Romans 15:13 - "I Have This Hope"

It was so hard to leave Ben's family yesterday. I so enjoyed my time with them. As I drove to my Momma's house I thought about the memories I made over the last couple of days and prayed for God to give me more opportunities to do so. I thought about those last months of Doc's life on this earth. He often said he wasn't afraid to die because he knew where he was going but he didn't want to die because he wanted to see the grand babies grow uup. He did not want to miss seeing them graduate high school and then college, get married, have their own children, etc. My heart broke for him as the tears fell. It broke for the grand babies who were going to miss him being in their life. Cancer stinks. Life stinks at times. There are so many times when I've cried out and asked God, 'Wny?' Sometimes there have been answers and other times not. I am thankful for the knowledge Doc is spending eternal life with the Lord. I am also thankful for the knowledge my Rickey is doing the same. I am thankful for the hope God gives us when we are in relationship with Him. Hope for each day on this earth and hope for a future with Him. I am reminded of a song Tenth Avenue North sings called "I Have This Hope."

As I walk this great unknown
Questions come and questions go
Was there purpose for the pain?
Did I cry these tears in vain?

I don't want to live in fear
I want to trust that You are near
Trust Your grace can be seen
In both triumph and tragedy

I have this hope
In the depth of my soul
In the flood or the fire
You're with me and You won't let go

I am so thankful for the knowledge that He is with me every step of the way of life. He provides what I need physically, mentally, financially, emotionally, and most of all spiritually. Woo hoo! I am thankful thirty-eight years ago He answered our prayers for the baby in my womb. When we went in for an ultrasound and was told the baby would be born with an open spine, the tech suggested we consider aborting. Of course, that was not an option for us. We had people all over the world praying. A month later when we returned for another ultrasound we were told 'it must have been a mistake because the baby was fine.' No mistake. God healed in the womb. When Ben was born, that was proven by the scar. Woo hoo, God! As I look at this picture I took of Ben and his family I am once again amazed at God's handiwork. He is such a good, good God. I also am reminded whatever the answers are that He gives us for our prayers are the ones that are the best for us. I will never understand the 'whys' of many things but am content in knowing He knows and that is all that matters. I find it interesting He has reminded me these last two days that He is my Eternal Hope!

Dear Jesus, Thank You for my time with Ben, Emily, and the children! Thank You for this time in Orrville with my Momma! I cannot remember the last time I was in my hometown for the Fourth of July festivities. Thank You for Tom and Cheryl spending the evening with us for the parade and a sandwich! What a blessing they are to our family. Thank You for being with me with whatever is ahead in this day! Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. I pray for many going through difficult days. I especially pray for Beth who is having eye surgery this morning; Carol and Jo Ann who continue to recuperate from procedures; and Cait as she recuperates. I pray for: my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; Marion; Serena and her husband; some young ladies with anxiety; a man in rehab for anger issues; Chrissy; a young man out of rehab who needs strength in his daily walk; Rhonda; Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Preacher Bill Watts; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Timmy; Amber; families in turmoil; Ms Savon's friend; Cyndi; Doug and Gay; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments... Sharon's daughter Ashley; Chrissy's cousins; Shirley Jones; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Betty's husband; my friend with mesothelioma; Little Ivy; and Little Judson. I pray for: the Long Family, the Tussing Family, Vickie's son Jim, and Russ. Thank You for continued improvement with Pastor Sam and Baby Henry! Lord, may You be so near to those with prodigals and near to the family of the two year old that died suddenly. Thank You for being My Eternal Hope! Amen. 

Proverbs 17:6a - "There Will Be A Day"

Yesterday was another day of blessing with Ben's family. It started with a yummy homemade breakfast, shopping, spending the afternoon at the pool, dinner made in pie irons over an open fire, and lots of hearing "I love you Grandma"! Woo hoo! I love to see how they all work together to do life. It is such a blessing to watch them. Mr. Weston's snuggles are the best! I laughed yesterday as I was in the bathroom and saw his little fingers under the door and hearing 'are you done yet Grandma?' One of the things I always enjoy with my grand babies is telling them stories from days gone by. It blesses me in abundance that they want to know about things of the past. Talking about their Papa Doc, Papa Powers, Great Grandpa McHenry, Great Grandpa Powers, and Great Grandpa Helmick yesterday was such a blessing. I remember times when I was growing up of being at my grandparents house and talking about family. It is an important part of our history that will be forgotten if not talked about. Yesterday the girls talked in the car about my ham balls. I thought about how something so simple has become a tradition that will never be forgotten. The memories made over these last couple of days are ones I will forever cherish. We never know when our last breath on earth will be. When God presents an opportunity before us, we need to embrace it. Opportunities to love with His love whether it be to a stranger or a family member is something we definitely do not want to miss out on. I pray for all my family to know His love. There are some family members who have not accepted it yet but I refuse to give up praying for them. Jeremy Camp sings a song called "There Will Be A Day" that is on my mine this morning. 

There will be a day with no more tears,
No more pain, and no more fears
There will be a day when the burdens of this place
Will be no more, we'll see Jesus face to face
But until that day,
We'll hold on to you always

Yes! That glorious day when I take my last breath on this earth will be such a blessing. My heart breaks for many who do not see life in this way. It breaks for those who are so caught up in the ways of the world that they refuse to allow God to be in control of their life. There are many people headed to hell for eternity. I need to get better at sharing His love so more people will spend eternity with the Lord. Jeremy Camp wrote of this song: I encourage you to hold onto God’s promise that He’s prepared a place for us that is far greater than any suffering we could ever endure here. Hold on to that hope that one day there will be no more tears, no more sorrow and no more pain. And while we’re here, let’s share that hope we have in Christ. I am so grateful my grand babies live in the hope of Jesus. I am thankful they not only have Jesus' love in their heart but they share His love with others. What a blessing for this Grandma to see lived out!

Dear Jesus, Thank You once again for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead today! Thank You in advance for travel mercies as I drive back to Momma's! Thank You for the memories made with Ben, Emily, and the children! Thank You for the song "There Will Be A Day" that reminds me to share Your love so others can have the hope of eternity with You! Cleanse me so You can fill me. May You flow out of my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts in a mighty way. May people not only see You but experience You through me. 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; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; Marion; Serena and her husband; Jo Ann; Carol; Vivienne; some young ladies with anxiety; a man in rehab for anger issues; Chrissy; a young man out of rehab who needs strength in his daily walk; Rhonda; Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Preacher Bill Watts; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Timmy; Amber; families in turmoil; Ms Savon's friend; Cyndi; Doug and Gay; Jill's husband Dave; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments... Sharon's daughter Ashley; Chrissy's cousins; Shirley Jones; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Betty's husband; my friend with mesothelioma; Little Ivy; and Little Judson. I pray for: the Long Family, the Tussing Family, Vickie's son Jim, and Russ. Thank You for continued improvement with Pastor Sam and Baby Henry! Lord, may You be so near to those with prodigals and near to the family of the two year old that died suddenly. Thank You for being My Eternal Hope! Amen. 

II Timothy 1:7; "Stand In Your Love"

Yesterday as I drove to Ben and Emily's the song "Stand In Your Love" came on the radio. I thought about how life has changed in so many ways over these last few years. If I allowed fear to be in control instead of God's love, I would miss out on so many blessings. At the airport when God told me to give the lady cleaning the bathroom '$10 for lunch money' I could have allowed fear to make me miss not only blessing her but me receiving a blessing in the act. If I would allow fear to tell me flying is too risky, I would miss out on visits with my family. Instead of allowing fear to be control over my life I choose God. 

When darkness tries to roll over my bones
When sorrow comes to steal the joy I own
When brokenness and pain is all I know
Oh, I won't be shaken, no, I won't be shaken
My fear doesn't stand a chance
When I stand in Your love

Yes! There have been many dark days throughout life but God has consistently been with me. He is my strength in times when the enemy tries to put fear over me. I am so grateful for the way He works in and through me. I am grateful for days like yesterday with getting to see my sister Linda, my Momma, and then spending time with Ben's family. As I drove through the countryside and saw the fields of crops I had lots of memories flood into my soul. I loved Sunday afternoon drives where my Daddy would just drive with no place in particular to go. When we came upon a stop sign, I got to choose whether we turned left or right. Those simpler times would probably never be understood by the younger generation today. Sitting around the fire while playing games and eating s'mores was something a lot of younger people don't get to experience. I love watching my grand babies living such a life. I especially love getting time to make memories with them. God is so good! I look forward to the day ahead and see what all He gives me to treasure in my memory bank. 

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead today! Thank You for this time I have with Ben, Emily, and the children! I pray a cleansing in my spirit so I can bless You. May You ooze out of my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts in a mighty way today. 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; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; Marion; Serena and her husband; Jo Ann; Carol; Vivienne; some young ladies with anxiety; a man in rehab for anger issues; Chrissy; a young man out of rehab who needs strength in his daily walk; Rhonda; Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Preacher Bill Watts; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Timmy; Amber; families in turmoil; Ms Savon's friend; Cyndi; Doug and Gay; Jill's husband Dave; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments... Sharon's daughter Ashley; Chrissy's cousins; Shirley Jones; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Betty's husband; my friend with mesothelioma; Little Ivy; and Little Judson. I pray for: the Long Family, the Tussing Family, Vickie's son Jim, and Russ. Thank You for continued improvement with Pastor Sam and Baby Henry! Lord, may You be so near to those with prodigals and near to the family of the two year old that died suddenly. Thank You for being My Fear Blaster! Amen. 

Jeremiah 33:3 - "Reckless Love"

What a beautiful sunrise this morning! Too bad I did not get any pictures! God is such a wonderful artist! Being at the airport gives me plenty of opportunity to pray for people. It amazes me how many people get so stressed with traveling. Some of it is brought on by themselves because of not allowing themselves enough time. Some of it is maybe not being used to sit travel. I prayed for those who do not know God to lean into Him and allow Him to be their strength. I also prayed for those who know God but allowing the world to steal their joy to allow God to be Who He desires to be in their life. I know emotions are high in many situations. My own emotions are high. They are all over the board with hoping I got everything accomplished that needed done prior to leaving. I am emotional with thinking about all that will happen on this trip. Seeing five of my grand babies, being with my Momma, experiencing the Orrville parade and fireworks for the first time in years, Rickey's Celebration of Life, performing a baptism service...what a full trip it will be. I pray I do not miss anything God has for me. I continue to ponder upon Jeremiah 33:3 as I wait on the Lord.

Dear Jesus, Thank You for this time to be with family and friends! Thank You for providing people to take care of church things while I am gone! Thank You for being with Carol with her procedure today! Thank You for being with all of the people I have prayed for at the airport that are so stressed! Thank You for Amy bringing me this morning! Cleanse me so You can fill me. I pray blessings upon many going through 'tough' days. My Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; Marion; Serena and her husband; Jo Ann; Vivienne; some young ladies with anxiety; a man in rehab for anger issues; Chrissy; a young man out of rehab who needs strength in his daily walk; Rhonda; Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Preacher Bill Watts; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Timmy; Amber; families in turmoil; Ms Savon's friend; Cyndi; Doug and Gay; Jill's husband Dave; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments... Sharon's daughter Ashley; Chrissy's cousins; Shirley Jones; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Betty's husband; my friend with mesothelioma; Little Ivy; and Little Judson. I pray for: the Long Family, the Tussing Family, Vickie's son Jim, and Russ. Thank You for continued improvement with Pastor Sam and Baby Henry! Lord, may You be so near to those with prodigals and near to the family of the two year old that died suddenly. Thank You for being My Heavenly Father! Amen. 

Proverbs 3 - "In Jesus Name"

I woke up with a song Katy Nichole sings called "In Jesus Name" on my mind. My prayer list is long and seems to grow every day. It has many requests for physical, emotional, mental, and financial needs. The ones that are most burdensome on my heart are the spiritual needs. Many tears fall over those who refuse God. The ones that seem to cause the most grief are those who have known Him yet walked away from Him. This song speaks my heart...

I pray for your healing, that circumstances would change
I pray that the fear inside would flee in Jesus name
I pray that a breakthrough would happen today
I pray miracles over your life in Jesus name
In Jesus name

There are so many people who are living in fear. The enemy loves when people are so gripped with fear they cannot even allow God to take care of them. He loves when people leave God no matter what the reason. That means he has won. I pray for those who have walked away from God to realize He still loves them. Many years ago I turned my back to Him. I am so grateful He never left me. I am grateful for the promises in His Word that stayed with me even in the darkest times. Yesterday as I was working on some children's lessons Proverbs 3:3 was put before me. It reads in the NIV: Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. I love these words! It is so important to teach Scripture so it will be engrained in people's hearts. In times of trouble Scripture in our heart is a comfort. It encourages us to lean into God's strength. The chapter continues on with verses five and six which are ones that come to my heart often. They are ones to remind me to lean into God's strength. Last night before going to bed, during the night, and again this morning I prayed for pastors. He had me pray specifically for pastors to not count bodies but to look at the spiritual aspect of everyone's life. I know He spoke to me through these prayers for myself. Having people on vacation, some working, and some sick add up to about half of my congregation today. I try to not let it bother me but in my humanness it does. I cannot allow the enemy an open door so I choose to speak the name of Jesus over the situation. I choose to speak life into people. I know I can't be the only pastor in this situation so I pray all pastors will make the same decisions today. May God be glorified through our efforts.

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the visit with Clay and Jo Ann yesterday and for all that was accomplished! Thank You for the time of rest and finishing another book for pleasure! Thank You for being with Owen's family as he took his last breathe on this earth! Thank You for being with Laura as she recuperates! Thank You for the privilege to pray for pastors before going to sleep, during the night, and again this morning! May we all remember You are with us. Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing. May You shine brightly through my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts. I pray for all going through 'tough' days to stand upon Proverbs 3:5-6. My Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; Marion; Serena and her husband; Jo Ann; Vivienne; some young ladies with anxiety; a man in rehab for anger issues; Chrissy; a young man out of rehab who needs strength in his daily walk; Rhonda; Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Preacher Bill Watts; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Timmy; Amber; families in turmoil; Ms Savon's friend; Cyndi; Doug and Gay; Jill's husband Dave; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments... Sharon's daughter Ashley; Chrissy's cousins; Shirley Jones; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Betty's husband; my friend with mesothelioma; Little Ivy; and Little Judson. I pray for: the Long Family, Vickie's son Jim, and Russ. Thank You for continued improvement with Pastor Sam and Baby Henry! Lord, may You be so near to those with prodigals and near to the family of the two year old that died suddenly. Thank You for being The One I Trust! Amen. 

Jeremiah 33:3 - "The Healing"

God is so good! He loves me so much and proved it by having His Son die for me. He proves it every day by the way He cares for me. Yesterday was full of blessings given to me by Him. My AC was fixed quickly and for a doable amount. I enjoyed coffee with a new friend, a friend bought my lunch, and I had two nice walks throughout the day. I completed two projects that I had been putting off. God gave me opportunity to pray with a couple people and encourage many. He also gave me the opportunity to receive encouragement from many. Throughout the day I took time to rest as I am still dealing with MS tingling. I am one blessed lady. He blesses me in abundance because He loves me. His love for me goes deep and my love for Him is the same. As I took my walk yesterday evening He once again brought Jeremiah 33:3 to me. This morning I read it in different versions and settled into the New Living Testament. I continue to pray for Him to reveal to me the remarkable secrets He has for me. I continue to wonder if they are for me personally or for my ministry. I am excited as I wait for His revelation of something new in my life no matter what it is. I am reminded of the words to a song Blanca sings called "The Healing." 

Cause I can feel it rising on the inside
A fire burning wild and bringing me to life
My God You're so much more
Than just a feeling
You are my healing

I know when God gave me Jeremiah 33:3 last week to ponder upon He has something new for my life. In my humanness I want His revelation sooner than later but I know it has to be in His time. I also know He has things for me to learn along the way. I love the way He speaks to me through people, His Word, and songs. He knows exactly what I need to hear and provides. Praise His Holy Name. Jeremiah was encouraged to pray during his time of being imprisoned. He was promised his prayers would not only be heard but answered. Sometimes we think God doesn't answer our prayers but He always does. The answers just are not always what we want. The thing we must remember is His answers are always what are best for us.

Dear Jesus, Thank You for all of the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead today! Thank You for time with my new friend Kendra and my friends Chrissy and her Momma! Thank You for the AC being fixed quickly and in a doable financial way! Thank You for the projects completed and the rest received throughout the day! Thank You for the reminder of Jeremiah 33:3 You gave me last week to ponder upon! Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. May I not miss any opportunity You put before me in the day ahead. I pray Your presence over many going through difficult times. My Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; my cousin Susan; Cait; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; Marion; Serena and her husband; Jo Ann; Owen; Vivienne; some young ladies with anxiety; a man in rehab for anger issues; Chrissy; a young man out of rehab who needs strength in his daily walk; Rhonda; Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Preacher Bill Watts; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Timmy; Amber; families in turmoil; Ms Savon's friend; Cyndi; Doug and Gay; Jill's husband Dave; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments... Sharon's daughter Ashley; Chrissy's cousins; Shirley Jones; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Betty's husband; my friend with mesothelioma; Little Ivy; and Little Judson. I pray for: the Long Family, Vickie's son Jim, and Russ. Thank You for continued improvement with Pastor Sam and Baby Henry! Lord, may You be so near to those with prodigals and near to the family of the two year old that died suddenly yesterday. Thank You for being My Healing! Amen. 

Joshua 1:9 - "Promised Land"

I woke up with the song "Promised Land" going through my mind. I love how God works! Yesterday started off with challenges and continued with more of them throughout the day. Waking up to eighty degrees in the house with the AC on was not a 'good' thing to experience. Receiving news of a dear man put on comfort care soon followed. Right before getting to Marion she had a fall but thankfully there were no broken bones. The AC repairman postponed coming to look at my AC. In the midst of all of this my MS decided it would be the perfect day to cause me issues so the tingling began. First in my face and then various other parts of my body. I prayed, I cried, and I asked others to pray for me. At the end of the day I was exhausted and prayed for a good night's rest. I am so thankful for Alexander for bringing over window units to get the house cooled down. Eighty-nine is hot for an outside temp but really hot inside. I also am grateful God blessed me a solid eight hours of sleep. Today is another day. I do not know what it holds but God does. I do not know if my AC is fixable and if so what the cost will be but He knows. I am one blessed lady to live in this knowledge. I look forward to meeting a new friend for coffee this morning and some old friends for lunch. I look forward to being who God has called me to be as I shine brightly for Him. I look forward to the tingling to calm down. Plain and simple. I look forward to the day ahead. Most importantly I look forward to when life on this earth will be no longer and I will be walking the streets of gold. This song has great meaning to me....

I won't give up on this race
Broken but I still have faith
That this old life is all part of a plan
And I can feel it in my soul
One day I'll stand before the throne
With nothing left but hope in these two hands

Through all these seasons, I'm still believin'
You're my promised land
In all my grievin' I'm still believin'
You're my promise land

No matter what happens on this earth as long as I continue on the road He directs me I know I will be with Him for eternity. I do not have to fear anything. I can stand in His promises such as Joshua 1:9 knowing whatever happens is in God's hands.

Dear Jesus, Thank You for all of the challenges of yesterday that continue to pull me closer to You! Thank You for every bit of this tingling that drives me crazy! Thank You for Chris coming over to check on my AC and for Alexander bringing the window units! Oh how I pray when the AC repairman comes it is an easy fix. I pray for the financial aspect of the fix too. Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. May I shine brightly through my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts. May people know You are my strength. I pray Your peace over many going through difficult days. I pray especially for those who are not in relationship with You to find You and for those in relationship with You to go deeper in their faith. My Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; my cousin Susan; Cait; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; Marion; Serena and her husband; Jo Ann; Owen; Vivienne; some young ladies with anxiety; a man in rehab for anger issues; Chrissy; a young man out of rehab who needs strength in his daily walk; Rhonda; Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Preacher Bill Watts; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Timmy; Amber; families in turmoil; Ms Savon's friend; Cyndi; Doug and Gay; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments... Sharon's daughter Ashley; Chrissy's cousins; Shirley Jones; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Betty's husband; my friend with mesothelioma; Little Ivy; and Little Judson. I pray for: the Long Family, Vickie's son Jim, and Russ. Thank You for continued improvement with Pastor Sam and Baby Henry! Lord, may You be so near to those with prodigals. Thank You for being My Promise Land! Amen. 

Psalm 23:2 - "The Commission"

Last night on the way home from church I saw the sky turning colors so I drove over to one of my favorite sunset spots. On the way there God brought David's writing in Psalm 23 to my mind with the part that David speaks of being beside still waters. As I stood and took pictures I noticed the water was moving quite a bit. There was definitely no stillness to it. That made me think about life on this earth. There is very little stillness in it with the busyness of the schedule. Sometimes it is overwhelming with all that there is to do, people to see, things to be accomplished, etc. After getting home and getting some things accomplished I decided I could do nothing else and turned off the light to go to sleep. God reminded me 'tomorrow is another day.' I thought about how I push myself to get things accomplished. I never know when I won't be able to accomplish things due to a MS exasperation. Where is my trust in Him? Do I trust Him with my MS? Have I surrendered that aspect of my life? These are questions only I can and need to answer. Last week at Family Camp was so relaxful even in the midst of all that happened in the daily schedule. It truly was a vacation. I know I cannot be on vacation all the time but I also know God desires me to enjoy still waters. I believe He desires me to enjoy a life of rest and peace instead of craziness. I believe He desires me to enjoy His love to a deeper degree by sitting by the still waters and allowing Him to speak to me. I believe He has more for me and I need to be still to receive it. Verse two of Psalm 23 in The Passion Translation 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. What a beautiful word picture! Can I have rest in the busyness of life? Can there be peace in this life? I believe there can be both rest and peace as I seek Him and walk in obedience to His will. I just need to get better at living both out in my life and allowing Him to reveal more to me. He woke me this morning with the song The Commission. 

End of the journey, the end of the road My spirit is with you wherever you go You have a purpose and I have a plan I′ll make you this promise I'll come back again but until then Go tell the world about me

The task before all believers is to share God's love with all we meet. We need to not allow the busyness of life to get in the way of fulfilling His plan for us. Last night I could have gone on home because I had 'so much to do yet in the day' but instead I took a few minutes to enjoy the beauty of His creation. It was in those few minutes He spoke once again to me. Praise His Holy Name!

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead today! Thank You for Psalm 23 that reminds me to be still and for the song "The Commission" that reminds me You have a purpose and plan for my life! May I live them out to glorify You. Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. May You flow from my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts today in a new, different way. May You put before me times of stillness and pondering and may I accept such times. I pray for many going through difficult days to lean into You. My Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; my cousin Susan; Cait; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; Marion; Serena and her husband; Jo Ann; Owen; Vivienne; some young ladies with anxiety; a man in rehab for anger issues; Chrissy; a young man out of rehab who needs strength in his daily walk; Rhonda; Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Preacher Bill Watts; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Timmy; Amber; families in turmoil; Ms Savon's friend; Cyndi; Doug and Gay; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments... Sharon's daughter Ashley; Chrissy's cousins; Shirley Jones; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Betty's husband; my friend with mesothelioma; Little Ivy; and Little Judson. I pray for: the Long Family, Vickie's son Jim, and Russ. Thank You for continued improvement with Pastor Sam and Baby Henry! Lord, may You be so near to those with prodigals. Thank You for being My Stillness! Amen.    

Psalm 59; Jeremiah 33:3 - "God You Are"

Yesterday was a day where I felt like a failure. I failed at getting my steps in for the day. I failed at getting Marion to go to therapy. I failed at getting some things accomplished I wanted to. The enemy came down upon me full force with the concept that I failed. In the middle of it all I remembered Rev. Lee's words prayed over me at the altar last week about me not being so hard on myself. Thank You Jesus for the reminder of these words that changed my day from the enemy being in control to one of praising the Lord. This morning the Lord took me to Psalm 59. David's enemies were people but enemies in life are not necessarily people. They can be circumstances, our past, people's attitudes, etc. Psalm 59:9-10 speak of God's strength we have in standing up to our enemies. It is in His strength we can slam the doors in the enemies face when he comes knocking. It is in His strength we can be reminded that we are not alone in this world but He is with us at all time. I love verse sixteen. It reads in the NIV: But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. Today is a new day. When I shared with a friend a little about my day, they encouraged me with these words. 'Praying for a fresh start tomorrow.' That is exactly what God gives us. A fresh start. Woo hoo! It does not matter how many times we mess up He is there to pick us up. Darren Mulligan from We Are Messengers said this. "Because coming to Christ and walking with Jesus is not perfect, it's not easy, it's not always happy; but, there's always hope." Yes! Hope! I have Hope in the day ahead knowing He is with me. I have Hope for my future knowing He is in control. I continue to ponder upon Jeremiah 33:3 and wait on Him to reveal more to me. I continue to ponder upon His great love for me and how blessed I am to be His daughter. I continue to ponder upon the way He works in and through me every day I allow Him. Plain and simple. I continue to ponder which is what He directed me to do for 2022. Ponder. This morning I am pondering upon the words to the song "God You Are" as I watch Him turning ashes into art. I don't know what is ahead but I don't have to know. He knows and that is all that matters. 

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for the challenges of yesterday that brought me closer to You! Thank You for the way You use people to encourage me! Thank You for the reminder of Rev. Lee's prayer over me at the altar last week! Thank You for lunch with my dear friend Marilyn and for Cait, Alex, and the kids coming over for dinner and for the laughter around the table! Oh how I miss having meals around the table. Cleanse me so You can fill me so I can be who You have called me to be. Thank You for Psalm 59 which reminds me to praise You no matter what is happening in life! I pray for others going through 'tough' times to find reason to praise You. My Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; my cousin Susan; Cait; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; Marion; Serena and her husband; Jo Ann; Vivienne; 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; Rhonda; Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Preacher Bill Watts; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Timmy; Amber; families in turmoil; Ms Savon's friend; Cyndi; Doug and Gay; Owen; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments... Sharon's daughter Ashley; Chrissy's cousins; Shirley Jones; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Betty's husband; my friend with mesothelioma; Little Ivy; and Little Judson. I pray for Judy Link's family and other families experiencing loss. I pray for: Jonathan whose mother was diagnosed with a brain tumor, the Long Family, Vickie's son Jim, and Russ. Thank You for continued improvement with Pastor Sam and Baby Henry! Lord, may You be so near to those with prodigals. Thank You for being My Mountain Fortress! Amen.    

Jeremiah 33:3; Philippians 3 - "Hills and Valleys"

God spoke to me through a dream last night. He reiterated the need to make decisions based upon the desires of His heart. Yesterday a friend shared they were praying for me. Their words were: "I will be praying for you. I will especially pray for God to make His will known and for you to be able to act upon it. Keep your eyes open as well as your heart." I pondered upon these words before going to bed and then I had the dream that reiterated living in the desires of His heart. Last week when God gave me Jeremiah 33:3 I read about how Jeremiah was confined when the Lord spoke to him. Confinement is not necessarily physical imprisonment. It can be emotional imprisonment where a situation or a person has you unable to function normally. It can be a time of great distress over the 'what ifs' of life. It can be a time of confusion but we must remember the enemy is the one to cause chaos in our life. God gives us peace no matter what is happening when we accept it. My prayers have been heavy for three families with prodigals. Not hearing from your children makes emotions run deep. The enemy uses such times by putting doubt in our minds. He tries to make us feel like we are 'bad' parents. One must remember in times such as this to lean into the Lord and allow Him to not just get us through the 'tough' days but to be able to glorify Him through them. He is with us in the "Hills and Valleys" of life. The words to this song hold great meaning to me....

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

God is with us no matter what we go through on this earth. He is with us here so we can be with Him for eternity. There have been so many times I felt like giving up but He encouraged me to keep on pressing forward as Paul encourages us to do In Philippians 3:14. I have my eyes on the prize of eternal life with my Heavenly Daddy. Matthew Henry writes: The life of a Christian is in heaven, where his Head and his home are, and where he hopes to be shortly; he sets his affections upon things above; and where his heart is, there will his conversation be.

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead today! Thank You in advance for the way You are going to work in and through me! Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. May You be seen/heard through my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts. May I shine brightly through You. Thank You for the words spoken over me by a friend yesterday! I pray I will not miss anything You give me and I pray for empowerment to walk in it. I pray the same for many going through 'tough' days. My Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; my cousin Susan; Cait; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; Marion; Serena and her husband; Jo Ann; Vivienne; 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; Rhonda; Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Preacher Bill Watts; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Timmy; Amber; families in turmoil; Ms Savon's friend; Cyndi; Doug and Gay; Owen; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments... Sharon's daughter Ashley; Chrissy's cousins; Shirley Jones; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Betty's husband; my friend with mesothelioma; Little Ivy; and Little Judson. I pray for Judy Link's family and other families experiencing loss. I pray for: Jonathan whose mother was diagnosed with a brain tumor, the Long Family, Vickie's son Jim, and Russ. Thank You for continued improvement with Pastor Sam and Baby Henry! Lord, may You be so near to those with prodigals. Thank You for being My Goal! Amen.    

Psalm 28; Philippians 4:4-7 - "In Jesus Name"

God took me to Psalm 28 this morning. I read it in different passages and was blessed by each one. David wrote this Psalm at a time of great distress. Throughout the Psalm David praises God. The result is deliverance from his distress. When we praise God through the storms of life, it does not necessarily take the storm away but it does take our focus off of it. When we focus on God instead of the darkness before us, we will see the Light through Him. Pastor Lee shared in his last sermon of Family Camp something like this. 'When we feel like quitting, we need to pray for strength and deliverance with thanksgiving.' We show God our appreciation and thankfulness through praising Him. It may not make sense at the time but we need to praise Him in the 'bad' times. I believe it is in such times praising Him will bring about a change in us. Not necessarily will our circumstances change but we will change. Praising God brings us closer to Him. Praising Him is an act of worship. When we worship Him, our focus is on Him not on our problems. I love Paul's words in Philippians 4:4-7. They read in The Passion Translation:

Be cheerful with joyous celebration in every season of life. Let your joy overflow! And let gentleness be seen in every relationship, for our Lord is ever near. Don’t be pulled in different directions or worried about a thing. Be saturated in prayer throughout each day, offering your faith-filled requests before God with overflowing gratitude. Tell him every detail of your life, then God’s wonderful peace that transcends human understanding, will guard your heart and mind through Jesus Christ.

Yes! When we offer up our praises and prayers of thanksgiving to Him, our hearts are purified. It is so important if we want to be who He has called us to be we do just that. We need to be in continual communion with Him so our focus will stay on Him. We need to rejoice even when our circumstances are 'tough' and we feel like they will never change. So many in my little world are struggling. My prayer for each of them is they will find God's peace. I know from experience His peace is find in surrender to His will. As I pray for people I ask God to reveal Himself to them in a way they will accept Him. The song "In Jesus Name" is powerful yet there are parts I struggle with. We have to go through seasons of darkness to know God in a more intimate way. It is through such times we draw closer to Him. I guess when I sing ...that circumstances would change... does not necessarily mean that all the problems people are dealing would leave but rather it could mean they would find Jesus in a more intimate way.

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

I pray for your healing, that circumstances would change
I pray that the fear inside would flee in Jesus name
I pray that a breakthrough would happen today
I pray miracles over your life in Jesus name
In Jesus name

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for loving me so much! Thank You for being with me in the 'good' days and the 'tough' ones! Thank You for taking me to Psalm 28 this morning which led me to Philippians 4! Thank You for the day ahead! Cleanse me so You can fill me with more of You. I pray nothing takes my focus off of You. Lord, I don't know what is ahead today but You do. May I live out the day pleasing to You. I pray for many going through difficult days to focus on You today. My Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; my cousin Susan; Cait; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; Marion; Serena and her husband; Jo Ann; Vivienne; 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; Rhonda; Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Preacher Bill Watts; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Timmy; Amber; families in turmoil; Ms Savon's friend; Cyndi; Doug and Gay; Owen; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments... Sharon's daughter Ashley; Chrissy's cousins; Shirley Jones; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Betty's husband; my friend with mesothelioma; Little Ivy; and Little Judson. I pray for Judy Link's family and other families experiencing loss. I pray for: Jonathan whose mother was diagnosed with a brain tumor, the Long Family, Vickie's son Jim, and Russ. Thank You for continued improvement with Pastor Sam and Baby Henry! Lord, may You be so near to those with prodigals. Thank You for being My Light! Amen.                                                                                    

Jeremiah 33:3 - "New Creation"

   Yesterday driving home from Family Camp was beautiful going through the countryside. Just me and Jesus. Some stretches of road had no traffic while other times there was quite a bit. In fact at one time I was stopped on the short time I was on 95. I am always perplexed how there can be so many different ways to get to the camp. I do not think I have ever gone or came home the same way twice by following the GPS. As I was driving yesterday I thought a lot about the week. It was so good and one I did not want to see end. It was a breathe of fresh air in my little world. God spoke to me throughout the week, He provided rest and renewal, He put it on people's hearts to love on me, etc. I am one blessed lady. I continue to ponder upon the verse He gave me the first night. Jeremiah 33:3 reads in the Voice, Call to Me, and I will answer you. I will tell you of great things, things beyond what you can imagine, things you could never have known. Throughout the week I asked God many things. Some He answered, some I am still waiting on the answer. I prayed for Him to reveal some things to me in my personal life and in the life of the church. One of the songs on the way home is one Mac Powell sings called "New Creation." This song is how I feel after this week. I am still trying to process it but my life is changed. I 'thought' I was doing good on the road of widowhood but God revealed some things that must be changed. I know it will only be in the empowerment of the Holy Spirit for the changes to happen and I am determined they will happen. I do not want to be anywhere but in His presence living in obedience to His will.   

    You brought me blessings out of a tragedy
You turned my old song into a symphony
And with Your spirit living inside of me
I'm a new creation                                                                      

    Yes! Praise His Holy Name! He will bring us out of the darkness as we allow Him to work in and through us. Rev. Lee shared yesterday the importance of sharing our testimony. People will gain spiritual strength through hearing our story. They will realize they are not alone as we share how the Lord was with us in the darkness and continues to be so. I am so thankful for this last week and looking forward to the days ahead. I do not know what they hold but I know Who does and that is all that matters. This picture I took yesterday reminds me of seasons in life. There is a time to die and a time to bloom. We must die to our old self in order for God to bloom through us. There is beauty after darkness as we allow it to happen.                                                                           

    Dear Jesus, Thank You for this week and all the ways You filled me up! Thank You for the things You revealed to me and things yet to be revealed! Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. May I shine brightly for You as You use me to be Your willing servant. Father, I pray for the ones I prayed with and anointed at the altar this week to experience Your healing touch. I pray for pastors who are waking up today and dreading being in the pulpit. May they also experience Your healing touch. I pray for those who are living in the darkness to press forward to the Light that is ahead for them.  I pray especially for those whose Father's Day will bring about hurt and pain instead of celebration. May all realize their Heavenly Father is One to celebrate. I pray peace over: my Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Uncle Jimmie as he recuperates; Cait; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; Marion; Serena and her husband; Vivian; Vivienne; 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; Rhonda; Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Preacher Bill Watts; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Timmy; Amber; families in turmoil; Ms Savon's friend; Cyndi; Doug and Gay; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments... Sharon's daughter Ashley; Chrissy's cousins; Shirley Jones; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Betty's husband; my friend with mesothelioma; Little Ivy; and Little Judson. I pray for Judy Link's family and other families experiencing loss. I pray for: Jonathan whose mother was diagnosed with a brain tumor, the Long Family, Vickie's son Jim, and Russ. Thank You for continued improvement with Pastor Sam and Baby Henry! Thank You for being My Light! Amen.                                                                                    

Jeremiah 32:17 - "Know You Will"

I was talking with one who is so discouraged with all happening in their little world. They feel like nothing is going 'right' for them. Life is overwhelming with sickness, their kids getting into trouble,  not enough money to pay the bills and put food on the table or gas in the car, etc. They know God and seek Him from time to time but blame Him for the way their life is going. I explained that it is in times such as what they are going through we have a decision to make. We either trust God or we don't. We either allow God to work in and through us or we don't. The desire of His heart is to show His power through situations that seem impossible but He cannot do that easily with someone who has not surrendered to Him. I am reminded this morning of many years ago when Doc lost his job, we had multiple car payments to make along with all kinds of other bills, etc. The best advice we were given came from the pastor. 'Tithe.' It was crazy to think about 'adding one more expense' to the list but it was the most freeing thing in our life. Sometimes the tithe was only five dollars but we were faithful. Tithing changed our lives. We saw miraculous things happen from that day forward. No bill was ever missed being paid. Soon after Doc went to Bible college for ministry. When it came time, Ben also went to MVNU. A few years later God called me to preach and I went to NBC. Tithing is not about the money. God does not need our money. He needs our obedience. He needs our surrender. He loves us so much and never gives up on us. I shared in VBS the importance of trusting God and how there will still be times of struggle but it is in those times we will grow closer to God. I am reminder of a song Hillsong sings called "Know You Will"...

You've been good on every promise
From Eden to Zion
Through every dead end
And out of that grave
I don't know how You make a way
But I know You will

Yes! There is freedom in the knowledge God will make a way even in the impossible situations of life. He has made a way for me many times with MS exacerbations, back and cervical surgeries, breast cancer surgery and treatments, loss of loved ones, etc. Every single time He has made what seem impossible become possible. Before going to bed, multiple times during the night, and again this morning He had me praying for pastors who feel like they are in impossible situations and discouraged. He had me pray for them 'to dig deeper in their faith and not allow the enemy an open door.' My heart breaks to see/hear of people who give up on God. I have no desire to allow the enemy an open door into my life. 

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead today! Thank You for loving me so greatly! Thank You for the privilege to pray for pastors before going to bed, during the night, and again this morning! I pray for those who are discouraged to not allow the enemy an open door into their life. 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. I pray for many going through 'tough' days to feel Your strength. My Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Uncle Jimmy as he awaits surgery; Cait; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; Marion; Serena and her husband; Vivian; Vivienne; Jo Ann; 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; Rhonda; Ken and Elaine; Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Preacher Bill Watts; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Timmy; Amber; families in turmoil; Ms Savon's friend; Cyndi; Doug and Gay; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments... Sharon's daughter Ashley; Chrissy's cousins; Shirley Jones; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Betty's husband; my friend with mesothelioma; Judy Link; Little Ivy; and Little Judson. I pray for Janice and her family with the loss of her sister and other families experiencing loss. I pray for: Jonathan whose mother was diagnosed with a brain tumor, the Long Family, Vickie's son Jim, and Russ. Thank You for continued improvement with Pastor Sam and Baby Henry! Thank You for being My Freedom! Amen.

Psalm 118:24 - "Fires"

The Lord took me to Psalm 118 and stopped me at verse twenty-four to ponder upon this morning. There are twenty-four hours in each day. No matter what happens in each of them we need to praise Him. It is through the 'tough' hours that we will find our faith strengthen to the greatest depth. We gain His strength in those times and will learn how to live in His strength as we allow Him to work in and through us. Some days seem longer than others but they are not. Some days seem cruel but when we seek the Lord in them they are not. Some days we question our purpose in life but when we live in obedience to Him and follow His voice those questions dissipate. Some days we crawl into bed at the end of the day exhausted yet when we know we have lived as He desires it is a 'good' exhaustion. Some days you just want to stay in bed instead of facing the day ahead but when you live with the Lord you know that is not what He desires. Some days people disappoint but He reminds You that He never disappoints. Some days... Today is another full day. I do not want to miss anything God has for me. Therefore, I must stay focused on Him. I must not allowed anything to distract me. I am so thankful for the way He uses Scripture and songs to encourage me. This morning along with Psalm 118 He gave me the song "Fires"...

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

You've walked me through fires
Pulled me from flames
If You're in this with me

I won't be afraid

I am so thankful for the victory I receive from Him every day. Some victories may be considered small by some but a victory is a victory. Praying for His peace instead of allowing a trying situation cause me stress was a victory I had yesterday. Hitting my walking goal not only for the day but for the month was a huge victory when it was only the tenth of the month. The best victory of all was knowing I am living as God desires of me.

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead today! Thank You for loving me so greatly! Thank You for my flowers from my neighbor Sharon from their garden and the ones from Brooklyn! Thank You for the three children who asked Jesus into their heart in VBS! Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. May You flow from my words, attitude, actions, and thoughts 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; Uncle Jimmy as he awaits surgery; Cait; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; Marion; Serena and her husband; Vivian; Vivienne; 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; Rhonda; Ken and Elaine; Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Preacher Bill Watts; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Timmy; Amber; families in turmoil; Ms Savon's friend; Cyndi; Doug and Gay; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments... Sharon's daughter Ashley; Chrissy's cousins; Shirley Jones; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Betty's husband; my friend with mesothelioma; Judy Link; Little Ivy; and Little Judson. I pray for Janice and her family with the loss of her sister and other families experiencing loss. I pray for: Jonathan whose mother was diagnosed with a brain tumor, the Long Family, Vickie's son Jim, and Russ. Thank You for continued improvement with Pastor Sam and Baby Henry! Thank You for being My Victory! Amen.