Psalm 37 - "Goodness of God"

The Lord directed me to Psalm 37 this morning. This Psalm is one that encourages my heart greatly. David gives wisdom in this Psalm we need to remember daily. So many times we look around and see people who are successful in the world's eyes. At times we think they have a 'good' life but if they are not in relationship with God they truly are not. The last verse of this Psalm describes a person in relationship with Him. Because of their faith in him, their daily portion will be a Father’s help and deliverance from evil. This is true for all who turn to hide themselves in him! ...their daily portion... That is the prize to living in His presence. These days of late are 'tough' as I watch my Momma getting weaker and weaker. They are 'tough' when finding letters she wrote and never sent. They are 'tough' with emotions high in family. I am thankful for the knowledge no matter how 'tough' things may seem my God is greater. All I have to do is follow verse three in trusting God through the 'tough' days. Verse five reminds me as I trust Him He will direct me to where He desires me to be, do what He desires me to do, and live in the comfortableness of His loving arms. Psalm 37 speaks about enemies in life. Those can include people, circumstances, or even our own self. We can be our worst enemy as we tear ourselves down instead of living as God desires. Tearing ourselves down is a common practice for many people. One thing I have come to realize is when we do so, we are tearing God down. He created us just as He desires. We need to be reminded He does not make 'junk.'  We are special and unique even when we feel otherwise. We have eternity with Him ahead as we live on this earth in relationship with Him. I love the words of verse eleven of Psalm 37 with the promise of peace. This world and the circumstances we deal with every day can be anything but peaceful. Eternity with God will be complete peace. The 'stuff' we accumulate in this world is just that. The more 'stuff' I go through at Momma's house the more I realize the need to not it. Seeing the things that have been kept for many years makes me want to go home and do a good spring cleaning so my boys won't have so much 'stuff' to go through. 'Stuff' will not do us any good in heaven. Verse sixteen reads in The Passion Translation, It is much better to have little combined with much of God than to have the fabulous wealth of the wicked and nothing else. A relationship with God is all we need to have a 'successful' life. Verse nineteen is a promise I am holding close to my heart in these days. Even in a time of disaster he will watch over them, and they will always have more than enough no matter what happens. As the tears fell last night in tiredness and frustration God reminded me He is with me in these 'tough' days just as He is with me in the 'good' days. Praise His Holy Name! One time I was awake during the night I had "Goodness of God" going through my head and felt so, so blessed. 

Cause all my life You have been faithful
And all my life You have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the reminder Your love is with me in the 'tough' days and the 'good' days! Thank You for being with my Momma during her last days on this earth! Thank You for Doug and I having time with Shirley over dinner last night! Thank You for all that was accomplished at Momma's house and with the showings of Doug's house! 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 Your strength over many going through 'tough' days. May they all find Your peace. My Momma, my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Steph as she awaits surgery; 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; Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; April; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; Sherry; Mr John; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many dealing with ‘c’ and/or going through treatments…Audrey; Chrissy’s cousin; Shirley Jones; 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; Mr Mullett; and Damon. I pray for: the Long family; Becky; Russ; a couple contemplating divorce and another couple having serious issues; and Kaytlin’s husband. May You continue to be close to Andy and Sharon with the loss of their daughters. Thank You for continued healing for Pastor Tommy and Pam! Thank You for being My Peace! Amen.

Psalm 7; Matthew 5:44, 48 - "Lord, I Need You"

The Lord took me to Psalm 7 this morning to ponder upon. It begins with David declaring his trust in God when feeling attacked by others. I love the way it ends in verse seventeen with David thanking and praising God for who He is in his life. No matter what circumstances we go through God is there for us. No matter how hard people try tp tear us apart God is there to encourage us. No matter how far down and depressed we find ourselves God is there to pick us up. People can be cruel and have their own agendas instead of allowing God to be in control of their lives. They can say and do hurtful things against us that may make us to retaliate and say and do ungodly things back. God doesn't like when such things happens but He understands we are human. We must repent in such times and allow Him to empower us with His strength to not just get through it but to glorify Him through it. I had a dream last night that seemed so real. I was thankful for Doug being here to hold me and remind me it was just a dream. My mind started wandering about what it could mean and of course that only brought more turmoil. I was so thankful for God's direction for me to ponder upon Psalm 7 after falling back to sleep and waking for the day. He is so good in providing exactly what we need. Verse ten in the New King James Version reads, My defense is of God, Who saves the upright in heart. Praise His Holy Name for this knowledge! He is my defense and for that I am grateful. His love is greater than anything my enemies can try to put upon me. Woo hoo! Trapp wrote, With his trust in God, David did “Throw off slanders, as Paul did the viper; yea, in a holy scorning… laughs at them.” Trusting God is key in all aspects of life. When we trust Him, we will realize what He desires of us to a fuller degree. Trusting Him is the secret to a life full of blessings as we strive to live in His will. Trusting Him empowers you to pray for your enemies even when you don't want to. Doug and I have talked often of the importance of praying for them. Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:44 that we are to pray for our enemies. It reads in the King James Version, But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; Jesus had many enemies while on this earth so He experienced some of what we go through ourselves. He did not turn away from them but instead chose to pray for them. What an example that is for us to follow. Verse forty-eight in the New International Version reads, Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. We can never be perfect as He is but the more we strive to be Christ-like the closer we will become as Him. "Lord, I Need You" is on my lips this morning...

Lord, I need You, oh, I need You
Every hour I need You
My one defense, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead today! Thank You for continuing to give my Momma exactly what she needs to not just get through these days but to glorify You through them! Thank You for Doug who was there during the night to hold me when I had a bad dream! What a blessing he is to me. 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 in the day ahead. I pray Your empowerment over many going through difficult days. My Momma, my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Marion; Cait; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; some young ladies with anxiety; a young man out of rehab; Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; April; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; Sherry; Mr John; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many dealing with ‘c’ and/or going through treatments…Audrey; Chrissy’s cousin; Shirley Jones; 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; Mr Mullett; and Damon. I pray for: the Long family; Becky; Russ; a couple contemplating divorce and another couple having serious issues; and Kaytlin’s husband. May You continue to be close to Andy and Sharon with the loss of their daughters. Thank You for continued healing for Pastor Tommy and Pam! Thank You for being My Defense! Amen.

Philippians 4:13 - "In Jesus Name"

I love Sundays! Yesterday was different in the sense I didn't have the opportunity to be with my church family and to preach but different is not always a 'bad' thing. Starting the morning off with Jesus and then heading out to Johnson's Woods was the perfect way to start the day. After our walk Doug took me out for a yummy breakfast before we got changed to go see my Momma. After visiting her we went to the cemetery to visit his Mom's grave and then off to church we went. I enjoyed hearing a special speaker who I prayed for years ago when his baby girl had heart issues at a couple weeks old. I was blessed to hear she is a healthy twelve year old girl now! After church they had a food wagon from Hartzler Dairy to raise money for a foster/adoption organization. I have not had Hartzler Dairy ice cream for so long and so enjoyed it. I also enjoyed talking to so many friends who encouraged me greatly during these tough days with Momma. Visiting with Jackie and Tim after church was special before going back to spend time with my Momma. We had decided before the day began we were going to take the day to rest and 'smell the roses' instead of working on the house. I am so thankful that decision was made. We ended up doing steaks on the grill at Tim and Jackie's for dinner which was so nice. Looking through old church directories before going to bed was fun. It was another wonderful day in my little world with my husband as we celebrated three weeks of marriage. It seems like we have been together so much longer with all that has happened. It also seems like we have been in Ohio more than South Carolina. We both miss being home but know we are where we need to be. God will continue to give wisdom on decisions that need made and will continue to provide strength that is needed throughout the days ahead. I am reminded of the song "In Jesus Name" that Katy Nicole sings. I continue to pray for Momma to receive her ultimate healing. I pray for many who are struggling with physical issues to receive healing but most of all I pray for those with deep spiritual needs to receive healing.

I pray for your healing, that circumstances would change...

Dear Jesus, Thank You for another day full of blessings! Thank You for my husband Doug who shows his love to me so well! Thank You for so many friends who encouraged me so greatly yesterday at church! I am one blessed lady! Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. May people see/hear You through my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts. I pray for many going through 'tough' days to receive healing in not only their bodies but their spirits. My Momma, my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Marion; Cait; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; some young ladies with anxiety; a young man out of rehab; Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; April; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; Sherry; Mr John; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many dealing with ‘c’ and/or going through treatments…Audrey; Chrissy’s cousin; Shirley Jones; 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; Mr Mullett; and Damon. I pray for: the Long family; Becky; Russ; a couple contemplating divorce and another couple having serious issues; and Kaytlin’s husband. May You continue to be close to Andy and Sharon with the loss of their daughters. Thank You for continued healing for Pastor Tommy and Pam! Thank You for being My Strength! Amen.

Exodus 14:14; Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 - "Hills and Valleys"

Last night before going to bed, during the night, and again this morning I prayed for pastors to be sensitive to those in their services who are hurting with it being Mother's Day. I prayed for the hurts to be soothed by God in a way never before. Mother's Day is a day of hurt for those who were never able to be a mother. It hurts for those who have lost children to death, addiction, disease, etc. It hurts for those who have children they are estranged from or have little contact. There is also hurts for those who were abandoned by their mother or estranged from her. There are so many unnecessary hurts in life. I am thankful for the mother God gave to me. My parents loved and nurtured me well. The best gift they ever gave me was the way they showed me to love and trust God. As my Momma nears the end of life on this earth I am thankful for the knowledge she will live on for eternity with my Heavenly Daddy. I continue to pray for God to have mercy and take her home. These days are tough as I watch her being so uncomfortable but I'm thankful for a church family who has given me this time to be with her. I am thankful for Doug being with me to support me. i love when he whisks me away to 'stop and smell the roses' from time to time. Last night when we left the nursing home he asked me what I wanted to do. My reply was it didn't matter as long as I was with him and I didn't have to think about the present circumstances. We picked up the recycles and took them to the bins and then went out for dinner. It was nice to do something relaxful. I felt guilty at first because I wasn't with Momma but realized I needed to do something different. When I woke this morning, I felt guilty for sleeping in a but but once again knew God is providing what I need in the present circumstances. I just need to allow Him to guide me. I need to allow Him to continue to be in control over every aspect of my life. Waking up in the middle of the night from a nightmare and finding out my husband was praying for me at that exact time is a blessing. I truly believe God brought Doug into my life at this time to support me. Today is our three week wedding anniversary. It is amazing all that has happened in such a short time. Moving him to South Carolina after our wedding, my Momma's decline in health, preparing to sell his home, continuing to have issues with Doc's estate, etc. Many people don't face that many monumental life changing events in their first three years of marriage let alone their first three weeks. I am so thankful God is the foundation of our marriage. When emotions get high, God empowers us to work through them. When decisions need made, He provides His wisdom. When life becomes overwhelming, He is there to empower us with His peace. I am thankful for Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 and for the three strand cord we did in our wedding ceremony. 

Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up the other; but woe to one who is alone and falls and does not have another to help. Again, if two lie together, they keep warm; but how can one keep warm alone? And though one might prevail against another, two will withstand one. A threefold cord is not quickly broken.

We declared in our wedding ceremony that God is the center of our marriage. As Doug braided the cord and Ben talked about its significance we took a stand of putting God where He belongs in a marriage. That stand has been put to many tests in these three short weeks. I am so thankful for the stand we took and for the reminder of it during trying times. I am thankful for the sixty-six plus years my Momma and Daddy had together and for the example they showed on trusting God. I am thankful for a husband who regularly prays for me. I love his prayers asking God to have other couples see our example of a godly marriage. I love the way he is the head of our household just as God ordains a husband to be. What a blessing it was yesterday for Sharon to acknowledge the way he embraces that role. I am one blessed lady! This morning I am reminded of the song "Hills and Valleys" and know God is with me in both.

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

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the love You shower down upon me every moment of every day! Thank You for Doug who reminds me to 'stop and smell the roses'! Thank You for continuing to be with my dear Momma and all of us during these tough days! Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. I pray people will see/hear You through my words, actions, attitude and thoughts. I pray Your peace over many going through valleys in life. My sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Marion; Cait; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; some young ladies with anxiety; a young man out of rehab; Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; April; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; Sherry; Mr John; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many dealing with ‘c’ and/or going through treatments…Audrey; Chrissy’s cousin; Shirley Jones; 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; Mr Mullett; and Damon. I pray for: the Long family; Becky; Russ; a couple contemplating divorce and another couple having serious issues; and Kaytlin’s husband. May You continue to be close to Andy and Sharon with the loss of their daughters. Thank You for continued healing for Pastor Tommy and Pam! Thank You for being My Center! Amen.

Psalm 42 - "Praise You In This Storm"

The Lord directed me to Psalm 42 this morning. This Psalm was written by David at a time when he felt life was just too much. He was going through tough times one after another and feeling like he was sinking. Life can be challenging and can become overwhelming. What we must remember is God is there at all time to love us through such times. David knew God was there for him yet in the midst of troubles was struggling. That is what happens with all of us from time to time. We know in our minds God is there yet we struggle to stay focused on Him. We struggle in our flesh more when we are not spiritually sound with Him. People and/or circumstances will pull our focus off of Him easily when we are not prayed up. The tougher the circumstances we are going through the more we need to be in His Word, on our knees praying, seeking counsel from godly people, etc. The enemy is always looking for an open door to walk into our lives. He desires to play havoc by playing with our emotions, having people say/do things against us, etc. Once he has an open door it is hard to stop him other than full surrender to God's ways. Climbing out from under the enemy's ways is tough. It can be overwhelming yet not impossible. It is definitely not something we can do on our own strength but takes God's supernatural strength to be successful. Matthew Henry writes: 

When the soul rests on itself, it sinks; if it catches hold on the power and promise of God, the head is kept above the billows. And what is our support under present woes but this, that we shall have comfort in Him. We have great cause to mourn for sin; but being cast down springs from unbelief and a rebellious will; we should therefore strive and pray against it.

David wrote in verse five and repeated in verse eleven the key to staying strong in the Lord is found in having hope in Him. The enemy does not like when we praise God. He especially does not like when we praise Him through the storms of life. Some storms of life seem to last forever. They will calm down only to rear their ugly heads again. Some are more fierce than others but all cause challenges. I am reminded this morning of the song "Praise You In This Storm" that Casting Crowns sings...

And I'll praise you in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For you are who you are
No matter where I am
And every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise you in this storm

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the love You shower down upon me through these tough days! Thank You for Your supernatural strength that empowers me to not just get through them but to glorify You through them! Thank You for Scripture that encourages me to praise You no matter what is happening! 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 Your supernatural strength over many going through 'storms of life' right now. My Momma, my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Marion; Cait; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; some young ladies with anxiety; a young man out of rehab; Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; April; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; Sherry; Mr John; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many dealing with ‘c’ and/or going through treatments…Audrey; Chrissy’s cousin; Shirley Jones; 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; Mr Mullett; and Damon. I pray for: the Long family; Becky; Russ; a couple contemplating divorce and another couple having serious issues; and Kaytlin’s husband. May You continue to be close to Andy and Sharon with the loss of their daughters. Thank You for continued healing for Pastor Tommy and Pam! Thank You for being My Storm Calmer! Amen.

Philippians 4:11-13; John 15:5-8 - "Blessings"

Emotions can play havoc on our bodies. Stress is bad for all but when you deal with a disease such as MS it can become overwhelming. No matter how hard you try to not be stressed there are times there is nothing to do. Yesterday was an emotional day with tears falling from time to time. Frustration came into play more than once. By the end of the evening I was struggling with clarity in my thinking. Such times cause more stress. I am thankful God is always here for me and never gets upset when I lash out at Him. The 'whys?' of life cause frustration.  When there seems to be no reason for such things to happen, I remind myself God will use every situation for His glory as I allow Him. Last night as Doug was driving I asked him to pull over for me to take pictures of the sunset. I love the one taken with the barn. It reminds me of life growing up on the chicken farm. I was lonely so many times but God provided me with a vivid imagination that kept me company. He provided me with a love for reading that 'took me' to other places. He provided me with loving parents who taught me how to be content no matter what circumstances I found myself. Paul's words from prison to the Philippians are words of great wisdom that I cling to every day. If Paul can write such things while on house arrest, I should realize God will provide exactly what I need to get through emotional days. Verse eleven states that Paul learned to be content. That shows contentment is not something that comes natural for all. The cool thing about Paul's situation is he realized Jesus was the key to contentment. We must all realize this knowledge. I am reminded of John 15 where Jesus speaks of the Vine and the branches. Verses five through eight read in the NIV: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." We can do nothing on our own. We must lean into His strength to accomplish what He desires of us. As I start this new day I am leaning into His strength physically, mentally, emotionally, financially, and most of all spiritually. I am asking Him to fill me to overflowing with more of Him so people will see/hear Him instead of me. I am praying for God to bless me in abundance as He empowers me with His supernatural strength to not just get through the day ahead but to glorify Him through every moment. I am singing Laura Story's song "Blessings" this morning...

We pray for wisdom, Your voice to hear
We cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt Your goodness, we doubt Your love
As if every promise from Your word is not enough
And all the while, You hear each desperate plea
And long that we'd have faith to believe
'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 blessing of being with my Momma! Thank You for all who visited her yesterday! Pam, Bonnie, Dick and Elgie, Mary, Shirley, Todd, Staci, Tom and Cheryl. Thank You for going before her today and meeting her needs! Listening to her cry out to You while in pain was gut wrenching yet soothing to know she is in relationship with You. I pray Your supernatural strength over all through the difficult days of life. My sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Marion; Cait; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; some young ladies with anxiety; a young man out of rehab; Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; April; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; Sherry; Mr John; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many dealing with ‘c’ and/or going through treatments…Audrey; Chrissy’s cousin; Shirley Jones; 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; Mr Mullett; and Damon. I pray for: the Long family; Becky; Russ; a couple contemplating divorce and another couple having serious issues; and Kaytlin’s husband. May You continue to be close to Andy and Sharon with the loss of their daughters. Thank You for continued healing for Pastor Tommy and Pam! I praise You for Tim's surgery going well! Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. May people hear/see You through my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts. Thank You for being My Strength! Amen.

Psalm 145 - "Goodness of God"

"Goodness of God" is on my mind this morning. This song is powerful in reminding me just how good God is to me. He is good in the 'good' days and He is good in the 'tough' days. He is good when I'm on the mountaintop and He is good when I'm in the deep, dark valley. People and circumstances disappoint but God never does. There are times His timing is challenging or when His answer is not what we think we want but His ways are perfect. It is believed David wrote Psalm 145 near the end of his time on this earth. This Psalm is full of praise for who God is in his life, what He has done for him, and what He has promised to him. The Psalm is divided into three parts. Verses one through six are about the greatness of God. Verses seven through thirteen are about God's attributes and verses fourteen through twenty-one are about His faithfulness. David's life was full of times he fell away from God but it was also full of times God loved him through such times. God's faithfulness was realized by David many times. David shows us in verse two of the need to praise God no matter what. 

Cause all my life You have been faithful
And all my life You have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God

David knew God was faithful to him throughout his life. As he drew closer to the end of his life I'm sure he reflected on all he had done against God and all he had accomplished for Him. When we get to the end of our time on this earth and have the hope of eternity with God, I am sure we will do the same. "With every breath that I am able" is significant in how we leave this earth. God will use us as long as we allow Him. He will give us exactly what we need to love with His love. He will give us exactly what we need to say for people to realize His love. I can relate to David with knowing I failed God at times yet know I also please Him. We are humans and that is part of life. I love the word picture verse eight gives in The Passion Translation. You’re kind and tenderhearted to those who don’t deserve it and very patient with people who fail you. Your love is like a flooding river overflowing its banks with kindness. Praise His Holy Name for the love He has for all of us!

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the blessings of safe travel for Doug and I yesterday! Thank You for providing strength for these 'tough' days with my Momma! Cleanse me so You can fill em to overflowing with more of You. May people see/hear You through my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts. I pray Your peace over not only my Momma but many others struggling with life. May all remember of Your goodness. My sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Marion; Cait; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; some young ladies with anxiety; a young man out of rehab; Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; April; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; Sherry; Mr John; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many dealing with ‘c’ and/or going through treatments…Audrey; Chrissy’s cousin; Shirley Jones; 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; Mr Mullett; and Damon. I pray for: the Long family; Becky; Russ; a couple contemplating divorce and another couple having serious issues; and Kaytlin’s husband. May You continue to be close to Andy and Sharon with the loss of their daughters. Thank You for continued healing for Pastor Tommy and Pam! I pray for Tim's surgery to be successful today. Thank You for being My Goodness! Amen.