Proverbs 22:6 - "Through All Of It"

I woke up a few times during the night and again this morning with these words going through my mind...

Life's been a journey
I've seen joy, I've seen regret
Oh and You have been my God
Through all of it

Joy...yes! Regrets...yes! But the Lord has continued to be with me through both the joys and regrets. He has enabled me to get beyond the regrets of the 'what ifs' or 'if I would have' by empowering me with His supernatural love. This morning when I woke Jimmy up for school I had memories of doing the same with my own boys. Not all the memories were good ones because not everyone is a morning person but there were so many memories that went through my mind. Oh how I miss my boys. When I talk to the Lord about them, He reassures me they are fine in their spiritual walk. That makes me feel good as a Momma. These thoughts took me to Proverbs 22:6...

I am blessed in knowing Paul and Ben are good husband's, daddy's and godly men. As I pray for them throughout my days I pray for them to have a deeper walk with the Lord. I also pray they will realize, as parents, there are joys and there are regrets. I pray they learned from mistakes I made when they were growing up so they don't have the same regrets. I also pray for them to be the head of their household. Too many times women take charge not because they want to but because the husband has a lot of his plate. This is not God's plan and I pray against it for my boys and their ladies. I also am grateful for my Momma who I miss greatly. I am thankful for telephones so I can call her. I remember when I was a little girl long distance calls were expensive. Every month my Daddy had a fit when the phone bill came. She limited her call to her Momma once a week or every other week. I cannot imagine going that long without talking to my Momma. We usually talk every day and sometimes twice a day. I feel so bad when I get busy or don't feel well and miss calling her. She is the only Momma I will ever have and I need to make sure she knows she is loved!

There's a saying about how parents need to give their children roots and wings. The roots grounded in the Lord are so necessary. They give stability and security when chaos occurs. A home filled with the Lord makes the best root system ever. The wings give them freedom to be themselves. The way a child is raised determines how high they will soar. I pray for my grandchildren who are being raised in godly homes to soar to where the Lord takes them in a way that will make their parents as proud of them as I am of my boys.

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for the reminders from this song this morning. Thank You for blessing me in abundance with boys that are following You. I come in contact with many children who are not blessed with such a home life and that saddens me. Would You enable me to be You to them in ways that will help them be rooted in Your love? Father, You know my heart is breaking over two of 'my boys' who are going through difficult times. I pray for not only their physical needs but most importantly their spiritual needs. Thank You Jesus for being My Heavenly Daddy. Amen.

James 1:2-4 - "Not For A Moment"

My heart is heavy and my prayers are great for many who are going through situations that are life changing...

• the family with the accidental death of their thirteen month old
• a lady who had a stroke yesterday
• a man who is struggling with the loss of close family members over the last few years
• a pastor who is having a mass removed today from his colon
• the people who lost their homes to the recent hurricanes
• the congregations that are dealing with loss or damage of their church buildings due to the recent hurricanes
• Jeremy's family who continue to adjust to life without him on this earth
• a man with multiple health problems who has been diagnosed with an unknown blood infection
• a man whose wife died a couple years ago, his son is in prison and now he has had a stroke and wants to give up
• a young teen who was deliberately hurt and had to have surgery for the injury
• a lady who is dealing with her recent diagnosis of diabetes
• a man who is dealing with complications from diabetes and another one who cannot get his blood sugar leveled

Some of these people have physical needs. Some have emotional ones. But all of them have spiritual needs that only the Lord can meet. Some of them are in relationship with Him while others are not. The ones who believe and walk with Him know an inner strength that only He can provide. I do not know how people get through such life changing events without the Lord. As I think back on my life there are many times of turmoil even as a child. But the one constant thing I had was His strength. Even when I walked away as a young adult His strength was still there for me. I can and do pray for people every day to find Him but that is not enough. I need to make sure I am boldly proclaiming Him to those who are not in relationship with Him. I need to take every opportunity to share His love with people. There are many in my little world who are hurting badly and need His comfort. They cannot grasp the words of James 1:2-4 because they are not in relationship with Him.

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for Your love, mercy and grace! Thank You for the cleansing of Your blood over me! May You wipe anything away that hinders our relationship. Father, I pray for this day ahead to be filled with opportunities to show Your love to others. I pray for Your words, actions and attitude to be mine today. Lord, You know what is ahead in this day. May You keep my eyes open to You. Enable me to not be crabby from lack of sleep last night. Put a smile on my face even if I am struggling. May Your joy reverberate through me. I pray for Your supernatural empowerment to come down upon me as I begin this new class. It looks overwhelming but I know You are with me. Thank You Jesus for being My Constant! Amen.

I Peter 1:16b - "In The Garden"

The Lord woke me up throughout the night to pray specifically for believers who are content with stopping at salvation, their pastors who need to listen to Him on how to lead them into living a sanctified life and their worship leaders who need to draw them to the altar through the music the Lord lays on their heart. He had me pray for people to get beyond themselves and realize life is not about what they desire but what He desires. Every time I woke up He had the words to this old hymn going through my mind...

I come to the garden alone,
While the dew is still on the roses,
And the voice I hear, falling on my ear,
The Son of God discloses.

The only way to hear His voice is to be in right relationship with Him. We may think we hear Him but we won't until we are completely surrendered to Him. We cannot sing these words unless He is Lord of Lords in our life...

And He walks with me, and He talks with me,
And He tells me I am His own,
And the joy we share as we tarry there,
None other has ever known.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for giving me the privilege to pray throughout the night. I pray people will go to a corporate body of believers today where the pastor preaches what You gave them and the worship leaders have the freedom to do as the Holy Spirit leads. I pray for a willingness in the hearts of people in services today to follow Your lead. I pray for those who are on the fringe of surrender to take the plunge to living a life of holiness. Father, be my words and actions so people will see You through me. May they desire the joy I have through the life I live for You. Thank You for being My Lord of Lords. Amen.

Genesis 2:18 - "Cherish the Treasure"

God is so good and blesses me in abundance. He provides exactly what I need when I need it. A lot of times what I need is something as simple as time with my husband. Time where there are no other demands on life. It does not necessarily take money or not a lot of it has to be involved. Last night was a perfect example of how God provided time and it was for less than $25. A wonderful 2-3 hours of time with pizza, gelato and a walk at one of my favorite places by the waterfront. As we sat on the tailgate eating I thanked God for giving us this peaceful place to come to be renewed. I thought about how Judy Hawes told me of her and Jay going to the Lake to get away from the stresses of life and just sitting and talking. Doc was not in full-time ministry yet when we had the conversation so I could not fully understand what she was talking about. It seems like there is always something to do in ministry or an issue that needs dealt with. Prior to Doc being bi-vocational Fridays were my favorite day of the week because for the most part they were 'ours' to just be us. Now there are no 'our' days but we have to take snippets of time such as last night. I am reminded of Ecclesiastes 4 this morning, specifically verses nine through twelve...

9 Two are better than one,
    because they have a good return for their labor:
10 If either of them falls down,
    one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls
    and has no one to help them up.
11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
    But how can one keep warm alone?
12 Though one may be overpowered,
    two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

These words say why it is important for a couple to have a marriage with God in the center. There is strength when a couple work together in the 'good' and 'bad' times of life. But when God is the center "A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." Woo hoo! Through the time of adjustment to our new life God has remained the Center. He has to be our Center in order to be our Strength. If we allow our guard down for even one second, the enemy will tear us apart. Instead we will stand firm in our faith and be who God has called us to be.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for giving me such a wonderful husband who is a godly man. Thank You for the way You prompt him to do things for me. Thank You for prompting me to do things for him that show I love him. I pray for more marriages to have you in the center. I pray for those who are newly married as they adjust to living as a couple. I pray for those who have been married for years to become more loving to one another. I pray for those who feel like there is nothing left in their marriage to seek You for a renewal. I pray for those who take advantage or abuse their spouse to realize the gift You have given them. Lord, forgive me when I do not support my husband the way You desire. Fill me with more of You so He will see and hear You through my words and actions. May people see our marriage and have the desire to have You in theirs. Thank You Jesus for being Our Center. Amen.

Jeremiah 29:11 - "Never Been A Moment"

Sometimes I wonder why God loves me so much that He would send His One and Only Son to die on the cross and raise again just for me. 

Sometimes I wonder why He accepted me back with open arms when I walked away. Sometimes I wonder why He has me where I am today...what He desires of me...what opportunities He will give me to be Him to others. 

Sometimes I become so overwhelmed by His love, mercy and grace. 

Sometimes I just sit in awe of Him.

I can't imagine life without Him. It blows my mind on how people can get through the ups and downs of life without His hope. I am so grateful for the way He gives me hope no matter what is happening. I feel like I have let Him down this week with being so engrossed in all that is going on. I feel like I have missed opportunities He has put before me. That saddens me. I just would like life to be back to normal...whatever that is. I need to feel physically renewed instead of so tired. I pray for a restoration in my physical body to happen soon. These days of not feeling like I can put one foot in front of the other are hard. Seeing things around me that I would like to do and not having the energy to do them makes me just want to cry. But then I am reminded of Jeremiah 29:11...

He knows what will happen in this day and what will happen in the days to come. He has a plan for me. He knows how I am feeling in my physical body and He knows how and when I will feel better. He knows how He gives me hope for 'better' days. Plain and simple. He knows. That is all that matters. I do not have to sit and wonder if or when things will change because I know He is in control. I do not have to worry because I have faith in Him. Life is challenging yet that is where my faith deepens the most. Woo hoo! I am thankful for anything that draws me closer to Him. 

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for the rest You provided yesterday. Thank You for the day that is ahead. Whatever You lead me to do, I will do. Wherever You lead, I will go. I am Your servant. I pray for restoration in my physical body which will also restore my mental and emotional body. I pray for more of You to fill me so You will be seen and heard through me. I pray for those who are hurting so deeply from the recent weather events. I pray they will have someone be You to them in a way that will draw them to You. Lord, be with the ones who are going through tough days in ministry. May they see You through someone today that will encourage them. Thank You Jesus for being My Hope. Amen.

John 10:10 - "Old Church Choir"

Yesterday was exhausting as I tried to get the yard cleaned up before Doc got home from work. It wasn't done but there was a big dent in it when he got home. But then the boards had to come down off the windows. I helped for the first couple but did not think I could continue. What a blessing for the neighbor to come over and help. He told Doc I looked pretty tired. That was an understatement. I tried to continue helping but realized God provided him for a reason so I went inside and laid down. I was grateful I had put supper in the crock pot earlier in the day. As soon as we ate I showered, put on my jammies and laid down even though it was only 6:15. That is where I stayed for the evening. Reading and relaxing. I fell asleep soon after 10 only to be woke up by a chirping in the smoke detector. Mordecei is so afraid of that noise so I woke Doc to take care of it and I went back to sleep. I didn't even hear his alarm go off but woke up to him making noise this morning. I was mad he had not woke me because I was going to have to rush to get his breakfast ready before he left for work. We weren't communicating very well and that caused issues. Then I remembered the song the Lord woke me up to...

I've got an old church choir singing in my soul
I've got a sweet salvation and it's beautiful
I've got a heart overflowing cause I've been restored
No there ain't nothing gonna steal my joy

Duh! I need to remember these words every day but especially on days when the enemy tries to cause me problems. He sees my tiredness as an open door. I cannot allow that to happen! No matter how tired I am I have to stay on my guard against him. He does not belong in my life. God is the Only One to have a say for me. I thought of the towel Doc bought me in New Orleans and chuckled. 

The enemy better be afraid of me because I am not going to allow him any say-so in my day. Yes, I am exhausted and yes there is a lot that needs done today. But God is in control. If He tells me to rest, I will rest. If He tells me to get things accomplished, that is what will happen. But I refuse to listen to the enemy. He will only cause me issues. God will provide peace. God was the One to provide salvation for me. He was the One to provide restoration in my soul when I walked away. He is the One who provides joy in my spirit. Plain and simple. He is the One. The only way to continue having Him in my life is to stay focused on Him. That is my goal every day. Then, and only then, I will have His joy living in and through me. 

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for loving me so greatly that You remind me of things such as how to have Your joy. Thank You for giving me opportunities to see how You work in and through me. Thank You for Your supernatural strength that enabled me to accomplish what I did yesterday. Father, I am so tired but You already know that. I am physically and emotionally drained and need Your rest. I pray for an outpouring of Your Holy Spirit to come down upon me in a mighty way. I pray for You to be so very real to me that I do not miss any opportunity to be You today. Fill me to overflowing with more of You so You ooze out of my words, actions and attitude. Thank You Jesus for being My One and Only. Amen.

Nehemiah 8:10b - "Thrive"

Last night was not really night at all with little sleep. I don't know what was wrong with us. Neither of us could sleep and we were both so tired. Doc said he had too much going through his mind. Work, church, the yard mess, the boards needing taken down off the windows, etc. I tried praying but God told me to rest. Throughout the night the words to "Thrive" kept going through my mind, particularly these words...

Joy unspeakable, faith unsinkable,
Love unstoppable, anything is possible

Yes! We cannot allow the enemy any foothold into our lives. We cannot allow things like Hurricane Irma to take our joy. We must stand firm in our faith. We must continue to have God's love flow from us 24/7. Then and only then will we realize the fullness of His glory. We need to remember to show Him our gratefulness. I was starting to grumble yesterday about this week. It is my off week from school so I usually get caught up on house stuff, filing, reading for leisure, visiting more, etc. Instead I am faced with getting the inside of my house put back together, cleaning up the yard and taking down boards. BUT we are alive and our house is fine. That is something to be thankful for! My hurting body is not something to grumble about but be thankful for! My tears are not something to be mad about but to be thankful I can still cry. God is so good. If Irma would have taken her original track, we may not be here or at least our house may not be. We were inconvenienced with being away for four nights along with the expense but that is nothing compared to those in Florida and in Texas from Hurricane Harvey. I refuse to allow the enemy a foothold into my life. I am keeping my joy and going deeper in my faith. His love WILL flow out of me even in times of a hurting body and a compromised mental state. He is my Lord of Lords and King of Kings and I will praise His Holy Name throughout this day. He will be my Strength and will give me wisdom on when to work and when to rest.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for this song again that inspires me to do a better job at being joyful as I look out at the yard. Thank You for the way You protected us and our home through Irma. Thank You for the friends and family who encouraged us over this last week. Thank You for the protection over our church family and their property. Thank You for no damage to the church building. Father, be with those who are dealing with major damages and loss of life. I pray for the home we passed yesterday that had the tree go through it. Lord, bless them in a mighty way. I also pray for a cleansing in my spirit. Fill me to overflowing with more of You so Your words, actions, and attitude will be mine today. Empower me with your supernatural empowerment throughout this day. I pray the same for Doc. Thank You Jesus for being Our Strength. Amen.