Psalm 37 - "The More I Seek You"

Yesterday was another day full of blessings yet my body rebelled with fatigue. I struggled in the morning with missing my Momma. The tears were flowing as I dried my hair. When I walked in to see some of my little guys, Tallmadge gave me a picture he drew for me of my Momma in heaven. Oh my, the tears came again. God knew what I needed and provided through an hour with them. When I visited with Marion, there was a man who needed help playing bingo that took a lot of patience not only with him but with the residents around him who became so crabby because he was so verbal. The traffic was heavy as I drove which was another added stress. I was grateful Doug made an early dinner when I got home. Chrissy was unable to come to dinner so we took it to her. Since we were out that way we spent a couple hours at the beach. I so needed that time to just sit and listen to the waves. I finished a book, we talked, and relaxed. I felt so much better afterward. In fact, I mowed part of the yard when we got home which I know I would not have been able to do earlier in the evening. The day was also blessed with a phone call from my nephew Joe. I'm so excited to spend time with him and his family this weekend. Once gain, I am reminded of how much God loves me. He loves me greatly through people especially my husband. In the middle of the day yesterday Doug sent me a text telling me how much he loves me. Not only was it sweet to receive but it meant more because he isn't on his phone much so that made it even more special. I am reminded of the words of Psalm 37:4 where David speaks about how when we live for the Lord He will give us the desires of our heart. I desire to live in His will as I live in His presence. I desire to love all I meet with His love. Yesterday I talked with a wife who cried in my arms. She has a deep faith but is faltering as his health has taken a downward spiral. She feels inadequate to care for him and is struggling with the decision to put him in a facility. We all have to realize our limitations and allow God to give us wisdom in such situations to make decisions He desires. We also have to lean into Philippians 4:13 for His strength every day. Physical, mental, emotional, financial, relational, and most of all spiritual. I love the last words of Psalm 34 in The Passion Translation: But the Lord will be the Savior of all who love him. Even in their time of trouble, God will live in them as strength. Because of their faith in him, their daily portion will be a Father’s help and deliverance from evil. This is true for all who turn to hide themselves in him! I love that He is my Daily Portion as I lean into Him! Woo hoo! This morning I am singing "The More I Seek You" as the desire of my heart is to be more in tune with Him every day. 

I want to sit at your feet
Drink from the cup in your hand
Lay back against you and breathe, feel your heart beat
This love is so deep, its more than I can stand
I melt in your peace, its overwhelming

Dear Jesus, Thank You for another day full of blessings from start to finish yesterday! Thank You for being with me as the tears fell as I miss my Momma so much, my time with my little friends and then Marion, getting a call from my nephew Joe, Doug and I visiting Chrissy and then going to the beach to relax, and getting the yard done! It was a good day full of many emotions. Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. May people see/hear You through my words, attitude, actions, and thoughts. I pray Your strength over many going through difficult days. My sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Jack and Paula; 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; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many dealing with ‘c’ and/or going through treatments…Chrissy’s cousin; Shirley Jones; Little Ivy; Little Judson; Little Roselynn; a young girl in our community; Dan who started chemo; Mr Mullett; Marybeth's friends; David; and Damon. I pray for: Dave and Carol as they await his pathology report; Rebecca as she awaits surgery; the Long family; Sandy and her family; Becky; and Russ. Thank You for continued healing for Pastor Tommy and Pam! Thank You for being My Daily Portion! Amen. 

II Timothy 2:15 - "Thank You"

Last night's children's lesson on bugs didn't go as planned with the rain and thunder rolling in but it went exactly as God planned. We had read through a few Scriptures when Nick asked a question about one of the first ones. He is a deep thinker. When he asked his question, it made me realize the importance of digging in deeper with him. I love when ones I share Scripture with are sponges. I also love when questions take us from one Scripture to another. I remember one of my favorite Sunday School teachers in elementary school was Virgil Martin. He brought the Bible to life in ways that made me want to read it. In Junior High my Sunday School teacher was Marian Starn who was a hoot. Oh how I loved going to her class. Once again, she brought the Bible to life. I was thinking last night as Nick and I were studying about how I want him and others to think of me in that way. I want people to not only love me as their pastor/teacher but I want them to see me living out the Bible. I took this picture of Nick and I a few weeks ago in Sunday School. It reminds me to pray as I prepare lessons to teach him. I pray he will grasp what God has for him and that I will make it an enjoyable lesson so he will want to learn more about God. I am so blessed to have the privilege to teach all ages but I especially enjoy teaching those who are sponges. I have the desire to learn more as I dig into Scripture. I love seeing Doug studying for the Sunday School class he is teaching. It seems like every day we have a discussion about Scripture or a topic from a lesson he is studying. That blesses my heart in abundance. This morning I am reminded of Paul's words in II Timothy 2:15. This verse reiterates we are to please God as we teach others about Him. Paul's example of teaching in the right manner what he was taught is one we all can learn from. He studied to learn. We need to do the same. This morning I am reminded of an old song, "Thank You" that Ray Boltz did and feeling blessed by those who taught me throughout the years and for those God puts in my life to teach.

I dreamed I went to heaven
And you were there with me
We walked upon the streets of gold
Beside the crystal sea
We heard the angels singing
Then someone called your name
You turned and saw this young man
And he was smiling as he came
And he said friend you may not know me now
And then he said but wait
You used to teach my Sunday School
When I was only eight
And every week you would say a prayer
Before the class would start
And one day when you said that prayer
I asked Jesus in my heart

Bringing people into a relationship with Christ and/or watching them grow in their relationship with Him blesses me in abundance. Oh how I love my life and where the Lord has me.

Dear Jesus, Thank You for my time teaching Nick last night! What a blessing he is in my life. Thank You for Doug leading the adults last night! He is such a blessing in my life. I praise You for all the ways You bless me! 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 safety as I travel to see Marian today and for the man coming to repair our garage door. I pray for Your peace over many going through difficult days. My sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Jack and Paula; 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; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many dealing with ‘c’ and/or going through treatments…Chrissy’s cousin; Shirley Jones; Little Ivy; Little Judson; Little Roselynn; a young girl in our community; Dan who started chemo; Mr Mullett; Marybeth's friends; David; and Damon. I pray for: Dave and Carol as they await his pathology report; Rebecca as she awaits surgery; the Long family; Becky; and Russ. Thank You for continued healing for Pastor Tommy and Pam! Thank You for being My Teacher! Amen. 

Philippians 4:13 - "I Will Never Be The Same Again"

Yesterday I heard of friends who lost friends to deaths. Immediately I prayed for my friends to be comforted. It seems like there are seasons of life with more deaths than 'normal' which makes is hard. I also prayed for the families of those who passed. I know myself the time of the death of a loved one is difficult to get through. I also know special dates with loved ones such as birthdays, anniversaries, etc. are also difficult. We know we all have a birth certificate and will all have a death certificate but it doesn't make it any easier with the death of someone special in our life. I remember hearing something about our birth and death dates are not near as important as what we do in the dash between them on our gravestone. That dash includes failures and victories. It includes good and bad memories. If we were to reflect back on our life, there would be times we would smile and there would be times we would cry. I am thankful my God is a forgiving God who loves us through every day of our life. He is there to cheer us on to make right decisions and to love us through wrong ones. I do not like to disappoint God yet I know there are times I do. That saddens my heart. I woke this morning with the song "I Will Never Be The Same Again" and thought about these words...

There are higher heights, there are deeper seas,
Whatever you need to do, Lord do in me.
The Glory of God fills my life,
And I will never be the same again.

Yes! God is there to fill us as we allow Him. He is there to pick us up when we fall and to love us through 'dark' times. Sometimes such times are because of decisions we or others make, the death of a loved one, illness or pain, etc. There are a variety of things to pull us into 'dark' times but we must remember God loves us and wants to fill us so we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to do whatever He desires. I am reminded of Philippians 4:13 this morning. This verse was given to me thirty plus years ago to cling to during my MS diagnosis. In the beginning I thought God was telling me to lean into Him for physical strength but soon realized it was strength for every aspect of life. Physical, mental, emotional, relational, financial, and most of all spiritual. 

Dear Jesus, Thank You for another day of life ahead! Thank You for Doug's visit with Ms Paula and Jack and my visit with Marion yesterday! Thank You for our fun time at the gathering at Andy's last night! 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 Pastor Cait and all going to Nazarene Youth Conference to have changed lives. I pray Your empowerment over many going through difficult days. My sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Jack and Paula; 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; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many dealing with ‘c’ and/or going through treatments…Chrissy’s cousin; Shirley Jones; Little Ivy; Little Judson; Little Roselynn; a young girl in our community; Dan who started chemo yesterday; Mr Mullett; Marybeth's friend; David; and Damon. I pray for: Dave and Carol as they await his pathology report; Rebecca as she awaits surgery; the Long family; Becky; and Russ. Thank You for continued healing for Pastor Tommy and Pam! I praise You for Audrey's good report! Thank You for being My Empowerment! Amen. 

Psalm 81 - "Honey In The Rock"

Last year at this time I was with my Momma as we celebrated the Fourth of July. I pushed her in the wheelchair down to watch the parade one evening. We took drives for ice cream up to Barberton for Durbin's and to Dalton to the Dari-ette. I drove her up to 'spend time with Daddy' at the cemetery which was something she loved to do. Her favorite part of the holiday was having friends in for a meal before the fireworks. Oh the memories! I will never forget them. My Momma was not only my mother but my friend. She and I could talk for hours and never tire. I miss her phone calls so much. Some days are harder than others. When something important happens, I think 'I need to call Momma' only to realize that is no longer possible. Today as I visit Marion I am sure the conversation will turn to my Momma because she always asks me how she is doing. Sometimes Marion's dementia is hard to handle when the questions come repeatedly but I am thankful God put her in my life. I also am thankful God kept my Momma's brain sharp for the most part of her ninety-two years. She was getting more forgetful when she left this earth but she still had mostly a clear mind. That was a gift to both her and those who love her. This week as people go to the festivities at Orr Park life will be different without my Momma sitting on the porch waving as they go by. As people gather Saturday night for the fireworks it will be the first year in eighteen years the McHenry's won't have their yard open for spectators. Another change in life that is part of the cycle of life yet not easy to live through. I am so thankful God is my strength through such times. I am thankful He put Doug in my life to not only get through the 'tough' days but to glorify Him through them. I am thankful for the rich upbringing of godly parents who showed me how to live trusting God through difficult times. Plain and simple. I am thankful. This morning I woke to these words from the song "Honey In The Rock" and feeling blessed....

There’s honey in the rock, water in the stone
Manna on the ground no matter where I go
I don’t need to worry now that I know
All that I need
There is honey in the rock

Woo hoo! Yes! We all know honey does not come out of rocks yet when we believe nothing is impossible with God, we will realize such blessings. God provides exactly what we need. He knows the desires of our hearts and when they align with His will we will receive them. When I think of the process it takes to get honey, I am amazed at the parallels to Jesus. God created the bee just as He created Jesus. Honey is collected by bees from flowers. The sweetness of the honey is parallel to the sweetness of Christ. He uses bees to not only pollinate flowers which helps grow crops for us to eat but also to show us how He can use His creation for His glory. He uses each bee in a colony to do a specific job just as He uses us on this earth to do different things. Even with deformity's in our bodies He will use us as we allow Him. I was reading an article about how people question the bumblebee's ability to fly because of them being so large with small wings. Not only did God create them that way but He gave them the ability to fly. He gives us the ability to live for Him even when we struggle with physical issues. We are created in His image so we can live as He desires. Another interesting fact in the bee article is they have to be born twice before they can fly. After a queen lays an egg, the drone feeds it after it hatches. Then the worker bee seals it in a chamber where metamorphosis occurs. When transformation is done, it is 'born-again' as a new creature. We humans must be 'born-again' to live eternally with God. We know honey comes from bees and not rocks. We also know nothing is impossible when God is in it. Therefore, we must remember to be ready for God to do miraculous things in our life. We never know how He is going to provide yet He always does. He provides for our physical, mental, emotional, financial, relational, and most of all our spiritual needs. All we must do is trust Him as He guides us through life. Ligertwood wrote of the true meaning behind this song. 

Therefore, this is the true meaning of the lyrics inside honey in the rock: we have full confidence in God’s plan for us, and we know that he always protects us, whatever happens, wherever we go. And even when we feel lost and see only rocks around us, we know that he will give us his sweet love. Even if you have to put honey in the rock.

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the blessings of yesterday with Doug and I getting a lot accomplished, my pain being less, and our time with Billy, Sierra, and the kids last night! Thank You for the blessings ahead today! Cleanse me so You can fill me with more of You. May people see/hear You through my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts. I pray Your strength over many going through difficult days. My sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Jack and Paula; 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; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many dealing with ‘c’ and/or going through treatments…Chrissy’s cousin; Shirley Jones; Little Ivy; Little Judson; Little Roselynn; a young girl in our community; Dan who started chemo yesterday; Mr Mullett; Marybeth's friend; David; and Damon. I pray for: Dave and Carol as they await his pathology report; Rebecca as she awaits surgery; the Long family; Becky; and Russ. Thank You for continued healing for Pastor Tommy and Pam! I praise You for Audrey's good report! Thank You for being My Rock! Amen. 

Proverbs 18:10 - "I Speak Jesus"

Jack's special was such a blessing yesterday! Knowing Paula and him are in a very tough spot in life made his special even more moving. Seeing them lean into God's strength is priceless. It is no secret what God can do...What he has done for others...He'll do for you. Praise His Holy Name for the witness the two of these precious people are in my life. God woke me with the song "I Speak Jesus" going through my mind. It is another song that encourages me greatly. It also reminds me that no matter where God leads me I need to speak His Holy Name. Whether it be here at home, out and about in my daily walks, at the store, etc. I need to make sure I am speaking His name over people and circumstances. 

Shout Jesus from the mountains, Jesus in the streets
Jesus in the darkness over every enemy
And Jesus for my family
I speak the holy name, Jesus

Yes! Proverbs 18:10 tells us His name is a strong tower and where we are safe. Anytime we are in need He is there to help us. Anytime we are feeling down He is there to encourage us. I am so grateful for Him being in my life. Without Him my life would be nothing. Last night as I was dealing with major pain I cried out to Him. I asked Him to help me go to sleep and He did. When I woke this morning with less pain, I thanked Him and asked Him to give me wisdom throughout the day ahead. I praised Him for being my Heavenly Father who not only hears my cries but responds. Woo hoo! I am one blessed lady.

Dear Jesus, Thank You for a great day with my church family yesterday, the lunch Doug and I had with Betty and Vickie, nap in the afternoon, and then a walk last night in town! You bless me in abundance! Thank You for helping me sleep last night with the pain I was having and for the way You are going to alleviate the pain today! Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. May You pour out of my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts. I pray Your peace over many going through 'tough' days. My sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Jack and Paula; 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; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many dealing with ‘c’ and/or going through treatments…Audrey; Chrissy’s cousin; Shirley Jones; Little Ivy; Little Judson; Little Roselynn; a young girl in our community; Dan; Mr Mullett; Marybeth's friend; David; and Damon. I pray for: Dave and Carol as they await his pathology report; Rebecca as she awaits surgery; the Long family; Becky; and Russ. Thank You for continued healing for Pastor Tommy and Pam! Thank You for being My Jesus! Amen. 

Psalm 61 - "Goodness of God"

God took me to Psalm 61 this morning. This Psalm has the common theme of David beginning his writing with lamenting and ending it with praises. That is how it is so many times in my own life. I begin 'complaining' and soon realize just how good God has been to me. Some days are harder than others. Some days you feel beat up with the circumstances of life and just want to give up. I know that is not the answer but it still can be challenging to continue on without complaining. I was exhausted yesterday from the week of Family Camp. I woke up tired which is not a good thing. After running errands and getting things ready for company for dinner I laid down to rest. Two hours later when Doug woke me I felt refreshed. He blessed me in abundance with getting chairs out, table cleared off, etc. while I was sleeping. I am so thankful to have him in my life. I was thinking how this past week was full of emotions and he was there to support me. Selling the Ohio property, presenting morning devotions one morning at Family Camp, buying a cabin, counseling a few times, etc. all brought about different emotions. As I prepared dinner last night the tears flowed. Doug asked if I were ok and I blubbered a bit. Fourth of July was one of Momma's favorite holidays. She loved people coming over to watch the fireworks. They would gather for a meal and spend the evening together. Last year I was in town for Rickey's service so I was able to be with her. She was no longer able to cook much so I got things done. When my Daddy were still alive, they loved cooking together. Doug told me yesterday to think of funny things she did when I feel sad. I sure do miss her and my Daddy. Life will never be the same again but I know it is all a part of the cycle of life. Verse one of this Psalm reminds me God hears my cries and sees my tears. He knows the hurts of my heart and is there to love me through 'tough' times. Praise His Holy Name! I am reminded of the words to "Goodness of God" this morning and feeling very blessed...

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 of yesterday and the ones ahead today! Thank You for Doug who loves me well! Thank You for our time with Kevin, Amy, and the kids last night! What a wonderful family! 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. I pray for pastors who will be in the pulpit today to preach what You so desire of all of us. I pray Your peace over many going through 'tough' days. My sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Jack and Paula; 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; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many dealing with ‘c’ and/or going through treatments…Audrey; Chrissy’s cousin; Shirley Jones; Little Ivy; Little Judson; Little Roselynn; a young girl in our community; Mr Mullett; Marybeth's friend; David; and Damon. I pray for: Dave and Carol as they await his pathology report; Rebecca as she awaits surgery; Dan; the Long family; Becky; and Russ. Thank You for continued healing for Pastor Tommy and Pam! Thank You for being My Goodness! Amen.

Revelation 5 - "Is He Worthy?"

As we crossed the first bridge coming home last night I looked over and saw this sky. I immediately thought of how magnificent our Father is and how much He loves us that He sacrificed His Only Son for our sins. What a love that shows for us! Chris Tomlin sings a song called "Is He Worthy?" that speaks volumes to me. Revelation 5 is all about that question. The wonderful answer to that question is Yes! Jesus is worthy! Part of the song goes...

Does the Father truly love us? (He does)
Does the Spirit move among us? (He does)
And does Jesus, our Messiah hold forever those He loves? (He does)
Does our God intend to dwell again with us? (He does)

Yes! I stand in the knowledge that God loves us so much that He will send Jesus again to this earth for us. If we want to be ready for His return, we must be in relationship with Him. That means we must be living in His presence doing His will. Sometimes we fail at doing what He desires of us. Sometimes we get in His way. Sometimes we manipulate circumstances to be as we desire instead of allowing Him to work through them. Sometimes we make wrong decisions. Sometimes we fall into temptation the enemy puts before us. In yesterday's morning service Pastor Sam spoke of how temptation is not always a sin. It can be us wanting things done our way or for our glory. Ouch! When we are sanctified wholly we no longer have to stumble or fall but when we do not do what God desires He still loves us. When we repent, He forgives us. Sometimes the hardest thing for us to do is forgive ourselves. The enemy loves to beat up on us and get us to think we are not worthy of God's love when we fall into temptation. According to Webster the word worthy means: Having worth or excellence; possessing merit; valuable; deserving; estimable; excellent; virtuous. I know I am valuable to God because I am His daughter who feels His love all the time. I am grateful for this knowledge. I also am grateful that He speaks through songs, Scripture, people, etc. to enable me to understand what He desires. Pastor Sam spoke on the Lord's Prayer yesterday. Peace is realized when we forgive. We need to not only forgive others but we also need to forgive ourselves. Pastor Jared spoke on the fruit of the Spirit in the afternoon service. He said people will be led to Christ through seeing the fruit of the Spirit lived out in us. Peace is something that is in short supply on this earth. If I desire to live a peaceful life, I need to stay right with God. I need to repent and allow God to heal the hurts of past actions in my life. I need to forgive those who have done things against me instead of carrying the baggage that goes with them. It is easier to forgive others than to forgive myself. I tend to beat myself up over and over again for the past. I was thinking about something I said in a previous sermon and in my District report. 'The past is the past. The present is the present. The future is the future.' I cannot change the past but I can live in the present so I do not make the same mistakes in the future. God continually tells me, "Daughter, I have forgiven you. Now you need to do the same.' 

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the blessings of this week at Family Camp for Doug and I! Thank You for the way You spoke to us and opened doors for healing in different situations! I pray for Your strength as I get things done today. 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 strength over many going through difficult days. My sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Jack and Paula; 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; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many dealing with ‘c’ and/or going through treatments…Audrey; Chrissy’s cousin; Shirley Jones; Little Ivy; Little Judson; Little Roselynn; a young girl in our community; Mr Mullett; Marybeth's friend; David; and Damon. I pray for: Dave and Carol as they await his pathology report; Rebecca as she awaits surgery; Dan; the Long family; Becky; and Russ. Thank You for continued healing for Pastor Tommy and Pam! Thank You for being My Heavenly Father! Amen.