Psalm 37:4 - "Goodness of God"

Hearing "Grandma" and getting hugs from grand babies is the best! Not only was our house full but my heart was ready to burst last night when Ben, Emily and the kids came. Hearing of their adventures getting here was a treat as dinner was getting finished. Listening to the girls talk about their recent Father-Daughter Camp was so much fun. Serving Low Country Boil and watching them all enjoy dinner made me so happy. After dinner we played cards and of course talked more before enjoying cake for the four August birthdays. It's so cool that Mr. Beckett and Doug share a birthday and Miss Clementine was born on Doug's Dad's birthday. Another 'God-wink' for Doug and I. Another treat for the night was tucking them into bed. Oh my, God knows how to bless me in abundance. As I sat last night in the midst of all of the wonderful chaos of having nine people in the house I thanked God for so much. I thanked Him for Doug who made this trip happen. I thanked Him for the joy they give me. I thanked Him for healing in Ben's body not just once but twice as a child. The first time was when an ultrasound showed he was not growing properly in the womb and we were given the option to abort. We were told he would be born with an open spine. Of course, abortion was not an option for us. We, along with people all over the world, prayed for a healing. The next month when they did another ultrasound he was fine. Their explanation was the technician made a mistake in the reading of the ultrasound but we knew God had healed our baby in the womb. When he was born with a scar on his lower back Dr. Milligan confirmed God's healing. Woo hoo! The second time Ben received a healing in his physical body was when he was in high school and diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis at Akron Children's Hospital. All of the tests confirmed the doctor's suspicions. His hands were so painful along with most all of his joints. That summer while at Mount Vernon for Camp Meeting we prayed at the altar and he was miraculously healed. The doctor had no explanation when we returned for follow-up testing and the numbers were all clear. They wouldn't accept our explanation of God's healing but I know seeds were planted with them that day. Ben's two healings were for a purpose. God had a plan for him and Emily to raise a family knowing Who He is and what it means to be sold-out to Him. I am so blessed to be his Momma! I woke this morning to the song "Goodness of God" and feeling so 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
I love Your voice
You have led me through the fire
And in darkest night You are close like no other
I've known You as a Father
I've known You as a Friend
And I have lived in the goodness of God, yeah

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the blessings of yesterday with being with my church family in the morning and having Ben, Emily, and the kids pull in last night! Thank You for my husband Doug who made their trip happen! Thank You for these days ahead with them and the memories that will be made! Cleanse me so You can fill me so You will ooze out of my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts. I pray Your peace over many going through difficult days to experience Your healing in their spirits and bodies. My sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Doug's sister Jackie; Cait; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Jack and Paula; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; some young ladies with anxiety; a young man out of rehab; Ross and Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Brooklyn; 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 Judson; Little Roselynn; a young girl in our community; Mr Mullett; Marybeth's friends; David; Damon; Dave and Carol with his treatments; and Dan. I pray for: the Long family; Becky; Baby Sabre and her family; Debbie and her family; and Russ. Thank You for continued healing for Pastor Tommy and Pam! Thank You for being My Goodness! Amen.  

Psalm 21 - "Gratitude"

Yesterday was another day full of blessings. Doug and I completed the front landscaping project, I baked eleven dozen cookies for the grand babies, and we went on a sunset cruise with Will, Sandy, and friends. I was exhausted by the end of the day but it was a 'good' exhaustion! Last night seeing the dolphins play in the water was breathtaking. Seeing the sunset on a boat for the first time was another breathtaking experience. Wow does our God do good at artistry! As the dophins were jumping up out of the water I was thinking about how much fun they were having as they entertained us. That led to thoughts of how much I enjoy life and do my best to share the reason for my life to all I meet. God is the reason I am where I am today. He is the reason I am blessed in abundance every day. I love the words David wrote in Psalm 21. The first six verses show us what David pondered upon when he reflected on his life. He spoke of how God blessed him in abundance over his life. The next six verses are David looking forward to how God will continue to protect him. The last verse is an example of what we need to do at all time. We need to stay focused on God so when 'tough' times come our way we can stand in His strength. When we live in this manner we can be who He desires us to be in our life. What a blessing it is to have Scripture to read and learn from. I am so thankful for where God has me in life but especially in my spiritual life. I woke up this morning with the song "Gratitude" going through my mind and feeling very thankful. What a joy it is to know beyond a shadow of a doubt God is ready to accept my praises. He gives me so much yet I have little to give back to Him. What I must remember is living a life sold-out to Him is the best gift I can give.

So I throw up my hands
And praise You again and again
'Cause all that I have is a
Hallelujah, hallelujah
And I know it's not much
But I've nothing else fit for a king
Except for a heart singing
Hallelujah, hallelujah

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the blessings of yesterday with Doug and I completing the outside project, me getting eleven dozen cookies baked for Ben and his family, and our sunset cruise with Will, Sandy, and friends! What a full day of blessings! I continue to pray for all pastors in the pulpit this morning to receive the blessings of knowing they are not only hearing from You but walking in obedience to You. I pray Your strength for many going through difficult days. My sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Doug's sister Jackie; Cait; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Jack and Paula; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; some young ladies with anxiety; a young man out of rehab; Ross and Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Brooklyn; 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 Judson; Little Roselynn; a young girl in our community; Mr Mullett; Marybeth's friends; David; Damon; Dave and Carol with his treatments; and Dan. I pray for: the Long family; Becky; Baby Sabre and her family; Debbie and her family; and Russ. Thank You for continued healing for Pastor Tommy and Pam! Thank You for being My Abundance! Amen.  

Psalm 31; Proverbs 19:21 - "Honey In The Rock"

The song "Honey In The Rock" reminds us God provides. Sometimes we think we know what is best when in fact He has something better for us. Woo hoo! I love these words...

There's honey in the rock
Purpose in Your plan
Power in the blood
Healing in Your hands
Started flowing when You said it is done
Everything You did's enough

What is 'enough'? It is whatever God gives us or allows in our life whether 'good' or 'bad'! It is whatever is necessary for us to learn a lesson or to draw us closer to Him. It is the perfect amount of anything. I love how God works. He took me to Psalm 31 this morning after waking me with this song. This Psalm speaks of Him being my rock in verses two and three. It speaks of how we need to lean into Him in trying times and never give up. We must have confidence in Him and never give up praying. Praises also must be a part of our communication with Him. David wrote from a heart that knew God yet was struggling. That is where we often find ourselves. We are in relationship with Him yet life can be so overwhelming our faith may falter. The attacks of the enemy may become so great we feel like we cannot carry on but we must. God is greater than anything that comes our way. When we live with Him in our heart we are empowered by His strength. The 'honey' in our Heavenly Father is His strength. It is sweet and pleasant. I picture a warm biscuit right out of the oven with butter and honey on it. Mmmmm.... The biscuit would taste good plain but with the honey it is yummy! Our life can be 'ok' but with God as the 'honey' coating it life can be beautiful. Life will be more pleasant when we are in relationship with Him. There will still be 'trying' times but those times are easier to not only get through but to glorify Him in the process. I am so thankful to Him being my honey! I am so thankful for His Word that not only gives us promises to live by but reminds us He has a plan for our lives. I love Proverbs 19:21 that remind us His purpose is always best.

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the blessings of yesterday with all Doug and I accomplished! Thank You for all the ways You bless us! Cleanse me so You can fill me so people will see/hear You through my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts. I pray for many going through 'trying' days to realize Everything You did's enough! My sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Doug's sister Jackie; Cait; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Jack and Paula; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; some young ladies with anxiety; a young man out of rehab; Ross and Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Brooklyn; 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 Judson; Little Roselynn; a young girl in our community; Mr Mullett; Marybeth's friends; David; Damon; Dave and Carol with his treatments; and Dan. I pray for: the Long family; Becky; Baby Sabre and her family; Debbie and her family; and Russ. Thank You for continued healing for Pastor Tommy and Pam! Thank You for being My Honey! Amen.  

Joshua 23:9-11 - "Battle Belongs To You"

This week God has given me what I call 'bits and pieces' of three upcoming sermons. I love hearing from Him on what He desires for me to preach. I also love the way He directs me as I craft sermons. It was so cool when I was in the middle of crafting this week's and have Him give me Scripture for next week's. It was also cool to have Him give me the title of one for in two weeks. I appreciate when He doesn't wait until the last moment to give me sermons. He knows I function best in that manner. Yesterday morning there came a point in sermon crafting where I clearly heard Him tell me to 'walk away Daughter' and I did. I didn't want to quit yet I knew He had a reason. He evidently has something I am not ready to receive yet. I am thankful for the peace He gives in such times. I also am thankful for the way He speaks to me in every day life. Last night when we took a walk in the neighborhood we had the opportunity to visit with four neighbors. One was a new family who just moved into the neighborhood. Of course my husband being who he is asked them if they had a church yet and told them I was not only his wife but his pastor. Even though they 'are not religious people' it still planted a seed. Woo hoo! Another neighbor hugged me and thanked me for 'always being there' for them. Another neighbor called out 'love you two' as we walked away from talking. God truly was a part of not only Doc and I moving to Beaufort but putting us in this neighborhood. What a blessing they are to me! I told Doug last night before we met the new neighbors I had to get some baking done to drop off to them. In the conversation then when we met them walking I shared I would be dropping off some cookies and found out their neighbor in New York made the little boy banana bread for a treat. After leaving them Doug asked if I still have bananas in the freezer to make him some. I love how he thinks! He is another blessing God gave to me. Yesterday we went to Lowe's to look at landscape things and then onto eat a sandwich at Rain-n-Bagels before going to see Marion. We had some extra time so we stopped in at our favorite little antique store for a couple things for the cabin. We were pleasantly surprised to find both. While I visited Marion he went on to visit Ms Paula and Jack. On the way home we stopped at Belk with some Belk rewards. He was pleasantly surprised the second dress I looked at came home with me. It was a $94 dress that I bought for $8. Woo hoo! Another blessings from the Lord. As I reflect on yesterday I see lots of blessings from Him from start to finish. Every day is full of them but every day also has its challenges and hurts of the heart. God's love gets me through the 'tough' times through the blessings He pours out upon me. The enemy would love to trip me up and tries to regularly do so. Joshua spoke to the people in chapter twenty-three of the importance of staying focused on God and not allowing people or circumstances to pull you away from Him. It is so important to stay strong in our faith. We must trust God through the 'tough' times to make us stronger in Him. Every 'battle' that comes our way belongs to Him when we allow Him to be in charge. We do not need to be the General but instead need to be His Privates so we can follow His lead. I am reminded this morning of the song "Battle Belongs" and feeling blessed...

So when I fight, I'll fight on my knees
With my hands lifted high
Oh God, the battle belongs to You
And every fear I lay at Your feet
I'll sing through the night
Oh God, the battle belongs to YoucDear Jesus, Thank You for the blessings of yesterday with the biggest one being my husband Doug! Thank You for his servant heart whether it be working on a Sunday School lesson or inviting new people to church! Thank You for how hard he works getting things done here at home and at the church! Cleanse me so You can fill me so people will see/hear You through my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts. I pray for many to realize the 'battles' they are going through belong to You. My sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Doug's sister Jackie; Cait; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Jack and Paula; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; some young ladies with anxiety; a young man out of rehab; Ross and Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Brooklyn; 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 Judson; Little Roselynn; a young girl in our community; Mr Mullett; Marybeth's friends; David; Damon; Dave and Carol with his treatments; and Dan. I pray for: the Long family; Becky; Baby Sabre and her family; Debbie and her family; and Russ. Thank You for continued healing for Pastor Tommy and Pam! Thank You for being My General! Amen.  

Jeremiah 29:11-13 - "Goodness of God"

I had such a pleasant dream. I was at a huge church building filled to overflowing with people. The coolest part was I knew everyone. There were people from all four churches I have been involved in over the last sixty-two years. Orrville Church of Christ, Orrville Nazarene, Willard Nazarene, and Beaufort Nazarene. There were people on the stage involved in ministry that I had in children's ministry over the years. I was holding a baby which of course I always do when there is one around. I had people come up and ask me to pray with them which I always do when asked. I received so many hugs and words of encouragement. I'm not sure why God gave me this dream but it was a gift. We talked in Bible study last night about how there are so many people who are not in relationship with God. There are many who knew God at one point in their life but chose to allow the enemy to pull them away from Him. It saddens my heart to see them and I will continue to pray for them to get back with God. I know when I walked away from God there were people praying for me. I am grateful for that knowledge. It was heavy on my mind during that time. I remember people sending me cards telling me they were praying for me. There were times I threw them away but other times I read them over and over again. I think one of the lessons learned at that time is we don't have to know details when God gives us someone to pray for. This week I had two people ask me to pray for one of their family members. I have been praying for both of them. I don't know what the need is but God does and that is all that matters. I know I am being obedient to Him by praying. I also am encouraging those who asked for prayers. I pray I will be an encourager to all who come in my path. I also pray people will realize when God puts an opportunity before us to pray He already knows the need. He doesn't need us to pray but when we do we will draw closer to Him. I am so thankful for my relationship with Him. I am thankful He waited for me to come back to Him when I walked away. I am thankful He has been with me every step of my path but especially for these last seven years with my breast cancer, Doc's pancreatic cancer and death, the loss of my dear friends Grammy, Mr. Fran, my Mordecei, and Rickey, my fall, the loss of my dear Momma...oh my the list is long. I also am thankful for all the blessings that come my way over and over again. My biggest blessing is the realization of the promise God had a man for me. I waited a year after that promise was given and Doug was worth the wait. Adjustments to married life again have not always been easy but thankfully God continues to give us what we need to love each other through the rough spots in life. We both know God brought us together and that certainly helps in the process. Jeremiah gave the Lord's words to the exiles in Jeremiah 29:11-13. It reminded them God had great plans for them. They remind me He has great plans for me. I love the words of the song "Goodness of God" and know beyond a shadow of a doubt I mean these words when I sing them...

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 Jesus for all that was accomplished yesterday and for the blessings ahead today! Thank You for Doug who worked so hard mowing the church and our house yesterday! Thank You for blessing me with the dream last night! You are such an Encourager to 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 those going through difficult days to lean into Your strength. My sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Doug's sister Jackie; Cait; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Jack and Paula; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; some young ladies with anxiety; a young man out of rehab; Ross and Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Brooklyn; 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 Judson; Little Roselynn; a young girl in our community; Mr Mullett; Marybeth's friends; David; Damon; Dave and Carol with his treatments; and Dan. I pray for: the Long family; Becky; Baby Sabre and her family; Debbie and her family; and Russ. Thank You for continued healing for Pastor Tommy and Pam! Thank You for being My Encourager! Amen.  

Psalm 16:11; I Peter 2:9 - "Somebody To You"

Yesterday was a great day to celebrate my birthday! Doug and I did some window shopping before spending time with Marion over lunch. She is such a honey and I love to watch her enjoy her food. After we got home we went to Hunting Island for an hour or so and then over to Land's End for sunset. It was a perfect kind of day! Throughout the day I received: texts, Facebook messages, phone calls including one with Ben and his family singing 'Happy Birthday' to me, and a text from our dear friend Melvin playing 'Happy Birthday' on the piano. Everyone made me feel so special. I was reminded this morning of David's words in Psalm 16:11. My relationship with God is one of communication where I not only hear His voice but desire to walk in obedience to Him. There is such joy in this type of relationship. I love the last part of this verse where David writes about eternal pleasures at Your right hand. I am so blessed to have eternity with Him as my goal. I am blessed in knowing He is there for me not only in the 'tough' days of life but to bless me through the 'good' days too. My Momma was on my mind many times yesterday. There were so many times I thought, 'I need to call and tell Momma...' only to remember that is not possible any longer. That saddens me yet I am thankful she is with the Lord in a new body. I am thankful for for God's love and for the reminder from Sunday's sermon that God created us for a purpose. He loves us so much and His love gives us great worth. We need to not spend our lives trying to earn acceptance from people but instead need to realize He accepts us no matter what. Eugene Petersen paraphrases I Peter 2:9 in The Message: You are the ones chosen by God . . . from nothing to something, from rejected to accepted. I love that. ...rejected to accepted. Sometimes the world rejects us. Sometimes our friends and family reject us. Sometimes we reject ourselves. God never rejects us. He loves us unconditionally. I praise Him for the knowledge found in the song "Somebody To You"...

Don't gotta be somebody when I'm already somebody to You
Got nothing to prove anymore, so there's nothing to lose anymore
You're gonna keep on loving me for more than just the things that I do
I'll sing it till there's no doubt, nobody can count me out
'Cause I'm already somebody to You, ooh
I'm already somebody to You, ooh

Dear Jesus, Thank You for a day full of blessings for my birthday yesterday! Thank You for Doug orchestrating a great day of celebration! Cleanse me so You can fill me with more of You so people will see/hear You through my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts. I pray blessings over many going through difficult days. My sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Doug's sister Jackie; Cait; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Jack and Paula; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; some young ladies with anxiety; a young man out of rehab; Ross and Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Brooklyn; 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 Judson; Little Roselynn; a young girl in our community; Mr Mullett; Marybeth's friends; David; Damon; Dave and Carol with his treatments; and Dan. I pray for: the Long family; Becky; Baby Sabre and her family; Debbie and her family; and Russ. Thank You for continued healing for Pastor Tommy and Pam! Thank You for being My Accepter! Amen.  

Philippians 4:13 - "Legacy"

Sometimes the firsts in life bring about tears. The tears can be ones of joy like having my first birthday with Doug as my husband. He spoils me so much. I am so thankful God not only promised me a godly man but then brought our paths together. I am one blessed lady as his wife. Other firsts can bring tears of sadness with missing loved ones. Today is my first birthday without my Momma on this earth. Days like today make me sad but then God reminds me she is living life with Him and that makes me smile. Oh how I miss her and my Daddy. I so miss their phone calls and hugs when we would get together. My Momma always made us our favorite meal for our birthday. Mine was always her fried chicken. Today I am taking Marion out for lunch to a BBQ place to have chicken. It won't be the same but it will be good. My Momma also made sure we had a birthday cake. Even though she knew my favorite flavor was chocolate more than not I would end up with a white cake. Sometimes she would surprise me with a yellow Aldi cake with homemade peanut butter icing because it tastes so much like my Grandma's pound cake. When Doc was alive and we lived in Orrville, my birthday cake was always Buehler's Andes mint chocolate cake. Yesterday Doug and I had some extra time before meeting Clay and JoAnn for dinner so we stopped in at a specialty store. I forewarned him it was very expensive but I enjoyed looking around. One of the things they had were cannoli's which I love. I do not think it was a coincidence God provided one for my dessert. When we got to the restaurant, Doug told them it was my birthday so they brought it out with a candle for my dessert. Another 'God wink' in my life. This morning I opened cards from Doug and my dear friend Pam. She was a God send in Momma's last months. If I felt like Momma needed something, I knew I could call Pam. I am so grateful for her. One of Momma's last nights I received word she wasn't doing well and I called and asked Pam if she could go in to check on her. It was late in the evening so I wasn't sure if she would be able to or not. Not only did she check on her but she sat by her bedside all night. She was there when I couldn't be and for that I am grateful. When Pam walked in one of Momma's last days, Momma gave her a grocery list and told her to go buy her and Dan groceries. Momma was always thinking of others even when she knew her time on earth was drawing close to ending. When I opened Pam's card this morning, the tears fell as I read this list my Momma wrote...

What a legacy my Momma has left for all of us. She showed how to love with God's love to a great depth and to never allow the enemy to win. Her (and my Daddy) showed how to trust God and lean into His strength. They both stood upon Philippians 4:13 throughout all of the ups and downs of life. I am reminded this morning of the song "Legacy"....

Dear Jesus, Thank You for another year of life! Thank You for blessing me with Doug who loves me well! Thank You for friends who also love me well! Cleanse me so You can fill me. May my words, actions, thoughts, and attitude be Christ-like to all who see/hear me today. I pray healing over many going through 'tough' days. Physical, mental, emotional, relational, financial, and especially spiritual healing. My sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Doug's sister Jackie; 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; 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 Judson; Little Roselynn; a young girl in our community; Mr Mullett; Marybeth's friend; David; Damon; Dave and Carol with his treatments; and Dan. I pray for: the Long family; Becky; Baby Sabre and her family; and Russ. Thank You for continued healing for Pastor Tommy and Pam! Thank You for being close to Doug's family with the loss of his cousin! Thank You for being My Legacy! Amen.