Wednesday, July 18, 2018

Patty's Quilt



Friendship is something to be treasured and not
taken for granted.  I am so glad God place this
beautiful  lady  in my life some 60+ years ago. 
Finished this lap throw for her to cover with on
those cool evenings as she relaxes and reads. 

Love you girl and thank you for being my friend.

Tuesday, June 26, 2018

Contentment


But godliness with contentment is great gain.  For we brought nothing into the world and we can take nothing out of it.
1 Timothy 6:5-7

Monday, June 25, 2018

Tenderness


And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.  Luke 1:76-79

Monday, May 28, 2018

Remembrance

   Lindsay Johnson, United State Army, 87th Infantry Division  

My Uncle Lindsay was killed in action December 1944, Battle of the Bulge at the young age of 18.  I never met him but I often heard family members speak of him.

Today is a day set aside to remember and honor those lost in battle for our great country's freedom.  So tonight as you end this day, say a prayer for all our young men and women serving our country, for their safety and for the families at home waiting for their return.

Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.
John 15:13

God Bless America!!!




Sunday, May 27, 2018

Sunshine


It is a beautiful sun shiny day, with a gentle breeze blowing, here in the PNW.   Morning worship was absolutely awesome!  We sang some of the old songs about how God's extends His grace to us.  Since our pastor is on vacation the morning message was brought by one of the elders.  Sermon topic "The Real Deal" with scripture reference 2 Corinthians 12.  He shared with us the marks of a genuine follower of Jesus Christ today.  How we are to rely on God's grace in our weakness, to stay humble, refuse to be a financial burden and to show alarm about sin in the church.  Then he asked us 3 questions; 1) Do we rely on God's grace in our weakness? 2) Do we refuse to be a financial burden to others? 3) Is our hearts broken over sin in the church?  Gave us a lot to ponder and pray on.  Awesome sermon!!!

After morning worship my sweetie and I had nothing planned so we came home and had lunch on the patio, he sat in the shade and me in the sun as I love to feel the warmth of the sun on my face.  There is just something about sitting in the sun soaking up those rays that warms a body from the inside out.

2 Corinthians 4:6 tells us; 
"For God , who said, "Light shall shine out of darkness," is the One who has shown in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ."

In other words God puts the sunshine in our soul.  We can't help but glow with the light of Christ as we place our faith and trust in our Savior Jesus Christ for He is our light.  He gives us hope, love, peace and grace.

Think of it this way, the warmth of the sunshine is Jesus smiling down on us giving us His abundant blessings today.





Saturday, May 26, 2018

Happy Birthday Ozzie Bear


Today our Ozzie Bear would have been 5 years old and we celebrated his birthday by planting a White Dogwood in his memory.  We knew the perfect spot for his tree as Ozzie had dug a hole trying to get at a Mole.  It was a family affair as the kids came over, with our grandpup Oscar, and helped us dig the hole and get the tree planted.  I can see the tree from the kitchen window and at times I see our Ozzie Bear running around the back yard. 

It has been 2 months since our Ozzie Bear left us but it still feels like today.  We give thanks to our Heavenly Father for blessing our lives with our Ozzie Bear.  We miss him everyday but know that he is running free chasing the Butterflies and Bees.

Love you Ozzie Bear, you will be forever in our hearts...

Friday, May 25, 2018

Friends...



Does the number of friends you can boast about on Facebook or followers you have on Instagram make you feel important?  Are these the friends you can count on when you need that shoulder to cry on?  Are they someone you can rant and rave at when life has gotten all turned upside down and not take you personally?  We can have a multitude of friends but only a few that are there when the going gets tough, that will listen and not judge when you need that shoulder.  But there is only one true friend that is always there and that is Jesus.

I don't know about you but I am so glad that I can call Jesus my friend.  He is always there when the pain gets to much for me to bear.  He is there when I feel that I am at the very bottom of the pit with no place to go.  He will always take care of me and never forsake me.  He will cradle me in His loving arms and comfort me with the peace only He can give.  All I have to do is submit myself to Him and take all my worries and cares to Him in prayer.

God's Word tells us in Philippians 4:6 "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplications with thanksgiving let your requests be made know to God."

I don't know about you but I choose to let God carry my burdens for He is so much stronger than I...








Thursday, May 24, 2018

Rewarding Love


Life is full of the unexpected!  We often find ourselves wondering what in the world happened to us and how did we let this happen.  Truth be known we got a little bit to big for our britches and tried to do every thing ourselves by thinking we don't need anyone or anything.  But when we have really messed life up we let pride get in our way and refuse to ask for help.  Why?  God has already seen what we did and knows that we need help, help that is there simply by asking.

Get over that pride thing because we have all messed up.  God's Word tells us in Proverbs 29:23, "Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor."

God is always loyal to us, He will never turn His back on us no matter how bad we messed up.  So ask and let Him demonstrate His unconditional love for you...

Wednesday, May 23, 2018

Giving us more...


Our God is so awesome!!!  My sweetie and I have been working really hard to pay off some credit cards which has been tough since we lost part of our income last year.  But our God is faithful and we have been able to pay off 2 credit cards as well as some medical bills we had incurred. Satan will throw everything he has at us when we really start to place our faith and trust in our Heavenly Father and His Son. 

God's Word promises us an abundant life to overflowing.  In John 10:10 we read, "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

Stay strong and trust our Heavenly Father for He will bring us through what ever trial comes our way...

Tuesday, May 22, 2018

Joy



I am so glad that my Heavenly Father loves me and knows exactly what I am going to do each day.  He knows my thoughts as I plan my day and knows exactly what path I will take, even when I fail to ask for direction.  So I am choosing to seek His guidance as I plan my day and travel the path He has for me.  I am choosing to follow the will He has for my life for I know that He will never forsake me and I am safe as He cradles me in His loving arms.

God's Word tells me in Deuteronomy 33:12 "Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in him, for he shields him all day long, and the one the Lord loves rests between his shoulders."

So I choose Joy for my life...

Monday, May 21, 2018

Don't forget to ask...


Has there ever been a time when you felt like God had deserted you?  I know I have felt like that a time or two but I soon realized that it was not God that had moved, it was me.  I had tried to do things on my own and had really messed them up.  So I was in that valley where I felt all alone.

God's Word tells us in James 4:8, "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you."
Learn to trust that God is always walking beside you, to guide you and direct you daily.  Spend time with Him letting your needs be known to Him.  Oh I know He already knows what I need but His Word also tells me to ask and I will receive.

Sunday, May 20, 2018

Prayers



Be still and know that I am God. 
Psalm 46:10

Sometimes during our quiet time, when we are offering our prayers up to God, we don't take the time to listen to what God is saying to us.  So linger a bit longer in God's presence and listen, really listen to Him.

Saturday, May 19, 2018

Blessings


Our Heavenly Father gives us so many blessings each day that our cup overflows with His love.

Thursday, May 17, 2018

Happy Birthday Gary


Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
2 Corinthians 5:17

Today is my sweetie's "75th" birthday.  We started our day of celebration at our local IHOP for his free birthday breakfast.  The rest of day will be rest and relaxation and since he is teaching a class this evening we won't actually do anymore celebrating until this weekend.

So Happy Birthday Gary, wishing you a day blessed with all the good stuff....

Love,
Me  

Saturday, May 12, 2018

Happy Birthday Nellie


Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, 
for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. 
 Matthew 5:12

Today is Nellie's birthday!!!
God so richly blessed my life all those years ago when He place this young lady in my life.
Life made us sisters, but love made of friends...

A Very Special Sister
For many years we've shared our lives
One roof we once lived under
Sometimes we laughed, sometimes we cried
Through winter storms and thunder
The younger years have faded fast
We've gone our separate ways
But through all time our friendship lasts
Our bond in life remains
As summer brings the happy times
The autumn winds will whisper
A closer friend I'd never find
Than the one I call my Sister.
Vernon 1985

So Happy, Happy Birthday Nellie...
May your day be blessed with all the good stuff  life has to offer as you celebrate you.

Love you bunches and bunches of bunches,
Shirley



Thursday, April 12, 2018

Happy Birthday Linda Mae


No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.  1 John 4:12

Happy Birthday Linda Mae...
Today the family has gathered around you at God's banqueting table to celebrate your birthday having a grand time.  I know I will see you again one day but until then give everyone a hug for me.  Love you little sister and miss you every day.

Love,
Shirley
(aka Puss)


Monday, April 2, 2018

Happy Birthday Daddy


Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.  Ephesians 4:2

Today my Daddy is celebrating his 95th birthday in heaven.  I know the family is all gathered around him to celebrate as my Daddy liked to be the center of attention.  So Happy Birthday Daddy, I sure do miss you.

Love,
Shirley

Wednesday, March 21, 2018

Happy Birthday Baby Girl


But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been through God.  John 3:21

Today is our sweet baby girl's birthday.  All those years ago when she was placed in my arms my life changed forever.  I now had this sweet special bundle of joy God had blessed me with and oh what a blessing she has been.  This young woman has a joy to live life to it fullest every day.  She is a mighty woman of God and she cares for her family deeply.  I thank God every day for the precious gift He gave me.

I love you to the moon and back again baby girl.

Love, 
Mom

Wednesday, February 28, 2018

His Love


The Lord delights in those who fear him,
who put their hope in his unfailing love.
Psalm 147:11

What is love and where do we find it?  In the world we live in we say we love this and that which doesn't have anything to do with what love is.  God's Word tells us in detail what love is.  It is laying down your life for another, it is putting others needs before our own, it is steadfast, it protects, it trusts, it never fails, it is the love of Christ.  Christ's love lives in us.

Let me take us back a couple of years to 1984, a very tough year for me.  That was the year my Momma made her journey to her heavenly home at the young age of 57.  I was very angry with God and kept asking why did you have to take my Momma don't you know that we need her more than you do.  So I blamed God. 

When my sweetie and I got back to our home some 150 miles away from where my Momma and Daddy lived I had some really rough days.  It seemed I could not get beyond my grief.  Then Sunday morning came and we went to morning worship.  We were greeted with lots of hugs from our family of families.  The worship service began with the singing some of the old hymns my Momma loved so dearly.  When we started to sing the hymn "Love Lifted Me" I felt the presence of our Heavenly Father wash over me.  You see even though I had been really angry with Him and was blaming Him for taking my Momma He still loved me.  His love was there for me and would carry me through the darkest days of missing my Momma.

Father God thank you for your unfailing love.  Thank you for loving me even when I fail you.  Amen

Love Lifted me
by James Rowe

I was sinking deep in sin, Far from the peaceful shore,
Very deeply stained within, Sinking to rise no more;
But the Master of the sea Heard my despairing cry,
From the waters lifted me, No safe am I.

All my heart to Him I give, Ever to Him I'll cling,
In His blessed presence live, Every His praises sing;
Love so mighty and so true Merits my soul's best songs;
Faithful, living service, too, To Him belongs.

Souls in danger, look above, Jesus completely saves; 
He will lift you by His love Out of the angry waves;
He's the Master of the sea, Billows His will obey;
He your Savior wants to be, Be saved today.

Love lifted me!  Love lifted me!
When nothing else could help, Love lifted me
Love lifted me, Love lifted me!
When nothing else could help, Love lifted me.


Monday, February 26, 2018

Gardening With God


The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.
John 20:20

I have gardening on the mind this week.  Our weather has been absolutely crazy.  We have been cooped up in the house, since we have had lots of snow and rain, that the prospect of getting out and digging in the dirt will be like therapy for me.  I can't wait to get my hands dirty!  This year my sweetie and I plan to build some raised gardening beds and actually plant a few vegetables and tomatoes.  I am also excited to get a start on my "secret garden", a place where I can have my morning coffee and spend some time with our Heavenly Father.  My memory garden really needs a lot of work this year as the winter has really taken a toll on it.  I can't wait to see the Lilacs come to life as all the miniature roses start to bloom in all their wonderful colors.  

Working in the garden is a special time for me as it gives me time to commune one on one with our Heavenly Father.  Seeing a area covered by weeds come alive with color is inspiring.  Makes me stop and think of how God removes all the weeds from my life and makes it beautiful.

Father God thank you for removing the weeds from my life.  Thank you for blessing me with a loving family that makes the garden of my life beautiful.  Amen

In the Garden
by C. Austin Miles

I come to the garden alone, 
While the dew is still on the roses;
And the voice I hear, falling on my ear,
The Son of God discloses.

He speaks and the sound of His voice
Is so sweet the birds hush their singing
And the melody that He gave to me
Within my heart is ringing.

I'd stay in the garden with Him
Tho the night around me be falling;
But He bids me go thru the voice of woe,
His voice to me is calling.

And He walks with me, and He talks with me,
And He tells me I am His own;
And the joy we share as we tarry there
None other has ever known.


Sunday, February 25, 2018

Quiet Rest


It is good to be near God.
Psalm 73:28

My sister has this wonderful place in her garden, a place where you can sit and relax in the quietness that surrounds you.  A place where you can sit on the bench and commune one on one with God as you take in the beauty of His Majesty.  This year my sweetie and I hope to establish a place like this in our yard.  A place where we can sit and listen to the still small quiet voice of our Heavenly Father.

Psalm 46:10 tell us "to be still and know that I am God."  If you are like me in this busy world we live in we don't always take the time to just sit and wait on God.  We come to Him and lay our needs before Him and not take the time for Him to speak to our heart, to listen to what path He would like for us to take as we journey through life.

Father God thank you for always being there for me and forgiving me when I don't take the time to listen to you.  Thank you Father God for the blessings of Your beauty I encounter on a daily basis.  Father God I ask that you draw me ever nearer your heart each day as you direct my path as I strive to walk the walk you have for me here on this earth.  Amen

Near To The Heart Of God
by Cleland B. McAfee

There is a place of quiet rest Near to the heart of God,
A place where sin cannot molest, Near to the heart of God.

There is a place of comfort sweet Near to the heart of God,
A place where we our Savior meet, Near to the heart of God.

There is a place of full release Near to the heart of God,
A place where all is joy and peace, Near to the heart of God.

O Jesus, blest Redeemer, Sent from the from the heart of God,
Hold us who wait before Thee Near to the heart of God.


Saturday, February 24, 2018

Commandments or Suggestions


"You shall consecrate yourselves therefore and be holy, for I am the Lord your God.  And you shall keep My statutes and practice them; I am the Lord who sanctifies you..."
Leviticus 20:7-8

When God gave the written law to Moses they were craved in stone.  That means that we can not change them to suit us.  A lie is a lie and murder is murder.  We cannot justify what we do by rewriting God's Word, it just doesn't work that way.

I know we say that there is no way we can keep these commandments or suggestions as many like to refer to them.  Yes we can!  We keep them by placing our faith and trust in our heavenly Father just as Abraham, Issac, and Jacob did.  God has given each of a free will.  Jesus Christ paid the cost for our sin and our hope lies in that fact.  When we confess our sin to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us (1 John 1:9).  I choose to believe Christ.  I choose to ask for His forgiveness.  I choose to walk in His footsteps daily as I travel the path He has set before me.

Father God I know that my relationship with You is the only way I can keep your commandments.  Help me to relinquish control of my life and will to you.  Thank you Father God for sending Your Son to pay the price I could not pay.  Amen

Take Time To Be Holy
by William D. Longstaff

Take time to be holy, Speak often with God;
Find rest in Him always And feed on His Word.  
Make friends of God's children; Help those who are weak,
Forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek.

Take time to be holy, The world rushes on;
Much time spend in secret With Jesus alone.
By looking to Jesus, Like Him thou shalt be;
Thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see.

Take time to be holy, Let Him by thy guide,
And run not before Him, Whatever betide.
In joy or in sorrow, Still follow thy Lord,
And, looking to Jesus, Still trust in His Word.  Amen

Friday, February 16, 2018

Morning Has Broken


Awake, my soul!
Awake, harp and lyre!
I will awaken the dawn.
I will praise you, Lord, among the nations;
I will sing of you among the peoples.
Psalm 57:8-9

Each day my Heavenly Father gives me a new chance.  A new chance to be what He knows I can be.  A new chance to do the things He has for me to do.  A new chance to live the life He has chose for me.

Father God thank you for loving me, even when I fall short.  Thank You for the new chance I receive each morning for Your mercy and grace are there for me.  Amen

Morning Has Broken
by Eleanor Farjeon

Morning has broken like the first morning,
Blackbird has spoken like the first bird.
Praise for the singing!  Praise for the morning!
Praise for them springing fresh from the Word!

Sweet the rain's new fall, sunlit from heaven
Like the first dew fall on the first grass
Praise for the sweetness of the wet garden,
Sprung in completeness where His feet pass.

Mine is the sunlight!  Mine is the morning,
Born of the one light Eden saw play!
Praise with elation, praise every morning,
God's recreation of the new day!




Thursday, February 15, 2018

Broken but Renewed



Yet you, Lord, are our Father.
We are the clay, you are the potter;
we are all the work of your hand.
Isaiah 64:8

Have you ever felt like you needed to take a step back from everything you were doing?  That is how I was feeling earlier this week.  I have taken a step back from ministry responsibilities as my heart just was not in them.  I felt God was saying to me, "you need to step back and re-evaluate the ministries you are involved in, are you doing these things for me or for you and others?"   So I have done that.  This past week I step down from ladies ministry, welcome team, accounting team and office ministry.  

I have been praying and seeking God's will for my life and I know He has a special ministry out there for me.  I so want to be like the broken pot above, that I will have cracks and God's presence can't help but flow through me so others will see Christ living in me.

Have Thine Own Way, Lord
by Adelaide A. Pollard

Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Thou art the Potter, I am the clay.
Mold me and make me after Thy will,
While I am waiting, yielded and still.

Have Thine own way, Lord!  Have Thine own way!
Search me and try me, Master, today!
Whiter than snow, Lord, wash me just now,
As in Thy presence humbly I bow.

Have Thine own way, Lord!  Have Thine own way!
Wounded and weary, help me , I pray!
Power, all power, surely is Thine!
Touch me and heal me, Savior divine!

Have Thine own way, Lord!  Have Thine own way!
Hold over my being absolute sway!
Fill with Thy Spirit till all shall see
Christ only, always, living in me!  Amen

Monday, February 5, 2018

Remember The Sabbath


"Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.  Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of the Lord your God; in it you shall not do any work."  Exodus 20:8-10

As a youngster growing up nothing was open on Sunday.  Sunday was a day of rest, a day to spend in worship with our Father and a day to spend with family.  I also remember waking up on those Sunday mornings to heavenly smells filling the house as Mom had gotten up early and started our Sunday meal.  The meal was left in the oven so it would be ready to eat when we got home from church, Mom and Dad always invited someone home for Sunday dinner.  I miss those days for now it seems we are so busy that we don't set aside Sunday as a day of rest much less invite someone to have Sunday dinner with us. 

So this next Sunday make the choice to spend some time with our Heavenly Father and your brothers and sisters in Christ.  Maybe, just maybe, invite someone home to have dinner with your family.

Family of God
by Bill & Gloria Gaither

I'm so glad I'm a part of the Family of God,
I've been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His blood!
Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod,
For I'm part of the family, The Family of God.

You will notice we say "brother and sister" around here,
Its because we're a family and these are so near;
When one has a heartache, we all share the tears,
And rejoice in each victory in this family so dear.

From the door of an orphanage to the house of the King,
No longer an outcast, a new song I sing;
From rags unto riches, from the weak to the strong,
I'm not worthy to be here, but praise God I belong!

I'm so glad I'm a part of the Family of God,
I've been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His blood!
Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod,
For I'm part of the family, the Family of God.

Sunday, February 4, 2018

An Invitation To Dine


"The Kingdom of heaven may be compared to a kin, who gave a wedding feast for his son.  And he sent out his slaves to call those who had been invited to the wedding feast, and they were unwilling to come."  Matthew 22:2-3

You have worked all day in the kitchen preparing a meal fit for a king only to have your guest cancel at the last minute.  Do you get a little angry?  If you are like me that answer would be yes.  Their excuse, if they have one, is feeble and carries little weight with you.

Imagine how God felt when He sent His Son to earth and invited all of us to attend the feast.  Those who accepted the invitation became part of the Church, the bride of Christ.  But there are many who have not accepted and offer feeble excuses.  

I am so glad I can say that I accepted the invitation and one day when Christ, the Bridegroom, returns I am ready to attend the banquet. Here on this earth I clothed in His righteousness but at the feat I will receive wedding clothes.

Father God You've invited me to dine with You.  Let me graciously accept my wedding clothes.

Is That Wedding Music I Hear?
by Ernie Haase & Signature Sound

Is that wedding music  I hear?
The bride's adorned and ready to appear
There's Heavenly preparation for the wedding celebration
Is that wedding music that I hear?

The family is preparing for a wedding
All have been invited to attend
The bride is standing ready, waiting for the signal
When the Groom say, "Rise, my children, come on in"

Is that wedding music I hear?
The bride's adorned and ready to appear
There's Heavenly preparation for the wedding celebration
Is that wedding music I hear?

Soon we'll rise to leave this land of sorrow
For that ceremony in the air
The Father then will lead us through the holy land of splendor
Have you made your preparation to go there?

There's Heavenly preparation for the wedding celebration
Is that wedding music
Oh, is that wedding music that I hear?

Friday, February 2, 2018

Precious Promises


His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.  Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
2 Peter 1:3-4

Aren't you glad God has given us everything we need for a godly life.  We no longer have to look to the world for the things we need to live our life here on this earth.  God has promised us an abundant life as we place our faith and trust in Him.  Live for Him daily, trust your life to Him, share the good news of His Son, and let others see Christ in you.

Standing on the Promises
by R. Kelso Carter

Standing on the promises of Christ my King,
Through eternal ages let His praises ring;
Glory in the highest, I will shout and sin,
Standing on the the promises of God.

Standing on the promises that cannot fail,
When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
By the living Word of God I shall prevail,
Standing on the promises of God.

Standing on the promises of Christ the Lord,
Bound to Him eternally by love's strong cord,
Overcoming daily with the Spirit's sword,
Standing on the promises of God.

Standing on the promises I cannot fall,
Listening every moment to the Spirit's call,
Resting in my Savior as my all in all,
Standing on the promises of God.





Tuesday, January 30, 2018

Happy Birthday Stephen


It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God - that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.  1 Corinthians 1:30
Happy, Happy Birthday Son
We are so proud to be your Mom & Dad. and we thank God every day for blessing our lives with such a loving son.
Love, 
Mom & Dad

Monday, January 22, 2018

A Lifeline In Any Storm



He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of the deep waters.  He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me.  They confronted me in the day of my disaster, but the Lord was my support.
Psalm 18:16-18

Have you ever known a time when you were desperate?  A time when it seemed like everything around you was falling apart and even the ground you were standing on was unstable.  A time when it seemed like every dart Satan threw at you was hitting its mark dead center.  A time when you wondered God where are you, why aren't you here with me?

God was there standing right next to you.  He was taking far more hits than you were as He wrapped His arms of protection around you.  He was there but in your anguish you had stepped away from His presence.  Yesterday Pastor Steve's talked about the presence of God, how we come to Him with our long list of I wants and then leave before we have entered into His presence.
Growing up my Mom had this picture hanging in our breakfast nook and I saw it every day.  I never really paid that much attention to it but now every time I see this picture it speaks to my very soul,  Christ has His arms open wide welcoming us into His presence.  All we have to do is step into His embrace and let Him love on us.  He will rescue us from all those darts that Satan hurls at us.  Don't every doubt that Christ is with you, He is our lifeline in any storm, any crisis.  

Father God thank you for always being there for me.  Father God thank you for a loving Mom who taught me about you and your Son.  Father  help me to linger when I come to you, to feel your presence in all times, the good and the bad.  Father thank you for reaching down your hand and rescuing me from my enemies.  Thank you for guiding me and directing me down the path you have for me.  Thank you Father....  Amen

It Is Well With My Soul
by Horatio G. Spafford

When peace like a river attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
"It is well, it is well with my soul."

Though Satan should buffet, tho trials should come,
Let His blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

My sin O, the bliss of this glorious thought,
My sin not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

And Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight, 
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll, 
The trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend,
"Even so" it is well with my soul.


Sunday, January 14, 2018

Life Goes On

They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as an Eagle.  They shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.  Isaiah 40:31

If you are like me there are memories that are frozen in your memory.  You know exactly what you were doing, what you wearing when you got the call, the call you hoped to never get.  One of my memories frozen in time happened 34 years ago today.  I was watching the movie Cannery Row when I received a collect phone call from my little brother.  I remember talking with him and my Dad coming on the line telling me what had happened.  My Momma, 57 years old, had a blood clot hit her heart and had gone to her heavenly home.  I was devastated, what would I do without my Momma?

The next couple of months I walked around in a daze.  I no longer had my Saturday morning gab fest with my Momma on the phone as I had my coffee and she her Pepsi.  Life just wasn't the same.  I had a couple of dreams about Momma that I did not understand so I discussed them with my Pastor.  God had given me these dreams to let me know that my Momma was doing just fine and that she wanted the same for us kids.  You see in my dreams Momma was always there with her arms wrapped around us telling us everything was going to be okay.


The scripture above was one of my Momma's favorites and has since become my life text.  Momma taught us to spend time with God, to study His Word and to live our life as an example to others.  Life is not always a bed of roses and will throw hurtful things at me, my loved ones will pass on to their heavenly home but I choose to lean on the strength of my God to get me through the tough times.  For you see life doe go on...

Gentle Shepherd
by Gloria & William Gaither

Gentle Shepherd, come and lead us,
For we need You to help us find our way.
Gentle Shepherd, come and feed us,
For we need Your strength from day to day,
There's no other we can turn to
Who can help us face another day;
Gentle Shepherd, come and lead us,
For we need You to help us find our way.

Friday, January 12, 2018

Ask Questions


"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves.  You will know them by their fruits.  Grapes are not gathered from torn bushes, no figs from thistles, are they?"
Matthew 7:15-16

Don't be afraid to ask questions.  Seek the answer in God's Word.  On Sunday morning when our pastor is sharing what God has laid on his heart, Pastor Steve always tells us, "if you don't believe me look it up for you will find the answer in God's Word."

Read the Word, study the Word, memorize the Word.  When we know the Word we won't be easily led astray. So ask questions and remember true teachers will always be please to give straightforward answers.

Father God help me to know Your Word, help me to hear Your voice.  Father God help me to live for you and to share the good news of Your Son, Jesus Christ with others.  Amen

They'll Know We Are Christians By Our Love
by Fr. Peter Scholtes

We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord
We are one in the Spirit, we are on in the Lord
And we pray that our unity will one day be restored
And they'll know we are Christians, by our love, by our love
Yeah they'll know we are Christians by our love

We will work with each other, we will work side by side
We will work with each other, we will work side by side
And we'll guard each man's dignity and save each man's pride
And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by love
Yeah, they'll know we are Christians by our love