Turtle Tuesday: Gathering Dust

Sometimes when we are not doing what we dream of doing, discouragement can fall on us like dust.

Today B, the coconut turtle models this so well.  Let me tell you girls...B is being real here.  Dusty discouragement has been all over her.  This morning however, B read a post from her bloggy friend Alene about  The Gift of Encouragement.   Do you think mayb the Lord led B's little turtle toes to Alene's address?  B believes He did.

Here is part of what Alene had to say:
"The challenge for each of us this week is to specifically encourage someone. That person that is on your mind right now, write their name down and then follow-up with encouragement."   B immediately knew what she had to do. This turtle girl has been given the gift of encouragement, however she has not been using it lately.  So B  'pledged' to the Lord to wipe off the discouraging dust by encouraging a couple of her friends with these. 

These necklace pendants are going to b mailed today.  This action has removed the discouraging dust on B's shell.  Even though you may think she's a nut, it is all about shining for Jesus. Are you a little dusty also?  Don't let discouragement settle over you.  Use what you have been given.  It's enough.  (Satan will tell you different but it is more than enough in God's hands.)  If you do you will SHINE.

 Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.
1 Peter 4:10-11


B His Girl

Turtle Tuesday: A Prophetic Picture Pattern

B, the circle turtle traveled from Honduras with this pattern on her back. A shell with seven circles. How perfect!
The pattern was hidden from B's eyes but she knew the Lord could see everything.

He sits HIGH and looks low.

A couple of months ago the Lord began talking to B about circles. B's thought went round and round trying to figure out what He meant. ( Sometimes she is a little slow. ) The Lord told B He was connecting circles. B still didn't get it.

B shared the Lord's words with a friend in her blog circle... The Lord is connecting circles. Her friend said "like the pattern in a wedding quilt." B caught her breath. She knew those words were significant. In fact, she could not stop thinking about them. The next day B stopped by a garage sale and saw this: A wedding quilt.

B was stunned at the Lord's timing. This is the pattern He is working on. Connecting circles from near and far. There is a wedding planned. The connected circles are a gift before the BIG DAY!

B a connector and invite others into the circle...the circle of life.

John 14:6
Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me

B His Girl

Turtle Tuesday: Strike A Pose

Today
Regardless of what you see...
No matter how you feel...
The Lord is in control.
He's working AND He is good.

So strike a pose like B, the headstand turtle.

She is choosing to trust the Lord regardless of her current circumstances. This move has put her in a new position. You might even say it's uplifting one. Today B shares her posing thoughts with you. She wants you to b on higher ground also.

Stop whatever you are doing.
Look up... Give the Lord a smile:)
He loves you. JOY!
He sees you. JOY!
His ears have heard your cry. JOY !
He knows everything and He is not overwhelmed with what to do! JOY!
He has a plan. JOY!
He is faithful. JOY!
He is with you. JOY!
Oh radiant bride, strike a pose! Heaven is preparing for a wedding. You are invited! JOY!
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Rom 15:13

B His Girl

Turtle Tuesday: Feeling small?

To all who really want to b more for the Lord, the formula is simple...but it is easier said than done.



(Warning: Distractions have your number listed on speed dial. )
Prov 4:21-22
Keep my message in plain view at all times.
Concentrate! Learn it by heart!
Those who discover these words live, really live;
body and soul, they're bursting with health.
(from THE MESSAGE)
B His Girl

Turtle Tuesdays: To All The Travelers

Meet B, the turtle traveler.
She may be walking on dry ground today but the Lord has flooded her heart with these words from Steven Curtis Chapman's song:


"Keep looking ahead
Let your heart not forget
We are not home yet! "
B finds it interesting the song's first words are "To ALL the travelers". Not a message for some travelers but ALL. At times ALL of us will find ourselves discouraged and weary from the journey. Sometimes we need to b reminded THIS IS NOT IT. God did that for B this week through this song. B, the turtle traveler has a race to finish. So do you.
Praise b to the Rock. He is traveling with us on the dusty road. We are not alone.


B His Girl

Turtle Tuesday: Time Out

Hi Friends,

Today I thought I'd share a 'real picture' of B. This photo was not staged. B's little feet tracked here all by herself.

Meet B, the turtle in the corner.

Less than two weeks before this photo was taken I spoke at a women's retreat. The stage was set with props to create the visual of a corner in a room. A chair was placed in the corner. My talk referenced my first encounter with God. I thought the Lord would put me in the corner. Kind of like a time out. A spiritual 'time out' for how I had lived my life. Here is what the Lord had to say about 'my thoughts' on the matter.

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts,neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. Isa 55:8

I didn't have a clue how God worked. He didn't want me hiding out in the corner. He wanted to use my life.

Maybe this photo today is just a coincidence if you believe in coincidences or maybe God is using this turtle as a prop. As I uploaded this photo to blogger with another story in mind, the Lord interrupted with this thought. His thought...delivered His way.

HOW'S THE VIEW B?
*Note to self and friends: Where are you?

Have you put yourself somewhere you are not supposed to b?
Get out of the corner and fight the good fight of faith.
B His Girl

Turtle Tuesday: Marking Time

This week a friend shared with B the 'take away lesson' her son learned at a Christian youth conference a few weeks ago.

Time is a gift.

B, the turtle stamp has been pondering that lesson.

B realizes that no matter how small she may b, she still leaves a mark during her time on this earth. Today B is going to use her time wisely. She is going to give it ALL she has to honor her God and King.

Blessed are the people who know the passwords of praise, who shout on parade in the bright presence of God. Delighted, they dance all day long; they know who you are, what you do — they can't keep it quiet! Your vibrant beauty has gotten inside us — you've been so good to us! We're walking on air! Ps 89:15-17(from THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language © 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. All rights reserved.)

B His Girl

Turtle Tuesday: Flying Lessons

Welcome to Turtle Tuesday! Don't worry. B's not really on her soap box today. This is a SIGN. A sign of what God wants to do with all of us.

Meet B, the turtle dove.

In November, B was sitting in her church's Bible study, The Inheritance by Beth Moore. B and her friend B, the artist affectionately call Beth the 'Big B'. During the first session, God nudged the little b to ask the 'Big B' to b a part of what He was doing in the Village. B obeyed. She wrote Beth a letter sharing God's vision for the low income housing project known as the Village.

To color His world

Bring light into the darkness.

Living Proof Ministries said yes to our request. The BB's are now going weekly to the Village leading the Inheritance Bible Study. The ladies are loving it! We call our gatherings with the women 'Flying Lessons.'

Did you know when you get enough of the WORD in you, YOU CAN FLY?

Last week B shared two bars of Dove soap with each woman. One bar was a gift to them and the other was for sharing. It gave them an opportunity to spread the Lord's touch in their Village. The Dove bars carried this message written on the box.
Isa 40:31 those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.They will soar on wings like eagles;they will run and not grow weary,they will walk and not be faint. Isa 40:31

If you want to fly, check with The Strong Tower above. B did. The runway has been cleared. It's time to fly. B's off for "Moore" flying lessons today. She can already feel the wind in her feathers and the sun on her shell.

Yes Julie, turtles can fly!

B His Girl

Turtle Tuesday: Words for 2010

Meet B, the New Year's turtle. (Her eyes are still red from staying up past midnight! )

B noticed many of you have chosen a 'word' for 2010. Not to b outdone, B, the New Year's turtle has a whole sentence to share. smiles

This dropped from above as B pondered the New Year.

How many people can you touch?

These words immediately directed B's thoughts off her turtle self to the world around her! The Lord was asking B to consider OTHERS. He wanted her red eyes to b focused on His purpose. B is thankful the Lord wants her to see clearly. Nothing like a drop of 'spiritual Visine' to kick off 2010! B, the New Year's turtle is on the lookout for people crossing her path. Who can she help, love, encourage, and reach out to with His touch TODAY? Not tomorrow. Today. B's looking up for direction. I pray this year you and B will not miss all the todays given to us.

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus. Phil 2: 3-5

B His Girl
P.S. Turtles Can Fly

Turtle Tuesday: How Great Thou Art

B, the clay turtle dishes up a word for all who want to serve the Lord and not man.

Become the kind of container God can use to present any and every kind of gift to his guests for their blessing. 2 Tim 2:21

You are shaped for His purpose. Let the Lord use you today.

B His Girl

Turtle Tuesdays: Read The Signs

B wasn't seeking a sign, but she found one a few weeks ago. She was walking along her path on an ordinary day, doing what she was supposed to b doing and there it was. A Sign planted with B's name all over it! DARE TO DREAM! B gave the Lord a big 'cheesy' smile just like the one she is showing you today. In fact, she couldn't wipe the smile off her face. B knew she was supposed to read the sign and share the message with others. Meet B, the dreaming turtle.

If you are a frequent visitor on the B Log, you have heard some of her lofty dreams. She calls them 'lofty' because her dreams are a gift from above. Now, that may sound like B is trying to b 'all special and everything' but hear this ....B knows her dreams are NOT ABOUT her. Dreams are always connected to God's heartbeat for His world. They are about OTHERS. If our focus is on 'us' in the dream, the Lord will give us lots of growing time in the Son so we can understand His purpose for our dream. Joseph, known as a dreamer in the Bible could testify to that.

B wonders today if you have a 'lofty' dream also. The words below are from 'The Message' and they are a message for you today. B's just delivering them as she runs her race at a turtle's pace.

This vision-message is a witness pointing to what's coming. It aches
for the coming — it can hardly wait!And it doesn't lie.If it seems slow in
coming, wait.It's on its way. It will come right on time. Hab 2:3
Dare To Dream...With God ALL things are possible!

B His Girl

Turtle Tuesday: Part 3: Growing Up to B His Girl

If you read B's Turtle Tuesday growing story last week, "Rock You World, Squirrel" you might be under the impression B's walk with the Lord has been relatively easy and clearly marked. She sees, she hears, and she walks. Her lips always seem to b flapping the words "Keep Walking by faith" You might secretly want to say, "Give me a break B. Are you always smiling, looking expectantly in your walk? B real, turtle girl! Has your garden always looked like a bed of roses?"

Today B shares a 'not so lovely' photo of herself. She is in a dry place. B isn't flashing any pearly whites here. Actually she is doing the opposite. The grimace on her face gives you a hint into some of her growing up years. It isn't really the look she prefers to post today, but she is following the leader on this. As her friend Kermit the frog says, "It's not easy being green." And B, the turtle would add, "It's not always fun sharing 'the green' either!"

Meet B, the desert turtle. This turtle's terrain has not always been a lush garden, full of signs and wonders. Her path has sometimes been rocky, tiresome, and even lonely. B admits she felt abandoned in the desert. She did not raise her hand to travel this course, but found it a necessary route as she followed Jesus. B was tempted at times to compromise her walk in the wilderness. She questioned if she was cut out to do this. She heard another voice calling to her in her desert time. He cast doubt on God's words spoken to B. She considered his words. They sounded something like this. 'Would God really 'rock' someones world like you B? Who do you think you are? We both know you are not worthy of 'rocking'. If you continue walking.... I will b publishing photos of you when you were horrid . B, do YOU understand?'

In the desert, B faced a dilemma. Threats were hurled at her. This was a test. A big test. What would B do? What would you do? Would B continue walking to the oasis waiting to supply strength for the journey? Or would she shrink back in her shell, into her old patterns? B remembered the Lord's words to her.

Blessed is she who has believed what the Lord has said to her will b
accomplished. Luke 1:45

The view from above was clear. The Son was with B. He left His mark on her head. B was not alone, no matter how her surroundings looked. No weapon formed against her would prosper. B believed and she encouraged herself in the Lord. She started flapping her lips again repeating these words, "Keep walking by faith B. The Lord will b proved faithful and true to His word. "

B His Girl

Turtle Tuesdays: Pass It On

Meet B, the Message Card turtle.

A big smile came across B's face when she saw herself in print. It's not that she's got the 'Big head', although you would never know it from this photo. She was the perfect turtle model for this card today. B has the look alright. In fact, she is probably one of the most pokey turtles around, yet her message today is an unexpected one, especially from her.

"Lord, slow me down."

B doesn't want to miss the smile on her life from above. She doesn't want to walk by the flowers on her path without a second glance. It's not that she wants to smell the roses. She wants to B the rose in the garden she was meant to b.

The only way B will do that is to Hang out with the Creator of the garden. He walks there every day while the dew is still on the roses. I pray you and B will b a still model today. Slow down and wait for Him. He always comes calling.

B His Girl

Turtle Tuesdays: An Illuminating Moment

Welcome to Turtle Tuesdays. Each week, I feature a turtle from my collection and share her story. Sometimes we stay on the surface of the water; other times we go deeper. I totally have fun with this! I hope you do too.

Greetings Earthlings!
Meet B, the Turtle With A Glow.

Today the turtle girl shares her Never Before Seen 'out of this world' photo with you! Believe it or don't.

This photo was taken when the Divine first shined His light on B from above. A strange and mysterious thing happened that day as His Presence filled her 'turtle box'. A glowing arc, like a rainbow, hovered around B's face. The glowing color wasn't like any crayons she had in her 64 count box. It was brighter, more intense and yet transparent at the same time. The glow lasted for hours. No sightings of this phenomenon were reported by other turtles in area 51. B was the only one who could see her glow in the mirror. She had been visited from above. B's heart and mind were captured that day. It was a life changing close encounter of the best kind!

Not everything can b explained. You need to know that. It's true. There is so much going on around us every day we cannot see. B doesn't understand why she glowed, but she did. Her feet did more than take a step of faith that day. She JUMPED! B became sure that day. Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

Today's Turtle Tuesday is a little 'out there', kind of strange, even to B. Some turtles would make light of this as a 'Ripley's Believe it or Not' kind of moment. B understands that.They might think she made the whole thing up. B is known for being a little creative. She also lives in a town noted for UFO sightings. B wants to b very clear though. She is not talking about the photo of this green glowing creature below. Perhaps you have had you own sightings with him/her before. Although B's name does mean stranger or alien and her glowing moment gave her peace. They are not related: ) Really. Believe it!

Keep your eyes and heart open turtle girls and guys. You may have a Close Encounter with the Divine today.

You will find me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jer 29:13



Peace,
B His Girl