Psalm 89 - "I'm So Blessed"

Today I am grateful for times of encouragement. I received encouragement yesterday in many forms. Words of affirmation from friends, revelation of some things from God, another pound forever gone on the scales, the sermon God has for Sunday finished...the list goes on and on. I am so grateful for my life. God is so, so good to provide exactly what I need. He puts people before me to love on me such as Alex asking me to stay for dinner last night. He blesses me through conversations such as Chrissy sharing with me about a health insurance option for me to check out. He gives me opportunities to love on people with His love through listening in times of stress in their life. He uses me to be a tool of encouragement to others which opens my eyes up to how blessed I am myself. The Lord took me to Psalm 89 this morning. This Psalm was written by David with a typical reaction to life. He praises God for all He has done for him and then turns to lamenting about life. Many times we are like David. When life is 'good,' we praise God but then when it becomes challenging we become crabby with Him. We need to praise Him at all time. We need to praise Him on the mountaintop and in the valleys of life. Sometimes it takes searching to find reasons to praise Him but there are always reasons to be found. The more we praise Him the more we will get our focus off ourselves and the issues in our life. Verse fifteen in Psalm 89 tells us when we learn to praise God we will be content. This state of being does not mean everything is perfect. It means we have God's love, mercy, and grace to see us through 'tough' situations. We have His strength to put one foot in front of the other when we feel like we cannot go on. He encourages us in so many ways. Sometimes we may not see the ways He encourages us but they are there. He blesses us no matter what circumstances we find ourselves in. I am reminded of a song Cain sings called "I'm So Blessed"...

And when I count the problems that I see
Hope looks all but gone (Yeah)
But when I count the ways You're good to me
You got me counting all day long, oh, yeah
I'm so blessed, I'm so blessed
Got this heartbeat in my chest
No, it doesn't matter about the rest
If I got You, Lord, I'm so blessed

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead today! Thank You for my visit with Chrissy, time with Cait, and Alex making dinner and inviting me to stay! Thank You for the ways You used me to encourage others yesterday! I pray my words were soothing balm in the hurts of life. Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. Go before me today and use me as an instrument of Your love. I pray for many going through 'tough' days to experience Your peace. My Momma; my sisters Linda with the death of a sister-in-law, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Rhonda; Jack; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; Cyndi; 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; 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; 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; my friend with pancreatic cancer; Sue Danhoff's husband Harv; Michele who starts treatment this week for breast cancer; and a young lady awaiting cancer testing. I pray for: the Long Family, Becky, Russ, a couple contemplating divorce and another couple having serious issues. Thank You for continued healing for: Pastor Tommy and Pam, Baby Henry, Kaye, Darryle and his family, Pastor Jason and Pastor Mike. I pray for a father with a prodigal daughter to know You have not left him. Lord, once again I pray today will be the day the MS tingling dissipates. Thank You for being My Blessing Maker! Amen.

Proverbs 3:5-6 - "Into The Sea (It's Gonna Be OK)"

Today I am grateful for the way many of our church have embraced the "Moving Forward" sermon series. I have heard stories of people sharing Jesus' love with ones they do not know. I also know there have been relationships strengthened within our church body as we "Move Forward" in the way God leads us. This last week's sermon was about "Moving Forward in God's Blessings." David tells us in Psalm 37 we need to truly trust God, do good for Him, and delight in Him so we can enjoy the blessings He has for us. David's life was full of times he trusted God. Many times people were out to hurt or kill him yet he trusted God. Trust is key in our relationship with Him. When life doesn't make sense, we need to trust Him. When life hurts, we need to trust Him. When life is going well, we need to trust Him. In other words, we need to trust Him at all time. We may not understand the 'why's' of life but He knows all and we need to be ok with that. This week has been one of a lot of both good and tough memories. Forty-two years ago this week I was waiting on the birth of my first born. He was standing up and not turning so it was this week it was determined I would have a c-section after Thanksgiving. Those were frightening days for a first-time Momma. The result was holding Paul in my arms for the first time and being very blessed. One of the early years after being diagnosed with MS I had an exasperation and had IV treatments the week of Thanksgiving. I was bummed to not make Thanksgiving dinner and do all the 'normal' things that surround the holiday. I am grateful for my sister Linda who came to our home and made dinner for us. Fast forward to 2020 and it was my first Thanksgiving since Doc's death. My plans to travel to Texas to be with Paul, Lizzy, and Bella were changed when I fell and had surgery on my arm along with broken ribs. What a disappointment! I am so grateful for Carrington's who took me into their home when I wasn't allowed to be home alone, Elizabeth who made me Thanksgiving dinner, and Sherry who came to be with me for a few weeks. God blessed me in my disappointment. 2021 Thanksgiving week was spent in much prayer for my Rickey who had COVID. Our plans for him to come down for our first Thanksgiving together were cut short and once again it was another disappointment. I trusted God to see me through it and He did. My prayers were not answered as I desired but I am thankful for the knowledge when Rickey left this earth he was ready to be with Jesus. The other day I was looking for my notes about last December activities at the church and could not find something. Unfortunately, many times when going through emotional things life becomes a blur. We do not function normally but we must always remember to trust God no matter what happens in life. I am reminded this morning of one of my favorite Scripture, Proverbs 3:5-6 and grateful. This picture reminds me there will be more sunrises in life to enjoy as I trust Him and live as He desires of me. Right after Doc died Paul sent me a song to listen to called "Into The Sea (It's Gonna Be OK)" that I am reminded of this morning. I am praying for so many who need to realize everything will be OK. It may not be as we think we want it to be but it will be what God knows is best for us. All we have to do is trust Him.

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 the blessings of yesterday with delivering Thanksgiving food to two families in our community! Thank You for the way our church family is embracing "Moving Forward" to be who You desire us to be! Thank You for Clay who is taking Mr. Jack for his procedure today! Thank You for whatever lies ahead today! Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. May people see/hear You instead of me through my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts. I pray for many going through 'tough' days to realize "It's Gonna Be OK" as this song tells us. My Momma; my sisters Linda with the death of a sister-in-law, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Rhonda; Jack; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; Cyndi; 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; 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; 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; my friend with pancreatic cancer; Sue Danhoff's husband Harv; Michele who starts treatment this week for breast cancer; and a young lady awaiting cancer testing. I pray for: the Long Family, Becky, Russ, a couple contemplating divorce and another couple having serious issues. Thank You for continued healing for: Pastor Tommy and Pam, Baby Henry, Kaye, Darryle and his family, Pastor Jason and Pastor Mike. I pray for a father with a prodigal daughter to know You have not left him. Lord, once again I pray today will be the day the MS tingling dissipates. Thank You for being My 'OK' Maker! Amen.

Proverbs 22:6 - "Big House"

Today I am grateful for memories. I was sharing yesterday about my Daddy and the memories came flooding back. When I was a little girl, I thought the best day possible was a day with getting my hands dirty working outside with my Daddy. Kids today would never understand that statement. My Daddy was the best Daddy who loved me with Jesus' love. Unconditionally. He was not the best one to discipline me but he did at times. He listened to me even when he did not agree with what I said. He was my biggest cheerleader in life and encouraged me greatly. Many days after being diagnosed with MS he would tell me 'Now Sheila Babe, you have to get out of bed and move. If you don't, the MS will take over and I did not raise you to be a quitter.' He called me every morning his last few years of life to check on me. Oh how I miss those calls. When we told my Momma we were moving to South Carolina, her response was not what I expected. She said my Daddy had told her years ago to be prepared for God to move us away. That meant so much to me. First of all, my Daddy's relationship with God was one that was genuine for him to hear from the Lord. Secondly, my Heavenly Father paved the way for the move many years before it even happened. Woo hoo, God! Yesterday afternoon my Momma talked about how much my Daddy has been on her mind these last few days and I realized he has also been on mine more than normal. Maybe it's because the holidays are approaching. Who knows. I am so grateful for the way God sees us through such days with our memory banks. This picture of my Daddy and I was taken when I was a teenager. It is one I will always treasure. I am so thankful for the love of my earthly Daddy and my Heavenly Daddy. I know there are many who do not have such memories. I pray they will allow God to heal the hurts of their heart. I am grateful to be raised in a home where God was top priority but once again I know that is not everyone's life. I also know I did/do not always do what God desires but am grateful for His love, mercy, and grace. I am grateful for second chances. I am reminded this morning of a song from years ago called "Big House" and feeling very blessed...

It's a big big house
With lots and lots a room
A big big table
With lots and lots of food
A big big yard
Where we can play football
A big big house
Its my Father's house

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead today! Thank You for the memories of my earthly Daddy that enable me to get through 'tough' days! Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You so You will ooze out of my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts. I pray peace over many going through difficult days. I pray for a wife that contacted me last night asking for prayer for her and her husband. May they realize Your love and allow You to be the Center of their family. I pray for a couple contemplating divorce to do the same. I pray peace over many going through 'tough' days. My Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Rhonda; Jack; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; Cyndi; 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; 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; 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; my friend with pancreatic cancer; Sue Danhoff's husband Harv; and a young lady awaiting cancer testing. I pray for: the Long Family, Becky, and Russ. Thank You for continued healing for: Pastor Tommy and Pam, Baby Henry, and Kaye. I pray for a father with a prodigal daughter to know You have not left him. I continue to pray for healing and strength for Darryle and his family and for Pastor Jason and Pastor Mike who both had emergency appendectomy's. Lord, once again I pray today will be the day the MS tingling dissipates. Thank You for being My Memory Bank Provider! Amen.

Proverbs 27:19; Colossians 3:12-14; II Timothy 1:7; Ecclesiastes 3; Philippians 4:8 - "I Will Be"

Today I am thankful for times of reflection. Yesterday as I saw the reflection on the pond I asked myself how well do I reflect Christ? Does He reflect through the way I love on others? Do I reflect His compassion in my actions and words? I thought of Paul's words in Colossians 3:12-14 that I preached on a few weeks ago. It reads in the NIV: Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love,which binds them all together in perfect unity. I strive to live each day in this manner but I know I fall short at times in my humanness. The more I strive to reflect God the more it will happen. I am thankful He gives us another chance when we fail to do as He desires and I am thankful He gives us time to reflect upon life. I find my best time of reflection to happen out in nature. When I see the beauty of His creation, I am drawn closer to Him. When I see things such as the reflection in the pond, He takes my thoughts to Scripture. Seeing the row boat reminded me of the day I encountered a mouse in it and immediately II Timothy 1:7 came to my mind. Seeing some leaves changing color reminded me of Ecclesiastes 3 with seasons. Hearing the birds singing reminded me He takes care of all His creation as Matthew 10 speaks of the sparrows. Proverbs 27:19 speaks of what is in our heart will reflect out of us. This reminds me of the 'junk-in/junk-out' Scripture I taught on with my Willard teens. Philippians 4:8 reads in the NIV: Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. The more I put 'good' things into my life the more they will reflect from me. Natalie Grant sings s song called "I Will Be" that encourages me greatly.

I will be a candle in the darkness
I will be the hand of heaven above
I will be a mirror that reflects your endless love

Dear Jesus, Thank You for a time of reflection yesterday that blessed me in abundance! Thank You for being an Example to me as You reflect our Heavenly Father! Thank You for Your Word that comes to my mind so often! Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. I pray for You to ooze out of me in a mighty way today. I pray for the sermon You gave me to be received in the way You so desire. I pray the same for all pastors who preach today. I pray Your peace over many going through difficult times. My Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; Cyndi; 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; 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; 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; my friend with pancreatic cancer; Sue Danhoff's husband Harv; and a young lady awaiting cancer testing. I pray for: the Long Family, Becky, and Russ. Thank You for continued healing for: Pastor Tommy and Pam, Baby Henry, and Kaye. I pray for a father with a prodigal daughter to know You have not left him. I continue to pray for healing and strength for Darryle and his family. I pray for emotional healing for a couple contemplating divorce. I pray Your healing touch to come down upon Pastor Jason and Pastor Mike who both had emergency appendectomy's. Lord, once again I pray today will be the day the MS tingling dissipates. Thank You for being My Example! Amen.

Isaiah 40:8 - "Man of Your Word"

Today I am grateful for sunshine in the midst of cloudy days. When the sunshine breaks through, I am reminded God is shining down upon me. Dark and cloudy days play havoc on our emotions. They can put us in a crabby mood so easily. We must remember we cannot have all days of sunshine but must have some 'down' days in the mix. We cannot be on the mountaintop in life all time but need to spend some time in the valleys. God can and will stretch our faith in such times. He stays with us in the valleys so we can enjoy the mountaintop experiences even more. The other day when I took this picture the sun was not shining but the Son was shining down upon me. He blesses me every day with the beauty of the creation I live in. The flowers blooming three hundred and sixty five days a year is such a blessing to me. I continue to be in awe of the climate here in South Carolina. Yesterday even though it was 'chilly' for here it still did not even begin to come close to what I would be experiencing in Ohio. I need to quit complaining about wearing socks, shoes, and jackets. I do believe this is the coldest it has been in November here but I still live in a beautiful place and need to be thankful. When I walk outside, I am surrounded by the beauty of His creation. He speaks to me through such beauty and I am blessed. I read a quote from Martin Luther that speaks volumes to me. “God writes the gospel not in the Bible alone, but on trees and flowers and clouds and stars.” When I look around at God's creation, I see His handiwork and am in awe. I am grateful for every sunrise, sunset, blooming flower, wave in the ocean, etc. that I get to experience. I am grateful for sunshine but especially for the Son who shines down on me. I am grateful for the promises found in His Word. I love the promise of Isaiah 40:8 that His Word will be forever. Every word written in the Bible is the truth because it was God inspired. There are times when the Scripture may get twisted but God's intent for it in our life remains the same. I am reminded of a song called "Man of Your Word"...

If You said it, we believe it, hey, yeah-yeah
If You said it, we believe it
'Cause You're a man of Your word

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead today! Thank You for our gathering with the ladies to celebrate Debbie's birthday! I am so blessed by each of them. Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. May You shine brightly through my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts today. I pray Your peace over many in the valleys of life. My Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; Cyndi; 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; 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; 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; my friend with pancreatic cancer; Sue Danhoff's husband Harv; and a young lady awaiting cancer testing. I pray for: the Long Family, Becky, and Russ. Thank You for continued healing for: Pastor Tommy and Pam, Betty, Baby Henry, and Kaye. I pray for a father with a prodigal daughter to know You have not left him. I continue to pray for healing and strength for Darryle and his family. I pray for emotional healing for a couple contemplating divorce. Lord, once again I pray today will be the day the MS tingling dissipates. Thank You for being My Promise Writer! Amen.

Philippians 2:20-22; I Timothy 6:12 - "Goodness of God"

Today I am thankful for my 'partner in crime' Cait. Staff meetings are so much fun with her but yesterday the tears were falling with so much laughter. I appreciate her willingness to serve in the church and her love for people. When I look at our relationship, I am reminded of Doc and James' relationship. They played hard together as they served alongside one another. Cait and I do the same. I am privileged to have her call me her pastor and surrogate Momma. Having Landon and Annabelle call me pastor/Grandma is another perk in our relationship. God continually blesses me through Cait, Alex, and the kids. I know I would not be where I am today in ministry without them and for that I am grateful. Cait makes ministry easier by helping to plan and execute events. Last year when I was called to Ohio for Rickey's last moments on this earth I had nothing to worry about. I knew she had the Christmas program under control. In times of ministry where we both are exhausted I know she is with me until the very end. I love how God uses our gifts together to further His Kingdom. Yesterday was a perfect example when we were able to rearrange some things on the calendar because God had given me sermons for two of the four weeks of Advent which left flexibility with what He gave Cait. I am thankful God gave me the privilege to be Cait's mentor. As her mentor I have a great responsibility to equip her to do ministerial tasks successfully in the place God has placed us. Paul's words in Philippians 2:20-22 describe our relationship. I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare. For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. Paul described his relationship with Timothy as that of father-son. This showed the treasure Paul had in his relationship with Timothy. He was thankful for Timothy just as I am thankful for Cait. I am thankful for her encouragement when life gets tough and for her servant heart which blesses me in abundance. I am thankful for times of laughter we seem to have often. I am thankful for the way God is the center of our relationship and works to further His Kingdom through our combined efforts. God knew I needed a partner in ministry after Doc died and He did well in bringing Cait to me. He takes care of me every moment of every day. I am reminded of the song "Goodness of God" this morning...

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

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the blessings You give me through Cait! Thank You for the way You work in and through us as a ministerial team to further Your Kingdom! Thank You for giving us both what we need every day with our physical issues! Cleanse me so You can fill me so I can be who You have called me to be. May I shine brightly for You today. I pray blessings upon many going through 'tough' days. My Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; Cyndi; 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; 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; 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; my friend with pancreatic cancer; Sue Danhoff's husband Harv; and a young lady awaiting cancer testing. I pray for: the Long Family, Becky, and Russ. Thank You for continued healing for: Pastor Tommy and Pam, Betty, Baby Henry, and Kaye. I pray for a father with a prodigal daughter to know You have not left him. I continue to pray for healing and strength for Darryle and his family. I pray for emotional healing for a couple contemplating divorce. Lord, once again I pray today will be the day the MS tingling dissipates. Thank You for being My Goodness! Amen.

Psalm 15 - "When We Fall Apart"

Today I am grateful for daylight and nighttime. I am grateful for the time change that makes it be lighter a little earlier for my morning walks. I also am grateful for the way God calmed my fears over being alone in the car after dark many years ago. It was at the time we lived on Tannerville Road in the early eighties that I was fearful. There had been a little girl who lived in Marshallville that was taken and killed. When I would be out after dark, my mind would wonder about a van stopping me just to kill me too. I guess the imagination of a young wife/mother can go anywhere. There were many nights I drove home after having a Tupperware party very afraid. I was reminded of this last night as I drove home in the dark. It does not phase me now. In fact, it is pretty much a daily occurrence. Praise God for the way He delivers us from such things. There have been times when I'm walking in the mornings at the waterfront where I become uncomfortable with someone new. I am grateful God puts people in my path that make me feel safe. I also am grateful today for the church building that I will walk in later today. I had trouble falling asleep last night so slept in until 6:30. When I saw it was only forty-four degrees outside, I chose to walk inside today. Burrrrrr! I also am grateful for a webinar I watched yesterday that was not what I expected. It did not line up with the title but it was no 'mistake' I was to watch it. There were things in it that enhanced our Bible study last night. God also gave me material for the sermon that He is crafting for in two weeks. I love the way He works! This morning He took me to Psalm 15 to remind me of what it takes to live with Him for eternity. David wrote of how a person who desires to live with Him forever is passionate and wholehearted...sincere...always speaks the truth...trustworthy...are a good friend...live out their commitments. The results of such living is found in verse five. Those who do these things will never be shaken; they will stand firm forever. Woo hoo! The word forever is a powerful word. There is no ending in forever. Yesterday as I once again dealt with 'junk' with the estate God reminded me He is with me. When I fell apart and the tears came, He consoled me through my Momma talking with me over the phone. When I needed someone compassionate, He provided a lady by the name of Priscilla at BMH that spoke words of encouragement over me. I am so grateful for His love, mercy, and grace to see me through such times. I am grateful for the knowledge He knows every tear that falls and is there to love me through them. This morning I am reminded of a song Ryan Stevenson sings called "When We Fall Apart." I have not always been able to hear or sing this song without falling apart but praise God I am stronger today than I have been in the past. Woo hoo!

It's ok to cry
It's ok to fall apart
You don't have to try
To be strong when you are not
And it may take sometime to make sense of all your thoughts
But don't ever fight your tears
'Cause there is freedom in every drop
Sometimes the only way to heal a broken heart is when we fall apart

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead today! Thank You for Your love, mercy, and grace that not only get me through each day but empowers me to glorify You through them! Thank You for my Momma listening and encouraging me yesterday along with the encouragement I received from Priscilla at BMH! Thank You for another day of life ahead! Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. May You shine brightly through my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts today. I pray Your peace over many going through 'tough' days. My Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; Cyndi; 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; 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; 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; my friend with pancreatic cancer; Sue Danhoff's husband Harv; and a young lady awaiting cancer testing. I pray for: the Long Family, Becky, and Russ. Thank You for continued healing for: Pastor Tommy and Pam, Betty, and Baby Henry. I pray for a father with a prodigal daughter to know You have not left him. I continue to pray for healing and strength for Darryle and his family. I pray for emotional healing for a couple contemplating divorce. I pray for those involved in the accident I came upon yesterday. Lord, once again I pray today will be the day the MS tingling dissipates. Thank You for being My Forever! Amen.