Psalm 23 - "Fear Is A Liar"

I am so blessed when watching the sunrise. I think about how God is giving me the gift of a new day. As I unwrap the gift I have opportunities to love with His love and to be the person He has called me to be. A few weeks ago when I took this picture life was a bit easier than today. My heart is breaking for many going through tough times with loved ones health issues. It is heavy for some going through tough times in relationships. I wish there were something I could do but it is all up to God. He is the One who decides when our last moment will be on this earth. He is the One who sees us through tough times. We must trust Him and allow Him to stretch our faith in the process. We must lean into His strength so He can empower us to not just get through tough times but to glorify Him through them. During the night when He woke me to pray I had the twenty-third Psalm going through my mind. It is one read at many funerals but it gives me comfort every day. I love the second verse that reads, He offers a resting place for me in His luxurious love. His tracks take me to an oasis of peace near the quiet brook of bliss. When I am by the water, I definitely feel His presence more. Sitting watching the sunrise in silence brings me such joy and contentment. The Psalm continues in The Passion Translation, That's where He restores and revives my life. Oh how I can relate to these words. Many times before going for my mammogram I will go to the waterfront to walk and talk with God. That action gives me such peace. It empowers me to know whatever is ahead will be ok because God is in it. The Psalm continues to empower me over fear. The enemy tries to use circumstances and people to tear us down. He tries to tell us we cannot do whatever is before us. That is a lie. We can do anything with God. 2023 lies ahead. I don't know what it holds but I know God knows and that is all that matters. I do not have to fear the future but instead need to embrace it and allow God to work in and through me. I am reminded this morning of the words to a song called "Fear Is A Liar" and proclaiming this over my friends going through tough times...

Fear he is a liar
He will take your breath
Stop you in your steps
Fear he is a liar
He will rob your rest
Steal your happiness
Cast your fear in the fire
Cause fear he is a liar

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead today! I pray Your peace over many going through difficult days with their health or the health of loved ones, relationship issues, etc. May You be greater than the hurts of life. May You empower all to stand up against the enemy when he comes knocking at their door. I pray favor upon my travel today. No matter what I experience may I remember You are in control and know all. Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. I pray Your empowerment over those going through tough times. My Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; some young ladies with anxiety; a young man out of rehab who needs strength in his daily walk; Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Amber; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; Sherry; Serena and her husband; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments...Chrissy's cousin; Shirley Jones; Preacher Bill Watts; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Little Ivy; Little Judson; Little Roselynn; a young girl in our community; a lady whose breast cancer has returned; a lady diagnosed with stage two breast cancer; a lady diagnosed with throat cancer; Sue Danhoff's husband Harv; Michele with breast cancer; a dear friend awaiting an oncologist appointment; and a young lady awaiting cancer testing results. I pray for: the Long Family, Becky, Russ, a couple contemplating divorce and another couple having serious issues. Thank You for continued healing for: Pastor Tommy and Pam; Pastor Nancy; Darryle and his family; Janis' mother; and Sherry's mother, I praise You for continued reconciliation for a father and his prodigal daughter. I pray for Melinda and Todd with all they are going through. Thank You for less tingling and for sleep getting easier! Thank You for being My Resting Place! Amen.

James 5:13-16 - "Healer"

The Lord woke me in three times in the night to pray for three people. The number three has great meaning in my life. Anytime it comes up I realize it is a God thing. One of the people I prayed for is a young lady recently diagnosed with cancer. I prayed God would intervene in her situation not only in a physical healing but most importantly a spiritual healing. I prayed for wisdom for the doctors and comfort for her family. The second person in my prayers is a dear friend in ICU. Once again I prayed for wisdom for the doctors and comfort for his family. I prayed for God's peace to come down upon all. The third one I prayed for is a relationship between a boss and worker. I prayed for God to give wisdom to the boss as decisions need made. As I prayed for these three situations I was overwhelmed with how God uses me as His willing servant. I thought about how there are so many people on my prayer list with physical, mental, emotional, financial, and spiritual needs. Prayer is an avenue to draw us closer to God. As we pray and see answers to prayer our faith goes deeper. When our prayers are not answered as we desire, we sometimes get discouraged but we must remember God knows best. His timing is the best timing. I read James 5 this morning and was reminded of the importance of prayer. When we pray, it does not change God's mind but it changes us. Sometimes our prayers are not answered as we desire but when we are in relationship with God we realize the way they are answered is His desire. Jesus died on the cross for all of us. His sacrificial death was an atonement for our sins. When we accept Him in our heart, we are blessed with a relationship with Him. I desire to live as He desires of me. Sometimes I fall short but no matter what He still loves me. I am blessed with my prayer life not only for the way He answers my prayers but most importantly for the way He draws me closer in relationship to Him through those prayers. Believing in God is key for all. Trusting God with every aspect of life is crucial for all. Living for Him 24/7 is a gift for all. This morning I am reminded of a song Kari Jobe sings called "Healer" and praying for all to believe He can and will heal in His time and in His way. Sometimes healing comes in the form of death which is the ultimate healing. That form of healing can be difficult to accept but once again we must remember God knows best.

You hold my very moment
You calm my raging seas
You walk with me through fire
And heal all my disease
I trust in You, I trust in You

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the blessings of yesterday with Christmas with Paul, Liz, and Miss Bella; time with Linda and part of her family; and having Sharon, Carol, and Karen visit! Thank You for another day of life ahead! Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. Thank You for the opportunity to pray for three people three times during the night! What a blessing You are in my life. I pray Your peace over them and many going through difficult times. My Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; some young ladies with anxiety; a young man out of rehab who needs strength in his daily walk; Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Amber; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; Sherry; Serena and her husband; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments...Chrissy's cousin; Shirley Jones; Preacher Bill Watts; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Little Ivy; Little Judson; Little Roselynn; a young girl in our community; a lady whose breast cancer has returned; a lady diagnosed with stage two breast cancer; a lady diagnosed with throat cancer; Sue Danhoff's husband Harv; Michele with breast cancer; a dear friend awaiting an oncologist appointment; and a young lady awaiting cancer testing results. I pray for: the Long Family, Becky, Russ, a couple contemplating divorce and another couple having serious issues. Thank You for continued healing for: Pastor Tommy and Pam; Pastor Nancy; Darryle and his family; Janis' mother; and Sherry's mother, I praise You for continued reconciliation for a father and his prodigal daughter. I pray for Melinda and Todd with all they are going through. Thank You for less tingling and for sleep getting easier! Thank You for being My Healer! Amen.

Psalm 16 - "My Defender"

The Lord took me to Psalm 16 this morning. This Psalm reminds me God protects me, is my Portion, and is to be praised for all He does in my life. It reminds me of how life can be when we focus on Him. It will not be perfect but it will be filled with blessings. It will not be easy but will be filled with opportunities to grow in Him. There will be times when we question why things are as they are but it is in those times we draw closer to God. There will be times that just don't make sense in the human aspect of life but when we realize God knows all and that is all that matters we will be blessed in abundance. Yesterday was filled with getting to spend time with loved ones which blessed me in abundance. My pastor's heart hurts that I am not with ones who need me but I am thankful for time to see family. I am thankful for the way God provides for trips such as this and for the way He opens doors for visits. In my humanness I considered giving up on this trip with all the delays at the airport. I am thankful God was there to direct me to continue on. Verse five of Psalm 16 reads in The Passion Translation, The way you counsel me makes me praise you more, for your whispers in the night give me wisdom, showing me what to do next. I am thankful for the way God directs my words and actions. When I focus on Him, I not only hear His voice but I walk in obdedience to Him. There are times I miss things or choose to not follow His lead. It is in those times I know I miss blessings. Shame on me. Thankfully He is there to love me through such times. He is there to love me through hurtful times too. Sometimes life is just too much but then I am reminded I am not alone. He is with me at all time. Verse eleven of this chapter speaks volumes. The way you counsel me makes me praise you more, for your whispers in the night give me wisdom, showing me what to do next. Matthew Henry wrote of this Psalm: David flees to God's protection, with cheerful, believing confidence. We all need to be confident as we seek God. Confident that He is with us at all time. Confident that He knows best. Confident that His timing is perfect no matter what. Praise His Holy Name. I am reminded this morning of a song Jeremy Camp sings called "My Defender"...

I can see You when the night is closing in
And I will trust You when it seems that there's no hope
And I hold tight to the promise You have given
'Cause this I know and I am confident

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for the blessings of yesterday with breakfast with Paul; time with Adam, Rachel and Miss Aiya; my visit with Marlene; and time with Tim! Thank You for this time of being with my Momma! Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. I pray people will see You through me today. I pray for all of the families with deaths that we received news of yesterday. I also continue to pray for Jan and Sherry as both of their mothers are going through issues. I pray Your peace and strength over many going through difficult days. My Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; some young ladies with anxiety; a young man out of rehab who needs strength in his daily walk; Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Amber; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; Sherry; Serena and her husband; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments...Chrissy's cousin; Shirley Jones; Preacher Bill Watts; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Little Ivy; Little Judson; Little Roselynn; a young girl in our community; a lady whose breast cancer has returned; a lady diagnosed with stage two breast cancer; a lady diagnosed with throat cancer; Sue Danhoff's husband Harv; Michele with breast cancer; a dear friend awaiting an oncologist appointment; and a young lady awaiting cancer testing results. I pray for: the Long Family, Becky, Russ, a couple contemplating divorce and another couple having serious issues. Thank You for continued healing for: Pastor Tommy and Pam; Pastor Nancy; and Darryle and his family. I praise You for continued reconciliation for a father and his prodigal daughter. I pray for Melinda and Todd with all they are going through. Thank You for less tingling and for sleep getting easier! Thank You for being My Confidence! Amen.

Psalm 91 - "Hills and Valleys"

This morning the Lord took me to Psalm 91 as I prayed for a friend going through a major life change. David wrote this Psalm to show us we need to trust God no matter what our circumstances. When we are faced with challenges in life, we need to trust Him to see us through. When the challenges of life become overwhelming, we need to lean into His strength. When we don't understand what is happening, we need to allow Him to give us His wisdom. There is a part in Psalm 91 that speaks of how we get through challenging times. Verses fourteen through sixteen tells us when we allow God to be Who He desires in our life, we will realize His love for us. They read in the VOICE:

“Because he clings to Me in love,
    I will rescue him from harm;
    I will set him above danger.
Because he has known Me by name,
15 He will call on Me, and I will answer.
    I’ll be with him through hard times;
    I’ll rescue him and grant him honor.
16 I’ll reward him with many good years on this earth
    and let him witness My salvation.”

God desires to not just see us through challenging times but He desires to be glorified through them. He desires us to trust Him as we learn what He has for us. God does not desire to see any of us suffer but sometimes it takes suffering to get us to realize how much we need Him. Sometimes it takes going through the valleys of life for us to realize Who He is to us. As I prayed for my friend going through a major life change the word 'trust' continued to come to my mind. I also pray she will allow God to show her His plan in His time. Sometimes we get antsy and try to manipulate circumstances to get things to go the way we desire. What we need to do is allow Him to work in and through us. This morning I am reminded of the words to the song "Hills and Valleys"...

On the mountains, I will bow my life
To the One who set me there
In the valley, I will lift my eyes to the One who sees me there
When I'm standing on the mountain, I didn't get there on my own
When I'm walking through the valley I know I am not alone
You're God of the hills and valleys
Hills and valleys
God of the hills and valleys
And I am not alone

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the blessings of yesterday with taking Momma to a doctor appointment, lunch with June, and seeing a high school friend! Thank You for the blessings ahead today! Cleanse me so You can fill me with more of You. May people see/hear You instead of me. I pray for my friend going through a major life change. May she receive Your peace. I pray peace over many who are finding themselves in the valleys of life. Jan and Sherry as both of their mothers are going through issues. My Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; some young ladies with anxiety; a young man out of rehab who needs strength in his daily walk; Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Amber; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; Sherry; Serena and her husband; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments...Chrissy's cousin; Shirley Jones; Preacher Bill Watts; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Little Ivy; Little Judson; Little Roselynn; a young girl in our community; a lady whose breast cancer has returned; a lady diagnosed with stage two breast cancer; a lady diagnosed with throat cancer; Sue Danhoff's husband Harv; Michele with breast cancer; a dear friend awaiting an oncologist appointment; and a young lady awaiting cancer testing results. I pray for: the Long Family, Becky, Russ, a couple contemplating divorce and another couple having serious issues. Thank You for continued healing for: Pastor Tommy and Pam; Pastor Nancy; and Darryle and his family. I praise You for continued reconciliation for a father and his prodigal daughter. I pray for Melinda and Todd with all they are going through. Thank You for less tingling and for sleep getting easier! Thank You for being My Valley Companion! Amen.

Proverbs 3:5-6 - "We Won't Be Shaken"

Yesterday started out great but became very challenging with multiple delays with travel. After over three hours of sitting on the tarmac some of the natives were getting restless. I had prayed throughout the day and asked others to also pray. I was beginning to think this trip to Ohio was not going to happen. We actually left the gate once only to go back for a maintenance issue. Throughout the delay time I asked God what the purpose of all of it was about. i asked if I were suppose to go or not. All kinds of thoughts went through my mind. I had the opportunity to talk with some people and share my story which blessed me in abundance. I also had messages of three people who were taken to the hospital with serious health issues and had time to pray for them. It was just a different kind of day full of frustration. It does no good to allow frustration to ruin a day nor does it do any good to complain. As I was sitting there waiting I thought about how people see our reaction in such situations. If we show peace, they will wonder why. If we keep a smile on our face, they will wonder why. If we speak life instead of complaining, they will wonder why. The answer is plain and simple. Trusting Jesus no matter what is happening in life is key. I am reminded this morning of Proverbs 3:5-6 that tells us to trust God and not try to figure things our on our own. Yesterday morning I watched a flock of ducks and a single goose 'sharing' their space in the pond. The goose wasn't too happy with sharing and moved when the ducks got closer. I thought about how we, as humans, can be like that. We can get up a 'miff tree' and not want to be around people. We can feel overwhelmed with life and just want to be away from everyone. Those scenarios happen but what we must remember is to trust God every day with all aspects of life and He will take care of things. He will smooth out the rough edges in relationships. He will give us wisdom on decisions we need to make. He will love us through tough times. Praise His Holy Name! This morning I am reminded of a song called "We Won't Be Shaken" that Building 429 sings.

Whatever will come our way
Through fire or pouring rain
No, we won't be shaken
No, we won't be shaken
Whatever tomorrow brings
Together we'll rise and sing
That we won't be shaken
No, we won't be shaken

Dear Jesus, Thank You for staying so close to me yesterday with all the flight delays! Thank You for people who prayed for me! Thank You for Andy taking me to the airport and for June picking me up from the airport! Thank You for this time with my Momma! Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. I pray for Jan and her family with her mother's situation and for healing for Sherri's momma. I pray for wisdom for doctors with Paula's hand surgery today. I pray Your peace over many going through difficult days. My Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; some young ladies with anxiety; a young man out of rehab who needs strength in his daily walk; Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Amber; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; Sherry; Serena and her husband; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments...Chrissy's cousin; Shirley Jones; Preacher Bill Watts; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Little Ivy; Little Judson; Little Roselynn; a young girl in our community; a lady whose breast cancer has returned; a lady diagnosed with stage two breast cancer; a lady diagnosed with throat cancer; Sue Danhoff's husband Harv; Michele with breast cancer; a dear friend awaiting an oncologist appointment; and a young lady awaiting cancer testing results. I pray for: the Long Family, Becky, Russ, a couple contemplating divorce and another couple having serious issues. Thank You for continued healing for: Pastor Tommy and Pam; Pastor Nancy; and Darryle and his family. I praise You for continued reconciliation for a father and his prodigal daughter. I pray for Melinda and Todd with all they are going through. Thank You for less tingling and for sleep getting easier! Thank You for being The One I Trust! Amen.

Jeremiah 29:11-13 - "My Wish"

Woo hoo! Today is a day to celebrate Ben's thirty-eighth birthday! He was a 'late' Christmas gift that keeps on giving. It warms this Momma's heart to see him be the husband, father, leader, etc. God has called him to be. I love spending time with him and his family. They are so much fun and provide a lot of laughter. They also are very affectionate so my emotional tank gets filled every time we are together. I love seeing them work together every day to make life easier for one another. I also love listening to their conversations. I was blessed last summer when I spent a couple nights with them and was able to be a part of their daily activities. God continues to bless him and his family in abundance. Those blessings started in the womb when Ben was going to be born with an open spine. We were given the option to abort but of course that was not an option for us. Instead we asked people all over the world to pray. The following month the ultrasound showed he was a healthy baby boy. The technician said, 'It must have been a mistake the month before because all was good.' It was not a mistake. When Ben was born, he had a scar on the lower part of his back that showed he was healed. Fast forward to his high school days when he was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. One service at Mount Vernon Nazarene University he went to the altar and cried out for a healing. Once again prayers were heard and answered. The next bloodwork showed none of the disease. God had a plan for Ben from before conception and continues to have His plan fulfilled through him. I am one blessed Momma. I am disappointed I won't see him for Christmas and his birthday with this trip north but am looking forward to seeing him in January when I go back up. I was reminded of a song Rascal Flatts sings called "My Wish"...

My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to
Your dreams stay big, your worries stay small
You never need to carry more than you can hold
And while you're out there getting where you're getting to
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead today! Thank You for today being a day to celebrate Ben! Thank You for giving me the privilege to be his Momma! May his day be filled with blessings. I pray for safe travels today and thank You for providing for this trip. Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. May I not miss any opportunity You put before me to love with Your love. I pray peace over many going through difficult days. My Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; some young ladies with anxiety; a young man out of rehab who needs strength in his daily walk; Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Amber; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; Sherry; Serena and her husband; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments...Chrissy's cousin; Shirley Jones; Preacher Bill Watts; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Little Ivy; Little Judson; Little Roselynn; a young girl in our community; a lady whose breast cancer has returned; a lady diagnosed with stage two breast cancer; a lady diagnosed with throat cancer; Sue Danhoff's husband Harv; Michele with breast cancer; a dear friend awaiting an oncologist appointment; and a young lady awaiting cancer testing results. I pray for: the Long Family, Becky, Russ, a couple contemplating divorce and another couple having serious issues. Thank You for continued healing for: Pastor Tommy and Pam; Pastor Nancy; and Darryle and his family. I praise You for continued reconciliation for a father and his prodigal daughter. I pray for Melinda and Todd with all they are going through. Thank You for less tingling and for sleep getting easier! Thank You for being My Heavenly Father! Amen.

II Corinthians 9:15 - "We Are The Reason"

Yesterday was one of 'those days' where it would have been so easy to give up. Losing electricity for a couple hours brought back bad memories of the year we lost power for days in Ohio from an ice storm. That time through me into a full blow MS exasperation that had major impact on the disease. Yesterday I prayed and asked God to not allow a repeat of that situation. Within two hours the electric was restored. Praise God! When I got to the church, there was no water due to frozen pipes. Thank God it wasn't like last year with busted pipes that caused us to have to replace the kitchen floor. By evening the water in the bathroom was working and hopefully when I go today the kitchen will be also. In the process of running the sweeper I ran over a napkin under a table I didn't see and it caught on fire. When I took apart the sweeper to get it out, the belt came off. I was so frustrated I just walked away from it. Thankfully that was the end of the 'junk' of the day. After service we had dinner and then I went with Alex, Cait and the kids to look at Christmas lights. It was so cold when we walked to see the last display but my heart was happy. It reminded me of days when I was growing up and then when my boys were growing up and we would go to see lights on Christmas Eve. I am one blessed lady. This morning when I woke up I thought about how different Christmas was this year. I am thankful the thing that never is different is Jesus' love for me. When I saw these presents in the display last night, I was reminded the greatest gift of all is Jesus. I also was reminded of a plague Betty gave me that says instead of buying presents we should 'be present'! I love that and am going to be more intentional in my relationships this coming year in being present with people. God put us on this earth to love everyone. He puts people in our path every day to love on. He also puts people in our path who love on us. What a blessing it is to feel loved. I am reminded this morning of a song called "We Are The Reason"....

As the years went by we learned more about gifts
The giving of ourselves and what that means
On a dark and cloudy day, a man hung crying in the rain
All because of love, all because of love
Oh and we were the reason that He gave His life
We were the reason that He suffered and died
To a world that was lost, He gave all He could give
To show us the reason to live

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead today! Thank You for loving me so much that You died for my sins! Thank You for the restoration of the electric yesterday at the house and the water unthawing in the church bathrooms! Thank You for another day of life ahead! Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. Lord, empower me to be more intentional in my relationships. I pray Your peace and joy over many going through difficult days. My Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; some young ladies with anxiety; a young man out of rehab who needs strength in his daily walk; Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Amber; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; Sherry; Serena and her husband; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments...Chrissy's cousin; Shirley Jones; Preacher Bill Watts; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Little Ivy; Little Judson; Little Roselynn; a young girl in our community; a lady whose breast cancer has returned; a lady diagnosed with stage two breast cancer; a lady diagnosed with throat cancer; Sue Danhoff's husband Harv; Michele with breast cancer; a dear friend awaiting an oncologist appointment; and a young lady awaiting cancer testing results. I pray for: the Long Family, Becky, Russ, a couple contemplating divorce and another couple having serious issues. Thank You for continued healing for: Pastor Tommy and Pam; Pastor Nancy; and Darryle and his family.. I praise You for continued reconciliation for a father and his prodigal daughter. I pray for Melinda and Todd with all they are going through. Thank You for less tingling and for sleep getting easier! Thank You for being My Greatest Gift! Amen.

Luke 2:19 - "God Is In This Story"

Christmas Eves of the past are sure different than today. Growing up I remember Christmas Eve being the day my family gathered for good food and fun. Cooking would happen all day as my Momma prepared for everyone to come home. Christmas Eve service was always special with ending in singing "Silent Night" with everyone having candles. After the service we would go look at Christmas lights around town. Oh, the memories. There were also 'tough' memories involved with Christmas with my parents both having multiple health issues so little money to buy food let alone presents. Many years people in the community and/or church took care of our Christmas. The year my sister was murdered was a year where gifts seem to come from everywhere to make sure her children had a good Christmas. I remember several Christmas's when I would drop off food and gifts to people who were struggling. That is what Christmas is all about. God sent His Son to this earth because He loves us. Jesus was the perfect Gift for all and remains to be so today. The gift of God's love is one I never want to take for granted. It is one I desire to unwrap each and every day with excitement that He will never stop loving me. He may become disappointed in me in what I do or don't do but His love is forever. The other day one of my little guys was talking about how I was their BFF. I chuckled because it seems weird to hear that from a child. I also was blessed in knowing I am considered to be their friend. Last night I had a call about another one of my little guys saying my name to where it was recognizable. He struggles with saying words that begin with 's' but my name came out pretty clear when he said I dropped off a goodie bad to him. That blessed my heart. It's the little things in life that have the greatest meaning. It blesses me in abundance when someone hears something I say and then gets it for me, takes me somewhere I want to go, etc. It blesses me to know God has people taking care of not only my needs but also my wants. As I think about the day ahead I could be sad for all the times of the past with a full house, lots of presents under the tree, etc. or I could be joyful in knowing God loves me. I choose joy today. I am reminded this morning of the song "God Is In This Story" and feeling blessed that He is with me on the mountaintop and in the valleys of life. 

God is in this story
God is in the details
Even in the broken parts
He holds my heart, He never fails
When I'm at my weakest
I will trust in Jesus
Always in the highs and lows
The One who goes before me
God is in this story

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead today! Thank You for Your love, mercy, and grace! Thank You for encouraging me to be joyful instead of allowing the enemy to bring on the loneliness! Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. May You shine brightly through my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts. I pray for many going through tough times to choose joy. My Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; some young ladies with anxiety; a young man out of rehab who needs strength in his daily walk; Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Amber; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; Sherry; Serena and her husband; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments...Chrissy's cousin; Shirley Jones; Preacher Bill Watts; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Little Ivy; Little Judson; Little Roselynn; a young girl in our community; a lady whose breast cancer has returned; a lady diagnosed with stage two breast cancer; a lady diagnosed with throat cancer; Sue Danhoff's husband Harv; Michele with breast cancer; a dear friend awaiting an oncologist appointment; and a young lady awaiting cancer testing results. I pray for: the Long Family, Becky, Russ, a couple contemplating divorce and another couple having serious issues. Thank You for continued healing for: Pastor Tommy and Pam; Pastor Nancy; and Darryle and his family.. I praise You for continued reconciliation for a father and his prodigal daughter. I pray for Melinda and Todd with all they are going through. Thank You for less tingling and for sleep getting easier! Thank You for being My Gift! Amen.

Proverbs 27:19 - "Echo"

Sometimes in the busyness of life we tend to forget why we are on this earth. God desires us to be a reflection of Him. That includes loving with His love. That looks different in different situations with different people. Some people need to experience God's love in a bold way while others need to experience it in a subtle way. Some need to feel Him through our words while others need to see Him through our actions. I am so blessed to have people in my life who love on me so well. The desire of my heart is to love on people as He so desires of me. I know I fall short at times but am thankful for every opportunity He puts before me. I am thankful even though He knows my shortcomings He still loves me. None are perfect but the more we strive to live as Christ the more we will realize what He desires of us. I love looking out over the pond and listening to what God has to say to me. I love the way He speaks to me through nature. The beauty of His creation is priceless. Even on dreary days such as what we have been experiencing I am still blessed through His nature. When I have a few days without seeing sunrise or sunset, all I have to do is reflect back through my memory bank of ones in the past. I look through pictures I have taken and am blessed in abundance. Going through the pictures gives me a warm fuzzy feeling as I remember each experience. As I think about reflecting God this morning I have to stop and ask myself how well I do it. Do I reflect Him just when it is convenient for me or at all time? Do I allow Him to use me as His servant at all time or just when it works into my schedule? Do people see Him in my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts? So many questions to ponder upon as I start a new day. This picture I took the other day shows the beauty of the sunsetting over the pond. The reflection given is perfect in the brilliance of the different colors. That is exactly how our life can be as we reflect God. I am reminded this morning of a song Blanca sings called "Echo"...

I was made to leave a mark
Carry fire in my heart
No matter where I go
I want my life to echo You
I was meant to make You shine
Be a reflection of Your light
In everything I do
I want my life to echo You, You, You

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead today! Thank You for loving me so greatly! Thank You for Your Word, music, and nature that encourage me to reflect You! Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. May my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts reflect You today in a mighty way. Lord, I pray Your peace over many going through difficult days. May they experience Your joy and love today more than ever before. My Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; some young ladies with anxiety; a young man out of rehab who needs strength in his daily walk; Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Amber; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; Sherry; Serena and her husband; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments...Chrissy's cousin; Shirley Jones; Preacher Bill Watts; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Little Ivy; Little Judson; Little Roselynn; a young girl in our community; a lady whose breast cancer has returned; a lady diagnosed with stage two breast cancer; a lady diagnosed with throat cancer; Sue Danhoff's husband Harv; Michele with breast cancer; a dear friend awaiting an oncologist appointment; and a young lady awaiting cancer testing results. I pray for: the Long Family, Becky, Russ, a couple contemplating divorce and another couple having serious issues. Thank You for continued healing for: Pastor Tommy and Pam; Pastor Nancy; and Darryle and his family.. I praise You for continued reconciliation for a father and his prodigal daughter. I pray for Melinda and Todd with all they are going through. Thank You for less tingling and for sleep getting easier! Thank You for being My Life! Amen.

Psalm 98 - "Good Lord"

Goodness it just seems like it will never stop raining. The sun came out for a few minutes yesterday but with temps in the forties it was still frigid. Every time I was awake during the night I could hear the rain coming down. The Lord took me to Psalm 98 this morning. This Psalm reminds me to praise Him no matter what is happening in life. I was thinking during the night about how the rain coming down in the physical sense is like how 'rain' falls in all areas of life. It seems like every time I turn around someone is asking for prayer for things they are going through. My heart breaks for all but I know we have to go through such times for our faith to grow. When life is easy, we tend to think we don't need God. We must remember we always need Him. David encourages us in the beginning of Psalm 98 to Sing a new song to the Lord, for he has done wonderful deeds. How can you sing a new song when your child is gravely ill in the hospital? How can you sing a new song when you lost your spouse? How can you sing a new song when you are so far behind on your bills that utilities are being shut off and there is no money for food and gas let alone for Christmas presents? How can you sing a new song when you feel like killing yourself? These are all situations people are dealing with daily. They are true life situations that don't just go away. Telling someone you will pray for them is great but actually praying with them is even better. Sharing community resources with them is something that does not cost a thing yet can be very helpful. Inviting them into your home for a meal goes beyond just the food being provided but also provides friendship. This morning I am asking myself how I can sing a new song to the Lord. What can I do to make a difference in someone's life? I know I need to listen more to the Lord for His direction and allow Him to take me wherever He so desires. He is so, so good. I am reminded of a song David Leonard sings called "Good Lord"...

I may not know what tomorrow holds

But I know one thing for sure

Good Lord, I got a good Lord

Every day, every step of the way it's You who opened the door

Good Lord, I got a good Lord

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead today! Thank You for loving me so greatly! Thank You for cleansing me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You! Father, there are so many hurting people and the holidays seem to bring more hurt than normal. May You be so very real to all. My Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; some young ladies with anxiety; a young man out of rehab who needs strength in his daily walk; Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Amber; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; Sherry; Serena and her husband; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments...Chrissy's cousin; Shirley Jones; Preacher Bill Watts; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Little Ivy; Little Judson; Little Roselynn; a young girl in our community; a lady whose breast cancer has returned; a lady diagnosed with stage two breast cancer; a lady diagnosed with throat cancer; Sue Danhoff's husband Harv; Michele with breast cancer; a dear friend awaiting an oncologist appointment; and a young lady awaiting cancer testing results. I pray for: the Long Family, Becky, Russ, a couple contemplating divorce and another couple having serious issues. Thank You for continued healing for: Pastor Tommy and Pam and Darryle and his family.. I praise You for continued reconciliation for a father and his prodigal daughter. I pray for Melinda and Todd with all they are going through. Thank You for less tingling and for sleep getting easier! Thank You for being My Good Lord! Amen.

Psalm 15 - "I Am Yours"

God took me to Psalm 15 this morning. I read it in different versions and liked the conversation style of the Message. God desires us to live our best life. That life needs to include Him as the foundation. When others see us living such a life, they will be intrigued as to how we can have peace in the midst of the storms of life. When life seems to fall apart all around us, we have strength in Him. I have a friend who seems to just keep getting hit with one thing after another. I have prayed for them many times to allow God to be their focus instead of their problems. When we focus on ourselves, it takes away from God. I am reminded of something I shared in a recent sermon. Jesus Others Yourself. That is the key to keeping joy in your spirit. I hold Nehemiah 8:10 close to my heart. The joy of the Lord is my strength. Woo hoo! Yes! The angels announced good tidings of great joy in Luke 2:10 at the time of Jesus' birth. I think it's cool how Jesus brought joy to Mary in Luke 1:47 even before He was born. It was also cool to read of how John leaped for joy in his mother's womb when he heard Mary's voice in Luke 1:44. Bringing joy was a big part of Jesus' ministry on this earth. It should be a big part of our life too. I often think of Paul and his life that was full of challenges yet he remained joyful even in prison. There are different types of imprisonment. Physical, mental, emotional, financial, and even spiritual. Praise God He will provide freedom to any and all imprisonment we find ourselves in. I am thankful for the promise of John 15:5. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. Praise His Holy Name! This morning a song Need To Breathe sings is going through my mind...

'Cause I am yours
And you will always be mine
It seems like madness, I'm invited
To the table by your side
'Cause I am yours
And you will always be mine
I'm a man whose one ambition
Is to dance with my divine
'Cause I am yours
And you are, you are, you are
You are mine

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead today! Oh how my heart breaks for many going through difficult days. I pray Your joy over all. My Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; some young ladies with anxiety; a young man out of rehab who needs strength in his daily walk; Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Amber; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; Sherry; Serena and her husband; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments...Chrissy's cousin; Shirley Jones; Preacher Bill Watts; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Little Ivy; Little Judson; Little Roselynn; a young girl in our community; a lady whose breast cancer has returned; a lady diagnosed with stage two breast cancer; a lady diagnosed with throat cancer; Sue Danhoff's husband Harv; Michele with breast cancer; a dear friend awaiting an oncologist appointment; and a young lady awaiting cancer testing results. I pray for: the Long Family, Becky, Russ, a couple contemplating divorce and another couple having serious issues. Thank You for continued healing for: Pastor Tommy and Pam and Darryle and his family.. I praise You for continued reconciliation for a father and his prodigal daughter. I pray for Melinda and Todd with all they are going through. Father, thank you the tingling is becoming less in my head/face. Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. Thank You for being My Promise Keeper! Amen.

Psalm 89 - "First"

The Lord took me to Psalm 89 this morning to ponder upon. As I read it I thought about a situation a fellow pastor is dealing with that is disheartening. I continue to pray for her to not just get through this time but for God to be glorified through it.  I thought about how hard the time was between Doc's death and getting the church into our building. Those were some of the hardest days I have ever dealt with and am thankful for the strength God provided during it. I thought about how God does not always reveal things to us but instead teaches us lessons through tough times. I remember many nights of falling into bed exhausted but not in the physical sense but the mental and emotional sense. God was there encouraging me to not give up. So many times I wanted to but I knew I needed to see the situation to completion. I remember one day sitting on the floor in the sanctuary crying and begging God to just let the time be over so we would be finally meeting in the building. It was less than eight months in between Doc's death and our first service in the building. That does not seem like long now but at the time it seemed like a lifetime. Recently at my two year review Pastor Sam commended me for not only the accomplishment of getting into the building but especially for doing it while grieving. I think God used the distractions of the process to help me through the grieving process. He reminded me multiple times that He was with me and I did not have to do anything on my own strength. Praise His Holy Name! As I pondered upon Psalm 89 this morning I stopped at verse five and read it in different versions. The VOICE speaks volumes to me. We need to praise God no matter what our circumstances. We need to praise Him when we are on the mountaintop and when we are in the valleys of life. He is always with us and will direct us as we allow Him. He loves us greatly and will never leave us. I told my friend last night that the result of the meeting she had was not a surprise to God. He knew she would be denied but He also knows the outcome of what is ahead. Sometimes we get frustrated in our humanness but we need to allow Him to be Who He is and take care of things. I am reminded this morning of the song "First" that Lauren Daigle sings. We must put Him "First" in our life if we truly want to live in the way He desires of us.

Before I speak a word
Let me hear Your voice
And in the midst of pain
Let me feel Your joy
Ooh, I wanna know You
I wanna find You
In every season
In every moment
Before I speak a word
I will bring my heart
And seek You

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead today! What a blessing to receive so many hugs from my little guys throughout the day yesterday. You bless me in abundance through people, music, nature, etc. I am one blessed lady! Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. May people see/hear You through my words, thoughts, actions, and attitude. I continue to pray for my friend going through the building process for her church. I pray You will be so very real to her during these tough days. I also pray for Amber and John with his meeting today and for Katelyn with her scan. Father, as the days draw nearer to Christmas may more people realize You in their lives. May Your peace come down upon all struggling. My Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; some young ladies with anxiety; a young man out of rehab who needs strength in his daily walk; Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Amber; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; Sherry; Serena and her husband; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments...Chrissy's cousin; Shirley Jones; Preacher Bill Watts; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Little Ivy; Little Judson; Little Roselynn; a young girl in our community; a lady whose breast cancer has returned; a lady diagnosed with stage two breast cancer; a lady diagnosed with throat cancer; Sue Danhoff's husband Harv; Michele with breast cancer; a dear friend awaiting an oncologist appointment; and a young lady awaiting cancer testing. I pray for: the Long Family, Becky, Russ, a couple contemplating divorce and another couple having serious issues. Thank You for continued healing for: Pastor Tommy and Pam and Darryle and his family.. I praise You for continued reconciliation for a father and his prodigal daughter. I pray for Melinda and Todd with all they are going through. Father, I pray against the tingling and ask for restoration in my health. Thank You for being First In My Life! Amen.

Matthew 1:21 - "Praise Song"

What an awesome day I had yesterday! Woo hoo! I started off watching the sunrise at Widgeon Point before going to church. We had our Christmas program yesterday which blessed me in abundance as different ones shared in speaking, singing, and playing guitars. After the service our time of fellowship over lunch was priceless. I ended the day with watching the sunset at Land's End which was once again a blessing. Gathering shells for more craft projects always excites me as I see the way God makes each of them different just as He makes us different. I love when He puts something unexpected before me in nature. Last night's find was a cross made from two twigs grown together. So amazing! Something so simple yet has such a powerful message in it. This Christmas season seems to have more of a focus on not only Jesus' birth but His death and resurrection. He came to this earth with a purpose and that was to be a Savior for all. When God brought Him in the form of a baby, He knew He would die for all. Jesus fulfilled His purpose many years ago and desires us to fulfill the purpose He puts upon our lives. The two twigs grown together had a purpose to make a cross to be seen as a reminder of Jesus. A simple yet powerful message. I brought it home with me but then thought maybe I should have left it for someone else to see. On second thought I like having it as a reminder of my day yesterday. We all need reminders of God's love from time to time. Yesterday afternoon I had an opportunity to pray with a friend. Actually, when God brought her to my mind I started praying for her and He stopped me. 'No, Daughter. Pray with her' were the words I heard. With many miles between us I dialed her number and did just that. I shared about how God loves us so much and shows that love through having people pray with us. After I prayed she shared how I made her feel so loved and she needed that greatly. It wasn't me but God who directed me. Later in the evening I had an opportunity to pray over the phone with another friend who is going through a tough situation in a relationship. I am so grateful for today's technology that makes it easy to do life with people even when apart. I am grateful for the way God uses nature to bless me such as experiencing sunrise and sunset yesterday. I am grateful for all the ways He blesses me but especially for Him being my Savior. I am reminded this morning of a song Third Day sings called "Praise Song" and praising Him for Who He is in my life...

We praise You, oh, Lord for the love that You give
And the time that You spent on this world for our sins
We lift up Your name in honor and praise
In Jesus we place all our love and our faith

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead today! Thank You for the opportunities to experience sunrise and sunset yesterday! Thank You for a wonderful time with my church family! Thank You for Your love, mercy, and grace! 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. I pray Your peace over many going through difficult times. My heart breaks for those who are grieving over the loss of loved ones this holiday season whether it be in a physical death, a death of a relationship, or a death of what 'normal' life was for them. May You be so close to all. My Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; some young ladies with anxiety; a young man out of rehab who needs strength in his daily walk; Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Amber; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; Sherry; Serena and her husband; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments...Chrissy's cousin; Shirley Jones; Preacher Bill Watts; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Little Ivy; Little Judson; Little Roselynn; a young girl in our community; a lady whose breast cancer has returned; a lady diagnosed with stage two breast cancer; a lady diagnosed with throat cancer; Sue Danhoff's husband Harv; Michele with breast cancer; a dear friend awaiting an oncologist appointment; and a young lady awaiting cancer testing. I pray for: the Long Family, Becky, Russ, a couple contemplating divorce and another couple having serious issues. Thank You for continued healing for: Pastor Tommy and Pam and Darryle and his family.. I praise You for continued reconciliation for a father and his prodigal daughter. I pray for Melinda and Todd with all they are going through. Father, I pray against the tingling and ask for restoration in my health. Thank You for being My Savior! Amen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTEVAUqIg