Psalm 97 - "Heart of God"

The Lord took me to Psalm 97 this morning to ponder upon. The last five verses of this Psalm show God's love to us by caring and providing for us. Yesterday as I was working outside I looked up to see this beautiful piece of God's nature. I thought about how He shines down upon us all the time. When we fall short of what He expects of us, He is there to love us through it. When we miss opportunities He give us, He is there to encourage us. When we do something against His will, He is there to restore us. Matthew Henry writes of this Psalm: 

As he hates sin, yet freely loves the person of the repentant sinner who believes in Christ, he will make a final separation between the person he loves and the sin he hates, and sanctify his people wholly, body, soul, and spirit.

God gives us all freewill to make decisions in life. He knows the things that come before us and will empower us to stand up against them as we allow Him. He knows all. He sees all. He hears all. Praise His Holy Name He still loves us. I am reminded of a song Zach Williams sings called "Heart of God"...

'Cause there's only love in the heart of God
No room for shame in His open arms
There's beauty from ashes, so come as you are
And there's only love in the heart of God

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead today! Thank You for a fun board meeting with my people! Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. May I remember to allow You to work in and through me throughout the day ahead. I pray Your peace and strength over many going through difficult days. Andy and his family with Katelyn's situation; 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; Serena and her husband; 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; Susan; 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; Darryle and his family; and Janis' mother, I praise You for continued reconciliation for a father and his prodigal daughter. I pray for Melinda and Todd with all they are going through. Thank You for being My Light! Amen.

Psalm 65:5-8 - "King of Glory"

Yesterday was another perfect day in paradise. I love Sundays with my church family. Having lunch together after service blesses me in abundance. Spending the afternoon outside in God's creation was another blessing in the day. Ending the afternoon with seeing sunset and collecting shells for craft projects was the 'icing on the cake' for the day. Burrr....by the time the sun went down it was cold but such fun. Last night the colors of the shells were magnificent. Normally speaking they are white/beige but last night the beach was full of blacks, blues, purples, pinks...so beautiful! I can't wait to make things with them. As you pick them up you think 'oh that is so pretty and would work on a mirror, a picture, an ornament, etc.' It is so hard to not bring them all home. LOL! As I collect them, I think about how God makes the seashells unique just as He makes us unique. He gives them all different characteristics just as He does with us. The same can be said about the sunset. He crafts it to be different each night. The beauty found in His creation is in the eye of the beholder. Some people may not enjoy sunsets, walks on the beach, etc. as much as I do. It may be boring to them but not to me. Every walk on the beach is a different experience than the one before. Every seashell I pick up is different than the one before. God is such a magnificent Creator! Third Day sings a song called "King of Glory" that blesses me in abundance.

The Lord of earth and heaven, the Creator of all things...He is the King of Glory, He's everything to me...

Yes! He is Everything to me! He blesses me in abundance each and every day. No matter if I am on the mountaintop or down in the valley He is with me. The 'junk' of live is easier to get through because of Him. Woo hoo!

Dear Jesus, Thank You for another day in paradise yesterday! Thank You for my church family! Thank You for going before me today and giving me exactly what I need! Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. I pray Your blessings of peace over many going through 'tough' days. Andy and his family with Katelyn's situation; 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; Serena and her husband; 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; Darryle and his family; and Janis' mother, I praise You for continued reconciliation for a father and his prodigal daughter. I pray for Melinda and Todd with all they are going through. Thank You for being My Magnificent Creator! Amen.

Philippians 4:13 - "Good Good Father"

Last night I prayed for pastors before going to bed, twice during the night, and again this morning. Specifically, I prayed for ministry couples who share the pulpit. I prayed for God to continue to work in and through them as they work together to spread the Gospel. One couple in particular came to my prayers, Jed and Jenn Brake. They are friends of mine from Ohio who blessed me by visiting a few months ago. They encourage me so much from across the miles. This morning I saw a post Jenn put on Facebook that she said she was overwhelmed with life. They had a difficult week and were feeling weary. If I would have read her post before going to bed, I would have thought that was why I woke up to pray for them. But I did not see the post until this morning. That is how God works. He puts us on the minds of others when we need encouraged. I am sure when they read this they will be encouraged. God also gives us Scripture and music to encourage us. He gives us what we need as we allow Him to work in and through us. As I stood in the cold taking pictures of the sunset I thought to myself that I was crazy to be freezing just to take pictures. But then I was reminded that each sunset and each sunrise is different. I miss the brilliance and the length of the sunsets from summer but was thankful last night when it went down fast. Burrr....it was cold. Thankfully, my heated seats helped with the coldness once I got back in the car! God is with us in the 'good' days and in the 'bad' days. He never leaves us and empowers us to get through the 'junk' of life. When people disappoint us, He is there to remind us He never disappoints us. When life is challenging, He is there to remind us it is through life's greatest challenges that our faith will grow deeper. When we feel like we can't put one foot in front of the other, He carries us. Paul tells us in Philippians 4:13 that we can do any and all things in God's strength. Praise His Holy Name! He is such a "Good, Good Father"....

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

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead today! Thank You for the luncheon with the Ladies of the Low Country group where I met new friends! Thank You for waking me to pray for Jed and Jenn during the night! May You continue to empower them to do what You put before them. Thank You for continuing to be with Andy and his family as they go through this time with Katelyn! Thank You for being with many going through difficult days! May we all go deeper in our faith. I continue to pray for: 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; Serena and her husband; 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; Darryle and his family; and Janis' mother, I praise You for continued reconciliation for a father and his prodigal daughter. I pray for Melinda and Todd with all they are going through. Thank You for being My Good Good Father! Amen.

Nehemiah 8:10 - "Blessings"

The Lord brought to my mind this morning a priest in the Old Testament by the name of Ezra. He was responsible to restore worship after the reconstruction of Jerusalem. He and Nehemiah worked together with Nehemiah restoring the walls of Jerusalem. I have not studied Ezra much but one of my favorite verses in the Bible comes from Nehemiah 8:10. The joy of the Lord is my strength. We experience His joy when we live for Him. Life is not perfect by any means yet when we realize He is in control over everything we can be assured anything that happens will be ok. Nehemiah had great faith in God because he had a relationship with Him. We can live in this same manner. Ezra found the people being crabby even though they were in the midst of a great time in history. God had brought them through so much and there were great things ahead. Ezra was there to revive their spirits. This can be seen over and over today. We all go through 'tough' times yet God is always with us. He never leaves us. He is there to fill us with joy even in the midst of the storms of life. I was reading somewhere about how joy comes from living a life guided by the Holy Spirit. He gives us peace when we cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel. He gives us joy in our spirit when everything is crumbling all around us. He blesses us to encourage us. One morning this week I pulled over to take a picture of the sunrise. Seeing sunrises and sunsets bless me in abundance. I can be having a challenging day and one of them will remind me He is with me. The beauty of His creation blesses me so much. Yesterday as I took a walk in the woods I was blessed in so many ways. First of all, He reminded me I was walking. Secondly, He reminded me no matter what is happening in life I can have His joy in my spirit. I do not think it was a coincidence He brought me to Ezra and Nehemiah this morning. I am one blessed lady. I am reminded this morning of the song "Blessings" Laura Story sings and realizing it to a greater degree. Praise His Holy Name! 

'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead today! Thank You for the reminders from Ezra and Nehemiah! Thank You for reminding me You are always with me! Thank You for my medicine finally coming! Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. I pray for many going through 'tough' days. Andy and his family with Katelyn's health; 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; Serena and her husband; 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; Darryle and his family; and Janis' mother, I praise You for continued reconciliation for a father and his prodigal daughter. I pray for Melinda and Todd with all they are going through. Thank You for being My Blesser! Amen.

Matthew 16; Psalm 5:3 - "All This Time"

God took me to Matthew 16 this morning to ponder upon. Verse twenty is another one that perplexes me. We are supposed to tell people about Jesus yet once again He told His disciples to not tell anyone about Him. Why? What was the purpose for them to stay quiet? Last week I came upon Him saying this to people who were healed. This week He is telling His disciples to not tell anyone He is the Messiah. Was it because He wasn't sure His death and resurrection would happen? He knows all so that doesn't makes sense. Would them sharing Him being the Messiah cause issues among the people? Maybe the horrific death that was ahead would cause riots if people knew Him as the Messiah. In verse twenty-one He warns His disciples about what was ahead with His death. He was very specific in His explanation. Therefore, one would assume He had to know what was going to happen. This made me think about how sometimes I go to share the Gospel and the Holy Spirit stops me. It doesn't make sense yet I realize things need to happen in His time. Sometimes people aren't ready to hear about God. He is preparing them for our words but until they are ready we need to continue to love on them with His love and be the example He desires of us. As we live in His presence we will experience not only hearing His voice but walking in obedience to Him. He is always with us and desires for us to live in this manner. I am reminded this morning of a song Britt Nicole sings called "All This Time" and feeling thankful...

All this time
From the first tear cry
To today's sunrise
And every single moment between
You were there
You were always there
It was You and I
You've been walking with me all this time

I took this picture one morning this week and when I thought about the day yesterday Psalm 5:3 came to my mind. We pray. God listens. Sometimes He answers our prayers with a 'yes' while other times He makes us wait. I have been waiting on my medication since before Christmas. Due to the neurologist office messing up the paperwork and the holidays I did not receive it. I was told two weeks ago it would be here last week but it never came. I spent hours on hold this week trying to find out when I would receive it. Finally, a live person came on yesterday and said I would have it today. I don't know why it has been such a fiasco to get it when I never had issues before but God knows so I don't have to fret over going without. Today I will wait expectantly as Psalm 5:3 reads and hope for the best. It was kind of funny I received notification yesterday that I have been approved for 2023 for free medication. Now I just need to be able to receive it. In His time!

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead today! Thank You for the approval of my medication for 2023! Cleanse me so You will flow from my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts throughout the day ahead. I pray for many going through 'tough' days. Andy and his family with Katelyn's health; Kaye and her family; those who recently lost loved ones: Dave; Rachael; Susan; Sonia; and Laureen; 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; Serena and her husband; 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; Darryle and his family; and Janis' mother, I praise You for continued reconciliation for a father and his prodigal daughter. I pray for Melinda and Todd with all they are going through. Thank You for being My Hope! Amen.

Matthew 6:21; Philippians 4:12 - "My Jesus"

Yesterday was another gorgeous day. Even though I've been living here for over six years it still amazes me to have such weather in January. I remember the first time I left Ohio and traveled to Florida in February. I was amazed I was walking on the beach when we left a snow storm in Ohio. Yesterday as I looked out over the water at lunchtime I commented it seemed like what used to be a vacation day. Yet here I live here in this little piece of paradise. As I sat in the beautiful sunshine looking out over the water I felt so blessed and grateful. After lunch thrift store shopping was on the agenda and was so much fun. I love to look for treasures that other people have thrown away. No major finds yesterday but I did take a picture of something I want to make with oyster shells. Last night in Adult Bible Study I shared God brought Matthew 6:19 to me this week as I was preparing the lesson. Earthly things are not as important as heavenly things. Spending money on 'stuff' is not as meaningful as spending money on things that will make a difference in someone's life. I thought of this as I bought things for Samaritan's Purse shoeboxes yesterday in one of the thrift stores. I personally don't need anything but am always looking for bargains for shoeboxes, children's ministries, etc. That doesn't mean I don't buy things for myself. I have no guilt for picking up a pretty piece of glassware or a sturdy basket to use myself. God likes to bless us with such things. At the end of the day before buying something we need to ask ourselves if we truly 'need' it or is it just a 'want' and if it isn't a need, how bad do we want it. I saw a couple things yesterday I 'wanted' yet didn't buy and was content with those decisions. Contentment comes with living a lifestyle with heaven as the end result. I am reminded this morning of Paul's words in Philippians 4:12. It reads in the NIV: I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. Praise His Holy Name! No matter what circumstances we find ourselves in God is with us. Last night in Bible study we were talking about how some people say they don't need God. Andy mentioned that even when people say such things God is still there. He never leaves us. This is a wonderful thought to have when we go through 'tough' days and feel alone. Our last question to ponder from last night's study was to think about how we can make a difference in people's lives to counteract the ways of the world. Sharing our story is a perfect way to encourage others to allow God into their lives. This morning I am reminded of a song I heard Anne Wilson sing in concert last spring called "My Jesus"...

Are you past the point of weary?
Is your burden weighin' heavy?
Is it all too much to carry?
Let me tell you 'bout my Jesus
Do you feel that empty feeling?
'Cause shame's done all its stealin'
And you're desperate for some healin'
Let me tell you 'bout my Jesus

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead today! Thank You for this gorgeous weather and for the beautiful piece of paradise I live! Thank You for the words of affirmation spoken over me through someone in the community sharing about 'that woman pastor' with one of my people! 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 our waiter yesterday who shared a prayer request with us when asked and then asked how he could pray for us. Wow, God! That was a first to experience and so cool. I continue to pray for many going through 'tough' days. Andy and his family with Katelyn's health; those who recently lost loved ones: Dave; Rachael; Susan; Sonia; and Laureen; 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; Serena and her husband; 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; Darryle and his family; and Janis' mother, I praise You for continued reconciliation for a father and his prodigal daughter. I pray for Melinda and Todd with all they are going through. Thank You for being My Treasure! Amen.

I Chronicles 4:10b - "Fighting For Me"

The Lord took me to Psalm 66 this morning. As I read it in different versions I thought about this week's sermon. In the Prayer of Jabez it reads in I Chronicles 4:10 And God granted his request. God hears all our prayers but answers them in the way He desires. His ways and/or timing is not always what we think we want but they are always what is best. Jabez had a challenging life but chose to live it with a strong faith. The key word here is 'chose' because we all have the choice to make to go deeper in our faith or turn away from God when life is challenging. We can either blame God when life is difficult or we can embrace whatever we are going through. We can either fret and worry over things we truly have no control over or we can allow God to work in and through us. When we are living in God's presence and seeking His will, the desires of His heart will be the desires of our heart. If/when we step away from that relationship, we will find ourselves manipulating things to be as we desire. Shame on us. Selfishness can rear its ugly head at times but when we allow God to be Who He desires to be in our life we will realize great blessings as Jabez. Every sunrise I experience is a blessing. Every sunset I experience is a blessing. Every walk on the beach is a blessing. I am one blessed lady and need to be more grateful for such times. I never know when I will wake up and not be able to function due to the MS but I do know Who does know and that is all that matters. I am reminded this morning of a song Riley Clemmons sings called "Fighting For Me" and blessed....

You will never stop fighting for me
When I can't fight for myself
Every word is a promise You keep
Cause You love me like nobody else
You stand up for me in the darkest night
When my faith is weak You're still by my side
You will never stop fighting for me

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead today! Thank You for loving me so greatly! Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. I pray for Your blessings of peace to come down over many going through difficult days. May You continue to be with Andy and his family with Katelyn's health in these difficult days. May You continue to be with those who recently lost loved ones. Dave; Rachael; Susan; Sonia; and Laureen. I also pray for: my Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; some young ladies with anxiety; a young man out of rehab who needs strength in his daily walk; Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Amber; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; Sherry; Serena and her husband; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments...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; Darryle and his family; and Janis' mother, I praise You for continued reconciliation for a father and his prodigal daughter. I pray for Melinda and Todd with all they are going through. Thank You for being The God of My Promise Keeper! Amen.