The power of prayer!

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A Prayer is not a "spare wheel" that you pull out when in trouble,
but it is a "steering wheel" that directs the right path throughout.

Do you know why a car's WINDSHIELD is so large & the Rearview Mirror
is so small? Because our PAST is not as important as our FUTURE. Look
ahead and move on.

Friendship is like a BOOK. It takes few seconds to burn, but it takes
years to write.

All things in life are temporary. If things are going well, enjoy it, they
will not last forever. If things are going wrong, don't worry, they can't last
long either.

Old friends are gold! New friends are diamonds! If you get a
diamond, don't forget the gold! Because to hold a diamond, you
will always need a base of gold!

Often when we lose hope and think this is the end, God smiles from
above and says, "Relax, sweetheart, it's just a bend, not the end!

When God solves your problems, you have faith in His abilities;
when God doesn't solve your problems, He has faith in your abilities.

A blind person asked a wise old man "Can there be anything
worse than losing eye sight?" He replied: "Yes, losing your vision!"

When you pray for others, God listens to you and blesses them,
and sometimes, when you are safe and happy, remember that someone
has prayed for you.

Worrying does not take away tomorrow's troubles, it takes away
today's peace.

Got this description of prayer from a friend that I thought worth sharing. Be inspired and be blessed:)

Dirty, dirty, dirty

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🧼 DIRTY, DIRTY, DIRTY

What My Kitchen Taught Me About the Soul

In Norway, there's a unique tradition that takes place every year before Christmas. It’s not about shopping or baking cookies—it's about cleaning. And not just a light dusting, but a deep, thorough cleaning from ceiling to floor, including the inside and outside of every cabinet. We call it general cleaning.

Today, I tackled the kitchen cabinets. At first glance, everything looked clean and tidy. But when I took out all the items inside, a different story unfolded. Dust, crumbs, and hidden grime became visible. I grabbed a wet cloth and started wiping down the shelves. By the time I was done, the cloth was filthy. I couldn’t believe how much dirt was hiding in those seemingly clean cabinets.

As I was scrubbing, I couldn’t help but think: we humans do the same thing with ourselves. We bathe, shower, put on nice clothes, and try to present ourselves as clean and polished on the outside. But what about our inner selves—our soul, body, and spirit?

Every day, we take in things through our eyes, ears, and emotions. Some of it uplifts us, but let’s be honest—some of it pollutes us. Just like the cabinets, we might look okay on the outside, but when we stop and reflect, we may discover that our inner being needs some serious cleaning, too.

But here's the good news: there’s no mess too great for God to handle. He invites us to come and be cleansed—no soap or water needed. Just an honest conversation.

“Come now, let us reason together,” says the Lord.
“Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.”
—Isaiah 1:18

What a beautiful invitation. God asks us to reason with Him—to talk, to open up, and to let Him in. We do this through prayer and by reading His Word. Yes, the Bible is a big book, but within its pages are the words that renew us daily.

And if you're wondering how to stay clean—not just physically, but spiritually—Scripture gives us a roadmap:

“Finally, brothers and sisters, 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.”
—Philippians 4:8

So next time you're wiping down your kitchen or organizing your closet, take a moment to reflect. Our hearts, just like our homes, need regular cleaning too.

Because being clean on the outside is good,
but being clean on the inside?
That’s life-changing.

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🙏 Closing Prayer

Lord, thank You for the gentle reminders hidden in everyday tasks. Just as I clean the dust from my home, help me to invite You into the corners of my heart that need Your touch. Renew my spirit with Your Word, and help me to focus on what is true, noble, pure, and lovely. May I carry Your peace and cleanliness into every space I enter. Amen.

My provisional Christmas Tree

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My Provisional Christmas Tree – A Story of Unexpected Growth
✨🌿🎄

In Norway, it’s tradition to decorate the Christmas tree on December 23rd. That’s fine and all—but honestly, it feels a little late for someone like me who wants that cozy Christmas vibe to settle in earlier. So, I decided to take matters into my own hands: I made a provisional Christmas tree.

Nothing fancy. I went out to the garden and sawed off a branch from my lilac tree. Of course, it was bare—it’s winter, after all! But that didn’t matter. I didn’t need leaves, just a branch with some Christmas potential.

Once inside, I dressed it up with lights, ornaments, and glitter—and believe it or not, it actually turned out quite lovely! Not exactly worthy of the town square, but it brought the Christmas spirit into the house, and that was the whole point.

Then something strange happened.
One day, I noticed something green.
“No way,” I thought and leaned in. Sure enough—tiny green leaves were starting to sprout.

I mean—this was a sawn-off branch. No roots. And suddenly it decides to live a little? What was going on?!
Apparently, the warmth of the house had awakened something dormant inside. It was responding to its new environment, even though it was technically... well, cut off.

So I started watering it. (Yes, I watered a branch. Don’t judge me.) Maybe, just maybe, it could keep growing. Maybe it would even bloom!

And that’s when it hit me: this wasn’t just a weird botanical fluke. It was a little miracle—and a powerful reminder.

Isn’t it the same with us sometimes? We feel cut off. Dry. Rootless. Maybe life’s been rough, and we’ve lost touch with what used to bring us joy.

But then we enter warmth.
We’re given water.
And suddenly—something stirs.

In the Bible, Jesus says:

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
— John 15:5

As long as we stay connected to the source—God—we can actually thrive. Not because our surroundings are perfect, but because we draw life from Him.

So here’s my little encouragement for you this Christmas season:
Stay close to God.
Read the Word.
Listen. Pray.
Let His warmth and living water reach you—even if you feel dry or cut off.

And who knows? Maybe you’ll start to bloom. Maybe something beautiful will grow right where you least expected it.

So thank you, quirky little provisional lilac branch.
You reminded me of something important:
There is hope.
There is life.
Even in the dead of winter.

✨🌿🎄

Why I believe!

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Why I Believe in God—Even When Many Don’t

In a world where faith often feels fragile and many question God’s existence, I hold on. Not blindly, not without reason—but because I’ve experienced Him. Deeply. Personally.

You may ask, “Why do you believe in God when so many people don’t?”

Let me tell you why.

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Because I Was in Darkness, and He Showed Me the Light

There were times I walked through deep confusion and pain. But even in those shadows, He shined His light on me.

“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light.” – Isaiah 9:2

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Because I Was Lost, and Now I'm Found

I wandered, spiritually and emotionally, with no direction. God sought me out and welcomed me home.

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” – Luke 19:10

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Because I Was Weak, and Now I Find Strength in God

I’ve known days when I felt I couldn’t go on. But in my weakness, God’s strength lifted me.

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9

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Because I Was Filthy, and Was Purified by God

I carried shame and guilt, but God didn’t condemn me—He cleansed me.

“Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.” – Isaiah 1:18

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Because When Everything Is Hopeless, I Find Hope in God

Even when life is overwhelming, He fills my heart with hope and peace.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him.” – Romans 15:13

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Because When Everything Is in Turmoil, I Find Peace in God

Storms may rage around me, but His peace holds me steady.

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast.” – Isaiah 26:3

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Because When I'm Sick, I Can Find Healing from God

Whether in body or in heart, He restores me and strengthens me by His grace.

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” – Psalm 147:3
“By His wounds we are healed.” – Isaiah 53:5

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Because When I Am in Doubt, He Assures Me That He Is Alive

Even when questions fill my mind, His presence confirms He is real.

“Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” – John 20:29

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Because When I Lack Wisdom, He Provides It

I don’t always know the answers, but He promises to give wisdom to those who ask.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God... and it will be given to you.” – James 1:5

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Because When I Feel Unworthy, He Tells Me I Am Loved

When I question my value, He reminds me I am His.

“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!” – 1 John 3:1

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Because When I Am Angry, He Calms My Soul

He softens my spirit and teaches me patience and grace.

“Be slow to anger, for human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” – James 1:19-20

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Because When I Sinned, He Told Me to Repent—And He Forgave Me

No sin is too great for His mercy. I repent, and He restores.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us.” – 1 John 1:9

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Because When My Body Is Aching and I'm Feeling Old, He Gives Me New Strength

He renews me day by day and lifts me when I am weary.

“Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles.” – Isaiah 40:31

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Because If I Can’t Forgive, He Reminds Me That I Was Forgiven

He calls me to extend to others what I’ve freely received.

“Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” – Colossians 3:13

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Because He Helps Me Understand When There’s Chaos Around Me

In times of confusion, He gives clarity and peace.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” – Proverbs 3:5-6

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Because He Shows Me the Way When I Don’t Know Where to Go

When I feel lost, His Word and Spirit guide me.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” – Psalm 119:105

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Because He Gives Me the Desires of My Heart—According to His Will

He knows what I need before I ask, and He shapes my heart to reflect His.

“Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” – Psalm 37:4

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Because He Helps Me See the Light Behind the Clouds

Even in dark times, He promises that joy will come again.

“Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” – Psalm 30:5

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Because He Promised That I Can Do All Things Through Him

He is my strength when I feel too weak to stand.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13

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And Most Important of All—He Gave Me Life

Not just existence, but full, meaningful life.

“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” – John 10:10

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And Now I Ask You...

Why do you believe in God?
Or maybe you don’t… but if you’ve read this far, I want to tell you something: God loves you. He sees your heart. And He’s waiting to show you the same peace, hope, and healing He’s given me.

“You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.” – Jeremiah 29:13

*

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Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

A Reflection on Comparison, Worth, and True Beauty

If there's one thing we all turn to every day—consciously or not—it’s the mirror. We check our appearance, adjust a detail here and there, and sometimes, in jest or secretly, we whisper that age-old question:

"Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of them all?"

This question, famously uttered by the Evil Stepmother in Snow White, captures a timeless desire: to be seen as the best, the most beautiful, the most admired. But while fairytales make this question dramatic, in real life, the comparisons start even earlier—and run much deeper.

It Starts at Birth: The First Comparisons

From the moment we are born, the world begins to compare us:

• “Does your baby sleep through the night?”

• “What kind of milk does the baby take—organic or regular?”

• “Who started crawling or talking first?”

• “Who wears the cutest outfits?”

Even though parents say "You are the most beautiful baby in the world," the truth is—comparison is hard to avoid. It sneaks into conversations, milestones, and expectations.

Growing Up: A Race We Didn’t Sign Up For

As we grow, the comparisons grow louder:

• “Who’s the smartest in class?”

• “Who goes to the best school?”

• “Who has more medals, better grades, or nicer friends?”

And then comes adolescence—a time when we start comparing ourselves. We want to be noticed, accepted, admired.
We want to be:

• The best dressed

• The most popular

• The most liked

• The most followed

We tell ourselves that our worth depends on how we measure up to someone else.

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Adulthood: The Comparison Game Continues

Maturity doesn’t silence the voice of comparison—it just changes the questions:

• “Who has the better job?”

• “Who drives the nicer car?”

• “Who owns a bigger house?”

• “Who travels more?”

• “Who has more savings, more success, more stuff?”

We chase after status symbols hoping they will affirm our value. But the more we compare, the more we lose sight of who we truly are.

You Are Wonderfully Made

In a world obsessed with being the best, it's easy to forget that we are already enough.
The Bible reminds us:

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." — Psalm 139:14

You are not a copy. You are not a number on a scoreboard.
You are unique, irreplaceable, and deeply loved by the One who created you.

If there’s something you lack, God doesn’t ask you to compare—He invites you to ask, seek, and knock (Matthew 7:7). He promises to provide.

Your New Reflection

So next time you look into the mirror, let a new truth speak back to you:

"Mirror, mirror on the wall, I may not be the fairest of them all—but I am beautifully unique, deeply loved, and fully provided for by the One who made me."

That reflection? That’s the one worth holding on to.