember how God has been at work in our lives, so I agreed to review God’s Story hoping that Lucado would encourage his readers to do the same.

• In his gentle Lucado style, Max weaves stories from the Bible and recent times showing how God is at work in the lives of His people now just as He was in the past.  He encourages the reader that God is weaving His story of redemption through every day life experiences.   Stories of a grandfather who had died early, homing  pigeons, drunk drivers along with Bible stories of   Jesus’ birth, the prodigal son and Saul reveal how God has been, is and will be at work in our lives.

What I enjoyed most about God’s Story is that Lucado did not have an easy, pat answer for the struggles of this world.  He writes,” While I have no easy answer for your struggle, I employ you to see your challenge in the scope of God’s story. View these days on earth as but the opening lines of his sweeping saga.”  His writing points to the  fact that our life here on earth is not our final destination – heaven is where all of our illness, pain and emotional struggles will be healed and where the real story will begin.

I can recommend God’s Story your story, because as you become aware of how God is writing your story, you also become more aware of how God is writing His story in history.  How I love this concept and how I love the God who is at work in all of our lives.

To Learn more about God’s Story, your story – check out Zondervan’s website http://www.zondervan.com/Cultures/en-US/Product/ProductDetail.htm?ProdID=com.zondervan.9780310294030&QueryStringSite=Zondervan or Max Lucado’s site at http://maxlucado.net/_product_134326/God%27s_Story_Your_Story_%28Hardback%29

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Ways Innmanuel, God was with me, on Christmas Day

“All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: The virgin will be child and will give birth to a son and they will call Him Immanuel – which means “God with us.” Isaiah 7:14 Matthew 1:22 & 23

God with us – God with me

Since I started blogging in 2007, I have taken time to record the recognizable moments of how I experienced God with me on Christmas Day.  This is the 5th in a series titled Ways Immanuel,God was with me, on Christmas Day.

I was once again aware of how God was with me on Christmas Day as I awoke on Christmas morning.  There is still something magical about Christmas morning, even at my age there is anticipation.  Now instead of looking forward to the excitement of Santa gifts for myself, it is the anticipation of being with my family and sharing the day with them.  God was present with me as I awoke my husband and we talked about getting the turkey ready (my husband does the best turkey).  I am thankful for my husband and our marriage of 30 years  - thankful that God has given us another Christmas together.

God was with me as our family gathered together.  Two of our daughters awoke in our home along with our grandson and a fiance.  It brings this mamma’s heart joy to have our daughters in our home early in the morning.  Pajamas, coffee, talking and laughter filled our kitchen as we gathered together.  A little blond hair boy toddled around in his new red feetie pajama – he is a constant reminder of God goodness to us, how we love this little guy.  Later this in the morning, our third daughter and her husband arrived with Merry Christmas greetings.  We were all together and God was with us.

God was with me as I talked with our son-in-law by phone from another country – how thankful I am for his service to our country and how I pray that he will continue to know and feel that God is with him.  God was with my daughter as she braved the day without her husband.  God’s presence has never left them throughout this deployment.

God was with me as I watched each one of my family settle in to their spot to open their gifts.  Gifts that had been selected and wrapped just for them with the hope that they would know how much they are loved.  Yet, even with the loving thought and care put into each gift, there were gifts that not right, that need to be returned.  God reminded me this year, that only His gift can truly fulfill.  He knows what will truly meet the need each of us need to feel known, valued and loved.  His gift never needs to be returned and always meets our deepest desire to be known and loved.

God was with me as it seemed that the kitchen needed cleaned over and over again.  Washing the many dishes used meant that we had an abundance of food to eat – more than we needed.  I am thankful for my daughters who prepared food, they are all good cooks!  

The day ended with games being played and God was with me even though I am not a game person.  I enjoyed watching everyone play games and even participate in one (and did not make too big of a fool of myself).

God was with me as the day came to an end and all the rooms in our home were filled with those I love so much.  I am a blessed woman. 

God was with me – on Christmas Day as He always is.  When Jesus came as a baby – He came as Immanuel, God with us.  And ever since, He hasn’t left…

He is with us – He is with me.

IMMANUEL

2010 post can be read here http://sandrajo.wordpress.com/2010/12/27/ways-immanuel-god-was-with-me-on-christmas-day-2/

2009 post can be read here http://sandrajo.wordpress.com/2009/12/27/ways-immanuel-god-was-with-me-on-christmas-day/

2008 post can be read here http://sandrajo.wordpress.com/2008/12/26/ways-immanuel-god-was-with-me-on-christmas-2/

2007 post can be read here http://sandrajo.wordpress.com/2007/12/26/ways-immanuel-god-was-with-me-on-christmas/

Christmas Changes

The last couple of years Christmas has been all about changes.  For years, I could tell you how Christmas would be celebrated at our home… a few days before Christmas, my parents would come, Christmas Eve morning the sisters would exchange gifts (this tradition started because they could not wait to open gifts), Christmas Eve brought church and then a house filled with family and friends for food and celebration.  Christmas day brought more good food, sweet time with our family,and the joy of giving and receiving  gifts.

But life is filled with changes, 2 of our daughters are now married and the 3rd is engaged to be married.  They are now blessed with their husband’s families to celebrate with and are creating their own Christmas traditions.  Another change is that this is the first time in my life that I will not be with my parents on Christmas Day – a recent surgery and illness will keep them away this year.  I will miss their presence in our home more than I can express.

I have to be honest that sometimes I long for the way it was for so many years – but I know that life is filled with changes.  Children grow up and create their own homes and traditions.  It is healthy and good and sometimes it hurts a little.  It is fulfilling when I see them doing the things we did in our home – baking cookies, entertaining, decorating their homes, wrapping presents together and focusing on the birth of our Savior.  I would go back and do it all again if I could.

I am so thankful for the Christmas Celebrations our family has enjoyed throughout the years.  I have precious memories of many happy, precious times.   Now, I am so thankful for our son-in-laws who love our daughters and who together are creating their own Christmas traditions.   I want to be gracious as I continue to learn to let go of  ”how it use to be”, but I know that I am going to mess up at times.  I pray that I will learn to accept and enjoy our new family traditions.  I have so much to be thankful for!

Christmas will be different this year – we are going to a friend’s home on Christmas Eve and our family will all be together on Christmas Day.  There will be many familiar aspects as we celebrate the day – gift giving, good food, much laughter and yet there will be missing people (my parents and our son-in-law who is deployed).  There will be a 1 1/2 year-old grandson who will bring great joy and an engaged couple who are counting the days until June.

Yet, there is one aspect of Christmas that never changes – the fact that Emmanuel, God with us, came to be our Savior at Christmas.  I pray that you will know the presence of God with you in whatever changes your Christmas will bring this year.

A Joseph Family Christmas Tradition that we will have on Christmas Day instead of Christmas Eve this year…

Mocha Punch

Mocha Punch is a Christmas  Tradition at our home. It is always served in my Grandmother’s Punch Bowl and is a favorite year after year.

• 6 cups water
• 1/2 cup instant chocolate drink mix
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup instant coffee granules
• 1/2 gallon vanilla ice cream
• 1/2 gallon chocolate ice cream
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped
• Chocolate curls, optional

Directions

• In a large saucepan, bring water to a boil. Remove from the heat. Add drink mix, sugar and coffee; stir until dissolved. Cover and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.
• About 30 minutes before serving, pour mixture into a large punch bowl. Add ice cream by scoopfuls; stir until partially melted.
• Garnish with dollops of whipped cream and chocolate curls if desired. Yield: 20-25 servings (about 5 quarts).

Just a reminder that to be sure to use decaffeinated coffee if you are serving this in the evening.  One year I did not and no one got much sleep on Christmas Eve (our girls remember that as the night Audrianna kept them up all night long).

Enjoy!

Blessings Unlimited Christmas Gifts – bless others as well as yourself

One of the qualities of Blessings Unlimited products that I really love is that the products are all message driven.  This means that before our products have been created, the DaySpring team has a message to share.   The message is then shared through the Consultant and then with the receiver as they place the products in their home.  Of course, if you give a Blessings Unlimited product then you are sharing the message.

Here are a few of my favorite Blessings Unlimited product that have encouraging, inspiring messages that will bless both the giver and the receiver.

This is my favorite Blessings Unlimited product – I love this verse from Joshua 24:15 and I love how this wall hanging makes a statment of your faith in your home.  You can order it here

Great is Thy Faithfulness clock – I love the message of God Faithfulness through out time.  You can purchase it here

God’s Heart for You is a precious collection of  a devotional, mugs, journal and calendar.  I love all of the pieces of this collection and it would make a very nice gift for anyone who needed reminded of how God feels about them (which is each of us).  You can purchase it here.

I love the message on the Lazy Susan, May our table be a place of plenty….a place to share….a place for love, and it features this verse ” The Lord surrounds His people both now and forevermore”.Psalm125:2  You can purchase this family heirloom here.

The Reminders of His Love Collection of plates and mugs is just a great reminder of God’s love for us.  You can purchase it here. ( Please note that the coasters are not available until Spring 2012)

The One Thousand Gifts Collection will be a feature of my business next year.  The Family Gratitude Journal is a must for every family.  You can see the entire collection and purchase it here

This is the perfect reminder of Christmas – The Names of the Savior

I am

Jesus

Savior

Messiah

Emmanuel

You can purchase it here.

I would be honored to serve you through Blessings Unlimited products – all Christmas orders must be ordered by December 14th to insure delivery by Christmas.  Please feel free to shop at my personal website http://www.myblessingsunlimited.net/sjoseph/Products/Default.aspx, to call me at 724-601-237 7 or email me at sandrajoseph@windstream.net.

Christmas Blessings,

Sandra Joseph

Blessings Unlimited ~ “To pursue the heart of God and bring blessings to others.”

Independent Consultant & Founding Director

A quick update on my life these days…

Life is busy right now – really busy.  The Lord continues to bless my Blessings Unlimited business, our home is busy with our 1-year-old Grandson (and his Mommy who are living with while our son-in-law is deployed), and Christmas always brings extra activities.

I have so many blog posts waiting to be written in my head – but I am committed to living in the moment and not feeling guilty for not writing on my blog.   My thoughts are not so important that they can’t wait – and I don’t want to be missing the dear gifts that God provides each day.

So please allow me to share some photos since I am not sharing any important thoughts, you will notice that most of these photos include our sweet little grandson, Joey.  He does bring us joy everyday!

 (top and bottom photos)

Joey loves to wear his Grandpa’s hats!

Our family enjoying our annual Christmas Tree hunt.  (we missed you Josiah)

After I took this photo, I told the family that I had taken the best photo of the day and I still believe it!

Plus I have enjoyed doing these Blessings Unlimited events:

Carey and myself representing Blessings Unlimited at the Pine Valley Bible Camp Women’s Event

Blessings Unlimited products the background

My very special friend Susan Reichart who was the speaker that evening.  Don’t we kind-a look like sisters?

My Blessings Unlimited business and The Gathering Place sponsored a fund raiser Open House for sweet little Jada who is journeying through cancer.

My very good friend Jeanine Pitman who represents Thirty One and myself.  At this time of year, we often do events together.