Matthew 11:28 - "The Healing"

Yesterday was a 'tough' day emotionally. Rainy weather in the morning started my day off wrong but I survived with walking some inside and then when the weather broke I walked here in the neighborhood. The afternoon was challenging with Marion not wanting to cooperate. I actually don't blame her. If I were in pain as she is, I would not want to cooperate either. Thankfully I was able to get her to PT but I think the days of doing that are dwindling down. My heart breaks for her. It also breaks for my Momma who isn't feeling good. I keep praying for God to show compassion on both of them. Throughout the day I received prayer requests for various 'tough' situations. A suicide where a brother did not think they could continue living without them. A friend in her last hours. Last night God brought her and her family to my mind and I prayed only to find out within minutes she had taken her last breath on this earth. I found out about the death of another friend last night. Right before bed a request came in for a newborn with jaundice. So, so much going on. In the midst of all of it God provided exactly what I needed with friends gathered around my table for dinner and laughter. They are family when my biological family are so far away. They are here for me through the good and the bad days of life. They sense what I need and provide. I am one blessed lady. I shared with Cait about Sunday being the two year anniversary of Doc's death and she immediately went into 'care mode' with making sure I won't be alone. God is with me every step of every day. He is with me as I minister to others and He is with me as I make sure to have self-care. He is with me when life is overwhelming not only for myself but also for those around me. He is with me as I look ahead to September with the anniversary of Doc's death, my mammogram, and our wedding anniversary. Plain and simple. He is with me. When I was working on my sermon yesterday, I was reminded of this. He desires us to allow Him to be there for us no matter what is happening in life. He desires to give us rest in the midst of the chaos of life. As we await medical test results He desires to be our peace. As we go through deaths and anniversaries of deaths of loved ones He desires to be exactly what we need. I am so thankful for Who God is in my life and for the way He takes care of all my needs. I'm reminded of the song "The Healing" this morning...

You're right here by my side
If I'm going through hell I'll be all right
I'm standing on what You promised me
Yes I believe it's true
That every time You'll see me through
I know I'm safe You'll never leave

Dear Jesus, Yesterday was a 'tough' day but You were right there with me through it all. Thank You for being with me with Marion! Thank You for providing friends who brought laughter around my dinner table! I am so blessed by Brooklyn, Andy, Cait, Alex, and the kids being my family. Thank You for being with me every time I received a prayer request throughout the day. What a day with deaths of multiple friends. I pray Your peace over every family who had a love one take their last breath on this earth. I pray for Baby Easton who is hospitalized and for a friend waiting medical test results. I pray Your peace over my Momma who isn't feeling well. I said yesterday 'sometimes life stinks' and am thankful You are here in such times. I pray Your peace over: my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Beth; 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; Rhonda; Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Amber; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; Sandy; Rick; Cyndi; Serenna and her husband; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments...Sharon's daughter Ashley; Chrissy's cousins; Shirley Jones; Preacher Bill Watts; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Little Ivy; Little Judson; Alex's niece; a young girl in our community; a lady whose breast cancer has returned; a lady diagnosed with stage two breast cancer; and Sue Danhoff's husband Harv. I pray for: the Long Family, Vickie and her son Jim, Becky, Ken, and Russ. Thank You for continued strength for Baby Henry and Alex's brother who was in a car accident. Thank You for being close to Melanie and her family; Terri Mosley's family; my cousin Wayne's siblings and family; Kim Zifel and her family; and Jerry Gates and his family. Thank You for being My Comforter! Amen.

Proverbs 3:5-6 - "For All My Life"

 

Once again God outdid Himself with the beauty of the sunset last night. As I stood and looked at it I was in awe. He is such a magnificent artist. It amazes me how we are having so much rain yet in between the rains He blesses me with morning walks, watching the dolphins play in the water, and last night a beautiful sky. Every time I was awake during the night a song Taya sings called "For All My Life" was on my mind.

I won’t lean on
My own
Understanding
I will let go
Follow
Empty-handed
You say Your yoke is easy
You say Your burden’s light
So I’ll let You
Lead me
For all my life

Yes! We do not have to do anything in life without God. He is always there for us to help us make decisions, encourage us through 'tough' days with His peace, provide joy when the enemy comes walking, etc. I am so thankful for Who He is in my life and the way He encourages me to be who He desires. I am thankful for days like yesterday that fill up my emotional tank with Scripture, music, and friends. He knows exactly what I need and provides. Chatting with friends over the internet yesterday and with another friend in person last night was a blessing. Spending time with another friend blessed me in abundance. When we don't understand the circumstances we find ourselves in, all we have to do is allow God to be in control. He will reveal things to us in His time. Waiting on His time can be difficult in our humanness but it is something we will be blessed through as we do. 

Dear Jesus, Thank You again for the beauty of Your creation! Thank You for loving me so greatly and blessing me with so many friends! Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. I pray Your peace over many going through difficult days. My Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Beth; 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; Rhonda; Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Amber; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; Sandy; Rick; Cyndi; Serenna and her husband; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments...Sharon's daughter Ashley; Chrissy's cousins; Shirley Jones; Preacher Bill Watts; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; my friend with mesothelioma; Little Ivy; Little Judson; Alex's niece; a young girl in our community; a lady whose breast cancer has returned; a lady diagnosed with stage two breast cancer; and Sue Danhoff's husband Harv. I pray for: the Long Family, Vickie and her son Jim, Becky, Ken, and Russ. Thank You for continued strength for Baby Henry and Alex's brother who was in a car accident. I praise You for Carolyn's cousin being found safe! Thank You for being My Life! Amen.

Psalm 18 - "Your Name Is Power"

Yesterday was another beautiful day in my little world. God sure does outdo Himself with the beauty of His creation. As I was playing in the waves I looked up to see the most beautiful sky. I was enthralled by all of what I experienced. Hearing the waves crash, seeing the magnificent sky, feeling the sand under my feet, tasting the saltiness of the water on my mouth, and smelling the sea air made for a perfect afternoon. This morning God woke me with a song Rend Collective sings called "Your Name Is Power" and I was blessed in the knowledge that comes from this song.

You're the only answer to the darkness
You're the only right among the wrong
You're the only hope among the chaos
You are the voice that calls me on
Louder than every lie
Our sword in every fight
The truth will chase away the night

Yes! We can call upon the name of Jesus at any time and He is there for us. When life feels like it is out-of-control, He is there to give us exactly what we need. Psalm 18 speaks of God being there for David and He will be there for us in the 'good' and 'bad' days of life. When life gets messy, He is there to love us through such times. Yesterday as the waves were crashing around there were times I struggled to keep standing and sometimes went down into the water. Life can be described as such. We can experience times when we fall but God is there to pick us up. There are times when we feel like the earth is being taken out from under us yet God is always there for us. I am so thankful for this knowledge and pray for more people to get to the point of understanding it.

Dear Jesus, Thank You for all the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead today! Thank You for the beauty of Your creation and the things You bring before me through it! Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. May You ooze out of my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts today in a mighty way. I pray for Kim, Christy, and Becky who had family members who took their last breath on earth in the last few days. May You be their comfort. I pray Your peace over them and over others going through difficult days. My Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Beth; 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; Rhonda; Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Amber; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; Sandy; Rick; Cyndi; Serenna and her husband; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments...Sharon's daughter Ashley; Chrissy's cousins; Shirley Jones; Preacher Bill Watts; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; my friend with mesothelioma; Little Ivy; Little Judson; Alex's niece; a young girl in our community; a lady whose breast cancer has returned; a lady diagnosed with stage two breast cancer; and Sue Danhoff's husband Harv. I pray for: the Long Family, Vickie and her son Jim, Becky, Ken, and Russ. Thank You for continued strength for Baby Henry, Alex's brother who was in a car accident, and Carolyn's family! Thank You for being My Light! Amen.

I Peter 5:7 - "American Dream"

As I stood watching the sun set last night I once again was in awe of God's artistry. I thought about yesterday as Cait and I traveled back from the campground. We saw rolling hills with cows, beautiful goldenrod that put me into a full blown allergy attack, the sun shining down and then driving through torrential rain with thunder and lightning, When I took my shoes off last night and walked out into the water, I felt the sand under my feet and thought about how blessed I am. God blesses me every day in so many ways. He blesses me with good friends and laughter. He blesses me with a church family who love me greatly. The blessings He gives me each and every day are too numerous to count. I was thinking about an old song called "American Dream" this morning. There are so many people chasing after the ways of the world and missing out on what God has for them. They are seeking wealth and prosperity instead of realizing God has all they need. 

And he works and he builds with his own two hands
And he pours all he has in a castle made with sand
But the wind and the rain are comin' crashing in
Time will tell just how long his kingdom stands
His kingdom stand..

God's kingdom is what I desire. I desire to live in His presence on this earth so I can live with Him for eternity. I know the more I seek Him on this earth the more I will realize what He has for me. I do not have to fear the days ahead because He is in control. I also do not have to fall apart over decisions that need made because He will give me His wisdom. His peace is available at all time as I allow Him to wash down over me. Every time I am at the beach I am reminded His love is greater than the grains of sand I see on the shore and those I feel under my feet in the water. Last night seeing the ghost and horseshoe crabs, the dolphin swimming, and the different kinds of birds were a blessing that showed me God loves me. I so love being out in nature and needed  to experience a sunset after having many nights of not having the opportunity to do so. He knows what I need and provides. I continue to stand upon many Scripture and am blessed with knowing God is in control no matter what is ahead. As the calendar gets closer to September the countdown for my mammogram continues. I try to not think about it yet it is always in the back of my mind. I have talked with many breast cancer survivors who have shared they do the same thing. I have faith God will take care of me. I trust Him in knowing He is with me. So with my relationship with Him being as it is why do I still fret? I am human. Life can be 'messy' but it does not have to be overwhelming. I just need to trust God and allow Him to work in and through it. 

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead today! Thank You for the beauty of Your creation that enables me to experience Your love to a greater depth! Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. I pray for Your words to flow from me as I preach today and Your love to always flow from me. I pray the same for all pastors who will be in the pulpit this morning. I pray Your peace over many people going through difficult days. I pray against my Momma being lonely and ask for You to put her on people's hearts to visit or call her today. I pray peace over: my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Beth; 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; Rhonda; Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Amber; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; Sandy; Rick; Cyndi; Serenna and her husband; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments...Sharon's daughter Ashley; Chrissy's cousins; Shirley Jones; Preacher Bill Watts; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; my friend with mesothelioma; Little Ivy; Little Judson; Alex's niece; a young girl in our community; a lady whose breast cancer has returned; a lady diagnosed with stage two breast cancer; and Sue Danhoff's husband Harv. I pray for: the Long Family, Vickie and her son Jim, Becky, Ken, and Russ. Thank You for continued strength for Baby Henry, Alex's brother who was in a car accident, and Carolyn's family! Thank You for being My Life! Amen.

Psalm 23:2b-3; I Thessalonians 5:16-18 - "My Jesus"

Anne Wilson's song "My Jesus" is going through my mind this morning. There are so many hurting people in this world. Some know the Lord while others do not. It is the responsibility of all believers to share Him. 

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

If we do not share Him, how will people get to know Him? If we keep Him to ourselves, we are missing out on great blessings. There is nothing better than sharing Him. Seeing people receive a physical, mental, emotional, and most of all spiritual healing is the best. The song continues with words everyone needs to not only hear but believe.

He makes a way where there ain't no way
Rises up from an empty grave
Ain't no sinner that He can't save
Let me tell you 'bout my Jesus
His love is strong and His grace is free
And the good news is I know that He
Can do for you what He's done for me
Let me tell you 'bout my Jesus
And let my Jesus change your life

There is nothing we can do that is so bad that Jesus will not accept us with open arms. His love is greater than any 'bad' thing we can do in life. His grace is sufficient for all. He desires to be in relationship with us and will guide us through difficult days so our faith will grow. His love is all we need. His love enables us to enjoy life even in the midst of turmoil. His love is the soothing balm all can receive as we go through losses in life, loneliness, chaos, etc. Sometimes life can be overwhelming but God is always there to pick up the pieces and give peace. Praise His Holy Name! This morning I think of Paul and how many of his days were spent imprisoned for living out his faith. He never stopped doing as God desired of Him. Some days I feel imprisoned by circumstances yet I cannot give up being who God desires of me. Some days the choices I make are not the best yet I must continue on seeking what God desires of me. Some days I feel like I miss things He puts before me yet I know God does not give up on me. Some days are harder than others yet I am thankful He is always here for me. Paul's words in I Thessalonians 5:16-18 come to my mind this morning.  Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. No matter what comes before me today I need to remember these words. He will bless me with His peace as I do.

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead today! Thank You for: Darrell walking with me, my visit with my friend Sierra, my visit to drop off lunch to Timmy and his crew, my time with Marion, and spending the evening with friends! What a blessing Laurie is in my life as she walks in obedience to what You have given her to do. Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. I pray for safety for all traveling for the pastor's gathering and for a renewal in our spirits, I pray for the doctors of two who are having surgery to have Your wisdom. I also pray for many going through difficult days to remember Paul's words in I Thessalonians 5:16-18. My Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Beth; 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; Rhonda; Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Amber; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; Sandy; Rick; Cyndi; Serenna and her husband; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments...Sharon's daughter Ashley; Chrissy's cousins; Shirley Jones; Preacher Bill Watts; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; my friend with mesothelioma; Little Ivy; Little Judson; Alex's niece; a young girl in our community; a lady whose breast cancer has returned; a lady diagnosed with stage two breast cancer; and Sue Danhoff's husband Harv. I pray for: the Long Family, Vickie and her son Jim, Becky, Ken, and Russ. Thank You for continued strength for Baby Henry, Alex's brother who was in a car accident, and Carolyn's family! Thank You for the birth of little Ethan to Katlynn and Larry! Thank You for being 'My Jesus'! Amen.

Ecclesiastes 7:14; Hebrews 11:3 - "All The Broken Pieces"

Matthew West sings a song called "All The Broken Pieces" that is on my mind this morning. We all have 'broken pieces' in our life. Decisions made out of God's will, people we allow in our life, etc. all cause 'broken pieces.' Thankfully we have God to put everything in place as it should be. But we have to allow Him to take care of things. We have to allow Him to be control over our life. This morning God took me to the book of Ecclesiastes to remind me that He is here to be in charge of my 'good' days and my 'tough' days. God brought this picture before me yesterday which reminded me of a 'good' day that I spent with a friend at Hunting Island for a pre-celebration of my birthday. It was a day to walk in God's beauty and enjoy His handiwork. My favorite place to be is with a friend in God's nature. This particular day we could feel the warmth of the sun shining down on us but most importantly the Son was shining down on us. It is easy to get caught up in His peace in such times. But not every day can be like this because we have to take the 'good' and the 'tough' days together to stretch our faith. Last night in Bible study there was a verse that stuck out to me. Hebrews 11:3 reads in The Passion Translation: Faith empowers us to see that the universe was created and beautifully coordinated  by the power of God’s words! He spoke and the invisible realm gave birth to all that is seen. I shared about how being out in His creation is where I love to be. As I walk I pray. As I see the beauty of His creation I praise Him. I am learning not only more about myself but about Him every day. In the song this morning there is a part that speaks volumes to me... 

'Cause I can take even your greatest mistake
Every scar, every tear, every break
And I can turn it into something
More beautiful than you have ever seen

God wants to take our 'broken pieces' and put them back together for His glory. He does not keep track of our wrongs when we repent and allow Him to cleanse us. Instead He gives us a clean slate to do life. He gives us gifts to open every day to enjoy. I like what Adam Clarke says of this verse:

When ye receive these temporal gifts from God, enjoy them, and be thankful to the Giver: but remember, this sunshine will not always last. God has balanced prosperity and adversity against each other; and were it not so, how many would put the former in the place of God himself!

Each day is a gift to be opened. It is a gift that we can choose to enjoy or beat ourselves up over the decisions of yesterday. It is a gift that can be realized by all who will allow God to be their King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Sometimes when we open a gift it is something we may not want yet we accept it. Sometimes such gifts are truly what we need even when we do not think so. No matter what, every gift from God needs to be cherished. As I begin the day ahead I am ready to open it as a gift of unknown. I know what is on the schedule but I do not know the particulars because God is the Only One to know such things. May He be glorified through me today.

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for the gift of yesterday and the gift of the day ahead! I pray as I unwrap the day You will be glorified through me. Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. I pray Your peace over many going through difficult days. May all lean into You and realize the gift of the day ahead. My Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Beth; 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; Rhonda; Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Amber; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; Sandy; Rick; Cyndi; Serenna and her husband; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments...Sharon's daughter Ashley; Chrissy's cousins; Shirley Jones; Preacher Bill Watts; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; my friend with mesothelioma; Little Ivy; Little Judson; Alex's niece; a young girl in our community; a lady whose breast cancer has returned; a lady diagnosed with stage two breast cancer; and Sue Danhoff's husband Harv. I pray for: the Long Family, Vickie and her son Jim, Becky, Ken, and Russ. Thank You for continued strength for Baby Henry, Alex's brother who was in a car accident, and Carolyn's family! Thank You for being My Gift Giver! Amen.

Psalm 118 - "New Today"

The Lord woke me to pray Psalm 118 over those going through 'tough' days. He also woke me with the song "New Today" with the reminder that yesterday is gone and the day ahead is a new day. We cannot change what we did or said yesterday but we can be intentional with what we do or say today. Psalm 118 reminds us that God's love is there for us at all time. It reminds us to trust God no matter what is happening in our little world. Things may seem like they are falling apart but God has every situation in His hands. When we feel like we cannot go any longer, His strength is there to carry us through. When we feel like God is not answering our prayers, we must wait on His timing. When life is confusing and chaotic, we must lean into His peace. He is the perfect answer to all that happens in life. This song goes...

Help me rise like the morning sun
Help me see that Your works not done
When I'm less than what I want to be
Lord, I need You to keep reminding me

Your mercies are new today
Your mercies are new today
I can rest on Your shoulders
There is grace to start over
Your mercies are new today

Praise His Holy Name for this realization! I am so thankful for another day of life that is ahead. I am really grateful the 'junk' of yesterday is no longer. It may still be in the mind but I do not have to live in it. God is ready to wipe my slate clean and give me a new day to enjoy. He is ready to bless me in abundance as I allow Him. I am praying for so many people who are hurting in the depth of their soul. I pray they will realize His love, mercy, and grace in a deeper way than ever before. I like what Matthew Henry writes of this Psalm.

Let this Saviour be my Saviour, my Ruler. Let my soul prosper and be in health, in that peace and righteousness which his government brings. Let me have victory over the lusts that war against my soul; and let Divine grace subdue my heart. The duty which the Lord has made, brings light with it, true light. The duty this privilege calls for, is here set forth; the sacrifices we are to offer to God in gratitude for redeeming love, are ourselves; not to be slain upon the altar, but living sacrifices, to be bound to the altar; spiritual sacrifices of prayer and praise, in which our hearts must be engaged. The psalmist praises God, and calls upon all about him to give thanks to God for the glad tidings of great joy to all people, that there is a Redeemer, even Christ the Lord. In him the covenant of grace is made sure and everlasting.

No matter what is happening in our little world it is key to praise God through it. We will have victory over the antics of the enemy by praising God. We will realize His love, mercy, and grace to a deeper degree through praising Him. Woo hoo!

Dear Jesus, My heart breaks for so many people going through 'tough' days. I pray they will realize Your love, mercy, and grace in a new way in the day ahead. Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead today! Thank You for my time with Marion and for the volunteer who took my Momma to get her haircut yesterday! Thank You for cleansing me so You can fill me! Thank You for reminding me to praise You no matter what is happening in life! I pray for those going through difficult days to have this same reminder. My sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Beth; 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; Rhonda; Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Amber; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; Sandy; Rick; Cyndi; Serenna and her husband; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments...Sharon's daughter Ashley; Chrissy's cousins; Shirley Jones; Preacher Bill Watts; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; my friend with mesothelioma; Little Ivy; Little Judson; Alex's niece as they await biopsy results; a young girl in our community; a lady whose breast cancer has returned; a lady diagnosed with stage two breast cancer; and Sue Danhoff's husband Harv. I pray for: the Long Family, Vickie and her son Jim, Becky, Ken, and Russ. Thank You for continued strength for Baby Henry, Alex's brother who was in a car accident, and Carolyn's family! Thank You for being My Faithful Love! Amen.

Matthew 11:28-30 - "Weary Traveler"

God woke me up to pray for some people going through 'tough' days. My heart breaks for all of them as they deal with 'junk' of this world. I pray for God's peace, wisdom, and strength to come down upon them so they can once again realize His joy. Jesus' words in Matthew 11 are ones I have leaned heavily into many times. Jesus desires to give us rest in our souls but we must accept it. Sometimes the ways of the world become so great we stray or we give the enemy an open door. Many times after doing this time after time we find ourselves questioning life and life with God. The thing we must remember is God is always with us. Even when we walk away He is with us. He never leaves us. He is always there to pick us up when we fall and sometimes there to give us a 'slap up the side of the head' to get us to wake up to what we are doing. It does not matter if we are struggling for a short time or if it is something we have been dealing with for weeks or months or even years. God already knows everything. He already knows the outcome. He gives us free choice. Therefore, the outcome is not always His desire. Matthew Henry writes of Matthew 11:28-30:

The convinced sinner is heavy-laden with guilt and terror; and the tempted and afflicted believer has labours and burdens. Christ invites all to come to him for rest to their souls. He alone gives this invitation; men come to him, when, feeling their guilt and misery, and believing his love and power to help, they seek him in fervent prayer. Thus it is the duty and interest of weary and heavy-laden sinners, to come to Jesus Christ. This is the gospel call; Whoever will, let him come. All who thus come will receive rest as Christ's gift, and obtain peace and comfort in their hearts. But in coming to him they must take his yoke, and submit to his authority. They must learn of him all things, as to their comfort and obedience. He accepts the willing servant, however imperfect the services. Here we may find rest for our souls, and here only. 

Once again I am praying for three individuals who are going through some pretty 'tough' days. I pray they will seek the Lord and find His peace. My heart breaks for their families as they are praying for resolve in their spirits. The song "Weary Traveler" is on my heart this morning...

Weary traveller, restless soul
You were never meant to walk this road alone
It'll all be worth it so just hold on
Weary traveler, you won't be weary long

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the opportunities You provided yesterday to love with Your love! Thank You for the ones ahead today! I pray for Marion to be cooperative with going to PT and for wisdom if she is not. I pray for the three individuals You woke me up to pray for to receive Your peace. I pray for their families to have the same. Lord, there is so much 'junk' in this world but may I always remember You are greater than anything the enemy puts before us. Thank You for my Momma having a good day yesterday! I pray for visitors for her which help her days go better. Cleanse me so You can fill me with more of You. May Your wisdom be mine. May Your peace come down upon many going through difficult days. My sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Beth; 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; Rhonda; Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Amber; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; Sandy; Rick; Cyndi; Serenna and her husband; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments...Sharon's daughter Ashley; Chrissy's cousins; Shirley Jones; Preacher Bill Watts; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; my friend with mesothelioma; Little Ivy; Little Judson; Alex's niece as they await biopsy results; a young girl in our community; a lady whose breast cancer has returned; a lady diagnosed with stage two breast cancer; and Sue Danhoff's husband Harv. I pray for: the Long Family, Vickie and her son Jim, Becky, and Russ. Thank You for continued strength for Baby Henry and for Alex's brother who was in a car accident! I also pray for FaDana Schultz's family with their loss. Thank You for being My Rest! Amen.

Matthew 22:37, 39 - "The Goodness"

Yesterday was an emotional day with both joyous and sadness creeping in. Sunday School with my kids, communion during service, fun with the kids after church with the waterslide, receiving news of decline in a friend who had a stroke, having the opportunity to pray for a waitress that came back and thanked us for praying for her and her marriage, an emergency call for a friend, and finally ending the day with a cup of tea with local honey in it. The emotions were all over the place and the prayers were numerous with tears coming a few times. We have to take each day as a gift. We need to unwrap the gift and be prepared for whatever is inside. Some gifts are brighter than others. Some provide more times to keep in the memory bank of our mind. Some are hurtful while others bring great joy. God fills up my emotional tank every time I gather with my church family. He provides hugs and smiles which fill my tank up. He provides kind words and laughter. My church family are the best. I pour myself into them and in return they pour themselves into me. I am one blessed lady. Yesterday afternoon I found this picture on my phone. Pastor Cait took it during the time I was doing the blessing over the children. I love when she blesses me with such gifts. I treasure such pictures. Having reminders of what I do is a blessing and I love these children so very much. Once again I can say I love pouring myself into them. I pray they will grow up with the desire to be in relationship with God. I had a conversation last evening with a person who said they did not go to church but had a relationship with God. That conversation gave me an open door to speak freely about relationship with Him. It was another blessing in my day! In yesterday's sermon I talked about how we all need to fulfill the words of Christ in Matthew 22 with loving people. I strive to love each and everyone God puts in my path. I am grateful for every opportunity God gives me to do so. I am reminded of a song called "The Goodness" this morning...

You are the Light
So when the darkness falls
The greatest heights
They never seem so tall
No, not at all

No matter what is ahead today God will be my Light. He will give me direction as I allow Him and He will pour His love out over me.

Dear Jesus, Thank You for Your love, mercy, and grace! 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. I pray for all on my prayer list who need to experience Your peace. My Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Beth; 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; Rhonda; Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Amber; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; Sandy; Rick; Cyndi; Serenna and her husband; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments...Sharon's daughter Ashley; Chrissy's cousins; Shirley Jones; Preacher Bill Watts; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; my friend with mesothelioma; Little Ivy; Little Judson; Alex's niece as they await biopsy results; a young girl in our community; a lady whose breast cancer has returned; a lady diagnosed with stage two breast cancer; and Sue Danhoff's husband Harv. I pray for: the Long Family, Vickie and her son Jim, Becky, and Russ. Thank You for continued strength for Baby Henry and for Alex's brother who was in a car accident! I also pray for FaDana Schultz's family with their loss. Thank You for being My Light! Amen.

Philippians 4 - "Jireh"

I knew the weather was going to be iffy yesterday morning for walking so I checked the forecast and it said there was only a fifteen percent chance of rain. I decided to drive into town and got half way there and it started pouring. I had a choice to make. Continue on or go back home. I am so thankful I decided to continue on. If I would have went back home, I would have missed out on so many blessings. I wasn't sure if I had an umbrella with me or not but God provided. I was glad I had on my sneakers with all the puddles there were. It wasn't long into my walk that the rain subsided and the umbrella came down. As I walked I thought about how God provides this beautiful place for me to live. He provides friends to love on me. Yesterday He provided the opportunity to meet a new friend. I look forward to meeting with her for coffee after walking some morning. He provided a time of watching little and big fish along with shark play in the water. As I walked back to the car I thought about how much He loves me. Throughout the day this thought came across my mind several times as I enjoyed time with Cait, chatted with friends, received rest last night, etc. Paul's words in Philippians 4 are on my mind this morning. They are words of encouragement to the people in Philippi and to myself. He encourages all to experience God's joy in verse four. Verses six and seven are key to remember in life. They read in the NLT: Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Yes! God will provide His peace to us as we allow Him. He will guide us through life making right decisions as we allow Him. Praise His Holy Name! Verse eight is the 'junk in/junk out' verse I used to give to the teens in Willard. Whatever we put into ourselves will flow from us. We need to get better at filling ourselves up with more of God and less of the world. The words of this chapter were written many years ago yet still stand today with great meaning. I praise God for His Word that we have to give us insight. The song "Jireh" is on my mind this morning.

(Jireh) Jireh, (You are) You are enough
(I know that You are) Jireh, (You are) You are enough
(So I will be) I will be content
(Even in this right now) In every circumstance
('Cause I love that) Jireh 
(He is always enough) You are enough

Dear Jesus, Thank You for all the ways You loved on me yesterday! Thank You for the opportunities You will give me today to love with Your love! Thank You for a new friend I met yesterday and for my time with Cait! Thank You for Myla who is so good with my Momma! Thank You for the way You provide what I need! Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. I pray Your peace over many going through difficult days. My Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Beth; 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; Rhonda; Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Amber; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; Sandy; Rick; Cyndi; Serenna and her husband; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments...Sharon's daughter Ashley; Chrissy's cousins; Shirley Jones; Preacher Bill Watts; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; my friend with mesothelioma; Little Ivy; Little Judson; Alex's niece as they await biopsy results; a young girl in our community; a lady whose breast cancer has returned; a lady diagnosed with stage two breast cancer; and Sue Danhoff's husband Harv. I pray for: the Long Family, Vickie and her son Jim, and Russ. Thank You for continued strength for Baby Henry and for Alex's brother who was in a car accident. Lord, be so close to Loraine and her family with the recuperation of their seven year old grandson from open heart surgery. I also pray for FaDana Schultz's family with their loss. Thank You for being My Jehovah Jireh! Amen.

Psalm 16; Genesis 9:13 - "Good, Good Father"

Yesterday I woke up having a 'green' morning. Those mornings are tough as I am so nauseated. I made the decision to continue on with my new schedule and go for a walk. I was not disappointed in how God showed up. He is such a "Good, Good Father" to me! As I walked and the sun came up there was not only a rainbow that appeared but the start of a double one. It reminded me that God keeps His promises. The last verse of Psalm 16 reminds me of how life is when I allow God to be in charge of my life. It reminds me that He is the One that gives me joy not other people or my circumstances. Twice yesterday I had the opportunity to share about the call on my life. Both times I was blessed in the knowledge that God has been with me every step of the way and will continue to be with me. Both times I was reminded of His faithfulness to me. He loves me greatly and showers His love over me as I allow Him. I was thinking last night about how much He loves me. No one can grasp the depth of His love but the more you lean into Him the more you will realize Him to a greater degree. Yesterday when I started walking I thought I was going to be sick but put one step in front of the other. As I continued I saw the beauty of His creation and was blessed. When the rainbow appeared in the sky, I was reminded of the promise God made many years ago to be with His people. Genesis 9:13 reads in the NIV: I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. Once again, 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

I feel His love all the time but yesterday morning was a morning where His love was overwhelming. It was a morning where He showed up in a mighty way to give me what I needed physically, mentally, emotionally, and most of all spiritually. Throughout the day His love was showered down upon me in so many ways and I pray I showed Him my appreciation for it. 

Dear Jesus, Thank You for Your love, mercy, and grace! Thank You for the way You empowered me to not just get through yesterday morning but to glorify You through it! Thank You for my conversation with my new friend Loretta and for the ways You encouraged me through many throughout the day yesterday! Thank You for the privilege to share my story twice yesterday! Today is a new day. I know what is on the schedule but I do not want to miss anything You have for me. Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. I pray Your peace over many going through difficult days. My Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Beth; 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; Rhonda; Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Amber; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; Sandy; Rick; Cyndi; Serenna and her husband; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments...Sharon's daughter Ashley; Chrissy's cousins; Shirley Jones; Preacher Bill Watts; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; my friend with mesothelioma; Little Ivy; Little Judson; Alex's niece as they await biopsy results; a young girl in our community; a lady whose breast cancer has returned; a lady diagnosed with stage two breast cancer; and Sue Danhoff's husband Harv. I pray for: the Long Family, Vickie and her son Jim, and Russ. Thank You for continued strength for Baby Henry and for Alex's brother who was in a car accident! Lord, thank you for Loraine's seven year old grandson's open heart surgery yesterday. I also pray for FaDana Schultz's family with their loss. Thank You for being My 'Good, Good Father'! Amen.

Romans 8:28-30; Jeremiah 33:3 - "Fill My Cup"

On the way home from church last night I wondered if I could get any pictures of the sunset so I drove through town and pulled into the waterfront. God blessed me in abundance with various pictures but this one I do believe is my favorite. As I stood there in awe of His artistry I thought about how I am to reflect Him. I questioned how well I am doing in reflecting Him and prayed for more of Him so I could do better. He took me to Romans 8 this morning. Paul wrote in the last few verses:

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

I was talking with a friend about a situation that did not turn out as I anticipated. I shared that I was hoping to just go and have fun spending time with friends but instead the situation turned into a counseling session for one going through a tough time. I shared with my friend how I did not expect to 'put on my pastor's hat' but it was OK. They shared with me when we are called to something we need to be able to put on that hat at all time. Wow, what insight! I needed this reminder. Sometimes it is hard to be a pastor in the sense you feel like you are giving, giving, giving of yourself. But when you stop to think about it God called you to the life He has given you. He will provide exactly what is needed to fulfill that call. He woke me this morning once again to the words of "Fill My Cup" going through my mind...

Fill my house up with hoping
Fill my plans up with purpose
Fill my wounds up with healing
Lord, I need you to fill my cup
Fill my days up with meaning
Fill my future with vision
Goodness, grace and provision
Lord, I need you to fill my cup

I could not fulfill God's call upon my life without Him there filling me up every day. These last few weeks with starting my day and ending my day in nature as much as possible has blessed me in abundance. People He has put in my life to encourage me has blessed me in abundance. Last night as I looked at the reflection of the sunset on the water He reminded me I need to bless people the way He blesses me. I need to get better at seeing people He puts before me and bless them as He suggests. I need to allow Him to fill me as He desires. The more I allow Him to be Who He desires in my life the more I will realize fullness in my life. There is one line that I am holding onto from this song. "Fill my future with vision." I continue to pray for God to give me His vision for the church but also for my personal life. He gave me Jeremiah 33:3 in June. I continue to ponder upon this verse and wait for Him to fulfill it. Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know. I know He will reveal the meaning of this in His time. I must wait and continue to seek Him in this waiting room. I must remember Paul's word in Romans 8:28. ...God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. He has called me to not only be His daughter but to be a pastor. He will continue to bless me as I continue to live for Him.

Dear Jesus,

Thank You  for the opportunities You provided yesterday and the ones ahead today! Thank You for loving me so greatly! Thank You for Romans 8:28-30 that reminds me how much You love me and for this song that reminds me You are here filling my cup every day! Thank You for yesterday with my walk at sunrise, my time with Cait and Annabelle shopping, an insightful Bible study, and ending my day at the waterfront with the beautiful sunset! Wow, God! You truly "Fill My Cup" over and over again! Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You so I can reflect You. I pray peace and strength over many going through difficult days. My Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Beth; 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; Rhonda; Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Amber; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; Sandy; Rick; Cyndi; Serenna and her husband; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments...Sharon's daughter Ashley; Chrissy's cousins; Shirley Jones; Preacher Bill Watts; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; my friend with mesothelioma; Little Ivy; Little Judson; Alex's niece as they await biopsy results; a young girl in our community; a lady whose breast cancer has returned; a lady diagnosed with stage two breast cancer; and Sue Danhoff's husband Harv. I pray for: the Long Family, Vickie and her son Jim, and Russ. Thank You for continued strength for Baby Henry, for Alex's brother who was in a car accident, and Pastor Jason! Lord, be so close to Loraine and her family with their seven year old grandson's open heart surgery today. I also pray for FaDana Schultz's family with their loss. Thank You for being My Cup Filler! Amen.

Psalm 34:8 - "Honey In The Rock"

I woke up this morning with the song "Honey In The Rock" on my mind. This song shares how when we trust God in the wilderness He will provide everything we need.

There's honey in the rock
Water in the stone
Manna on the ground
No matter where I go
I don't need to worry now that I know
Everything I need You've got
There's honey in the rock

He provides what we need each and every day as we allow Him. When we pray, He responds and satisfies our soul. There is freedom to be found in such a life. Our purpose and strength in Christ are found as we taste His goodness. Yesterday as I was finishing the plans for Sunday's service Psalm 34:8 came before me to be used at the time of communion. It reads in the NIV: Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. As I walked yesterday morning and saw the beauty of God's creation I was blessed. I stood on the bridge looking out over the water and thought about when Doc and I would cross the bridge and say 'and we live here!' It amazed us that God would send us to such a beautiful place. The first few months after moving here we would go explore new roads to see different places. I miss our times of getting into the truck and going out exploring. Yesterday I found myself driving out to Lucy Creek after dropping off Kenny's birthday card. No special reason but just because I wanted to. I love it out there. I 'taste' what the Lord has for me by seeing the beauty of His creation, listening to the water, watching and listening to the birds, etc. Cait sent me a text that the dolphins were playing as they crossed over the bridge yesterday afternoon. I love all the nature we have to experience but most of all I love 'tasting' what the Lord has for me. I realized as I went to bed last night how God blessed me throughout the day with texts and calls from friends along with starting and ending my day with great visits with friends at their homes. He blesses me through nature, people, Scripture, and music. He blesses me because I allow Him to do so. I made the statement last night that many say I am spoiled but I like to call it being blessed. I was blessed last night from a friend's words 'your eyes rock my world.' She told me how she appreciates my realness and my spirit is beautiful. Those words blessed me in abundance and were nice to hear. I owe everything I am to God who loves me greatly. He provides for me whether I am on the mountain or in the valley. Praise His Holy Name! I love what Brooke Ligertwood says about this song: “In our own wilderness, we are finding honey in the Rock indeed — tastes of undeniable sweetness even in what, from many angles, looks barren and bitter. And let me tell you, so much of God’s goodness to us flows through community.” The life of a widow is very lonely yet God continues to put people in my path to help me get through the lonely times. He spoils me with laughter when I feel like crying. He spoils me with people who are willing to listen to the hurts of my heart. He spoils me with people who are tuned into what I need. Once again I like to think He blesses me instead of using the word spoils. It 'sounds' better!

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead today! Thank You for the calls and texts from many yesterday along with visits with Kayla, Darrell and the boys in the morning and MaryBeth last night! You fill me up to overflowing with such things. Thank You for the beauty of Your creation that blesses me in abundance as this picture shows from yesterday morning! Wow, God! Cleanse me so You can fill me with more of You. I pray Your peace over many going through difficult times. I pray they will experience Your honey being poured out on them. My Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Beth; 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; Rhonda; Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Amber; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; Sandy; Rick; Cyndi; Serenna and her husband; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments...Sharon's daughter Ashley; Chrissy's cousins; Shirley Jones; Preacher Bill Watts; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; my friend with mesothelioma; Little Ivy; Little Judson; Alex's niece as they await biopsy results; a young girl in our community; a lady whose breast cancer has returned; and a lady diagnosed with stage two breast cancer. I pray for: the Long Family, Vickie and her son Jim, and Russ. Thank You for continued strength for Baby Henry, for Alex's brother who was in a car accident, and Pastor Jason! Lord, be so close to Loraine and her family as they await their seven year old grandson's open heart surgery. Thank You for being My Jehovah Jireh! Amen.