Zephaniah 3:17 - "When We Fall Apart"

I am so thankful God is in my life. Yesterday was 'one of those days' where I cried as one thing after another happened. Not only were there tears but there were words crying out to God to help me through everything happening. The day was just too much. I just wanted to go to bed and cover up my head. In fact, that's what I did. I cancelled being in class last night, took a bubble bath, and ended up in bed early. One of the times I woke up I saw Lysa TerKeurst's words from Cait...

In case yesterday was hard... can I interrupt your scroll to just whisper a simple but kind-of profound reality? Friend, you got through it. And some days, just the getting through is an epic display of grit and courage and healing. I’m so proud of you. And, if no one else has told you how much you’re loved today, your eternal Father will.

Praise His Holy Name for friends who encouraged me throughout the day to lean into Him. Praise His Holy Name for His wisdom when to stop last night. Praise His Holy Name for the cuddles from Miss Lilly when I needed them so badly. Praise His Holy Name for the encouragement from Rickey from across the miles. I have much to praise Him for. I was reminded of Ryan Stevenson's song "When We Fall Apart" yesterday. 

It's ok to cry...It's ok to fall apart...You don't have to try...To be strong when you are not...And it may take sometime to make sense of all your thoughts...But don't ever fight your tears...'Cause there is freedom in every drop...Sometimes the only way to heal a broken heart is when we fall apart

Praise His Holy Name for tears that cleanse. So many tears fell yesterday and that was OK. In Zephaniah 3 we read about sin being a part of life and the hold sin has on people. When we allow God to be our King of Kings and Lord of Lords sin no longer has that effect on us. The more we strive to be Christ-like, the more we will be Christ-like. Matthew Henry wrote:

Many are the troubles of the righteous, but they may rejoice in God's love. Surely our hearts should honour the Lord, and rejoice in him, when we hear such words of condescension and grace. If now kept from his ordinances, it is our trial and grief; but in due time we shall be gathered into his temple above. The glory and happiness of the believer will be perfect, unchangeable, and eternal, when he is freed from earthly sorrows, and brought to heavenly bliss.

Eternal life with Christ is the desire of my heart. The 'junk' of this world will try to pull me away from God but the enemy has no place in my life. My God is greater than anything that happens. My God gives me victory over days like yesterday.

Dear Jesus, Thank You for Your love that wrapped around me yesterday! Thank You for all who encouraged me throughout the day! Thank You for my Momma's surgery going well, Carrington's doing the retaining wall, and another day of life ahead to love with Your love! Cleanse me so You can fill me with more of You. May You ooze out of my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts in a mighty way. May people see/hear You instead of me. Lord, thank You for the wisdom to stop last night. Thank You for the way You direct me and put people in my path like Miss Lilly with her hugs yesterday that were so needed and Rickey who encourages me so greatly! Lord, I know my faith is stretched through days like yesterday but I pray the day ahead is not like that. If it is, give me what I need to not just get through it but to glorify You in the process! Lord, I also pray for many going through 'tough' days to feel Your peace. My sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; Ben and Colleen; Ben; Little Ivy and her family; my high school friend Jack as he is discharged from the hospital; another high school friend going through medical testing; Jack and Paula; Chrissy; Melanie; and so many others. Lord, be greater than the hurts of life. Thank You Father for being My Mighty One! Amen.

Matthew 25:21 - "Superman's Song"

This picture came across in my memories yesterday and made me smile. Doc would do anything in ministry. This was taken the year he was Super Man for a VBS. I loved doing ministry with him. This past Sunday was so emotional knowing the building was his dream and yet he isn't here to minister from it. He never even got to preach in it. 'Why, God?' comes into my mind. But God is the One in charge and has His reasons for all that happens. Yesterday Will shared a song by Crash Test Dummies called "Superman's Song" when he saw the picture. Doc loved their music and listened to them often. This song reminds me of him. The lyrics talk about how 'Superman' continued on no matter what. Doc fought the pancreatic cancer for sixteen long months. He went to chemo even when he knew it was not doing any good. He did not want to die. He told me multiple times he did not want to leave this earth. He did not want to miss watching the grand babies grow up and have babies themselves. He felt like he had not done enough for the Lord and wanted more time. As I listened to him, my heart broke. I felt so helpless. I kept praying for God to heal him on this earth. After the stroke I knew that was not going to happen and I prayed for God to take him out of the suffering. The last part of this song goes...

Sometimes when Supe was stoppin' crimes
I'll bet that he was tempted to just quit
And turn his back on man
Join Tarzan in the forest
But he stayed in the city
Kept on changin' clothes
In dirty old phone booths 'til his work was through
Had nothin' to do but go on home

This was Doc. He never gave up. He fought until the very end and then realized he Had nothin' to do but go on home. I am so grateful for the knowledge he is with the Lord. I am grateful for the knowledge he is no longer suffering. I also know I need to continue what God puts before me so I can live with eternity in God's presence. I know I need to get better at sharing His love so more people will live for eternity with Him. All believers need to do this.

Dear Jesus, Thank You for yesterday that was filled with friends and laughter! Thank You for the work Carrington's accomplished on the backyard, Chris' help with the sprinkler system, and Joshua taking my trash! Once again, thank You for my tribe! Thank You for the time of fellowship with lots of laughter with Carol, Nancy, Paula, and Cait! Thank You for the peace You gave when I received the letter from the IRS! Thank You for being with Ben and Colleen with all going on in their life, for being with my Momma as she has surgery today, and for being with little Jonah when he had got his boo-boo! Thank You for Rickey who encourages me so much! Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. May You be my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts today in a new, different way. Lord, I pray for so many going through difficult days to feel Your presence. I pray for opportunity to love on people with Your love. I pray for: my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; Ben; Melanie; Pete and Delores; four friends going through career issues/changes; Ron Ross; Sharon Sebolt; Gay and Doug; Owen and Karol; the Risner family; Alison; Jack and Paula; Chrissy; and so many others. May You be greater than the hurts of life. May You be greater than the MS tingling going on in my body today. Thank You Jesus for being My Eternity! Amen.

II Timothy 1:7; Haggai 1 - "Stand In His Love"

Yesterday was full of blessings from start to finish. When the hippy-hippy shakes began, I took a pill and then a second one and they stopped. The service was so full of blessings, the people who came blessed me, the time with lunch and fellowship after blessed me, resting the rest of the day was a huge blessing as I am exhausted, and having a four-legged buddy with me overnight blessed me in abundance. God is so, so good! He reminded me this morning I do not have to fear anything but instead need to bask in His love and empowerment. I do not have to fear my Momma's surgery. God is with her even when I am not. I do not have to fear the weeks ahead with all that is happening. All I have to do is allow God to continue to work in and through me. Woo hoo! Yesterday was my first building dedication and the first new members taken into the church for me. My first baptism service is coming up in two weeks. Some 'firsts' hurt deep in the heart but other 'firsts' are times of celebration. I love to celebrate! I love to celebrate who God is in my life! I love to celebrate who He is in the lives of others! What a joyous time life when God is the Center! Yesterday Pastor Sam preached from Haggai 1. In verses five and seven the words of the Lord are repeated. “Give careful thought to your ways." We need to do this every day of our lives. We need to evaluate what we are doing and make adjustments to make sure we are aligned with His ways. This is something that needs done regularly, not just when we feel like it. We, as a church, need to regularly do this. God has given us a gift in 279 Broad River Blvd. We have opened that gift and need to share it. The neighborhood needs to see Jesus' love in us. They need to know we are there for them and are ready to love them. As the leader, I need to get better at going through open doors for our church. I need to pray for opportunities as a church body and then lead the people through them. In the beginning of yesterday's sermon Pastor Sam talked about how we cannot make excuses. He talked about how our little congregation did not make excuses when obstacles with the building came before us. We do not have to fear the days ahead but instead must stand in His love and empowerment. Verse thirteen of Haggai 1 gives the Lord's declaration to us. “I am with you,” declares the Lord. He is with us every step of the way. We need to evaluate and adjust so we are walking in obedience to His will. We need to remember to "Stand In His Love" at all time. His love was what brought me to where I am today and His love will take me to where He so desires me to be.

When darkness tries to roll over my bones
When sorrow comes to steal the joy I own
When brokenness and pain is all I know
Oh, I won't be shaken, no, I won't be shaken

My fear doesn't stand a chance
When I stand in Your love

Dear Jesus, Thank You seems so inadequate for yesterday! What an awesome service and time of fellowship! Thank You for all the blessings of the day! Thank You for my church family who love on me so well! Thank You for Rickey's encouragement over the phone when I was struggling yesterday morning! Thank You for the celebration of 'firsts' in my life with the building dedication and Cait and Alex being taken into membership! Thank You for my time with my four-legged buddy Max! Thank You for the medication that has given my Momma some relief from the pain! I pray You will continue to be with her as she awaits surgery. Thank You for Pastor Brenda's husband Jeff's words to me after the service yesterday! That was another encouragement for me on a very emotional day. Another blessings was Hadyn leading worship! She made that old piano sing...woo hoo! Thank You Jesus for her and her ministry! Father, today begins another week. It is another full week. I pray You will keep my focus on You and keep Your words in my mind at all time. Give careful thought to your ways. I pray for Your blessing of peace over so many going through 'tough' times. My sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; Ben and Colleen; Carrie and Chris; Melanie; the Risner family; Kris; and so many others. Thank You Jesus for being The One To Love Me! Amen.

Nehemiah 8:10b - "Trading My Sorrows"

Today is the day for the dedication of the church building. It has been a long time coming with lots of people working hard to get to this point. The tears are falling as I think of all the work Doc put into the process. Dr. Eddy brought him to South Carolina to get the church body into a building. I hope he knows that.the dream is being realized today. I am exhausted. Physically, mentally, and emotionally. Yesterday was a tough day as we finished up what we could on the building. I ended up leaving before the work was finished due to being so tired. Soon after getting home I received the news that my Momma was taken to the hospital with a dislocated hip and the rest of the evening was an emotional roller coaster. Once again, I do not like roller coasters. It seems like they are becoming more and more a part of my life. The Lord reminded me of a few things this morning. One is through the song "Trading My Sorrows"...

I am pressed but not crushed
Persecuted not abandoned
Struck down but not destroyed
I am blessed beyond the curse
For His promise will endure
That His joy's gonna be my strength
Though the sorrow may last for the night
His joy comes with the morning

His joy's gonna be my strength...woo hoo! No matter what life throws at me, He is here with me. Not only is He with me but He desires to give me His strength every moment of the day. I know He also desires for the day ahead to be one filled with His joy. Today is an exciting day! It is a day to celebrate all God has done in the life of the Beaufort Church of the Nazarene and all He is going to do in the future! It is a day to celebrate Doc's work! It is a day to celebrate everyone who worked so hard to get this little but mighty congregation to where we are today! Plain and simple. It is a day to celebrate! I'm not sure how I can do that as tired and emotional as I am but I know God will be my strength through it.

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for all the work completed yesterday and for everyone who came out! Thank You for continuing to be with my Momma through this painful time! Thank You for the fast response of the EMS workers! Thank You for being with Pastor Sam, Haydn, and all involved in today's service! Thank You for cleansing me so You can fill me! May Your strength be mine in a mighty way throughout today. May Your joy come down upon me. Lord, I was awake more than asleep throughout the night. There was much praying happening, especially for pastors. May we all sense Your presence today in a great way. I pray the same for many going through 'tough' times. My sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; Ben and Colleen; Ben; Chrissy; Jack and Paula; Little Ivy's family; Melanie; four friends going through career issues/changes; a friend going through medical testing; a young lady with emotional issues; Powell's family; and many others. I pray for Beth and Bob to get their flights taken care of and I praise You for the good news about my friend Jack's pathology reports! Thank You for the continued encouragement Rickey gives me even though we are so far apart! Thank You for everyone who encourages me and prays for me! Thank You for being My Joy! Amen.

Psalm 59 - "God Who Listens"

The Lord took me to Psalm 59 this morning. I asked Him why He took me to the Psalms so often. He replied that David went through a lot of struggles in life and I can learn from his writing. This particular Psalm is once again about David dealing with his enemies. Sometimes I feel like my enemies just won't stop trying to tear me down. Sometimes life is so overwhelming but the one thing that is always a constant is God. His love is always there for me to encourage me. He always knows what I need and provides. A key to such a relationship is me allowing Him to be who He desires to be in my life so I can be who He desires me to be. Wow! That sounds so simple yet in my humanness I get in His way at times. Shame on me! He brought Chris Tomlin's song "God Who Listens" to me this morning. I needed this reminder as I begin my day...

He walks with me and leads me by still waters
I lay my troubles down at His feet (Lay my troubles down)
It's amazing that the Savior and the Father
He is (He is) A friend (A friend) To me
How can it be, oh?

I'm not just hopin', I'm not just wishin'
I know I'm prayin' to a God who listens
I know He hears me, I know He's livin'
Yes, I am prayin' (Yes, I am prayin') To a God who listens
Your God who listens

I know God listens to me all the time. I know He is always there for me. I know He is greater than anything that comes my way. Woo hoo! I know. My heart is sad for those who do not know Him. I don't want to see anyone go to hell but desire everyone to realize His love on this earth so they can realize His love for eternity. Psalm 59 is all about the struggles David had with his enemies. He dealt with them every day. Some were people in his life but the more I read about his life I think he was probably his worst enemy. The expectations we put upon ourselves can be our enemy. The way we try to please people instead of God can be our enemy. We must remember He is the Only One we need to please and He is the One we need to allow to direct our life. He will give us exactly what we need to live as He desires as we allow Him. I am thankful for the peace He gives in times such as this with family members with health issues and me being so far away from them. I am thankful for the way He speaks to me and has me in relationship with Him where I not only hear Him but I strive to walk in obedience to Him. I am thankful for the ways He encourages me through 'tough' days. Plain and simple. I am thankful. 

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for Your love, mercy, and grace! Thank You for the opportunities You gave me yesterday to love with Your love and the ones ahead in this day! Thank You for the support You provide through Rickey! Thank You for the fun day with Cait and the kids yesterday and for all we accomplished! Thank You for the call about the sign! It was disappointing yet I am excited to see how You are going to use it. I know You did not have it saved all these years for nothing. Thank You for me finally meeting the man Doc had talked to about it a few years ago!

Father, I pray You will provide workers today to accomplish what You desire at the building. I pray for good fellowship as we work to prepare for tomorrow's building dedication. I also pray for a cleansing in my soul so You will flow from my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts throughout the day. I pray for a renewal in my physical body as it is so tired. Thank You for being with Kim and Carl today as they say goodbye to their four-legged buddy! Thank You for being with Chrissy as she goes throughout this day with the memories of her son! Thank You for being with so many people who are going through 'tough' days! May they all experience You in a mighty way. My Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; Ben and Colleen; Jack and Paula; my high school friend Jack and another high school friend going through medical testing; four friends going through career issues/changes; Owen and Karol; a teen struggling with life; Lisa's friend who suddenly lost her husband; Pastor Scott with his mother's health issues; and so many others. I pray for Your healing touch upon Ben's legs. Lord, be greater than the hurts of life. Be greater than anything the enemy throws before us. Thank You Jesus for being My Enemy Slayer! Amen.

Psalm 16 - "Your Love Defends Me"

The Lord took me to Psalm 16 this morning. I love the way this Psalm is laid out. It reminds us He is Our Protection, Our Portion, and Our Praise. Woo hoo! We can be confident He is with us to protect us at all time. Sometimes we need protected from the enemy. Sometimes the protection He gives is from things such as accidents. No matter why protection is needed He is there to provide. Verses five and six show us how He is Our Portion. David uses more words that begin with 'p' to describe Him. My prize...pleasure...portion. I love the words in verse six in The Passion Translation. Your pleasant path leads me to pleasant places I'm overwhelmed by the privileges that come with following you! What an awesome word picture to start my day. When we walk as David did with God, we will blessed in abundance. We will not only live with Him on this earth but we will live with Him for eternity. Woo hoo! Matthew Henry describes this Scripture:

Those that have God for their portion, have a goodly heritage. Return unto thy rest, O my soul, and look no further. Gracious persons, though they still covet more of God, never covet more than God; but, being satisfied of his loving-kindness, are abundantly satisfied with it: they envy not any their carnal mirth and delights. But so ignorant and foolish are we, that if left to ourselves, we shall forsake our own mercies for lying vanities. God having given David counsel by his word and Spirit, his own thoughts taught him in the night season, and engaged him by faith to live to God.

I love the part that says, Gracious persons, thought they still covet more of God, never covet more than God... God is all we need. He will satisfy us as we allow Him. We do not need more than Him but we do need to seek more of Him. We can never stop seeking more of Him nor can we ever stop seeking more about hIm. As we live in this manner, we will realize verse eleven to its fullest extent. Because of you, I know the path of life, as I taste the fullness of joy in your presence.   At your right side I experience divine pleasures forevermore! I know I experience divine pleasures on this earth every day through the blessings He gives me. I also know I will experience divine pleasures in heaven when my time on this earth is over. Woo hoo!

Dear Jesus, Thank You for all the blessings You poured over me yesterday! Thank You for my time with Kayla, Marion going to her appointment, an unplanned dinner with Carrington's, and rest last night! Thank You for having me with Marion as she was going through such pain! I pray for relief for her and am thankful she allows me to pray with her. Thank You for bringing Rickey into my life! He encourages me so much even though we are seven hundred miles apart! Thank You for bringing Scripture before me to be blessed by! Thank You for being with the two families with calling hours yesterday! Thank You for cleansing me so You can fill me! Thank You for going before me and being my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts today no matter what happens! Lord, continue to be with: My Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; Ben; Ben and Colleen; the Risner family; four friends going through medical testing; a young girl needing psychological help; my friend Jack as he continues to gain strength so he can be released from the hospital; four friends going through career issues/decisions; Melanie; Elizabeth; and so many others. I pray for Your continued wisdom and guidance with the church and with all decisions made. You are so good at providing what we need when we allow You to be in charge. Thank You for being My Divine Pleasure!

Psalm 6 - "I Know"

The Lord took me to Psalm 6 this morning. As I read it, He reminded me of so many people who needed reminded He is with them even when it feels like He is not. There are times He allows us to go through 'tough' times to stretch our faith. Even in our darkest hours He is there for us. Big Daddy Weave's song I Know is in my heart this morning as the tears fall for all the people I know who are not in relationship with God.

I know that You are good
I know that You are kind
I know that You are so much more
Than what I leave behind
I know that I am loved
I know that I am safe
Cause even in the fire to live is Christ, to die is gain
I know that You are good
You are good
I know

On my darkest day
From my deepest pain
Through it all, my heart, will choose to sing Your praise

David cried out in Psalm 6 to God asking Him how long he would be in the mess he was living. We all get to the point where we wonder 'how long?' or 'when will this ever end?' Thankfull when we are in relationship with God, we have the assurance of His love getting us through such times. We have hope in knowing we will live with Him for eternity in heaven when we live for Him on this earth. Once again the tears are falling for all those not in relationship with Him. I do not understand how people get through life without Him. I would be a basket case if I did not have Him to lean into. I am so thankful for the way He takes my faith deeper through such times. David cried out to God asking 'how long' his circumstances would last in verses one through three. He speaks of not only having physical issues but also how those issues are affecting his entire being. When I struggle with MS issues, I struggle mentally and emotionally as well as physically. When the MS tingling increases, it drives me crazy to the point where I feel like I can't go on. Sometimes I wonder 'why?' but I always come back to the same conclusion. God is with me and I will come out of such times stronger than before. Praise His Holy Name! Many times I felt as David in verses four through seven. I felt like God had left me but I always know that is not true. The enemy tries to get me to believe such things but I refuse to give him an open door into my life. David shows how he told the enemy to leave him alone in verses eight through ten. Psalm 6 is one to pray when we feel like God has left us. It is one to pray when the 'tough' days keep coming one after another. God is there for us at all time. Once again my heart breaks for those who refuse to comprehend this. It breaks for those who refuse to allow God into their life. Life is not a 'bed of roses' when God is in it but it is easier to handle such times. If everything were perfect, we would not need Him nor would our faith grow. We have to experience the 'tough' times to grow stronger in Him. 

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the opportunities You gave me yesterday to love with Your love and for the ones ahead in this day! Thank You for taking me through 'tough days' and bringing me out on the other side stronger than ever before! Father, cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. May You ooze out of my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts in a mighty way today. May people see/hear You instead of me. My heart breaks this morning for so many people but especially those who do not lean into You. I am so thankful for those who know You and allow You to work in and through them. I am grateful for the way You direct my life and stretch my faith through 'tough' times. I am grateful for the way You encourage me through people, Scripture, music, etc. Thank You Jesus for bringing Rickey into my life who encourages me to keep on allowing You to guide my steps! Thank You for being with so many going through 'tough' times! I pray they will experience Your strength and peace today in a new, different way. My Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; Ben; Ben and Colleen; Melanie; four friends with career decisions/issues; Jack and Paula; Karol and Owen; Trish; Elizabeth; Larry Strasbaugh and his family; Glenda; my high school friend Jack; my new friend in Hospice care; Pastor Scott; Pastor Michael; Pastor Sammy; and so many others needing an extra dose of Your strength today. Thank You for being My Empowerment! Amen.

II Timothy 1:7 - "Battle Belongs"

 

I have said it before and I will say it again. I do not like roller coasters. Physical roller coasters make me sick to my stomach. Sometimes emotional ones do too. Physical roller coasters cause fear to come upon me. Sometimes the enemy uses circumstances to make me doubt myself when dealing with the ups and downs of life. I was so thankful for Pastor Scott's words last night when he encouraged me to not give into doubts. I also was thankful for the way God used me throughout the day to love with His love. Starting my day with a ninety-two year old man on Hospice who does not believe was a challenge. I was thankful he had a clear mind and we were able to converse. I also was thankful he allowed me to read Scripture to him even though he says he can't believe what it says, pray before I left even though he doesn't believe in God, and said I could go back to see him. I planted seeds and pray for the time to see those seeds sprout to life. I was thankful with my study time yesterday morning and my time with my friend in the afternoon. Finishing up a membership class before heading home to my zoom class was so rewarding. Throughout the day having phone calls and/or texts about health issues with family members in Ohio put the emotions all over the place. I am so grateful God brought Rickey into my life. What a blessing to call him and know he is praying for me through the 'tough' times of life. I also enjoy the times when I can forget everything going on in my little world and listen on a conference call with his friends. They make me laugh so much. Days like yesterday are blessed when I can finish them with laughter. The sunset last night reminded me of just how much God loves me. He is the Master Artist who paints such beauty to bless us. The same Master Artist who painted the sunset last night was the same Master Artist who was with me throughout all the emotions of yesterday.  I do not have to fear anything that comes my way. Instead I must stand in the empowerment of the Holy Spirit and allow Him to use me as He desires. When I live in this manner, His love will flow from me in a mighty way. That's all I want to happen in life. I want people to see/hear Him instead of me. Late afternoon yesterday I realized I had not ate yet. (I am so bad at doing that and I know I need to get better with my eating habits.) I went through a drive-through to get something and was blessed in abundance. I asked the young man how his day was going. One simple question of someone showing they cared was all it took to put a smile on this young man's face. What joy that smile gave me! He thanked me multiple times for asking. When I told him I would be praying for him, the smile became even bigger. Woo hoo, God! Instead of allowing my focus to be on the circumstances of my day I allowed God to love through me. I do not say that to boast on myself but to boast on God. He is so good at blessing us as we allow Him to work in and through us. All we have to do is stay focused on Him. Phil Wickam's song Battle Belongs is on my mind as I start another day...

So when I fight I'll fight on my knees
With my hands lifted high
Oh God the battle belongs to You
And every fear I lay at Your feet
I'll sing through the night
Oh God the battle belongs to You

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the opportunities You gave me yesterday to love with Your love! Thank You for the strength to do Your will! Thank You for the way You blessed me throughout the day even though it was an emotional roller coaster! 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 the seeds planted in my new friend I visited yesterday to sprout. I pray the words You gave me to say will become meaningful before he takes his last breath. Thank You for the opportunity to share You with him! I pray for many going through 'tough' days to realize Your peace and strength. My Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; Ben; Melanie; the Risner family; Chrissy and her family; Carrie and Chris; Jack and Paula; my high school friend Jack; four friends going through decisions/issues with careers; Colleen and her family; Pastor Scott and his family; Pastor Michael; and so many others. Thank You for the way You blessed me yesterday with: friends; no injury when I fell when the dogs greeted me; Rickey's encouragement throughout the day and then laughter with him and his friends last night; and so, so many other blessings throughout the day! You show Your love so well! Thank You for being My Almighty Fortress! Amen.

Psalm 23 - "Oceans"

Last night I received a phone call asking if it was OK to share my number with someone with a loved one in Beaufort who is dying. Of course, my answer was 'yes' and I waited on the call. After talking with the lady I asked if I could pray with her. Not only did she agree to me praying with her but she prayed for me after I was finished. God is so, so good to provide what we need. He brought two sisters in Christ together last night that have never met but have Him in common. As we talked, I listened to her burden for a loved one who has never accepted the Lord in his ninety plus years of life. Now here he is facing his last days on earth. I told her I would do my best to talk with him and started praying right away I would be allowed in to see him. I also thought about my loved ones I pray for daily who have not accepted the Lord. I continue to pray for someone to be in their path who will say something to make a difference in their spiritual life. I shared with Rickey last night about how when we go through 'tough' days it sure is easier with God in our life. It doesn't take the 'bad' away but it gives us a fresh look on how to dig deeper in our faith and trust God. He mentioned how when we accept the Lord into our lives it is a win-win situation. I was awake throughout the night thinking about many who have never accepted Christ into their life, some who have accepted Him yet fallen away in their faith, and about those who need take the step beyond salvation to be sold out to Him. We all need to go deeper in our faith. We cannot accept Him into our life and stop. We must grow our faith. The words to "Oceans" are going through my mind this morning...

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Saviour

Yes! This is how I desire to live my life! I desire to go wherever He leads and do whatever He desires. I want my faith to grow every day. A lot of times that means going through 'tough' times so the opportunity for my faith to be stretched will be realized. That is OK. 'Whatever it takes' is not always the easiest words to say but they will bring me closer to eternity with Christ. I am reminded of the comfort found in Psalm 23. He is always with me as He guides me through life on this earth. As I spend life on this earth in His will, I will spend life with Him for eternity. My prayers are for all to live with Him for eternity. I know I need to get better at sharing Him with others so more people can live with Him in their lives.

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the opportunities You gave me yesterday to love with Your love and for the opportunities ahead in this day! Thank You for my conversation last night with Rickey who encourages me so much and always seem to have the right words to comfort me! Thank You for a great board meeting! May You continue to be the head of our little church and give direction with decisions being made. May You be greater than any obstacle that comes our way. I pray for the work that will be completed as we continue to get the building readied for Sunday. Lord, do not let anything blind us to doing Your work. I pray for an open door to visit this man in his last days. I also pray for those going through 'tough' days to receive Your peace in abundance. My Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; Ben and Colleen; Pastor Mike with knee replacement today; Melanie; four friends with career decisions/issues; Carrie and Chris; Mike; Jack and Paula; the Risner Family; my high school friend Jack; Susie and her family; Carolynn and her family; Chrissy and her family; Kenny and Terri; and so many others. Lord, be greater than the hurts of life. Thank You Jesus for being My Shepherd! Amen.

Matthew 7:24-27 - "With Lifted Hands" "Build My Life"

Last night when I woke up to a storm I thought about the Scripture in Matthew about how we need to build our life on the Right Foundation. As the thunder and lightning continued I thought about how many storms in life seem to continue on forever. What we must remember is forever is a lifetime. Our forever can be spent in heaven with God for eternity or it can be spent in hell. We have the choice to make on where we will spend our forever. There will be times in life when we feel like the rains will never stop but they will. There will be times when we feel like our whole world is moving but when we are grounded in Christ it really is not. There will be times when we feel like we are drowning but as long as we hold onto our Life Saver we will be fine. Jesus' words in Matthew 7:24-27 give clear direction. It reads in The Passion Translation: 

“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”

Jesus wants us to see that it is our choice on how we live. We can either be like the foolish man or the wise man. It is important to remember these words in our daily life no matter what happens. I was thinking this morning about the words to "With Lifted Hands" as I thought about the week ahead.

With every heartbeat in my chest
Lord I surrender all that I have
The days yet to come
The days in the past
I'm giving you all I am
With lifted hands

These words speak volumes to me as I think about the week ahead. The Lord reminded me of a few things. One is the only things that must be done are what He desires to be accomplished. Secondly, He will always be with me no matter what. Thirdly, as I live with Him as my Right Foundation nothing can tear me apart. There is no storm in life that can take me down when I am grounded in Him. I have been through some pretty strong storms in life yet here I am still standing in Him. Woo hoo! I must surrender every aspect of life including the week ahead to Him. If I don't, the enemy may find an open door and I sure do not want that to happen. The words to "Build My Life" are also going through my mind this morning...

And I will build my life upon Your love
It is a firm foundation
And I will put my trust in You alone
And I will not be shaken

I will trust Him with every aspect of my life as I allow Him to love in and through me. I will stand firm in my faith knowing He is in control.

Dear Jesus, Thank You for providing for the trip to see Paul, Liz, and Miss Bella! Thank You for the safe travels! Thank You for the way You encourage me through Rickey! Thank You for loving me so greatly that You reminded me this morning of what I need to continue to do in life! May I trust fully in You and allow You to love in and through me so I can be the lady You have called me to be. I pray for a cleansing so You will flow out of my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts throughout the day ahead. Father, keep my focus on You so I do not stress over the week ahead. I pray the same for many going through 'storms of life.' My Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; Colleen's family; Jack and Paula; my high school friend Jack; Carrie and Chris; the Risner Family; four friends with career issues; Chrissy and her family; and many others. May we all trust You when the storms start rumbling in life. May we realize Your strength and peace in a mighty way and grow deeper in our faith. Thank You Jesus for being My Right Foundation! Amen.

Romans 15 - "Keep Me In The Moment"

I'm so thankful for the peace God gives me when plans change. Sometimes I wonder if He allows such things as flight cancellations to see how I will respond. Hopefully my response was what He desired. I am grateful for a non-stop flight. I also am grateful I did not have any commitments this afternoon that would need rearranged. I will just need to adjust my budget to accommodate the extra expense. No big deal. Paul and I were talking about how I could have freaked out but instead stayed calm in the process. As I sit here 'people watching' I saw many tears before going through TSA. I prayed for people to have His peace with whatever situation they were dealing with. I prayed last night and again this morning for pastors to be sensitive to the day with Father's Day being hurtful for many. I know today is the first Father's Day for many to be without their father on this earth and prayed for them to realize His peace. I miss my Daddy so much but I would never wish him back here. I would never wish Doc back here either. They both are where I desire to be. My heart breaks for people who are not in relationship with God. It hurts for all the children who are being raised by Daddy's who don't know God. I am so thankful for my boys raising their babies in His love. What a blessing for this Momma! I loved doing life with Paul, Lizzy, and Miss Bella these last few days! I had so much fun and loved every minute of the time with them. God is so good at giving us what we need. These days were definitely needed. I didn't realize how much they were needed until having them. What a blessing! Lord, "Keep Me In The Moment"....

Singing, oh Lord keep me in the moment
Help me live with my eyes wide open
'Cause I don't wanna miss what You have for me (What You have for me)
Singing, oh Lord show me what matters
Throw away what I'm chasing after, 'cause I don't wanna miss what You have for me (What You have for me)
Keep me in the moment, oh keep me in the moment
'Cause I don't wanna miss what You have for me (What You have for me)

Dear Jesus, Thank You for this wonderful trip! Thank You for the peace You gave when I awoke to finding my flight was cancelled! Thank You for Paul, Liz, and Miss Bella who gave me such a fun time for my first visit to Houston! Thank You for Pastor Brenda who is filling the pulpit for me and for all who are helping with the Father's Day fellowship! Lord, be with all pastors to be sensitive to those who are hurting today with it being Father's Day. May all realize the hurts of many and minister to them. Thank You for the twins being born to Tim and Hailey! I pray for little Timmy who is in NICU to gain strength. Thank You for Ben Simon having a better day yesterday! I pray for your direction with his rehab. Thank You for the work Dan and Tom did at my Momma's house yesterday! Thank You for continuing to be with: my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; Melanie; Chrissy and family; Jack and Paula; my high school friend Jack; the family of the single Mom who passed; and so many others going through 'tough' times. I pray for a day filled with God's love for all those separated from their fathers. I pray especially for those who have gone through a divorce and have 'nasty' communication between the parents. Thank You for the ways Rickey encourages me even though we are hundreds of miles apart! Thank You for being My Peace! Amen.

I Peter 5 - "Cast My Cares"

I had a weird dream last night that just kept going. It went from one stressful thing to another. I was dealing with finding a packet of United Way papers that were past due for funding for the Kidney Foundation and then I was dealing with Marion not wanting to go to her appointment. In the dream I was arguing with Colette about why I couldn't buy a piece of jewelry one minute and then was watching Alex work on the church parking lot in the next moment. The dream made no sense yet it did. Stress can take over our lives. It can be seen in the form of a stupid cold sore on my lip or by the MS tingling in my body. It can destroy any of us if we allow it. Instead we must remember the words of I Peter 5:7 and allow God to be in control of our life. As I floated around the pool yesterday I started thinking about everything that needs done before the dedication service of the building. I started making a mental list and then stopped myself. These three days in Texas are ones I needed to relax and not worry about everything that needs done. These days are ones for fun with my Texas family as they show me their little world. They are ones I will never get back so I need to make the most of them while here. As I was in their pool I found myself saying, 'Now this is how life should be. I could get used to this.' God truly is blessing me with this time and I am so thankful. I am so excited for the day ahead as we meet up with a former co-worker from Smucker's for lunch and then Miss Bella and I are going on a 'Memaw/Bella' date which includes a paddle boat ride. I'm not sure what else will fill our day but I'm hoping some more pool time will be involved. God is so good at giving us what we need sometimes before we even realize we need it. The words of I Peter 5 are ones I strive to live by as a pastor. I strive to:

• shepherd my people (vs 2)
• be a good example to all who see/hear me (vs 3)
• live a life of being humble (vs 6)
• give Him all my concerns (vs 7)
• stay alert for the tactics of the enemy (vs 8)
• stand firm in my faith (vs 9)

God is so, so good. I am so thankful for who He is in my life. I am thankful for the way He speaks to me and I strive to walk in obedience to His will.

Dear Jesus, Thank You for these days with Paul, Liz, and Miss Bella! Thank You for all the memories we are making! Thank You for cleansing me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You! May You be seen/heard through my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts throughout the day ahead. Thank You for Ben Simon getting the drains out and being moved out of ICU! Thank You for Dan and Tom working at my Momma's house today! Thank You for continuing to be with her through these 'tough' days! Thank You for being with: my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; a lady who is going through a possible MS diagnosis; three friends with career direction needed; Pastor Sammy; Pastor Mike as he has knee surgery; Risner Family; Gay and Doug; and so many others going through 'tough' days. May they all come to the realization to live in the peace found through I Peter 5:7. Thank You for bringing Rickey into my life and for all the ways he encourages me! Thank You for everyone back home who is taking care of things at church while I am away! Thank You for being with those who are hurting deeply with this being Father's Day weekend! Thank You for being My Peace! Amen.

Psalm 3 - "See A Victory"

The Lord woke me this morning with the direction to read Psalm 3. This is one David wrote when he continued to deal with his enemies. Sometimes enemies come in the form of people. Sometimes they are thoughts from our past or temptations of the day. No matter what they are, one thing is for certain. Enemies try to destroy us. We must remember God is greater than our enemies. He is greater than the things our enemies say to us or about us. He is greater than the lies our enemies put upon us. In Psalm 3 there is a secret nestled in between sections of Scripture. Pause in His presence. That is exactly what we need to do throughout our days. We need to allow God to speak to us. But beyond allowing Him to speak to us we must listen and walk in obedience to His will. He will protect us from our enemies as we allow Him. Sometimes we don't even realize who are enemies are but God knows. Matthew 7 tells us there are wolves with sheep's clothing that will come into our life. They will appear to be good people yet in reality they will be people who just want to play havoc in our lives. It's sad to think about yet we can see it every day. There are so many false teachers in churches today. We must be on guard to not allow them an open door into our life. The way to be on guard is to be grounded in Christ. Verses three and four of Psalm 3 read in The Message:

But you, God, shield me on all sides;
You ground my feet, you lift my head high;
With all my might I shout up to God,
His answers thunder from the holy mountain.

When we are grounded in Him, we will See A Victory in the days ahead. He will empower us to stand in His strength when life seems to crumble around us. When we do not receive a job we want, a loved one passes, we or a loved one has major health issues...the list goes on and on. But no matter what the enemy throws our way we must remember God is greater!

I'm gonna see a victory
I'm gonna see a victory
For the battle belongs to You, Lord
I'm gonna see a victory
I'm gonna see a victory
For the battle belongs to You, Lord

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the opportunities You gave me yesterday to love with Your love and for the ones ahead in this day! Thank You for this time with Paul, Lizzy, and Miss Bella! Thank You for the beautiful weather! Lord, there are so many people going through 'tough' times in their life. Some are with physical issues, some with emotional, financial, mental, and/or spiritual issues. May You be greater than the hurts of life. May You empower people to stand up against the enemy when he comes knocking at their door. May Your presence be experienced by all. My Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; Clara Jean Shoup's family; Little Ivy and her family; Sharon Sebolt; Chrissy and her family; Gay and Doug; Colleen and her family; Serena Shepherd and her family; one who is going through a diagnosis for MS; and so many others. I pray for three with career decisions/issues going on to seek Your will. Lord, cleanse me so You can fill me. May You shine brightly through my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts today. I pray You will bless Rickey today in a mighty way as he teaches. Thank You Jesus for being My Victory! Amen.

II Timothy 1:7 - "Good, Good Father"

This morning driving to Savannah to fly to Texas I thought about many years ago when Dr. Berke asked me what I wanted to accomplish through the new MS medication I was starting. My response was, "I want to play with my grand babies without being in a wheelchair." Seven grandchildren later and I've had opportunity to play with each of them without the wheelchair. Woo hoo, God! Whether the medication is the reason for how I live with MS or not I know one thing for sure. God is definitely how I live with MS. He continues to give me His strength every day of my life. When life gets 'tough', God gets tougher. When the schedule goes crazy, God is there to give me His peace. When life gets emotionally hard, God is there to love me through such times. Once again, I say I don't know how people get through life without Him to lean upon. I am so thankful for His love, mercy, and grace. I am thankful for the way He provides exactly what I need. He is such a "Good, Good Father" and I am blessed by Him every day of my life. His strength is perfect at all time. His love is so great at all time. His empowerment is mighty at all time. Woo hoo! I am standing on II Timothy 1:7 today knowing He will empower me to not just get through the day with whatever happens but He will be glorified through me. Praise His Holy Name!

You're a Good, Good Father
It's who you are, it's who you are, it's who you are
And I'm loved by you
It's who I am, it's who I am, it's who I am

Dear Jesus, Thank You for Your love, mercy, and grace! Thank You for providing for this trip! Thank You for being with me throughout the day ahead! May You be glorified in all I do/say. Cleanse me so You can fill me. I pray You will flow from my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts throughout this day in a mighty way. Thank You for improvement in Beth's arm! Thank You for being with so many going through 'tough' times. My Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; Gay and Doug; Little Ivy's family; and so many others. Thank You for being with my friend who is interviewing today for a new position at her company! Thank You for being with me as I travel! Thank You for being My Strength! Amen.

Hebrews 6:19 - "Everything"

God is so good! It amazes me the way He answers prayers. I know it shouldn't but it does. Yesterday's surgery for Ben Simon came out better than doctors thought with no mass or tumor found. A friend who had angioplasty yesterday is seeing color in his foot which is another praise. My sister having a nerve test yesterday is another praise in that it is over. Little Bradley Gilbert being released from the hospital is another praise. Today another friend is going in for appointment from wearing a heart monitor. Little Ivy with chemo and tests breaks my heart. We do not understand the 'whys' of life but we can be thankful we have Him to talk to through them.  So many people on my prayer list but the most important prayers I can give are those for spiritual needs to be met. Someone asked me what the purpose is of praying. If God already knows everything, why pray? I don't know the complete answer to that question but I do know prayer is what keeps me going. When I experience answers to prayers such as with Ben Simon's surgery, it cements my faith in God even more. There are times the answers received are not what we desire. The thing we must always remember is God knows what is best. We have free choice and make make 'wrong' decisions but He never leaves us. He is always there for us and will love us through 'tough' times. He will encourage us and empower us to make right decisions even when it hurts. Praise His Holy Name. I feel like if I could not converse with Him, life would be meaningless. This morning He and I had a heart-to-heart conversation that I was greatly encouraged by. I am so thankful for Him and for who He is in my life. I am reminded of a song Lincoln Brewster sings called "Everything"...

Your love
Is strong enough for me
With me when I'm weak
Everything I need is in
Your love
Constant in the trial
Faithful through the night
Everything I need is in You

Dear Jesus, Thank You for Your love, mercy, and grace! Thank You for the time Rickey and I had together while he was here! I pray for safe travels for him as he returns to Ohio. Thank You for friends like Jeff and Leslie who we spent time with last night! Thank You for the trees getting trimmed yesterday! Thank You for Ben Simon's surgery going well, Little Bradley Gilbert being released from the hospital, and my friend who had angioplasty. May You continue to heal these ones. May You continue to be with: my Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; Little Ivy and her family; Beth; my friend with an appointment today with the cardiologist; Melanie; and so many others. May You be greater than the hurts of life. 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. Thank You Jesus for being My Constant! Amen.

Psalm 119:49-50 - "Graves Into Gardens"

Yesterday after the third prayer request for someone going through major health issues I said, 'Lord, we need You to come back and to come back soon.' Then I stopped myself and thought about those who are not in relationship with Him. If He were to return now, many would go to hell. Yes, it would be wonderful to be in heaven with Him instead of dealing with the junk of this world but I don't want to see anyone go to hell. I need to get better at sharing Him with others. I need to allow the Holy Spirit to work in and through me to share His love with all I meet. The Lord took me to Psalm 119 again this morning and had me hone in on verses forty-nine and fifty. I praise His Holy Name for being with me at all time but especially during times of illness, surgeries, cancer, etc. I would not have been able to get through such times without Him. He comforted me in such times. He loved me through such times by people who cared for me. I remember one time when I had surgery at the Sandusky Hospital and Carolynn Cheek came before surgery to pray with me. She brought a Scripture to share that meant so much to me. Multiple pastors come to pray that day. I was thankful for each one of them being there to encourage me and to be with Doc. I think the hospital personnel wondered why so many pastors came but that's what the body of Christ does. They support one another. Once again, I wonder how people get through such times without that support. How do they get through times of affliction without the Lord? As I pray for many going through 'tough' times in their physical body I pray most of all for their spiritual beings. I pray for someone to say or do something that will make a difference in their life. Not just a difference for today but an eternal difference. I pray someone will share the Word with them to comfort them. Matthew Henry wrote, The word of God speaks comfort in affliction. If, through grace, it makes us holy, there is enough in it to make us easy, in all conditions. Yes! His Word is comforting and encouraging at all time. Today I am singing and praying He will Turn Graves Into Gardens in many lives.

You turn mourning to dancing
You give beauty for ashes
You turn shame into glory
You're the only one who can (come on)
You turn mourning to dancing
You give beauty for ashes
You turn shame into glory (tell 'em now)
You're the only one who can
You turn graves into garden
You turn bones into armies
You turn seas into highways
You're the only one who can (please sing for me)
You're the only one who can

Dear Jesus, Thank You that I am feeling better this morning! I pray continued healing in my body. Thank You for the rest You provided yesterday! Thank You for Psalm 119 which encourages and speaks to me! Thank You for Rickey's visit! Thank You for the privilege to pray for many going through 'tough' times! Lord, my heart breaks for all but especially for those not in relationship with You. May You be greater than the hurts of life. May You shine brightly through Your servants to love with Your love. I pray Your presence will be felt by all. My Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my niece Colleen and her family; Gay and Doug; Anna and her famly; Owen and Karol; Mike and Roxanne; Carrie and Chris; Melanie; Little Ivy's family; Maria Deckert's family; Jack and Paula; Carolynn Johnson and her family; and so many others. Lord, cleanse me so You can fill me. May Your words, actions, attitude, and thoughts be mine today in a mighty way. May You shine brightly through me and may I not miss any opportunity You put before me. Thank You Jesus for being My Comfort! Amen.

Psalm 91 - "Still"

 

The Lord took me to Psalm 91 this morning to ponder upon. He is so good at protecting us from the evil one. Sometimes He puts things in our lives that our inconveniences but in the big picture if they protect us, we need to embrace them. There are times when we scratch our head and ask ourselves 'why?' things happen. We must remember God is in control no matter what and He will direct our lives in the best manner as we allow Him. I was thinking about senseless deaths. In reality, God may have allowed a death to happen to protect that person from something in the future. Traffic that puts us behind schedule could be protecting us from being in an accident. We just never know the big picture. We must trust God because He knows everything. We must allow Him to work in and through us because He knows everything. We must not allow the enemy an open door into our life but instead remember God knows everything. Plain and simple. A life lived with God who knows everything will be a life of contentment. It will be a life of peace in the midst of the storms of life. His peace is the best thing ever to bask in. We can only find true peace when we rest in Him. The words to "Still" are on my mind this morning...

Hide me now
Under Your wing
Cover me
Within Your mighty hand

When the oceans rise and thunders roar
I will soar with you above the storm
Father, You are King over the flood
I will be still know You are God

Yes! Be still! That is how we can experience more of God. As we are still in His presence, we will realize Him in a deeper way. We will be able to hear Him and have the desire in our heart to walk in obedience to His will. I need to be still more so I can hear Him better and realize His will for my life more every day. My heart's desire is to make Him so proud of every aspect of my life.

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the way You worked through all of the 'opportunities' yesterday where I could have fallen apart! Thank You for Your peace in the midst of the chaos! Thank You for a good time with friends over lunch! I love sitting in the midst of people and listening to the conversations, watching the interaction, etc. Thank You for Nancy, Jack and Paula, and Nestor's who had lunch with Rickey and I! Thank You for our time at the waterfront with ice cream with Cait, Alex, and the kids! 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. Lord, there are so many hurting people. May You be greater than the hurts in their lives. My Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; Little Ivy and her family; Kenny and Terri; Joyce; Melanie; and so many others. Thank You Jesus for being My Protector! Amen