Philippians 4:13 - "In Jesus Name"

I love Sundays! Yesterday was different in the sense I didn't have the opportunity to be with my church family and to preach but different is not always a 'bad' thing. Starting the morning off with Jesus and then heading out to Johnson's Woods was the perfect way to start the day. After our walk Doug took me out for a yummy breakfast before we got changed to go see my Momma. After visiting her we went to the cemetery to visit his Mom's grave and then off to church we went. I enjoyed hearing a special speaker who I prayed for years ago when his baby girl had heart issues at a couple weeks old. I was blessed to hear she is a healthy twelve year old girl now! After church they had a food wagon from Hartzler Dairy to raise money for a foster/adoption organization. I have not had Hartzler Dairy ice cream for so long and so enjoyed it. I also enjoyed talking to so many friends who encouraged me greatly during these tough days with Momma. Visiting with Jackie and Tim after church was special before going back to spend time with my Momma. We had decided before the day began we were going to take the day to rest and 'smell the roses' instead of working on the house. I am so thankful that decision was made. We ended up doing steaks on the grill at Tim and Jackie's for dinner which was so nice. Looking through old church directories before going to bed was fun. It was another wonderful day in my little world with my husband as we celebrated three weeks of marriage. It seems like we have been together so much longer with all that has happened. It also seems like we have been in Ohio more than South Carolina. We both miss being home but know we are where we need to be. God will continue to give wisdom on decisions that need made and will continue to provide strength that is needed throughout the days ahead. I am reminded of the song "In Jesus Name" that Katy Nicole sings. I continue to pray for Momma to receive her ultimate healing. I pray for many who are struggling with physical issues to receive healing but most of all I pray for those with deep spiritual needs to receive healing.

I pray for your healing, that circumstances would change...

Dear Jesus, Thank You for another day full of blessings! Thank You for my husband Doug who shows his love to me so well! Thank You for so many friends who encouraged me so greatly yesterday at church! I am one blessed lady! Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. May people see/hear You through my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts. I pray for many going through 'tough' days to receive healing in not only their bodies but their spirits. My Momma, my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Marion; Cait; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; some young ladies with anxiety; a young man out of rehab; Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; April; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; Sherry; Mr John; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many dealing with ‘c’ and/or going through treatments…Audrey; Chrissy’s cousin; Shirley Jones; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Little Ivy; Little Judson; Little Roselynn; 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; Sue Danhoff’s husband Harv; Michele with breast cancer; Mr Mullett; and Damon. I pray for: the Long family; Becky; Russ; a couple contemplating divorce and another couple having serious issues; and Kaytlin’s husband. May You continue to be close to Andy and Sharon with the loss of their daughters. Thank You for continued healing for Pastor Tommy and Pam! Thank You for being My Strength! Amen.

Exodus 14:14; Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 - "Hills and Valleys"

Last night before going to bed, during the night, and again this morning I prayed for pastors to be sensitive to those in their services who are hurting with it being Mother's Day. I prayed for the hurts to be soothed by God in a way never before. Mother's Day is a day of hurt for those who were never able to be a mother. It hurts for those who have lost children to death, addiction, disease, etc. It hurts for those who have children they are estranged from or have little contact. There is also hurts for those who were abandoned by their mother or estranged from her. There are so many unnecessary hurts in life. I am thankful for the mother God gave to me. My parents loved and nurtured me well. The best gift they ever gave me was the way they showed me to love and trust God. As my Momma nears the end of life on this earth I am thankful for the knowledge she will live on for eternity with my Heavenly Daddy. I continue to pray for God to have mercy and take her home. These days are tough as I watch her being so uncomfortable but I'm thankful for a church family who has given me this time to be with her. I am thankful for Doug being with me to support me. i love when he whisks me away to 'stop and smell the roses' from time to time. Last night when we left the nursing home he asked me what I wanted to do. My reply was it didn't matter as long as I was with him and I didn't have to think about the present circumstances. We picked up the recycles and took them to the bins and then went out for dinner. It was nice to do something relaxful. I felt guilty at first because I wasn't with Momma but realized I needed to do something different. When I woke this morning, I felt guilty for sleeping in a but but once again knew God is providing what I need in the present circumstances. I just need to allow Him to guide me. I need to allow Him to continue to be in control over every aspect of my life. Waking up in the middle of the night from a nightmare and finding out my husband was praying for me at that exact time is a blessing. I truly believe God brought Doug into my life at this time to support me. Today is our three week wedding anniversary. It is amazing all that has happened in such a short time. Moving him to South Carolina after our wedding, my Momma's decline in health, preparing to sell his home, continuing to have issues with Doc's estate, etc. Many people don't face that many monumental life changing events in their first three years of marriage let alone their first three weeks. I am so thankful God is the foundation of our marriage. When emotions get high, God empowers us to work through them. When decisions need made, He provides His wisdom. When life becomes overwhelming, He is there to empower us with His peace. I am thankful for Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 and for the three strand cord we did in our wedding ceremony. 

Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up the other; but woe to one who is alone and falls and does not have another to help. Again, if two lie together, they keep warm; but how can one keep warm alone? And though one might prevail against another, two will withstand one. A threefold cord is not quickly broken.

We declared in our wedding ceremony that God is the center of our marriage. As Doug braided the cord and Ben talked about its significance we took a stand of putting God where He belongs in a marriage. That stand has been put to many tests in these three short weeks. I am so thankful for the stand we took and for the reminder of it during trying times. I am thankful for the sixty-six plus years my Momma and Daddy had together and for the example they showed on trusting God. I am thankful for a husband who regularly prays for me. I love his prayers asking God to have other couples see our example of a godly marriage. I love the way he is the head of our household just as God ordains a husband to be. What a blessing it was yesterday for Sharon to acknowledge the way he embraces that role. I am one blessed lady! This morning I am reminded of the song "Hills and Valleys" and know God is with me in both.

On the mountains, I will bow my life
To the One who set me there
In the valley, I will lift my eyes
To the One who sees me there

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the love You shower down upon me every moment of every day! Thank You for Doug who reminds me to 'stop and smell the roses'! Thank You for continuing to be with my dear Momma and all of us during these tough days! Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. I pray people will see/hear You through my words, actions, attitude and thoughts. I pray Your peace over many going through valleys in life. My sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Marion; Cait; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; some young ladies with anxiety; a young man out of rehab; Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; April; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; Sherry; Mr John; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many dealing with ‘c’ and/or going through treatments…Audrey; Chrissy’s cousin; Shirley Jones; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Little Ivy; Little Judson; Little Roselynn; 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; Sue Danhoff’s husband Harv; Michele with breast cancer; Mr Mullett; and Damon. I pray for: the Long family; Becky; Russ; a couple contemplating divorce and another couple having serious issues; and Kaytlin’s husband. May You continue to be close to Andy and Sharon with the loss of their daughters. Thank You for continued healing for Pastor Tommy and Pam! Thank You for being My Center! Amen.

Psalm 42 - "Praise You In This Storm"

The Lord directed me to Psalm 42 this morning. This Psalm was written by David at a time when he felt life was just too much. He was going through tough times one after another and feeling like he was sinking. Life can be challenging and can become overwhelming. What we must remember is God is there at all time to love us through such times. David knew God was there for him yet in the midst of troubles was struggling. That is what happens with all of us from time to time. We know in our minds God is there yet we struggle to stay focused on Him. We struggle in our flesh more when we are not spiritually sound with Him. People and/or circumstances will pull our focus off of Him easily when we are not prayed up. The tougher the circumstances we are going through the more we need to be in His Word, on our knees praying, seeking counsel from godly people, etc. The enemy is always looking for an open door to walk into our lives. He desires to play havoc by playing with our emotions, having people say/do things against us, etc. Once he has an open door it is hard to stop him other than full surrender to God's ways. Climbing out from under the enemy's ways is tough. It can be overwhelming yet not impossible. It is definitely not something we can do on our own strength but takes God's supernatural strength to be successful. Matthew Henry writes: 

When the soul rests on itself, it sinks; if it catches hold on the power and promise of God, the head is kept above the billows. And what is our support under present woes but this, that we shall have comfort in Him. We have great cause to mourn for sin; but being cast down springs from unbelief and a rebellious will; we should therefore strive and pray against it.

David wrote in verse five and repeated in verse eleven the key to staying strong in the Lord is found in having hope in Him. The enemy does not like when we praise God. He especially does not like when we praise Him through the storms of life. Some storms of life seem to last forever. They will calm down only to rear their ugly heads again. Some are more fierce than others but all cause challenges. I am reminded this morning of the song "Praise You In This Storm" that Casting Crowns sings...

And I'll praise you in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For you are who you are
No matter where I am
And every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise you in this storm

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the love You shower down upon me through these tough days! Thank You for Your supernatural strength that empowers me to not just get through them but to glorify You through them! Thank You for Scripture that encourages me to praise You no matter what is happening! Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. May people see/hear You through my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts. I pray Your supernatural strength over many going through 'storms of life' right now. My Momma, my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Marion; Cait; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; some young ladies with anxiety; a young man out of rehab; Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; April; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; Sherry; Mr John; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many dealing with ‘c’ and/or going through treatments…Audrey; Chrissy’s cousin; Shirley Jones; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Little Ivy; Little Judson; Little Roselynn; 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; Sue Danhoff’s husband Harv; Michele with breast cancer; Mr Mullett; and Damon. I pray for: the Long family; Becky; Russ; a couple contemplating divorce and another couple having serious issues; and Kaytlin’s husband. May You continue to be close to Andy and Sharon with the loss of their daughters. Thank You for continued healing for Pastor Tommy and Pam! Thank You for being My Storm Calmer! Amen.

Philippians 4:11-13; John 15:5-8 - "Blessings"

Emotions can play havoc on our bodies. Stress is bad for all but when you deal with a disease such as MS it can become overwhelming. No matter how hard you try to not be stressed there are times there is nothing to do. Yesterday was an emotional day with tears falling from time to time. Frustration came into play more than once. By the end of the evening I was struggling with clarity in my thinking. Such times cause more stress. I am thankful God is always here for me and never gets upset when I lash out at Him. The 'whys?' of life cause frustration.  When there seems to be no reason for such things to happen, I remind myself God will use every situation for His glory as I allow Him. Last night as Doug was driving I asked him to pull over for me to take pictures of the sunset. I love the one taken with the barn. It reminds me of life growing up on the chicken farm. I was lonely so many times but God provided me with a vivid imagination that kept me company. He provided me with a love for reading that 'took me' to other places. He provided me with loving parents who taught me how to be content no matter what circumstances I found myself. Paul's words from prison to the Philippians are words of great wisdom that I cling to every day. If Paul can write such things while on house arrest, I should realize God will provide exactly what I need to get through emotional days. Verse eleven states that Paul learned to be content. That shows contentment is not something that comes natural for all. The cool thing about Paul's situation is he realized Jesus was the key to contentment. We must all realize this knowledge. I am reminded of John 15 where Jesus speaks of the Vine and the branches. Verses five through eight read in the NIV: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." We can do nothing on our own. We must lean into His strength to accomplish what He desires of us. As I start this new day I am leaning into His strength physically, mentally, emotionally, financially, and most of all spiritually. I am asking Him to fill me to overflowing with more of Him so people will see/hear Him instead of me. I am praying for God to bless me in abundance as He empowers me with His supernatural strength to not just get through the day ahead but to glorify Him through every moment. I am singing Laura Story's song "Blessings" this morning...

We pray for wisdom, Your voice to hear
We cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt Your goodness, we doubt Your love
As if every promise from Your word is not enough
And all the while, You hear each desperate plea
And long that we'd have faith to believe
'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the blessing of being with my Momma! Thank You for all who visited her yesterday! Pam, Bonnie, Dick and Elgie, Mary, Shirley, Todd, Staci, Tom and Cheryl. Thank You for going before her today and meeting her needs! Listening to her cry out to You while in pain was gut wrenching yet soothing to know she is in relationship with You. I pray Your supernatural strength over all through the difficult days of life. My sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Marion; Cait; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; some young ladies with anxiety; a young man out of rehab; Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; April; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; Sherry; Mr John; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many dealing with ‘c’ and/or going through treatments…Audrey; Chrissy’s cousin; Shirley Jones; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Little Ivy; Little Judson; Little Roselynn; 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; Sue Danhoff’s husband Harv; Michele with breast cancer; Mr Mullett; and Damon. I pray for: the Long family; Becky; Russ; a couple contemplating divorce and another couple having serious issues; and Kaytlin’s husband. May You continue to be close to Andy and Sharon with the loss of their daughters. Thank You for continued healing for Pastor Tommy and Pam! I praise You for Tim's surgery going well! Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. May people hear/see You through my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts. Thank You for being My Strength! Amen.

Psalm 145 - "Goodness of God"

"Goodness of God" is on my mind this morning. This song is powerful in reminding me just how good God is to me. He is good in the 'good' days and He is good in the 'tough' days. He is good when I'm on the mountaintop and He is good when I'm in the deep, dark valley. People and circumstances disappoint but God never does. There are times His timing is challenging or when His answer is not what we think we want but His ways are perfect. It is believed David wrote Psalm 145 near the end of his time on this earth. This Psalm is full of praise for who God is in his life, what He has done for him, and what He has promised to him. The Psalm is divided into three parts. Verses one through six are about the greatness of God. Verses seven through thirteen are about God's attributes and verses fourteen through twenty-one are about His faithfulness. David's life was full of times he fell away from God but it was also full of times God loved him through such times. God's faithfulness was realized by David many times. David shows us in verse two of the need to praise God no matter what. 

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

David knew God was faithful to him throughout his life. As he drew closer to the end of his life I'm sure he reflected on all he had done against God and all he had accomplished for Him. When we get to the end of our time on this earth and have the hope of eternity with God, I am sure we will do the same. "With every breath that I am able" is significant in how we leave this earth. God will use us as long as we allow Him. He will give us exactly what we need to love with His love. He will give us exactly what we need to say for people to realize His love. I can relate to David with knowing I failed God at times yet know I also please Him. We are humans and that is part of life. I love the word picture verse eight gives in The Passion Translation. You’re kind and tenderhearted to those who don’t deserve it and very patient with people who fail you. Your love is like a flooding river overflowing its banks with kindness. Praise His Holy Name for the love He has for all of us!

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the blessings of safe travel for Doug and I yesterday! Thank You for providing strength for these 'tough' days with my Momma! Cleanse me so You can fill em to overflowing with more of You. May people see/hear You through my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts. I pray Your peace over not only my Momma but many others struggling with life. May all remember of Your goodness. My sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Marion; Cait; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; some young ladies with anxiety; a young man out of rehab; Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; April; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; Sherry; Mr John; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many dealing with ‘c’ and/or going through treatments…Audrey; Chrissy’s cousin; Shirley Jones; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Little Ivy; Little Judson; Little Roselynn; 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; Sue Danhoff’s husband Harv; Michele with breast cancer; Mr Mullett; and Damon. I pray for: the Long family; Becky; Russ; a couple contemplating divorce and another couple having serious issues; and Kaytlin’s husband. May You continue to be close to Andy and Sharon with the loss of their daughters. Thank You for continued healing for Pastor Tommy and Pam! I pray for Tim's surgery to be successful today. Thank You for being My Goodness! Amen.

II Peter 3:18 - "Ordinary"

Sitting here listening to nature all around is a great way to start another day. Looking out over the yard that I mowed and Doug weed eat yesterday gives me a warm fuzzy feeling. Thinking about Andy cleaning out the gutters blesses me in abundance. Yesterday was a very fulfilling day with getting much accomplished yet still having time to 'stop and smell the roses' as Doug is reminding me to do. Seeing the rainbow on the way home from Nick's soccer game was a gift from God. Hurts of life can be overwhelming at times yet God is always there to bless me in abundance. This morning I am thinking about Sunday's sermon when I talked about God using us to do extraordinary things. Little did Peter and John know, when they woke up that morning, that a wildfire of ministry was going to spread through Jerusalem simply because they had a passion for God and were available to serve him and speak up. They were going through their daily routine when God revealed a divine appointment. And, because Peter and John were alert, an ordinary stroll to the temple turned into an extraordinary opportunity for spreading the gospel. What can happen in Beaufort South Carolina through me in the day ahead? What divine appointments will I receive from the Lord? I love the thought of an ordinary day turning into an extraordinary opportunity for spreading the Gospel. Woo hoo! I pray every morning for a cleansing in my soul. That is imperative to do when you want God to turn your ordinary days into extraordinary days. It is also imperative to allow God free reign of your schedule if you desire Him to do extraordinary things in your life. I use to have lists for my daily activities, weekly ones, monthly goals, etc. I even had lists for my lists until God made me realize I was missing out on opportunities because I was attached to the lists. I received such freedom when I realized lists were a hindrance instead of a help. Now lists are only used when there are 'big' things on the horizon. I made a list Sunday for all that had to be done over the next month and immediately started to panic. I asked my church to pray for me and asked God to keep me focused so I do not miss any opportunities He has for me. Another trip to Ohio, our Vow Celebration ceremony here in South Carolina, Annual Meeting, District Annual Report, General Church Annual Report, etc. is a bit overwhelming to think about. There are two things I must remember. One is to 'stop and smell the roses' so there is a time to relax and recharge. The other is to allow God to turn my ordinary days into extraordinary days. I am reminded of a song Hannah Kerr sings called "Ordinary" and feeling very blessed...

I see You in the ordinary
Every breath I breathe
In my own heart beat
I know You're always right here with me
Nothing is mundane
Your glory is displayed
In a million ways
In the ordinary
You make my days
Extraordinary

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead today! Thank You for Doug and I getting the yard done and Andy cleaning out the gutters! Thank You for our time last night to 'stop and smell the roses' when we watched Nick's soccer game! Thank You for being with Linda as she was with our Momma! Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. May You turn my ordinary day into an extraordinary day. I pray Your strength over many going through difficult days to not miss any opportunity You put before them today. My sisters Sally and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Marion; Cait; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; some young ladies with anxiety; a young man out of rehab; Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; April; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; Sherry; Mr John; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many dealing with ‘c’ and/or going through treatments…Audrey; Chrissy’s cousin; Shirley Jones; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Little Ivy; Little Judson; Little Roselynn; 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; Sue Danhoff’s husband Harv; Michele with breast cancer; Mr Mullett; and Damon. I pray for: the Long family; Becky; Russ; a couple contemplating divorce and another couple having serious issues; and Kaytlin’s husband. May You continue to be close to Andy and Sharon with the loss of their daughters. Thank You for continued healing for Pastor Tommy and Pam! Cleanse me so You can fill me. May people see/hear You through my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts today. Thank You for being My Extraordinary Day Maker! Amen.

Psalm 23:6 - "Goodness of God"

Yesterday standing by Doug singing "Goodness of God" brought the Holy Spirit goosebumps upon me. It is because of His goodness I am where I am today. Being a pastor who loves leading and loving people is so special. Having God's promise of a man who would be a godly husband is the icing on the cake for me. When we went to the beach yesterday afternoon and sat in the sunshine I could feel the Son shining down on us. God is so, so good. I shared in yesterday's sermon of different times God has healed me physically. Last night as I thought about those times God reminded me of many times He healed me emotionally. Life can be challenging but the more we lean into His strength the more we will receive it. The more we allow Him to be who He desires to be in our life the more we will realize it. I say it often and mean it with all my heart. I am one blessed lady. Psalm 23:6 reads in The Passion Translation: So why would I fear the future? Only goodness and tender love pursue me all the days of my life. Then afterward, when my life is through. I’ll return to your glorious presence to be forever with you! The future is something not to be feared. It is something to look forward to when God is in it. The past is no longer. The present is here. The future is yet to come. My past includes great hurts. Sexual abuse as a very young girl is one that I struggle with understanding where God was when it happened. How can a loving God allow a monster to do such things? How can the monster live with himself? So many unanswered questions. What I must remember is God has the answers and we don't always get such answers. I could drive myself crazy with such questions but it would not do any good. Instead I leave them for God to reveal the answers if He so chooses. Having MS and breast cancer are two hurdles I have experienced in life. Once again I wonder 'why?' and once again I realize God knows the answers and I do not have to understand. If it were not for both of these experiences, I would not have the testimony I shared yesterday. Watching my husband suffer and die from pancreatic cancer is another hurdle I endured. Once again the 'why?' came into play and once again I know God has the answer. I know my faith was taken to a deeper level through those sixteen months and in the months to follow. I know God's goodness has seen me through so much and I also know it will see me through so much more as long as I am on this earth. This song brings about so many emotions. The tears fell this morning as I was singing and reflecting. I thought my morning starting with my husband praying over me before we got up was pretty special but him hugging me as the tears fell was even more special. God continues to bless me through him and for that I am grateful. 

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 prompting Clay to lead us in "Goodness of God" yesterday! Thank You for the visitors who blessed me in abundance and for Andy and Amy who invited them! Thank You for continuing to be with my Momma and others through these tough days! May all experience Your goodness as they go through their individual battles on this earth. My sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Marion; Cait; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; some young ladies with anxiety; a young man out of rehab; Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; April; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; Sherry; Mr John; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many dealing with ‘c’ and/or going through treatments…Audrey; Chrissy’s cousin; Shirley Jones; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Little Ivy; Little Judson; Little Roselynn; 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; Sue Danhoff’s husband Harv; Michele with breast cancer; Mr Mullett; and Damon. I pray for: the Long family; Becky; Russ; a couple contemplating divorce and another couple having serious issues; and Kaytlin’s husband. May You continue to be close to Andy and Sharon with the loss of their daughters. Thank You for continued healing for Pastor Tommy and Pam! Cleanse me so You can fill me. May people see/hear You through my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts today. Thank You for being My Goodness! Amen.