Valentine's Day. The day holds hurt for a lot of people. It also holds memories of better days in the past for many. The saying, 'it is better to love and lost than never to have loved at all' came to my mind this morning. Being married for almost thirty-one years before Doc died holds lots of memories. Some good. Some bad. If he would not have been in my life for those years, I would have missed out on so much. He taught me so much over the years. A memory creeped into my mind a couple of weeks ago of a time when he was in his last days on this earth. He told me to never forget the memory we made that day and to always remember to have fun in life. It is those memories that cause the greatest hurt. I miss making new memories with him but I know that chapter of my life has been closed. The next chapter I experienced with making memories with a special someone was with my Rickey. That chapter was short lived but we made so many memories in the short time he was in my life. Once again, he taught me so much and for that I am grateful. As I watched the sunset last night over the water I thought about how God has me here right now for a reason. I don't always understand His ways or His timing but I do know He loves me greatly. I was pondering on this week's sermon challenge this morning. Ask God to empower you to step out in faith as you ‘cross the swollen rivers’ of life. Ask Him to show you the improbable becoming do-able, the impractical becoming possible, and the impossible becoming reality. What swollen rivers of life am I facing? How will God get me across them? What do I need to change in my thinking to understand what He wants of me? I know one thing for sure is I need to not lose my focus on Him. He reminds me every time I get to see a sunset that tomorrow is another day. Yesterday I physically accomplished a lot and now today is ahead of me. What will I accomplish today? Who will I impact with Jesus' love? How will God use me today to make a difference in people's lives? Only He knows. I know what is on the calendar but I also know the best times in life are the spontaneous ones. I strive to be ready for whatever the day holds. I am grateful for songs like "Today Is The Day" that encourages me to live in the moment...
Today is the day You have made I will rejoice and be glad in it Today is the day You have made I will rejoice and be glad in it And I won't worry about tomorrow I'm trustin' in what You say Today is the day
Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead today! 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 for many who are hurting to allow You to be their soothing balm. My Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; some young ladies with anxiety; a young man out of rehab who needs strength in his daily walk; Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; April; Ashley Foor; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; Sherry; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments...Katelyn; Chrissy's cousin; Shirley Jones; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Little Ivy; Little Judson; Little Roselynn; a young girl in our community; a lady whose breast cancer has returned; a lady diagnosed with stage two breast cancer; a lady diagnosed with throat cancer; Sue Danhoff's husband Harv; and Michele with breast cancer. I pray for: the Long Family, Becky, Russ, a couple contemplating divorce and another couple having serious issues. Thank You for continued healing for: Pastor Tommy and Pam and Darryle and his family. I praise You for continued reconciliation for a father and his prodigal daughter. Thank You for being My Day Maker! Amen.
I pray yesterday's sermon about Joshua and the people crossing the Jordan River was one that made others think as it did me. I pray people will step out ini faith as we were challenged to do. The challenge from yesterday was: Ask God to empower you to step out in faith as you ‘cross the swollen rivers’ of life. Ask Him to show you the improbable becoming do-able, the impractical becoming possible, and the impossible becoming reality. We all are faced with 'swollen rivers' in life. It takes a leap of faith to step out into them when the Lord directs us to do so. It takes trusting Him when what He gives us to do doesn't make sense. It takes following Him in faith and obedience and expecting the miraculous if we truly want to see Him at work in our life. When we live in this manner, we will see God's empowerment over every aspect of life. We will see miracles happen when we step out in faith that are beyond our imagination. He has the power to do anything. Sometimes we limit Him by our thoughts, actions, words, and attitude. That is why it is so important to pray every morning asking Him to cleanse us so He can fill us. Then, and only them, will we be empowered to experience the best life He has for us. We cannot manipulate things in life to be as we desire but instead need to allow Him to work in and through us to accomplish the desires of His heart. This morning I am pondering upon what 'swollen rivers' I am facing. I know of some personally and I also know of some in my church life. How do I cross them? It's actually very simple. All I have to do is trust God and allow Him to take me through them in His time. Many times we get caught up in wanting things to happen in our time when it isn't what He desires. It is hard to wait on His time but when we do we are blessed in abundance. I am reminded this morning of the song "Walk On The Water" that Britt Nicole sings. When He calls us out to 'cross the swollen rivers' of life, that is exactly what we are capable of doing as we allow Him to be in control. When we do this, we will see the improbable becoming do-able, the impractical becoming possible, and the impossible becoming reality. Woo hoo!
When you take that first step Into the unknown You know that He won't let you go So what are you waiting for? What do you have to lose? Your insecurities, they try to alter you You know you're made for more So don't be afraid to move Your faith is all It takes in you You can walk on the water too
Dear Jesus, Thank You for yesterday's sermon that spoke volumes to me! Thank You for Andy praying with me at the altar! I am so grateful for the way my church family love me so well. You bless me in abundance with them. Thank You for the work Jeff, Tim, Mike, and Chris did at the church over the weekend! Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing so people will see/hear You through my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts. Lord, open my heart and mind up to allowing You to see me cross the 'swollen rivers' of life. My heart broke over one phone conversation I had yesterday. I feel so helpless with the situation but I know I have hope when I allow You to be in control of it. I pray for many going through challenging times to allow You to work in and through them in Your time. Andy and his family with Katelyn's cancer; my Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; some young ladies with anxiety; a young man out of rehab who needs strength in his daily walk; Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; April; Ashley Foor; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; Sherry; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments...Katelyn; Chrissy's cousin; Shirley Jones; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Little Ivy; Little Judson; Little Roselynn; a young girl in our community; a lady whose breast cancer has returned; a lady diagnosed with stage two breast cancer; a lady diagnosed with throat cancer; Sue Danhoff's husband Harv; and Michele with breast cancer. I pray for: the Long Family, Becky, Russ, a couple contemplating divorce and another couple having serious issues. Thank You for continued healing for: Pastor Tommy and Pam and Darryle and his family. I praise You for continued reconciliation for a father and his prodigal daughter. Thank You for being My Empowerment! Amen.
“God writes the gospel not in the Bible alone, but on trees and flowers and clouds and stars.” This quote by Martin Luther is full of beauty. I experience God in a new way when I am out in nature, I hear Him through things such as these flowers the other day. Yesterday as I drove in the rain He told me the purpose of the rain is to cleanse the earth. When we have 'junk' in our lives, He brings rain to cleanse us too. Friday as I watched the bird taking flight He reminded me how we sometimes take off on our own path but thankfully we find our way back to Him. Tuesday night as I watched the sunset He reminded me when I keep Him as my foundation I will be strong in Him. I love the way He speaks to me through nature. Living in my little piece of paradise blesses me in abundance. A lot of people complain about the heat and bugs but I am thankful for every aspect of my little world. I will admit I don't like the little lizard-things when they get in the house but I will survive because of all the pluses of life here. Walking outside in the month of February and seeing flowers blooming blesses me in abundance since I never knew this prior to moving here. I remember the first time I left Ohio in the month of February and traveled to Florida. I was in awe of walking barefoot on the beach when we had left a snowstorm in Ohio. I definitely was born to be a southern girl. It just took me awhile to get here. I am so blessed to be where God desires me to be. I am blessed in knowing He is with me every day and ready to love on me as I allow Him. I am blessed for the way He encourages me when I start to feel down. I am blessed with the people He puts in my path. I am blessed by who He is in my life. I recently heard the song called "First Things First" and strive to live in this manner. I know I fail at times but the more I strive to live in this manner the more it will be achieved.
First thing’s first I seek Your will Not my own Surrender all my wants to you Keep the first thing first To live Your truth Walk Your ways Set my eyes Lord I fix my face on you All my desires reversed To keep the first thing first
Dear Jesus, Thank You for the fun time yesterday with Betty, Jo Ann, Terri, and Charlotte! Thank for safety on the roads as we traveled to Savannah in the rain! Thank You for the beauty of Your creation that You speak to me through! Cleanse me so You can fill me. May people hear/see You through my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts. I pray the same for all pastors who will be in the pulpit and for all believers who will be given an opportunity to love with Your love today. Father, I pray Your peace over many going through difficult days. Andy and his family with Katelyn's cancer; my Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; some young ladies with anxiety; a young man out of rehab who needs strength in his daily walk; Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Amber; Ashley Foor; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; Sherry; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments...Katelyn; Chrissy's cousin; Shirley Jones; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Little Ivy; Little Judson; Little Roselynn; a young girl in our community; a lady whose breast cancer has returned; a lady diagnosed with stage two breast cancer; a lady diagnosed with throat cancer; Sue Danhoff's husband Harv; Michele with breast cancer; and a dear friend awaiting an oncologist appointment. I pray for: the Long Family, Becky, Russ, a couple contemplating divorce and another couple having serious issues. Thank You for continued healing for: Pastor Tommy and Pam and Darryle and his family. I praise You for continued reconciliation for a father and his prodigal daughter. Thank You for being My Empowerment! Amen.
Yesterday as I watched this bird taking off and then returning multiple times I thought about life with God. Many times we find ourselves 'taking off' away from Him to do our own thing. Hopefully we do just as the bird was doing and return to Him. Nothing we do or say surprises God because He knows all. He is blessed when we walk in obedience to Him and He is not when we don't. Does God have emotions? Does He hurt when we fall short of what He desires of us? Does He get mad? I know in John 1:14 we read about Jesus taking on the human form. The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We are made in His image (Genesis 1) so that would mean He would have emotions too. The difference is He is without sin so His emotions are always appropriate compared to ours. He showed compassion In II Peter 3:9. He showed sadness in Luke 19:41-45. He showed tenderness in Matthew 10:25. He showed anger in Mark 3:4-5. He showed love in John 3:16. I truly believe God has emotions but they are not experienced in the same sense as humans. As I watched the bird I thought about how God created many living creatures yet they all have difference attributes. We, as humans, have different attributes. None of us are alike, not even twins are completely alike. We all have different ways to express our emotions. Some will choose joy when life is tough and others will choose to wallow in misery. Some will cry with emotions while others will never shed a tear. Yesterday the geese were so loud and it made me think about people. Some easily speak up while others are timid. Some will allow others to speak for them while others will stand up for themselves. I love being out in nature and I really enjoy it when God gets my mind to thinking. As I was trimming a bush yesterday that had a lot of dead branches I found some beautiful flowers blooming. In the midst of deadness there was life. That is exactly how life can be for us. We can have some areas that need brought back to life so we can shine brightly for God. We can have some things we need to get rid of to make more room for Him. This weather lately has been wonderful with having temps in the seventies and pure sunshine. Today's rain is not what I would like to have but I know it is needed in order for God's creation to grow. We, as humans, need the Holy Spirit to rain down upon us so we can grow. I am reminded this morning of the song "Resurrection Power" that Chris Tomlin sings and feeling blessed to know there is freedom in a life with Christ. There is freedom in knowing He created us with emotions and is not surprised by the way they come out of us.
Now I have resurrection power Living on the inside Jesus, You have given us freedom No longer bound by sin and darkness Living in the light of Your goodness You have given us freedom
Dear Jesus, Thank You for using creation to speak to me! Thank You for Your Word and music to open my eyes! Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead today! Thank You for loving me so greatly! Father, heal the hurts of my heart. Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. I pray for many on an emotional roller coaster to allow You to be their Empowerment. Andy and his family with Katelyn's cancer; my Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; some young ladies with anxiety; a young man out of rehab who needs strength in his daily walk; Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Amber; Ashley Foor; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; Sherry; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments...Katelyn; Chrissy's cousin; Shirley Jones; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Little Ivy; Little Judson; Little Roselynn; a young girl in our community; a lady whose breast cancer has returned; a lady diagnosed with stage two breast cancer; a lady diagnosed with throat cancer; Sue Danhoff's husband Harv; Michele with breast cancer; and a dear friend awaiting an oncologist appointment. I pray for: the Long Family, Becky, Russ, a couple contemplating divorce and another couple having serious issues. Thank You for continued healing for: Pastor Tommy and Pam and Darryle and his family. I praise You for continued reconciliation for a father and his prodigal daughter. Thank You for being My Empowerment! Amen.
I was thinking yesterday about how much it means to have friends in my life. Starting my day off with conversation and hugs with Billy and Sierra is always a treat. Spending time with Terri and planning church activities was so much fun. Pushing Marion in the wheelchair for walks outside in the beautiful weather was another blessing in the day. Having dinner with Debbie to get caught up after her being away blessed me in abundance. Throughout the day I had texts and calls from friends checking on me which reminds me of God's love. In the midst of all that happened yesterday I stopped and walked behind the cancer center. It was a bittersweet time with memories flooding over me of the times I walked while Doc was in treatment. In the beginning I was allowed in with him but with COVID hit then he had to be alone. That made me so sad. I did not like him being alone yet I knew he truly wasn't because God was with him. God reminded me yesterday as I walked that I am not alone. He is with me every step of every day. He never leaves me even though there are many times I feel so alone. I am reminded of the words of the Lord in Isaiah 41:10 and feeling blessed. God wants to knock the enemy down when he comes knocking at my door to discourage me. He wants me to lean into His strength at all time. He desires to see me receive victory over every challenge in life. The way for me to fulfill His desires is to trust Him and walk in obedience to His ways. I love when God shows Himself to me in nature. Yesterday as I started walking I saw these three flowers blooming. There wasn't just two of them nor was there a bunch on this particular bush. There were three. They represent the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit to me. Every time I see something in threes I am reminded God is all three of these in my life. He loves me as my Daddy, He is my friend as my Brother, and He empowers me to be who He desires of me as the Holy Spirit. When I make anniversary cards, I always put three hearts on them to represent the three attributes of God. When I decorate, I strive to use things in threes to put Him in my home. Seeing these three yesterday cemented in my mind that He is with me every step of every day. I asked Clay if we can sing "Step By Step" this week as it has been on my heart. Yesterday was just another way God has confirmed the sermon for Sunday. Woo hoo!
I will seek You in the morning And I will learn to Walk in Your ways And step by step You'll lead me And I will follow You all of my days
Dear Jesus, Thank You for all You put in my path yesterday...Billy, Sierra, Terri, Marion, and Debbie! Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead today! Thank You for the reminders that I am never alone! Cleanse me so You can fill me so people will see/hear You through my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts in the day ahead. I pray for Janis and her family as they go through these days with her mother's homecoming and for Steven with his sister's funeral today. It is a bittersweet time when a loved one leaves this earth. I pray for others going through difficult times to lean into Your strength. Andy and his family with Katelyn's cancer; Rachael; my Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; some young ladies with anxiety; a young man out of rehab who needs strength in his daily walk; Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Amber; Ashley Foor; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; Sherry; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments...Katelyn; Chrissy's cousin; Shirley Jones; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Little Ivy; Little Judson; Little Roselynn; a young girl in our community; a lady whose breast cancer has returned; a lady diagnosed with stage two breast cancer; a lady diagnosed with throat cancer; Sue Danhoff's husband Harv; Michele with breast cancer; and a dear friend awaiting an oncologist appointment. I pray for: the Long Family, Becky, Russ, a couple contemplating divorce and another couple having serious issues. Thank You for continued healing for: Pastor Tommy and Pam and Darryle and his family. I praise You for continued reconciliation for a father and his prodigal daughter. Thank You for being My Step Maker! Amen.
Yesterday was filled with blessings from start to finish. I started the day with getting on the scales to find two more pounds forever gone which leaves only one left to lose to my goal. My morning got even better with walking and talking with my friend Steven. Another blessing in my day was having friends over for lunch before heading to the church. God knew what I needed when the young pest control man asked where the regular lady was and I said, ‘it’s me’ and he went on and on how much I had changed in three months. He spoke words of affirmation over me and told me he knew good things were ahead for me as a pastor. Woo hoo! The blessings continued when Amy and Nick brought me roses which smell heavenly. It was so much fun to have dinner with them before Bible study. God is so good to shower me with great people in my life. He loves me so much and shows that love through others. I am grateful for the opportunity to love on others by listening when they need someone to share their life with. I also am grateful for the wisdom God gives me to pass onto people. I love the term 'win-win' and feel like when we live with this mindset we will receive more of what God desires for us. When we love unconditionally, we will receive the same kind of love. When we forgive and forget, we will realize the life God has for us. When we seek more of Him, we will receive more of Him. Even though yesterday was full of blessings there were still trying situations throughout the day. Hurt still happens when you follow God but you learn how to deal with such hurt. People still say or do things to try to bring you down but as long as you keep your focus on God life will be 'ok' no matter what is happening. A friend asked me yesterday how I was doing. I had a choice in how I would answer that question. I could look at the negatives in my life and complain or I could look at the positives and speak life. I know I do not always choose the right response but I strive to be positive. I strive to speak life not only over others but also over myself. The desire of my heart is to live as God desires of me. I must stand on His Word that tells me to trust Him in Proverbs 3:5-6. I must stand on the promise of Philippians 4:13 in His strength. I must stand strong when the enemy comes knocking at my door in God's love and empowerment as II Timothy 1:7 tells me. Last night's Bible study was on the seventh chapter of Isaiah. It talked about how God would take care of our enemies as we allow Him. God gave the secret to victory over our enemies in the last part of verse nine. It takes great faith in Him and relying on Him with every aspect of our life. I am reminded this morning of a song Danny Gokey sings called "Stand In Faith" and feeling determined to do so more intentionally in the day ahead.
I will stand in faith (eyes on You) Walk by faith (for my breakthrough) Live by faith (before You move) Oh, I believe, I believe, I believe Stand in faith (eyes on You) See by faith (for my breakthrough) Receive by faith (before You move) Oh, I believe, I believe, I believe
Dear Jesus, Thank You for the many people You put in my path yesterday and all of the ways they blessed me! Thank You for giving me the opportunity to speak life over many and for those who spoke life over me! Thank You for the day ahead and for the many blessings I know I will receive! Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. I pray for many going through difficult days to have people speak life over them. I pray their faith will go deeper as they trust You with their circumstances. Andy and his family with Katelyn's cancer; Kaye and her family; Rachael; my Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; some young ladies with anxiety; a young man out of rehab who needs strength in his daily walk; Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Amber; Ashley Foor; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; Sherry; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments...Katelyn; Chrissy's cousin; Shirley Jones; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Little Ivy; Little Judson; Little Roselynn; a young girl in our community; a lady whose breast cancer has returned; a lady diagnosed with stage two breast cancer; a lady diagnosed with throat cancer; Sue Danhoff's husband Harv; Michele with breast cancer; and a dear friend awaiting an oncologist appointment. I pray for: the Long Family, Becky, Russ, a couple contemplating divorce and another couple having serious issues. Thank You for continued healing for: Pastor Tommy and Pam and Darryle and his family. I praise You for continued reconciliation for a father and his prodigal daughter. Thank You for being My Faith Builder! Amen.
Last night's sunset was so beautiful. It blessed me in abundance. It reminded me of just how awesome God is as the Creator of the universe. This picture with the rocks remind me of Psalm 18 that begins with The Lord is my rock... A rock is a foundation. Therefore, we have His strength when we allow Him to be our foundation. David is the perfect example of living in God's strength. He went through so many devastating things in life only to have victory. His enemies tried to ruin him but God had other plans. God led him from victory to victory. Verse thirty reads, As for God, His way is perfect... David knew no matter what come before him or how often he felt like the world was against him God was always there. The remainder of Psalm 18 is a testimony of David's victory with the enemy being struck down over and over again. At the end of the Psalm David praises God for being the Victor not himself. He knew the victory belonged to God. He knew God was the one responsible for all that happened. It all began in verse one with I love You, Lord, my strength. When we love God in this manner and build upon Him as our foundation, we too will have victory over the enemy. I am reminded this morning of the song "See A Victory" and feeling very hopeful with some situations I am experiencing.
I'm gonna see a victory I'm gonna see a victory For the battle belongs to You, Lord
Dear Jesus, Thank You for the beautiful weather with bright sunshine yesterday and for the beauty of Your creation with last night's sunset! 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 wisdom for those caring for Marion. I pray Your peace over her and many others going through difficult days. May all allow You to be their foundation. Andy and his family with Katelyn's cancer; Kaye and her family; Rachael; my Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; some young ladies with anxiety; a young man out of rehab who needs strength in his daily walk; Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Amber; Ashley Foor; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; Sherry; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments...Katelyn; Chrissy's cousin; Shirley Jones; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Little Ivy; Little Judson; Little Roselynn; a young girl in our community; a lady whose breast cancer has returned; a lady diagnosed with stage two breast cancer; a lady diagnosed with throat cancer; Sue Danhoff's husband Harv; Michele with breast cancer; and a dear friend awaiting an oncologist appointment. I pray for: the Long Family, Becky, Russ, a couple contemplating divorce and another couple having serious issues. Thank You for continued healing for: Pastor Tommy and Pam and Darryle and his family. I praise You for continued reconciliation for a father and his prodigal daughter. I pray for Melinda and Todd with all they are going through. Thank You for being My Foundation! Amen.
