Devotions

Sep 09 2016
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Adventures in Publishing…

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For several months this year, we will be featuring some of the Destiny Center Authors as guest bloggers. This month we will hear from the Author of “The Creatively Imagined Explanation of Gabriel’s Blue Giraffe,” Kimiya DeRuiter.

It has been a thrill and an experimental adventure publishing my first children’s book. I am so thankful to my publisher and all who have encouraged and supported me in this journey.

The Creatively Imagined Explanation of Gabriel’s Blue Giraffe is an invitation to explore the maybe’s and perhapses of the limitless world of imagination. By nurturing, igniting, and fueling the adventure of discovery and plain old making stuff up, it is the ancient belief that we are created to create and expand our world into new worlds of thinking and inventing in partnership with our Divine Designer.

TaljonAside from just plain old fun, writing this book is my intentional effort to counter the loss and depletion of children’s imagination and recapture and mine the Gold in our #‎NextGen of Discoverers, Inventors, Writers, Filmmakers, Problem Solvers and Artrepreneurs.

 

My B&B&B&KBook Signing at Pasadena Central Library’s Author & Arts Fair was such fun. Honestly, I was overwhelmed with

gratitude towards all of the people that came out to support me and do a happy dance with me over the joy of getting my children’s book published and show casing it’s debut at the Pasadena Central Library. Feeling like the newbie on the block to all of this, it is an honor to run with a tribe of authors that have accomplished so much themselves.

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Remember, today is a day to be creative!

“Maybe or Perhaps we could make stuff up and just use our imaginations today!”

 

 

 

COVER-front-GabrielsBlueGiraffe-sm-228x228ABOUT the BOOK: The Creatively Imagined Explanation of Gabriel’s Blue Giraffe is an invitation to explore the maybe’s and perhapses of the limitless world of imagination. By nurturing, igniting, and fueling the adventure of discovery and plain old making stuff up, it is the ancient belief that we are created to create and expand our world into new worlds of thinking and inventing in partnership with our Divine Designer.

Kimiya 2015-cr

 

 
ABOUT the AUTHOR: Kimiya DeRuiter is “Maybe Perhaps” one of the most unconventional thinkers on the education system and it’s implemented practice. As an administrator for ICAN Children’s Village she is proactive in this influence. As a mom, wife, educator, artist, and business woman, she is childlike in faith and simple minded enough to boldly go where no wonderment has stumbled upon before.

Click here to buy Kimiya’s book The Creatively Imagined Explanation of Gabriel’s Blue Giraffe

Aug 08 2016
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Obedience

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For several months this year, we will be featuring some of the Destiny Center Authors as guest bloggers. This month we will hear from Author Lois Lee Soto, known to all who love her as Loi. This excerpt is from her book: Rabbit Trails – But God… has a plan… The Journey of a Life Led by God.

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Jun 01 2016
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Spiritual Freedom

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Luke 9:3 – And [Jesus] said to them,
‘Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money; 
and do not have two tunics.’
 
Willing to live less so that I could live more…
Blog by Pastor Chris DeGreene
 

 (Memorial Day was celebrated this past Monday, the last Monday in May, in the United States)

 
flag-958343_1920 copyMy mind turns to Memorial Day, because the older I get, the more I value those who have been willing to live less so that I could live more.
 
It has been said to me that Veterans Day celebrates the heroes who came home. Memorial Day celebrates the heroes who didn’t come home.
 
In essence, all these heroes took one thing and only one thing into battle, namely, a willingness to die for their country, coupled with the belief that earthly freedom was worth the price.In today’s Bible verse, Jesus sends out the disciples and basically tells them to take one thing and only one thing into their mission field, namely, a willingness to die for the kingdom of God, coupled with the belief that spiritual freedom was worth the price.

 

Do you see the parallels?

2bereavement-1239415_1920 copyYou could say that there’s at least an implicit charge here from Jesus to us, Jesus sends us out as disciples and basically tells us to take one thing and only one thing on our trip, namely, a willingness to die to self for the kingdom of God, coupled with the belief that spiritual freedom is worth the price. This dying to self will happen when we use time with family and friends to remember, speak of, and celebrate both those who have died for our freedoms and how those sacrifices have blessed our lives.

Many military personnel have died for our earthly freedoms. Many a missionary and Jesus Christ himself, most of all, died for our spiritual freedoms. Let us be found using our time to remember, speak of, and celebrate both those who have died for our freedoms and how those sacrifices have blessed our lives.

Praise God!
Pastor Chris

 

For several months this year, we will be featuring some of our friends, and Destiny Center Authors, as guest bloggers. Today’s blog about Memorial day, is from Pastor Chris DeGreene. To read other wonderful devotionals from Pastor Chris, you can purchase his book, “60 Days of Praise! Devotional” on the DestinyCenter.com website.

Pastor Chris has a large faithful following of his daily devotional “Day of Praise.” You can join the “Day of Praise” family each day by reading a daily devotional from his book “60 Days of Praise! Devotional”. 60 Days of Praise! Devotional book is a collection of two months of wonderful, inspiring, thoughtful, and often humorous, devotions selected from Pastor Chris’s writings. You can start your day off right each morning, with a new daily devotional from 60 Days of Praise! Devotional. Be encouraged and challenged to grow in your walk with Jesus each day, as you read 60 Days of Praise! Devotional. Praise God!

You can get Pastor DeGreene’s book here: http://www.destinycenter.com/read/Devotionals-Journals?product_id=171

 

DeGreene_Cover

About the Author: Reverend Dr. Christopher DeGreen is Pastor of Christ the King Lutheran church in Birmingham, Alabama. He was born in Atlanta, caught tadpoles in Memphis, grew up in Kingsport, TN, walked on the football team at the University of TN, learned about Pastoring at the Lutheran Seminary in Philadelphia, was called to Christ the King Lutheran church in Birmingham, AL, got his D. Min. from Beeson Div School, saw his three amazing kids be born and grow, and was blown away by God’s grace when he married his Beloved Amanda.

 

 

May 01 2016
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Happy Mother’s Day

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ILYM

I Love You Mom! 
by Elizabeth W. Drake
 
There is nothing as special 
As a Mother’s Love 
Created and sent 
By God above
 
A Mother loves at all times
And in so many ways
Making your life special
Even on ordinary days
 
A skinned up knee
A broken heart
No matter what hurts
She’ll do her part
 
To make you smile 
And be joyful again
She’ll cheer you on
She knows you’ll win
 
A million things 
A Mother will do 
All because 
She loves you…
 

We hope you enjoyed part of this poem from the book “I Love You Mom!” by Elizabeth W. Drake.

The next few months we will be featuring some of our friends, and Destiny Center Authors, as guest bloggers. This month, in honor of Mother’s day, we wanted to feature part of this poem from Elizabeth W. Drake’s book, “I Love You Mom!” which is available on Kindle.  It is a beautiful book based on one poem, from a series of poems, written by Elizabeth W. Drake about the Love of a Mother.

The book “I Love You Mom!”, featuring exquisite photography and poetry, is a perfect gift for your Mother for Mother’s Day, her Birthday, or any special occasion! She has three books available on Kindle from this series. If you are interested there are links to the books below.

We also hope you have a wonderful Mother’s day with your Mom, and / or your children, or family or friends that you want to celebrate as great Moms!

Personally, I am so blessed to have the BEST Mom in the world! I hope that you feel the same way about your Mom!

Happy Mother’s Day!

May blessings –  Diane 🙂

If you are interested in getting this book by Elizabeth W. Drake, or any of her other books Destiny Center has published, they are available from our website, and on Kindle. Here are the links…

ILYMI Love You Mom! by Elizabeth W. Drake

A beautiful book based on one poem, from a series of poems, written by Elizabeth W. Drake about the Love of a Mother. The book “I Love You Mom!”, featuring exquisite photography and poetry is a perfect gift for your Mother for her Birthday, Mother’s Day, or any special occasion!

http://www.amazon.com/LOVE-YOU-MOM-Elizabeth-Drake-ebook/dp/B00X8ABTA4/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1461950393&sr=1-2

 

Other books from Elizabeth W. Drake:

AMLA Mother’s Love by Elizabeth W. Drake 

A Mother’s Love 
Will always be 
The dearest thing 
In life to me…
 

http://www.amazon.com/Mothers-Love-Elizabeth-W-Drake-ebook/dp/B00X896EDC/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1461950393&sr=1-3

 

MML“My Mother’s Love” by Elizabeth W. Drake 

When I felt alone
Without a friend
My Mother’s Love
Helped me to mend
 
When I felt afraid 
And didn’t know what to do 
My Mother’s Love 
Always got me through…
 

http://www.amazon.com/My-Mothers-Love-Elizabeth-Drake-ebook/dp/B00X8YFXMK/ref=sr_1_4?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1461950393&sr=1-4

CEThe Corporate Escape by Elizabeth W. Drake

“The Corporate Escape” takes you on a Romantic Adventure the other side of the world and back, as Lynn & Paul’s exciting love story leads them to America, New Zealand, Australia and Tahiti. This is Elizabeth W. Drake’s first novel in the new International Romance Novels Series, Kingdom Romance Novels, Published by KEI.

http://www.destinycenter.com/read/Relationships?product_id=57

About the Author: Elizabeth W. Drake is active in Worldwide Missions and lives with her family in the United States of America. Her novels, featured in the Destiny Center/ KEI new International Christian Romance Series, lead you on an international escapade. You will go with the characters in their faith filled romantic adventures, as they travel the world to exotic Global Locations. Her poetry, about the Love of a Mother, has been published in a series of books featuring exquisite photography and poetry.

Apr 02 2016
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Peace for Your Problems

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Philippians 4:6 & 7 – Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” 

frightened-1172122_960_720It sure seems like an easy thing to worry. Everyday, problems come our way, and we have a choice. We can either decide to worry and be anxious, or we can turn everything over to God, knowing that He is in control.

Philippians 4:6 – Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 
When we are anxious and troubled, our minds become anxious and troubled & consumed with the problem or situation.

When we are consumed with the problem, we focus on all the negatives, not all the positives. Focusing on all the negatives causes us to have toxins released in our bodies that make us ill. We literally make ourselves sick by the constant focus on our problems and being anxious about the situation.

So, God gives us the answer…  Read More

Mar 01 2016
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Alignment

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In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:6 – NASB

Recently, I noticed my car was pulling a bit to the right, which is better than pulling to the left, into traffic, but still is not as it should be.

That means my car has issues. It needs an alignment. When your car pulls right or left at the same time that you’re trying to make it go straight, then you’ve got issues. And it means you need to get your car to a place that does alignments.

Basically, an alignment “will make your [car’s] path straight,” like in today’s Bible verse.

It’s pretty common to need an alignment for your car. You need your car realigned because it’s been out doing what cars do – driving on bumpy roads, hitting potholes, and going over an occasional curb. Stuff like that knocks your car out the alignment.

The problem is, if you don’t get your car realigned, it throws everything off. The longer it goes on, the worse the damage. Including destroying our tires & then causing problems in many other areas.

Kind of like in our lives.  Read More

Aug 24 2015
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Announcing the YWAM Hollywood Supernatural Destiny School – On-Line!

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ribbonTeal

SDS2-6-sm3Announcing the YWAM Hollywood Supernatural Destiny School – On-Line! 

We wanted to let you know some exciting news! YWAM Hollywood is partnering with the University of the Nations, and the Destiny Center Institute, to begin offering a complete 4 year curriculum, on-line. You can register now for one of the limited spaces for our first year core course, the Supernatural Destiny School, which starts in October. It is an awesome school that has been taught on location worldwide, to students from over 100 countries, & is now available on-line!

We believe that you were created to have a successful life that has purpose and meaning. You were created for significance. You can make a difference in the world! Let us help!

See the cool video about the school here… http://www.ywamhollywood.org/training-events/ 

register3Register today for the Supernatural Destiny School (SDS) & let God show you what to do to get the most out of life, and how you can make a difference, and change the world for Jesus! http://www.ywamhollywood.org/on-line-training/

We have more information about the school on our website. Check it out, and please  share the information about the school with your friends, family, and church!  http://www.ywamhollywood.org/on-line-training/

We are excited about our new on-line training school & hope you will join us this fall for the YWAM Hollywood Supernatural Destiny School!  (Btw – Our on-line SDS Class starts October 12, 2015 & we have a limited number of places available –  so, we hope you’ll register today!)

Many blessings!

YWAM Hollywood

 

Jul 01 2015
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All natural mosquito repellant.

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NOmosquitoWell, it is the week of July 4th, officially mosquito season…

Mosquitos are not fun, and can be very dangerous as well. They carry many diseases, some of them fatal.

SO, if the mosquitos seem to love to bite you – like they do me – then try my new summer all natural mosquito repellant.

A friend at church told me about Lavender Oil, and I had previously read about Coconut Oil, so I decided to combine them, and give it a try.

Here is my recipe:

Diane’s All natural mosquito repellant.

You will need: 

Coconut Oil (I use LouAna brand from my grocery store or big box store)

Lavender Essential oil (I got mine online last year, but most health food stores have it)

Small glass or plastic container (I bought a plastic one at the dollar store. Be sure it is able to hold 1/4 cup or more – or make a smaller amount)

Mix ingredients together in a small container:

1/4 cup Coconut Oil

5 – 10 drops of Lavender Essential oil. (Depending on how strong you want it to be)

 

That’s it! Easy as can be!

Now, just rub the mixture on any exposed skin before you go outside.

It is great for your skin and keeps the mosquitos away. I have been using it this summer & it has worked great for me!

Give it a try and let me know how it works for you!

I hope you have a fun July 4th weekend with family and friends – and NO mosquitos!

 

Apr 16 2015
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15 Ways to Ensure Success Each Day

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keyPsalm 100 tells us the way to succeed each and every day as we live our lives for Jesus. Let’s take a look…

1 Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. 2 Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing. 3 Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. 5 For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations. Psalm 100:1-5 (KJV)

Many people will try to tell you what you need to do each day to be successful. But, if you really want to know the truth, turn to the Bible.

To start off each day right, your daily prescription is found in Psalm 100!

15 ways to ensure success each day:

1. Praise God with a joyful noise.

2. Sing in God’s presence.

3. Be glad as you serve God.

4. Know and declare that God is God. (and you are not)

5. Know and declare that God made you.

6. Know and declare that you belong to God.

7. Know and declare God will take care of you.

8. Be thankful.

9. Come to God with Praise.

10. Be thankful to God.

11. Bless God’s name.

12. Know and declare that God is good.

13. Know and declare that His mercy is everlasting.

14. Believe and agree with God that what He says is true.

15. Know and declare that His truth extends to you now and endures to all generations.

Psalm 100, in verses 1 through 5, tells us 15 ways to ensure success each and every day as we live our lives for Jesus.

That is good news worth sharing!

If you want to ensure success each day, begin by praising the Lord and declaring the truths found in Psalm 100.

Praise the Lord!

Jan 22 2015
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STOP!

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Stop-300x300“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” Psalm 46:10 ESV

It is a new year. As a ministry we always stop at the end of the year and ask God to clarify what the coming year will be for us. What is the vision for the new year? What is the Mission for this next season? What strategies are we to implement, with our activities this year, that will accomplish the Mission and Vision?

We have been actually processing this, for 2015, since the beginning of the Jewish new year 5775 back in September of 2014. The year 5775 after Creation, which runs from Sept. 25, 2014, through Sept. 13, 2015. The year 5776 starts Sept. 14, 2015. Since last September, we have been sensing a shift in our activities, and in our vision, and have been pressing in to what that could mean for us in 2015.

2015 is a Sabbath Rest year (Shemittah 5775) and a Jubilee Year (Yobel 5776). In the Bible during the year of Sabbath Rest, and a Jubilee Year, all debts between Jewish debtors and creditors were cancelled, and all slaves were released. Every seventh year, in the Sabbath Rest year, the farmers did not toil in the fields. They gave the land a year of rest. They trusted God for provision. And because of the year of rest for the fields, the land was more fruitful in the subsequent seasons. In addition, during the Jubilee Year all slaves were freed, and all fields and houses sold during the past fifty years were returned to their original owners. Read More