Psalm 145:21 - "Praise You In This Storm"

'God is so good!' I don't know how many times I say that in a day but it makes me sad to think about how many people don't say it. I do not know how people get through life without that knowledge. I can't even begin to comprehend life without Him. He blesses me in abundance each and every day. Yesterday was full of blessings. Spending time with the Carrington children, having lunch with friends, picking strawberries, receiving encouraging updates from prayer requests for Pastor Karen and Little Ivy, my Momma seeing the doctor due to a cancellation and getting a plan for surgery, texts and calls with friends, resting...what a full day! I love the knowledge that God is with me every breath I take. I went back to Psalm 145 this morning and praised God through it. The last verse is one I not only read but I prayed. Oh how I pray for people to find a reason to praise God today. Even in the midst of the storms of life there is always something to praise Him for. Even when we feel like we can't go on there is a reason to praise Him. Even when life seems to be falling apart around us there is a reason to praise Him. We woke up this morning to another day of life. That is a reason to praise Him. The storms of life are so great at times. We feel like they are going to rip us to pieces. But God is always with us. He is always there to protect us. When we can praise Him no matter what happens, we will be blessed. Yesterday was a bit emotional for me as I picked strawberries. Every time I picked last year and Doc could go he did. The first couple times he even picked with me. Sometimes he would have to stay in the car while I picked. Mr. Dempsey and I talked about how he fought the cancer and about ones fighting right now. There is no rhyme or reason as to why some 'beat it' and others don't nor why the cure for cancer has not already been found. It is times like yesterday that I praise God for Doc no longer suffering on this earth. I think of my Daddy, my brother Gene, Reta, and so many others who also passed from cancer and am grateful they are no longer suffering. We never know when our time on earth will be over but we can praise God while we are here so we will praise Him for eternity. Woo hoo! My goal in life is to praise Him so others will realize a life with Him. I desire to love with His love so others can do the same. The words to Casting Crown's song Praise You In This Storm are on my mind this morning. Oh how I pray people who are in great storms of life will get to the point where they can praise Him.

I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
Every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead in this day! Thank You for bringing praise to my lips no matter what is happening in life! Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more or You. May You ooze out of my words, actions, thoughts, and attitude today in a mighty way. May You be greater than the hurts of life. I praise You for encouraging news for Pastor Karen, Little Ivy, and my Momma. I praise You for my day yesterday with the Carrington children, lunch with Sheri and her friends, picking strawberries, texts with friends, rest, and ending the day with a long talk with Rickey. Lord, You give me so much to be thankful for...so much to praise You for...so much! I praise You for my arm allowing me to crochet the baby blankets for babies who will be born this summer. I praise You for another day of life and for all You will put before me to love on with Your love. I praise You for my visit with a new neighbor yesterday and for her sharing prayer requests with me. I praise You for being with many going through storms of life. May You be greater than the storms of lost jobs, financial difficulties, relationship issues, deaths of loved ones, etc. May Your Name be on our lips to praise no matter what is happening in life. Thank You Jesus for being The One I Praise! Amen.

Lamentations 3:22-27 - "New Today"

Today is a new day! Yesterday is gone and tomorrow is yet to be. God loves us so much that He is with us in our yesterdays, todays, and tomorrows. He loves us so much when we mess up He is there to catch us instead of allowing us to fall. When we miss opportunities He puts before us to love with His love, it's OK. He still loves us. He is a loving God who desires for us to live in His will but when we don't He does not write us off. Instead He continues to lead us as we allow Him. Before going to sleep I prayed for so many going through 'tough' days. Some with physical issues in themselves or family members. Some struggling financially. Some with relationship issues. Some with loss of their job. Some facing life and death decisions. I prayed especially for those who need to allow God to be more in their life. We all need more of God. We all need to get to the end of ourselves so He has complete complete control over every aspect of life. We all need to realize life is not about us but needs to be focused on Him. He is the reason we are here. He created us to love Him. He created us to share His love with others. What a blessing to know there is a new day ahead! I know I probably missed opportunities He put before me yesterday or did not respond as He desired to someone. Thankfully He does not hold such things against me but instead givers me a new day to live for Him! Micah Tyler's song "New Today" is on my mind this morning...

Help me rise like the morning sun
Help me see that Your works not done
When I'm less than what I want to be
Lord, I need You to keep reminding me

Your mercies are new today
Your mercies are new today
I can rest on Your shoulders

It is important for us to remember God's love, mercy, and grace are greater than anything that comes along in life. We were talking last night in Bible study about how the enemy wants to get our souls and will do anything he can to win. We cannot allow him to feed us lies but instead must stand in the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. When people say or do something to hurt us, we cannot allow that hurt to fester but instead need to allow God to soothe the hurt away. When we feel like a failure, we cannot allow the enemy to pounce on that feeling and tear us down further but instead must allow God to fill up our tank so we can live in His love.

Dear Jesus, Thank You for Your love, mercy, and grace! Thank You for the knowledge You are greater than the enemy! Thank You for the reminder from Your Word and this song that today is a new day! Lord, cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. May You ooze out of my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts today in a new, different way. May people experience Your love through me. Father, I do not know what is ahead in this day but You do and that is all that matters. May I not miss any opportunity You put before me today. Thank You for my tribe that take care of me so well! Thank You for Joshua who took my trash and put the wheelchair and walker into storage! Thank You for Chris and the boys who put my Christmas decorations into storage! I am one blessed lady! Lord, my heart breaks for many going through 'tough' days. Little Ivy's family; Pastor Karen's family; June's great nephew; my Momma, Jack, and Mac as they await surgery; my sister Linda as she continues to recuperate from surgery; one who lost their job; Carletta as she has a job interview this morning; Elizabeth's neighbor who needs Your strength; Cait as she starts grad school; Kayla as she takes a test; and many others. Lord, be greater than the hurts of life. I pray Your peace over all. May Your touch be felt today in a new, different way. Lord, I pray for Your wisdom with decisions I need to make. I pray for Your clarity in situations. I am so thankful for the way You work in and through me. I am thankful for the desire of my heart to be Your obedient servant. Thank You Father for being My More! Amen.

Psalm 145:1-3 - "I Stand Amazed"

Woo hoo! I am one blessed lady! God is so good to encourage me. Yesterday was filled with encouragement from Him through people, thoughts, music, Scripture, nature...the list goes on and on. It was such a blessing to sit around my dining room table and eat with friends. Another blessing in the day was having three year old Jaxson give me hugs, kisses, and 'I love you'! Having two friends check on me via text and another friend send me words of encouragement blessed me in abundance. I did not get everything accomplished I desired but I have to trust God in knowing what must be done. He is so good at giving me direction and loving on me. He is so good at all He does in my life. I praise Him for all He does in and through me. I praise Him for the people He puts in my life. I praise Him for the insight He gives me on how best to love on others. Matthew Henry writes of the beginning verses of Psalm 145: Those who, under troubles and temptations, abound in fervent prayer, shall in due season abound in grateful praise, which is the true language of holy joy. Prayer is key in my life. It is a part of my life throughout the day and sometimes God wakes me during the night. Prayer cannot be a one-way conversation with God. We must not only speak to Him but we must be still so we can listen to Him. We cannot walk in obedience to Him if we do not know what He desires of us. We must learn to praise Him through the 'storms' of life so we can praise Him in the 'good' days. Praise needs to be on our lips 24/7. I know there are some who cannot comprehend how anyone can have joy after losing a loved on, going through an illness themselves or in a family member, etc. But holy joy is possible when we lean into God and allow Him to be in control of our life. One of the songs we sang Sunday is on my heart this morning...

I stand amazed in the presence
Of Jesus the Nazarene
And wonder how He could love me
A sinner, condemned, unclean

O how marvelous! O how wonderful!
And my song shall ever be:
O how marvelous! O how wonderful!
Is my Savior's love for me!

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for all of the ways You work in and through me! Thank You for filling my emotional tank up yesterday through people, creation, Scripture, music, thoughts, etc! Thank You for cleansing me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You! May You ooze out of my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts today in a mighty way. May You shine brightly through me as I love with Your love. Father, my heart is so heavy for many going through 'tough' days. I continue to pray for: Little Ivy's family; Pastor Karen's family; my friends Trish, Iwilda, Shirley, Rick, and Becky; a man waiting on a biopsy; my Momma and Jack as they await surgery; Don as he had a shot in his knee; Little Micah with his broken leg; and so many others. I pray each one of these dear ones will find a reason to praise You today. I pray everyone will look around them today and find a reason to praise You. You woke us up and that is reason to praise You. You gave us another day of life and that is reason to praise You. I praise You for my tribe that continue to love on me so well! I praise You for bringing Rickey into my life to talk and laugh with! I praise You for the day ahead! I praise You for continued direction, wisdom, and peace in my life! Woo hoo! Thank You Jesus for being My Reason to Praise! Amen.

John 9:39 - "Light of the World"

Last night at board meeting it hit me once again God has me here right now to lead the Beaufort Church of the Nazarene in His will. I was blessed Sunday when the majority of the people stood when I asked if they would support me through the process of growing our church. I am not as concerned about numbers in attendance as I am with spiritual growth in all of us. Everyone needs to grow in their spiritual walk. The way to see such growth is to seek more of Him. I read from one of Max Lucado's books last night to open board meeting. The topic 'mirrored' Sunday's sermon in us being a reflection of Christ. What would our life look like if we were to take on the heart of Christ? How would our priorities change? Would we be different in our attitudes? During the night God woke me three times to pray. Once was for some people going through 'tough' days to find His peace. The second time was to pray for His wisdom for some decisions I have before me. The third time was for His wisdom on how to lead the people God puts in my path. I prayed for not only His wisdom but His direction. This morning when I woke up He took me to John 9:39. I find it interesting how the Wednesday night Bible study group is discussing Jesus teaching in parables to make things clear to those who hear and then He brings this verse to me. I pray regularly for wisdom and direction on what and how to present what He desires people to hear. I was so excited yesterday morning when He gave me the May sermon series. He started by planting a seed into my mind last week but then yesterday morning it become a beautiful flower! Woo hoo! John 9:39 shows me exactly how to present what He gives me to share. It must be given in a way people can understand. It also must be given in a way people will desire to take it and live it out in life. We are all blind until we receive Him. The blind man who received sight in John 9 received more than his physical sight. He was spiritually healed. No one has to stay blind in their spiritual life. All we have to do is allow God to be the Light of the world. Once we accept Him, we need to seek more of Him every day so He can work in and through us. Sunday as I was sitting at the restaurant I looked up into the sky. The tree there is enormous with the limbs going out over a wide area. As I looked up, I felt the Lord's presence. I didn't think much of it at the time but now two days later I realized what He said to me. "I desire to be the Light shining through." Wow, God! Just as the light was shining through the limbs and leaves He desires to shine through me. He desires to shine through all of us. 

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for the opportunities to pray throughout the night! Thank You for John 9:39 that You took me to this morning! Thank You for bringing Your words back to me from Sunday afternoon! Woo hoo! I feel like I am going to jump out of my skin! What a way to start off my day! You amaze me so much! Lord, cleanse me so You can fill me with more of You. May Your love ooze out of my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts in a mighty way throughout today. May people see/hear You instead of me. Lord, I pray for many during the night who are going through 'tough' times. May You give peace to Little Ivy's family, Pastor Karen's family, June's family, and others who are watching their loved ones suffer. Once again, I pray for Your wisdom for decisions in my personal life and in the life of the church. I love how You speak to me! I love the relationship I have with You! I love hearing Your voice and walking in obedience to it! Lord, bless the day ahead for me. May Your words flow from me with everyone You put before me. Thank You for my friend Kim who stayed with my Momma last night! Thank You for Rickey who encourages me greatly! Thank You for being the Light of My World! Amen.

Psalm 46:10 - "Hills and Valleys"

Yesterday in the sermon I mentioned I felt like I had let God down when resting so much last week. I said I felt 'guilty' with the situation. I was reminded in the afternoon that guilt is from satan not from God. I knew that but it helps to be reminded of such things. I know God loves me and wants what is best for me. He is so, so good at providing exactly what I need. He knew I needed the conversation about mountains, valleys, and level ground to remember He is with me not matter what is going on in life. I was reminded of Psalm 46:10. A few years ago I pondered on this verse for several days and was blessed in abundance throughout those days. It was during a time in life when the schedule was crazy and I felt like I did not have time to breathe. That week of taking these words and allowing God to speak through them was one of refreshment. Yesterday I thought about the schedule for this week and felt like crying. It seems like it has been forever since I have been to the waterfront or the beach to walk. The last few weeks before getting into the building were crazy. Last week was spent resting a lot. I need to get back to being intentional in making time for just me and God out in His creation. That may sound selfish but I believe it is what God desires of me. He knows what I need and He provides it as I allow Him. He desires to do the same for all of us. We just need to realize He knows what is best for us. I reminded us all in the sermon yesterday that we need to praise Him for...

His time being the perfect time

His love being greater than anything that comes our way

His peace in the midst of the storms of life

The more we praise Him through the mountains and valleys, the more we will realize we can praise Him on the level ground too. The words to "Hills and Valleys" are on my mind this morning...

On the mountains, I will bow my life
To the One who set me there (to the One who set me there)
In the valley, I will lift my eyes
To the One who sees me there

I am so blessed to know God is with me on the mountain, in the valley, and on the level ground. Woo hoo! I am so blessed for His strength, wisdom, peace, and love. Woo hoo! I am so blessed for people, Scripture, songs, and His creation that encourage me so greatly. Woo hoo! I am one blessed lady!

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead in this day! Thank You for the people You put in my life! Thank You for Clay's words yesterday afternoon in follow-up to the sermon! Thank You for lunch with Perks, Ms Carol, and Baughans! Thank You for continuing to be with Little Ivy and her family; Pastor Karen and her family; June's family with her great nephew Michael's health issues; Jack as he awaits surgery; my sister Linda as she continues to recuperate; and so many others. Thank You for the praises shared in service yesterday! Oh how I missed that time when we were apart! Thank You for all who stood in support of being with me as we grow our church! Lord, may we concentrate on souls not numbers. Thank You for Rickey's calls that encourage me greatly! Thank You for laughter! I pray for a cleansing in my spirit so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. May You ooze out of my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts today in a new, different way. I pray for Darrell to have a great first day at his job; all the decisions the board makes tonight be from You; and Momma's appointment with the surgeon today to provide answers. Thank You for all who are helping with her care! Thank You for the week ahead! I pray You will empower me to stay focused on You so I do not miss anything You have in store for me. Thank You for being My Stillness! Amen.

Psalm 127:3-5 - "Come Thou Fount"

Oh how I miss my boys and their families. I am so grateful for technology that keeps me connected with what happens in their lives. Last night as I watched the video of Ben, Emily, and their three oldest doing "Come Thou Fount" I was so blessed. There are so many blessings in their family. Homeschooling is one of the big blessings for them. The children are learning in a loving environment on their own level. They are being taught about the Lord in ways public school does not. They are being taught values and morals not learned in public school. I am not against public school by any means and home schooling is definitely not for everyone but it works for Ben's family. Another blessing from their video was knowing all of them are learning to play instruments with a desire in their heart to glorify God through the process. The ending line Here's my heart, oh, take and seal it, Seal it for Thy courts above is one they all sing with great meaning. I am one proud Momma/Grandma. Psalm 127:4 reads in The Message, Oh, how blessed are you parents, with your quivers full of children! Ben and Emily are definitely blessed as parents! Matthew Henry writes of this Psalm:

That they are a good gift, and a great support and defence to a family: As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man, who knows how to use them for his own safety and advantage, so are children of the youth, that is, children born to their parents when they are young, which are the strongest and most healthful children, and are grown up to serve them by the time they need their service; or, rather, children who are themselves young; they are instruments of much good to their parents and families, which may fortify themselves with them against their enemies. The family that has a large stock of children is like a quiver full of arrows, of different sizes we may suppose, but all of use one time or other; children of different capacities and inclinations may be several ways serviceable to the family. 

It is so important for all parents to raise their children in the manner the Lord desires. It is also important for us to raise our children to spread their wings and fly just as birds teach them offspring. It is hard when the 'empty nest' season of life comes along yet it can also be a blessing for both the parents and the children.

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for today's technology that keeps me 'connected' with what is happening in my children/grandchildren's lives! Thank You for the the opportunities You give my boys to raise their children in Your love! Father, today is Sunday and I pray for parents to consider taking their children to church. I pray for pastors who have an opportunity to love on parents to do so with not only their actions but especially their words from the pulpit. My heart breaks for what Pastor Karen's family are going through yet I am thankful they have You to lean into. It breaks for Little Ivy's family too. I pray for Your strength to be theirs in a mighty way today and the days ahead. Thank You for safe travels for Linda, Nancy, Beth, and Lilley's! I continue to pray for Elizabeth and Sarah on their journey. Thank You for cleansing me so You can shine brightly through me today! May my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts flow from Your love. May You be greater than anything that comes my way today. I pray the same for all pastors. Lord, give us Your strength! Thank You for being The One To Bless Me! Amen.

ttps://www.facebook.com/emilypowers3185/posts/10157537898607282 

Isaiah 43:2 - "Fires"

The song "Fires" was once again going through my mind this morning when I woke up. I have gone through many "Fires" in life, especially over the last couple of years. With this song continually being on my mind it makes me wonder if there are some major "Fires" coming up in life. Perhaps it is just God wanting to remind me of what He has already taken me through. No matter what the circumstance, I know He is with me. Part of the song goes...

I'm changed by Your mercy
Covered by Your peace
I'm living out the victory
Doesn't mean I won't feel the heat

God changes me through His love, mercy, and grace. He empowers me to be the lady He desires me to be. He also is with me when the enemy comes knocking at my door. Yesterday as I awaited my 'final' ordination interview time the enemy tried to make me be antsy in my spirit. It was so cool how God took that feeling away and gave me His peace. I have story after story of His peace taking over when the enemy tried to steal it. Praise His Holy Name for such victory! Jordan St. Cyr wrote the song "Fires" about a man who was blessed by his community when he was going to lose his family's home. The song took on a new meaning when Jordan's daughter was born with a brain issue. He wrote:

"While this journey has not been easy, and we’re left with so many more questions than we have answers, we know more than ever now that God is with us and that He always will be. He has made us stronger, and He has grown our faith in ways that we never thought were possible,” the singer attests. “He’s used the hardest parts of our story to refine our hearts and draw us closer to Him.”

Fire purifies. It refines. It makes all things different. I love the prophecy found in the first few verses of Isaiah 43. This prophecy has come true over and over again in my life. Verse two tells me He will always be with me no matter what is happening in my life. Woo hoo! Matthew Henry write of this Scripture:

God's favour and good-will to his people speak abundant comfort to all believers. The new creature, wherever it is, is of God's forming. All who are redeemed with the blood of his Son, he has set apart for himself. Those that have God for them need not fear who or what can be against them. What are Egypt and Ethiopia, all their lives and treasures, compared with the blood of Christ? True believers are precious in God's sight, his delight is in them, above any people. Though they went as through fire and water, yet, while they had God with them, they need fear no evil; they should be born up, and brought out. The faithful are encouraged. They were to be assembled from every quarter. And with this pleasing object in view, the prophet again dissuades from anxious fears.

I have victory over anxiousness when the enemy tries to put it upon me. I have victory over evilness when it comes my way. I have victory over feelings of doubt and despair when they try to creep into my life. Plain and simple. I have victory in the Lord. Woo hoo!

Dear Jesus, Thank You for You love, mercy, and grace! Thank You for the way You provide exactly what I need, when I need it! Thank You for my 'final' interview yesterday for ordination! Thank You for all of my fellow pastor friends who love on me so well! Thank You for cleansing me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You for the day ahead! May You ooze out of my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts today in a new, different way. May people see/hear You instead of me. Thank You for my sister Linda being with my Momma yesterday for Daddy's birthday! Thank You for being with Elizabeth and Sarah; Ross and Mary; and Nancy as they travel! Thank You for giving Little Ivy's family and Pastor Karen's family Your strength in these tough days! Thank You for continuing to be with Carrie as she cares for her dear Momma! Lord, there are so many people going through 'tough' times. I pray You will use the 'tough' times to refine us all. May we draw deeper in our faith. May Your love be realized to a deeper depth and Your strength come down upon all. Lord, thank You for all the ways You show Your love to me. What a blessing to end my day with a phone conversation and laughter with Rickey. You are such a good Father! Thank You for being My Refiner! Amen.

Hebrews 4:14-16 - "Fires"

This week has been so emotional. There were 'mountaintop' experiences along with 'valley' ones. Sunday started off the week with a fabulous service in the church building with one accepting the Lord. The rest of the day was spent resting from all of the work put into the day. Monday I was so tired physically but joy continued in my heart. Tuesday was a bittersweet day. It was the eighth anniversary of my Daddy taking his last breathe on this earth, six months since my four-legged buddy left me, and twenty-seven years since I was diagnosed with MS. Wednesday was emotional with being so far away from my Momma who is having health issues. Thursday was spent with some of my 'babies' with being with the littles in the morning and a couple of the older ones in the evening. They filled my emotional tank up well! Now here we are to Friday. Today is my 'final' ordination interview. I thought I went to this last summer but then with COVID things were changed. I so wanted Doc to be with me for my ordination but God had other plans. I am thankful he was able to make the trip for the interview last year and I am thankful he is no longer suffering. Today is also my earthly Daddy's birthday. If he were still with us, he would be ninety-six. If he were still here, there would be a lot of phone calls, people stopping in to visit, etc. Most of all there would be lots of laughs because that's what my Daddy did. He loved life and he especially loved the Lord. There is no other explanation for my Daddy getting through all he did other than the Lord. Sixty plus surgeries, beating cancer multiple times, surviving a gun shot, having a broken neck from getting hit by a train...goodness God had His hands full with him. It reminds me of the towel I bought Sunday. 

My Daddy's life was a testimony of what God can and will do in our lives. I strive to live with the great faith my Daddy had while on this earth. I strive to live with God's love oozing out of me like it did my Daddy. How I live my life will impact all of those around me. I will remember the words of Hebrews 4:14-16 just as my Daddy. They read in the New Living Translation:

So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.

Jesus goes before us. He is Our Intercessor with our Heavenly Father. He knows what is ahead in this day and desires us to walk in obedience to Him so we can walk in His strength, peace, and wisdom. He will give me physical, mental, emotional, financial, and most of all spiritual strength throughout this day as I lean into Him. I still feel exhausted but I know He is greater than exhaustion. Praise His Holy Name! Both times I got into my car yesterday, throughout the night, and again this morning these words were brought before me from the song Fires...

You've walked me through fires
Pulled me from flames
If You're in this with me
I won't be afraid
When the smoke billows higher, oh and higher
And it feels like I can barely breathe
I'll walk through these fires
'Cause You're walking with me

Dear Jesus, Thank You for opportunities You put before me to love with Your love yesterday and the ones ahead in this day! Thank You for being exactly what I need! Thank You for putting people in my life who encourage and love on me so well! I am so grateful for Rickey's words and laughter that bring life to me! I am grateful for the joys of being with the Carrington children and the Ferreira boys yesterday! What a joy they are to me. Thank You for putting these two families into my life! Thank You for continuing to be with those going through tough days. My Momma; my sister Linda; little Ivy's family; Pastor Karen Lawson's family; my friend Joyce; and so many others. Thank You for being with my family today as we treasure the memories of my Daddy and his birthdays on this earth! Lord, cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. May You shine brightly through my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts today. May you keep in the forefront of my mind that I am not doing today in my own strength but in Yours. Thank You for being My High Priest! Amen.

Philippians 4:13 - "Fires"

I woke up this morning at 5AM with the words to "Fires" going through my mind. When I woke again at 7AM, these words were still with me...

You've walked me through fires
Pulled me from flames
If You're in this with me
I won't be afraid
When the smoke billows higher, oh and higher
And it feels like I can barely breathe
I'll walk through thesе fires
'Cause You're walking with mе

I shared with my group last night even though we are now in the church building the obstacles are different but still before me. Sound, music, workers, etc. are heavy on my mind. But I cannot allow the enemy an open door into my life. I cannot allow him to put worry upon me but instead must stand in the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. I cannot allow anything to take my focus off God. I must keep in His Word, praying, and allowing Him to guide me so I do not miss any opportunity put before me. God is the One to direct my life. He is the One to lead me where He so desires me to go. I am one blessed lady and I need to remember that. I need to remember God loves me so much that He would never let me fall. Verse two in this song goes...

I'm changed by Your mercy
Covered by Your peace
I'm living out the victory
Doesn't mean I won't feel the heat

I am changed by His love, mercy, and grace. I am surrounded by His peace. I am living in victory. These are the reasons the enemy comes after me. He does not like what I do. He wants to tear me down so I can no longer be God's obedient servant. But he will not win because God is greater than anything he puts before me. He is greater than the doubts the enemy tries to put on me. He is greater than the lies the enemy tells me. I am so grateful for this knowledge. I also am grateful for the knowledge I am not in this life alone but can stand on His strength every moment of every day. The bridge in this song goes...

I can face anything (Anything)
'Cause You're here with me (Here with me)
I can do all things (Do all things)
'Cause You strengthen me

Woo hoo! His strength is mine! All I have to do is lean into Him and allow Him to live in and through me. What a great tidbit of knowledge! This morning I am standing on Philippians 4:13. It reads in The Passion Translation, I find that the strength of Christ’s explosive power infuses me to conquer every difficulty. Oh man, I love the way His power is described as explosive! Woo hoo! I also love the idea that it infuses me to conquer every difficulty. I do not know what is ahead in this day but I know who does. That gives me peace beyond comprehension to man.

Dear Jesus, Thank You for this song that reminds me You are with me! Thank You the reminder that Your strength is mine! Father, cleanse me so You can fill me with more of You. May You shine brightly through my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts throughout the day ahead. May You be greater than any obstacle that comes my way. Lord, my heart is heavy for many going through difficult days. Little Ivy's family; Pastor Karen and family; a young mother whose cancer has spread and is on a ventilator; a young mother seeking Your direction; my Momma; my sister Linda; a man waiting on a biopsy; Owen; Gary who is struggling with COVID; two young men battling addiction; and so many others. Lord, be greater than the battles of life. Thank You for the opportunities You gave me yesterday and the ones ahead in this day! Thank You for people who encourage me greatly! Thank You for putting Rickey in my life! Thank You for being My Strength! Amen.

Hebrews 4:15-16 - "Giants Fall"

The Lord took me to Hebrews 4:16 this morning. As I read it in different versions He reminded me of a few things. This verse is one we all need to ponder upon. Also, He wants to incorporate it into with what He gave me for Sunday's sermon. It reads in The Passion Translation: So now we draw near freely and boldly to where grace is enthroned, to receive mercy's kiss and discover the grace we urgently need to strengthen us in our time of weakness. Woo hoo! There's that direction to be bold again! Paul was definitely bold in his witness. He lived out his live with a boldness no one could deny. That is how I desire to live. I know I mess up at times but God still loves me and for that I am grateful. His love is greater than my mess-ups. Praise His Holy Name for that knowledge. I praise Him every day for the way He works in and through me. I praise Him for the desires He puts on my heart to love on people with His love. I praise Him for bringing songs, Scripture, etc. to me to encourage me to never give up but continue to look to Him for guidance. Verse fifteen of Hebrews 4 shares how Jesus lived as man on this earth. He had temptations just as we do but He never gave into them. When we live to be Christ-like, temptations will still come our way but His strength will be with us to stand up against the enemy's tactics. Our faith will grow through such times. Our love for Him will deepen as we strive to live Christ-like. Life's issues will become easier because we will not be handling them on our own. Our Heavenly Father desires to not just get us through 'tough' time but He desires to be glorified through them. He desires to knock down the 'giants' in our lives and move 'mountains' that need moved. Sometimes I feel like the 'giants' keep coming one after another and the 'mountains' get bigger before me. Then He reminds me He is my strength and nothing that comes before me is greater than Him. Woo hoo! I am reminded of the words to Giants Fall this morning...

We could really live like this
Can't you imagine it
So bold, so brave
With childlike faith
Miracles could happen
Mountains would start moving
So whatever you may face

Don't you be afraid
Of giants in your way
With God you know that anything's possible
So step into the fight
He's right there by your side
The stones inside your hand might be too small
But watch the giants fall

I love this towel I bought Sunday. It encourages me to continue living as God directs. He has moved many 'mountains' in my life time but especially in the last few years. I am so grateful for the way He encourages me to not give up when situations are bleak.

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the opportunities You put before me yesterday with spending time with Kayla and Haleigh's family! Thank You for the opportunities You will put before me today to love with Your love. Thank You for the reminder of the prayer for boldness in my witness! Thank You for cleansing me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You! May You be glorified through my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts today. May You direct me to where You so desire me to go and say what You desire to flow from me. Lord, my heart is heavy for Pastor Karen and her family as she has been put on the ventilator. It is also heavy for Little Ivy's Family as she is hospitalized with an infection. May Your healing touch come down upon these two as their bodies rest and are restored. I pray continued healing upon my Momma, my sister Linda, my friend Kaye, and so many going through 'tough' physical times. I pray for Ross and Mary today to have a blessed day with Mary having no pain. Lord, these physical bodies get tired but may we never tire of allowing You to love through us. Thank You for the memories You brought to my heart yesterday with it being my Daddy's home-going day! You are so, so good! Thank You for people loving on me throughout the day! Thank You for ending my day with an hour long call with my Momma and conversation with laughter with Rickey! Lord, may you keep my eyes, ears, mind, and heart open to what You have in store for me in the day ahead! I pray blessings over Colleen today as she celebrates another year of life. Thank You for being My Mountain Mover! Amen.

Psalm 145:17-21 - "Talking to Jesus"

Today is a bittersweet day. It was six months ago today Mordecei took his last breath on this earth. I miss his companionship so much but I know he lived a great life and is no longer in pain. He was with me through many valleys in life. He was with me for eleven plus years with MS exacerbations. I remember the last major one in 2015 walking with him beside me as I pushed the rollator down the sidewalk. I was determined I would get back to walking on my own. Mordecei also traveled with us to see many mountains around the United States. Before he was one year old he swam in the Atlantic Ocean, walked in Nashville, saw the Grand Canyon, the beauty of Vail Colorado...the list goes on and on. When we would visit my Daddy in his last months, Mordecei would stay right beside him. He sensed something was going on. It was eight years ago today that my Daddy took his final breathe on this earth. It was a day of great sorrow yet I know the angels were rejoicing. It was a 'tough' day for me in so many ways. I not only lost my Daddy but I lost my greatest encourager. He would call me every day to check on me and tell me he loved me. If I were having a 'tough' day, he would tell me it was ok to rest but I had to get up. He always said, 'if you don't lose it, you will lose it.' I wish my Daddy could see me now. I wish he could see where I am in life and what I'm doing. I am so thankful for all the memories I have growing up with him. My Momma worked nights a lot as a nurse so my Daddy and I would have the evenings together. Going to the Orr Park for him to umpire ball games on week nights and then to the car races on the weekends was a typical summer schedule. What a fun life I had! In the spring before ball games started we attended every revival he could find to attend. He taught me how to do so much throughout the years but one thing in particular was how to love on people. My Daddy was known for giving hugs to anyone he met. If he were alive during COVID, he  would have been crushed. He was also known for making food when someone was sick, going to calling hours for people we didn't even know, loving to laugh and have fun...once again the list goes on and on. Today is a day of rejoicing for so many reasons. One is my Daddy is no longer in pain and suffering. Another is today marks twenty-seven years since my MS diagnosis and I am so blessed with the way God continues to give me His strength. He fills me to overflowing with mental, emotional, financial, physical, and most of all spiritual strength every day. I have said it before and I will say it again. I am one blessed lady! Woo hoo! My earthly Daddy taught me so much about life but the most important thing he taught me was to love my Heavenly Daddy with my whole heart and allow Him to love through me. My friend Patricia shared the song Talking To Jesus with me during the night. These words touch my heart...

There's no wrong way to do it
There's no bad time to start
It don't have to sound pretty
Just tell him what's on your heart
Cause it's not a religion
Cause it's more like a friendship
Just talk to your Father
Like you are his kid

Just start talking to Jesus
Just start talking to Jesus
You can talk to Jesus
Whenever you like

Talking to Jesus is the only way to live. If I didn't have Him, my life would be so different. He hears my cries of the hurts of my heart. He hears the joy I experience daily. He hears my dreams. Plain and simple. He hears me. What is really cool is I hear Him too. I not only hear Him but I walk in obedience to Him. Woo hoo! Psalm 145:18 reads in the New International Version: The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. I praise His Holy Name my parents taught me how to live for the Lord. I know one of the reasons my relationship with my Heavenly Daddy is so good is because my relationship with my earthly Daddy was so good.

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the way You love on me so well! Thank You for the memories I have to hang onto in the day ahead! Thank You for cleansing me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You! May You ooze out of my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts today in a mighty way. May people see/hear You instead of me. Lord, my prayer list is so long. I know I do not need to repeat each name but Father I want to lift up: Little Ivy's family as she has been hospitalized again; Pastor Karen for healing from the COVID; my friend Elizabeth; my dear Momma as today will be a 'tough' day and she isn't feeling well herself; all of my family as today is bittersweet in knowing my Daddy is with you yet we miss him so much; and so many others. I also pray for those who did not/do not have a good relationship with their earthly Daddy to find Your peace. Lord, be greater than the hurts of our hearts. Thank You for my time with Nancy, Carol, and Paula yesterday! Thank You for the rest You provided yesterday and the way You are going before me with the prescription issue! Thank You for conversation with laughter last night with Rickey! Father, You are so good in providing exactly what I need when I need it. Thank You Jesus for being My Heavenly Father! Amen.

Exodus 14:14 - "Out of My Hands"

 

Yesterday was an awesome day from start to finish! Meeting in the building was so exciting. Even though I had preached once before in the building when we had to move inside last year due to weather it was the 'first' time to have service in a 'completed' building. Having thirty-one people in person for service was exciting but the most exciting part was having one accept Christ! Woo hoo! God is so, so good! Of course there were tears of both joy and sorrow throughout the day but that was OK. There was a smile on my face that just did not want to stop. I was surrounded by people who love and encourage me greatly. Having lunch with Nestor's, the rest God provided yesterday afternoon, the phone calls and texts I received throughout the day...the day made me feel so loved. Woo hoo! God's peace being upon me and His love being realized was so awesome. I am one blessed lady. 

I saw this picture yesterday at the Cracker Barrel gift shop and was reminded of a few things. The butterfly reminds me of the pin my friend Amy gave me when Doc passed. It also reminds me of the words my friend Patricia said about me. "You remind me of a butterfly that was in a cocoon like me but now you are coming out of it and spreading those beautiful wings flying as high as you want to go." Another reminder from the picture was something my Daddy always told me. He told me I could do anything in God's strength I set my heart on. There were times when I thought the building would not be finished without Doc here to accomplish it. There were a lot of prayers put into the process along with a lot of tears. Praise His Holy Name God did not give up on me. Yesterday's sermon focused on faithfulness, God's love, and trusting Him. These are three things I could not live without. As I said yesterday, this building is only the beginning for us. "The Wait Is Over" is not true. We have great days ahead of us as the Beaufort Church of the Nazarene. I loved what Clay said. "We're crossing the Jordan and there's hope and promise. There will be tests and trials just as the Israelites faced but the worst is over." Woo hoo! Praise His Holy Name! I was reminded of Exodus 14:14 so many times over these last few weeks. It reads in the New Living Testament: The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm. When I found out we were missed on the list for having internet hooked up Friday, I could have panicked but instead I knew God would work everything out. I stayed calm. The result was we were added onto the afternoon schedule and internet was installed. That is just one of many times I stood on this verse throughout the building process. God is so, so good and I am one blessed lady. Jeremy Camp's song "Out of My Hands" is one I can truly relate to...

So when it feels like all of this pain is never gonna end
Brought to my knees by all of these things I don't understand
Don't understand, I will let the weight of my fear fall like sand
Out of my hands and into Yours, out of my hands and into Yours

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead today! Thank You for loving and blessing me so greatly! Thank You for cleansing my spirit so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You! May You shine brightly through my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts today. Thank You for going before my friend Kaye as she returns to work today! May You continue to be her strength. I pray the same for my sister Linda, my Momma, Little Ivy's family, Pastor Karen, my friend Mary, and so many others who are going through difficult times. Lord, be greater than the hurts of their heart. Thank You Jesus for being My Calmness! Amen.

Psalm 118 - "Not For A Moment (After All)"

Wow, God! Today is finally here! Today is the day we will worship together in the church building! Woo hoo! There were times I questioned whether today would ever come. There were days I wanted to give up in the process and run away. What a blessing to persevere through such times. This morning my friend Debbie sent me this message. "Today's the day! PTL! So excited for you and your congregation! Prayers and hugs!" Her words were so appropriate with what God woke me with. Thank You Jesus! Today is bittersweet. The day ahead is one of blessing and one of sorrow. I so wish Doc would have seen this project completed. I do not understand 'why' things happened as they did but I thank God for His presence and strength every step of the way. Loneliness has kicked in these last few days. It has been so hard to come home from the church to an empty house. God continually reminds me He is with me but I still have struggled. Going through the loss of a spouse is hard. There are so many changes in life that occur prior to and after the loss. Adjusting to being alone is one of the hardest things for me to get through. In my mind I know I am not alone but in my heart it is so, so hard. I must stand upon Scriptures such as Psalm 118 every day. This Scripture encourages me to continually thank God for His love (vs 1). The word 'constant' is repeated throughout Psalm 118 in The Passion Translation. He is my constant! Woo hoo! Verse five reads: Out of my deep anguish and pain I prayed, and God, you helped me as a father. You came to my rescue and broke open the way into a beautiful and broad place. Praise God for the knowledge He has been with me every step of the way and will continue to be with me. He is my strength. He empowers me to walk in His will. Woo hoo! Verse nine speaks volumes to me. Yes, it is so much better to trust in the Lord to save me than to put my confidence in celebrities. God is the Only One who can and will see me through today and the days ahead. I must put my confidence in Him not people. People will disappoint me. God will not. Verse fourteen through fifteen are ones I stand upon. Lord, you are my true strength and my glory-song, my champion, my Savior! Yes! Woo hoo! Praise His Holy Name!  Verses nineteen through twenty-one read:

1619 Swing wide, you gates of righteousness, and let me pass through,
    and I will enter into God’s presence to worship only him.
20 I have found the gateway to God,
    the pathway to his presence for all his devoted lovers.
21 I will offer all my loving praise to you,
    and I thank you so much for answering my prayer
    and bringing me salvation!
22 

Living in God's presence is exactly where He desires us to live. When we live in His presence, we will not only hear His voice but have the desire in our heart to walk in obedience to it. As we live such a life, we will carry Psalm 118:29 in our spirit. So let’s keep on giving our thanks to God, for he is so good! His constant, tender love lasts forever! Praise God He is my Constant! He is and will continue to be with me every step of every day! Woo hoo! I am reminded this morning of a song Meredith Andrews sings called "Not For A Moment (After All)"...

And every step every breath you are there
Every tear every cry every prayer
In my hurt at my worst
When my world falls down
Not for a moment will You forsake me
Even in the dark
Even when it's hard
You will never leave me
After all

After all You are constant
After all You are only good
After all You are sovereign
Not for a moment will You forsake me

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the day ahead! Thank You for being with us every step of the way in the process of getting into this building! Thank You for the privilege to pastor this congregation! Thank You for loving me so greatly! Thank You for being with me through some very emotional times especially this week! Lord, cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. May You ooze out of my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts today in a mighty way. Father, I pray for those You desire to be in the service today to be there. I pray we all have open ears, hearts, and minds to what You desire of us. Father, bless all who worked so hard, gave of their time and money, and persevered to see this day come into being. May we all remember the words of Psalm 118:29, So let's keep on giving our thanks to God, for He is good! His constant, tender love last forever! Lord, forgive me for being selfish in my prayers last night. Saturday night is usually a time to pray for pastors. I did pray for them before going to sleep but then my prayers focused on me. The enemy has tried to tear me down by telling me I am not worthy to lead this congregation. Thank You Jesus for knocking him down when he came knocking at my door this week! Thank You for reminding me who I am and what I mean to You! Thank You Jesus for being My Constant! Amen.