Tag Archives: FL

Invest In Your Future!

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“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’

declares the Lord,

‘plans to prosper you

and not to harm you,

plans to give you hope

and a future.

Then you will call on Me

and come and pray to Me,

and I will listen to you.

You will seek Me

and find Me

when you seek Me

with all your heart.'”

Jeremiah 29:11-13

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This is my son’s favorite verse!

Mine. too!

Along with…

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“Call to Me

and I will answer you

and tell you great

and unsearchable things

you do not know.”

Jeremiah 33:3

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“…and call on Me in the day of trouble;

I will deliver you,

and you will honor Me.”

Psalm 50:15

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God’s plan is to…

Prosper you…

Not harm you…

Give you Hope…

And a Future…

Call on Him…

Come to Him…

Pray to Him…

He will listen to YOU!!!

Seek Him…

Find Him…

With all your heart!!

Call to Him…

He will answer YOU!!

And tell you great and unsearchable things…

You don’t know!!

Call on Him in your times of trouble…

He will deliver you…

And you will honor Him!!

Amen!

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You have now invested wisely in your future!!

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Praise God!!

You Put Your Light In Me!

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“When Jesus spoke again to the people,

He said,

I am the light of the world.

Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness,

but will have the light of life.’”

John 8:12

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“You are the light of the world.

A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.

Neither do people light a lamp

and put it under a bowl.

Instead they put it on its stand,

and it gives light to everyone in the house.

In the same way,

let your light shine before others,

that they may see your good deeds

and glorify your Father in Heaven.”

Matthew 5:14-16

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“The night is nearly over;

the day is almost here.

So let us put aside the deeds of darkness

and put on the armor of light.”

Romans 13:12

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Arise, shine;

For your light has come!

And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you.

For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth,

And deep darkness the people;

But the LORD will arise over you,

And His glory will be seen upon you.”

Isaiah 60:1-2

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“Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the Heavens,

and those who lead many to righteousness,

like the stars for ever and ever.”

Daniel 12:3

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A flame burning down…

You gave me Life

You put Your Light in me!

You let Your Love shine down… 

Now the world can see…

You put Your Light in me!

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Now, I’m a reflection of

You, Lord!

I’ll let it show…

You will be known

And all will see…

You put Your Light in me!

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Christians…

Go!

Shine…

 Brightly!!

With His Light in you…

Wherever you go!!

You Are Amazing God!

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 Majesty…

Indescribable!

Uncontainable!

Amazing God!

All Powerful!

Untameable!

Awestruck…

We fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim…

You are Amazing, God….

None can fathom…

Indescribable!

Unobtainable,

Incomparable!

Unchangeable!

You see the depths of my heart and you love me the same!!

You are So Amazing, God!!!

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Feel free to add your own words!!!

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How about…

God, You are…

Holy, Grand, Vast, Great, Marvelous, Excellent, Glorious, Exalted, Dynamic, Thrilling, Astonishing,

Breathtaking, Magnificent, Overwhelming, Impressive, Permanent, Exciting, Stunning, Heart-Stirring,

Wonderful, Outstanding, Splendid, Faithful, Enduring, Divine, Extraordinary, Inspiring, Fantastic, Imposing,

Astounding, Fantastic, Unforgettable, Wondrous, Incomprehensible, Spectacular, Incredible, Phenomenal

Miraculous!!!

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He’s definitely all these things…

And more!

This is the Amazing God who rules our lives!!

Mind-Boggling, huh???

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Makes you want to go and tell everybody, doesn’t it???

When Did Going On Vacation Become So Difficult???

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Apparently…

When I became an adult…

With responsibilities…

A family…

A job…

A house…

And a dog!!

When we were children…

We just hopped in the car…

And we left!

Okay, so we are packed…

But, it was a rough road to get to this point!! 

This vacation has been planned well in advance…

I’ve been looking forward to it all year…

You know how much I love the beach…

You know how much I love to be at the beach…

To read, to write, to do whatever I feel like doing, or nothing at all!!

But, working part-time this year…

As much of a ministry opportunity as it was…

Has put quite a crimp in my retired lifestyle…

Where all my ministries were challenging…

But, I was a volunteer…

And the beauty of that is that I still had control over my time…

 I’m feeling drained…

I’m really stressed…

I just don’t feel like going on vacation right now…

That’s crazy, I know!!

Plus, my poor, precious Crazy Siberian has not been feeling well lately…

We certainly all love her deeply…

But, we’ve all lost sleep…

Lots of sleep…

We’ve all cleaned up pee, poop, and throw-up…

More times than we care to…

We’ve made multiple runs to the vet with her…

And she definitely, ridiculously, horridly hates the car ride to see the vet!

It’s exhausting!!

We now have a calendar on our kitchen counter…

Just for her…

So we can keep track of all the medicines she’s on…

It’s just like living with a newborn, needy baby…

Which I remember so well…

Or, an ornery, elderly person…

Which I also remember!!

Teaching was so crazy at the end of the year…

That I lost my cool…

And it ceased to be fun…

I had to apologize for my grouchiness to everyone…

There, and at home, too!

 I really just want to stay home…

And vegetate on the couch!

But, no…

Not me!

I decided to tackle the humongous job of cleaning my house from top to bottom!

Starting with the ceiling fans the day after school got out…

My son, the one actually cleaning those fans…

Was not elated!

Well, that’s as far as we got…

When I had to stop cleaning to start packing for this vacation…

While dealing with a sick dog…

I hate packing…

Why can’t all my “stuff” just be there when I get there…

And I don’t do well with unfinished jobs…

So I’ll be planning my next cleaning job…

The blinds and windows…

For when we get back from vacation!

Rats!

Why do I do this to myself?

Please tell me to stop!

Take a deep breath…

Count to ten…

And enjoy my blessings of a wonderful beach vacation…

With my wonderful family…

And the whole summer off from work!

Just tell me, Lord…

I’ll listen to You!!

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“My son, if you receive My words and treasure up My commandments with you,

making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding;

yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding,

if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures,

then you will understand the fear of the Lord

and find the knowledge of God.

Proverbs 2:1-5

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“Be anxious for nothing,

but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving

let your requests be made known to God.

And the peace of God,

which surpasses all comprehension,

will guard your hearts

and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:6-7

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Thank you, Lord!! 

Amen!

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“Blessings crown the head of the righteous…”

Proverbs 10:6

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I love the refrain of the old hymn:

“Count Your Many Blessings”

Count your blessings, name them one by one…
Count your blessings, see what God hath done…
Count your many blessings, see what God hath done!!

Visiting Naples? Go See “Stage 2 Improv!!” Hilarious!!

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6-2-13 Casey's Show! 001IMPROV:

Ad-lib!

Extemporization!

Impromptu!

Opposite of:

Planned…

Or routine!

As in,

“That comedy skit was a totally unrehearsed improvisation!”

So every show is different!

6-2-13 Casey's Show! 003Voted “Best Live Theatre” (Including professional venues) in Southwest Florida 10 years running

by the Naples Daily News SW Florida Choice Awards,

ranked as one of the Top Ten Community Theatres in the United States.

https://foursquare.com/naplesplayers

Today The Naples Players stage more than 220 performances a year,

many of them sell outs.

With a subscriber base of more than 4,000,

and children’s program that reach over 600 children annually…

http://www.naplesplayers.org/his.html

6-2-13 Casey's Show! 005Sunny Naples is a popular, sophisticated and charming beach destination on the Gulf of Mexico.

It boasts many world-class hotels and resorts along miles of white sand beaches.

The ocean surf is gentle and the people are friendly.

Shoppers delight in searching for antiques, home furnishings, clothes and jewelry.

With its beautiful neighborhoods and grand architecture, the atmosphere is elegant, yet relaxing.

Sports enthusiasts spend glorious days pursuing their favorite activity, from golf to tennis to fishing.

There are restaurants to suit every taste and budget.

Even though it is a busy and cosmopolitan city, Naples offers easy access to secluded islands

and the wilderness of the Everglades.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g34467-Naples_Florida-Vacations.html

6-2-13 Casey's Show! 010Sugden Community Theatre

The Sugden Community Theatre is the home of The Naples Players,

a community theatre located in the City of Naples in Southwest Florida.

Our actors light up the stage with musicals, comedies, dramas, children’s’ theatre, original plays and much more.

From the artful to the thought-provoking,

The Naples Players provides affordable quality entertainment.

http://www.explorenaples.com/brochure.phtml?memberno=1374

6-2-13 Casey's Show! 011Great Theatre Review:

“One of the best, if not the best, community theater in the country.

The quality of the shows…

the talent here is superior to most ‘professional’ theaters.

This is one of the better things about Naples.

Go see a show or two here.

 They also offer classes in all things theater.

They have an amazing kids program.

Also, there are occasionally concerts and film programs.

Great staff and amazing volunteers.

Oh, and you can volunteer…

actor, backstage, tech.

Check out their website.”

http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-naples-players-naples

6-2-13 Casey's Show! 014Caricatures of the Stage 2 Improv cast…

6-2-13 Casey's Show! 013That’s our boy!!

6-2-13 Casey's Show! 015Cool set design!

6-2-13 Casey's Show! 018Relaxing atmosphere!

6-2-13 Casey's Show! 021Gets you right in the mood…

6-2-13 Casey's Show! 023To LOL!

6-2-13 Casey's Show! 029The usher and the stage manager are part of the act!!

6-2-13 Casey's Show! 032The Playbill!!

And the Hershey’s Special Dark Chocolate Bar…

  We won for driving the greatest distance to see the show!

Here’s a You Tube video tour of 5th Ave. in Old Naples!

Go see the show…you need a good laugh!!

“He will yet fill your mouth with laughter,

and your lips with shouting.”

Job 8:21

Here’s A Great Prayer…Lord, That The Lost Get Found!!

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“For the Son of Man

came to seek

and to save the lost.”

Luke 19:10

Hello my friend…
I remember when you were…
So alive with your wide eyes…
Then the light that you had in your heart was stolen…
Now you say that it ain’t worth stayin’…
You wanna run but you’re hesitatin’…
I’m talkin’ to me…

Don’t let your lights go down…
Don’t let your fire burn out…
‘Cause somewhere, somebody needs a reason to believe…
Why don’t you rise up now?

Don’t be afraid to stand out…

That’s how the lost get found!

So when you get the chance…
Are you gonna take it?
There’s a really big world at your fingertips…
And you know you have the chance to change it…
There’s a girl on the streets, she’s cryin’…
There’s a man whose faith is dyin’…

Love is calling you!

Why do we go with the flow?
Why take an easier road?
Why are we playin’ it safe?
Love came to show us the way…
Love is a chance we should take…
I’m movin’ out of the gray!

Stand out!!

You know you have the chance to change it!!

Love is calling you!!

Take the chance!

Luke 15: 4-24

The Parable Of The Lost Sheep

“What man of you, having an hundred sheep,

if he lose one of them,

doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness,

and go after that which is lost,

until he find it?

And when he hath found it,

he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.

And when he cometh home,

he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them,

‘Rejoice with me;

for I have found my sheep which was lost.’

I say unto you,

that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth,

more than over ninety and nine just persons,

which need no repentance.”

The Parable Of The Lost Coin

“Either what woman having ten pieces of silver,

if she lose one piece,

doth not light a candle,

and sweep the house,

and seek diligently till she find it?

And when she hath found it,

she calleth her friends

and her neighbours together, saying,

‘Rejoice with me;

for I have found the piece which I had lost.’

Likewise, I say unto you,

there is joy in the presence of the angels of God

over one sinner that repenteth.”

The Parable Of The Prodigal Son

“And He said, ‘A certain man had two sons:

And the younger of them said to his father,

Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me.

And he divided unto them his living.

And not many days after

the younger son gathered all together,

and took his journey into a far country,

and there wasted his substance with riotous living.

And when he had spent all,

there arose a mighty famine in that land;

and he began to be in want.

And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country;

and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.

And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat:

and no man gave unto him.

And when he came to himself, he said,

‘How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare,

and I perish with hunger!

I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father,

I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,

And am no more worthy to be called thy son:

make me as one of thy hired servants.’

And he arose, and came to his father.

But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him,

and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.

And the son said unto him,

‘Father, I have sinned against Heaven,

and in thy sight,

and am no more worthy to be called thy son.’

But the father said to his servants,

‘Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him;

and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:

And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it;

and let us eat, and be merry:

For this my son was dead, and is alive again;

he was lost, and is found.’

And they began to be merry.”

God rejoices when one of His lost children…

Is reconciled to Him…

When the lost get found!!

What a great prayer!

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Even If The Healing Doesn’t Come…

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This post is dedicated to my beloved Cousin Tom…

Who just passed away…

One month after his Mother, my Aunt Rachel…

Who I spoke about recently…

https://godssceneryandpromises.wordpress.com/2013/05/05/leave-a-legacy/

Tom, or “Cousin Tommy Boy!”

As we used to call him…

Was two days older than I…

We celebrated all our Birthdays together for many years as children…

Running and playing with all our siblings, and our other cousins…

He loved trucks…

And his favorite sound was his “truck” sound…

“Gilly-Gilly-Gilly…Vroom!”

A happy, fun, and playful child,

Who grew up to be a Mighty Man of God…

Who loved his family, and cared for my Aunt…

Heaven welcomes you, my precious cousin…

Well done, good and faithful servant…

Rest now…

I know you’re seeing your Jesus face to face!

You’re Home!!

May our Lord bring His Peace to everyone in our family…

We will miss you!

Sometimes, all we have to hold onto…
Is what we know is true of who You are…
So when the heartache hits like a hurricane…
That could never change who You are…
And we trust in who You are!

Even if the healing doesn’t come
And life falls apart
And dreams are still undone…

You are God!

You are good!

Forever Faithful One !

Even if the healing
Even if the healing doesn’t come…

“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes;

and there shall be no more death,

neither sorrow, nor crying,

neither shall there be any more pain:

for the former things are passed away.”

Revelation 21:4

Lord, we know Your ways are not our ways…
So we set our faith in who You are…
Even though You reign high above us…
You tenderly love us…
We know Your heart
And we rest in who You are…

You’re still the Great and Mighty One !

We trust You always…
You’re working all things for our good
We’ll sing Your praise!

“Then Job got up and tore his clothes in grief.

He shaved his head

and threw himself face downward on the ground.

He said, ‘I was born with nothing,

and I will die with nothing.

The Lord gave,

and now He has taken away.

May His Name be praised!’

In spite of everything that had happened,

Job did not sin by blaming God.”

Job1:20-22

You are God and we will bless You!
As the Good and Faithful One!
You are God and we will bless You!

Even if the healing doesn’t come!
Even if the healing doesn’t come!

Amen!

“Though He slay me, yet will I hope in Him;
    I will surely defend my ways to His face.”

Job 13:15

We pray for blessings…
We pray for peace…
Comfort for our family, protection while we sleep…
We pray for healing, for prosperity…
We pray for Your Mighty Hand to ease our suffering…
All the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love is way too much to give us lesser things…

‘Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears…
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise…

We pray for wisdom
Your voice to hear
And we cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt Your goodness, we doubt Your love
As if every promise from Your Word is not enough
All the while, You hear each desperate plea…
And long that we have faith to believe…

When friends betray us…
When darkness seems to win
We know the pain reminds this heart…
That this is not, this is not our home…

What if my greatest disappointments…
Or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy…
And what if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are Your mercies in disguise…

“For this world is not our home;

we are looking forward to our City in Heaven,

which is yet to come.”

Hebrews 13:14

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 “But our citizenship is in Heaven.

And we eagerly await a Savior from there,

the Lord Jesus Christ,

who, by the power that enables Him to bring everything under His control,

will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like His Glorious body.”

Philippians 3:20-21

Would You Take The Place Of This Man?

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Would You Take The Nails From His Hands????

(from ‘The Passion Of The Christ”)

You don’t need to…

It’s finished!!

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“A week later His disciples were in the house again,
and Thomas was with them.
Though the doors were locked,
Jesus came
and stood among them and said,
‘Peace be with you!’
Then He said to Thomas,
‘Put your finger here;
see my hands.
Reach out your hand and put it into My side.
Stop doubting and believe.’
Thomas said to Him,
‘My Lord and my God!’
Then Jesus told him,
“Because you have seen Me,
you have believed;
blessed are those
who have not seen
and yet have believed.”

                           John 20: 26-29

You’re The Reason For Every Good Thing!

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It’s A Beautiful Life You Give!!

“John replied,

‘No one can receive anything

unless God gives it from Heaven.'”

John 3:27

“If you, then, though you are evil,

know how to give good gifts to your children,

how much more will your Father in Heaven

give good gifts to those who ask Him!”

Matthew 7:11

Busier than you should be???

Time won’t wait!

Don’t forget…

Or take it for granted!

I’s a beautiful life we live!!

Don’t want to miss a moment!

It’s a beautiful life You give!

You’re the reason for:

Every good thing…

Every heartbeat…

Every day we get to breathe…

Anything that lasts…

Every second chance…

Every laugh!!

Oh, Life is so sweet!

There will be days…

That give me more than I can take…

Jesus, make beauty from my heartache…

It’s our family…

It’s our friends…

It’s the feeling we get when we see our children smile!!

This life…

Everything we love…

It’s You alive in us!

You’re alive in us!!

Yes, You are…

You’re here in every moment…

You’re every good thing…

That’s ever happened to ME!!!

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“Every good and perfect gift is from above,

coming down from the Father of the Heavenly lights,

who does not change like shifting shadows.”

James 1:17

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“Now the God of Peace,

who brought up from the dead

the great Shepherd of the sheep 

through the blood of the eternal covenant,

even Jesus our Lord,

equip you in every good thing to do His will,

working in us that which is pleasing in His sight,

through Jesus Christ,

to whom be the Glory forever and ever.

Amen”

Hebrews 13:20-21

I Can’t Be A Writer!!

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No one around here will let me think!!!

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If my dream is to be a writer…

I need to write!

To write…

I need to think!!

Here’s the scenario:

Get up late…

If I’m not working…

Get the coffee churning!  Ha!

Or, rush home from work, or from wherever…

Hurry to get everything done around the house…

Well not “everything!”

But enough to make me happy!

Eat, so my brain can function…

Sit down at the computer in the den…

Check my e-mails…

Gather my thoughts…

Compile my notes…

Download my photos…

Prepare to think…

Get ready to create!!

Ahhhhhhh…

The moment’s here!

And then!!!!!!!!!

It starts….

“Hon,

Can you peel the eggplant for dinner?

Put away the groceries?

Bread the chicken cutlets?

Send out this bill?

Call the pharmacy?”

And on and on…..

“Mom,

Where’s my whatever???

What do we have going on for Saturday?

Do I have to vacuum today?

Can I use this den space to play my games?”

And our Crazy Siberian…

She’s the worst!!!

She’ll be perfectly fine…

Relaxed…

Just lying around…

Watching TV with us…

But, as soon as I get my behind on my comfy chair in the den…

To sit down right in front of my computer…

And start to imagine…

Start to formulate a wonderful idea…

About something I’m passionate about…

“Ahhhh, yes….

It’s time to write!”

She barks to go outside!

She barks for a treat!

She barks for some attention…

Who knows…

She just barks…

It’s soooo annoying!

Then I get angry…

And whip out the dreaded fly swatter…

And warn her…

It doesn’t help!!

She’s spoiled by all of us!

So I end up…

Getting up…

Getting the treat…

Taking her out …

And giving her attention!!!

All my thoughts…

My beautiful, creative thoughts…

Just completely left my mind!!

Come back, come back…

Sweet, precious thoughts!!

This is why I often write at 2 am!!!!

When everyone’s asleep!

My fantasy…

Is to be alone in a cottage on the beach…

For at least 3 full entire days and nights!!!

Dear Lord…

I love my family, my home, and my life…

But, is that too much to ask for???

Just a little time to think!!

“Finally, brothers,

whatever is true,

whatever is honorable,

whatever is just,

whatever is pure,

whatever is lovely,

whatever is commendable,

if there is any excellence,

if there is anything worthy of praise,

think about these things”

Philippians 4:8