Psalm 65:8 - "Promises"

I was relieved when it finally started raining late evening, It was weird to watch the weather all day with anticipation of the storm starting yet it not. It was windy throughout the day but waiting on the rain gave me a weird feeling. It reminded me of the four months of waiting on confirmation of the diagnosis of MS. I remember Doc saying once we knew what we had to deal with it would be easier. That is kind of how I felt last night waiting on the hurricane to hit. I felt like once it hit I would know what I had to deal with. This is another 'first' in my life. The first hurricane since Doc died. I am so thankful for those who called, texted, sent messages, etc. to check on and encourage me. I am thankful for the peace God gave me with the decision to stay home. Last evening as I had balance issues while doing my workout and had tingling in my face I thought about how even though I don't feel stressed the whole thing of going through a hurricane is effecting my body. Before going to sleep I prayed for all in the path of the storm to be safe. I asked God to come down upon my body and calm the things going on. I am reminded this morning of the words to a song called "Promises" that Maverick City sings.

Though the storms may come and the winds may blow
I'll remain steadfast
And let my heart learn, when You speak a word
It will come to pass
Great is Your faithfulness to me
Great is Your faithfulness to me
From the rising sun to the setting same, I will praise Your name
Great is Your faithfulness to me

Yes! Whether it be physical, emotional, mental, financial, or spiritual storms of life God is with us. He is faithful to us and desires us to be faithful to Him. No matter storm we go through we need to praise Him through it. As we do it will take our focus off the storm itself and allow God to be glorified through it. 

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead today! Thank You for everyone who has called, texted, etc. to check on me! My heart breaks to see the devastation from the hurricane. I pray for people who have lost everything to have someone love on them with Your love. I continue to pray for protection for first responders, utility workers, etc. who are out in this weather. I also pray for those without electricity and for those without shelter. Even though I won't be leaving my house today I pray You will give me opportunity to love with Your love. Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. I pray Your peace over my Momma as she adjusts to her new life and over others going through difficult days. My sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Beth; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; some young ladies with anxiety; a young man out of rehab who needs strength in his daily walk; Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Amber; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; Rick; Cyndi; Serena and her husband; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments...Chrissy's cousin; 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; a lady diagnosed with throat cancer; and Sue Danhoff's husband Harv. I pray for: the Long Family, Becky, and Russ. Thank You for continued strength for Baby Henry, Baby Dakota, and Pamela! I pray for a father with a prodigal daughter to know You have not left him. I pray for Ashley who has a scan today to feel Your peace. Thank You for being My Faithfulness! Amen.

Hebrews 13:8; Philippians 4:11-12 - "Stand In Faith"

I was awake throughout the night multiple times praying for those in the path of Hurricane Ian. Seeing pictures and reading stories of the devastation from this storm is heart breaking. It seems like every time you read another account of the storm it has changed. Sometimes that is the way storms in life go. There are mountains and valleys that occur in them. Just when you think you are over the worst of them they gear up in stronger force. No matter what is happening we must remember to praise God. We talked in Bible study last night about being content in life. That is sometimes easier said than done. Paul encouraged the Church of Philippi to be content in all circumstances in Philippians 4:11-12. The result of doing so is found in verse 13. We can do everything in His strength as we live in contentment with Him. Some circumstances are harder than others. Some situations seem to last longer than others. What we must remember is God is with us. There may be times when we feel like we are so far away from God but it is not He who moves away from us. It is us who moves from Him. He is always there to love on us as we will allow Him. I am grateful for His love, mercy, and grace that is available to me at all time. When life gets tough, God is there to see me through it. When I feel like I cannot go on, He is there to give me exactly what I need to persevere. It takes trusting Him and living by faith to live as He desires of me. I am reminded of a song Danny Gokey sings called "Stand In Faith"....

Can't escape disappointment
Can't avoid the delay
But I don't have to make feeling down and defeated the place that I stay
Gonna rise to the moment
Gonna speak to the waves
Gonna push back that doubt that keeps dragging me down when I can't find a way

Life is full of disappointments but they do not have to be what guides my days. When I keep my focus on God, I will be more at peace no matter what is happening in life. As I stand in faith and trust Him I will be blessed in abundance. No one knows how Hurricane Ian is going to go. Not even the meteorologists. But I know God is with me no matter what happens. I have faith that He will see me through. Last night when I took Nicholas home after church I asked him how I could pray for him this week. He had four requests. His grandpa's in Florida to be safe, his Dad to be safe at work, him to be able to do his school work on-line, and for all of us to be safe. Every one of these requests revolve around Hurricane Ian. Even the children are effected by such storms. That is one of the reasons why it is so important for us to teach our children about God. 

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead today! As Hurricane Ian continues to move I pray for all in its path. I pray for the police, fire/EMS, power line workers, etc. who are out in it to be protected. I also pray for those who have already lost their homes from this storm to have someone to love on them. Cleanse me so You can fill me with more of You. May people see/hear You instead of me in the day ahead. I pray peace over many going through difficult days. My Momma as she adjusts to the nursing home; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Beth; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; some young ladies with anxiety; a young man out of rehab who needs strength in his daily walk; Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Amber; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; Rick; Cyndi; Serena and her husband; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments...Chrissy's cousin; 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; a lady diagnosed with throat cancer; and Sue Danhoff's husband Harv. I pray for: the Long Family, Becky, and Russ. Thank You for continued strength for Baby Henry, Baby Dakota, and Pamela! I pray for a father with a prodigal daughter to know You have not left him. Thank You for being My Faith Builder! Amen.

Psalm 104:12; II Timothy 1:7; Philippians 4:13; Proverbs 3:5-6 - "Promises"

As I looked through pictures on my phone yesterday I was in awe of this bird taking flight. It looks so graceful and beautiful. I thought about how I want to be the same. The desire of my heart is to live as God desires of me. One definition of living in grace is: a state of sanctification enjoyed through divine assistance. We cannot live as God desires if we do not allow Him to guide our ways. The enemy is out to tear us apart. We must be ready at all time to not give him an open door into our lives. One of the ways to combat the enemy is through praising God. Charles Spurgeon wrote: “Praise is the beauty of a Christian. What wings are to a bird, what fruit is to the tree, what the rose is to the thorn, that is praise to a child of God.” I love the word picture given by this quote. The more i praise God the more I will be beautiful to Him. This bird took flight with a purpose. I am blessed every day I live in the purpose God has put me for on this earth. A.W. Tozar wrote: “In almost everything that touches our everyday life on earth, God is pleased when we’re pleased. He wills that we be as free as birds to soar and sing our maker’s praise without anxiety.” We do not have to be held down by the antics of the enemy but instead can be free in Christ. When fears come upon us, we need to remember II Timothy 1:7 that God empowers us to stand strong in His love. When we feel like we cannot carry on, we need to remember Philippians 4:13 that He strengthens us. When we do not know what to do, we need to remember Proverbs 3:5-6 that His wisdom is there for us. His Word is full of promises we need to hang onto. I am reminded of the song "Promises" that Maverick City sings...

Great is Your faithfulness to me
Great is Your faithfulness to me
From the rising sun to the setting same, I will praise Your name
Great is Your faithfulness to me

He is faithful and will continue to love on us as we allow Him. He will provide exactly what we need to be who He desires of us as we allow Him. Praise His Holy Name!

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead today! Thank You for keeping my mouth shut in a conversation with a new friend yesterday! Thank You for Debbie and Carol coming over for dinner last night! Thank You for Chris who blesses me in abundance with always being here for me! Thank You for negative test results for a friend yesterday! Thank You for Momma getting moved from the hospital! Thank You for all of the medical personnel who cared for her over these last couple of weeks and for the ones who will continue to care for her! Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. May people see/hear You through me today. I pray Your peace over many going through difficult days. My sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Beth; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; some young ladies with anxiety; a young man out of rehab who needs strength in his daily walk; Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Amber; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; 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...Chrissy's cousin; 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; a lady diagnosed with throat cancer; and Sue Danhoff's husband Harv. I pray for: the Long Family, Becky, and Russ. Thank You for continued strength for Baby Henry, Baby Dakota, and Pamela! I pray for a father with a prodigal daughter to know You have not left him. Thank You for being My Promise Keeper! Amen.

Jeremiah 33:3 - "Good Morning Mercy"

The Lord woke me with the reminder of a verse He gave me this summer. Jeremiah 33:3 is a promise of restoration for the Jews. Jeremiah was given direction from the Lord while he was confined in the courtyard of the guard. The Lord told Jeremiah he must be in relationship with Him to be able to hear Him. The words of verse three in the VOICE reads:  Call to Me, and I will answer you. I will tell you of great things, things beyond what you can imagine, things you could never have known. We never know what God is going to reveal to us or ask us to do but we can be assured we will be blessed as we walk in obedience to Him. Matthew Henry writes: Where the Lord gives righteousness and peace, he will give all needful supplies for temporal wants; and all we have will be comforts, as sanctified by the word and by prayer. God will provide whatever we need to accomplish whatever He desires of us. The more we lean into Him the more of His wisdom we will receive. Some days are harder than others. There are days when we feel like we cannot go on yet God never leaves us. There are days when we do not know what to do about a particular situation yet God is there to lead us. The Israelites struggled throughout their forty days in the wilderness. We all find ourselves in the 'wilderness' from time to time. No matter what we are facing or what is happening in our little world we must remember to trust God through it. I am reminded of a song Jason Crabb sings called "Good Morning Mercy",,,

Yeah, I'm still learning to trust and follow
I won't worry what tomorrow's gonna bring
'Cause You hold it all there in Your hands
I'm lifting mine up now 'cause it makes me sing

Good morning, mercy
You call me worthy
Feels like the sun shining on my face
Living's good this side of grace
I feel it working
Goodbye to the hurting
You woke me up, put me on my way
Hallelujah, it's a brand new day
Good morning, mercy

Today is a new day and I praise God for it. I praise Him for cleansing me so He can use me as He desires today. I praise Him for His love, grace, and mercy He showers down upon me each and every day. 

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead today! Thank You for lunch with my dear friends Ross and Mary who encourage my heart greatly! Thank You for Pastor Elaine's "Small Church Rising" event that encouraged me! Thank You for continuing to be with my Momma as she is going through so much! I pray for people to be in her path who will love on her with Your love. I pray for strength and comfort for Vickie with the death of her son. Once again I ask for people to love on her through this dark time. I pray Your peace over many going through difficult days. My sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Beth; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; some young ladies with anxiety; a young man out of rehab who needs strength in his daily walk; Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Amber; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; 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...Chrissy's cousin; 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; a lady diagnosed with throat cancer; and Sue Danhoff's husband Harv. I pray for: the Long Family, Becky, Ken, and Russ. Thank You for continued strength for Baby Henry, Baby Dakota, Pamela, and Pastor Jason! I pray for a father with a prodigal daughter to know You have not left him. Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. Thank You for being My Mercy Maker! Amen.

Psalm 14:1a - "God Is In This Story"

 

Yesterday was filled with blessings from start to finish. Having the privilege to anoint my friend Mary at church was a special time in my day. Seeing many of my church family fellowship over lunch was another blessing. Going to the beach and making dinner over the open fire with Cait, Andy, and the kids was another blessing. Finally, seeing God's artistry in the sunset was the 'icing on the cake' for a great day. As Miss Annabelle and I were floating in the ocean yesterday afternoon she asked this question. 'Pastor Sheila, what do people who do not believe in God think about creation? How do they explain it?' Good question for a little eight year old's mind. We look around and see all of the work of His hands and feel so blessed. It saddens me to think about many who are not in relationship with Him. Every time I think about various people who I know that do not acknowledge Him I pray for them to have someone who will say or do something to open their eyes to His love and grace. I pray for God to reveal to me what I can do or say to make a difference in people's lives. I was blessed yesterday with a phone call from my dear friends Jack and Ann from Willard. As we talked the tears fell. They hold a very special place in my heart and always will. We made great memories with them in the fifteen years we ministered in Willard. They were always some of my biggest encouragers when life got tough. Jack was always there to give me a hug but especially after my Daddy died. As we talked yesterday the memories came flooding back. I am so grateful for those memories God gave me the privilege to make with them. I am also grateful for the memories being made with my church family as we do life together. Some memories are good like yesterday. Others are tough like being with them for the loss of a loved one. No matter what the circumstance God has brought us together to be a family and for that I am grateful. I am grateful for the questions asked from my church children that keep me on my toes. I am reminded this morning of the song "God Is In This Story"...

God is in this story
God is in the details
Even in the broken parts
He holds my heart, He never fails
When I'm at my weakest
I will trust in Jesus
Always in the highs and lows
The One who goes before me
God is in this story

Yes! God is writing my story one chapter at a time. He is blessing me through every aspect of my story and for that I am grateful. I will continue to ponder upon Miss Annabelle's question as I seek to share Him with others.

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead today! Thank You for a great worship service followed by lunch with my church family, beach time with Cait, Andy, and the kids, and seeing another fantastic sunset! Thank You for Miss Annabelle's question that will stay with me in the days ahead! Thank You for being with my Momma during these days of transition! Thank You for people who call or visit her and send cards to encourage her! I am so blessed by all of them. Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. May people see/hear You instead of me today. May I make an eternal impact in someone's life today. I pray Your peace over many going through difficult days. My sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Beth; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; some young ladies with anxiety; a young man out of rehab who needs strength in his daily walk; Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Amber; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; 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...Chrissy's cousin; 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; a lady diagnosed with throat 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, Pamela, and Pastor Jason! I pray for a father with a prodigal daughter to know You have not left him. Thank You for being My Story Writer! Amen.

John 14:13 - "In Jesus Name"

The song "In Jesus Name" has been on my heart since yesterday. This song touches the depth of my soul as I pray for people. It reminds me of the importance of praying for people. Many times we get to the point where we do not know how to pray yet Jesus is always there for us and hears our prayers. We can get to the point where we feel like He does not hear our prayers but He always does. There are times when we pray and pray and nothing seems to happen. That is not true. What we must remember is Jesus answers our prayers in His time. Sometimes we have not learned something yet so He waits. Sometimes someone else needs to see how we react in certain situations so He waits. Sometimes we need to realize Who God is in our life so He waits. Sometimes. It isn't always the same way but sometimes. A part of this song goes...

I pray for your healing, that circumstances would change
I pray that the fear inside would flee in Jesus name
I pray that a breakthrough would happen today
I pray miracles over your life in Jesus name
In Jesus name

I prayed throughout the night for two friends going through 'tough' times to have a change in their physical health. When we go through something physically, it effects every aspect of our life. Physical, mental, emotional, financial, and spiritual. We can get to 'the end of our rope' and feel like giving up but we can't. Instead we need to lean into Jesus even more. Katy Nichole wrote "In Jesus Name" after gong through unsuccessful surgery for scoliosis. The pain she experienced was great and she was ready to give up but God met her in that journey and gave her hope through a second surgery. He showered His love down upon her when she did not give up. No matter what circumstances we find ourselves in we must lean into His strength to not just get through them but to glorify Him in the process. Every time I hear this song I am reminded of all my earthly Daddy went through with sixty plus surgeries, getting shot and seeing my sister be murdered, having a broken neck from being hit by a train...the list just keeps going. I remember many times of him crying and wanting to give up yet he did not. He inspires me to keep going when life gets tough. 

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the blessings from yesterday with EQUIP and the blessings ahead today! Thank You for protection with two near misses with accidents on the crazy highway! Thank You for my visit with Dan and Debbie yesterday! Thank You for the privilege I receive when You give me people to pray for! Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. May people see/hear You instead of me today. I pray for all pastors who go into the pulpit today to have You oozing from them. I pray for my two friends I prayed for throughout the night to receive Your peace in their physical bodies. I pray for many going through difficult days to receive Your peace. My Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Beth; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; some young ladies with anxiety; a young man out of rehab who needs strength in his daily walk; Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Amber; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; 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...Chrissy's cousin; 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; a lady diagnosed with throat 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 for Pamela! I pray for a father with a prodigal daughter to know You have not left him. Thank You for being My Strength! Amen.

Philippians 1:3-6 - "Your Love Oh Lord"

 

God woke me this morning early to pray for a friend who is going through some 'tough' days. It is my privilege to pray for people and blesses me in abundance when people reach out to me to pray. Paul wrote in the beginning of his letter to the Church of Philippi about how he was blessed to have them in his life. That is exactly how I feel about those in my life. I am blessed by each and every one of them. God puts people in my path who encourage me greatly. He uses people to fill my emotional tank up when it gets low. Sometimes it is difficult as a pastor to know how to minister to people yet God is always there to direct me. There are times though when I feel like I am at the 'end of my rope' and I am thankful He is there holding onto me. Verse six reminds me he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Praise His Holy Name! I do not have to save anyone but need to allow God to work in and through me to do as He desires of me. I pray Philippians 1:9-11 over all on my prayer list. And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.

Realizing God's love is key to life. As we realize His love for us, we will draw deeper in our faith to trust Him more. His love is more powerful than any words spoken to us on this earth. It is more powerful than any hurts of life as we allow Him to soothe out soul. His love covers us with exactly what we need when we need it. I am reminded of a song Third Day sings called "Your Love Oh Lord"...

Your love, oh Lord
Reaches to the heavens
Your faithfulness stretches to the sky
Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains
Your justice flows like the ocean's tide
I will lift my voice
To worship You, my King
I will find my strength
In the shadow of your wings

I have fond memories of listening to Doc singing as he played this on his guitar. It is such a peaceful song that gives me great comfort. Third Day was one of his favorite bands. I loved seeing them in concert when we were living in Ohio. Every time I hear this song I get a picture in my mind of sitting on Jesus' lap being held close. I will find my strength in the shadow of Your wings speaks volumes to me. I love the memories of sitting on my earthly Daddy's lap which give me great comfort in tough days.

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the blessings of yesterday with my morning walk at sunrise, safety on the highway, and time with Cait and the kids! Thank You for the day ahead with EQUIP! I pray blesses upon everyone presenting today and those receiving what is presented. I pray for one You woke me up to pray for this morning to receive what You have for them. I pray Your peace over them and 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; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; some young ladies with anxiety; a young man out of rehab who needs strength in his daily walk; Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Amber; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; 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...Chrissy's cousin; 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; a lady diagnosed with throat 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 for Pamela! I pray for a father with a prodigal daughter to know You have not left him. Thank You for being My King! Amen.

Psalm 113:3 - "Hills and Valleys"

 

Wow, God is so good! I started my day yesterday with seeing the sunrise in Ohio and ended it with seeing the sunset in South Carolina. Both were stunning and showed God's great artistry. When I pulled out to go to the hospital yesterday, I saw the sun rising and knew I needed to take a detour to get some picts. Seeing it rise over the cornfields brought a lot of great memories of growing up and then raising my boys in the same area. The pictures I took were within a mile or so of where we moved to when Paul was a baby and then the house we built when Ben was born. Sweet memories. But there were also 'bad' memories as I crossed the railroad tracks where my Daddy had a broken neck when he was hit by a train. Last night as I watched the sunset over the water just a mile or so from my house I was once again flooded with sweet memories. But there were also 'bad' memories as I thought about Doc's last months on this earth being so painful for him. Today would have been our thirty-third anniversary. If he were here, he would have planned a fun day that included exploring, going out to eat, and lots of laughter. That is what he did for not only special occasions but in every day life. In the 'good' and in the 'bad' I must remember to praise God. I praise Him for having the opportunity to be with my Momma for a couple days and for the care she is getting. I praise Him for Tim picking me up at the airport and June giving me a ride back to the airport I praise Him for Chris mowing my yard while I was gone. I praise Him for everyone who prayed and continues to pray for me and my family. I praise Him for Brooklyn who sent me roses and my Vitamin Water for when I was picked up at the airport. I praise Him for a safe flight and for Alex, Cait, and the kids picking me up from the airport. I praise Him for the beauty of His creation. I praise Him for a friend sharing dinner and the sunset with me last night. I praise Him for another day of life ahead. Psalm 113:3 reads in the NASB, From the rising of the sun to it's setting the name of the Lord is to be praised. This means we are to praise God no matter what is happening in life. We are to praise Him for the 'sweet' memories and for the 'tough' ones. As I begin another day of life I will be more intentional to praise Him. I will celebrate today the love Doc and I enjoyed for over thirty years and bask in the memories. I have a song Tauren Wells sings on my heart this morning called "Hills and Valleys"...

I've walked among the shadows
You wiped my tears away
And I've felt the pain of heartbreak
And I've seen the brighter days
And I've prayed prayers to heaven from my lowest place
And I have held the blessings
God, You give and take away
No matter what I have, Your grace is enough
No matter where I am, I'm standing in Your love

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead today! Thank You for all of the people who love on me so well through You! Yesterday I was blessed in abundance by: Chris, June, Alex and Cait, Brooklyn, and Andy. Thank You for the blessing of seeing the sunrise in Ohio and the sunset in South Carolina! As I told my Momma yesterday 'home' for me is in South Carolina but a piece of me is there with her. I pray Your peace over her today with the stress test. May she feel Your strength in a mighty way. I pray Your peace over many going through difficult days. My sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Beth; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; some young ladies with anxiety; a young man out of rehab who needs strength in his daily walk; Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Amber; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; 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...Chrissy's cousin; 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; a lady diagnosed with throat 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 for Pamela! I pray for a father with a prodigal daughter to know You have not left him. I pray You will wrap your arms around Clay Shields​ and Jo Ann with the loss of Breezy! Thank You for being The One I Praise! Amen.

Psalm 62:8; Proverbs 3:5-6 - "Good, Good Father"

Sometimes life is hard. Sometimes it seems like the only option we have is to have a good cry and start over. Sometimes are so much lonelier than others. Sometimes we get mad at God. Sometimes emotions are so much greater than other times both in a 'good' way and 'tough' ways. I am grateful for the friends God puts in my life to get me through the 'sometimes' of life. I am thankful for the way He brings laughter into the tears and for the way I feel His loving arms wrapped around me. I am thankful when 'bad' memories come into my mind God is there to empower me to not give the enemy an open door through them. He is such a "Good, Good Father" and I am so blessed by Him. This song brings comfort to me.

Oh, I've heard a thousand stories of what they think you're like
But I've heard the tender whisper of love in the dead of night
And you tell me that you're pleased
And that I'm never alone

Yes! We are never alone when we allow God to be Who He desires in our life. I am so thankful for the way He has showed me being 'alone' is not necessarily a bad thing. We all need time alone with Him. We need time alone so He can speak clearly to us with no distractions. We also find answers in times when we are 'alone.' Psalm 62 was brought before me this morning with God stopping me at verse eight. In the New International Version we are told to trust Him. In the VOICE we are told to have faith in Him. It takes great trust to have faith. I am reminded of Proverbs 3:5-6 this morning. I like how it reads in the VOICE. 

Place your trust in the Eternal; rely on Him completely;
    never depend upon your own ideas and inventions.
6 Give Him the credit for everything you accomplish,
    and He will smooth out and straighten the road that lies ahead.

It does not say we are to rely on Him sometimes or whenever we feel like it but we are rely on Him completely. Woo hoo! We do not have to figure anything out on our own but instead need to allow Him to show us the way we need to go in life. That is comforting to me.

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead today! Thank You for decisions that have been made for my Momma's care and for the way You are going to continue to guide the process! I pray for whatever is going on in her physical body to be revealed to the doctors. I pray continued peace over her spirit with all going on in life. Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. I pray for safe travels as I go home today. I pray Your peace over many going through difficult days. My sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Beth; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; some young ladies with anxiety; a young man out of rehab who needs strength in his daily walk; Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Amber; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; 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...Chrissy's cousin; 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; a lady diagnosed with throat 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 for Pamela! I pray for a father with a prodigal daughter to know You have not left him. I pray You will wrap your arms around Clay Shields​ and Jo Ann with the loss of Breezy! Thank You for being My Good, Good Father! Amen.

Philippians 4:13 - "Goodness of God"

Yesterday was one of those days that seemed like would never end. It was a day of deep emotions that brought tears at times. I am so thankful for God's strength to get through such days. I am thankful for His love that showers down upon me in 'good' and 'tough' days. His presence is exactly where I need to live. I am thankful for the way He brings distractions before me from my present circumstance. I also am thankful for His Word that encourages me greatly. Twenty-eight plus years ago He gave me Philippians 4:13 to hang onto as I was going through the MS diagnosis phase of life. I thought this Scripture meant physical strength because I was unable to walk on my own. I soon realized He meant His strength is there for us physically, mentally, emotionally, financially, and most of all spiritually. His strength is perfect in all circumstances. It is always available to us no matter what. I was thankful for a text from Beth yesterday that encouraged me to 'Keep leaning into Jesus.' I am thankful for friends who checked on my throughout the day and encouraged me greatly. I am thankful for another day of life ahead and for this time I have with my Momma. I am thankful she knows how to lean into the Lord. She taught me well and for that I am grateful. I am thankful for songs like "Goodness of God" that was on my heart throughout the day yesterday. It reminds me God is with me in the midst of pain and sorrow.

I love You, Lord
Oh Your mercy never fails me
All my days, I've been held in Your hands
From the moment that I wake up
Until I lay my head
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God
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

No matter what is happening in life God is with me. He is here on the mountaintops and in the valleys. He is here when I fall apart emotionally and when I can't concentrate mentally. He is here when my body decides to not function properly and go crazy with MS tingling and/or 'hippieish hippy shakes.' Praise His Holy Name! I was reminded yesterday that grief happens at a time of loss. Loss does not necessarily mean a physical death. Loss comes in many forms. It comes in the way of losing a relationship, loss of a job, loss of independence, etc. My heart hurts for my Momma as she goes through these 'tough' days and it hurts for all of us as we watch her have to experience it. I keep praying for God to have mercy on her. 

Dear Jesus, Thank You for being so close yesterday! Thank You for going before us today and giving Your wisdom and peace! Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. May You ooze out of my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts in a mighty way. Thank You for my visit last night with Rhonda who I have not seen in years! Thank You for everyone who checked on me yesterday with texts and calls! Today is a new day and I pray whatever lies ahead You will be glorified. 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; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; some young ladies with anxiety; a young man out of rehab who needs strength in his daily walk; Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Amber; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; 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...Chrissy's cousin; 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; a lady diagnosed with throat 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 for Pamela! I pray for a father with a prodigal daughter to know You have not left him. I pray You will wrap your arms around Clay Shields​ and Jo Ann with the loss of Breezy! Thank You for being My Goodness! Amen.

Hebrews 11 - "Forever"

 

The Lord took me to Hebrews 11 this morning to remind me it takes faith to live as He desires of me. Faith is not something we can see but definitely is something we can experience throughout our life. I was thinking as I boarded the plane yesterday about how much faith it takes to do so. When you think about it, everything we do in life takes faith. This chapter mentions many different people from Biblical times that lived by faith. It tells their story and how they not only lived by faith but were blessed in the process. It seems like the deeper I go in my faith the more blessed I become. We are changed as we exercise our faith. Verse six reads, And without faith living within us it would be impossible to please God. For we come to God in faith knowing that he is real and that he rewards the faith of those who passionately seek him. Two key words in this verse are impossible and passionately. The more passionate we are in our life with Him the more we will realize nothing is impossible with Him. After the author speaks about people with great faith throughout that period of time he ends with verse thirty-nine and forty. These were the true heroes, commended for their faith, yet they lived in hope receiving the fullness of what was promised them. But now God has invited us to live in something better than what they had--faith's fullness! This is so that they could be brought to finish perfection alongside of us. In order to spend eternity with the Lord we must live in hope and by faith. Then we will receive what He desires for us. I go back to thinking about how the more I live by faith on this earth the more I will receive what He desires for me not only now but forever. The song from Sunday is on my mind this morning...

Forever God is faithful
Forever God is strong
Forever God is with us
Forever
From the rising to the setting sun
His love endures forever
And by the grace of God we will carry on
His love endures forever

Yes! God is faithful and He desires for us to be faithful too. Just as He parted the Red Sea for the Israelites to cross I am praying He parts some 'Red Seas' in my life.

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead today! Thank You for going before me and parting some 'Red Seas' in my life! Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. May people see/hear You through my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts today. I pray the parting of some 'Red Seas' for many in my little world. My Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Beth; Jo Ann; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; some young ladies with anxiety; a young man out of rehab who needs strength in his daily walk; Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Amber; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; 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...Chrissy's cousin; 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; a lady diagnosed with throat 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 for Pamela! I pray for a father with a prodigal daughter to know You have not left him. I pray You will wrap your arms around Clay Shields​ and Jo Ann with the loss of Breezy! Thank You for a successful procedure for Dan yesterday and for being with Rhonda today as she goes through tests! Thank You for being My Forever! Amen.

Mark 12:30-31 - "Thank You Lord"

Yesterday was a blessed day in so many ways but especially through my church family. Children's Sunday School was fun yet I hope the children learned as we talked about the Ten Commandments. What I teach them each Sunday has a connection to the sermon. I shared how God gave the Ten Commandments in the Old Testament and two in the New Testament. We talked about how we need to love one another and show God's love to one another. The sermon talked about how competition can be good and can be bad. I told the children in Sunday School that God does not like when we get crabby with one another but wants us to love each other. I shared in the sermon about the advantages of a smaller church. One of them is having a family atmosphere. When I asked in Sunday School what they liked best about church, Mr. Nicholas said he liked eating together. We have a meal before Wednesday night activities and many Sundays go out to eat after service. I so enjoy these times with my church family. It meant a lot to me that it is one of his favorite things about church. Miss Annabelle shared how she loves me and that I am one of her favorite things about church. That blessed my heart. I am one blessed lady to have my church family in my life. Another blessing in the day was having my friend Debbie come to church for the first time. I love how God uses people to encourage me! There was a long wait when we went to lunch and the children blessed me in abundance with being so good while we waited. Another blessing in the day was receiving a text thanking me for 'a very good sermon' from one in attendance. It blessed me when he told me he did what I asked by contacting those missing yesterday morning. I shared how it cannot be just the pastor doing such things. We all need to let people know we miss them. I have shared many times how I would not be in the Nazarene Church today if it had not been for a dear lady at the Orrville Nazarene Church who would call and leave a message on our answering machine when we missed church. People need to feel loved by their church family. There are so many times we are put down by the world and our church family needs to build one another up. I've been discouraged of late with a few things in the church. Last week after I voiced my discouragement at board meeting I received a card of encouragement from Ms Carol that blessed me in abundance. I have the best church family a pastor could ask for. I am reminded of the song "Thank You Lord" this morning...

Blessings, on blessings, on blessings, on blessings
If I still got breath in these lungs
And that's all I need to get down on my knees
And be thankful for all that He's done

I am so thankful for all the blessings God gives me every day. Here I am ready for a new day. The day ahead will be emotional with seeing my Momma but I know God is with me. It will be a day that will be physically and emotionally tiring but I know God is with me. Praise His Holy Name!

Dear Jesus, Thank You for all of the ways You bless me, especially through my church family! Thank You for filling my emotional tank so well! Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. Give me Your wisdom to share with others. I pray Your protection over those traveling including myself. 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; Jo Ann; 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; 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...Chrissy's cousin; 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; a lady diagnosed with throat 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 for Pamela! I pray for a father with a prodigal daughter to know You have not left him. I pray You will wrap your arms around Clay Shields​ and Jo Ann with the loss of Breezy and give wisdom to the doctors with Dan's procedure today. Thank You for being My Blessing Provider! Amen.

Psalm 113:1-3 - "10,000 Reasons"

Yesterday was a long, emotional day. It was a day with tears and a day with laughter. Sitting and talking with my friend Debbie was a joy. Pulling into the church parking lot and seeing Jeff, Leslie, and Clay working on the yard brought more joy to my heart. The miles spent traveling for a one year old's birthday were blessed with phone conversations with a friend. Ending the day with three of my little buddies was a blessing in itself. There were times of frustration when things did not go as I thought they should but God was always there with me. He blessed me with meeting several new friends throughout the day. He knows what I need and provides. Praise His Holy Name! When I took this picture on my walk yesterday morning, I praised Him for the ability to walk. There have been many times in the course of the MS when I could not walk on my own. I praised Him for the beauty of the creation where I live. What a blessing to have such surroundings to walk. I praised Him for every drop of sweat that fell as I continue to push forward in a healthier life style. I am reminded this morning of the song "10,000 Reasons"...

The sun comes up; it's a new day dawning
It's time to sing Your song again
Whatever may pass and whatever lies before me
Let me be singing when the evening comes

By the time my head hit the pillow last night I was exhausted. I felt like if I had one more thing to do in the day it would not get accomplished. I prayed for pastors and church services before going to sleep thinking I would not wake before morning. In the six hours  I slept there were three times of waking to pray. I not only prayed for pastors but also for a friend in physical and emotional pain. I prayed for His peace to be over all. I pray all will be able to praise God through whatever happens in the day ahead. Verse three in the VOICE reads: At every time and in every place—from the moment the sun rises to the moment the sun sets—may the name of the Eternal be high in the hearts of His people. I like that....At every time and in every place... That means no matter what happens in the day ahead we should praise God. No matter how we may feel we should praise God. Sometimes it is hard to praise God but when we do it takes the focus off our issues. On my walk yesterday morning there was a young couple having a sunrise picnic breakfast. When I saw them, the tears came. It brought back memories of picnics at the waterfront with both Doc and my Rickey. It saddened me to think of what will never be again. I had an opportunity to share with the couple how important it is in a relationship to make memories that will last forever. As I continued walking I praised God for the memories He gives me and prayed for continued healing in my soul. This coming Friday would be our thirty-third anniversary. As I walked past the restaurant Doc took me to for our last anniversary together I once again felt the tears in my eyes. Goodness some days are just harder than others. No matter what I continue to praise Him.

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the blessings of yesterday with visits with Dan and Debbie, Jeff and Leslie, Cait and Alex at Atlas' birthday party, and the Reeder family! Thank You for the blessings ahead today! Before going to bed and throughout the night I prayed for pastors and churches having service today. I prayed blessings over the Miller's first anniversary service this evening along with praying for a friend with physical and emotional pain. Lord, may we all praise You throughout the day ahead. No matter what lies ahead may You be praised. Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. May my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts show You to all who see/hear me today. 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; Jo Ann; 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; 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...Chrissy's cousin; 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; a lady diagnosed yesterday with throat 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 for Pamela! I pray for a father with a prodigal daughter to know You have not left him.  Thank You for being My Praise Maker! Amen.