Psalm 91 - "See Me Through It"

The words of Psalm 91 are ones I hold near and dear to my heart. God is so good to encourage me through His Word, songs, people, etc. This picture was one I took when I went to pick daffodils last week. It was more of an emotional day than I expected. Memories of picking them with Doc the last time I was there overwhelmed me. Yesterday when Dr. Bechtel told me I tested positive for COVID I became overwhelmed again and once again the ugly tears fell. I was so grateful for the way he allowed me to cry and listened to my story of losing my Rickey in December from COVID. I am grateful for the opportunity to get a medicine that was just approved in late December for people at high risk with COVID. I know having MS makes me high risk but hearing him talk about it was hard. Psalm 91 is so encouraging to read especially in these days. I am assured of His protection in verses one through six. I am assured of victory in this life which will lead to eternal life with Him in verses seven through thirteen. Verses fourteen through sixteen are the 'icing on the cake' with the blessings I receive every day through His presence, protection, promotion, prosperity, and preservation. Praise His Holy Name! This morning my friend Kelly shared a song by Brandon Heath called "See Me Through It" and I was blessed in abundance.

I know you’re gonna see me through it

If anybody can you can do it

God I know in the trial and the pain

Fire and the rain

You’re gonna see me through it

Woo hoo! Yes! God sees us through everything that we go through. Nothing surprises Him. He already knows what will happen. We just need to trust Him through the 'good' days and the 'tough' days. The more we trust Him the deeper our faith will go.

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for being with me in the 'good' days and the 'tough' days! Thank You for Dr. Bechtel being so compassionate when I fell apart yesterday! Thank You for the opportunity to take this medication! Lord, continue to heal my body through medication, rest, time, etc. Thank You for not only healing me physically but also mentally and emotionally! Lord, continue to be with Anna, Michael, Matt, and myself as we continue to miss my Rickey. It is hard to believe it was two months ago today the doctors made 'the' decision. Lord, I know there are many going through losses and I pray for them to lean into Your strength. I pray the same for: My Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Tony and Madeline; Pete and Delores; Steve;  Cait; Mike; Norma Hall; Little Jensen who needs a heart; Sharon Sebolt and her Momma Shirley; the Pottenger Family; Serena and her husband; some young ladies with anxiety; a man in rehab for anger issues; a young man out of rehab who needs strength in his daily walk; a husband/father separated from his wife; Kristen Batten; Joe Miles; those with COVID either themselves or in their family; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments...Doug and Gay; Sharon's daughter Ashley and niece Amy; Chrissy's cousins; George and Sharon; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Elaine Stoltzfus; Patty Perkins; Tammie; Little Ivy and Dorothy's grandson with leukemia; Betty's friend in New York' and my friend diagnosed with mesothelioma. I pray for: Jonathan whose mother was diagnosed with a brain tumor; a set of twins who were born premature; a young Momma in premature labor; and Kenny and Terri as Kenneth is deployed. Oh Lord, be so close to these families. Thank You for being My Healer! Amen. 

Psalm 3; Ephesians 6 - "Weary Traveler"

The Lord took me to Psalm 3 this morning which reminded me of how many times King David felt overwhelmed with being under attack. He had times where he was physically attacked along with times of being mentally and emotionally attacked. I can so relate to him these days. Out of the blue yesterday afternoon I started with a cough and sore throat. Urgh! Not what I need any day but especially on the weekend with preaching. Verse five of Psalm 3 reads in The Voice: I lie down at night and fall asleep. I awake in the morning—healthy, strong, vibrant—because the Eternal supports me. I slept well last night but I do not feel healthy, strong, vibrant in my physical body this morning. But I know God is with me and will provide exactly what I need to do His will. He reminded me I may not feel healthy, strong, vibrant in my physical body but I am healthy, strong, vibrant in my spiritual body as long as I do not allow an enemy an open door. He also reminded me to put on His full armor before starting my day. Belt of truth. Breastplate of righteousness. Shoes of the gospel of peace. Shield of faith. Helmet of salvation. and the Sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6). Paul continues in The Message in verses fourteen through eighteen: Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out. I am thankful for many who pray for me. I also am thankful for the way God brings people to my mind to pray for. The words to the song the song "Weary Traveler" are on my heart this morning. I am thankful I have the Hope of Christ in eternal life.

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

Praise God for the knowledge that the battles on this earth will not be a part of life in heaven. I am so thankful for this reminder. When I feel like I can't go on, He encourages me to keep on keepin' on! I cannot give up no matter how much I feel like I want to do so. I cannot allow the enemy an open door. Instead I need to stand in the Lord and allow Him to work in and through me.

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for the opportunity to pray for pastors before going to bed, throughout the night, and again this morning! I know I am not the only one discouraged. Lord, put people before us who will speak life into us. Father, I need Your physical touch to not just get through this morning but to glorify You through it. May You be my strength in a mighty way. I pray this for all pastors. I also pray for many who will wake up and decide whether they are going to church or not. May You be so real to all. I pray for many going through 'tough' days to realize when they spend their days on this earth for You they will spend eternity with You. My Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Tony and Madeline; Pete and Delores; Steve;  Cait; Mike; Norma Hall; Little Jensen who needs a heart; Sharon Sebolt and her Momma Shirley; the Pottenger Family; Serena and her husband; some young ladies with anxiety; a man in rehab for anger issues; a young man out of rehab who needs strength in his daily walk; a husband/father separated from his wife; Kristen Batten; Joe Miles; those with COVID either themselves or in their family; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments...Doug and Gay; Sharon's daughter Ashley and niece Amy; Chrissy's cousins; George and Sharon; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Elaine Stoltzfus; Tammie; Little Ivy and Dorothy's grandson with leukemia; Betty's friend in New York' and my friend diagnosed with mesothelioma. I pray for: Jonathan whose mother was diagnosed with a brain tumor; a set of twins who were born premature; a young Momma in premature labor; and Kenny and Terri as Kenneth is deployed. Oh Lord, be so close to these families. I pray continued healing in Anna, Michael, Matt, and myself as we continue to miss my Rickey being here with us. I was thinking this morning about how hard the trip is on Sunday morning without him 'talking me to church' as he would say. I miss our conversations so much. I know the kids do too. I pray You will continue to heal our hurts. Thank You for being My Strength! Amen. 

Psalm 67; Numbers 6:24-26; Matthew 25:46 - "The Blessing"

 

The Lord took me to Psalm 67 this morning which is a reflection of Numbers 6:24-26. I was reminded of a song called "The Blessing" that comes from these Scriptures. God is so good in the way He loves on us and provides exactly what we need. Last night was a perfect example of His care for me. I had plans but I was exhausted. Instead of doing what I planned I ended up in my nightgown by 6PM and snuggled under my afghan. There was a point I tried doing some paperwork but that did not even happen. I pushed myself all week after being sick last week. I tried to get everything accomplished as 'normal' but my body stopped. I am so thankful for the way God takes care of such situations. These Scriptures and song are perfect to ponder upon this morning. There are a couple things on the calendar but for the most part it is an 'easy' day ahead. Of course, that is subject to change with whatever the Lord desires of me but no matter what happens I will remember...

May His favor be upon you
And a thousand generations
And your family and your children
And their children, and their children

May His presence go before you
And behind you, and beside you
All around you, and within you
He is with you, He is with you

In the morning, in the evening
In your coming, and your going
In your weeping, and rejoicing
He is for you, He is for you

God desires to bless us. He desires to take care of us and shower His love, grace, and mercy upon us as we live a life pleasing to Him. The more we strive to live in His presence the more we will experience a life filled with His peace. Living in His presence glorifies God through our actions, words, attitude, and thoughts. Woo hoo! I pray each morning for God to cleanse me so He can fill me. Some people are of the mind-set repentance is a one-time thing to happen but that is not true. We must repent for both the known and the unknown sins every day. We cannot have a barrier between us and God. Sin is a barrier that will take away bits and pieces of our relationship with Him. Sin will cause eternal separation from God. I desire to be a sheep and not a goat as Matthew 25:46 speaks of in regard to eternal life. I desire to live as God desires of me. As I allow Him to be Who He desires in my life His plans for me will be lived out. Sometimes I wonder what is ahead but then I realize it would not be good for any of us to know the future. If we did, we would manipulate it to be as we desired. "Go with the flow..." was a way of living I learn long ago. Sometimes 'Plan A' turns into 'Plan B, C, D...' No matter what happens in a day as long as I am living in God's presence life is good. I learned long ago to not get upset over schedule changes because God already knew they would happen. I was thinking the other day as another change occurred about how my Rickey called it having 'doctor office hours' with his students. He would have a schedule but then it would change. There would be ones cancel and ones to call for unexpected lessons. He said my life was much the same with ministry. Thankfully he never allowed schedule changes to upset him either. We must remember God is in control when we allow Him and is always with us. Praise His Holy Name!

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead today! Thank You for the way You direct my path! Thank You for the blessings of Psalm 67 and Numbers 6 along with the song "The Blessing"! You are such a good, good God! Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. May You flow from my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts today in a mighty way. May people see/hear You instead of me. Lord, my heart is heavy for so many going through difficult days. Some are due to health issues or deaths in themselves, family, or friends. Some are struggling with relationship issues. I pray especially for those who are not in relationship with You to get to the end of themselves and allow You to be their King of Kings and Lord of Lords. I pray for those in relationship with You to dig deeper in their faith so You can be Who You desire to be in their life. I pray continued healing in Anna, Michael, Matt, and myself as we continue to miss my Rickey being here with us. Lord, be greater than the hurts of being separated from Him. I pray Your peace over: My Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Tony and Madeline; Pete and Delores; Steve;  Cait; Mike; Norma Hall; Little Jensen who needs a heart; Sharon Sebolt and her Momma Shirley; the Pottenger Family; Serena and her husband; some young ladies with anxiety; a man in rehab for anger issues; a young man out of rehab who needs strength in his daily walk; a husband/father separated from his wife; Kristen Batten; Joe Miles; those with COVID either themselves or in their family; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments...Doug and Gay; Sharon's daughter Ashley and niece Amy; Chrissy's cousins; George and Sharon; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Elaine Stoltzfus; Tammie; Little Ivy and Dorothy's grandson with leukemia; Betty's friend in New York' and my friend diagnosed with mesothelioma. I pray for: Jonathan whose mother was diagnosed with a brain tumor; a set of twins who were born premature; a young Momma in premature labor; and Kenny and Terri as Kenneth is deployed. Oh Lord, be so close to these families. Be greater than the hurts of life. Thank You for being My Blessing! Amen.

Isaiah 43; Psalm 23 - "All Things New"

Walking into the sanctuary with a cane, very nauseated, very emotional, in pain...

Dancing out of the sanctuary on my own strength, feeling very joyful and thankful...

I went expecting...I received...praise His Holy Name!!!

How well I remember six years ago on this day. That night was amazing in not only my life but in the lives of many others. God showed Himself in some big ways! He showered many with physical healings but there were also relationships healed that night, emotional hurts healed, financial hurts healed...the list goes on and on. The smiles on faces were priceless as pain was eradicated from bodies. I remember as I listened to the truth from Brother Dan being given I kept praying for miracles to occur. Of course I wanted a miracle in my own body but I kept telling the Lord what I really wanted was His will. When Brother Dan asked for any who wanted to receive empowerment to come forward, many went and stood across the front of the sanctuary. Suddenly I found myself kneeling on the steps...crying out...begging the Lord to take away my affliction. I don't know how long I was there but I felt hands touching me and heard prayers all around me. I begged and pleaded the Lord for Him to take it away. It seemed like it was so long that I continued. I cried...I moaned...I talked to Him. All of a sudden I felt different. There was peace in my stomach. I felt as if I was going to burst. Then I heard, "Sheila...Sheila...come here..." I walked over to Brother Dan and he prayed over me. He commanded the MS out of my body. He commanded restoration in the myelin of my brain. He commanded the pain to be gone from my legs. He commanded my site to be pure. He commanded fear to be gone from my life. With the authority given to him by the Holy Spirit he commanded. Woo hoo! The warmth flowed from the tip of my head to the tip of my toes and I was overwhelmed by His Spirit. I'm not sure what happened for a few minutes...the Spirit overtook me. My next recollection was sitting in front of Brother Dan and him praying over me more. He said the Lord was doing more than healing. "New things" were happening. This fulfilled what the Lord told me a couple days ago about "new life"...

It hit me this morning that it has been almost nine months since the MS exasperation hit my body. Nine months. What else takes nine months in a woman's body? New life. The Lord has seen me through some pretty rough days over these last months. He has seen me through treatments, physical therapy, sickness but He has been my strength through it all. Yes, there have been days I have felt like giving up but I refuse because He will not allow me to let the enemy win. 

I persevered...I refused to give up even that night as I begged the Lord to take away my affliction I did not give up. The enemy tried to get me to by telling me the Lord was not going to heal me again. I told the enemy that I was the King's Daughter and He would heal me. I trusted Him. I had faith in Him. I know He loves me. Those are the reasons I continued pleading. As I prayed I thought about the promises in Isaiah 43 and knew I had to stand on them.

 

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. Do not be afraid, for I am with you...

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.

Praise His Holy Name! "...a new thing..." Yes! That is exactly what happened that night for not just myself but for many. The Lord woke me up that night at at 3:23 and 5:32. I was saddened with why He woke me. He said, "Daughter, pray against those who received but are doubting." So I prayed their strength in the Lord would be greater than the doubts and lies of the enemy. I prayed they would bask in the Lord's presence instead of wallowing in the enemy's junk. I also prayed for those who received but didn't realize what the Lord had done for them. I prayed against spiritual attacks on people. Those are prayers I pray often. So many times the enemy tries to get a foothold. He tries to tear apart what God has done in our lives. I am reminded of a sermon from a couple weeks ago. God created good things that the enemy manipulates and makes bad. We must be strong in the Lord and not allow that to happen. Yesterday was a perfect example of how the enemy tried to take God's creation in the daffodil field and use it to make me doubt God's love for me. He did not win. Yes, the tears fell but I did not wallow in the grief but embraced it. Praise His Holy Name. This morning I am thankful for the reminder of the promises of Isaiah 43 and Psalm 23. 

1) “The Lord is my Shepherd = That's Relationship!

2) I shall not want = That's Supply!

3) He maketh me to lie down in green pastures = That's Rest!

4) He leadeth me beside the still waters = That's Refreshment!

5) He restoreth my soul = That's Healing!

6) He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness = That's Guidance!

7) For His name sake = That's Purpose!

8) Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death = That's Testing!

9) I will fear no evil = That's Protection!

10) For Thou art with me = That's Faithfulness!

11) Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me = That's Discipline!

12) Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies = That's Hope!

13) Thou anointest my head with oil = That's Consecration!

14) My cup runneth over = That's Abundance!

15) Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life = That's Blessing!

16) And I will dwell in the house of the Lord = That's Security!

17) Forever” = That's Eternity!

I am holding these promises close to my heart along with the words to a song Big Daddy Weave sings called "All Things New"...

Only You can bring such beauty from the depths of all my pain
Only You can take this shattered heart and make it beat again
Oh, You hold us all together in Your hands
I surrender all I have and all I am

You make all things new
You make all things new
God of mercy and love
Do what only You can do and make all things new

From the ashes, from the dust
I will rise up, rise up
Out of darkness into the light
I will rise up, rise up

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead today! Thank You for being with me when I fell apart and the ugly tears fell! Thank You for the healing words Rebecca Belt 'spoke' over me and for the promises of Isaiah 23, Psalm 23, and the song "You Make All Things New"! What an awesome God You are to bring these things before me. Lord, I pray You will continue to be with Anna, Michael, Matt, and myself on this journey of grief with Rickey's death. I pray You will continue to be with me in times such as yesterday when I missed Doc so greatly. Goodness, grief is hard but I know You are with me. I pray Your peace over many going through 'tough' days. My Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Tony and Madeline; Pete and Delores; Steve;  Cait; Mike; Norma Hall; Little Jensen who needs a heart; Sharon Sebolt and her Momma Shirley; the Pottenger Family; Serena and her husband; some young ladies with anxiety; a man in rehab for anger issues; a young man out of rehab who needs strength in his daily walk; a husband/father separated from his wife; Kristen Batten; Joe Miles; those with COVID either themselves or in their family; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments...Doug and Gay; Sharon's daughter Ashley and niece Amy; Chrissy's cousins; George and Sharon; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Elaine Stoltzfus; Tammie; Little Ivy; Betty's friend in New York' and my friend recently diagnosed with mesothelioma. I pray for: Jonathan whose mother was diagnosed with a brain tumor; a set of twins who were born premature; a young Momma in premature labor; Dorothy's grandson diagnosed with leukemia; and Kenny and Terri as Kenneth is deployed. Oh Lord, be so close to these families. Be greater than the hurts of the heart. Thank You for being My Healer! Amen.

Psalm 19 - "Too Good To Not Believe"

God directed me to read Psalm 19 this morning. What a treasure these words of David are to read. I love the word pictures he gives with his writing. I also love the pictures God gives us with His nature. What a magnificent Artist God is as He gives us beauty to enjoy in His creation. I am jealous as I see pictures people have taken in my little world. I miss out on so much but am thankful for those who share what they see. This particular sunset was one my Rickey and I had the opportunity to experience one evening when we went down to walk at the waterfront. Sometimes I wonder what pictures would look like if I carried a camera with me but I am thankful for the camera on my phone to capture such times. David writes in the beginning of Psalm 19 in The Message about sunrises and sunsets. He refers to them as Madame Day and Professor Night. God speaks to us through His creation. He blesses us with seeing His glory in its splendor. His nature shows us what we need to see if we bask in His presence and allow Him to guide us. God wants to reveal to us the desires of His heart and many times that occurs through His nature.  I love verses seven through nine...

The revelation of God is whole
    and pulls our lives together.
The signposts of God are clear
    and point out the right road.
The life-maps of God are right,
    showing the way to joy.
The directions of God are plain
    and easy on the eyes.
God’s reputation is twenty-four-carat gold,
    with a lifetime guarantee.
The decisions of God are accurate
    down to the nth degree

Woo hoo! When we allow God to direct us, we will be blessed in abundance in so many ways. We will realize His love to a greater degree by allowing Him to not only love on us but love on others through us. This is such an important aspect of life to realize. David tells us in Psalm 19 to start our day before God asking Him to Clean the slate, God, so we can start the day fresh! (vs 12). That is exactly how I start every day. I do not want anything between Him and I but instead want to be able to not only hear His voice but walk in obedience to Him. When I start the day in this way, I know I can stand in the words of the remainder of this Psalm. 

Then I can start this day sun-washed,
    scrubbed clean of the grime of sin.
These are the words in my mouth;
    these are what I chew on and pray.
Accept them when I place them
    on the morning altar,
O God, my Altar-Rock,
    God, Priest-of-My-Altar.

The desire of our heart should be to live as the Lord desires every day. As humans this will not always happen but the more we strive to live reflecting His love the more we will. 

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead today! It was so good to get back into the swing of Wednesday night activities. What a blessing to see the children and teens. Thank You Father for blessing me so greatly! Thank You for Psalm 19 that reiterates the importance of starting each day with You with a clean slate. Father, cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. May people see/hear You instead of me today. Father, once again I ask for Your protection over those in the snow/ice storm. I pray my Momma will keep power and I pray for wisdom for all involved. Thank You for being with Joe and Betty with surgeries yesterday! Thank You for continuing to heal Baby Henry as he continues this road from heart surgery! Thank You for continuing to give Anna, Michael, Matt, and myself what we need as we continue on the road of grief from losing my Rickey! Thank You for all the ways You encourage those who are hurting! I pray Your peace over: My Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Tony and Madeline; Pete and Delores; Steve;  Cait; Mike; Norma Hall; Little Jensen who needs a heart; Sharon Sebolt and her Momma Shirley; the Pottenger Family; Serena and her husband; some young ladies with anxiety; a man in rehab for anger issues; a young man out of rehab who needs strength in his daily walk; a husband/father separated from his wife; Kristen Batten; those with COVID either themselves or in their family; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments...Doug and Gay; Sharon's daughter Ashley and niece Amy; Chrissy's cousins; George and Sharon; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Elaine Stoltzfus; Tammie; Little Ivy; Betty's friend in New York' and my friend recently diagnosed with mesothelioma. I pray for: Jonathan whose mother was diagnosed with a brain tumor; a set of twins who were born premature; a young Momma in premature labor; Dorothy's grandson diagnosed with leukemia; and Kenny and Terri as Kenneth is deployed. Oh Lord, be so close to these families. So, so many hurting situations. Thank You for being My Great Artist! Amen.

Psalm 98 - "How Great Thou Art"

The Lord took me to Psalm 98 this morning. This Psalm is one that encourages us to praise God. Matthew Henry discusses God giving us a 'new song' when we accept Jesus into our heart. I was thinking about how God gave me a 'new song' yesterday. I was struggling yesterday morning with everything seeming to go wrong. 'Little things' like not being able to find my bottle of water I had just opened became 'big things.' Walking from one room to the next and not remembering why is a common occurrence for me but yesterday morning it happened multiple times in a short time frame. Putting on a shirt only to find it had stains on it, toe nail polish being messed up, schedule being changed...the list goes on and on. I did two things. First, I asked for people to pray for me. Second, I reminded myself none of these things made a difference in my spiritual life unless I allowed the enemy an open door. When I finally got in the car to leave, I saw a Dunkin Donuts gift card someone sent me and that put a smile on my face. God gave me an awesome day with a fun time making crafts for shoeboxes with Marion, a visit with Rhonda, a visit with the Nestor Family, multiple conversations with my Momma, and getting home from the day before dark. He gave me a 'new song' because I was open to it. He provided me exactly what I needed throughout the day. Psalm 98:1 reads in The Passion Translation: Go ahead—sing your brand-new song to the Lord! He is famous for his miracles and marvels, for he is victorious through his mighty power and holy strength. Woo hoo! I love this! God performed a miracle yesterday in my life by turning a 'trying' time into a blessed one. He performed a miracle in the way He took the tears that fell and used them to heal another part of my heart. He performed a miracle by giving me His peace in my spirit. Plain and simple. He performed many miracles yesterday throughout my day. Praise His Holy Name! One of my favorite songs came on the radio as I was driving through town. I was praising Him as I lifted my voice to Him. I chuckled when I was at a stop light as I wondered what the people beside me were thinking if they saw me singing with my hands lifted to Him. It does not matter what people think. God is the Only One that matters. Verse five reads, Sing your melody of praise to the Lord and make music like never before! Amen! This verse reminded me of the day I was driving through town with my sunroof open, my Rickey playing on the mandolin, and me singing "How Great Thou Art" as he played. Music can happen in our lives as we allow it. It can be that we sing with instruments or not. We can be alone or with others. No matter what the circumstances we need to allow God to flow from us. When I found Doyle Lawson's video of "How Great Thou Art", I wondered if the mandolin he is playing is the same one my Rickey bought of his last fall. I love how God brings such things to my mind and for all the memories I have. I remember one time of him picking up Doc's guitar when he was here. He played and we were singing...awww the memories! Once again I am thankful for the new song God gave me for the season I had him in my life. I also am grateful for the new song He is giving me for the days ahead. Praise His Holy Name!

Dear Jesus, Thank You for a great day yesterday! Thank You for the joy I received in hearing Marion chuckle as we made crafts for shoeboxes! Thank You for putting a 'new song' in my heart! Thank You for the memory of singing "How Great Thou Art" as my Rickey played it over the phone as I drove through town! Thank You for the continued ways You love on Anna, Michael, Matt, and myself on this journey of grief! Thank You for the way You are with me when I pass his dream estate he wanted to buy for us! I am so thankful the ugly tears do not fall every time I pass it now. Lord, I pray for so many who are grieving to find Your peace. Some are grieving over deaths of loved ones. Some are grieving over loss of jobs, relationships, etc. No matter what the loss, I pray Your peace for them. I pray for so many going through 'tough' days to receive Your peace. I pray for Joe Miles who is having kidney surgery today and for all facing the winter storm up north to have Your peace. I pray against my Momma's electric going out and Your protection over all. As I read about the storm I am reminded of the ice storm that caused my MS so many issues when we were in Willard. Lord, be greater than the stresses of life. I pray for: My Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Tony and Madeline; Pete and Delores; Steve;  Cait; Mike; Norma Hall; Little Jensen who needs a heart; Sharon Sebolt and her Momma Shirley; the Pottenger Family; Serena and her husband; some young ladies with anxiety; a man in rehab for anger issues; a young man out of rehab who needs strength in his daily walk; a husband/father separated from his wife; Mary Lilly; Kristen Batten; those with COVID either themselves or in their family; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments...Doug and Gay; Sharon's daughter Ashley and niece Amy; Chrissy's cousins; George and Sharon; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Elaine Stoltzfus; Tammie; Little Ivy; Betty's friend in New York' and my friend recently diagnosed with mesothelioma. I pray for: Jonathan whose mother was diagnosed with a brain tumor; Little Henry and Noel who had heart surgeries; a set of twins who were born premature; and a young Momma in premature labor. Oh Lord, be so close to these families. So, so many hurting situations. Thank You for being My New Song! Amen.

Psalm 34 - "Into The Sea"

It is so hard to believe it is the first of February! Where did January go? February is known as the month of love with having Valentine's Day. I was praying this morning for many who struggle with this month. It is hard for many to see heart decorations everywhere. Those without a special person in their life struggle with seeing couples. Yesterday when I was at the waterfront I saw a couple having a picnic lunch. I thought of the time my Rickey and I picked up sandwiches at Alvin Ord's to eat there before I went to see Marion. This time when the memory came to me I didn't cry as in times past but I know the tears will probably happen again. February is a month of expectation for many ladies waiting on their honey to 'pop' the question for marriage. It is a month of expectation for many couples who are trying to conceive. This morning I am praying for...

• widows/widowers who are missing their spouse
• those single who desire to have a special someone in their life
• couples who are financially strapped and trying to figure out a way to celebrate Valentine's Day
• couples who find themselves once again disappointed with not being pregnant
• little boys and girls who don't have what other kids have to share for Valentine's Day
• parents who are grieving what their sick child is missing out on and those who are grieving the loss of their child
• men who want to propose yet are afraid of being rejected or afraid the ring won't be 'perfect' for their special lady

February is definitely an emotional month whether 'good' or 'bad' emotions show through. It is a month many want to just get over with. Maybe that is why God made it the shortest month of the year. LOL. February definitely does not look for me as I thought it would. My Rickey and I had talked of spending Valentine's Day together and he kept hinting it would be one I would never forget. I do not understand the 'why?' of why he was taken so soon but I do know God has me here for a reason. That reason is to love with His love. All who believe in Him need to get better at sharing his love. The season He gave me with my Rickey was special. He left me with a lot of memories that will be with me for the rest of my life. God loved me so much through the thirty plus years with Doc and then with the time with my Rickey. God used both of them to make me be who He desires me to be. I am so thankful for that. I am thankful for the knowledge their love for me will always be with me. Praise His Holy Name! As the calendar changes to February I need to be more intentional in loving people with His love. He loves me greatly and I feel His love every moment of the day. Therefore, I need to make sure others feel His love too. There are so many hurting people who will experience deep hurt this month. This morning I am reminded of a song Paul shared with me right after Doc's death called "Into The Sea" and pray for those hurting to grasp the knowledge no matter what their circumstances God is with them and "It's gonna be ok."

Though the mountains may be moved into the sea Though the ground beneath might crumble and give way I can hear my Father singing over me "It’s gonna be ok, it’s gonna be ok"

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for reminding me to pray for those strugging with this new month! Thank You for the memories, pictures, texts, voice mails, etc. I have of Doc and my Rickey! Thank You for giving me to opportunity to be loved by them! Lord, empower me to be more intentional to love with Your love. 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 today. It seems like these last twenty-four hours have been filled with memories of my Rickey more than usual. Thank You for each memory I have! Thank You for continuing to be with Anna, Michael, Matt, and myself as we continue this journey! Lord, I pray for You to be so close to those who are hurting. I pray Your presence over: My Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Tony and Madeline; Pete and Delores; Steve;  Cait; Mike; Norma Hall; Little Jensen who needs a heart; Sharon Sebolt and her Momma Shirley; the Pottenger Family; Serena and her husband; some young ladies with anxiety; a man in rehab for anger issues; a young man out of rehab who needs strength in his daily walk; a husband/father separated from his wife; Mary Lilly; Kristen Batten; those with COVID either themselves or in their family; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments...Doug and Gay; Sharon's daughter Ashley and niece Amy; Chrissy's cousins; George and Sharon; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Elaine Stoltzfus; Tammie; Little Ivy; Betty's friend in New York' and my friend recently diagnosed with mesothelioma. I pray for: Jonathan whose mother was diagnosed with a brain tumor; Little Henry and Noel who had heart surgeries; a set of twins who were born premature; and a young Momma in premature labor. Oh Lord, be so close to these families. So, so many hurting situations.  Thank You for being The One Who Loves Me! Amen.