http://www.liveitonline.org/ Monthly devotionals from the Live it Foundation. http://www.liveitonline.org/articles/?subaction=showfull&id=1262800439&archive=&start_from=&ucat=5& The Gift of Snow
Today there were snowflakes on my windshield and as an adopted Texan it was a bit of a surprise. While I don’t like snow to impede my traveling, I love the effect of snow, the beauty only a couple inches of snow that covers up the ugly dying grass and leafless bushes. This is why the snow reminds me of forgiveness.]]> 1262800439 Wed, 06 Jan 2010 12:53:59 -0500 http://www.liveitonline.org/articles/?subaction=showfull&id=1257887489&archive=&start_from=&ucat=5& Read more...]]> 1257887489 Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:11:29 -0500 http://www.liveitonline.org/articles/?subaction=showfull&id=1249933364&archive=&start_from=&ucat=5& Read more...]]> 1249933364 Mon, 10 Aug 2009 15:42:44 -0400 http://www.liveitonline.org/articles/?subaction=showfull&id=1243956782&archive=&start_from=&ucat=5& Read more...]]> 1243956782 Tue, 02 Jun 2009 11:33:02 -0400 http://www.liveitonline.org/articles/?subaction=showfull&id=1240238734&archive=&start_from=&ucat=5& Stop and See the Bluebonnets
The first year I lived in Texas, I had a departing flight from Austin on the first weekend in April. I saw a couple of bluebonnet patches on the drive to the airport, but what I saw from the air was amazing. Now 27 years later I still remember looking from my window as the plane took flight and seeing fields and more fields of blue. It was astounding how many bluebonnets existed in places where no one lived and only those who took the time to look out the plane window could really enjoy them. From that moment I understood why bluebonnets are the Texas state flower. Read more...]]> 1240238734 Mon, 20 Apr 2009 10:45:34 -0400 http://www.liveitonline.org/articles/?subaction=showfull&id=1237222529&archive=&start_from=&ucat=5& Read more...]]> 1237222529 Mon, 16 Mar 2009 12:55:29 -0400 http://www.liveitonline.org/articles/?subaction=showfull&id=1234542070&archive=&start_from=&ucat=5& Read more...]]> 1234542070 Fri, 13 Feb 2009 11:21:10 -0500 http://www.liveitonline.org/articles/?subaction=showfull&id=1232132254&archive=&start_from=&ucat=5& Clap your hands, all peoples;
shout to God with the voice of joy.
- Psalm 47:1
It is the beginning of the year. A time to get excited, lift up our hands, and with joy in our hearts say, "Thank you, God" for a time to start over. It is January and the slate is clean.]]> 1232132254 Fri, 16 Jan 2009 13:57:34 -0500 http://www.liveitonline.org/articles/?subaction=showfull&id=1229882265&archive=&start_from=&ucat=5& Are you really living your Life Time?
I woke this morning to find out that a Fort Hood soldier, wounded in Afghanistan, had died. His wife started a blog when he was injured to keep their friends and family posted on his condition. I had been reading that blog daily until I read that he had passed away from his injuries. His Life Time had ended. Read more...]]> 1229882265 Sun, 21 Dec 2008 12:57:45 -0500 http://www.liveitonline.org/articles/?subaction=showfull&id=1227578994&archive=&start_from=&ucat=5& ...Read more]]> 1227578994 Mon, 24 Nov 2008 21:09:54 -0500 http://www.liveitonline.org/articles/?subaction=showfull&id=1224715364&archive=&start_from=&ucat=5& No More Running

Friday, September 19th, 6:00 a.m. seemed like it would be an ordinary day. My son Kyle and I were 4 weeks into our training program in preparation for the White Rock Marathon in Dallas. Today would be a 10K run, 6.2 miles. It should take about an hour, no sweat. Turns out I had a terrible run like none before or since. Halfway through my stomach felt empty, my legs stiff, I started to doubt if I could make it. - Read more]]> 1224715364 Wed, 22 Oct 2008 18:42:44 -0400 http://www.liveitonline.org/articles/?subaction=showfull&id=1221837592&archive=&start_from=&ucat=5& - Read more]]> 1221837592 Fri, 19 Sep 2008 11:19:52 -0400 http://www.liveitonline.org/articles/?subaction=showfull&id=1218226830&archive=&start_from=&ucat=5& "Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works." - Hebrews 10:24 NLT

August is here and that means relief for parents is in sight! School will be starting soon - cue the collective groans from children everywhere and the big sighs from their parents. I have been an elementary school teacher for 26 years and have had the pleasure of meeting and working with lots of wonderful parents who did many wonderful things for me. I'd like to share a few ideas for those of you who are interested in making your child's teacher's life more enjoyable. - Read more]]> 1218226830 Fri, 08 Aug 2008 16:20:30 -0400 http://www.liveitonline.org/articles/?subaction=showfull&id=1216247114&archive=&start_from=&ucat=5& The Battleship and the Lighthouse

We, as humans, often tend to be compulsive regarding the decisions we make and the conclusions we reach about ourselves and the world around us. An episode during the career of a Naval Admiral illustrates this quite nicely. - Read more]]> 1216247114 Wed, 16 Jul 2008 18:25:14 -0400 http://www.liveitonline.org/articles/?subaction=showfull&id=1213823327&archive=&start_from=&ucat=5& "The Power of Water."

There are many interesting facts about water. Did you know that:

• Roughly 70 percent of an adult's body is made up of water.
• The average person in the United States uses anywhere from 80-100 gallons of water per day.
• Water leads to overall greater health by flushing out wastes and bacteria that can cause disease.
• Water is the primary mode of transportation for all nutrients in the body and is essential for proper circulation.

We can all agree that water is important to sustain life. - Read more]]> 1213823327 Wed, 18 Jun 2008 17:08:47 -0400 http://www.liveitonline.org/articles/?subaction=showfull&id=1210876806&archive=&start_from=&ucat=5& Can You Prove You follow God?

One weekend I heard the same question posed by two different pastors from two different churches. "Can you prove you are a follower of God?" Each speaker gave a daunting list of Christian "duties" that may prove I love God and proclaimed that those were not the answer. Each pastor concluded with "service to others is how we show we are followers of God." - Read more]]> 1210876806 Thu, 15 May 2008 14:40:06 -0400 http://www.liveitonline.org/articles/?subaction=showfull&id=1208137151&archive=&start_from=&ucat=5& "Let's Make a Deal"

Okay, I'll admit it. I'm a fan of consumerism. I participate in the acquisition of consumer goods. But, I am not obsessed with it. I don't "shop 'til I drop" or buy excessive items unnecessarily. In fact, I love a bargain, a sale. Full price - ha - I laugh at full price. Hunting for a good deal actually makes shopping more fun.

What constitutes a good deal? - Read more]]> 1208137151 Sun, 13 Apr 2008 21:39:11 -0400 http://www.liveitonline.org/articles/?subaction=showfull&id=1205363530&archive=&start_from=&ucat=5& "Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow." (Psalm 51:7 NLT)

"Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me." (Psalm 51:10 NLT)

I love fresh starts. I am constantly looking forward to them. The beginning of a new year is a fresh start…that’s why so many people make promises to change for the better. Since I’m a teacher, I get a fresh start at the beginning of every school year (and every single time it was going to be the best year ever). At home, I have some wonderful ladies who clean my house…another fresh start, and I get to have one every week. - Read more]]> 1205363530 Wed, 12 Mar 2008 19:12:10 -0400 http://www.liveitonline.org/articles/?subaction=showfull&id=1203016872&archive=&start_from=&ucat=5&
February is like starting afresh. My yard doesn't need mowing for another month or so. I'm slowing embracing by exercise regimen. Plus, in the middle of the month I get to have a romantic weekend with my wife. How cool is that?

Many of you may not know it, but February is also an extremely busy month for other reasons. - Read more]]> 1203016872 Thu, 14 Feb 2008 14:21:12 -0500 http://www.liveitonline.org/articles/?subaction=showfull&id=1200181477&archive=&start_from=&ucat=5&
How do I get to this point? - Read more]]> 1200181477 Sat, 12 Jan 2008 18:44:37 -0500 http://www.liveitonline.org/articles/?subaction=showfull&id=1197669996&archive=&start_from=&ucat=5& Christmas Shopping

I love to shop. Put me in the vicinity of a mall or strip mall and I am ready to inspect the stores. So when Christmas comes around, I am in my element. One of my greatest pleasures is finding the perfect gift for my family and friends. Discovering unique stocking stuffers for my daughters, finding a great jacket for my mom, and locating a new pair of shoes can really make my day.

Then in the quiet moments of my life I am reminded of God's gifts, gifts that are not purchased at shopping malls. Still He is generous with his love and blessings, gifts far greater than money can buy. The Father's gifts are given without expectations, yet I feel I should express my pleasure in his gifts. But how do you give a gift to God? - Read more]]> 1197669996 Fri, 14 Dec 2007 17:06:36 -0500 http://www.liveitonline.org/articles/?subaction=showfull&id=1195440907&archive=&start_from=&ucat=5& "Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good." - 1 Chronicles 16:32 NLT

"Not only do we have a lot to be thankful for, our thankfulness can accomplish much." - John Fischer

It’s November again. Where did 2007 go? Pretty soon it will be Thanksgiving and then it’s downhill until Christmas. Thanksgiving is the traditional time of the year to give thanks for all of the good things in our lives (and also to be with family members, eat lots of food, and watch football games on television).

All Christians should delight in being thankful. We should walk around in awe of the sacrifice Jesus made for us so that we could be a part of His kingdom. Sometimes we get too bogged down in the daily grind of life to purposefully think of being thankful. If we wake up in the morning, that alone should be enough to start us on a thankful pattern for the day. Read more]]> 1195440907 Sun, 18 Nov 2007 21:55:07 -0500 http://www.liveitonline.org/articles/?subaction=showfull&id=1192829598&archive=&start_from=&ucat=5& King Solomon, Proverbs 4:23

How is your heart? Do you realize its importance, its value? When it speaks, do you listen, or silence it as too impetuous and passionate? This beating mass of muscle, giving us the very life and power to ignore it, continues in spite of ourselves. King Solomon's words should be heeded; Christ also came to rescue our hearts:

"He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, proclaim liberty to the captives."
Isaiah 61:1, Luke 4:18 Read more]]> 1192829598 Fri, 19 Oct 2007 17:33:18 -0400 http://www.liveitonline.org/articles/?subaction=showfull&id=1190070480&archive=&start_from=&ucat=5& Read more]]> 1190070480 Mon, 17 Sep 2007 19:08:00 -0400 http://www.liveitonline.org/articles/?subaction=showfull&id=1187799015&archive=&start_from=&ucat=5& Read more]]> 1187799015 Wed, 22 Aug 2007 12:10:15 -0400 http://www.liveitonline.org/articles/?subaction=showfull&id=1184094791&archive=&start_from=&ucat=5& Words of Wisdom

Recently my 16-year old son and I headed outdoors in the late morning for a 5k run together. As it has been one of the wettest summers in Central Texas history, we knew the humid air would consume us as soon as we opened the door. We were right. And as a bonus, the heat radiating off the payment complimented the thick air around us quite nicely. Read more]]> 1184094791 Tue, 10 Jul 2007 15:13:11 -0400 http://www.liveitonline.org/articles/?subaction=showfull&id=1181137222&archive=&start_from=&ucat=5& Read more]]> 1181137222 Wed, 06 Jun 2007 09:40:22 -0400 http://www.liveitonline.org/articles/?subaction=showfull&id=1178479256&archive=&start_from=&ucat=5& A Devotional from On the Right Note

Have you heard about the frog that was born at the bottom of a well? He thought life couldn't get any better till one day he looked up and saw daylight. Climbing up to investigate he was amazed to find a much larger pond than the one he lived in. And going further afield he discovered a lake that was bigger still. When eventually he came to the ocean and all he could see was water, it dawned on him just how limited his thinking had been. He thought everything he needed was down in the well, but that was a drop in the bucket compared to the things that were out there for him to enjoy. Read more]]> 1178479256 Sun, 06 May 2007 15:20:56 -0400 http://www.liveitonline.org/articles/?subaction=showfull&id=1175477716&archive=&start_from=&ucat=5& Read more]]> 1175477716 Sun, 01 Apr 2007 21:35:16 -0400 http://www.liveitonline.org/articles/?subaction=showfull&id=1173363702&archive=&start_from=&ucat=5& 1173363702 Thu, 08 Mar 2007 09:21:42 -0500 http://www.liveitonline.org/articles/?subaction=showfull&id=1170882501&archive=&start_from=&ucat=5& 1170882501 Wed, 07 Feb 2007 16:08:21 -0500