Psalm 37:4 - "Goodness of God"

Yesterday was such a great day! I love Sundays but when you have someone turn their heart to the Lord there becomes even more to love about the day! There is no better feeling than having the knowledge of a life was changed. My mind started racing as to things I need to do now in this person's life. Make sure they have a Bible, discipleship, etc. As I watched the sunrise I wondered how they felt this morning. Did they wake up thinking about the decision they made? Do they see God's creation differently? Will they tell anyone at work today about the decision they made? Sometimes the first few days after making such a decision is confusing but confusion comes from the enemy not from God. Doubt comes from the enemy too. God desires to walk beside us and love us through such times. He doesn't always protect us from the antics of the enemy because our faith grows in such time but He never leaves us. I am so thankful for that knowledge. I also am thankful for all the ways God encourages me. Last night as I watched Doug bless a couple young ladies I was so grateful. He blesses me every day with his love and care not just for me but for others. Sometimes I feel like I have to pinch myself for the having him in my life. I feel like it is a dream come true. Doc loved me well and life was next to perfect for our thirty plus years. To think God has blessed me with a second man that loves me so well and does life with me in ways that bless me in abundance blows my mind. Woo hoo! I am singing "Goodness of God" this morning....

And all my life You have been faithful, ohh
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, yeah

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the great blessing of having someone accept You into their heart yesterday! Thank You for blessing me with Doug who loves me well! Thank You for our time of celebration for his birthday! Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with You. May people see/hear You through my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts. I pray for many going through difficult times to receive Your peace and love in a mighty way. 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 Great Blesser! Amen. 

Jeremiah 29:11-13 - "Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)"

Last night before going to bed I prayed for pastors who would be preaching today. I asked God to have all of us in relationship with Him so we not only heard His voice but walked in obedience to Him. That prayer led to me praying for the people who would hear sermons today. I prayed for regular attenders along with visitors. I prayed people would be receptive to what God had for them. That prayer led to praying for some particular people on my prayer list who have deep needs. Sometimes the knowledge I have of people's lives hurts my heart. Some of the circumstances I see them in hurts because I know if they would just allow God to help them they would receive His strength. It can be a scary thing to do yet so rewarding. So many times we believe we can do life on our own but in fact when we do life on our own we mess things up. We make 'bad' decisions, we are miserable, we feel hopeless, etc. God wants to guide every aspect of our life. He does not want us making any decision without His input. I am reminded this morning of the song "Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)" as I pray for many people who need to take the step toward allowing God to be their Guide. 

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Saviour

Yes! There have been many times in life when I felt like I did not know what to do but God knew and provided His wisdom. Sometimes I chose to not listen. It was in those times the hurt became deeper until I finally allowed Him to be Who He desired to be in my life. Then life was complete. The joy in my spirit was once again felt deep in my soul. His love was experienced more than before and His grace was received. Woo hoo!

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead today! Thank You for giving me the privilege to pray for pastors last night before bed, during the night, and again this morning! Thank You for my husband Doug who blesses me in abundance every day! Thank You for our time with Teri and Betty last night! 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; 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 Guide! Amen. 

II Timothy 1 - "I Speak Jesus"

I know we cannot save anyone. Jesus is the only one who can do so. I also know He uses us as a tool when we allow Him. When I miss opportunities He puts before me, I get upset with myself. He reminds me I am human and He forgives. He also reminds me He will give me more opportunities to share His love. Our Heavenly Father is a loving God who blesses us every day we are still on this earth. Yesterday when Doug and I had a pack of peanut butter crackers he said a 'food prayer' for them. In his prayer he thanked God for the blessing of having them and prayed for those who couldn't walk into their kitchen and grab a snack. That prayer made me realize just how blessed we are and reminded me to be grateful for even the little things in life such as cheese crackers. God woke me this morning with the song "I Speak Jesus" and stopped me at these words...

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

Yes! The part about 'my family' reminded me about how I prayed for my boys before they were even born. I wish I still had my diary from high school. In it was listed three boys and three girls that I wanted to have. I named them after the babies on the Gerber baby food commercials. I dreamed big but I started praying then for my future children. Once I was married the prayers became more intense for my children. When each of my boys were born, prayers were added for their future wives and their own children. When their children were born, I started praying for their future wives and their own children. I love the words Paul wrote to Timothy in II Timothy. He recognized Timothy's grandmother Lois and mother Eunice as being a large part of Timothy's faith. I pray I am instrumental in my boys and grand babies spiritual walk. I pray they know I pray for them and they see my strength comes from the Lord. I pray verses six and seven over them. Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 

Dear Jesus, Thank You for blessing me with: Paul, Lizzy, and Miss Bella; Ben, Emily, Miss Evelyn, Mr Beckett, Miss Annabel, Miss Clementine, and Mr Weston; and Adam, Rachel, and Miss Aiya. May they all feel Your love showered upon them. Thank You for Doug who loves me well and blesses me as we do life together! Cleanse me so You can fill me. May people see/hear You through my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts. I pray II Timothy 1:3-7 over all on my prayer list. 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 Jesus! Amen. 

Psalm 116 - "Gratitude"

The Lord took me to Psalm 116 this morning. David speaks of his love for the Lord in the first part of the Psalm and thanks Him in the second part. Sometimes God's love is overwhelming. I don't feel worthy of His love at times yet He often reminds me I am His daughter. Therefore, I need to allow Him to lavish His love down on me and be thankful. When I reflect back over my life, I see times I did not do as He desired yet He still loved me. I know I miss opportunities to share His love with others yet He still loves me. There are times I don't depend upon His strength as much as I should yet He still loves. me. The common theme is no matter what I do or don't do He still loves me. Woo hoo! In this Psalm David speaks of times life is overwhelming in both 'good' and 'bad' ways. He realized the need to stay focused on God no matter what was happening in life. This is something we need to not only do ourselves but teach our children and grandchildren how to do. We need to share this way of life with others so they can also live in relationship with Him. Matthew Henry wrote of this Psalm: 

We should deem ourselves bound to walk as in his presence. It is a great mercy to be kept from being swallowed up with over-much sorrow. It is a great mercy for God to hold us by the right hand, so that we are not overcome and overthrown by a temptation. But when we enter the heavenly rest, deliverance from sin and sorrow will be complete; we shall behold the glory of the Lord, and walk in his presence with delight we cannot now conceive.

Yes! When I leave this earth, I want to be received by His open arms. The way for that to happen is for me to live in His presence while on this earth. Verse seventeen of Psalm 116 is one I hold near to my heart. I will sacrifice a thank offering to you and call on the name of the Lord. We need to remember everything we have is from Him. We need to have a grateful heart at all time whether we are having 'good' or 'bad' days. The words to Brandon Lake's song "Gratitude" are on my lips this morning...

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 and the ones ahead today! Thank You for Ben's family having safe travels home! Thank You for my wonderful husband Doug who loves me well! Thank You for being so close in the 'good' and the 'bad' times when life is overwhelming! Cleanse me so You can fill me. May people see/hear You through my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts. I pray those going through overwhelming times will remember to thank You no matter what they are experiencing. 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 Jesus! Amen. 

Psalm 37:4 - "In Jesus Name"; "I Speak Jesus"

Woo hoo! What a wonderful time we have experienced with Ben, Emily and the kids! We ate more than normal (especially ice cream!), slept less than normal, laughed more than normal...perfect time! The house is now quiet but the memory banks are full. It was hard to hear Mr. Weston say, "Grandma, I'm gonna miss you..." Last night he and I had another conversation about him being sad about Papa Doc and Great Grandma McHenry no longer being with us. He has such a tender heart and very much past his age of five intellectually. The words he uses are amazing. The bonds Mr. Beckett and Miss Clementine made with Doug are priceless. I am so thankful Doug made this trip happen. Seeing Miss Evelyn growing up is startling but I know it is all part of life. I loved how the kids took turns riding with us in our car when we went places. Last night having Miss Clementine and Miss Annabel with us brought joy to my heart as they sang for  us. I love when they sang "Amazing Grace" and Doug and I sang with them. Oh my! The memories made are awesome! God truly blessed us with this time together and I know He will continue to bless us. I feel His love every day but it is days like these last ones that make me more aware of the depth of His love. I am so proud of who my boys have grown up to be but my greatest joy is knowing they love the Lord and are leading their families in relationship with Him. I am thankful for this knowledge. I pray for the Momma's who have prodigal children to receive an abundance of God's love. I pray for the prodigal children to have someone say something that will change their circumstances. I am reminded of the song "In Jesus Name" this morning...

I pray for your healing, that circumstances would change
I pray that the fear inside would flee in Jesus' name
I pray that a breakthrough would happen today
I pray miracles over your life in Jesus' name
In Jesus' name

Yes! Jesus' name is powerful! When we are at the end of ourselves and don't know what to say, all we have to say is 'Jesus'! When we don't know how to pray for others, all we have to do is speak His name over them. There is such power in such actions. God knows all. He knows our heart. He knows the hurts of our heart and is ready to heal those hurts as we allow Him. We who are in relationship with Him must speak Him over those who are not.

I just want to speak the name of Jesus
Over every heart and every mind
Cause I know there is peace within Your presence
I speak Jesus

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the blessings of these last few days Doug and I had with Ben, Emily, and the kids! Thank You for protecting them on their way home and for giving them more opportunities to make memories! Cleanse me so You can fill me. May people see/hear You through my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts. I pray Your peace 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 Jesus! Amen. 

Psalm 37:4; Lamentations 3:22-24 - "Every Hour of Every Day"

I woke up this morning with a song David Leonard sings called "Every Hour"...

Every hour
Of every day
Oh, I need you, Lord
And that will never change
Every moment
In every way
Oh, I need you, Lord
And that will never change,

Yes! These words are ones I truly mean when I say/sing them. I need the Lord so much in 'good' days and in 'tough' ones. I need Him physically, mentally, emotionally, financially, and most of all spiritually. Ben, Emily, Doug and I sat talking last night after dinner about the condition of the world including in churches today. It saddens me to think about such things but they are reality. Emily said she is having conversations with their children she never thought she would have to have which also saddens me. We all need the Lord. Believers need to lean into Him more than ever before. Non-believers need to come into relationship with Him. Those who believe but do not live for Him need to realize the importance of giving themselves totally to Him. Life is short and we never know when our time on this earth will be over. We need to do our best to live for Him and allow Him to be our King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Then, and only then, will we live for eternity with Him. This song starts with....

Like new mercies
In the morning still
You surround me

I pray I did as God desired yesterday and did not miss any opportunity He put before me. Thankfully today is a new day and He will give me more opportunities to share His love with others. Thankfully He pours out His love, mercy, and grace down upon us Every hour Of every day. I am reminded of the words of Lamentations 3:22-24. It reads in the New International Version:

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
    for his compassions never fail.
23 They are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness.
24 I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion;
    therefore I will wait for him.”

Praise God for His Word that gives us great promises to cling to and be encouraged by! I am so blessed by Him in so many ways. These days Doug and I have with Ben and his family making precious memories are precious gifts from God. 

Dear Jesus, Thank You for Doug and I having this time with Ben, Emily, and the kids with us! Thank You for the memories being made! Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. May people see/hear You through my words, actions, thoughts, and attitude. I pray for those going through 'tough' days to feel 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 Promise Keeper! Amen.  

Psalm 37:4-5 - "Gratitude"

Sitting by the water yesterday listening to the laughter of family was so special. I loved watching them play in the ocean. I sat there thanking God for this time with them. It is so hard to live so far away from family. God is so good to give us times like this to enjoy doing life together. The kids keep reminiscing about times we've been together in the past and that brings joy to my heart. Mr. Weston talking about Great Grandma McHenry makes me happy. Watching them gathered around our table eating their favorite meal I make of ham balls and noodles also made me happy. I loved Doug sharing with me the conversations he and Mr. Beckett had yesterday. I also loved snuggling on our bed at bedtime with Mr. Weston and Miss Clementine watching a cartoon. Making memories is the best thing in the world. I am so grateful Doug made this trip possible. Watching him get to know Ben and his family is a gift from God. Every time we are together I see more closeness being developed. Doing life together is another gift from God. He gives us what we need physically, mentally, emotionally, financially, and spiritually as we allow Him. He loves us so much and desires for us to be in relationship with Him. I am so blessed by Him in so many ways. Last night when I asked the kids to sing the prayer at dinner my heart melted. I am so blessed knowing my grand babies are being raised with Jesus as the Center of their life. I was blessed when Doug told me how Mr. Beckett said "Grandma is a good Christian" in one of their conversations. That brought joy to my heart. It made me feel good knowing that is how my grand babies think of me. This morning as I think about the day ahead I am praying for safe travels as we sight-see in Savannah and for another day of making memories. I also have the song "Gratitude" going through my mind. Words cannot express my "Gratitude" to the Lord for times like these. I know I will continue to praise Him for each and every moment we have together. Every time this song comes to my mind I thank God for my Momma who I watched sitting at her computer with her arm lifted up as she sang along with it. I was saddened this morning to find out her dear friend Elgie left this earth too. I am not sad for Elgie because she lived a long life but for her husband Dick who has lost a second wife. I pray he will find reasons to praise God through these 'tough' days. We all need to praise Him in not only the 'good' days but the 'tough' days of life. When we focus on Him instead of our problems, He will bless us in abundance.

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 Ben and his family and for the memories we will make today! Thank You for Doug who loves me so well! 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 for Dick as he mourns Elgie's death. May he find strength in You. I pray for many to find 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 Center! Amen.