Psalm 39 - "Weary Traveler"

 

Sometimes people disappoint us but God is always there to love us through such times. Sometimes we disappoint ourselves and once again God is there to love us through such times. This morning He took me to Psalm 39. I am so grateful for the way He speaks to me and for the way I have the desire in my heart to not only hear Him but to walk in obedience to Him. This Psalm is one David wrote about the frailty of man. David asked God to show him his life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is (NIV). I do not care to know how long I will be on this earth. I know when it is God's time for me to leave it will be so. I do believe we need to live as each day may be our last. We need to think before we speak and be intentional in loving with God's love. Some days are harder than others because people are human. They will say/do things that hurt us, upset us, etc. We should not lash out on them or take things personally. Instead we need to give it to God and allowed Him to take care of things. We are described in verse twelve of this chapter in the NLV: For I am your guest--a traveler passing through, as my ancestors were before me. Praise God this is not where we will be forever. As we live for Him on this earth we will live with Him for eternity. Woo hoo! I am so ready to no longer deal with people's 'junk' but I know until my time to leave this earth I must. I can so relate to the song "Weary Traveler" this morning...

You keep on givin'
But everyday this world just keeps on takin'
Your tired heart is on the edge of breaking
Carry on

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

Yes! Praise God! The weariness of this world will be gone when we get to heaven! The 'junk' people live in will no longer be in heaven. The disappointments of life will be a thing of the past when we get to heaven. Praise His Holy Name!

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead today! Thank You for going before me as I see the oncologist today and lead board meeting tonight! Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You and less of me. May people see/hear You instead of me in my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts. May I have Your peace in abundance. I pray the same for many going through 'tough' times. 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; 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; Pastor Sam; Mary Lilley; Preacher Bill Watts; those with COVID either themselves or in their family; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Timmy; Nada and her family; Pastor Todd's family; Amber; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments...Doug and Gay; Patty's daughter Tracy; Sharon's daughter Ashley and niece Amy; Chrissy's cousins; Debbie's husband Kelly; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Patti Perkins; Tammie; Betty's friend in New York'; my friend diagnosed with mesothelioma; Dorothy's grandson; Little Ivy; Elaine; and my friend having a biopsy today. I pray for: Jonathan whose mother was diagnosed with a brain tumor, the Long Family, Baby Henry, and Christina and her family, I pray for all our military and their families to lean into Your strength. Lord, continue to give Anna, Michael, Matt, and myself what we need on 'tough' days without my Rickey. Yesterday when You changed the radio station to bluegrass as I was thinking how I missed him 'talking me to church' I laughed even through the tears. You are so good to provide exactly what is needed in the grieving process. Thank You Jesus for being My Everything! Amen.

Acts 20:28 - "Rise"

Yesterday was a different day than I anticipated but it was a 'good' day. The plan was to meet up with friends for lunch downtown to celebrate Doc's birthday. The weather didn't cooperate so we postponed. I spent the day watching movies, finishing a grand baby gift, baking, etc. Last night before going to bed I prayed for pastors. I prayed for them again during the night and this morning. Recently I have read many posts from people who are praying for pastors. I don't think people realize how much encouragement pastors need. I was reading in Acts this week and came upon a statement Paul made to the Ephesian elders that is applicable to all pastors. He encouraged them to make sure they were living as they should be so they could lead their flock in the manner God desired. It is important for church leaders to live as God desires. If we do not live our life in a manner we can hear God's voice and walk in obedience to Him, we cannot expect to lead others to live in such manner. I ask God every day to cleanse me so He can fill me. Then, and only then, can I live as He desires. I love how Guzik put it. "The godly leader knows that effective leadership flows from a life, not just knowledge." Yes! We must live out what we preach. We need to be a living example for God so He can use us as He desires. We also need to remember wherever God puts us is where He desires us to be but it is never 'our' church but His. I struggle at times saying things such as 'my church' or 'my people.' I know it is God's and not mine yet this is where He has me serving. He is trusting me to lead them to where He desires. It takes much prayer to stay focused on what God desires of me as a person and as a shepherd. Praise God for the way He continues to lead. I was thinking about how He called me to be a shepherd and about how I argued. 'Why would I go to school for that when Doc is the preacher in the family?' Fast forward to 2020 when he took his last breath on this earth and the question was answered. We may not understand His answers or the timing of what He tells us. We may not be able to comprehend what He tells us to do. In His time we will be given what we need to know and the answers will come. They may not be what we expect but they will be what we desire if we truly are walking in obedience to Him. God reminded me this morning of the song Danny Gokey sings called "Rise"...

But something inside you can't deny
You hear the call of your creator
I made you for more, unlocked the door
I wanna restore your glory

So rise
Breaking the dark, piercing the night
You're made to shine
An army of hope
Bringing the world
A radiant light
A radiant light
You were made to rise, rise

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead today! Thank You for the video Angela sent me of Ruby Jean! I so needed it to start my day yesterday! Thank You for a day of rest, dinner provided by neighbors, and for another grand baby project completed! Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. May I and all who are in the pulpit speak what You so desire of us. May people go into services today expecting to receive You. May those who are struggling in life receive Your peace. 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; 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; Pastor Sam; Mary Lilley; Preacher Bill Watts; those with COVID either themselves or in their family; Carolynn's family; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Timmy; Nada and her family; Pastor Todd's family; Amber; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments...Doug and Gay; Patty's daughter Tracy; Sharon's daughter Ashley and niece Amy; Chrissy's cousins; Debbie's husband Kelly; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Patti Perkins; Tammie; Betty's friend in New York'; my friend diagnosed with mesothelioma; Dorothy's grandson; Little Ivy;  and my friend going through tests. I pray for: Jonathan whose mother was diagnosed with a brain tumor, the Long Family, Baby Henry, Christina and her family, and Karl Stein. I pray for all our military and their families to lean into Your strength. I pray blessings over my sister Mary as she celebrates her 75th birthday today. Lord, continue to give Anna, Michael, Matt, and myself what we need on 'tough' days without my Rickey. May the 'good' memories overpower the grief. Thank You Jesus for being My Shepherd! Amen.

Jeremiah 29:11-14; II Timothy 1:7; Philippians 4:13 - "I Am Not Alone"

Doc would not be a 'happy camper' to wake up to yucky weather on his birthday. He told me stories about having a birthday in March meant you could have ten inches of snow or a ton of sunshine. He would be happy to know the clocks are changing tonight. He always loved having more daylight. He loved the weather in South Carolina and we enjoyed it as much as we could. His last couple years were hard but he would always say 'God's got a plan!' As I was driving yesterday it seemed like the flowering bushes and trees have all bloomed overnight. He loved that aspect of spring. If he were still with us, we would bee driving to see new places, taking pictures, etc. Oh how we loved to explore our little world. In those last months when we accepted what was ahead we did our best to get out and about whenever he could. Up until he had the stroke forty-eight hours before he took his last breath we would walk up to the stop sign and back. It wasn't far but it kept him going. One of the hardest things to do in life is to watch a loved one battle cancer. I watched my Daddy, my brother, and Doc. It is so, so hard. We stood upon many verses throughout the journey with 'c' and I continue to stand upon them. II Timothy 1:7 and Philippians 4:13 were two of them. Proverbs 3:5-6 was another one. Jeremiah 29:11-14 reads in the New King James Version:

11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. 13 And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you, says the Lord, and I will bring you back from your captivity; I will gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you, says the Lord, and I will bring you to the place from which I cause you to be carried away captive.

When the people were brought out of exile, God's purpose was revealed to them. He knows what is best for all of us. He has a purpose for all of us and what happens in our life. He never has doubts as do or is uncertain because His plans are best. The cancer in Doc's pancreas was a surprise to us but not to God. I will never understand why people have to deal with such things but I do know our faith was stretched and we were taken deeper in our walk with Him through it. I am grateful Doc is no longer on this earth suffering with 'c.' I am grateful God continues to provide exactly what I need every day. I am grateful He is restoring me after all that has happened in life. I am grateful for the knowledge that no matter what happens, He is in control. I am grateful for the promises of His Word. He is always with me and for that I am so, so grateful. I Am Not Alone is going through my mind this morning as the tears fall. What a blessing to have people in my life who love on me so greatly. This picture of Doc was taken not long before he had the stroke. Sissy and Gavin loved spending time with him no matter if it were just for a few minutes like this particular evening was. 

In the midst of deep sorrow
I see Your light is breaking through
The dark of night will not overtake me
I am pressing into You
Lord, You fight my every battle
And I will not fear

I am not alone
I am not alone
You will go before me
You will never leave me
I am not alone
I am not alone
You will go before me
You will never leave me

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for another day of life! Thank You for the opportunities to love on people yesterday and the ones ahead in this day! Thank You for Doc being with You instead of suffering on this earth! Thank You for comforting and encouraging all who think about him today with it being his earthly birthday! Lord, 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. When the memories come, may they be healing. Lord, I stand upon many promises of Your Word but especially Jeremiah 29:11-13. I pray for many going through 'tough' times to lean into Your strength. 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; 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; Pastor Sam; Mary Lilley; Preacher Bill Watts; those with COVID either themselves or in their family; Carolynn's family; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Timmy; Nada and her family; Pastor Todd's family; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments...Doug and Gay; Patty's daughter Tracy; Sharon's daughter Ashley and niece Amy; Chrissy's cousins; Debbie's husband Kelly; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Patti Perkins; Tammie; Betty's friend in New York'; my friend diagnosed with mesothelioma; Dorothy's grandson; Little Ivy;  and my friend going through tests. I pray for: Jonathan whose mother was diagnosed with a brain tumor, the Long Family, Baby Henry, Christina and her family, and Karl Stein. I pray for all our military and their families to lean into Your strength. I pray You will continue to give Anna, Michael, Matt, and myself what we need 

on 'tough' days without my Rickey. May we lean into Your strength. Thank You Jesus for being My Eternal Planner! Amen.

Psalm 18 - "The Blessing"

 

Some days are so emotional. Some days tire me out just to get through them. Yesterday was a day of great emotion. As I crossed the Broad River Bridge I thought of one time on the way home from Savannah my Rickey and I stopped and walked. When I passed the estate, I thought of his dream for us to someday live there. When I put a dress on yesterday morning, I was reminded of how he always told me I was 'so pretty.' Talking with one of his students brought joy to my heart. When I climbed into bed in the early evening, I reflected on the day and gave God glory for being with me every step of the way. This morning He took me to Psalm 18. It reminds me of all He does for me. David praised God for all the ways He saved him from his enemies. I was thinking how enemies do not have to be people. They can be ourselves, our memories, or actual people. Enemies come into our lives in various forms. Sometimes God allows enemies to be in our life to grow our faith. Sometimes it is through enemies we see the greatest breakthroughs. Sometimes enemies come into open doors we give them. David wrote this Psalm to show God how much he loved Him and appreciated all He did for Him. That is exactly what I desire to do. I want God to know I love Him and appreciate all He does for me. He is always with me and for that I am grateful. He is always here to give me His wisdom, joy, and strength. I am so grateful for the way He works in and through me. Last night Brooklyn sent music and it included the song "The Blessing" that Kari Jobe sings. This song blesses me in abundance. These words are ones I hold close to my heart...

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

Yes! He is always with us which is a blessing. No matter what is happening in life He is with us. This knowledge is a blessing in itself. Woo hoo! I am so grateful for Who He is in my life. I am grateful He is always with me even in days like yesterday that are so emotional. Verse fifty of Psalm 18 reads in the NIV: He gives His king great victories; He shows unfailing love to His anointed, to David and to his descendants forever. Woo hoo! God gave victories to David throughout his life just as He gives me victories. Praise His Holy Name!

Dear Jesus, Thank You for all the memories You brought to my mind throughout the day yesterday of my Rickey! You are so awesome in being with me all the time. Thank You for Psalm 18 that encourages me to praise You through victories! Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. May people see/hear You through me today. May I shine brightly for You. Father, I pray for many going through 'tough' days to receive Your peace. 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; 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; Pastor Sam; Mary Lilley; Preacher Bill Watts; those with COVID either themselves or in their family; Carolynn's family; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Timmy; Pastor Todd's family; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments...Doug and Gay; Patty's daughter Tracy; Sharon's daughter Ashley and niece Amy; Chrissy's cousins; Debbie's husband Kelly; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Patti Perkins; Tammie; Betty's friend in New York'; my friend diagnosed with mesothelioma; Dorothy's grandson; Little Ivy;  and my friend going through tests. I pray for: Jonathan whose mother was diagnosed with a brain tumor, the Long Family, Baby Henry, Christina and her family, and Karl Stein. I pray for all our military and their families to lean into Your strength. I pray You will continue to give Anna, Michael, Matt, and myself what we need to not just get through the 'tough' days without my Rickey but to glorify You through them. Thank You for being My Blessings! Amen.

Jeremiah 29:11 - "Scars In Heaven"

Three months ago at this time I was getting ready to go to the hospital for my last moments with my Rickey before they removed the vent. My heart was heavy yet I knew he was going to be with Jesus which gave me joy. I firmly believe there were two reasons God brought him into my life. One was to restore laughter and heal me after Doc's death. The second one was the most important. He restored my Rickey's walk with the Lord. We had many conversations about life and death. We shared hopes and dreams for the future. Within a short amount of time those hopes and dreams were ours together. I remember one night I shared Jeremiah 29:11 with him and talked about how important it was for us to allow God to be in every aspect of our life. He told me so many times how proud he was of my walk with the Lord and for the way I battle MS. He told me I was one of the strongest women he had ever known. Those words are ones I will hold close. I am thankful for the way God put my Daddy, Doc, and my Rickey into my life to love me. I am thankful for the way all three of them loved me well. Last night as I got in the car to come home from church the first song on the radio was "Scars In Heaven." Of course the tears fell. It is amazing how God had it be the first song when I got in the car to leave that last night before my Rickey passed and it was the first song the next morning when I left the hospital after he passed. This song has taken on such meaning in my life. It encourages me to know all three of my men are no longer suffering in their earthly bodies but are enjoying eternity with new bodies. At the hospital the last night my Rickey was on this earth I sang hymns, Christmas songs, etc. to him. This was one of the songs I sang for him as I prayed over him. I love the memories of us driving down the road and singing together. On one occasion even though we were seven hundred miles apart he played the mandolin and we sang "How Great Thou Art." I remember I was in the middle of town with my sunroof open. The sun was shining down on me but most importantly the Son was shining down on me. Oh how I miss those times. I do not understand the 'why?' of the situation but I am so thankful for the privilege to have my Rickey in my life for the time I did.

I know the road you walked was anything but easy
You picked up your share of scars along the way
Oh, but now you're standing in the sun, you've fought your fight and your race is run
The pain is all a million miles away

The only scars in heaven, they won't belong to me and you
There'll be no such thing as broken and all the old will be made new
And the thought that makes me smile now even as the tears fall down
Is that the only scars in heaven, yeah, are on the hands that hold you now

Yes! In the physical sense all three of my men had scars. They all had deep scars in the emotional sense too. But all of their scars are gone. Praise God! 

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the way You loved on me through my Daddy, Doc, and my Rickey! Thank You for the time I had with each of them! Lord, all three of them shared with me about how proud they were of me. I pray I make You proud. Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. I pray people will see/hear You instead of me. Lord, would You give Anna, Michael, Matt, and myself an extra hug today as we remember my Rickey's last day on earth. It is hard to believe it has been three months yet it seems like he has been gone forever. I pray for many who are grieving from the loss of a loved one. May You be so near to them. I also pray for those going through 'tough' days to have Your peace. 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; 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; Pastor Sam; Mary Lilley; Preacher Bill Watts; those with COVID either themselves or in their family; Carolynn's family; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Timmy; Pastor Todd's family; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments...Doug and Gay; Patty's daughter Tracy; Sharon's daughter Ashley and niece Amy; Chrissy's cousins; Debbie's husband Kelly; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Patti Perkins; Tammie; Betty's friend in New York'; my friend diagnosed with mesothelioma; Dorothy's grandson; Little Ivy;  and my friend going through tests. I pray for: Jonathan whose mother was diagnosed with a brain tumor, the Long Family, Baby Henry, Christina and her family, and Karl Stein. I pray for all our military and their families to lean into Your strength. Thank You for being My Past, Present, and Future! Amen.

Philippians 4:13 - "What If"

When you have a disease, life is different. Some diseases cause great pain. Most cause great distress to you and your family. I was reminded of how MS effects me last night at the Beaufort Human Library meeting. Living with an unseen disease is the topic of my 'book.' I am excited to share my story and make people aware of unseen diseases. I chuckled on the way home about how both Doc and my Rickey encouraged me to write a book. I may not be 'writing' a book but I am going to share my story in a different way through this project. There are definitely times when people can see my disease. I have been in bed; had to use the wheelchair, walker/rolator, or cane; lost my eye site; and struggled with walking and talking. It is those times people realize I have a disease. 'Normally' I do not look like I deal with such an ugly part of life. People can't always see how I struggle thinking or articulating what I am thinking. They do not see the tingling in various parts of my body. But most of all I pray they will always see God being glorified through me. I pray people see joy in the midst of dealing with a disease. I love the words to Matthew West's song "What If"....

What if today's the only day I got?
I don't wanna waste it if it's my last shot
No regrets in the end
I wanna know I got no what ifs
I'm running till the road runs out
I'm lighting it up right here right now
No regrets in the end
I wanna know I got no what ifs, yeah

This! I am thankful for MS. It has showed me what I need to do in life to not just get through whatever happens but to push through with God's strength. I woke up many times without full function in various parts of my body. It is a horrible feeling but when God is with me it is OK. As I allow Him to be Who He desires to be in my life I will be who He desires me to be. I do not have to fear the future. Instead I can bask in the knowledge He is always with me. He will go before me and give me His wisdom for any decisions ahead. I had a conversation last night about how with being a widow I sometimes think about what will happen when the next exasperation occurs. How will I care for myself? How will I get to appointments? I cannot dwell on such questions but must trust God to take care of everything. In the beginning of my MS diagnosis God gave me Philippians 4:13 to hold onto. I remember thinking it was for physical strength but soon realized it was for physical, mental, emotional, financial, and most of all spiritual strength. Woo hoo! I praise Him for always providing exactly what I need. 

Dear Jesus, Thank You for being with me yesterday as Marion was so challenging! Thank You for the Beaufort Human Library meeting where I met new friends! Thank You for dinner with Andy! I continue to pray for reconciliation in his life. Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. I pray for people to see/hear You through my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts. Lord, give Your peace to 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; 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; Pastor Sam; Mary Lilley; Preacher Bill Watts; those with COVID either themselves or in their family; Carolynn's family; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Timmy; Pastor Todd's family; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments...Doug and Gay; Patty's daughter Tracy; Sharon's daughter Ashley and niece Amy; Chrissy's cousins; Debbie's husband Kelly; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Patti Perkins; Tammie; Betty's friend in New York'; my friend diagnosed with mesothelioma; and my friend going through tests. I pray for: Jonathan whose mother was diagnosed with a brain tumor, the Long Family, Baby Henry, Christina and her family, and Karl Stein. I pray for all our military and their families to lean into Your strength. Thank You Lord for being with Anna, Michael, Matt, and myself in these days without my Rickey with us. Last night as I thought about the way MS has effected my life I thought about how caring Rickey was when I had issues. Thank You for bringing him into my life for the short time I had him! Thank You for being My Strength! Amen.

Romans 8 - "Heaven Help Me"

I woke up with a song Zach Williams sings called "Heaven Help Me" going through my mind. I have been in this position so many times. The best part of being in such places is knowing God will work everything out. God is with us in 'tough' days as we wait for His timing. The desire of His heart is for us to allow Him to be Who He desires to be in our life so we can be who He desires us to be on this earth. When we live such a life on earth, we will live with Him for eternity. Woo hoo!

Help me, help me
'Cause I can't walk this road alone
And I can't do this on my own
Tell me, tell me
I just need to hear You say
That everything will be okay

Yes! There are times, even when we are in a group of people, we feel so alone. We must remember Jesus is always with us. There are times when we feel like we cannot carry on with decisions that need made. We must remember Jesus is ready to give us His wisdom and strength. There are times when people hurt us with their words and/or actions. We must remember Jesus will never hurt us. He is the answer to everything that comes our way. Praise His Holy Name! I am reminded this morning of Paul's words in Romans 8:28. This chapter is about how we are to live in the Spirit. Gruzik wrote about how when we live in such a way we are better able to understand and endure suffering. I can attest to this statement. When we live in the Spirit, we have God's wisdom and strength. Verse twenty-eight is a promise from God. He will take the 'bad' stuff that happens and turn them into good as we allow Him. He will give us exactly what we need to have victory and glorify Him in the process. Sunday was a 'nasty' day with MS but I came out victorious because I listened to Him. When He told me to ask for prayer, I did. When He told me to eat, I did. When He told me to rest, I did. I woke up yesterday with the nausea and internal shakes subsided. I still have the tingling in my head but I am used to it. Yesterday was a glorious day as I spent the morning with Jaxon, walked and had lunch with Chrissy, met a new friend, visited with three neighbors, and had dinner with some friends. God blessed me in abundance throughout the day. He knew I needed such a day after what I went through Sunday. Praise His Holy Name! 

Dear Jesus, Thank You for today which is a day of celebration for my granddaughter Annabel who is now ten years old! It is so hard to believe she is in double digits! Oh how I miss them. Thank You for the reminder of Romans 8:28 this morning that reminds me You love me and have called me to South Carolina as Your willing servant! 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 new way today. Lord, may You be so close to those going through 'tough' days. My heart hurts for many. I praise You for Little Judson's good news and pray continually for him and Little Ivy. I also 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; 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; Pastor Sam; Mary Lilley; Preacher Bill Watts; those with COVID either themselves or in their family; Iwilda's family; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Timmy; Pastor Todd's family; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments...Doug and Gay; Patty's daughter Tracy; Sharon's daughter Ashley and niece Amy; Chrissy's cousins; Debbie's husband Kelly; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Patti Perkins; Tammie; Betty's friend in New York'; my friend diagnosed with mesothelioma; and my friend going through tests. I pray for: Jonathan whose mother was diagnosed with a brain tumor, the Long Family, Baby Henry, Christina and her family, and Karl Stein. I pray for all our military and their families to lean into Your strength. Thank You Lord for being with Anna, Michael, Matt, and myself in these days without my Rickey with us. It warms my heart to have neighbors ask how I am doing and talk about how friendly he was to everyone. 'He always had a smile on his face' is something I hear often. Thank You for being My Victory! Amen.