Luke 1 - "The More I Seek You"

I was in awe this morning as I again read the account of Mary and Elizabeth finding out they were going to have babies in Luke 1. Both of their babies came into this world with a purpose to live for the Lord. I ponder upon a few questions this morning. What was my purpose for being born? Am I fulfilling that purpose? Is my Heavenly Father proud of me? How can I fulfill my purpose better? The way to fulfill my purpose better is by staying focused on God. When I live in His presence, I will not only hear His voice but have the desire to walk in obedience to Him. Living in His presence gives us the desire to please Him more with every ounce of our being. My daily prayer asking for a cleansing has a purpose in itself. That purpose is so people will see/hear Him through my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts. I do not want to go before Him because when I do I mess things up. I do not want to manipulate circumstances to make them the way I think they should be. Once again, if I do I will mess things up. Mary's words in Luke 1:38 are ones I need to have on my heart 24/7. “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. I started praying at the beginning of the month for a word from the Lord for 2024. Over the years He has given me different words to concentrate on throughout the year. Expectation was one of my favorites. We expect things all the time in life. Sometimes our expectations are disappointments in our human flesh yet when we live in His presence we know everything that happens fulfills His will for us. Therefore, the disappointments are short-lived. This morning as I read Luke 1 and prayed He gave me the word fulfilled for 2024. I am excited to see how doors will be opened with the concentration on this word. The dictionary gives this for a definition of fulfilled... satisfied or happy because of fully developing one's abilities or character: Wow! There is a key word in this definition and that is fully. I strive to be like Christ every day. There are days I do better than others yet I don't quit trying. The desire of my heart is to please Him and to fulfill the purpose He has for me while on this earth so I will spend eternity with Him. As I read this definition again I think about how I do not believe recently going through the spiritual gifts assessment was a coincidence. He was laying the ground work for 2024. The more intentional I am in walking in His presence the more I will be fulfilled. The more I seek His will the more I will be fulfilled. The more I live out the purpose He has on my life the more I will be fulfilled. Woo hoo! I love verse forty-five of Luke 1 with Elizabeth's words to Mary. "Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” This butterfly pin was given to me by my friend Amy after Doc died. She shared how God was going to give me new life  just as He does with a butterfly. God continues to fulfill His promises in my life over and over again. Woo hoo! I am reminded of the song "The More I Seek You" this morning...

I want to sit at your feet

Drink from the cup in your hand

Lay back against you and breathe, feel your heart beat

This love is so deep, its more than I can stand

I melt in your peace, its overwhelming

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the blessings of yesterday with Doug taking me out for breakfast! Thank You for Amy giving me this butterfly pin in 2020 and speaking words of life over me! Thank You for the word fulfilled for 2024! I am excited to experience more of You in the new year! Cleanse me so You can fill me so people will see/hear You through my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts. I pray for many going through difficult days to seek more of You.My sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Doug's sister Jackie; Cait; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Jack and Paula; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; some young ladies with anxiety; Brooklyn; April; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; Sherry; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many dealing with ‘c’ and/or going through treatments…Chrissy’s cousin; Mike's sister; Shirley Jones; Little Judson; a young girl in our community; Audrey; Mr Mullet; Marybeth's friend; David; Dave and Carol with his treatments; Little Evie, and Dan. I pray for: the Long family; Becky; Baby Sabre and her family; Debbie and her family; Mr. John; Darrell; Mallory and Baby Zion; Sandra; Crystal and Eric; and Russ. Thank You for continued healing for Pastor Tommy and Pam! Thank You for being My Fulfillment Maker! Amen. 

Matthew 6:19-21 - "Silent Night"

I had dreams of being with my Momma for Christmas. The last ones since Doc left this earth were spent with her. We laughed, made fudge and cookies, talked about past Christmas', etc. Growing up we always went to the Christmas Eve service at church. It was beautiful to see hundreds of candles lit up across the sanctuary. Singing "Silent Night" softly brings back so many memories. The last time Momma and I went to a Christmas Eve service was in 2020. I was in my contraption for my arm from my fall so was unable to drive. She was not driving much and especially after dark but wanted to go to church so badly. I remember thinking my siblings would be upset with me but agreed for us to go. Due to COVID we sat in our car that year. It was beautiful and a memory I will treasure. Memories are precious to have to reflect upon on. Before going to bed last night God brought Matthew 6:19-21 to my mind. This picture is from our sale in Ohio when we downsized to come to South Carolina. We had so much 'stuff' to get rid of yet we also had fifteen years of memories to hold onto. I am so thankful for those memories along with the memories we made after our move. I also am thankful for the memories Doug and I have made over these last months. I am thankful for the memories I have of my babies growing up and now their babies growing up. I am thankful for the life God blesses me with every day. Today I am praying for many who have loved ones who have lost their memory. I am thankful both my Daddy and my Momma never progressed to complete memory loss while on this earth. I'm praying for a daughter that doesn't visit her mother because the mother doesn't remember her. That saddens my heart. We just never know if/when a recollection will happen in such situations. Once again I am thankful for my Christmas Eve memories that included being in a church service.

Silent night, Holy night,
All is calm, all is bright,
'Round yon Virgin Mother and Child,
Holy Infant so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace,
Sleep in heavenly peace.

Dear Jesus, Thank You for memories! Thank You for Doug taking care of me so well! Cleanse me so You can fill me so people will see/hear You through my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts. I pray for many going through difficult days to lean into Your strength. My sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Doug's sister Jackie; Cait; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Jack and Paula; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; some young ladies with anxiety; Brooklyn; April; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; Sherry; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many dealing with ‘c’ and/or going through treatments…Chrissy’s cousin; Mike's sister; Shirley Jones; Little Judson; a young girl in our community; Audrey; Mr Mullet; Marybeth's friend; David; Dave and Carol with his treatments; Little Evie, and Dan. I pray for: the Long family; Becky; Baby Sabre and her family; Debbie and her family; Mr. John; Darrell; Mallory and Baby Zion; Sandra; Crystal and Eric; and Russ. Thank You for continued healing for Pastor Tommy and Pam! Thank You for being My Memory Maker! Amen. 

Psalm 77 - "Never"

The Lord took me to Psalm 77 this morning. I read it in different translations and settled into The Passion Translation. This Psalm is one everyone can relate to from time to time. There are times when we feel so far away from God. We feel like He isn't answering our prayers yet He always does. I heard yesterday there are three ways He answers prayers. Yes. Not yet. I have something better for you. We may not like His answers yet if we embrace them we will realize great blessings. We may think He isn't listening to us but He always listens. Matthew Henry wrote of this Psalm: Days of trouble must be days of prayer; when God seems to have withdrawn from us, we must seek him till we find him. In the day of his trouble the psalmist did not seek for the diversion of business or amusement, but he sought God, and his favor and grace. Verses twelve through fourteen remind us to think about what He has done for us in the past. We need to be grateful to Him. We need to not allow the enemy to put fear upon us but instead need to trust God and stand in our faith when troubling times come our way. I like how Matthew Henry puts it. The troubled fountain will work itself clear again; and the recollection of former times of joyful experience often raises a hope, tending to relief. Doubts and fears proceed from the want and weakness of faith. Despondency and distrust under affliction, are too often the infirmities of believers, and, as such, are to be thought upon by us with sorrow and shame. When, unbelief is working in us, we must thus suppress its risings. These words are an encouragment for all. No matter what we are going through God is there to love us through it. He gave His Only Son to die for each of us to live. May that sacrifice not be in vain in any of our lives. I am reminded this morning of a song Tasha Laytin sings called "Never" and feeling very grateful God is always with us. He "Never" walks away from us. When we feel separated from Him, it is our own doing.

Never forgotten
Never forsaken
Never abandoned
Not for a second
I am safe in Your hands
Always and forever
You're never not working
My heart is the proof
There's not a broken too broken for You
Will there ever come a day when You're not holding me together?
You say never

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the blessings of another day of rest and recuperation! Thank You for Doug taking care of me so well! Cleanse me so You can fill me so people will see/hear You through my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts. I pray for many going through difficult days to realize You are there for them. My sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Doug's sister Jackie; Cait; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Jack and Paula; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; some young ladies with anxiety; Brooklyn; April; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; Sherry; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many dealing with ‘c’ and/or going through treatments…Chrissy’s cousin; Mike's sister; Shirley Jones; Little Judson; a young girl in our community; Audrey; Mr Mullet; Marybeth's friend; David; Dave and Carol with his treatments; Little Evie, and Dan. I pray for: the Long family; Becky; Baby Sabre and her family; Debbie and her family; Mr. John; Darrell; Mallory and Baby Zion; Sandra; Crystal and Eric; and Russ. Thank You for continued healing for Pastor Tommy and Pam! Thank You for being My Miracle Maker! Amen. 

Proverbs 3:5-6; Philippians 4:13; II Timothy 1:7; Exodus 14:14; II Chronicles 20:15b - "Waymaker"

How do we not allow the past effect today or even the future? It is easy to say 'trust God' but sometimes in my humanness I struggle. Hearing the preliminary results of there being no cancer was wonderful. Then my past experience with preliminary cancer results came to my mind. When the lump was found on my breast seven years ago, the initial pathology showed no cancer. Two days later I received the call saying there was cancer. This time the waiting on pathology can take up to six weeks. Do I trust God? Absolutely. Do I know He is in control of whatever outcome that happens? Absolutely. My plan A is for the final pathology to come back clean. My plan B is if there is cancer then I will have decisions to make on treatment. As I think about my plans I know God already knows which plan will be followed. I am grateful for that knowledge. I also am grateful for those who are praying with and for us. I am grateful for ones who have sent cards/texts, called, dropped off food, etc. My tribe is the best. My Momma always said she had nothing to worry about me because I have such a great support system. I am thankful for these days of rest and recuperation with Doug caring for me. I am thankful for God's Word and music that encourages me daily. One of the songs that has been on my mind over these last few days is "Waymaker"...

Waymaker
Miracle Worker
Promise Keeper
Light in the darkness
My God

Yes! He is all of these to me. He opened doors as my Waymaker for my surgery to be moved up. He has performed many miracles in my life and has kept every promise. When I am discouraged, He is my Light in the darkness. Woo hoo! God's attributes are described in these words. I praise Him for being Who He is in my life. I praise Him for bringing hope and restoration into my life every day as I ask for a cleansing in my spirit so He can fill me. Prior to surgery I had a few verses I was leaning on and continue to find His strength and empowerment through them. 

I will stand on His Word to remind me I have nothing to fear. II Timothy 1:7 reads, God did not give us a spirit that makes us afraid but He gives us a spirit of power, love and self-control.

I will stand on His Word to remind me His strength is all I need for every aspect of life. Philippians 4:13 reads, I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.

I will stand on His Word to remind me all I have to do is trust Him. Proverbs 3:5-6 reads, Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight.

I will stand on His Word to remind me He knows the outcome of all my days. Exodus 14:14 reads, The Lord will fight for you. You need only to be still. II Chronicles 20:15b, The battle belongs to the Lord.

Dear Jesus, Thank You for this time of rest and recuperation! Thank You for Doug taking care of me so well! Thank You for all who have contacted us, sent cards, dropped off food, etc! Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. Even though I probably won't leave the house today I pray people will see/hear You through my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts. I pray peace over many going through difficult days. My sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Doug's sister Jackie; Cait; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Jack and Paula; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; some young ladies with anxiety; Brooklyn; April; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; Sherry; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many dealing with ‘c’ and/or going through treatments…Chrissy’s cousin; Mike's sister; Shirley Jones; Little Judson; a young girl in our community; Audrey; Mr Mullet; Marybeth's friend; David; Dave and Carol with his treatments; Little Evie, and Dan. I pray for: the Long family; Becky; Baby Sabre and her family; Debbie and her family; Mr. John; Darrell; Mallory and Baby Zion; Sandra; Crystal and Eric; and Russ. Thank You for continued healing for Pastor Tommy and Pam! Thank You for being My Waymaker! Amen. 

II Timothy 1:7; Philippians 4:13; Proverbs 3:5-6; Exodus 14:14; II Chronicles 20:15b - "I Know Who Holds Tomorrow"

Life can be overwhelming with all of the 'junk' happening. It breaks my heart to hear of the things people are going through. It makes me want to ask the Lord to return sooner than later yet I know it will happen in His timing. I don't know how people get through life without being in relationship with Him. What I am facing today is nothing compared to what some are facing. I am thankful for the knowledge He is with me no matter the outcome of today's surgery. I am thankful God provided Doug to be with me. There have been many times I wished my Momma were available to talk to yet I am thankful she does not have to fret over my situation. I am so thankful for His Word that encourages me greatly. Today and the days ahead I will continue to stand upon verses that not only encourage me but empower me.

I will stand on His Word to remind me I have nothing to fear. II Timothy 1:7 reads, God did not give us a spirit that makes us afraid but He gives us a spirit of power, love and self-control.

I will stand on His Word to remind me His strength is all I need for every aspect of life. Philippians 4:13 reads, I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.

I will stand on His Word to remind me all I have to do is trust Him. Proverbs 3:5-6 reads, Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight.

I will stand on His Word to remind me He knows the outcome of today. Exodus 14:14 reads, The Lord will fight for you. You need only to be still. II Chronicles 20:15b, The battle belongs to the Lord.

I am reminded of the hymn "I Know Who Holds Tomorrow" and feeling very blessed to be in relationship with the Lord...

I don't worry o'er the future
For I know what Jesus said.
And today I'll walk beside Him
For He knows what is ahead.

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead today! I pray for safe travel for Doug and I as we go to Charleston, wisdom for the doctors with my surgery, and for the outcome of my surgery. Cleanse me so You can fill me so people will see/hear You through my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts. I pray for Shari as she awakes for her first time as a widow. May she feel Your strength to get through these tough days. I pray the same for many going through difficult days. My sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Doug's sister Jackie; Cait; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Jack and Paula; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; some young ladies with anxiety; Brooklyn; April; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; Sherry; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many dealing with ‘c’ and/or going through treatments…Chrissy’s cousin; Mike's sister; Shirley Jones; Little Judson; a young girl in our community; Audrey; Mr Mullet; Marybeth's friend; David; Dave and Carol with his treatments; and Dan. I pray for: the Long family; Becky; Baby Sabre and her family; Debbie and her family; Mr. John; Darrell; Mallory and Baby Zion; Sandra; Crystal and Eric; and Russ. Thank You for continued healing for Pastor Tommy and Pam! Thank You for being My Strength! Amen. 

Psalm 37:4 - "Different Kind of Christmas"

Yesterday was such a blessing with the "Giving Project" at Robert Smalls Academy with the kindergarten children and preschoolers. It is one of my favorite times in ministry. I love getting hugs from so many of them. The teachers are so appreciative of what we do for the children which is a blessing too. I thought about Psalm 37:4 as I reflected upon the day. God knew how important it was for me to be there yesterday. He also knew how important it is for me to have surgery. When He opened the door for tomorrow to be the surgery date, it took care of both of these desires of my heart. Yesterday was a tough day physically yet God was my strength through every moment. He gave me rest time in the morning before leaving which empowered my physical body to continue on. When it was over, He gave me rest again for the remainder of the day. I thanked Him for the leftovers for dinner so neither of us had to cook and for all Doug did throughout the day with the hurricane shutters being installed and the septic getting pumped out. As I think about tomorrow I wonder if I have everything done that needs done. Did I forget anything? I am disappointed I did not get some Christmas baking done and of course I am disappointed our trip to Ohio had to be postponed. It will be weird to not be in Orrville when Paul, Lizzy, and Miss Bella are there. It will also be weird to not be going to Momma's house to be with her. There have been other years when Christmas was different in one way or another. My Daddy's last Christmas on earth was different with us gathering for a meal at the church and then each family going over to their house to see him. My first Christmas after Doc and Mordecei left this earth was a tough one. I was still in the contraption for my broken arm from my fall. I remember baking cookies with Momma with both of us using our 'good' arms. We laughed so much. I am so thankful for the memories made with her. Once again, I am reminded of Psalm 37:4. When we keep our focus on Him, we will realize blessings in abundance. It does not mean life will be without difficulties. It means we will see the cup 'half full' instead of 'half empty' during such times. There is always a positive in every situation. Sometimes it takes looking for it a little harder than other times. Sometimes it may even be hard to see yet when God is in control it can be found. Doug reminded me yesterday of just how blessed I am with so many people praying for me. He told me he is amazed at the support system I have here. I told him my Momma always said she didn't have to worry about me because she knew I was loved and being taken care. Moving to South Carolina away from  family was a bold move yet knowing God was in control gave peace in my spirit. Staying in South Carolina after Doc died was another bold move but once again I knew God was in control and the peace was with me. As I go into surgery tomorrow I am at peace with whatever lies ahead. My prayer is for a 'textbook surgery' as Doc used to pray for people. My prayer is also for no 'c' to be found. If either of these prayers aren't answered in the way I desire, it will be OK because God is in control. I will continue to Take delight in the Lord... The result of such living will be ...he will give you the desires of your heart. I know there are many who are struggling with the holidays due to the loss of a loved one. I continue to pray for all who are hurting. I am reminded of a song Mark Schultz sings called "Different King of Christmas"...

It's time to put the candles in the windows, the lights upon the tree
It's time to fill this house with laughter like it used to be
Just because you're up in heaven, doesn't mean you're not near
It's just a different kind of Christmas
It's just a different kind of Christmas this year

Dear Jesus, Thank You for Loretta, Leslie, Cait, and Carol who helped with the 'Giving Project' yesterday and for the blessings of the time with the children! Thank You for Doug taking care of things at home! Thank You for the memories made with my family for past Christmas'! Cleanse me so You can fill me so people will see/hear You through my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts. I pray healing over many going through difficult days. My sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Doug's sister Jackie; Cait; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Jack and Paula; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; some young ladies with anxiety; Brooklyn; April; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; Sherry; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many dealing with ‘c’ and/or going through treatments…Chrissy’s cousin; Mike's sister; Shirley Jones; Little Judson; a young girl in our community; Audrey; Mr Mullet; Marybeth's friend; David; Dave and Carol with his treatments; Dan; and Ray. I pray for: the Long family; Becky; Baby Sabre and her family; Debbie and her family; Mr. John; Darrell; Mallory and Baby Zion; Sandra; and Russ. Thank You for continued healing for Pastor Tommy and Pam! Thank You for the safe travels You provided for Bob and Beth yesterday! Thank You for being My Delight! Amen. 

Luke 2 - "Jesus Does"

I was in awe yesterday as we walked around Tallulah Falls. God never ceases to amaze me but when I am out in nature I am so amazed. Saturday sitting by the ocean and listening to the crashing waves was amazing. Driving through the mountains for our little getaway was amazing. Standing and looking out over the river in Helen was amazing. Standing at the top and looking down over the waterfalls at Tallulah Falls was amazing. I wish I would have been able to walk further to see more but there will be another day. Doug and I have a list of places to visit and this is definitely on the list. I love being out in nature and am so thankful he enjoys it too. We talked yesterday of the importance to do things while we physically can do them. Last night when we took Marion out to dinner and to see Christmas lights I was reminded it is not just in the physical realm of things but also the mental. She asks the same questions over and over again. I am so thankful Doug is patient with her because it is hard at times. I am thankful for our time with her last night and seeing the smile on her face. Hearing her say, 'This was the best evening!' warmed my heart. We never know how long we or others will have on this earth. We need to make sure we do not miss any opportunity God puts before us to love on people with His love. We also need to make sure we are right with Him so when He calls us home we will be ready. I am thankful God sent His Son to this earth so we all could live. I also am thankful for the opportunity to teach others about Him. My heart was full Sunday when Nick said the purpose for Jesus being born was to die on the cross. My job as his Sunday School teacher is being fulfilled as I pour teaching into him. Sometimes I feel like I'm not getting anywhere when I teach but then God encourages me through conversations such as the one on Sunday. There are times as a pastor I feel like a failure because of decisions people are making. God reminds me I am a tool He is using in people's lives but only He can save them. Many times I know I fail in my personal walk with Him yet He never turns away from me. He is always ready to wrap His arms around me and love on me. I shared Sunday the analogy of Him being like my blankie. When I am feeling discouraged, I just want to lay down and wrap up in my blankie. It makes me feel secure. That is how God is in my life. He makes me feel secure. As I read through the birth of Jesus again I stopped at Luke 2:12 where the angel told the shepherds they would find the baby wrapped in a blanket... I imagine God was making Jesus feel secure by having Mary wrap Him in a blanket. How many times did God make Jesus feel secure in His short time on this earth? I'm sure many times over. God made Him feel secure so He could make us feel secure in His love. Jesus' attributes while on this earth were ones that carry on to us today as we allow Him. I have the song "Jesus Does" on my mind this morning...woo hoo! "Jesus Does" everything we need from Him. His love for us is so great! I love the word picture of Him being my blankie!

Who understands the heart of the sinner
Showers His grace over all our mistakes
Washes us clean with His blood
Jesus does
Who sings the song of sweet forgiveness
Who stole the keys to hell and the grave
Who has the power to save
Jesus does

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the blessing Doug and I had with our getaway! What a magnificent time we had at Tallulah Falls on the way home! Cleanse me so You can fill me so people will see/hear you through my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts. I pray for Stephanie who is having knee surgery today to have Your peace. I also pray for many going through difficult days to receive Your peace. My sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Doug's sister Jackie; Cait; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Jack and Paula; Beth; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; some young ladies with anxiety; Brooklyn; April; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; Sherry; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many dealing with ‘c’ and/or going through treatments…Chrissy’s cousin; Mike's sister; Shirley Jones; Little Judson; a young girl in our community; Audrey; Mr Mullet; Marybeth's friend; David; Dave and Carol with his treatments; Dan; and Ray. I pray for: the Long family; Becky; Baby Sabre and her family; Debbie and her family; Mr. John; Darrell; Mallory and Baby Zion; Sandra; and Russ. Thank You for continued healing for Pastor Tommy and Pam! Thank You for being My Blankie! Amen.