Psalm 23:6 - "Fill My Cup"

This picture was taken last year on the day of the Hospice butterfly release. That day brought much healing to my broken heart over Doc leaving this earth. Today is this year's butterfly release. I am praying for healing once again. It seems appropriate that today is the one year anniversary of my Rickey coming for a trip to South Carolina for the first time. It was only for a couple days but I enjoyed showing him my little world and getting to know him better. This week has been a 'tough' one emotionally. There have been many tears and God even heard some screaming a couple times. So much loss is hard to get through but I know God is with me. I do not have to fear the future because God has it in His hand. All I have to do is live in His presence so He can live in and through me. I must be focused on Him and not allow distractions to get in the way of what He desires of me. He is so amazing. Yesterday He gave me a verse and explanation to give to someone. I hesitated in doing so because it had a negative feel to it but I prayed and then I shared. When I finished, they shared with me God had given them a dream that went along with it. Wow, God! He is just so amazing in the ways He uses us as His servant when we allow Him. I continue to seek more of Him. I know the only way to live a successful life for Him is to be focused on Him. I am reminded of the song by Andrew Ripp called "Fill My Cup Lord"...

Fill my house up with hoping
Fill my plans up with purpose
Fill my wounds up with healing
Lord, I need You to...fill my cup
Fill my days up with meaning
Fill my future with vision
Goodness, grace and provision
Lord, I need You to fill my cup

What a blessing this song is to sing! I desire to have hope, purpose, healing, meaning, vision, goodness, grace, and provision in my life. God goes before me so I do not have to fear anything ahead. The 'tough' days will be taken care of by Him just as the 'good' days will be blessed. He knows the desire of my heart is to fulfill the desires of His heart. He also knows I do not want to do or say anything not of Him. What a blessing to know He loves me so much and is with me 24/7.

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! May You be seen/heard in my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts today. May people desire to be in relationship with You by what they see me living out. I continue to pray peace over many going through 'tough' days. Thank You for continued improvement with Pastor Sam and for Baby Henry having another successful surgery! I pray for: my Momma; Ben; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her Momma Shirley; Serena and her husband; Beth and her family; some young ladies with anxiety; a man in rehab for anger issues; a young man out of rehab who needs strength in his daily walk; a husband/father separated from his wife; Mary Lilley; Preacher Bill Watts; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Timmy; Amber; Heather; families in turmoil; Ms Savon's friend; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments... Doug and Gay; Patty's daughter Tracy; Sharon's daughter Ashley and niece Amy; Chrissy's cousins; Shirley Jones; Debbie's husband Kelly; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Betty's husband; my friend with mesothelioma; Judy Link; Little Ivy; my friend with upcoming radiation; and Dorothy's grandson. I pray for: Jonathan whose mother was diagnosed with a brain tumor, Russ and his family, the Long Family, and Christina and her family. I pray for Larry Amstutz to have open doors as he seeks new employment. Thank You for continuing to be with Anna, Michael, Matt, and myself as we miss my Rickey being with us!  May today be another day of healing for me with the Butterfly Release. Thank You for being My Cup Filler! Amen.

Psalm 39 - "Weary Traveler"

The Lord took me to Psalm 39 this morning.  David wrote these words as a cry for help from the Lord to live as He desired of him. He asked the Lord to show him how long he had on this earth. I am thankful we do not know how long we have. We need to live each day as our last. We need to think of every breath we take here as our last so we will be more intentional in living as God desires of us. Sometimes I think about those who have left this earth and I wonder why I'm still here. What is my purpose for being here when others who did far more than me for the Lord have gone on? Why would God take someone like Doc who made such an impact on many lives and leave me? Of course, I do not have the answers to such questions but God knows what He is doing and I need to get better at living for Him. I need to adhere to David's words in verse six in The Passion Translation. We live our lives like those living in shadows. All our activities and energies are spent for things that pass away. We gather, we hoard, we cling to our things, only to leave them all behind for who knows who. Stuff is just stuff. I pray my activities and energies are spent for eternal not temporal things. I pray my words, actions, thoughts, and attitude glorify God every day. When challenges arise, I pray His strength over me. When the enemy tries to confuse me, I pray God's clarity over me. When I begin to compare myself with others, I pray for words of encouragement to be spoken over me. When I feel overwhelmed with life, I pray His peace over me. I am so blessed by Matthew Henry's words of this Psalm.

Afflictions are sent to stir up prayer. If they have that effect, we may hope that God will hear our prayer. The believer expects weariness and ill treatment on his way to heaven; but he shall not stay here long : walking with God by faith, he goes forward on his journey, not diverted from his course, nor cast down by the difficulties he meets. How blessed it is to sit loose from things here below, that while going home to our Father's house, we may use the world as not abusing it! May we always look for that city, whose Builder and Maker is God.

I am reminded of the song "Weary Traveler" this morning. What a blessing to know we are not alone.

Weary traveller, restless soul
You were never meant to walk this road alone
It'll all be worth it so just hold on
Weary traveler, you won't be weary long

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead today! Thank You for the prayers and words of encouragement from Marlene and for all that was accomplished yesterday! Thank You for the day ahead and whatever it holds! Cleanse me so You can fill me. May my words, actions, thoughts, and attitude glorify You in all I do and say. I pray for Baby Henry and his family as he is taken in for heart surgery. May You be so close to all. I praise You for improvement in Pastor Sam and ask for continued prayers for him and his family. I pray Your peace over many going through difficult days. My Momma; Ben; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her Momma Shirley; Serena and her husband; Beth and her family; some young ladies with anxiety; a man in rehab for anger issues; a young man out of rehab who needs strength in his daily walk; a husband/father separated from his wife; Mary Lilley; Preacher Bill Watts; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Timmy; Amber; Heather; families in turmoil; Ms Savon's friend; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments... Doug and Gay; Patty's daughter Tracy; Sharon's daughter Ashley and niece Amy; Chrissy's cousins; Shirley Jones; Debbie's husband Kelly; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Betty's husband; my friend with mesothelioma; Judy Link; Little Ivy; my friend with upcoming radiation; and Dorothy's grandson. I pray for: Jonathan whose mother was diagnosed with a brain tumor, Russ and his family, the Long Family, and Christina and her family. I pray for Larry Amstutz to have open doors as he seeks new employment. Thank You for continuing to be with Anna, Michael, Matt, and myself as we miss my Rickey being with us!  Thank You for being My Focus! Amen.

Hebrews 3:1-2 - "Brighter Days"

Yesterday was a 'tough' day with tears falling from time to time. I felt overwhelmed and prayed over and over again for God to give me His strength. I needed it physically, mentally, emotionally, and most of all spiritually. I continue to pray for Him to empower me to be focused on what He desires of me. We talked about distractions in Bible study last night. This week is full of them. I was so thankful for Jo Ann's hug last night. I also was thankful for the discussion in our group that warned us to not allow distractions to lead to hardened hearts. I shared with Jo Ann how I get so mad at God for all that has happened over these last few years. She reminded me He has a plan even when we cannot see it. Reading Doc's past pastor reports made me mad. Why did God have to take a man so early in life when he was such an obedient servant? I wonder if when he got to heaven he saw the ones who were there through his efforts. If he could see what I am doing to carry on the ministry he started, I wonder if he would be pleased. So many thoughts. So many emotions. I am so thankful I have God's strength in me. I have said it so many times. I do not know how people do life without Him. I do not know how people get through the 'tough' days without His encouragement. Last night before falling asleep He encouraged me with two instances where He let Himself be known yesterday.

I had been praying for direction for a major financial decision and He provided confirmation.

I am praying for a couple who have been separated for quite a while. Over the last week He brought the word 'reconciliation' into my prayers. The wife shared with me her prayers have been directed in that manner. Once again, confirmation.

Confirmation is key in our prayer life. When something we pray for is confirmed in our spirit, we are encouraged. When we are encouraged, we tend to continue to seek Him so we can walk in obedience to His will. He reminded me this morning of Hebrews 3:1-2, It reads in The Passion Translation: And so, dear brothers and sisters, you are now made holy, and each of you is invited to the feast  of your heavenly calling. So fasten your thoughts fully onto Jesus,  whom we embrace  as our Apostle and King-Priest. For he was faithful to the Father who appointed him, in the same way that Moses was a model of faithfulness in what was entrusted to him. Moses had great faith. I desire to have great faith. Moses saw a hardened heart in Pharaoh and in many others. Moses remained faithful by trusting God. I desire to do the same. When life gets 'tough,' I will lean more into Him. When I feel like I cannot go on, I will press into His strength. God did not bring me this far just to fail. He desires me to be successful for Him. I do not know exactly what my future looks like but He spoke to me on Christmas day to encourage me that He has me in His hands. Once again God brought the song "Brighter Days" to my mind...

I know there's gonna be some brighter days
I swear that love will find you in your pain
I feel it in me like the beating of life in my veins
I know there's gonna be some brighter days

Dear Jesus, Thank You for all of the ways You loved on me yesterday! Thank You for the confirmation You gave me through my prayers and for our Bible study last night! Thank You for Jo Ann's hug when I fell apart! Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. May people see/hear You through my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts today. I pray Your peace over many going through 'tough' days. My Momma; Ben; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her Momma Shirley; Serena and her husband; Pastor Sam and his family; Beth and her family; some young ladies with anxiety; a man in rehab for anger issues; a young man out of rehab who needs strength in his daily walk; a husband/father separated from his wife; Mary Lilley; Preacher Bill Watts; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Timmy; Amber; Heather; families in turmoil; Ms Savon's friend; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments... Doug and Gay; Patty's daughter Tracy; Sharon's daughter Ashley and niece Amy; Chrissy's cousins; Shirley Jones; Debbie's husband Kelly; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Betty's husband; my friend with mesothelioma; Judy Link; Little Ivy; my friend with upcoming radiation; and Dorothy's grandson. I pray for: Jonathan whose mother was diagnosed with a brain tumor, Russ and his family, the Long Family, and Christina and her family. I pray for Larry Amstutz to have open doors as he seeks new employment and Baby Henry as he awaits another surgery. Thank You for continuing to be with Anna, Michael, Matt, and myself as we miss my Rickey being with us!  Thank You for being My Focus! Amen.

Hebrews 12:1-3 - "In Jesus' Name"

God woke me throughout the night to pray for many going through really 'tough' times. Each time I was awake the song "In Jesus Name" was on my mind. Sometimes we don't know how to pray. The thing we must remember is that Jesus knows our prayers before we even speak them. The purpose of us praying is to encourage us and others. Praying takes our faith deeper as we lean into Him. Praying is intentional conversation with God. We cannot allow distractions to take us away from spending time with Him. We need to keep our focus on Him. This week is full with playing catch-up from being gone last week, annual meeting Sunday, meetings each evening, Saturday packed full, etc. But not one of these things should be allowed to distract me from what the Lord desires of me. That is why I have asked people to specifically pray for me this week to stay focused. I do not want to miss anything God has for me. I also do not want to do anything that is not part of His plan for me. I want to live in His presence as I walk in obedience to His will. I know the more I strive to do so the more successful I will be. That is why it is so important to ask Him to cleanse me every morning before I start my day. What a blessing it is to be in relationship with Him. He blesses me in abundance when He has people ask me to pray for them. Last night when my friend Beth called for prayer the tears came yet the words flowed. Praise His Holy Name.

I speak the name of Jesus over you In your hurting, in your sorrow I will ask my God to move

I speak the name ′cause it's all that I can do In desperation, I′ll seek Heaven And pray this for you

Yes! His name is powerful! When we speak His name over a person or a situation, there is a peace that comes along beside it. We cannot take away the circumstances but we can take away fears, doubts, etc. through praying His name over them. There is so much power in His name.

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead today! Thank You for Marion cooperating yesterday! Thank You for my time with my district RAND group last night! May You bless Tony, Brent, Kevin, Gary, and myself in our efforts. Thank You for continuing to be with Pastor Sam, Candy, and his family during these 'tough' days! Thank You for cleansing me so You can fill me with more of You! May people see/hear You instead of me in the day ahead. Thank You for being with Beth and her family in these days of uncertainty! We praise You for the knowledge nothing is a surprise to You. Thank You for being with my friend who had a good appointment yesterday and will begin radiation! Father, may Your peace come down upon many going through 'tough' days. My Momma; Ben; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her Momma Shirley; Serena and her husband; some young ladies with anxiety; a man in rehab for anger issues; a young man out of rehab who needs strength in his daily walk; a husband/father separated from his wife; Mary Lilley; Preacher Bill Watts; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Timmy; Amber; Heather; families in turmoil; Ms Savon's friend; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments... Doug and Gay; Patty's daughter Tracy; Sharon's daughter Ashley and niece Amy; Chrissy's cousins; Shirley Jones; Debbie's husband Kelly; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Patti Perkins; Betty's husband; my friend with mesothelioma; Judy Link; Little Ivy; and Dorothy's grandson. I pray for: Jonathan whose mother was diagnosed with a brain tumor, Russ and his family, the Long Family, and Christina and her family. I pray for Larry Amstutz to have open doors as he seeks new employment; Kim and another friend recuperating from knee surgery; Baby Henry as he awaits another surgery; and Katelyn and her family with the death of Bobby's grandmother. Thank You for continuing to be with Anna, Michael, Matt, and myself as we miss my Rickey being with us!  Thank You for being My Focus! Amen.

Hebrews 3 - "Almost Home"

God reminded me yesterday as I was studying for tomorrow night's Bible study about how blessed I am. He loves me so greatly as I allow Him to love in and through me. Matthew Henry describes the first few verses of Hebrews 3 like this:

Christ is to be considered as the Apostle of our profession, the Messenger sent by God to men, the great Revealer of that faith which we profess to hold, and of that hope which we profess to have. As Christ, the Messiah, anointed for the office both of Apostle and High Priest. As Jesus, our Saviour, our Healer, the great Physician of souls. Consider him thus. Consider what he is in himself, what he is to us, and what he will be to us hereafter and for ever. Close and serious thoughts of Christ bring us to know more of him.

I love his last statement. Close and serious thoughts of Christ bring us to know more of him. That is exactly what I desire to do in life on this earth so I can spend eternity with Him. Know Him more. The only way to do that is to be in constant communion with Him, praying, studying His Word, living out His love, etc. I know I need to get better at doing all of these things. I know I need to strive to do better at listening and walking in obedience. I know I need to allow Him to show me more of what He desires of me. Plain and simple. I know what I need to do. I am so proud of my boys and the way they follow the Lord. I pray they will never allow the circumstances of life to harden their hearts as the Israelites did when they finally came to the edge of the Promised Land. Many missed out on what God had in store for them because they lost hope. We must never lose hope in Him. There will be days when life's challenges can be overwhelming but God is still on the throne of our heart as we allow Him. I am so thankful for Scripture and songs such as "Almost Home" that Mercy Me sings...

Well this road will be hard
But we win in the end
Simply because of Jesus in us
It's not if but when
So take joy in the journey
Even when it feels long
Oh find strength in each step
Knowing heaven is cheering you on

Yes! Our time on earth is temporary. Praise God! We must live as He desires so when we finally leave this place we will be with Him in heaven. Sometimes when I think about those who have gone on I am jealous. How marvelous to be there praising Him! Then I think about how as long as I have breath on this earth I need to praise Him so others will come to know Him. Goodness, we have a lot of work to do for Him to change hearts through us.

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead today! Thank You for loving me so greatly and using me as Your servant! May You cleanse me so You can fill me. May people see/hear You instead of me through my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts. Lord, I pray for cooperation with Marion today and for all going on in this day. May 'stuff' not take my focus off of you. May I have my thoughts fixed on You as Hebrews 3:1 tells me to do no matter what comes my way. Thank You for Darrell MacLearn who is praying for me this week to glorify You through all I do! Thank You for others who are praying for me! What a blessing people's prayers are for me. Thank You for the group from Momma's church who worked on her garage and porch last evening! Thank You for Pastor Sam's surgery being successful! I pray You will continue to be with him, Candy, and his family during these days. I pray for those going through 'tough' days to experience Your peace. My Momma; Ben; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Mike; Norma Hall; Little Jensen who received a heart; Sharon Sebolt and her Momma Shirley; Serena and her husband; some young ladies with anxiety; a man in rehab for anger issues; a young man out of rehab who needs strength in his daily walk; a husband/father separated from his wife; Mary Lilley; Preacher Bill Watts; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Timmy; Amber; Heather; families in turmoil; Ms Savon's friend; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments... Doug and Gay; Patty's daughter Tracy; Sharon's daughter Ashley and niece Amy; Chrissy's cousins; Shirley Jones; Debbie's husband Kelly; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Patti Perkins; Betty's husband; my friend with mesothelioma; Judy Link; Little Ivy; Dorothy's grandson; and my friend who has upcoming treatments. I pray for: Jonathan whose mother was diagnosed with a brain tumor, Russ and his family, Crystal and her family, the Long Family, and Christina and her family. I pray for Larry Amstutz to have open doors as he seeks new employment; Kim and another friend recuperating from knee surgery; Baby Henry as he awaits another surgery; and Katelyn and her family with the death of Bobby's grandmother. Thank You for continuing to be with Anna, Michael, Matt, and myself as we miss my Rickey being with us!  Thank You for being My Focus! Amen.

Isaiah 43:2 - "It Is Well"

Yesterday started out as one of those days when it seemed like everything went wrong that could go wrong. Getting into the shower without everything needed, leaving only to have to go back in the house twice for forgotten things, getting half way to church and realizing I still had forgot two things, etc. I decided I was going to stop at Dunkin Donuts for a iced mocha only to spill my change all over the place when paying. The lady told me it was ok and hopefully my drink would help my day. She chuckled when I casually asked her to pray for me as I would be preaching and needed things to get better. I stopped at the Dollar Tree to pick up the card I forgot and once again my hands/brain were not cooperating with paying. Once again I asked the cashier to pray for me as I would be preaching and needed things to work. A man in line asked me if I would really be preaching and I replied 'yes'! Immediately he started praying for me out loud and everyone in the store stopped. It was awesome. When he was done, the lady behind me thanked him for blessing me and in the process blessing her and others. Wow, God! What an experience. When I shared the story with my church, I encouraged them to pray with people even if it meant going out of their comfort zone. When I got to the church knowing I forgot the ball for the game I was playing in children's Sunday School, I wanted to cry. Not tears of frustration but tears of joy. One of my little guys had brought a ball to church with him. Woo hoo, God! He is so good to provide what we need. My day was trying to start but soon was a big blessing. God blesses me in abundance over and over again. Today is a new day of another week. This week is full with meetings every night but one. It is full of commitments but the biggest commitment I desire to keep is my relationship with God. He woke me early to pray for Pastor Sam and his family with the surgery today and for Baby Henry awaiting his surgery. He also woke me with the song "It Is Well" going through my mind. These words are my focus for the day ahead...

Through it all, through it all
My eyes are on You
Through it all, through it all
It is well
Through it all, through it all
My eyes are on You
It is well with me

So let go my soul and trust in Him
The waves and wind still know His name

Yes! I will trust Him with whatever lies ahead in this day, this week. I will trust Him to guide me to be the godly lady He has called me to be. I will trust Him to empower me to keep my focus on Him. Plain and simple. I will trust Him.

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the blessing of the man praying for me in Dollar Tree yesterday and for providing something as simple as a forgotten ball for the children's Sunday School class! You are so awesome in the way You bless me. Thank You for going before me today and keeping my focus on You! Lord, You know the desires of my heart. May they align with Your desires. Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing. May people see/hear You instead of me. I pray for Pastor Sam, his family, and all medical personnel with the surgery he is having today. I pray for Baby Henry and his family as he awaits his surgery. May they all experience Your peace. I pray for many going through 'tough' days to lean into You. My Momma; Ben; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Mike; Norma Hall; Little Jensen who needs a heart; Sharon Sebolt and her Momma Shirley; Serena and her husband; some young ladies with anxiety; a man in rehab for anger issues; a young man out of rehab who needs strength in his daily walk; a husband/father separated from his wife; Mary Lilley; Preacher Bill Watts; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Timmy; Amber; families in turmoil; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments... Doug and Gay; Patty's daughter Tracy; Sharon's daughter Ashley and niece Amy; Chrissy's cousins; Debbie's husband Kelly; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Patti Perkins; Betty's husband; my friend with mesothelioma; Judy Link; Little Ivy; Dorothy's grandson; and my friend who has upcoming radiation treatments. I pray for: Jonathan whose mother was diagnosed with a brain tumor, Russ and his family, Crystal and her family, the Long Family, and Christina and her family. I pray for Larry Amstutz to have open doors as he seeks new employment; Kim and Susie recuperating from knee surgery; and Katelyn and her family with the death of Bobby's grandmother. Thank You for continuing to be with Anna, Michael, Matt, and myself as we miss my Rickey being with us! Today he and I would sing Christmas carols over the phone to celebrate eight months until Christmas. I miss those crazy times so much but thankful for the memories. Thank You for being My Focus! Amen.

Galatians 5:22-23 - "Great I Am"

God woke me up with the words to "Great I Am" going through my mind. What a great God He is in the way He loves on me. I am one blessed lady. Sometimes I think we all allow obligations to pull us away from focusing on Him in our lives. There is nothing wrong with doing things for others but there needs to be a balance of 'doing' and 'being.' There needs to be time for us to stop 'doing' and just 'be.' So many times I have heard Him speak to me when I stopped and listened. Distractions can be deafening to our ears. Oh how I pray for God to empower me to keep my focus on Him. The words to this song are words I keep in my heart...

I want to be near, near to Your heart
Loving the world and hating the dark
I want to see dry bones living again
Singing as one

Hallelujah, holy, holy
God Almighty, the great I AM
Who is worthy, none beside Thee
God Almighty, the great I AM

Yes! I love the part "I want to see dry bones living again..." That is the goal of my life. I desire to love on people so they will desire to have His love as I do. I desire to show people a life of peace and joy so they will desire to experience the same. I desire to bless God with my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts so He will bless me. Plain and simple. I desire to allow God to be Who He desires to be in me so I can be who He desires me to be. I am grateful for earthly parents who taught/teach me how to have great faith in God. Their lives were built on living for the Lord no matter what the circumstances. The fruit of the Spirit flows/flowed from them because of their relationship with Him. I know there are many who do not have such a legacy to look back on. I also know we do not have to continue to live away from Him no matter what our life has been. He is always ready with open arms to love on us.

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead today! Thank You for my Momma who loves me and most importantly loves You! Thank You for my time yesterday with Anna, Michael, Matt and my Rickey's family! Thank You for Will and Sandy who picked me up from the airport! You bless me in so many ways and for that I am grateful. Father, may every pastor who goes into the pulpit this morning be filled with You. May all live in a way they are listening to You to give what You desire them to speak. May Your peace and joy be experienced by many going through 'tough' days. My heart goes out to Pastor Sam, Candy, and the girls as they await his surgery tomorrow. It goes out to Baby Henry's family as they await another surgery for him. I pray for Katelyn and her family with the death of Bobby's grandmother. I pray for: my Momma; Ben; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Mike; Norma Hall; Little Jensen who needs a heart; Sharon Sebolt and her Momma Shirley; Serena and her husband; some young ladies with anxiety; a man in rehab for anger issues; a young man out of rehab who needs strength in his daily walk; a husband/father separated from his wife; Mary Lilley; Preacher Bill Watts; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Timmy; Amber; families in turmoil; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments... Doug and Gay; Patty's daughter Tracy; Sharon's daughter Ashley and niece Amy; Chrissy's cousins; Debbie's husband Kelly; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Patti Perkins; Betty's husband; my friend with mesothelioma; Judy Link; Little Ivy; Dorothy's grandson; and my friend who has upcoming radiation treatments. I pray for: Jonathan whose mother was diagnosed with a brain tumor, Russ and his family, Crystal and her family, the Long Family, and Christina and her family. I pray for Larry Amstutz to have open doors as he seeks new employment and for Kim with PT. Thank You for being My Great I Am! Amen.

Psalm 71 - "Too Good To Not Believe"

God took me to Psalm 71 this morning. How appropriate to read about how God used times of troubles to bring David deeper in his faith. David trusted God through all that happened in his life. I can relate to David. I know God is always with me no matter what happens in life. Losing my Rickey so soon after him coming into my life was hard. The last few hours I spent with him were moments I will always treasure. I do not know if he heard what I said but the nurse encouraged me to talk to him so I did. One of the things I told him was that I would love on his children and grand babies as much as they would allow me. I promised him his grand babies would never forget him. It warmed my heart last night as Ruby Jean opened my locket to see our picture. It is something she does anytime I see her. Watching all four of the grand babies playing the drums, playing while Michael played the drums, etc. warmed my heart. I am one blessed lady to have this 'bonus' family in my life. I am so grateful each time we are together. I feel like I am closer to him as we talk about our memories and we make new ones. As I watched them interact last night I thought about how much my Rickey would love a family night. He would love having 'Barberton chicken' for dinner and being around them. Often he would talk about such times that he treasured. Psalm 71 was written when David was an old man. It saddens me that my Rickey did not get the privilege to grow old but it also makes me happy to think about him being with Jesus. My Momma keeps saying she doesn't know why she is still here but evidently God has a purpose for her. As long as we have breath on this earth we need to fulfill God's purpose in our lives. Verses five through eight show how David trusted the Lord. Verse five uses words like hope and confidence. Verse seven calls God my rock and my shelter. Verse eight is how I desire to live. My mouth overflows with praise to You and proclaims Your magnificence all day long. Verse fourteen is another verse that speaks of how I desire to live. But I will keep hope alive, and my praise to You will grow exponentially. Praise His Holy Name! I have experienced many times of trials in life as David spoke of in verse twenty and I also have experienced many times of restoration. I have said many times trials in life do not always come from the enemy. Some come from God to stretch our faith and empower us to trust Him more. I am so thankful for every trial that has taken my faith deeper. I am reminded of the words to a song called "Too Good To Not Believe"....

I've lived stories that have proved Your faithfulness
I've seen miracles my mind can't comprehend
There is beauty in what I can't understand
Jesus it's You, Jesus it's You

Dear Jesus, 

Thank You for my visit with my friend Janice and for my time last evening with my Rickey's family! Thank You for the way they love on me! I pray blessings over Anna, Michael, and Matt as we all continue to grieve. Thank You for the reminders of Psalm 71 You brought before me this morning! You are so good. Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. May people see/hear You instead of me today. I pray Your peace over many going through 'tough' times. I pray they will dig in deeper to trusting You. My Momma; Ben; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Mike; Norma Hall; Little Jensen who needs a heart; Sharon Sebolt and her Momma Shirley; Serena and her husband; some young ladies with anxiety; a man in rehab for anger issues; a young man out of rehab who needs strength in his daily walk; a husband/father separated from his wife; Pastor Sam; Mary Lilley; Preacher Bill Watts; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Timmy; Amber; families in turmoil; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments... Doug and Gay; Patty's daughter Tracy; Sharon's daughter Ashley and niece Amy; Chrissy's cousins; Debbie's husband Kelly; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Patti Perkins; Betty's husband; my friend with mesothelioma; Judy Link; Little Ivy; Dorothy's grandson; and my friend who has upcoming radiation treatments. I pray for: Jonathan whose mother was diagnosed with a brain tumor, Russ and his family, Baby Henry and his family, Crystal and her family, the Long Family, and Christina and her family. I pray for Larry Amstutz to have open doors as he seeks new employment and for Kim with PT. I miss my Daddy so much and wish he were here celebrating his 97th birthday but I am thankful to know he is with you and out of pain. Thank You for being The One I Trust! Amen.

Proverbs 3 - "Brighter Days"

God woke me up early to pray this morning for Little Judson who is having chemo today, Baby Henry who is having another surgery on his heart today, and Pastor Sam and his family as they await his surgery Monday. He also had the song "Brighter Days" going through my mind. We must remember when we are living for the Lord the "Brighter Days" may come on this earth or the ultimate "Brighter Days" will be when we see Jesus. 

I know there's gonna be some brighter days
I swear that love will find you in your pain
I feel it in me like the beating of life in my veins
I know there's gonna be some brighter days

Yes! There will be "Brighter Days" as we depend upon the Lord. He gets us through 'tough' days and grows our faith through them. His love is stronger than anything that comes our way. He  reminded me of Proverbs 3:5-6 as I prayed. We must trust Him because He knows all. We must allow Him to work through 'tough' situations so we can gain His wisdom in the process. While praying I was reminded of Ben's diagnosis with rheumatoid arthritis as a teen. We were scared he would never be able to have a 'normal' life. Fears of the 'what ifs' for his life were overwhelming at times. Last night as I looked around the dinner table I was one blessed Momma/Grandma. God healed him from the rheumatoid arthritis just as he healed him in the womb from an open spine. Our faith was strengthened through the healings God blessed Ben with. If those healings would not have been God's plan, our faith would have been strengthened through whatever happened. The first four verses of Proverbs 3 encourage me greatly to stay focused on Him. They read in The Voice:

My son, always remember what I have taught you; keep my instructions dear to your heart. If you do, they will be your guide to a long, healthy, prosperous life. Stay focused; do not lose sight of mercy and truth; engrave them on a pendant, and hang it around your neck; meditate on them so they are written upon your heart. In this way, you will win the favor of God and others, and they will think well of you.

I love these words! This is exactly how we can keep our focus on God. Be in His Word. Yes! The more we devour His Word the more we will live it. He gave us His Word as a tool for life. I know I need to get better at using it.

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the blessings of yesterday with Momma getting her perm, my thrift store shopping, a visit with Brian, and spending the evening with Ben, Emily, and the kids! You bless me in abundance! Thank You for the blessings ahead in this day! Cleanse me so You can fill me so I do not miss anything You have in store for me. I pray for physical strength for Momma to not just get through today but to glorify You through it. I pray for Baby Henry and Little Judson with medical procedures today. I pray peace over their families. I also pray peace over many going through 'tough' days. My Momma; Ben; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Mike; Norma Hall; Little Jensen who needs a heart; Sharon Sebolt and her Momma Shirley; Serena and her husband; some young ladies with anxiety; a man in rehab for anger issues; a young man out of rehab who needs strength in his daily walk; a husband/father separated from his wife; Pastor Sam; Mary Lilley; Preacher Bill Watts; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Timmy; Amber; families in turmoil; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments... Doug and Gay; Patty's daughter Tracy; Sharon's daughter Ashley and niece Amy; Chrissy's cousins; Debbie's husband Kelly; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Patti Perkins; Betty's husband; my friend with mesothelioma; Judy Link; Little Ivy; and my friend who has upcoming radiation treatments. I pray for: Jonathan whose mother was diagnosed with a brain tumor, Russ and his family, and his family, Crystal and her family, the Long Family, and Christina and her family. I pray for all our military and their families to lean into Your strength. I pray for Larry Amstutz to have open doors as he seeks new employment and for Kim with PT. I pray for Anna, Michael, Matt, and myself as we adjust to life without my Rickey. As we walked into the restaurant last night Ben and I talked about the last time we were there my Rickey was with us. As I walked into the thrift store yesterday I thought about all the times we shopped in different ones. I am thankful for the memories we made in such a short time. Thank You for being My Focus! Amen.

Psalm 19 - "Almost Home"

Last night in Bible study we talked about the importance of keeping our focus on God. It was no surprise this morning when He took me to Psalm 19. David's words reiterate how to keep our focus on the Lord. As we stay in His Word, we will be refreshed and He will give us His wisdom when we focus on Him (vs 7). When we focus on Him, He provides joy and direction (vs 8). His ways are the best ways to walk on this earth so we can live with Him for eternity (vs 9). The results of focusing on Him is found in verse fourteen as David prays for all He says and does to please God. That is the life I desire to live. I want to focus on Him so my life will please Him. I desire to love with His love so others will have the same desire in their hearts. Yesterday as I drove past the house we built on Tannerville Road I was so blessed knowing the family who bought it from us are raising their children to love the Lord. So many memories were made in that house. I am so thankful for memories. I also am thankful for this week where Momma and I have made new memories. Yesterday was bittersweet with taking her to see Daddy's grave. I'm not much into visiting graves but I know how much it means to her so I took her. I am thankful for my nephew Dan who has taken her at times. I cannot imagine being married for sixty six years and losing my spouse. It was hard enough at thirty one years. A friend reminded me this week those who pass are not just in a better place but the best place. That is a great reminder in times of hurt. This morning I am reminded of the song "Almost Home" that Mercy Me sings.

Well this road will be hard
But we win in the end
Simply because of Jesus in us
It's not if but when
So take joy in the journey
Even when it feels long
Oh find strength in each step
Knowing heaven is cheering you on

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for the memories Momma and I made yesterday! Thank You for loving on us so greatly! May we live out Psalm 19 to the fullest in our lives. Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. I pray Your peace over many going through 'tough' days. My Momma; Ben; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Mike; Norma Hall; Little Jensen who needs a heart; Sharon Sebolt and her Momma Shirley; Serena and her husband; some young ladies with anxiety; a man in rehab for anger issues; a young man out of rehab who needs strength in his daily walk; a husband/father separated from his wife; Pastor Sam; Mary Lilley; Preacher Bill Watts; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Timmy; Amber; families in turmoil; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments... Doug and Gay; Patty's daughter Tracy; Sharon's daughter Ashley and niece Amy; Chrissy's cousins; Debbie's husband Kelly; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Patti Perkins; Betty's husband; my friend with mesothelioma; Judy Link; Dorothy's grandson; Little Ivy; and my friend who has upcoming radiation treatments. I pray for: Jonathan whose mother was diagnosed with a brain tumor, Russ and his family, Baby Henry and his family, Crystal and her family, the Long Family, and Christina and her family. I pray for all our military and their families to lean into Your strength. I pray for Larry Amstutz to have open doors as he seeks new employment and for Kim with PT. I pray for Anna, Michael, Matt, and myself as we adjust to life without my Rickey. I'm so glad Vickey got to meet my Momma yesterday. When Momma and I had ice cream at Dalton Dariette I once again was reminded of taking my Rickey there for his first time. So, so many memories of my childhood, teen years, and adult years packed into the day yesterday. Some 'good' and some 'not so good' but they all are a part of my life. Most importantly to remember is God is a part of my life and Who I need to focus on. Thank You for being My Focus! Amen.

Psalm 31:19 - "God Is Good"

April 20 is a date that holds a lot of heartache. April 20, 1994 was the date the final diagnosis was given for my MS. It is so hard to believe it has been twenty-eight years with MS. I am thankful for healing God has done in my body over the years. I will never forget the two ladies praying over me at the Wooster Church of the Nazarene that resulted in me being able to feel my right side after many years of it being numb. I also will never forget Brother Dan Bohi praying over me at the Willard Church of the Nazarene. That night I went into the church with the rollator/walker and danced out on my own strength. Woo hoo! The times of losing my sight; needing a wheelchair, walker, or cane; having mega doses of steroid IV's; etc. are ones I will never forget. The one thing I know beyond a shadow of a doubt is that God was and is always with me no matter what turn MS takes. A lot of relapsing-remittance MS patients find themselves going into progressive MS by this time into the disease. If that happens, God is with me. I know He will continue to use me as His faithful servant no matter what lies ahead. April 20, 2013 was the date my Daddy took his last breath on this earth and began dancing with Jesus. Woo hoo! It is bittersweet thinking about him. I miss him so much especially his morning phone calls. I miss hearing him say, 'Now Sheila Babe you can't stay in bed. If you do, the MS will take over. It's ok to rest but don't stay there.' He was one of my greatest encouragers. I am thankful for the memories I have growing up of being on the farm with him, going to the park and the speedway in the summer, going to revivals in the spring, etc. So, so many memories that I treasure greatly. I am grateful for the godly man he was. I am grateful for the great faith he had as he battled physical issues. Sixty plus surgeries, a broken neck from being hit by a train, surviving a gunshot wound, battling cancer multiple times...the list goes on and on with what he endured in life. But none of those things took away his faith. In fact, his faith grew stronger through each one. Praise His Holy Name! April 20, 2022 is before me. Plans are to take Momma to Daddy's grave today and celebrate him with going out for ice cream. The sun is shining so it will be a pretty day to go for a drive just like he liked doing. When I was a little girl, Sunday afternoon drives included me getting to say 'turn left' or 'turn right' whenever we came to a stop sign/light. Those drives usually did not include ice cream cones since places were closed on Sunday but other times my Daddy would spoil me with an ice cream cone. There you go. Now I know why I enjoy ice cream so much...lol. I often say, 'When I grow up, I want to be like my Momma with looking so young and like my Daddy with the way he enjoyed life.' I know I want to live for the Lord like they do/did with having a giving spirit and trusting Him greatly. I am reminded of Francesca Battistelli's song "God Is Good"....

Joy comes
Tears fall
I'm learning there is beauty in it all
It's not hard to find it
You just have to look
Oh, God is good

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the blessings of yesterday with getting my Momma out of the house! Thank You for the day ahead today as we bask in the memories of my Daddy! Thank You for the example of living a great faith he showed us! Thank You for giving him to me as my earthly Daddy! Cleanse me so You can fill me. May I be more like both You my Heavenly Daddy and my earthly Daddy. May I show others how to live trusting You more. May the peace I experience today flow from me so others will realize it too. I pray for many going through 'tough' days to know Your peace. My Momma; Ben; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Mike; Norma Hall; Little Jensen who needs a heart; Sharon Sebolt and her Momma Shirley; Serena and her husband; some young ladies with anxiety; a man in rehab for anger issues; a young man out of rehab who needs strength in his daily walk; a husband/father separated from his wife; Pastor Sam; Mary Lilley; Preacher Bill Watts; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Timmy; Amber; families in turmoil; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments... Doug and Gay; Patty's daughter Tracy; Sharon's daughter Ashley and niece Amy; Chrissy's cousins; Debbie's husband Kelly; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Patti Perkins; Betty's husband; my friend with mesothelioma; Judy Link; Dorothy's grandson; Little Ivy; and my friend who has upcoming radiation treatments. I pray for: Jonathan whose mother was diagnosed with a brain tumor, Russ and his family, Baby Henry and his family, Crystal and her family, the Long Family, and Christina and her family. I pray for all our military and their families to lean into Your strength. I pray for Larry Amstutz to have open doors as he seeks new employment and for Kim with PT. I pray for Anna, Michael, Matt, and myself as we adjust to life without my Rickey. Yesterday as Momma and I had lunch at Longhorn the memories came flooding back of the first time my Rickey picked me up at the airport and took me to Longhorn. My Momma often says, 'It seems like he walked into our lives and then walked out so quickly.' They bonded quickly and he brought laughter into her life just as he did mine. My Daddy would have loved laughing with him. I often think about my Daddy, Doc, and my Rickey laughing in heaven. Thank You for being My Treasure Chest! Amen.